Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1872-09-05

Then there came black -bordered,
balcksealed, mournful-looking mis-
sive in her step-father's handwriting
Elvie tore it open, to learn what
she already half-dreaded-h moth
er's death.
Sudden and unlooked.lor, the dark,
relentless angel had borne her away
before time had touched or dulled
the brightness of her beauty, or her
husbands love.
This letter was merely a detailed
account of the sad event, offering
consolation, but never IL word OF des-
pair or regret.
To the lettee thele was added a
postscnpt--" Elvie, i am coming
home to you; expect me by the next
steamer @
The girls eyes fairly glittsred in 9
glad surprise. qata
"At last, he does suffer. but not a
tithe, not shadow of suffering like
mine, And he is coming to me. 0
Louis, Louis, if I did not love you
so, I.eoYlds be more .gsneEeus!'.
Elrie calculated, Judging from the
time the hext steamer would arrive
at New York, that, her stepfather
could not possibly be down at'oak-
lands before Thursday of the follow
ing week; go all those days between
she: was preparing tue house for his
reception. putting the old room he:
used to occupy in the old days in or
der, seeing that. all was swept and
garlished for his coming.
Z. y
"ElEie, I have come home, back to
youF' :. .
you are welcome to oakfands,
sir, as you ever have been.
Courteous and calm was the court
ly welcome.
He looked surprised at her.. as
though he had expected some grand
outburst.
But few words passed between
them on the subject of his wife's
death: she did not urge it; he proba-
bly, from his deep feeling seemed to
wish to avoid it,
Three weeks Louis de Brusle stayed
at the farm and with. his step
daughter, then he went.
That calm courteousness was un-
pleasant to him perhaps.
in any case he went to the city,
there to spend his mourning-time
more consol!ng'y than he possibly
could have done AT Oaklanls with
his dead wife's child.
August-sweet, glowing August,
once more
Five years ago since Elvie Keller's
birthday-fete; five years since that
sweet, low, winning voice. whispered
those fair, false words; FIVE syears
since she knew how much they were
worth.
Saddened, black-robed-still she is
walking in her garden to-day, the
same path she trod those years ago,
when she walked to meet her fate.
The violet eyes are shining with
their olden, fire nnquenched. undlm-
med, unsatisfed; and to-day she
holds roses in her hands, as she held
them then.
Elvie y
Lotus !"
The name escaped ler lips UNA
wares, the sight Of him was so un
looked for.
Won't you bid me welcome to
your home? ?" and.he clasped his fin
gers warmly over hers. 1t is some
time SINCE We have seen each other.
"oh, am very glad to see you,
she replied, half bitterly, half tri-
umpantiy; it is some time since
you were here.
Did you not receive my note say
ing that l would be mithyou to-day p
No, only go to the Office once
week my correspondence is small.
How are YOU"
And she glanced uR.into the thin,
handsome. face.
"l am we'll, and You are just the
same; not particle changed since;
you we're always pale.
," Yes always.
AS they talked, they wandered
slowly down the narrow path, on and
on, as she had wandered alone and
so happy shat night long ago.
But they went farther than she.
did then, into the old orchard, down
by the. babbling brook and the fruit
laden trees. .and at his suggestion sat
down to rest.
"Elvie!"
He took the roses out of her hands,
and took the hands in his hands.
She left them, and, looking touch
ingly--ahl so touchingly-in his
eyes, answered.
We'll, Louis ?"
Elvie, lam como down to Oak
lands to ask you Il. question, and one
tha1 holds In Its nns:rer NY whole