Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-07-31

women. She never glanced round at me!
| wished then that had stopped in the
pit, or let myself drop from the bar, as
came up, and so escaped seeing her again.
But made up my mind that had looked
on her for the last time. told my help
ers that could walk now, and when they
let go my arms, l turned towards the
moor, intending to pick up my pack, and
drag on at least to the next village.
But could no more walk FIVE miles
than could fly. When came to the
pack sank down by it and felt that Imust
give up. | was so heated, that | thought
there was now another explosion at tie
pit, as l expected, and thoug h it shook the
ground under me, l didn't lift my head.
All thought Of was stretching out my
arms and legs and lying quiet. How
long lay there | never knew. But by
degrees recovered q little strength, and
my thoughts took more shape, when |
decided to return to my old lodging and
have a days rest before | set out on my
wanderings.
The day passed and the night, and the
next day, was still in bed, the good folks
tending me like achild. My limbs, which
lad been racked with pain, now felt easy,
and | was ready for start again. But |
thought there would be opposition, so |
got up very quiet, and was putting on my
things, when the room door opened, and
to my wonder, in came Jack Glover.
"Iialloo, Charley. here we are," he
cried, sciziug my hand and giving it
hearty squeeze. Who would have
thoug int of US two being alive to day %
Well, jack" answered, 81 am glad
for you, but shouldn't have cared for
myself"
Flows that?" he asked.
because | have something on my
mind"
"You!" he said, laughingly, and giving
me little push. Here, sit down and
have pipe, and it will all go off like the
smoke"
81 don't care if never smoke pipe
again." said, savagely.
aNow, I'll tell you what it is" said
Jack you have been having tiff with
our Nelly
81 haven't" answered, my cheek bur-
ming.
@Well, you know best about that, !"
continued Jack; "but it's what | guess,
because you were seen talking with her,
and she had crying fit directly after.
And when she heard from me that it was
you that brought me up from the pit, she
fell on my neck and tainted"
Didn't she know it before?" | asked,
rclenting.
"No."
"Then, I'll just tell you all about her
and me" said.
was long time telling it, but Jack
sat up as if he was listening to play, or
sermon, at chapel. gave him de.
scription of Nelly that would have done
for the Hue and Cry; went into all the
feelings she had raised in my breast, told
him how had watched for her, thought
Of her, and dreamt of her, and fiually,
recounted our last colloquy. Jack never
moved muscle, and not till | stopped
for breath, did he put in word.
Don't you think you've been little
fast, Charley?" he then said, obviously.
"How do you mean?" inquired.
"Why. in giving up SO. Suppose, when
Nelly said she couldn't have you, you
had put your arm round her waist, and
said she must !"
This view had never struck me, and
rather took me back.
But there was her promise to you and
her mother never to marry q pitman,"
urged.
$50 there was. But did you never
hear that promises were made to be bro
ken?"
81 can't say but have" l muttered
clapping on my hat.
"Where are you going?" asked Jack.
"You wait here minute" replied.
With that took two strides down the
stairs into the road, and hurried off to
Mrs. G!over's cottage. | stood outside,
when opened the door, and the first thing
saw was Nelly, sitting by her mother,
and looking like ghost-only ghosts
never look pretty. She gave me one
look, then started up and sprang into my
arms. My heart was so full | couldn't
speak at first, but thought must do
something, so | slipped my arm around
her waist, as Jack recommended. Now
felt sure of her, and of all the happiness
that the world could give, and, as my
breast swelled proudly, began to bear a
little malice.
"Ah, Nelly, if you had only loved
me I" said.
Nelly tightened her arm around my
neck.
How happy we might have been! p
continued.
"Thcn We can be, Charley !" she mur-
mered.
"Then, Nelly! We can never marry,
you know"
The little fingers unlocked, and | felt
Nelly falling away; but remembered
Jacks counsel, and held by the waist.
There's your promise to your mother
and jack" continued, "how are we to
get over that 2"
81 forgot that" faltered Nelly, as
white as sheet.
And what do you say to it, mother" !"
cried to the old lady.
Mrs. Glover got up, and took Nelly's
hand and put it in mine.
"That's what say to it," she said
heartily :" and know Jack is of the same