Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1877-08-30

were hoard 10 the camps Of the Coofoderates,
whose fires could bo seen in tho distance.
A brilliant full moon, like silver ball swung
in tho sky, flooded tho beautiful landscape
with its mellow light, tipping the hills with
its bright beams, and casting long grotesque
shadows along tho sides Of tho valley. There
was that deep, calm hush 10 nature which
the shades of night alone can produce, To-
vitiDg the heart to reflection aud self com,.
munings. The lovers, for such they now
were, though they had not yet owned it to
each other, wcro silent bat not sad It was
tho pause Of youthful, hopeful aud loving
hearts, too full of happiness for utterancc.
Harry was tho FIRST to break the silence.
Looking over tho landscape, then up into
the skies, as if ho would count the myrads
of stars that twinkcd there, aud then into
his companions beautiful face, he said with
emotion:
"Ellen, need not tell you what you
already kuow-that love you foudIy and
truly; and believe you love me Will
you consent to DO my wife, when oiroum-
stances will admit Of our union7"
There was another pause, and to Harry it
seemed an age, during which the tumult of
his emotions oan be better imagined than
described; for it is not in the nature of
| things for the most sanguine lover to be
entirely free from doubts, aud tho very
whole souled character of the matter ut
issue makes him trcmble in suspense.
81 cannot deny, Harry" said Ellen, OF
length, "thnt l lovo you; and if father will
consent, I will be yours, fondly hoping you
| mill ks -, ~ c.,
as you have been in the past"
folded her yielding form to his heart, and
sealed thoic mutual vows with "tho first kiss
of love" But we must not intrudo further.
No third party should listen to tho sweetest
prattle of plighted hearts. There is an
inner chamber in tho teInple of love into
which none but those received aud CON-.
missioned by the presiding priestcss should
ever enter.
But would tic father give his consent?
Could he resign his darling daughter, and
permit her to we'd the young Caroirian,
whose home was far away? 1t did not look
very probable; and thut would perhaps be
the sorest and most difficult job of ALL Their
happiness could not be complete until that
matter was settled, aud all doubts removed
and determining to decide it at once, Harry
led Ellen, who little suspected his object,
into the parlor, and before she could put
her little hand over his mouth, or run awuy,
he had asked the old gentleman to consent
to their marriage ut some future day Mr.
Early was not unprepared for the question;
he had noticed the intiu,uc, between them,
md satisfied himself by inquiries of those
who were acquainted with the young officer
as to his character, social standing nnd
prospect in life. lie could not put any
obstacle in the way Of their happiness; but
as the kind old gentleman gave his consent,
his feelings overoame him, and he burst into
tears. Ellen flew to his side, wound her
arms around his neck, and mingled her
tears with his. 1t was an affecting scone
Harry was greatly moved by this unexpected
nonplussed, and for once in his life, at n
loss what to do. His own eyes were be-
ginning to moiston, though ho never felt
less like crying.
"Thcre, now, that will do," said Mr..
Early unclasping his daughters arms, and
placing her on chair Excuse me, my
children; could not help it, May God
bless you" and he went out to walk on the
vcranda, opd regain his oopposurc.
care you satisfied now, you naughty
boy?" said Ellen, smiling, with bright
tear trembling on each dark eyc.lash.
Tho rapturous terms of cndcarmcnt in
which the happy fellow replied, and how he
felt, can only be imagined by those who
havo had like experience; and we hope all
| others who are curious to know will be
grati6ed some day. Again must the tender
scene be yeied and shut from tho vulgar
gaze.
Caesar, with Romc's imperial temples and
palaces in sight, and tho destiny of his
country in his hands, was not happier than
Harry was after that momcntous evening
lIo had crossed the Rubicon, that formida-
BILE barrier in the lovers rath and all wus
right. A future of unboupdcd ioy and
happiness spread itself out before him.
Nor was Ellen less happy. A realization
of loves sweet young dream was hers; and
her spotless maiden heart was filled with
that deop, pure, eostatic joy, which the
chaste and elevated mind alone oan know,
aod which is felt in its tondorest and
fullest rapture but onco in womans life
time.
CHAPTER w.
But the happiness of the lovers was soon
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