Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1861-12-18
slMKINs, DUREsoE & co., Proprietors.

ton SO ahectlonate, thatnone enTIed her for TN
superiority which she possessed, but all lovet
her as friend. She had just completed he
eighteenth year when she left school, amiabl
8 and accomplished, aud went to reside in thu
family Of her uncle.
The mansion of Mr.. Hayward was a ven
erable looking stonc building, pleasantly stu
ated on an eminence that commanded an ex
tensive view of the surrounding country, in
terspersed with cotton and sugar plantations
Through valley south of the dwelling flow.
ed the placid waters of the Alabama, often
whitened by the sails of commerce. The
peaks Of lofty mountains were just disccrna-
BILE in the far off distance, while on every side
pleasant villages and we'll cultivated gardens
appeared, showing "that the hand Of indus
try had not been forgetfu! OF her toll"
The inmates Of that delightful abode, al.
though surrounded BY the beauties Of nature
and art, enjoyed but little Of refined society,
and it might be imagined that Aurlla would
often have wished for the companions Of her
school days and the privileges Of her New
England home. These doubtless would have
been pleasing TO her, but she was possessed
naturally of contented disposition, and
found in the resources Of her own well bal
anced mind ne.r failing sources of happi-
ness.
Mr.. and Mrs. Hayward had no children,
and Aurila was treated by them as q daugh-
ter. BY her agreeable manners and kind
feelings she soon won the affections Of the
members OF the family, whilst her talents and
requirements secured her respect. She was
not eminently beautiful, vet the expression
of her countenance was pleasing. Her large
dark eyes revealed depth Of thought and
feeling very unusual, whilst her auburn hair
parted smoothly over her fair forehead, added
grace to her features, which if not the most
perfect, were certainly expressive Of intellect.
In the society of few chosen companions,
whose tastes were congenial with hers, Au-
rila found much enjoyment; but the halls Of
inirth had but few attractions for her. Mr..
Hayward's large and commodious mansion
was usually free for the accommodation OF
such travelling agents for benevolent purpo-
ses as might chance to call there after n days
toll and the preacher Of the gospel found
there a welcome reception Aurila: whose
heart sympatbized with the benevolent in
their plans for usefulness, was ever ready to
welcome them with a ready smile and kind
words.
The minister Of their parish was Eugene
Davenport, young man about twenty-six
years Of age, who had but recently completed
course Of study at Theological Seminary
of much prominence.
His manners, suitable to his vocation, were
disnifcd ard pleasing. With an elegant
form, a benevolent and Intellectual express
sion of countenancc, he failed not to attract
the particular notice Of those who saw him.
His feelings were ardent, and strongly in
clned towards the good and beautiful
BY his coquence, learning and piety, he had
already won the esteem Of most of his par
! iShioners?
He had often colNerscd with Aurilla, and
found her sentiments and sympathics so like
his own, that he soon learned to esteem, and fl.
nally to love her. Their attachment was mutual.
Their vows to live for the good and happ;n ss cf
each other were plighted. Their friends al
proved of their engagement. The day was
appointed for their marriage. Guests were
invited, and all things prepared for sump-
tuous entertainment.
1t was the evening before the intended
marriage. Aurilla, who was accustomed to
enjoy solitary ramble at "thc calm sunset
hour" had straycd along the banks Of the
river, and occupied with the intensity of
thought, had forgotten to return as soon as
usual. Wien she began to race her steps
she felt quite fatigued,a yeived that she
had taken slight CT, Her affectonate
aunt observed this as she entered the house,
and remarked TO her,
"lou look tired, Aurilla. Had you not
better retire and rest yoursef?"
Thank you, aunt" she pleasantly replied /;
{" will now, and doubt not but that shall
feel quite well after nights repose.'
The morning dawned pleasantly, but Au-
rilla, who had passed a seepless night, found
herself unable to rise. The breakfast bell
rang, but she did not appear.
"Where is Miss Aurilla this mornings
inquired Mrs. Hayward Of the maid, as the
family were seated for their mornings re-
past
~ have not seen her." was the reply.
"Well go TO the room directly, and see if
she is there, and wants anything"
Mary did US she was dcsiaed, and found
tLat Aurilla had not yet arisen, but was suf-
ferins from violent fever. A physician was
Immediately called, who pronounced her to
dangerously i'll and thought she would not
recover. When informed of this, she mani
tested no symptoms of alarm. Indeed, she
had so accustomed herself to contemplate the
dying hour when in health, that the prospect