Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1871-09-07

Iasler tnan ever, regardleSS OF the eyes
which followed her in astonishment. A
stranger offered her an umbrella, but
fearful OF insult, she refused it, passed or
amidst the rain.
At length in considerable trepidation
Edith reached her own door. Fright
full, faint and sick she felt for the bell
knob, and rang violently, a strange feel
ing in her heart oppressed her, and she
leaned against the door for support. I'm
patient, terrified by the storm, she
rang again, almost Immediately. A mo-
ment after, the door was opened, and she
| fell into the arms of domestic. Startled
by the unexpected appearance of Mrs
Etching at that hour, and in so strange
a manner, Susan uttered cry of con-
ternation. alH . 1-lis
Hush said Edith, recovering herself
Don't disturb Mr.. Etching, do not wish
him to know | have been so imprudent
Help me up stairs, Susan, and put me to
rest
The domestic gazed at her Mistress in
amaZement. 1U-- -.iI- .i..f =
Surely Ma'am, l will .6 ..s.- .,
| With a low moan she sank in the arms
OF the terrified domestic, who placed her
on the couch, and ran in all haste for
MIR, Etching. Andrew was writing in
the library. Startled by the abrupt en-
trance of Susan, he looked up in sur
prise. Paralyzed with CONSERVATION,
the domestic could not speak.
what is the matter?' demanded An
drew, rising abruptly. Speak! What
has happened? What noise is this 1
have heard-is the child sick?'
NO. Mrs. Etching -
'She has not returned?' I'4
Under the conviction that something
terrible had happened, Andrew turned
pale as death, rushed to his wife's apart
ment. He found her lying upon her
couch, uttering low means, which went
like death knells to.his heart. He flew
to her side, and throwing his arms
around her, discovered that she was
completely drenched with the cold rain
'Edith-dearest Edith! where have
you been? What has happened? Speak
to Inc, dearestr ~. frog
Mrs. Etching answered only with the
same low, piteous moan. = G.,
For Gods sake--if you love me-
speak, my Edith, my darling! Relieve
my suspense. Tell me-what has hap
pened p 81
ANDREW, doyou love, and forgive me %
'Oh! God, how much! my best, my
dearest wife!" You have doubled my
love, | know-for | have been unkind to
you, but have al,oays loUed you devot-
edly, and you will forgive me! Forgive
my harshness-my cruelty, and oh, my
wife! forgive my last words, thought
lessly spoken, as we parted this evening"
Il forgive you from my heart, / do
for L know you love me- "
Ghave been very wickedr murmured
Edith. Il have been so vain, so unlike
true wife, 4 dutiful mother! But bitterly
have repented this night. could not
be happy, when l remembered how un-
kind l had been to you. l could not
wait for my friend Vahon, but came
alone, to ask your forgivenessr s
ANDREW could only murmur, my
Edith my own wife, and clasped her
to his heart. Meanwhile he had admin
istered some warming medicine, and re-
moved her wet clothes. Frantically he
bestowed on her the most endearing ep-
ithets, and entreated her to say once
more she lo1ed him. That man of deep
feelings who usually appeared so cold
and reserved, was now all passion, all
impulse, like child. Edith, who had
never before known the depth and
strength of his love, felt a ray of joy
steal in upon her heart. ..,f.
ANDREW does love mer
Two years glided away, Edith lay mo-
tiOnless-almOst lifeless-on 4 couch,
amidst the deep shadows of the curtains
sweeping folds. Another. soul had been
ushered into the world. Little Minnie
had sister now, and Mrs. Etching had
another object to love. The mothers
lips moved with feeble murmur, An
drew bent over her to listen to her
faintest words. Immediately after, he
gave some hurried directions to the at
tendants, and the babe was placed on its
mothers breast. Her heart overflowed
with undesirable tenderness. 1t were
superflnous to add more to our story.
The reader can imagine the continued
devotion of Andrew, and the fondness
of Edith for her second child. .-.
She had learned where the real happi-
ness of true wife and mother are to be
found, and she seemed to live only to
cheer and beautify her household hearth.
Andrew returned thanks to God for
having blest him with so devoted and
fond wife.