The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1869-05-08

plain little cottage. 1t was Quilt Wnen
its owner was in comparative poverty.
No changes have been wrought in its ap-
pearance since Its erection, except that
it has been repainted. 1t is q simple
frame structure. A garret in which are
hung two dormant windows gives ii al
antique appearance. The lattice work
between its small columns is iutertwined
with the green tresses of the ivy and
woodbine. Flowers, shrubs, and va
riety Of exotics enhance the beauty of
tho yard. In front, leading from the
gate tn the river stretches an avenue Of
few hundred yards in length on either
side of which, at regular intervals, grow
evergreen oaks that have been trans
planted from the swamps.
Winding along The terminus of this
avenue the dark aud heavy waters of the
s. roll ON in southeastcrly direc-
tion. Near c. ferry stands the cot
tasge described abovc-the home OF
Lelie Lodere. 1t is almost hidden from
view by the dense forest by which it
is environed. In rear, every variety of
oak interspersed with alland gigantic pine
trees overlooking it's heights for nearly
a mile back. The underground between
the cottage and river had always been
kept shrubbed down, and the branches
y.
of the trees Topped off to height that
afforded an unobstructed view to the
river. This care not only added to the
appearance of the cottage, but often re-
lievcd the monotony of Lelie's long Sum
mor days in affording view Of the lit
tie fishing boats that, during the Sum-
mer, were constantly passing up and
down the river.
1t was a pleasant evening in June,
while Lelie was watching the little boats
as they piled from shore to shore, that
she deserted Il horsenrn riding down the
avenue. The sun Was sinking in the
tree tops-his dazzling rays reflected by
the pebbles OF the river caused myriads
Of little silvery dies to play upon its sur
.facc. :, ss.ss ..;.,s s. -
The rider mentioned above was Julien
Clchurnc. He has reined his horse in
and dismountcd at the gate. In the
mean time Lelie has disappeared to her
room to arrange her toilet. Julien is
ushercd in the parlor by servant, WHO
announces that Miss Lclic will be i'm d-
rcctly."
Julicn's mind was now made up. To
attempt to smother his feelings in silence
any longer was only to entail pain,
which the effort itself increased. He
therefore determined to unbosom himself.
let the consequences be what they might.
In few minutes Iclic made her an
pcarancc, and after mutual salutations
seated herself few paces from him
He drew his chair in close proximity
with hers and gently seized her hand
She Withdrew it with look of astonish-
mcnt that caused him to vince under
her silent gaze. After collecting himself
he asked forgiveness, attributing the
privilege he had assumed to the demand
of an erring lover.
Lclic rcbukcd the fat declaration cx.
pressed in the excuse with an incrcdu-
lous smile.
! But Julien had determined not to
have his suit evaded He had come to
pay his nvowal TO Lelic and would do SO
if it involved n,s l'ie.
He seized her hand again-suo ~ az
tempted to withdraw it, but the effort
only increased the pressure of his grasp,
and he held the little prisoner captive
until ransom was offered for it's release.
Lelie spoke not word-her heart was
too full for uttcrance. The magnet had
drawn her under its influence, and she
had no will to resist the power of its
charms. And if silence was consent,
what better token could she give that
she loved him2
Yes the die is cast-the engagement
sealed. Bright dreams, borne on pin
ions of love now open their future in
starry colors of peace and sunshine.
CHAP. III.