The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1870-04-25

tina. he must be dead, POf long lime
Lillian refused to believe this, but at length
she too lost all hope, land from that moment
her spirits and health seemed to fail, and
it became evident that with ne decided
complaint she was falling into decline.
Physicians we're consulted, and recon-
mended a change of air and scene. The
young girl consented to take their advice.
only she inlplOred, with strange peril,
nacity, that they should 80 west instead Of
nOrth-anywhcre west, che cared not
whittier, and to crafty her, her father
consented.
1t was on q mild October evening hat
the party, travelling slowly on the inyalils
account, approached q little old-fashioncd
village on the banks ofthe Alabama river.
There was nothing picturesque or inviting
in the aspect Of the place; yet, as they
wound along the road leading to the VII
lagc, Lillian, who had been reclining list
lcssly back upon the cushions, suddenly
started erect and looked from the carriage
window with an expression Of startled and
puzzled interest.
"IIaye l ever before been here, faith
er!' she inquired, "whcnI was child l
mean"
"No, my daughter, why do you ask %
at seems SO familiar to me-so strange
ly familiar There, I know that clurcl,
stceplo; and that turn q the river; 'thore
is something hey end i'll don't knew
what seem to have forgotten and yet to
remember. Surely | hare been here be-
fore"
"Youhavs read q description, or seen
a picture Of ascsnc which resemblsd this.
It's that which yeu renenber, and not
L 80 - L.
this lit.lo village
"Th.rs again. is tho very spot-tle
,i,er, tue hieh bank, the rocks below.
Oh, father. know this place"
Her sister smiled, but her father seemed
q little ye1ed at her presidency.
"Y.u are visionary, my child, he said.
"What strange and idle hncies are these!'
She said no more, bat looked outdreaul.
lily as The carriage progressed along the
narrow street, and stopped finally in front
Of little, neat. but sld.fashisned tavern
Here supper was ordered, and meantime,
Judge b., recommending Lillian to lie
down and take some rest, went, ascompa-
MED by the eldest daus glitter, to call on the
Episcopal minister Of the place, to whom
| be had letter Of introduction.
Lillian remained in her chamber, attend
! cd by sololcd woman VIE had been her
nurse and was as devoted as q mother to
her charge. The girl did not lie dowa,
but standing at the window looked away
toward the little village church steeplc
and tic river beyond.
Presently servant entered with water,
and turning to her, Lillian spoke drsani-
lily:
"what lies Between the church and'th
river! {" =
"Nothing, young missus. Dar'san old
field dar. whar dar schoolhouse nscditer
| b., bnt dey done took an pulled it down
long ago."
The girl retired. Nanny Chloe, Sec
ing her charge SO quie! and apparently SO
we'll. fell asleep in her chair. And then
Lillian wrapped herself in her travelling
shawl, went quietly down stairs, and
crossed the piazza where sat .hreeor foas
men, smoking, and was seen to take her
way directly toward The old church by the
river. r
Thithcr, q half hour later, her father and.
sister, accompanied by the clergyman, fol-
lowed her.
They traacd her to the churchward gate,
which size had been seen TO enter. This
lay between the church and the river bank,
which was hero high and steep. Follow
ing the trace which her footprints had
made in the long rank grass, they passed
through the caurchyard and out at another
small cato onthc side next to tho river.
Here close Is tile churchyard fence, wa,
au'enclosurc, containing several graves,
planted with roses and shaded by q large
willow and magnolia.
"Tbis is what VIC call the strangers
burying place" said The Clergyman, ns
thoy approached It.
"T'herc is Lillian exclaimed Miss u.
pointing to a glimpse Of drapcry seen
through tho low bonghs of tile magnolia.
"T'houghtless cllildl to lie resting amid
The damp grass al this late bour y,