Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-05-15
gu 0rigiual stury.
FLORIMOND;
OR,
DIVORCE OR No DIVORCE,
BY MRS. CLARK WARING.
CHAPTER XXX.

CHAPTER XXX.
SURPRISE.
"What does the doctor think of my condi-
ton, to-day ?" asked Albert cambridge, turn
ing uneasily on his sick bed. "Tell me the
truth, Florimond."
"He thinks you somewhat better, dear AL
BERT" said his wife, smoothing back the hair
from his pale forehead; "but still in preca-
rious state You have been at deaths door,
my husband And if you are ever spared to
rise from this sick bed, the doctor says you
must change your mode of life entirely. You
must give up all mental work-all business
and let your mind and body have perfect rest.
All! Albert, if you had only listened to me,
you might have been spared this fearful spell"
II will always listen to you hereafter, Flor
imond, if God will only spare my life. Oh
think how hard it would be for me to die
now! I am so happy! With my wife and
child restored to me, surrounded by every
comfort and blessing of life, existence spread
before me in such fair, bright colors-just in
the prime ef manhood-my God, it would be
hard to die! The ways of Providence are SO
incomprehensible- mysterious, Florimond.
Why does Death flee from US when we are
miserable, and clutch US when we are happy I
Why did the Almighty give me strength to
battle through those years of hardship and
trial, and now, when I have reached the goal
of my desires, smite me with weakness? All !!
I cannot understand it. I could have bade
adieu to the scenes of earth then, with COM
parative resignation. Nosu, when l am so
happy-Florimond cannot die! IsciW not
die!"
His wife tried to comfort him, and with
gentle, soothing words to quiet his excited
spirit.
The early southern spring had now devel-
oped into the long hot southern summer, and
Albert, being again able to sit up, the attend
ant physician recommended an immediate
change of air. They went first to the Virgin
ia Springs, and the waters there not producing
the beneficial effect desired, proceeded, under
medical advice, to Saratoga, to test the virtue
of the Congress water. In that place, tor
some time, they were stationary, as Albert
appeared to derive material benefit Though
not now exclusively confined to bed, Colonel
cambridge was very rarely able to leave his
room. His wife was, therefore, much confined
and had little recreation or amusement. With
the usual selfshness of a sick man, Albert
made great complaints if his wife left his bed
side for few moments, and it never seemed
to enter his head that she either wished or re-
ouired exercise or recreation. Sometimes,
however, when he slept, leaving Berta to
watch her father, the weary nurse would slip
out for breath of fresh air. 1t was thus one
early July morning that she threw on hat,
and installing the ready and handy little Ber-
ia by the bedside, noiselessly left the room.
In the passage she met an acquaintance also
equipped for an early walk-a lively, agree
able, fashionable New York belle-to whom
she had been accidentally introduced. They
walked together in the direction Of the spring,
chatting necessarily of people and things.
If Miss Pleasanton had one fault, it was an
unceasing fur de bouche.
"Pray, Mrs. cambridge, observe that rather
small, dark lady over there, walking with the
tall gentleman-she is recent acquisition.
Do you see to whom I allude?'
Florimond followed the direction of her
glance, and finding the right couple, had no
eyes whatever for the dark lady. With a
sudden start, she had recognized the tall gen.
tleman on whose arm the lady was leaning.
Her vision and every faculty of her being was
engrossed by the sight of Ralph Eglinton.
"Do you observe her ?" persisted Miss Pleas
anton. "She is French lady, who speaks
English with the most irresistible accent. I
hope you shall meet her. She is the most
sparkling, vivacious, interesting, charming
creature in the world l never saw such
spirits, such wit, and overfowing life! See
how they are laughing now-some of her fun,
I'm sure. I wish we were near enough to en-
joy the laugh with them.''
eyes, there was no doubt about it. Ralph
was absolutely laughing-he had not, then,
forgotten how to Taught"
care you acquainted with them ?" Flori-
mond managed to inquire. Oh! yes. 1t is
Doctor and Mrs. Eglinton. met him once
before, though some months ago; but he re-
cognized me this morning and introduced mo
to his wife.
Mrs. Eglinton Ralph's wife The ground
shook under Florimond's feet, and the earth
swan before her eyes. Ralph married, and
so soon Was the image of the woman, whom
he had professed to idolize, so soon obliterated
\ from his heart? Farewell, then, to all belief
bin the constancy of mans heart!
"My dear Mrs. Dandridge!" J" exclaimed Miss
Pleasanton, "what is the matter with you ?
1 have asked you one question three separate
times, and you do not answer. Are YOU
what makes you so wretchedly pale? On !
- he you sick, dear Mrs. Dandridge?"
"I feel rather faint, said Florimond, gasp
ing for breath. Will you let me lean on your
arm for little? Now-thank you-1 feel a
little stronger. I must 60 back to-"
EYES," said Miss Pleasanton, "that will be
the best thing, for there is such crowd, and
one hates to be conspicuous. Bear all your
weight on me and we will walk very slowly.
1t is no wonder you feel so badly-you are
always around that sick bed. Have l not re-
monstrated with you before now?"
"But how can avoid it?" asked Mrs. Dan
bridge. II cannot leave him-he seems to
miss me so much"
"Well, let him miss you" cried Miss Pleas