The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1871-09-23


III this Instance, as in all others, her
affections were secondary to her love OF
sarcasm and mischief. Martin and Isa-
bella had been pointed out as lovers,
by village gossips, for several months,--
he was now nineteen, aud she was the
same agc-when the tragedy occurred,
which the tolliug of tho bell has recalled
to my MUD.
1t was on an Autumn evening, nearly
five years since, that Isabella took ad.
vantage of her fathers absence, and hud
social gathering of young people at
their house. Martin of course vas one
of the party of fur youths and maidens,
who, being under no restruint from tho
gravity of tho clergyman, who was not
looked for home until late, the c,mpany
enjoyed themselves freely with jests,
songs, and social games. The hour at
which such parties usually broke up had
already passed, and yet there seemed to
be no relaxation i'll the gaJcty of the
young people. During the fun now
binding them, some one innocently intro
duced the subject of ghosts, saying re
port had it that one had lately been seen
taking advantage Of the solcnnity OF
midnight and the stiffness thereof, in
the vicinity of tho church yard, patroll-
ing and keeping guard over his sleeping
comrades.
Nonsense, it s silly report inter.
rupted Martin. Nobody believes that
one has been seen there, and | doubt if
there is person in this room, who be-
lieves i'll the existence of such thing<.'
Hush Martin, You do, yourself; you
know you do although you arc ashamed
to own it, cried Isabella hut Martin
only laughed Come, now continued
tho tll"ughtlcss girl, i can very soon
prove to The company and /" yourself,
the fact til t yon have some 'ca uf their
existence. Go to the church yard alone
in the dark, and thru declare, if you
can, y"u had no drea,l, teltnn fear
Aud what will that l,Esys
Why you will be frightened though
you should see nothiuy. Your fears
wnuii put your belief 10 the test How
could YOU be afraid il you did not feel
there WAS sonlcihinS to be afraid of?'
Il d." think your loyic the best in
the world. sail Martin lau.hingly.
Men are often troubled with fear when
their reaton tells them there is 10 cause
To fear. but am forced to deny your
assertion that a journey to the church.
Yard even ut midnight would frightcn
mc--no, not in the least
How very brave your language cx-
clailucd Isabella, indulginS in her Gus
tomary mode of sarcasm. Yes, Indeed,
you are tremendously brave now, and
yet no longer than yesterday, your moth
CT told you would not hcl kill rab.
bit.
Il never like to cause or witness pain ,
replied Martin, much hurt by Isabella
classifying bravery aud tender feeling
together.
'Ila! ha ha (. u nice way to get out
oft, an excellent excuse, yet it can't save
you, TOR unl resolved to put your brave
ry to the test. You are brave enough,
to be sure, but tender hearted so then
come, now win your laurels, you dare
not so to the churchyard this night
alone. You arc not half SO courageous
as you would have US believe. Wheth
er you think there are ghosts or not, you
are afraid of them
Martin was extremely sensitive; but
tn, saecasm of nobody except Isbella
no.ll :, We stuna him :" n" ,...:-L
Scorning the :;mputation of cowardicc he
was ready and Wing to do any despe-
rate thing through the lnstrumentality
of which he might prove mis- courage.
But, said he, although have no more
fear Of churchyards and ghosts than /
cutertuiu Of orchards and apple trees, |
am not going to walk half u mile merely
to be laughed at'
'Ha. ha! another plea; but you
shall not escape laughed Isabella.
Here, before these our friends. ! prom
isc that this ring shall be yours, she
continued, displaying one given her by
her old lover, which Martin had to part
with. Iprnyidnd you 90 to the churehYard