The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1879-04-18
ANNIE MORTON.
BY AMY HARMED.


seat at an open window through which she
had been earnestly looking long time in
expectation of his arrival, while her sewing
rested unheedcd upon her lap. ooh, what
a long, long week this has been without
him: dear father !" Aud the rich blood
mantled on her cheek her black eyes
sparkled, and the smile that parted her
ruby lips made her very beautiful, as she
stood for one moment ere she sprang through
the easement and down the long avenue to
meet the carriage which contained her fa.
thcr.
The mother looked after her daughter
with pride but pressing her hand upon her
heart as if in pain, she sunk back upon her
seat,
"Ah what will she do without me, wild
wayward as she is 2" murmured Mrs. Nor
ton. "The world has sadness in store for
thee fear, my daughter; when am gone,
who will shield thee, and care for thee, as
l have done ?"
A deep shade of sadness rested for mo-
ment upon her face; but it passed away as
the mother bowed her head in prayer for
her passionate, wayward, but loving child.
She heard the party approaching the
house, heard the kind voice of her husband
as he answered the questions which Annie
poured upon him, and with sweet smile
Mrs. Morton rose to meet them. The cx-
element of meeting her husband, after his
temporary absence, brought slight flush
upon her check, making her look better
than she really was; but it gladdened the
heart Of Mr.. Morton, for when he left home
she was so i'll as to cause him much alarm
and as he folded his wife in his arms, he
said, tcnderly-
"Why, my dear Mary, SHALL leave home
oftcncr if my absence causes you to look so
well. L have not seen SO handsome n wo-
man since 1 have been in B; but |
must not forget-herc is young gentleman
waiting to be presented to you know you
will welcome him."
Tears stood in Robert Dcnnyn's eyes
There was som ,thing in Mrs. Norton face,
in her sweet, sad smile that reminded him
painfully Of his mother, who-but few
weeks prcvious-hc had seen laid in the
cold ground, hidden forever from his sight.
lie could scarcely command his voice to
speak. Mrs. Morton noticed his agitation,
and OWNED the cause of it. She extended
both hands to him, and said
"Robcrt Dcnnyn, | am glad to sec you
here. Your mother was the dearest friend
of my girlhood; for the love OF our early
days, il son of hers will ever be most dear
to me-"
"Charlie will be at home tomorrow,
Robert" interrupted Mr.. Morton gaily,
anxious to give a less serious turn to the
conversation ''but | do not intend to set
you down to your books yet awhile, my
boy you have studied too much already
you need rest. | wish to see you strong
and we'll : exercise will be the best thing
for you. There arc horses in the stable at
your service and Annie, as wild madcap
as ever set foot in a saddle, ready to point
out the beauties of all the country round,
provided you can read Miss Landon to her,
and listen to her chattering What say
you, my little maGpic, will you have this
young gentleman for your knight-crrant
| doubt not he will be willing to do your
bidding"
Annie replied mcrrily: supper was an
nounccd, and in pleasant chat, the evening
passed rapidly away.
Charlie Morton came the next day; and
the warm grasp of his hand told to Robert
how much he sympathizcd with him in the
trials he had endured since they left col
legc.
No two persons could be more unlike
chan Charlie Morton and Robert Dennyn
Robert was tall, handsome, and but for the
ganchcric of Il boy unused to society, would
have boon very graceful. His face was
perfect; little too thin perhaps. At times,
his large black eyes flashed and sparkled
with briliancy that lighted up his pale
face, otherwise-in its expression-too
grave and he surprised as well as intcres-
ted his companions, for when in convcrsa-
zion he would forget hmsclf-few youths
could be more irresistible.
Though brought up in city, he had
been more secluded than boys are general
ly, therefore his manners needed that ease
and selfconGdcnce which is only acquired
by intercourse with society
His time, during his vacations, had been
passed chiefly with his mother, whom he
idolzcd AS he approached manhood, he
saw that mothcr-so dcar-fading slowly
away When the reality first burst upon
him that she was dying, Robert was stunned
-paralyzcd beyond the power of action.
Was there TO elixir Of lite within his
reach? Alas no.
The messenger of death came gently,
peacefully to Mrs. Dcnnyn, and she died
blessing her husband and son for their un-
wearied love, their untiring devotion, which