The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-09-27
Under The Hemlock Tree.

UilueI Ii6 0eIil'OCK Tree,
At the foot of large hemlock young
girl was sitting Her lap was full of
flowers, her hands were claspcd idly about
her knees, her head was thrown slightly
back as she gazcd about her, looking like
some young, sylvan queen taking a survey
of her wonderful dominlons
But upon clearer view, one would have
added:
''Shc looks the queen, but very sad,
and very ragged one"
Yes, her face was hopclcssly sad, and her
garments hopelessly ragged; but that did
not conceal the beauty of her features, nor
the air of refinement, the high-born grace
that characterized her.
She had pushed back her dilapidatcd
straw hat, thus disclosing her wavy brown
hair, and her noble brow; and there she
sat, her large, dark eyes rowing wistfuly
from object to object, as il pleading for
somethtng-for something she could not
have; for the love, perhaps which was miss
ing from her life, Or for the pity that was
never shown her.
Sho was young. innocent, ignorant
thing Ignorant, that is, of the world and
its ways, and Of her origin. Since carly
childhood she had lived with Mamma
Graham, who was no kin to her, she knew,
but more than that she did not know; it
was all the home she had, and miserable
home it had always been. Her books had
been hor only comfort but for them eX-
istcnce would have been intolcrablc.
Each day, if possible, she would escape
from Mamma Graham's sharp words, and
petty prosecutions, and come TO the hem
lock tree, her favorite spot, and sit and
dream of life in that world which lay be-
yond her little sphere.
On the day on which our story opens,
she arose as usual when the sun was sink
Ing in the west and, as usual, she sighed
at the prospect Of returning to her cheer
less home.
She had taken a step or two, when the
sound of horses hoofs startled her from her
apathy. Turning quickly, she saw horse
dashing madly by; in another moment as
the dust cleared partially away, she saw q
man lying PROSTATE on the ground.
Instantly she started toward him then,
her native pride asserted itself, and she
paused, blushing-yes, blushed painfully
rs she looking down at her ragged dress,
and her old worn shoes. But kindness con-
qucred pride, and she finally sprang to the
inanimate form of the fallen rider.
She leaned over him, and discovered a
slight wound near the temple, from which
she determined to wash the blood and dust.
But, with what2
In despair, she turned aside and examined
her dress, wondering if piece of that
would not answer the purpose; before she
arrived at any decision, an exclamation,
seeming to come from the wounded man,
caused her to turn.
She shrank back in dismaY, as she saw
that he had recovered consciousness, and
wns watching her with commingled curl
osity and amusement.
A smile came to his HANDSOME face as he
saw her confusion. That angercd her, and
flushing hotly, she turned and fed
But, scrambling to his feet, and staggcr-
ing after her, he succeeded in OBTAINING
her; as he caught her by the arm, she
faced him, saying fiercely:
"Lct me go"
"No-no," he replied, gallantly. "You
have saved my life, and must permit me to
thank YOU"
81 haven't saved your life, " she snapped
trying to jerk herself from his hold.
''Well, you would, if there had been any
necessity for it, so 1t amounts to the same
thing" he laughed 'sYou will let nc
thank you-will you not
Il%yeh tu. ,you oonc So ISM once
I don't dare to stay out longer! think
its rude, very rude in you to hold my arm
like this" she sobbed ,at lsst.
Nuue, am no shl9' iatn'ly, s as hG .
raised one iilnu nun 70 nls heau. Ni eou ie"I
eSef'eo mSsei 'oo soon "i'cr my in'i' =
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