The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-11-27

"hi"hSc ououu COutFlOute 0S mucl TO her
comfort as my own. What wish to ask is,
whether you are willing, in the event of our
marriage, to undertake my SISTERS support,
and to give her home-a permanent home
under your own roof"
This request, as she termed it, l felt in
no position to grant. The want of delicacy
displayed made me forget that solicitude for
ones kindred is an admirable thing, even
though allowed to outrun ones discretion;
and the bargain like way in wich the mat
ter was broached seemed to rob the subject
of our union of all the tenderness with
which I, in my own mind, had surrounded
it.
tried to explain to her that was not a
rioh man, but expected to do for her rela-
tive whatever myability would permit; and
reminded her that If she loved and trusted
me, she might safely leave the matter to
my honor tg M
But that did not satisfy her. Counting
too much upon the extent of my affections
and not realizing the effect of persstancy
on some natures, she pressed Inc to bind
myself by sacred promise, or relinquish
any claim which l might fancy had to her
hand. >'...
The conflict Of emotions Glove and pride)
made me hesitate for a moment ere was
ready to reply. When about to speak,
she seemed to divine my answer, and
anticipating it, and raised Eer haid and
said, coolly: ~ -. ..-4-r.
IL know what you would say; please
consider our engagement at an end.''
After few words of entreaty end re-
proach' on my part, and the farewell injunc-
ton, eco and never show your face againl'
from my amiable friend, retired from her
presence. ....
For three weeks following this distress.
ing interview, I was the most wretched
man In the country. The alternate feel
ings of wrath and forgiveness, of love and
chagiin. to say nothing of the rude awak-
ening which had experienced from MY
blissful dreams, 80 wore upon me that I
could neither cat or sleep, and became re-
duced to a mere shadow of my former
self.
Wnat the end might have been to mo I
dread to think, had not a few lines from
her own pen reached me, expressing regret
for what had been said-avowing q love
which could not endure endless separation,
and intimating that a sisters Importantly
was the cause Of the whole unpleasant
ness.
That letter calmed the "troubled waters"
of my. soul considerably. My appetite I'M
proved; began to assume again the ap-
pearance of human being.
But was in no hurry to reply.
My love had received such whitening
that 1t was in no condition to bloom again
right away; and my views as to the nature
and motives of women had undergone
somewhat of a change. "Angelica" and
''Sinceritas" were names which had been
replaced in my mind by others less hatter-
ing, but perhaps more appropriate.
Indecision, common to young people suf-
fering from heartache, led me, to delay 80
long any recognition of her communication.
that the lady evidently thought I needed
another stirring up, and one, too, of dit.
fcrcnt character. received, through her
lawyer, notice of a suit brought against me
for breach of promise, and pecuniary DANA
ges for injured feelings, &c.
Strange to what expcdicnts women will
resort to further enda
would willingly have paid the damages,
although had but little faith In tho exist.
ence of injuries; but public scandal was
thing dreaded to face; and legal contest
with woman--a woman whom l once had
dearly loved, and for whom, perhaps I
still felt weakness-was highly distaste-
ful to me. But had character to sus-
tain, so concluded to appear as defendant
in the case.
The trial, like the lady herself was a
mixture of bitter and sweet. The hand of
the widow, as prime mover in the proceed
Jugs, was plainly revealed, The sympa-
thies of the jury were largely with the fair
plaintiff (beauty and tears have their influ-
ence), but the evidence was entirely against
her, and she lost the suit.
Subsequent to tho trial, I offered through
my attorney, to pay such part of the dam
ages claimed as was then able--promising
to liquidatc the whole in time. I did not
like the attitude in which I was unwilling
ly placed, that Of an enemy to tho cherish
ed onos of my departed friend, and made
this offer to change 1t, as we'll as to show
to the ladies that their welfare was mat
ter In which had not ceased to take an
interest. And had, too, an undcinable
heart longing for the Happy days Of the
past-a yearning for her who once had re-
ctived my caresses, and sincere wish to
retain her esteem.
My offer was refused with disdain (the
freak of a woman, or perhaps, the disregard,
for once, of the prayers of sister), and q
verbal message sent to me to tho effect
-, - to IL