Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-05-20
fully, and his voice expressed world of ten

IuG Olu IduI Sduh l-OO q SHStA SSS'N~ -
as she exclaimed:
"Well! this is equal to any romance
How people will wonder and talk it over
Really, Agnes, I almost envy you the popu'
larity you will obtain"
"Perhaps," said Arthur, "Aggie would
prefer others knew nothing of our engage
ment, at present"
"Y ou are very thoughtful, dear Arthur"
replied. 81 should prefer that people knew
nothing of our engagement. My mourning
dress would occasion remark, and | dislike tc
be the theme of gossip"
Mrs. Maryland promised to say nothing
about it, and after cougratulating Arthur up.
on the sensation his handsome wife would
make, she left us.
After closing thewindow. and drawing the
blind, I asked Arthur if he was not weary
enough 10 seek his couch. He answered:
"There is not shade of WEAKNESS in my
frame, tonight, darling, and yet it is time to
retire." and, instead of the usual brotherly
kiss, he folded me in his arm, and whispered
"My darling my wife good dnight!"
Tendarly, returned his loving kiss, and
"good-night," and sought my room. Alone
there. reflected upon the irrevocable step ]
had that evening taken.. In my heart,
could find no shadow of repToach but as
thought of my unknown. lover, and whii
pered to myself, eff it were only my first
love that was to wed I' my heart bounded
at the thought, but instantly reproached me
that 1 should think of another, while my
vows were pledged to the true'and noble Ar
thur Maryland. Never afterward did l ques.
ton the wisdom Of my decision.
Arthur improved rapidly. His face ex-
pressed the joy of his heart, and he often
spoke of the future with tender hopefulness
Sometime after our engagement, l was In
the parlor, where the guests loved to congre
gate, and Miss Barlelle came and sat beside
me. After conversing on variety of sub
iects, she at length said:
" NV dear Miss Merton, you must allow
me to congratulate you on your approaching
marriage with the wealthy young Mayland
His mother told my aunt-confdenualy o.
course-and aunt mentioned it to me-. Sup
posing that you would not object to its being
known, have mentioned it to several friends
of mine, and they are just as envious as they
can be What pity Mr.. Maryland is sc
feeble. He is real handsome. When is the
day?n .,,n ,,
very quietly.
Soon after, 1 went to our private parlor
where | found Arthur asleep on the lounge
Taking o book, sa! down in my accustomed
place for Arthur woull have the ottoman
beside his lounge. After reading few sen.
tences, fell to dreaming of the past and
present. lust as one will do when silent ant
thoughtful.
Twas looking cut across the bay, and over
the mountains beyond, and YET seeing moth.
ing but the blue inside the white clouds, anc
thinking of the Heavenly home to which We
arc all fastening, and Of the dear friend be-
side me, who would soon know its joys How
long sot thus, | cannot tell, but tear fal
ling upon my hand aroused me, and brushing
from my eyes the moisture, looked towards
Arthur. lie was awake. aud gazing into my
face with wistful tenderness.
"Will YOU tell me your thoughts dearest
They must have been beautiful for your face
wore lock, such as think the angels wear
Aggie! you arc the most beautiful woman
have ever looked upon"
81 was thinking Of the beautiful llcaver
of which you have told me so much" f" | re
piled, quickly.
"Why, tears 2" he continued.
"The tears came as thought of love'
one, who might soon be there, while | mus
remain behind,' answered.
"Ah, Agge shall remain with You man,
years yet. Our life will be very happy, vii
it not, my darling?"
Very happy,"I replied. 81 thought yor
were asleep, all the while," continued.
81 awokc while you were sitting here
Dearest, I remember one other time whel
you thought me to be sleeping, but you
touch awoke me-"
81 remember it too; thought you wer
asleep, and you looked so worn, and tired
and weak, that I pitied you so much, and re
membering all your kindness to me, ben
down and kissed your brow. ! saw the Illus
come to your pale check, and your eyelid
ouiver; then knew that you had been awar
Of the carcss. Why did You not open you
eyes and reprove me for my presumption ?
"Reprove you, darling? l loved you eve
then, and your silent caress brought JOY
nv heart. Not for worlds would l hay
opened my eyes to see the bushes which
knew were on your fair cheeks, although
longed 10 seize your hand and kiss il !
very alteration. We are not SO much airal
Of each other now"
laughed at his light tone, and he col
timed: Have you decided upon the day l'
our weddiag?'
"You shall decide that for YOURSELF
replied.
at would be selfish in me to ask you
lay aside your mourning dress for bridal
tire, until the proper time has expired. The;
are nearly five months remaining OF the yea
At the expiration of that time, will you
my bridc?"
"Yes, or before ifyou wish it" answerc
"No! Let it be when your year OF mour
ing has expired" -
"As you are best pleased" { replied.
, 81 Should enjoy drive this lovely afte
noon; will you go 2"
With pleasure" answered. and arose
order the ca -riagc. Mrs. Maryland was in b
:, room, and I hurried her preparations at t
toilet, telling her that we were going to rid
OD, you anu hlIpul ~ "ihou' ui'J
day. have but this moment changed 4
l dinner-dress, for on evening rig. This en-
; less dressing is annoying sometimes, but q
sure could never pass the time without
Go now, and get ready. Wear your diamo
brocadc, and Ncapolitan hat. And, Agne
/; Do not wear your mourning veil to-day. Y
e are looking so fresh and beautiful, that 4
# thur will be the envy of all the young men
:, the city. Take the new parasol | boug
y you the other day, isn't it a beauty sucf
trimming of jet, and lined with white aat
i There, come into the parior with me, and
r what Arthur will say to YOU"
t The worldly woman led me to the parl
n where Arthur was waiting for me, ready
C the drive. He looked ap as we entered, a
his glance of admiration would have be
:, sufficient to assure me that he thought
n handsome, had not Mrs. Maryland said:
"Did Won ever see q more perfect face q