The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-05-01

! [ was walking In ths garden: one
day, just at twilight, and hearing the
troll of carriage wheels, / approached
the front entrance gate, A travelling
carriage drew up before me, nnd
as its; occupant sprang out and came
towards me, ] was surprised to and
it was Charles Meredith. We enter,
ed the house together, but he did
not appear at the -dinner-table. Mrs
Ross Was stating how glad she was to
see him; back again,v and how pale
and I'LL he looked when he entered.
I The next day, the bellwas muffled.
doors were opened and closed care.
fully, and the news of Mr.. Meredith's
dangerous illness few from mouth
to mouth. For long time, his life
hung by a threhd, bat mt last our
good hostess joyfully told us of his
sure II covery. A mighty load seem
ed to leave my heart, and / now
waited anxiously for his re-appear-
ance. Great was my surprise and
disappointment, then, when I heard
that he had again left. AS before, I
asked where he had gone; but Mrs.
Ross did not seem to hear my ques-
ton; and I impatiently exclaimed to
Annie Fay, who stood near me: "It
is very strange why Mr., Meredith
thus suddenly takes his departure.
Have you any idea OF the time of his
return?>' %
ssHe viii not return uU all, MIR.
Brookfeld; for he-"'
Here Annie suddenly stopped, and
casting quick, confused glance at
my face, she turned away. I looked
after the little sprite in surprise.
"Why should she know anything
of Meredith's affairs?" I thought:
"and certainly she does, for she an,
peared strangely confused"
The next week, I packed my trunk
and started off also, with no par
ticular determination of destination
in view. L visited every studio
md art gallery I came across, how
ever, half in search of Charles Mere
dlth, and half despalring of ever see
ing him again. My efforts were un-
avaiilng. 1 never met Mr. Charles
Meredith agsin.
At last, settled myself in fine
old city, offering me many induce
ments to remain. Having several
influential friends in the place, I
soon found myself in the midst of all
the fashionable pleasures then at
their height. Invitations poured in
upon the successful artist, and nv
time was fully occupied. AS I en-
tered my studio, one afternoon, I
found there an invitation to attend
an entertainment given by Miss
Helen Meredith.
"Perhaps this young beauty and
helress is some connection of
Charles" I thought, and accepted
the invitation.
The lady was unknown to me by
sight, but by report she was no
stranger. On the specified evening,
l entered the brilliant saloons, ac-
companied by o friend, who present
ed me to the beautiful hostess. II
noticed that the lady turned hastily
at the mention of my name; and I
fairly started with surprise, for
Charles Meredith himself seemed to
stand before me; only that the sad,
worn look did not rest upon his face,
and, amid her surroundings, Miss
Meredith seemed peerlessly lovely.
She must have noticed my long
glances at her face, for her cheek was
crimson; and merely speaking my
name, she turned away.
[ was provoked at myself for allow
ing mere resemblance to disturb me
SO; and then, drawn irresistibly, l
turned to look at her again, and met
her eyes fixed full upon me. She
was very pale now; and a strange
thrill ran through me as I once more
watched the strange resemblance to
Charles Meredith.
"Pshaw," I said to myself, "she
must have brother by that name.
That is the reason of it. I shall cer-
tainly ask her if such is the case"
During the evening, I found an
opportunity of doing so; and was
assured that she had no brother.
"That is my sister Mt the piano,
Mr.. Brookfeld," she said.
1 felt rather foolish, and to relieve
myself, I told the story of my deep
interest for Charles Meredith. She
listened politely to the end; and
then, after n few comments. she re-
quested me to return to the room
which we had left. I glanced at the
burning cheeks and bright eyes, and
then did nc she rannaste1