The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1877-10-30

| gle, there were seated eight years later,
an old gentleman and young. fair lady
in deep mourning S''lr>'ee,r'' 3"
Your mother must have missed your
letter, Maggie Dr. East said. she
would never have left home expecting
your return
i found my last letter unopened on
her table. All was SO sudden at the
last, uncle. Edward was so woll when
I wrote before, that l do not think the
idea of my return occurred her. 1t is
so lonesome at home, l came at once to
you, hoping TO STAY till father and mo-
ther return
you know, my dear child, how glad
I am to .havo you with me. Maggie,
there is something to tel you We did
not write of, thinking it would only
grieve you. George has been deeply
afflicted
George? He is here is he not!'
ALWAYS. I will tell you all. You
heard soon after your arrival in Italy,
| did you not, of the dreadful accident at
the new building just outside of the vii
lagc? Many wero killed and wounded
by a premature fall Of largo quantity
Of brick and mortar. Every one has.
tened to aid the sufferers, thinking all
danger was over. George went down to
the building, supeyintended the reno
val of the unfortunate wounded, and
received them in the long stonecutters
shed above, and dressed their wounds.
All were removed but the dead, and
George was etilI in the building when
second fall came and Mortified US sll.'
'Oh, uncle George?'
'He was taken up inscnsible. APpa-
rently his injuries were slight, but as he
recovered consciousness we found blow
upon his head, which, with the nervous
shock, had totally destroyed his eyesight.
Not incurably?'
Yes, dear. Every effort skill could
suggest or money procure has been
made. We have had the advice Of the
first surgeons in the country, and al
remedies have been faithfully tried
All has been in vain. lie is hopelessly
blind
Maccie's tears were falling so fast
she could not speak ard her uncle con-
tinued
He bears his trial with fortitule,
but it is grief mono can appreciate,
except under similar afiliction. Hush
he is coming
Don, say I am here. I cannot speak
to him yet whispered Maggie, rising
softly, and takinga seat iu further
corner Of the room, where she watched
Georges entrance with painful earnest
ness.
lie came in very slowly, his arms
outstrctched, and his step uncertain.
Maggie longed to offer her support, but
could not control her voice to speak.
'Are you here, DR.. East! George
asked; and the deep soft voice struck
upon Maggie's ear.
Il am here, in my old place
Let me find my chair. All ! here
it Isl and he sank down YEARLY in the
chair.
4 have glad, but still sad, news for
you,' said DR.. East
Sad and glad! News from abroad 2
Yes. The sad news Of Edward GloA
yer. He died in Italy last month
And Maggie is coming home, that
is glad news?'
Yes. Poor Maggiep
There was deep silence. Then
George spoke in msditating voice. as
if following train of thought: Bet
ter TO be widowed than to have been
burlcnsd rs she would have been, had
my life been blessed as l once hoped.
May heaven bless and comfort hor in
her sorrow =
You loyed her very truly, George?
'Ilove her while lie remains. l can
never cease to love Maggie. When is
she coming home, doc:or?
'Shc has come
But her parents are away
She is here. George
1t was painful 10 sec how the sad,
face of the afflicted man lighted up as
he bent forward eagerly, his hands cut
stretched and his features working with
emotion. Here, here. Maggie! lie
had forgotten his blindness, her widow
hood, everything, but the fact that
Maggie was near HIM. Il cannot see
you, Maggie darling he said, with
some emotion. Speak to me- She
came softly to him, her tears falling
last.
'Oh, Maggie ? he remarked 81
have no word to comfort your sorrow"
And your affection, George she re-
piled, is a new sorrow to me- They
talked together for a considerable time.
There was much to be told by both
parties, aud each sympathizcd with tue
other for the sorrows which had fall
len upon them during their separation.
1t was not long before Maggie had
found her old place in the home circle
as if she had never left it.
TO George new, and, perhaps, hap
pier life had opened. Maggie AGAR, was
his sweet, tender, loving hearted sister.
It was Maggie who drove him out in
the carriage; it was Maggie %ho read to
him, sang for him, made the hours fly