Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1871-04-27
But good-night, I will not de.

tain you"
She did not shrink from him as he
bent down to kiss her forehead, with
his last word. He stepped aside to
allow her free passage to the house,
but she did not move"
You are thinking ofyour father,
he said. "Do not be distressed on his
account. Remember me in your pray
ers to night, and sleep sweetly. It's
all l ask.
He did not wait to hear her fer
nent God bless you or witness
her burst of joyful tears, but quickly
left her.
The morning sunshine streamed
boldly into the apartment OF OLD Mr..
Warren, where he lay in the heavy
sleep of physical and mental exhaus,
ton. The forenoon was far advanced
when servant reused him, inform
ing him that Col. Leighton waited
him in the library. Making hasty
toilet, the old man left his chamber
and went to join his friend. The
gentlemen met cordially, and Col.
Leighton Immediately requested that
May might be sent for. They waited
but few minutes before the door
swung noiselessly open, and, wearing
white morning robe, the young girl
entered. At motion from her faith
er she sat down at low seat at his
feet and then glanced up with a con-
fding smile at Col. Leighton, who
stood leaning against the mantel
piece, with an expression of face half
sad half-admiring.
We are waiting for your answer,
May" said Mr.. Warren quietly.
I will leave the matter entirely
in Col. Leightons hands, she replied.
The old man glanced perplexedly
from her to his old friend. Colonel
Leighton stepped forward.
"My old friend, James Warren,
he said 81 met your daughter last
night, and talked with her. l discov-
cred with what feelings she regarded
marriage with me, and cannot allow
the sacrifice she would make for your
sake. I will never marry her; she
is.free. And now I have to ask your
pardon for the unmanly way in which
I have taken advantage of your en-
barrassment, and have come so near
to destroying the happiness of your
child. Every power Of mine shall
be exerted to it's utmost to relieve
you, and all the reward I ask is the
knowledge that you and May do not
despise me. Nay, nay, no thanks.
l deserve rather to be scorned for the
part 1 have acted. But have one
favor to ask, old friend. Will you
allow me to choose a husband for your
daughter?"
"You have my full and free per-
mission, replied Mr. Warren, smi-
ling through MS Years.
But I hope you will be more sue
cessful in your choice than I have
been.
"Never fear" said the colonel, with
a glance at May. Flinging open
door that led to another apartment,
he called, Now, my boy !" and Mark
Winchester sprang into the room.
Behold your future son-in-law,"
said Col. Leighton: and ere the old
man could comprehend, the young
couple knelt for his blessing. At
motion from his friend he gave it
willingly; and never was there hap
pier party.
Through the interposition of his
friend, Mr.. Warren was saved from
ruin, and his daughter made happy.
When May that morning asked for
solution Of the problem Of Colonel
Leighton's knowledge Of Mark, he re-
piled, Il did not wait in the garden
TO no purpose, little one And she
understood that he had overheard
her conversation with her lover.
Through his influence Marks talent
as an artist became known TO the
world, and a few years afterward he
became popular painter and a
WEALTHY man; and out Of gratitude
to his benefactor he christened his
first born son Edwin Leighton Win
chester.