The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-02-19
Edith's Lover.

Coming out upon the terrace where they
stood alone together in the June twilight, I
remember thinking what handsome, noble
looking couple they made, and how well it
O was that my mistress had chosen Mr. Hollis
for her future husband when so many at
tractive young gentlemen aspired to the
honor of her hand.
AS / approached, Mr.. Hollis was saying
Tomorrow is our wedding day, dear
Edith Tomorrow I can scarcely realize
it. Ah, how proud and glad am"
My lady looked up at this moment, her
cheeks all aglow, her eyes shining with hap
piness. Hearing my step she said IN her
gentle way.
''What is it, Jennie -
"a strange woman has presented herself
at the kitchen door, madam. She asked for
YOU and will not be denied She does not
i've in these parts, I think; her accent and
dress are both peculiar. Good gracious,
there she comes now, and left her on the
kitchen step!"
My mistress looked in the direction indi-
Gated and bcheld dropping, fororn figure,
slowly advancing from the rear Of the house
She changed color and drew back with u
startled cry
"ATrs Howkinai" .,... ,.....
The woman came nearer and paused Oh
the upper step, looking curiously about her
stForgive me for comin'," she said, in a
low, broken voice. ut amt right to be
troublin' one like you. But what could I
do with him bcggin' and pleadin' and fret
tin himself ILL hadn't the heart to refuse
his prayer, and"
"Hush!" My mistress drew her strange
visitor hurrlcdly down the steps.
She was very pale and trcmbled with ex
cltement.
'tNo more now-I cannot listcn,' said
she, in whisper. eff you have any errand
with me como again by-and-by when am
alone" -a 80 80. Msv
The woman sighed heavily.
''Let mo give you this note, ma'am--it's
from him, an I'll trouble you no more.
You'll read it, an do all it asks, ma'am I"
she added, quite plaintivelv, as she thrust a
bit of crumpled paper into my lady's hand.
"Ycs, yes. Now go-go at once!"
twill. But don't disappnt him. ma'am;
don't do It,"
There was desperation in her voice and
looks-pcrhaps even mcnace-as she turned
and made her way with difficulty down the
path.
Mr.. Hollis naturally made some INJURY as
to the strange visitor, but, at Miss Edith g
solicitation, he dropped the subject, and
soon afterward went away.
About 10 o'clock that night my ladys
bell summoned me TO her chamber.
found her sitting with her wraps on and
bit of paper--the same the woman had
given her-clenched in her hand.
Her face wore a sadder expression than
! had ever seen upon it before
Jenny" she said. turning in her chair
as entered, edo you know place in the
village called Holmes Cottage3"
''Ycs, ma'am."
"Good. Get your bonnet, wish you tc
take me there. wish to set out at once. y
"But it Is long distance, madam If you
must 20, shall not order the carriage7"
II do not wish this visit known to any
one else in the house, Jenny The servants
would think strange OF 1t. You, am sure
are discreet and faithful"
We left the house by side door, locking
It and taking the key with us.
Presently we reached Holmes Cottage
1t was long, low building in the outskirts
of the village, at some distance from any
other dwelling. Since my knowledge O
the house began, 1t had been occupied BY
the poorer class of tenants.
s'Some one wish to see is here" sh
said, quietly. "Remain outside, Jenny,
shall not be long away"
She entered without knocking and closet
the door. The next instant heard a glat
cry within, then burst of sobs.
Suddenly Mr.. Hollis confronted me- hi
face white and convulsed in the moonlight
''Tell me, he said in a husky whisper
twas 1t Edith, my promised wife, that wen
in at yonder door9"
could not speak, but my looks answere
him. ~ @I
He dropped my hand and was turnin
away, when & few agitated words cam
through the open window
edith, knew you would come! my pre-
cious darling, my wife You were not g
cruel as to forsake me utterly" as
Itwas a mans voice, but Mr.. Hollis seen
ed to- hear q simple word only OF those
uttered.
''Wifel'' he echoed In hollow tone
"Wifel And tomorrow was to have bee
our wedding day!"
In spite of my terror and bcwildormen
/ had the presence of mind to grasp his arl
and drag Him further away from the house
..What brings you herep" | stcrnly q,
manded. Why have you followed US q
81 did not follow you; am no spy;
xroo nho 10 that hrOI, o,t mn IN this dire,