The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1880-01-01
EDITH'S LOVER.

ELL LII > LON ELK.
Coming out upon the terrace where
they stood alone together in the June
twilight, | remember thinking what
handsome, noblc-looking couple they
made, and how well it was that my mis-
trcss had chosen hlr. Hollis for her fu-
turc husband when so many attractive
young gentlemen aspired to the honor
of her hand.
As | approached Mr.. Hollis was say
ing;
Tomorrow is our wedding-day,
Edith Tomorrow can scarcely real
ize it. All, how proud and glad | am /"
My lady looked up at this moment,
her cheeks all aglow, her eyes shining
with happiness. Hearing my step she
said in her gentle way
What is it, Jcnnyg'
" A strange woman has presented her
self at the kitchen door, madam. She
asked for you and will not be denied.
She does not live in these parts, | 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
indicated and bchcld dropping, for
lorn figure slowly advancing from the
rear of the house.
She changed color and drew back with
Il startled cry:
Mrs. Hawkins !"
The woman came nearer and paused
on the upper step, looking curiously
about her.
Forgive me for comm she said. in
Il low, broken voice. at amt right to
be troublin' any like you. But what
could | do with him Begin and plcadin
and frcttin' himself ill? | hadn't the
heart to refuse his prayer, and
''lIush !" My mistress drew her
strange visitor hurricdIy down the steps.
She was very pale and trembled with
excitement.
"No more now--I cannot listcn,' said
she in a whisper "If you have any err
rand for me come again by and by when
| am alone"
The woman sighed heavily.
"l.rt me give you this note, ma'am-
It's from him, and I'll trouble you
no more. You'll read it, an do all
it asks, ma'am % she added, quite plain
lively, as she thurSt bit of crumpled
paper in to my lady's hand.
Eyes yes. Now go-go ut once !"
II will, But don't disapp'int 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 in
quiry as to the strange visitor, but at
Miss Edith's solicitation, he dropped the
subject, and soon aftcrward went away.
About 10 O'Clock that night my lady's
bell summoned me to her chamber.
found her sitting with her wraps on
and bit of papcr-thc same the wo-
an had given her - clcnched in her
hand.
Her face wore a sadder expression than
| had ever seen upon it before.
Jenny" she said, turning in her
chair AZ entered, edo you know a place
in the village called Holmes Cottage ?"
eyes, ma'am."
"Good. Get your bonnet; | wish you
to take me there. wish to set out at
once"
"But it is Il long distance, madam
if you must 90, shall / not order the
carriage ~
81 do not wish this visit known to any
ore else in the house, Jenny. The serv-
ants would think strange of it. You,
am sure, are discreet and faithful"
We left the house by side door, lock-
ing it and taking the key with us.
Presently we reached Holmes Cot
tagc. 1t was long, low building in the
outskirts of the village, at some distance
from any other dwelling. Since my
of the house began, it had
been occupied by the poor class of tenants.
"Some one | wish to see is here" she
said quietly. "Remain outside, Jenny,
shall not be long away"
She entered without knocking and
closed the door. The next instant l
heard glad cry within, then a burst of
sobs.
Suddenly Mr. Hollis confronted me,
his face white and convulsed in the
"Tell me-" he said in a husky whisper,
''was it Edith, my promised wife, that
went in at yonder door"
I could not speak, but my looks an
,wered him.
He dropped my hand and turned away,
when few agitated words came through
the open window:
edith, | knew you would come my
precious darling, my wife! You were
not so cruel as to fOrsake me utterly"
1t was mans voice, but Mr.. Hollis
seemed to hear simple word only of
those it uttered.
"Wifew he, echoed, in hollow tone.
wife Good God And tomorrow
was to have been our weddiug-dayw
,.~;,1 e 49,, k1.-o. oaI bar,;JIar |