The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1879-02-07
THE MOTHERS PROPHECY.
BY MRS. JULIA c. Il. DORR.
CHAPTER T.

IL was 4 cOiu, Wlnuy niSnC, III tue Wlntcr
Of 49,. The tall pines that had climcd to
the highest SUBMITS of the Green Noun
tains, bent beneath the rushing Of the blast
and as the wind carccrcd among their
branches, gave out means and shricks that
seemed in the darkness like the wailing of
weird spirits. Ever and anon the air would
be filled with tiny PARTICLES Of ice and
snow, and the cold, itful cleaning of the
moon, as it occasionally emerged from be-
hind cloud, only served to make the scene
more dcsolatc, as the tall, gaunt shadows
wcrc rendered distinctly visible.
But in the quiet littl valley that lay nests
peaks, there were no traces of storm. The
strife of the elements disturbed not its re
pose, for the cncircling mountains bent over
it lovingly, and with thcir giant arms
seemed to ward off all dangers, and keep
back all foes that might harass this-the
pet lamb that rested in their embrace.
n single farmhouse, rudcly constructed
of logs, stood beneath the shadow of forest
trees , and, indeed, but few Of those ancient
dwcllcrs in the valley had as yet bowed
their naughty heads at the stroke of the
woodlands axe. Every thing around the
little dwelling bctokened that it was the
abode of one Of the hardy pioneers who
had left the sunny banks Of the Connect.
cut for home amid the wlds CT Vermont
But there was ruddy light cleaning from
peace and comfort within aud occasionally
the sound of woman's voice singing low,
soft lullaby fell drcamily upon the ear or
rather, might have done so, had there been
an car to listen.
In the principal apartment of the house
the one that served alike for kitchen and
parlor, sat Andrew Gordon and his fair
aud gentle wifc-Amy. A bright-cyed boy,
apparently about four years old, played
upon the nicely sanded floor, and in the
mothers arms lay babe, very lovely, but
very fragile, upon whose face the eyes of
Amy Gordon dw,lt with a long, ycarung
gaze. Few words were spoken by the lit
tic group. The husband and father sat
gazing ,houghtfully upon the glowing en-
bcrs the wife rocked the child that was
cradlcd upon her breast and little Frcdc-
rick silently buildcd his "cob. house" stop
ping now and then to sean with a pleased
eye the progress Of his work, or uttcring
an exclamation Of disappointment as the
tottcring fabric fell to the floor
There was an air of refinement about the
master and mistress Of that little domici
that contrastcd somewhat strangely with
their rude home and its appurtcnanccs.-
The dress Of the wife, although coarse and
plain, was arranged so tastcfully, so ycntcciy,
as the young ladies Of the present day would
.aoy tbrt rnu uOulI -r,rrclv h,vo mo-
ted its texture, or the absence Of or
namcnt. Her slight figure, and the faint
color upon her check, spoke of deli
cacy Of constitution hardly suited for the
hardships and trials Of an cmgrant's life :;
but the meek light within her eye, her
cal@, broad forehead, and the slight smile
that fingered upon her lip, told that she
possessed that truest Of all strength
strength Of mind and heart
There was something in the face of An
drew Gordon that, to 4 close observer, was
not exactly pleasing; and yet you could not
have denied that it was very handsome
tace-qutc sufficiently SO to warrant the
unmlstakablc look Of admiration that his
wife occasionally cast upon it. Intellect
was thcrc-couragc was therc-Grmness Of
purpose, and a rcsolutc will; and there was
depth Of affection in his eye whenever it
dwclt upon the group around him that
proved him the posscssor of kindly heart
Perhaps 1t was some early disappointment
some real or fanccd wroug-somc never
to.bc-iorgCttCm act Of harshncss or Injustice
on the part Of another that, once in a while,
cast such shadow over his fine face, and