The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1874-05-22
head, he felt quite sanguine of success,

head, he felt quite sanguine of success
and left, feeling very happy.
The time for her departure was al
most at hand, and yet she had no
changed her resolution. Arthur, com
pletely discoura2 ed, Ventured once NOR
ere he bade her final adieu. Not un
til Lille clasped his hand for the las
time did she fully realize how deepl,
she loved him, and how overshadowec
her life would be without HIM.
The discerning eyes of Arthur at once
detected it. Hope sprung up in his al
most broken heart. Again he pressed
her to his bosom, and whispered, ''Lil
lie, will you not go with meP Why
cause 50 much unhappiness to both p
Lifting her fearful eyes, in trem.
bling voice she answered eyes"
"Thank God. Lille, for that little
word. I will endeavOr to make you
happy, and may you never have cause
to regret this night. When can call
thee mine ?"
"Any time you wish, Arthur. To-
day, if you desire it.
= Thus Arthur gaineGShis lost love,
and with his lovely bride left Chicago
for his eastern home.
Hampton again became the wild
| scene of excitement. Arthur Beaufort
was returning from his western tour
with bride, and the large and elegan.
| mansion was to be renovated for the re-
ception of its mistress. AL the old
servants were reinstated in their former
positions. Even the noble dog Hector
was not forgotten. Gossipers were run
ming back and forth, and 81 wonder if
she is rich p inquiries one. "Who can
she be ?" chimed in another. "Arthur
Beaufort married The girls in Hamp-
ton were not good enough for him. I
wonder what his old love would
say ?" cries the third.
The sound of rolling wheels put an
end to their gossip. "There she is ?"
scream all in one breath, as each one
tries to get the first glimpse of Mrs
Beaufort. But what disappointment!
She is closely yelled The doting hus.
band almost carries her form up the
steps of the rortico. Another lady
alights. "Who can she be 2" wonder
inRly calculated the crowd.
What a pleasant surprise awaited
them in the parlor. Old Aunt Phillis
meets her dear child once more with a
"Gcd be praised! I know'd He would
bress you and bring you back safe."
Lille, extending her hand, welcomed
all back again. Even Hector bounds
forth in recognition.
" arthur, my dear, and best of hus-
bands, how good you are. When did
you do this ?"
Stepping aside, Arthur calls his old
uncle.
"Thank him, Lille. God sent him
to us. He bought the property and
presented it to me if would marry. l
was determined none other than your
self should become mistress of the
Maysville mansion. Henceforth this is
our home. We will all live happily to-
gether-uncle, sister and Aunt Mary,
if she will accept the Offer"
Mrs. Maxwell smilingly nodded as
sent, and said: "For little while
Arthur"
Lille could only express her graft
tude with tears. as she pressed the with
cred hand of the old uncle to her lips. |
The only cloud that seemed to rest
upon that happy household was the alb
sence of the poor, wandering father.
AS Lille passed through her daily
vocations many scenes would recall to
mind the fond and sad recollections of
the absent one.
Another two years passed by. Arthur
Beaufort, with his lovely little family, |
were assembled upon the portico ad- |
miring the beautiful sunset after a Sc
we're storm. The happy father stands
holding his only son, that he, too, may |
enjoy the golden rays of the setting |
sun, and view the receding clouds, gor-
geously tinted, rejecting its rosy light !
in mellow softness upon the little circle |
in all its sublimity, presenting a beau
tiful picture for the artists pencil. |
beams upon the face of every
one. Even the large Newfoundland can
not restrain his Joy, and springs to his
masters side eager to kiss the hand that
had so kindly protected him.
The gate opens. A silver-haired, tot
tering form slowly enters the lawn. The
dog at once leaves his masters side and
rushes upon the stranger with an angry
growl, and almost tore in pieces the
ragged garments of the aged man.
Mr.. Beaufort calls, "Hector !" " Hec-
tor p
His mistress, as she walks forward,
ge ntly calls the dog as the stranger
and ascends the steps of the
portico. She seems to recognize his
features but her father could not look
so haggard. She certainly must be mis-
taken but as the old man reached out
his hand and called "Lillie p she be-
came overwhelmed with emotion.
"That voice Yes, it is he p and in
a moment father and daughter were in
a close embrace.
Mr. Beaufort and family could only
gaze with amazement on the sad spec
tacle. Allowing them a few moments
conversation, he walked
slowly to where the pair where stand
ing, and extended a friendly and
hearty welcome, and at the same time
presenting his beautiful child to receive
a grandfather's blessing.
Gentle readers. we will now bid them
L final adieu. Lilly is at last happy.
All are firmly united and living at the
Mayville mansion in the closest har-
past entirely forgotten.