The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-04-23
travellers and Harry Babbi.t.. also. 70

their arrival 1.-The whiAtle blew shrill
report, the mighty locomotive came lum-
bering up, kissing fire like an angry de-
mon, the sun shone bright, as it always
shines at Ashburn, and looking out, of
the window, there stood Rudolph on the
platform, Juliet could almost believe, in
the same identical spot where he stood
beside his grandmother, years ago, when
she first came to Ashburn. Where was
the glamor of those early days, the lost
paradise OF her bright aud joyous girl
hood? She felt q sudden twinge at the
heart and her mind groped darkly in
wilderness of old memories. She was
merry, happy-hearted girl then, when
she had first heard that shrill note of ar
rival. and looked out upon the turrets
and spires of fair Ashburn; happy
hearted girl, who saw only the beauty
and the sweetness of life's roses and none
OF their thorns. What was she now? A
woman-a happy woman, of course.
only happy woman is not happy
child. Was it q tear which fell on Miss
Clay glove? or perhaps she only
drew down her thick veil, on account Of
the staring crowd? There are always
some in q crowd who aDiA stare, even ut
modest ladies. But here comes q tall,
fair-complexioned, dark eyed, handsome
young man, looking so much like Pro-
fessor Won Oppenheim, Juliet almost
shrank from the proffered embrace. But
taking no notice OF this, Rudolph threw
his arms around her, and kissed her
with degree of affectionate warmth,
which would have made Mr.. Lyle open
MS black eyes in amazemRnt-perhaps
indignation. She had expected to see
him looking radiant with happiness, not
wlthstanding those passages in his letter
OF gloomy tendency. but on the con-
trary, Rudolph's fine face was oversha-
dowed with sadness and his dark eyes
lso like Karl'sD wore q wearied, half
fearful expression. Juliet could not fail
to see all this, and taking an opportu-
nifty, when Frank and Harry we're con-
versing apart, she said
is Q sad countenance proper ingre-
dient in welcome, Rudolph? What is
the matter?"
"What is the matter, do you ask? No
thing-nothingl Only, as the coach
stopped, could not help thinking of
the first time you came to Ashburn.
and now everything is changed. Even
to Ashburn, itself, Juliet. Look across
therel'
Juliet followed his glance. There had
been recent conhagration, extending
over q lnrge district. The scene was
dreary and desolate to an uncommon
degree.
ut is melancholy sight," said Juliet
but time and change and decay leave
their dlshguring marks on the physiog-
nomy of cities as we'll as human beings.
1t is wrong to look back, Rudolph. Let
our motto be-Onwardl We must have
done with the past; must do our duty in
the present, and hope for bright things
IN the future. This is the only wise
course left open for those who suffer the
pangs OF regret. For youraelf, you have
none, and know one who has nv true
happiness and interest 80 much at heart,
will truly rejoice to know I am once
more supremely happy"
On the point of replying, Rudolph
was interrupted by the approach of the
gentlemen. Harry took leave, Frank
placed himself in the carriage. and they
whlrled away through the we'll
streets. There was little Conversation
IN fact, the ride would have been heavy,
but for Franks tender inquiries about
Blanche, and his tattling chit-chat about
the wedding, the bridal presents and per.
sonal matters in general. At last they
o1ASoEA UAo E)hIh Huu uOW
the flower garden, and now the carriage
had stopped in front of the grand stone
house, with it's massive white pillars, an
tique balconies and pointed gables. Ju-
liet beheld, with something akin to fear,
the expectant crowd collected on the
wide piazza and the marble steps. Her
blood throbbed quick alurms. Was Karl
there? She hoped not. It would be
harder than she thought. this meeting
Karl. but it was too late now to with
draw, and she must not be embarrassed
or discomposed. No indeed! This daugh-
ter of high and naughty house, so soon
to be allied with name, proud and
naughty as her own, must behave with
becoming ease and dignity. She would
be strong, and prove herself no fit OBJ
Ject for contempt. or, what was as bad in
this case. pity.
"Old Trouncer is the first to welcome
you, Juliet" said Rudolph, as her woolly
friend gave yelp of delight, wagged his
tail joyfulIy and. jumping up, almost
threw her over with his huge paws.
Get downtown, Trouncer. Away,
sirl''
Juliet scarcely knew what she was
doing after this-there was great deal
xxE -.