The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1867-08-24
MORNING., AUGUST "a, 1867

She sat oonjuring up bright pictures Of the
promising future, future to be spent in one
lifelong realization Of happiness. She heard
the footballs of horse in the distance. "Oh {!
there is Archie now" and she started to meet
meet him; but twas the ncwsboy going up to
MOUNT Eyre. Not caring to stop him, she was
left alone again. Long she sat, waiting for
Archie to come. The silence grew oppressive;
and looking around, she saw that the shadows
were growing longer. The sun was dipping down
the western horizon, and Mount Eyre was some
distance f:c.n the hawthorn tree. Slowly sho
began to retraco her steps homcward, turning
every moment to listen, hoping to catch the
faint sound Of far-eg footballs. Slowly, slow.
ly, she walked along. When near home, she
met her father, aud together they proceeded
home. Major Sinclair had wisely forcbornc
telling his daughter of the attack made on
Archic's horses and now when he saw his
daughter returning alone, his anxiety grew
most intense.
"Why Lu! you have como alone where's
that lover Of yours ?" he asked, trying to be
cheerful.
"Rcally, papa, cannot imagine what has
Detained him. expect he will be here pre-
sently."
Major Sinclair reached home, and went about
his usual duties. The family we're assembled
around the tea-tablc, chatting gaily, happily on
the all-important topic, the rapidly approach
ing marriage; the merry group little dreaming
of the fearful ending of the anticipated happi-
ness. When the evening meal was finished,
they sought to enjoy the lovely moonlight.
Mrs. Sinclair passed her arms around Lulic,
! and together they promenadcd the piazza, the
mother giving words Of sweet counsel to her
loving child, the daughter received those words
in pure aud guilelcss heart. The sound of
horseman arrested their attention "Oh i!
there's Archie now" eagerly cried Luic and
she sprang down the steps to meet him at the
gate. Her father following her more lcisurely,
went forward also to meet their guest Oh
God fearful shrek burst from Lulic's Inns.
1t was Archie, but cold and lifcless. Major
s. hurried forward, aud sight of ahorror MET
his gaze. Colonel Overton was bathed in
blood. He had fallen forward on his horses
neck. Horror struck, Major Sinclair seemed
incapable of action. Lulic had tainted and
was carried into the house. a fearful blow
had fallen on her young heart. Gaining lit
tie sclf-posscssion Major Sinclair attempted to
remove Archie from his horse. lie found him
bound firmly to his saddle. 'sOh! God" he
groancd, 'my poor boy, they have been re-
vcngcd and now they have completed it by
bringing you here"
The inmates of Mount Eyre were only 9
few brief moments ago the happcst, most joy
Gus of beings. A long life of pleasure for
Archie and Lulie lay pictured before their
minds eye. Now Death, the fearful monarch,
had stilled them by his presence.
The noble form of Archie Lay shrouded for
the tomb. For him, liie's battle was over
out off suddenly, fearfully
When Lulie heard the suppressed sobs of
those around her. her voice seemed chokcd,
and she said "mama, tell rue, is he deao9"
Mrs. Sinclair bowed her head, and sobbcd
out, "Oh I! my darling, my pet God has taken
him homo"
"Mama, let me 60 to Archie" A strange
unnatural light cleaned in hcr eyes she spoke
and acted iho one in dream Tho mother
led her gricf-stricken child to tho side of the
''pale, silent sleeper" Rcvereutly did she Tin.
cover his cold, ghastly face, and turned away
No tears flowed from Luic's cycs-no groan
escaped her lips. A convulsivc hcaving Of the
chest alone indicated that she was not i,.s nm
/ 1n whom she gazcd. The fountain of tears
was frozcn-thc heart was broken.
&C., mama, would be alone with my dead"
Her mother turned and left her, the lonely
watcher Major Sinclair came in to persuade
her to go with him, and leave the dead undis-
turbed \ wild light glanced from her eyes
"No! no will not leave him."
Come, my darling, your must CO." and Major
Sinclair passed his arm around Lulic's droop-
ingform. Almost tearing her away, hc led her
into an adjoining room. Thcrc quietly she
sat, giving no heed to those around her.
Tho ni,,kt MIL, a., c,o.C,I