The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1869-04-24

L shall hold you to your promise"
And she came around aud seated herself on
his knees, very demurely indeed, after the
manner of pettcd young wives, when they had
just gained point.
"You saucy little puss, how dare you. And
just see how you have scratched my face"
"Shall l kiss it and make it we'll ?" she
asked playfully. And then while her face
grew earnest in its pleading expressions, she
added; ooh Charlie, you do not know how
anxious have felt about this party, ever since
we decided to go. They always have such a
gay time at Uncle Logan's And you know,
dear, though you would not do wrong thing
yourself how easy it is for your companions to
make you go too far, because you are such u
dear, good natured fellow. But now that you
have promised me, feel quite easy. And,
dear, do moi forget when the young men begin
te get too gay, to come up stairs to me and the
baby"
And he promised.
Going out to an evening party at Uncle Lo-
gan's was no small affair, after considering
that it was good FIVE miles ride from Glen
dale out into the country, over rough roads,
with Gunpowder river-swollen by recent
rains-to be crossed For this was in re.
mote and secluded part of Maryland, distant
from any railroad, and with no town near
where vehicle might be obtained Besides,
Virginia Gale was a first rate horse woman.
That she was rather rash and fool-hardy, will
appear from tho fact that she resolved to cum
Der herself with burden, though of very
interesting kind.
To be bricf-it was still early, of clear,
frosty evening, when Virginia came out,
equipped for the ride.
"Here, Hester, hold the baby. Now,
Charlie"
And giving him her hand, she placed her
foot in the other, aud sprang lightly into the
ssddle.
"Now give him to me-"
The idea of such mother bird as Virgie
going awav FIVE miles IN - "'.''''.ia,
and leaving her baby, would have been pro-
nounced an insanity, if any one had been alb
surd enough to propose it to her.
Dear little fellow, how bright he looks"
she said, fondly pulling down the shawl.
Look, Charlie"
And the little one gave a soft COO, in answer
to papa's merry chirrup, cs he looked into the
huge bundle of shawls and patted the tiny,
rosy face, just peeping out of its snug enclo-
sure. Then after mamma had given her part
ing directions to Hestcr-promoted to house
keeper in her absence-they started off, the
light, crisp snow cracking under the horses
feet.
'Give Charlie to me, Virgie," her husband
said, when they reached the river and reigned
in his horse on its bank.
"Keep close to me" he added, and not
another word was spoken until they reached
the opposite bank; for the fording Of the river
in it's present condition, was difficult and
dangerous undertaking.
II do hope the moon will be up when We
come back" Virgie said. Then added aux.
iously, as she again deposited the child in her
arms
"The river is deeper than thought and
really 1t would be dangerous to cross i'll the
dark"
Lights were glilnnering from the windows
as they rode up to Uncle Logan's gate (; and
the number of horses and vehicles already
congregated around it, showed that the invited
guests OF the Christmas Eve party, were al
ready beginning to drop in. Aunt Lizzie
came out to the door to meet them and took
the sleeping babe from Virgic's poor, tired
arms.
Remember, Charlie" she said imploringly,
as they were on the point of separating-she
for Aunt Lizzics comfortable room up stairs
he for the society of his boon companions.
'Never fear me !" and he went gaily away.
Alas for the promise made to the fond,
credulous wife, sitting up stairs, in the quiet,
inatroniy circle, with her babe on her knee, SO
proud and happy, for it was her first child,
And what young mother ever failed to appre-
ciate the dignity of her position at such a
time?
In less than half an hour Charles Gale had
forgotten his promise, wife, child, everything,
and again and again his glass was filled, and