The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-06-15
@riaiual Storg.
BERKLEY HALL.
BY "LA CAROLINE"
CHAPTER xxi.


mo life
And alf life mot be purer and stronger thereby"
More than seven years had passed
away since the events recorded in our
story, when, in one of those embryo
cities, whose magical growth make our
great West the wonder of the world, we
again NEE. our old acquaintance of
Berkley Hall. Side by side two modest
and comfortable dwellings stood embow-
cred in vines and shrubbery-the homes
of Harry Maham and Arthur Ferguson.
Harry's "Chicora blossom" and "the
Rose ia, Refine" of the Empire State,
won by Arthur amid the wild woods of
Cohuttah, had lost none of their beauty
or sweetness for being transplanted on
the shores of the Pacific. Marion, nom
inally an inmate of Harry's home, like
sweet spirit of charity, hovered wherever
she was most needed, loved and well
come visitor everywhere. DR.. st. Julien
had left his home and friends to follow
the fortunes of his niece and his young
favorite, Harry Maham. An infant An
ME, soon after reaching their new home,
was placed in his arms, and after enjoy
ing for one brief year her infantile
charms, he was called upon to part with
his little pet, and very soon after he was
himself laid to his eternal rest by her
side.
Five years had now passed since these
sad events, and the soothing hand of
time, with the blissful hope of an eternal
reunion, had left tender and holy sadness
in place of the anguished sorrow felt for
the departed loved ones. Several chill
dren had been given to adorn and bless
the homes of Arthur and Harry. Harry,
with his warm, genial manners, was a
favorite and prosperous merchant in the
little town -, and Arthur filled honor
ably the high and responsible position Of
popular and beloved physician. Mrs.
Gordon lived with her sweet Rose, happy
in sharing with her the care of her little
ones, and Jimmie, distinguished for ora
toricsl talents, bade fair to make himself
a name in the far West.
It twas lovely day, and the two fami-
lies had planned a dinner en- tamiAe at
Harry Maham's house. Rose and Mrs.
Gordon, who had gone over early with
their little ones, was in Jessie's cozy par
lor, chatting cheerfully with Marion, who
sat by an open window enjoying the per-
fumed spring and caressing upon her lap
Jessie's baby-a little Hubert Gray.
Rose was nursing her own little Marion,
just three months younger, whom she
playfully declared was much the loveliest
baby, although Jessie proudly thought
her little Hubert was only less grand than
his namesake.
els it not strange, Marion, we can
learn nothing of Col. Gray? Jessie tells
me he has not been heard from since his
bridal gift to Harry of Berkley Hall; for
she insists upon believing it was the gift
of Hubert Gray, although he sought to
conceal it."
eyes," said Marion, calmly, slight
flush only betraying any unusual emotion
she may have felt at the mention of HUI
bert Gray's name; eve all think SO; it
was just like him-so nobly and modestly
done! Will not Arthur dine with us
to-day?"
'I hope SO, but he has been called to
the barracks to wish a Federal officer, and
it is long ride, you know. I had almost
forgotten to tell you our pulpit will be
filled tomorrow by a new minister. 1
did not learn his name, but he comes
recommended for eloquence and sanctity.
He is wealthy, too, and his preaching is
said to be entirely work of love. I
hope he will stay with US, for it is sad to
have our church closed, and there is
much work to do here for the Master"
Harry stood behind his counter, chat
ting courteously and gayly with party
of merry girls as he measured off yard
after yard of some costly fabric. The
free hunters life by the old Santee had
been resigned at duty's call, and the
brave-hearted Harry, cheerfully perform
ing the merchants dull and plodding
work, had become a wonderful favorite
in the little town of -, especially with
the ladies.
The last yard was measured, the bundle
neatly folded, tied and in the act of being
handed to his fair customer, when two
gentlemen entered the store. One was
citizen of the place, and an acquaintance
of Harry's; the other tall and hand
some man, whose extreme gravity made
him appear several years older than he
really was.
AS soon as they entered the store Har-
ry startled, his whole face indicating in
tense emotion, and after gazing a moment
earnestly upon the stranger, cleared his
counter with one bound as agile as his
own Santee deer, and seizing his hand,
eagerly exclaimed:
"Hubert Gray! how glad I am we
have met again"
The hand was not withdrawn, but the
tone of Col. Gray's voice was cold and
constrained as he replied:
"It is certainly an unexpected meeting
on my part"
"Unexpected yes, man, it is raptuous-