The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1874-07-29
Vol. X.

SN S0i01 OoAC' 44itO doA douoouOAIt'
and had offered himself to her, and
had been accepted. And now,
though both their economical souls
revolted against it, custom decreed
wedding Of some sort, and q
honeymoon trip somewhere, and
they had decided to do it as cheaply
as possible. For this brief time Mr..
Van Mott must leave his business
and his house, and it was upon the
eve of his departure that he held the
above conversation with his old
servant standing with his portman-
teau in his hand, and regarding her
gravely.
eyes, yes, he said, Il presume it
is all safe enough. And I'll speak
to the night, watchman, and give
him dollar to take particular
look at this house. Well, good-by,
Maggie, make things as neat as
possible, for if they look dirty my
wife may think the furniture old, and
want something new for the par
lor." And Mr.. Van Mott departed.
''Yes, yes" said old Maggie, mo
doubt she'll have fine, extravaSant
ways. Poor master! What a pity
he should marry, after all-but old
fools are the worst fools. 4 young
thing Of eight and forty, too, when
he has n sensible servant, sixty last
January, that knows what belongs
to good housekeepings. If he
wanted to marry why didn't he ask
me? I'd not have gone gallivant-
ing and spending. All, well. he'll
suffer, not r. And Maggie trotted
away to begin her sweeping and
busting.
She had said truly that there was
no fear born with her, but as the
night drew on she began to feel
somewhat lonely. Her masters
presence was strangely missed out
of the great house, and there was
something ghostly in the look of
his empty chair when she peeped
into the little back Office.
IF I was superstitious," she said
to herself, Il should think some
thing dreadful was going to happen.
I feel chilly up and down my back,
and keep thinking Of funerals. III
make myself cup Of tea, and seeif
I can't get over it."
And accordingly old Maggie shut
herself into the snug kitchen, and
lighting two candles, drew pot OF
the strongest young hyson, and
putting her feet close to the cook
ing stove, began to feel much more
comfortable.
The old clock ticked away on the
mantel, the hands pointing to half
past-eight.
I'm going to bed at nine" said
Msggie. "I've worked well to-day.
Much thanks I'll get for it, I doubt.
Hark! What's that ?"
It was sound outside the door
a slow, solemn grating of wheels.
Then feet trod the pavement and
the bell rang family.
"a carriage!" cried Maggie; "has
he changed his mind and brought
her home at once? But that cant
be, he's not married yet" And tax
ing one of the candles she trotted
TO the door. but not before the bell
had rung again.
E:Who's that 2" she cried, holding
the door slightly ajar.
"a stranger sad a voice, :'one
who has something particular to
say to you"
You'll have to wait for to-mor
row" said Maggie. :'You can't
come in tonight.
MY good woman" said the
stranger, you are Margaret Black?'
''That's my. name"
Nh. Van Motifs housekeeper fol
twe,1ty years."
Eyes.
my good woman, if you are at
tached to your .2aaster, I have yer!
bad news for you"
"Gracious Lord!" crt,eo Maggie
but did not open the dor mucf
wider-only enough to thrusst ne
head out. 'Don't scare, me, mis-
ter. What is it?"
ssThe worst you can think OF,
said the man. ''Mr. Van Mott traV
| eled on the--railroad. There
has been an accident"
"Preserve us!" cried Maggie, let
ting the door fall back, ''and h1n
on his way to his wedding. He'
badly hurt then?"
"He's dead, said theman. dead
and we've brought him home"
| Maggie sat down on a chair am
began to cry.