The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1869-05-12
,BORO, s. c., WEDNESDAY, MORNING, MAY l2 1862

mystcry--a never ocasing wonder-
each day developed some new and al :.
mirablc trait of character. Her OK
quisite physical organization charmed
his eye, while the graccs and virtues
that adorned her character complete
Fly captivated his heart. I,eotiora
knew instinctivcly that she had arrival
on tho first night of Lilian's arrival,
whenshc bcheld the admitting but
respectful glance that Percy bestowed
upon her, for she was beautiful, de-
spite the fearful face and sable gar
ments.
Lconora struggled against the de-
mon jealousy, but in vain his iron
grip was upon her and the feeble re.
sistancc that she could offer was easi-
ly overcome. Outwardly she was
cold and calm, but within, burning
fever consumed her--an intense long
ing for something dim and underlined.
She was immeasurably above contend
ing with Lillian for Percy's love and
gradually withdrew from their COM
panionship as much as possible. None
dreamed that in her breast there burn
ed such an Etna that all tho waters of
the Atlantic could not have quenched
| it.
1t was evening in the latter part of
October; the sun was slowly sinking
behind the Western hill looking like
some mighty luminary dipped in q
sea of sapphire; rich rose-color over
spread the whole earth and the hea-
vens were deeply AMI serenely blue.
Leonora sat in rustic chair in the
garden, beside beautiful statue of
Niobe, with ono transparent cheek
resting against the icy marble. They
resembled each other much-the sta
tue and the maidcn--save that the
one was, dissolved in tears and the
other was fearless. All could tho
the fountains of her heart have open
ed-eould she have wept her soul
away as did Niobe, the fair plants and
lovely flowers that grew and blossom
cd in her heart would not so soon
have withered and persisted. 4,.. ;;i..y.,,
"Passing away" murmured the
maiden to herself, 'all things are
passing away%tho earth itself typi-
fies it.; the rosy and golden flush of
the forest, is but the herald of decay :;
the leaves are withered and fallen; the
flowers have lost their fragrance and
are dropping; ths BIRD arc leaving
and seeking home in more congo
nial cline where spring is perennial !;
where orange bowers and magnolia
groves, shed their rich perfume the
livclong year"
AS she sat thus and soliloqused, :,
the twilight shadows gathered around
and the silver stars peeped out from
behind nights dusky curtain. Steps
approached and voices were soon dis.
tinctly heard-thc earnest pleading
tones of Percy and IIilian's as soft and
sweet as the chime of silver bell.
Leonora would have arisen, scorn-
ing to play the part of eaves-droppcr,
but chain seemed to rivct her to the
spot ; her heart stood still and her
strength forsook her. The two un-
needed ones perceived not that a
white-robed figure crouchcd beside
the statue of Niobe, with blanched
cheeks and clenched hands, but spoke
on soft and low, as those who love in
elmo to speak.
Gillian" said her lover in tender
accents, "consent now, to become my
wife-I grieve much to leave you be-
hind"
"Nay, Percy" answered she, in
playful, but tremulous tones, "you
have but tonight told me of your
love-I must test it little ere [ give
up my maiden freedom and put on
the golden bands of wcdlock."
"Put me to any test you like, my
fairy princess, none other than Lillian
hylo shall ever reign supreme over my
heart. All sweet one, you can never
know what crowning glory your pure
love is to me-"
"Porcy," said the girl in musipg
tone, show strange that you should
love me. Why not love Leonora
Glove Leonora2' echoed Percy,
"Iwhy M.ian, would as soon have
thought of loving the statue of Niobc
that wo have just passed"
"Bo still my heart" gaspcd Loono
ra, as it gave one great throb.
The steps and voices died in tho
distance and the pale stars shone down
upon a lifeless figure, stretched upon
the dew-beaprinkled earth, by the
marble static Of Niobe.
They found her thus. Percy and
Lillian had returned to the house, tea
had been announced and when Leono-
ra did not appear, servant was sent
to summon her, but the servant re-
turned, saying that sho was no whore
to De found. IL search was immedi-
ately Observation-Disclosures the grounds
and when she was discovered, Percy,
himself, lifted her tenderly in, his
strong arms and bore her to nor own
apartment. There she lay, for days
and weeks, white as q snowdrop and
just as poworless. Lillian hung over
hor with the most affectionate .soli-
tude end nurscd her with all the ten
\ 4