Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-05-01

-Four years The long weary struggle O
might against right was at an end-the enc
thatsso often closes such struggles in thi!
world. Might had conquered, overpoweret
by numbers, the heroes who had fought Sc
long and so nobly laid down their arms al
last, and peace reigned again in the land:
She was back in the old homestead. Isa
bel Wyndham changed in these years from 9
gay girl to thoughtful, saddeDed woman. In
the hospitals she had been ministering
angel; in the prisons she had been comfor.
ter and friend, but it was all over now, and
she was back where the old trees waved, look,
ing at the sun 60 down once more behind the
misty, purple hills.
She sat under heavy elm, dressed in deep
mourning, paler, thinner, and with sadder
beauty than Of old. Her uncle was dead, the
old servants gone, and she sat in the tender
spring twilight, desolate and alone.
The gate opened. A man came up the
long 3avenue, and in the pale check rosy
lightcame. Handsome, well.dressed, more
polished than ever. Walter Raymond had
Just returned from abroad, with the old love
stronger if possible in bis heart In all these
years they had not met before; now he bent
over as if they had parted but yesterday.
Isabel, l have come for my answer"
A tall figure that had been walking amongst
the tress, drew near, but stopped as he heard
the words.
She looked up, very quiet, and very pale.
The answer is no, Mr.. Raymond"
go, Isabell After all these years 2"
She smiled family. "You are very kind,
but cannot marry you"
"And why, Isabel? Is it for any one else !?
Is it for John Warner 1 am rejected"
She flushed up proudly. "You have no
right to ask that question, Mr.. Raymond? 2"
81 have the right. I insist on an answer !!
Is it for John Warner, mmmed and mutiated,
you refuse me ?'
"Maimed and mutiated in glorious cause,
Mr.. Raymond adore heroes, and Colonel
Warner Is hero"
ST nen you mean to tell me you will marry
that SCARED, one-armed man?"
"Don't distress yourself, Mr.. Raymond; l
have not seen Colonel Warner since last
saw. you; but let me tell you, his scars would
be to me most perfect beauty, and one.
armed hero worth dozen carpet knights
Please to 60, Mr.. Raymond-1 wish to be
alone"
He went without word.
The figure lingering among the trees stepped
forth-a sun-burned, stalwart young man,
with his right coat-sleeye dangling empty.
Isabel started up with a scream at 81 ght of
him.
/ "Havc l frightened you, Isabel? did
not. mean to. wanted to tell you have
been listening. Mean, was it not? But |
could not help it."
She covered kcr face with her hands to
hide her tears, falling so fast at sight of that
empty coat-sleeve. OIL she knew now which
she loved best
aI have come to say goodbye again, 1sa-
bel. am of to Spanish America. have
.lost.everything 1 possessed here, and one
armed rebel like me must earn his daily bread
soh.ahew. There is an opening cut there, ald
so'-his voice grew husky as he held out his
hand" good bye, and God bless you, Isabel,
for the words you spoke five minutes ago,
though know you could not mean them"
Her fingers closed in sort of fright over
the hand she held-going away and forever!
She did not know how hard she held the
hand he extended, hut all the blood in John
Warmers body surgcd in wild transportation
to his face.
ooh, Isabel did you mean it q
dyes, yes-every word! Oh, John! dont
gog' 80 ~
There that's enough, isn't it? John
didn't go. He staid in Kentucky, AID took
charge of the old place and the Young. lady
for lie; and. elegant Mr. Raymond can't see
to this day how apy woman i'll her senses
con!L prefer man with one arm to man
with Two.