Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-10-25
not IN VAIN.

Everybody said that it was very
strange indeed that the bright and
promising children, in the little vii
lagc Of ---, on the bank Of the Ju-
niata-chilGrcn who were needed
children tor whom the future held
everything glad, and fair, and good
$50 it seemcd) should be taken from
their play and their prospects 10
the land, (which never a mortal
can keep" while "Idiot Sue" was
left to thrive into unblessed and
undressing womanhood.
Idiot Sue" was Major McDcr-
moGs second child, and she been
"hopess' and "witIcss," they said
from birth.
Perfectly dociie, always uppa-
rently happy, she had passed thro'
babyhood and childhood, escaping
ailments Of physical character pc
cuiiar to those periods; and at the
time of which | am meaning TO
write, she was as Euc o specimen Of
'swcet sixteen" TO look at, as one
would often meet. /; was only
when some pent-up emotion Of the
poor girls soul strovc for voice and
word that her idiocy betrayed it.
self; and at such times she seemed
herself half conscious Of her failure.
\ shadowy, far away, hopeless look
would fit over her face--like
clouds across the growing grain
just for a moment then leave it
peaceful as before.
Major McDermops eldest dau.h-
ter, Lily, who was being FINISHED"
ut Vassar College, was home for the
summer vacation, and there had
been no end of parties, pic-uics,
and glad littlo trips among the
mountains, here and there, for her
especial detection. She was beau.
ty and n belle; blue eyed and pink
faced; fuller OF strength aud ardor
than pink and white women are apt
to be; and the pride and hope Of
Major McDerm0t's heart were built
all the more strongly, because OF
the terrible shadow hanging over
Susie's life, and in tcn-loid black
ness over his own; bui the shadow
was never referred to by him. His
hand rested just as tendcrly-per
haps more so, there was so much of
pity in it--upon Susie's short black
locks, as upon Lilly's, that were
long, and sofr, aud golden; but no.
body else had ever offered Susie
caress since the hands Of her moth |
or had grown quiet lin Tie chamber
under ground
If Idiot Sue needed caresses--ifI
she longod for them, hpngored, /
hoped, prayed for them-nobody /
ever knew. She was left to go her
way in the fields, the woods, among
the mountains, or in her boat upon
the river. She WAS always safe, al
ways sure 10 find her home at night
time; and covered with odly woven
vines and leaves, rs sure To be seen
sitting motionless in her own room
when the dark came, and The ser
want went in to light the lamps
"And tomorrow comes the crown
ing Joy of your vacation, | sup
poser" Major McDermot said, pat
ling Lily's flushing check, and
holding her close to his heart.
while the twilight was holding
them both.
Oh, papa. every day bias been 50
Slad-so very, very sweet nest
ling little nearer. and trying to
hide her eyes.
yes; but he will share Your to-
morrow's pleasures, and have no,
forgotten how sweet is Loves
young dream. have high e.
TEEN for Richard. Itany one must
share with me my darling's love. /
am glad it Is to be he"
and am glad, too-oh, SO glad,
papap
Lily's bare, bright arms went up
to her fathers neck, and clunr
there as if they knew that in all the ,
world there was not, and never
could be better or .afer place to
cling; and for little while the 81 !
lence which is swecter than speech ;
possessed them.
'What is the programme for TO. ,
morrow? the Major asked.
well, iii tell you, Lilly .u-
swered, letting herself suddenly
down from hor dreams to tbjors Of ,
earth. IN the first place. we are :
to breakfast at precisely seven ;
o'clock, (and by the way. foryo, :
to'tell Marv) and ,are IN he MI
ready for the eight o'clocl, pn-,,.eir
Mr.. Chester leaves New Yorl, TO- r
night, and will be on hoard n c,ivc
us erecting. ard 10 go With 20 ~ t
Rocky Hollow. wher6 wa Shall ant {
in the dav as fancy SUGGESTS and /
come home. 5
..Wben ,bc dew. i. am ,a.I,, s.. I..-r Il
When you want mr, 5
Her happy voice ripping off in i
10 song Just as naturally rs a birds, t
and flooding the night with sweet c
ness. n
Ard swcctly the nigh; went by. Il
The sun rose without cloud The II
winds were just cool enough tor c
comfort, AND III precisely s o clock s.