The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-10-09

match it was. Having fairly commenced his
suit, the colonel would lose no time; he
must rejoin his regiment, which might be
ordered to Florida, where the Indiaus were
then giving trouble. OF course he was an
impatient lover, as all men are at forty years.
So that Fosbrooks gave their consent. |
was early for Miss Letitia to enter on the
responsibilities Of married life but girls
marry young in South Carolina, and the
dark complexion and large growth made her
look beyond her years.
The wedding was celebrated with great
pomp, in the most fashionable church in
Charleston there were half score of brides,
maids, and fnery enough to keep the ladies
talking for fortnight. forget the number
of dresses and the amount of bridal presents
provided for the heiress they were sufficient
to have turned the head OF wiser girl
Everybody agreed that Miss Letitia had the
surest prospect OF happiness. She certainly
queened it wonderfully for the middle of her
sixteenth year. The colonel was aer own
choice, as we'll as that of her parents, not
withstanding the disparity of their age. On
his account she had parted with her early
play fellow, and in the fuss, the grandeur,a ,and
the novelty, seemed to have forgotten that
Lefty ever existed. lsuppose Mrs. Fosbrook
forgot, too, she was so engaged with the
glory of her house, and preaching about their
oseihowing cup and the duty of thankful
ness. But the master of the Hall did not
forget, though he had gone to shoot, for
fear of the scene which did not take place at
her going away; ne spok- of the poor girl
often in my office, and m ade me wlite TO the
good people in North Caroline, figuring
about her. Their reports were al! favorable
as regarded Letty's conduct-her patience,
her geniieness, her good-nature were subjects
of continual praise from the farmer and his
managing sisters but they wrote only in
reply to my letters. had not written fot
some time. till Fosbrook reminded Inc of it
few davS before the wedding; and their
answer g.ieved rs both. for 1t stated that
poor Lefty, though she took kindly to the
place and people, seemed 10 pine aSay latter
". ard had caught the swanp-.ever, from
which she had no strength 70 recover, ard
died on the very d.y Of Miss Leti:;a's mar
rage. Fasbrook could not keep the news TO
himself. though he at first promised to d.
30; bit in the general excitement it seemed
20 affect nobody in the Hall, not even Elva.
which Mrs FJSb.ook thought an additional
proof Of her sense. She had undertaken the
breaking of the news to the he.eavrd mother.
and performed it TO her own satisfaction l
believe she also broke II 20 the colonel ard
his bride when they returned from that in
dispensable excursion which people must take
after the ceremony IF white walls and orange
blossoms the haltscore of bridesmaids and
elegant deieuner. They do these Ihl: IS IN
s,yls in South Carolina and Miss Lrtilia
had come through them so creditably, and
had so much more to DO in the way of re-
ceiving visits, and attending hridal-par,ies.
that there was no time for regret or r-pen-
tancp. never heard what she said or did
on the occasion: but while tie visits were
going on. and the parties pending. poor Eiva
slipped on the stair while running up with i
tucker, ordered in great haste. that Mrs.
Gel. Fosbrook might see Low il would suit
with her cream-coored taoinet. fell tu tae
bottom, and broke her leg. She had the
best medical attendance, of course 4 woman
who could work such sleeves and GLARS was
not to be neglected. though, as her excellent
mistress remarked. She could work just as
well without the limb what mercy il was
not one of her arms But from some con-
stitutional cause the accident could not be
rempdied-the broken bone would not aG-
here, the wound would not heal, and the
doctor at length announced his dread of
modification. He added presume It was
to settle Mrs Fosbrook-that there was no
use in attempting to amputaie the limb. the
patients system had been so vitiated hy her
sedentary life she had no chance OF recovery.
His opinion was confirmed in a few days /,
modification set in, and poor E!va's death
warrant was sealed.
The doctor had been seeing her for the
last time, and gone away saving he could do
nothing more-the woman would not hold
out till sunset. when called to pay my CON-
gratulatory visit TO the new-married pair
The ceremony had been postponed m ae-
count of business, but all the world was
visiting, and so must |. 1t was a glorious
day, in the early spring-time of the South,
before the fierce heat set in. and everything
looked bright and beautiful about Fo>brook
Hail. The abode of pieasaatness and peace
il seemed. and was admiring the prospect
from the bay-windows of the drawing roor.
While Mrs. Fosbrook, having 10 other listen
ers, just then was going on about the OVER
flowing cup, and how thankful thy should
be, when her OWE maid came in with whis.
rered message. 1t is poor Elva,' said the
excellent lady, breaking off her strain SHE
has taken strange fancy TO see US all in her
room; the maid said she spoke of having
something TO .eil; but ct course i is on;r a
fancy 0: the poor creature; still l think We
should go-what 10 you say, Mr.. C.srkson
III u Ill r..nlE d L. nl nnr l.,.r I'D .rh ~.