The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-06-26
The Exchanged Overcoats.

Several young folks were assembled ut
Mr.. Lawrence's one evening for the purpose
Of amusement, and after they had quite
exhausted their budget of fun, they re-
questcd Mr.. Lawrence to tell them story.
AS he delighted in pleasing young people,
he readily complied with their request, and
asked what they would have.
"Yours and Lenora's love story" echoed
several merry voices.
"Well, then," said he, ''if you will be
seated and keep quiet, l will tell you about
our courtship.'
They seated themselves around him, and
with Lenora's lustrous black eyes bcaming
on him he began.
"Lcnora was sixteen and l was twenty
two when my story begins l was visiting
at Uncle Johns in Benton, when became
acquainted with her. 1t was at church, the
Sunday after my arrival, that first saw her.
She was pretty girl, with black eyes, dark
brown hair and red cheeks; which charms,
you see, she still retains in wonderful per-
fcction, though many weary years have
passed since then. AS she was an intimate
friend of Uncle ohn's family, soon became
acquainted with her. We met often, and
spent many happy hours together. The
ere found myself SO deeply in love with
her that resolved to tell her how dear she
was to me, and ask her to be my own sweet
Lcnora. Nor was it long before had All
opportunity of executing my resolution.
We were seated on a rustic scat in beau
tiful spot in her mothers garden. 1t was
pleasant morning IN May, and nature was
dressed in her richest garb. The flowers
were in full bloom, and the ground was
covered with velvet green. The morning
sun shining from a blue sky through the
rich foliage that clustered above our heads,
lent n magical lustre to the scenery around.
1t was spot that the artist might be proud
to have reproduced on canvass. We had
often sat in that same spot before; but on
this morning 1t possessed more charms and
more destinations than ever. With Lcnora's
head leaning on my shoulder and her hand
placed contidingly in mine believed myself
the most favored Of mortals. ! thought if
I could only have such dear girl with me
all the time, | would be the happiest of
men. 1t seemed that she OWNED my
thoughts, for she asked me what l was
thinking about. | told her that was think
ing Of the short time that remained until
would leave for home, and how lonesome
it would be 50 far away from her. Il tear
stole down her rosy-chcck, and her head
hung lower on my shoulder. l put my
arm around her, drew her to my breast, and
somehow, though | never could tell just
how, l asked her if she would be my wife:
Her reply, which was sweet 'tyes," SEEM
ed to have almost transformed that little
garden spot into heaven. | held her long
in my arms and pressed passionate kisses
on her lips. When we parted, an hour af-
terward, we had vowed to be forever true
to each other. After that our meetings
became more frequent and life was a thous-
and times swecter to me than ever before.
Several weeks had passed pleasantly
away, when the time for my return home
drew near. It was about the middle of
July. Having gained her parents consent
to our marriage, promised to return in
September and claim my bride.
With farewell meeting with Lenora, in
which all our VOWS were renewed and many
parting tears were shed, took passage in a
stage coach for Clifton, my fathers home.
1t was eighty miles distant, and was three
days in going. The first thing did after
I had received the congratulations of my
friends was to write to Lenora, to tell her
of my journey over the steep and rocky
road among the mountains and hills on the
oldcoach. A sweet correspondence ensncd,
and through the long summer days that
followed the greatest pleasure that enjoyed
was in reading Lcnora's letters and writing
TO her.
About the first of September 1 received a
letter from Lew Rowland, requesting me to
come to Greencastle and spend few days
with him befofe his departure for Calfor-
MIA.
Lew and 7 had been schoolmatcs, and
were very intimate friends For the past
three years he had been clerlsing in a drug
store in Greencastle; but becoming weary
Of such monotonous occupation, and not
being satisfied with the small income derived
from It, he had resolved to seek more ro-
mantle and profitable employment in the
gold fields of California.
The time for my return to Lenora was
only two weeks off. However, l deter
mined to comply with Lewis request, and
on the day. after received his letter 1
started for Greencaste AS went by rail-
way, I was only day and night on the
road; and on the following morning | was
in Lewis room in hotel in Greencastle
found him in good spirits. He was
making preparations for his journey.
Of course.I took an opportunity to write
and tell Ienora of my trip, and assured her
that IL a kind Providence favored | would
be with her at the appointed time.
The three days TINT ! spent with Low
were pleasantly passed. In the forenoon of
the third day, Lows comrade, who was
going with him, arrived in Grcencastle, and
insisted on taking the evening train.
Accordingly everything was arranged ;
and about, seven o'clock we repaired to the
depot to await the arrival Of tho o'clock
westward bound train, Throwing aside our
overcoats and hats, we seated ourselves fol
our last conversation.
Very soon the shril whistle of the ap-
preaching train sounded in our ears. ] &C.
companled them into the car, and as the