The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1863-02-11

uoor. Inc scene within was so ctarac-
ter'st'o Of home comfort, that we paused
Il moment doubtful whether to disturb
the group before us. A pretty looking
young woman was seated at a liable, feed
ing baby and, in the room beyond,
man was engaged in some carpenters
work but the group that attracted my
attention consisted Of an old man aud
little girl. He was seated book in his
hand, hearing her spelling lesson and
from time to time. caressing his little pu-
pi, who. with her bands c'asped, her eye
raised, and her whole soul intent on her
task, was repeating the words.
We stood moment, silent; then the
old man. raising his head, perceived US I:
and, laying asiie his book. advanced to
welcome us. During the time we were
resting. he told many anecdotes of his
pets brightness. goodness. and geutle-
ness; aud :hs iiu!e girl won our hearts
10y her sweet, modest manner, her low
voice, pretty looks, and devotion to her
grandfather. | often SAW the little one
after tha, and will give her story as l
knew it.
For eight years after the time have
chosen for opening this sketch. the family
lived happily at the old farm. Then
there was a change made. Roger Har
r's, whose family WAS increased to five
chi'drsn-two boys aud three girls-built
house nsar his father in laws, and took
his wife and family to live in il; leaving
Bessie aud her grandfather alone at the
farm. Rachel dreaded the change for
her fsther's sake but his whole soul was
so wrapped up in Bessie. now a lovely
girl Of sixteen, that lie bore the change
very well. They were very happy togeth
er, the old man and the young girl. 1t.
was Bessie's turn 70 protect and care now
for the dear grandfather who had so de,
voledly loYed and guided her in her in.
fancy and childhood.
1t was a pleasant spring evening. Far.
mer Campbell was sleeping in his room,
for age had dsmped his vigor; and
days work left him very tired, and glad
to retire to res, early. TbeihoushoId du.
lies were over; and BESSIE was standing
in the porch. Not alone; BY her side
stood young man, one who had seen
'ome two and twenty summers who had
'ought Bessie, and won her geniI., loving
Iear. into his own keeping.
"fou will not leave me, Cyru. I" said
Bessie, raising her large. blue eyes to his
ace.
"You will accompany me, Bessie" lie
drawing her close to his side.
must 60. My uncle proposes to start
ne in business il l will join him in Cali
'orn's while here, AS you know, bave
no prospect OF being more than a carpeu
ter's foreman for my lifetime. have re.
ceived, thanks to my uucls's care, An ed
ucation above this and my ambition is
TO be a merchant. You love me, Bessie ;
you have often owned il; and you will
90 with me-"
You know | cannot, Cyrus. Grand.
father could not take this journey at bis
time OF life"
"Why. who ever imagined you would
take your grandfather!" said the young
man, in a tone Of surprise.
"You would not have me leave him,
Cyrus-lesvs my grandfather, who has
given up his life for sixteen years to me
who considered no sacrifice too great TO
indulge me who loves me more an life!
Cyrus, you would no, have mslsave him
to die alone :"
"Hs has Rachel, Roger, and his other
grandchildren"
could any Of them supply my place !
Ny aunt and uncle have their own cares;
and my cousins are TOO young to take my
place. cannot leave him, Cyrus"
"Not to be with me I"
The tone WAS reproachiul; ard the
large black eyes, looking into hers, we're
full Of loves pleading eloquence. Bssse's
head dropped upon bis breast. There was
a fearful struggle going on in her heart.
HH grandfather, il she left him, would
have Rachel and Roger, would be we'll
cared fol. perhaps not miss her. Not
miss her, The darling OF bis oil age, his
companion Who could take
her place, who could read by the hour
together TO him when bis eyes failed 7
who would give her whole timo to study.
ing his comforli who could supply bis
larIings p!ace' Suppose be 'hould die,
and she be far away from him! But,
3yrus--how could she let him take that
ono iournav-oo 10 n far. distant oopn,,v