The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1874-06-06


soft and white, who, should wealth take
wings, knew not how to labor, either
mentally or physically, for his bread.
You may think me peculiar-perhaps
unkind-but you cannot fill my idea of
true manhood as long as you neglect to
develop your mind. We were not placed
here to lead a butterfly existence
Frightened at having said so much,
Agnes hid her face in her hands Ralph
sprang up like one awakened from a
dream. New thoughts went hurrying
through his brain Reared in afflucnce,
with every wish gatiticd, this aim!sss,
Inactive life had become part of his
nature. He was thoroughly awoke now
all his dormant energies were springiny
into lie. He would never agaia be the
idle drone he had heretofore been
Ag mes stole glance at him, and wond
cred Mt the transformation. He was
standing erect, his head tn rown back,
his really fine fcaturss lit up by an ex
preston she had paver seen before
Agnes he said, as he bent over her
and touched rever emily the braids Of her
brown hair, Agnes, you have spoken
truth. l am living like u poltrcon upon
the fortune my father amasscd for me
1 am wasting the fortune Cod gaze me.
Little teacher, your ords shall not be
in vain. When | am como again, will
come more worthy Of y gu, or | will never
come. Let me but kiss this little hand;
it is all the pledge ask. Indeed,
have no right to ask any pledge Gent
ly, rcverently, he raised her little hand
to his lips, and then walked away.
Five years the seasons come and went,
and with them came changes to Agnes
home. Her mother vas dcad-she was
all alone.
No word had over come directly from
Ralph. She had heard of him in the
basy city as a rising young architect.
Her cheeks glowcd when she heard his
praise, although she believed he had
forgotten ksE ora year-sha a-haa hesn,
teaching in distant city, where she
received a better salary.
Five Years from the time We first met
her, size returned to her native village
to visit her friends and her mothers
grave.
She was walkiEg sl,wly al ong the
green lane that led to tho village GENE
trry, uuniieldf0l of the violets and butter
cups that raised tkeir tiny heads and
looked up pityingly at her.
She WAS very lonely this beautiful
bright spring morning. There were
traces of tears upon her sweet face, and
her roscy lips quivored Ii Ike those Of a
grieved child. This was her moment of
weakness, she would be strong again by
and by.
a gentleman was coming up the lane
A stranger she thought Unconsciously
she found herself admiring his tall, man
ly form, and firm, resoute tread, Per
haps it was the contrast with her own
weakness that attracted her attention
and drew forth her admiration.
lie came nearer, paused, and held out
his hands, saying simply:
My dearest Agnes A!
Ralph ! she replied, and placed hcr
little hands in his.
4 have come, he said, las promised.
l trust | am more worthy of you than
when we parted. Two years ago, the
emergency you foresaw. came. My for
tune was all swept away. Thanks to
you, was prepared for the trial. can
earn our daily bread now, l have snug
little homo. Will you come, dearest
Agncs?'
% Ralph, it will be like heaven she
said, aud they went down tho lane to
gether.
In after years Ralph used to say,
when his friends remarked his devotion
to his wife:
Il ought to love my wife better than
most men, for she made man Of me.
u'Loro =, q d;of;lory =, rLottoor,