The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-07-23
allaerspll ynteQige}1fer.
nj AIRY MOORE.

All my life had KNOWN VuaTy MOUre-alI
nv life had loved her..
Our mothers were old playmates and first
cousins. My first recollections are ola boy,
in red frock and morocco shoes, rocking
cradle in which reposed sunny haired, blue
eyed baby, not quite a year old. That boy
was myself-Harry Church that baby Mary
Moore.
Later still I see myself at the old school
house. drawing u,y little wagon up to the door
that Mary mis- ght ride home. Many beating
have gained on such occasions, for other boys
besides me liked her, and she, fear, was
something of firt, even then. How elegant
ly she came tripping down the steps when l
called her name: how sweetly her blue eyes
looked at me, how gaiy rang out her merry
laugh No one but Mary could ever bring her
heart so near her lips. ! followed that laugh
from the days of my childhood till I grew an
awkward, blushing youth I followed it
through the heated noon of manhood; and
now when the frosts of age are silyering my
Hair, and many children climb upon my knee
and call me sfather," find that the memories
of youth are strong, and that even in gray
hairs. am following the music still.
When was fifteen the first great sorrow OF
INV life came upon my breast. was sent away
to school, and was obliged to part with Mary.
We we're not to see each other TOR four long
wears. This to me was like a sentence of
death, for Mary was life itself to me. But
Rearts are tough things after all.
I left college in all the flush of my nine
teenth year. was no longer the awkward or
embarrassed youth. had grown into tall,
slender stripping, with very good opinion of
myself, both in general and particular. Ii l
thought of Mary Moore, it was how | could
dazzle and bewilder her with my good looks
and wonderful mental attanments, and never
thinking that she might dazzle and bewilder
me still more. was a coxcomb, l know, but
as youth and good looks have fed, trust that
I may be believed when say that sell: conceit
has left me also.
An advantageous proposal was made at that
time, and accepting it I gave up all idea of
profession, and prepared to 60 to India. In
my hurried visit home of two days | saw moth
ing of Mary Moore. She had gone to board
ing school at some distance, and was not ex-
pected home until the following May. ut
tered a sigh to the memory of my little blue
eyed playmate, and then called myself "a
man" again.
In year, I thought, as vehicle whirled
fastly away from our door, will return, and
if Mary is as pretty as she used to be, why
then, perhaps I may marry her.
And thus I settled the future of young
lady whom I had not seen for four years. l
never thought of the possibility of her refu-
sing me-never dreamed that she would not
condescend to accept my offer.
But now know that had Mary met me then
she would have despised me. Perhaps in the
scented and affected student she might have
found plenty of sport; but as for loving me,
should perhaps have found myself mistaken
India was my salvation, not merely because o.
INV laborious industry which counteracted the
evil of my nature and made me better man.
When at the end of three years l prepared to
return. I said nothing Of the reformation of
myself, which I knew had taken place. They
loved me as was, murmured to myself, and
they shall find out for themselves whether
am better worth loving than formerly.
Ipicked up many token from that land OF
romance and gold for the friends hoped to
meet. The gift for Mary Moore selected with
q beating heart; it was a ring of rough virgin
gold, with my name and hers engraved inside
That was all, and yet the sight of the little toy
strangely thrilled me as balanced it on the
tin cf nv finger. To the eyes of others it was
hut a small plain circle, suggesting thoughts,
perhaps, by its elegance, of the beautiful
white hand that was to wear it. But not to
mellow much was embodied there-all these
delights were hidden within that little ring of
gold.
nv fathers house. The lights in the parlor
window, and the hi8m of conversation and
cheerful laughter, showed me that company
was assembled there I hoped that sister Liz
zie would come to the door, and might greet
nv family when no strange eye was looking
oarelessly on.
But no, a servant answered my summons.
They were too merry in the parlor to heed the
lone absent one who asked for admittance. A
bitter thought like this ran through my mind
as heard the sound from the parlor, and saw
the half.suppressed smile on the SERVANTS face:
Ihesitated moment before making myself
known or asking for any of the family. And
while stood silent a strange apparitlon grew
up before me: from behind the servant, peered
out a golden head, a tiny, delicate form and
sweet childish face with blue eyes, so like those
of one who had frightened my boyhood, that
I started with sudden feeling of pain.
sWhat is your name, my pretty one Z" 1
asked. while the wondering servant held the
door.
"Mary Moore"
"And what elsey' asked quickly.
She lifted up her hands to shade her face
I had seen that very attitude in another, in my
boyhood, many and many time-and answer
ed in sweet, bird-like voice:
s.Mary Moore Chester
NV heart sank down like lead. Here was
an end to all the bright dreams and hopes Of
nv youth and manhood. Frank Chester, my
boyish rival, who had often tried in vain TO
usurp my place beside the girl had succeeded
at last. and won her away from me. This was
the child-his child and Mary's
sank, body and soul, beneath this blow,
and, hiding my face in my hands, leaned
against the door, while my heart wept tears Of
blood. The little one gazed at me, grieved
and amazed, and put up her pretty lips as if
about to cry, while the perplexed servant went
to the parlor and called my sister to see who
t was vas that acted so strangely. heard light
step and a pleasant voice saying:
'sDo you wish to see my father, sir?"
looked up. There stood a pretty, sweet
faced maiden Of twenty, not much changed