Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1866-04-04
CHAPTER ".

Although spring mad come, Win It's gentle,
soothing influences, budding flowers, balmy
breezes, merry birdssapd beaming sunlight,
Helen found it difficult TO rouse Maude's
spirits. She ryearned for her mothers tender
caresses and consoling words she felt thst
her mission was fulfilled. Hugh needed her
no longer, and she determined 10 persuade
him TO allow her to return .o her parents
She consulted Helen on tho subject, but re-
ceived no encouragement Hugh, OF course,
could not accompany her, and the journey
was extremely disagreeable for lady 10 take
alone; but she grew home sick and low-spiri-
ted, and Helen, with her usual delicacy aud
consideration, promised to make inquiries
concerning the route taken to the lines, and
to get Hugh to consent to her departure. He
gave it on condition that SIZE would consurl-
mate her engagement with him ere parting
with his cherished sister. Maude added her
entreat cs, and Helen yielded to their wish
es. On a sweet mellow May cVo they were
married. The bride was lovely in her bridal
dress, and the groom splendid in his suit Of
gray The brides brothers seemed somewhat
sad at giving away tLeir household pet, but
were not tempted to E,llow her example,
Mauje left them the day after the quiet wed
ding, Promising to write by the first oppor-
tunity. The parting was ktenly felt, and
anxiously they awaited sixweeks eye single
line reached them fropl Ter. AT last letter
came in some mysterious manner; eagerly
the young couple peruSed it:
New YORK, July s.
nv Dear Helen ana Hugh; After a most
fatiguiog, hazardous journey, I find myself at
home, thank God! As the unsteady skiff
that crossed the Potomac in, pushed of
from shore, realized that had seen you all
for the last time. We were length of time
crossing. The night was dark, and then the
danger of being fired at by the gunboats rem.
dered it voyage of intense suspense and
peril. Oh, Hugh could you but see your
father; he is so changed. He Inquired 'oW r
and over if you had escaped the dangers 20
continually surrounding yoa. assured him
that l had left you perfectly happy. Mother
has been so lonely rdalar,ncd about us both.
that she is in wretched health. She says that
when father heard that | had sacrificed Isis
society, that you might be cared for, bis
heart melted and his wrath passed away as
llSutIy Us u SuuiuiSt SiOuu' A3S w 90 AiC W
say to yon both that when The lowering cloud
have cleared away, he hopes to Welcome his
truant son and little rebel daughter home
again; that your reception shall be as that
Of the prodigal son. Many of your old friends
have inquired after you. Really yon would
be, SURPRISED how many truly ,s5mpathize
with you, and are ready and willing to send
aid aud comfort othe South. Rest assured,
1 shall remain q faithful ally, and forward
whatever contributions can collect in money.
Trusting that dove-eJed pace will soon
spread hefSwings over our troubled land, and
we will once more be reunited,
Believe me ever, your devoted sister,
MAUDE MIDpLEToN.
Soon after the reception of ;his letter, Hugh
was ordered away. lie left Helen very re-
lnctantly, but in a happier frano OF mind
than if lie had not heard Of his fathers fo.
riveness, Helen remained in Richmond at