The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-08-26
THE LOST, DAUGHTER.

THE LOST DAUGHTER. III
In the Autumn ofthe year 1885, as
the sun by its lengthening shadows
marked the close of the day, two
persons were observed pursuing their
weary way in Dove Dale. at some
distance from Ashburn. -.
They were both women, and of the
wandering tribe of gypsies; by their
appearance, they seemed to be mo-
ther and daughter, as one, of them
was ,somwhat advanced in years,
whilst the other could scarce have
reckoned seventeen summers to have
passed away. The elder of the two
bore oil the distinguishing marks of
her tribe, q deep swarthy complex
ion, with hair and eyes of the black
est shade, whilst the youngest had
much more the air of being sun
burnt by constant exposure, than
the hereditary look of her mother;
her, hair was not Of. the same raven
black, but of the darkest brown, and
her eyes of hazel 10 checquered hand
kerchief, of which red was the pre-
dominating color, was tied round the
face, the knot beneath the chin being
fastened with some pretensions to
neatness; her height was scarcely
above the middle stature, and the
pure natural symmetry of her form
needed no aid to show it off to the
greatest advantage. A gown of dark
stuff made to fit exactly to the figure,
and short cloak, worn in common
with the tribe, were alone distin-
guishable from the mothers by their
tasty arrangement.
They had been pursuing their course
for some time in silence, the elder
leading the way, and the younger
following, with much appearance of
fatigue, until @ sudden turn brought
them to wide expansive view of the
country. The mother looked around
for moment, as if in search of some
object-but after short time she
assembled an acclivity-and her daugh-
ter, who still continued to follow,
threw herself tired and listlessly on
the ground at her feet.
The keen glances of the mother
swept along the view, until they be-
came fixed upon some object, and
her quick breathings showed it was
not without emotion she looked upon
the spot. Her gaze was 80 long in
the same direction, that the daugh-
ter, too, looked up, but could per-
ceive nothing but q gentleman's g
mansion, elegant in truth, but not
sufficient to call forth remark from a
foot.sore wanderer.
t'What is there, mother, that
should 80 fix your attention on
yonder house?"
s'Much! much! for to me it speaks
of days gone by; and the dark spirit
of evil reminds me of times of sorrow,
when I look upon it,"
"And yet, mother, many years
have passed since you have looked
upon it; for, in all our wanderings,
we have not rested here" s-1i
"Ns7er, that thy young remem-
brance can call to mind, but to me it
seems as it were but yesterday.
Look, Naomi, and see how proud it
stands, how beautiful is all around,
and bethink thee of the vast wealth
Of him that owps it, for he is great,
and rich, and powerful"
"Ah, mother, he must, indeed, be
happy, and little heeds what it is to
be. tired and weary! Why is il
Jabeth tarries so long with the tentsf
for am worn with fatigue"
"Did'st say happy, child-happy
NO, no! he cannot know what happi.
ness is-there is q cankering sorrow
at his heart, night and day; it must
be before him Then no wakes, and
his sleep be troubled with his grief
ings from the world; but can he sbu,
out from himself the hideous. uncer.
tain thought. that must drive hin
almost to madness?"
"Then, mother, I do not envy hin
with all his wealth; and tired ani
weary, I am happier. without aughr