Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-06-03

and weak, I crcpt along the carpet until ]
reached the window. Oh, Father Fire al
around me. Fire! smoke, everywhere; how
was 1 to be saved. sprang upon the broad
low window-seat and looked out. There Wa
sea of faces, ghastly in the light of the con
hagration; while far down the street the trt
leaped and ran from house to house, and de
fed all efforts to overtake it. AS lifted my
heart in prayer to Heaven, ]. felt myself lifted
from off my feet, and borne swiftly downward
through fire and smoke. One bold tongue O
fame reached forward and kissed my nakee
foot as we descended, another touched M
hand, and that was all. I knew that l wa
saved. I knew by whose strong arm hat
been delivered, and yeti thought in bitter
ness of spirit, 6 Better have died by fire, thar
live to see him the husband OF Athlent
Monilli" ,.z..,
He bore me swiftly and silently through
the crowd, until ho came to place wher'
there stood carriage and horses. Afte,
wrapping me in shawl, and resting me halt
fainting on the crimson cushions, he gave or
ders to the coachman to drive rapidly home
ward, and then sprang into the carriage be
side me, and closing the door, asked;
care you burned, Agnes 2"
A low moan of pain was my only reply
NV Door foot seemed one mass of fame, anc
my right hand was equally as painful. While
in the open air, morins rapidly, l had no
felt it to be so severe; but in the close car
riage without cooling breath, it was ter
rible.
"Where are you burned darling 2" hi
asked.
I felt the hot blood mount to my temples
as l answered:
:" Do not forfeit the little respect 1 have
entertained for you. Remember that you, los
all right to me, when you married Abilene
Monilli. l would sooner have persisted in tht
flames, than to have been saved by you, t
listen to words which should have belonged
+ to me, but which she only, has the right to
Nv right hand and foot are sadly burned, ye
the pain is nothing in comparison to the ago
ny of my soul u
I.paused, faint from pain and emotion, ant
Clifton said, tenderly:
"My poor Agnes, there has been a terrible
mistake between US. have no wife Athlene
Monilli was my brothers. wife; he is dead
and she resides with my mother, as his widow
have never been false to our love-Vows. but
have sought you in this, and foreign lands
oh, Agnes After all that have Suffered
this meeting is worse than DEATH"
gasped for breath. Joy is more stupe
lying Than sorrow. when it comes suddenly
and sobbed:
"My bcloved.l my beloved! Tell me that
I am not dreaming; tell me again that yor
are free, and have loved me always
"Agnes, darling! Have you always lovet
me- 2" he asked, scarcely less excited thai
myself.
from Joy and pain.
We were now at his home, and as the car
riage stopped before the grand mansion, nc
sprang out, and lifting me in his arms, bade
the coachman drive 20 the house of DR.. Wells
and return with him as soon as possible.
In his or ms. claspcd close to his breast, he
bore me to the Luxurious chamber, which tie
Scymours appropriated to the use of thei'
most distinguished guests. Here ne laid me
carefully down upon soft couch, and lei
the room to summon bis mother. She was
in the room of Abilene, who wac nearly Graz
ed with headache.
He then returned and kneeling beside me
kissed me on check, lip, and brow, murmur
ing wild tender love words, which thrilled my
heart with joy:
sMy own Mine at last Our happiness
has come to US, even through fire."
Through Fire Arthur had said this wher
dyiug, and his words had a thrilling mean.
ing to me. His dying prophecy was fulfilled
[ Mrs. Seymour at this moment entered TIT
room, and Clifton led her to my side, saying
Smother. this is my long-!ost love, of whom
once told you; will you give her g daush
ter's welcome 2"
"Indeed will, my daughterl' she sait
kissing my brow with emotion. :" Dear girl
I welcome you to my heart and home. Cliftor
will be like his Old joyous self, now. HI
came home from that long. journey in foreign
lands, pale and careworn man, instead Q
the happy, lighted youth he went away.
rejoice with you, my son, she added.
| "Arc your burns very painful ?"'he asked
CDR. Wells will soon beshcre. Poor littl
ltlamb,!n exclaimed, taking my hand, ".you
hand is one complete blister" -
/ > DR.. Wells came in at this moment, saying
! .4Arother victim Of the fire2 There Isl
fearful time. The prospect pow is, that to-
liyhole city will be laid in ashes"
I Ho.thsn examined my burned hand say
ing, as he did 80 :,
"You undoubtedly find this very painful
but let us thank God that it so no worse
There are some in the city tonight, who sui
fer untold agonies."
BE then proceeded to bandOgc my hand
and when it was finished said:
"My foot, now, sir, if you plcase that il
plors Eain{ul than my hand"
After glance at that member, he ex
claimed
GA pretty severe burn, that. You are verl
brave, Mrs. Maryland"
Clifton held my foot in his hand, as h'
had done while the doctor was dressing my
wounded HAND, and when all was done TO
nv comfort that could be done, and the doc
tor had gone, he sat beside me, and told M
to sleep. for he would not talk. of the past un
til had recovered my strength.
aI am too happy" he said, to care 70
past trouble. You are restored to me, ant
I ask no more. Have faith in my love, as
have in yours, dear one."
Hc sat beside me, until morning. Mrs
Seymour had drawn large easy-chair to th'
other side of the couch, and was alternating
between whispered congratulation of joy tha
we were reunited, and regrets for the burn.ni
city.
At last fell into kind Of. doze; half
sleeping, half-waking, delicious state. From
that must have fallen into deep slu:aber
for it was nearly sunset Of the following day
yhen awoke refreshed. Forgetting the cir
cumstaaces of the previous day and night.
said:
"Mother! !"
A loving face bent over me, and Mrs. sey
mour said:
aHow are you feeling to night, my daugh
ter ?" - 80. -