Lexington weekly intelligencer., 1878-02-09

| CHAPTER TX.
Again five years have come and
gone. and the dear old convent walls
cannot longer shelter Lima from the
storms aud Ills Of life, but she mus,
go forth now upon its broad theatre,
| and grapple, as it were, with its stern
and actual realities. Lima felt that
| her strength was insufficient to fight
against the conflicting waves, which,
at times, rise SO far above the tide OF
human affairs. Hers was naturally a
heroic disposition, but think that
braver hearts than hers sometimes 8
shrink from duty which they are
we'll aware they ought to perform.
while, at the same time. they feel a
perfect Inability to do so.
Lima knew that to distinguish her.
self with the success for which she
was working, that she must further
her course with her old, invincible
determination aud resolution. AL.
though at times she thought the re.
sponsibiities that she had tax ell upon
herself weighty and inadequate, she
would labor faithfully to the end, to
consummate the one wish of her life
Then, if she failed, God help her. LII,
na would not allow herself TO contem.
plate the possibility Of q failure; she
possessed large amount OF courage
| and this she considered indispeusi bic
TO the attainment Of her desire; there.
fore she called into action every drop
OF energy that she could command
bade an affectionste farewell TO the
kind sisters and schoolmates dear
| tnen she turned her back upon the
beatific scenes which warmed and
frightened that home circle, endear.
ed TO her by long and happy associa'
tions.
Once again Lima was adrift upon
the worlds broad ocean, and ere she
had proceeded far upon her voyage,
Its cold, dark waters chilled her very
heart. But for one brief period Lima
would be happy, for she was going tn
spend two j"yous months at home
with tie loved ones, and this thought
filled her soul with unspeakable de.
llght. Homeward-bUw much rap.
,ure is there in just that one, ample
word, particularly TO those who have
been, for long while, deprived of the
bllsses which cling SO tenaciously
about The circle of ones own and i'm.
mediate home.
While Lima is being whirled ovel
railways that course through ric aud
flowery fields, gorgeous with mid
fsummer's beauty, shall go with you
into Mrs. Mayuard's CHEEKY and
pleasant Kitchen, and see what Agnes
aud she are doing, though l must first
tell you that Mr.. Maynard had left
the country several months ago, and
was at present living in Lynchburg.
Through the ins:rumentality of sew
eral Of his friends, be procured sit
uatiOn as tobacco inspector in a
large business house of that character.
which brought him q salary sufficient
to supply more abundsntly the wants
of his family. They were able, now,
TO send Agnes to good school ; and =,
beside. he rented pleasant residence
on West street, one noted for the
beauty and health of its locality.
Mrs. Maynard purposely withheld
the information from Liua, wishing
to give her all agi eeable surprise
when she came home, and now they
were waiting in joyous expectancy
for her coming. Every room in the
house had been neatly prepared for
her reception, particularly the one
especially prepared tor her, aud every
day, for the past week, Agnes had
added one thing more, here aud there,
to its comfort; flow ers gathered from
her own little garden decorated the
low msnteI, filling the room with q
rich and perfect odor. The pantry
was well filled with the choice dain-
ties that Lima loved. and they were
only waiting now for the morrow,
that would bring the loved aud alb.
sent one.
The shrill whistle Of train coming
IN at five O'Clock did not startle Agnes
as it would the next day ; for what
did it Inatter how many trains came
and went if Lima was not coming that
evening?
Agnes pulled out her slender purse
and examined it, saying. Yes; here
is enough to buy her half dozen nice
oranges, and she shall have them"
And ina few moments Agnes was 60
ing down the street to make her pur-
chase. She saw a carriage little in
advance of her. and a hasty glance as
sured her that there was some one in
it who had on handsome travelling
suit, a jauuty lite hat, and had prob
ably came III on the Orange & Alex
audrla train but W hat did It matter
TO her. since it was not darling Liua?
Was that some one calling hel9 Yes
il certainly was, this time distinctly,
Agnes, Agnes" In another moment
she had torn open the carriage door,
aud had both her arms around Lina's |
leck, and showeret kisses upon her,
~ don't believe l ever was so hap
~ before in all my life aud Liza, do
ell me how it happened. that you
re here, and we were not expecting
'ou until tomorrow"
"Well, my DEAR" replied Lima, 81
tarted one day sooner than intend
d. and here l am. Now, why did you
ot write that you intended TO meet
ne 2"
"Well," said Agnes, looking ro-
uishly at her sister, 81 wanted to
i've you a pleasant surprise;' and
alllng to the driver, Agnes bads him
rive to No. IS West street, "for that
where l am stopping, ,Liua,and you
'ilI certainly go with me, won't you?"