The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-08-03
The Brass Button.

NA q iliC CTciilllS Ill Illc StttlliIcf Ol 100
two young women, Maggie Armstrong and
Eliza Wilson, met at roadside not far from
the village Of Distington about four miles
from the town of White Haven. Both
were known as good, religious girls.
''rhe celebrated Mr.. Wesley is in Whit
ten Maggie, 'remarked Eli
IA, In al off hand sort of way, ''and is to
speak in the market place tomorrow night.
Will you 70 with me to hear him 2''
81 will accompany You to WMtten,
Eliza,' promptly replied Maggie. T've
often wished to see the famed man; so, all
being well, Pll get ready and go with
you"
"Will youask Richard to come, Maggie2n
put III Eliza, with characteristic zeal us they
both lifted the pals Oh their heads.
81 judge that he will follow when he
finds that Pm gone," quietly responded
Maggie.
1t need scarcely be observed that the
young man referred TO was one who had
for some time past paid certain attentions
to Maggie, or that Eliza Wilson was an
ardent Methodist.
Saturday night came, and among the
many who were gathered around tie enthu-
siastic little preacher were the two young
women we have brought before the reader
They came with sentiments as divergent as
posslble In respect to the preacher and his
preaching. They returned one in mind
and heart. The result OF this change in
Maggie was that she was cold to Richard
Brunskill on the way home, and unsympa-
thetic: from that hour he was no more to
her than any other youth. The first time
he went to her home after that night lie
was told his fate in mild but firm manner
"A decision which he received with any
thing but complacent feelings.
But summer had not long given place to
winter before change took place. a young
man named Thomas Musgrove, who had re-
Gently begun to use his gifts as al occa-
sional preacher among the Wcsleyans,
arrested Maggic's attention. lie was a
builder in fair way OF business on his
own account and as Miss Armstrong had
considerable personal charms, her secret
preferences for him were soon drawn out
by his avowed attachment to her; and
before long it was well known by all the
brotherhood and others that these two
young folks were likely ere long to become
man and wife.
Matters were In this condition when mid
summer came around 1t was again the
"leafy month of June" when once more
the famed apostle of Mcthodism paid his
annual visit to Whitebaven, and every
Methodist in Distington was overjoyed ut
the prospect Of hearing his welcome voice
on the following Saturday night in the
market place. Among those who walked
from Dlstington to hear him were Thomas
Musgrovc and Margaret Armstrong. A
small dog belonging to the folmcr ac-
companed them. The service did not last
much over an hour, rs Mr. Wesley wish cC
to meet the country officials that he might
aid them by his counsels AS Musgrove
was one whose presence was required at
this gathering, and as IL was not certain
desired Maggie to 20 home with the others,
observing that he would not fail to give
her call on his return and spend an hour
or 80 with her. The dog Viper went with
him.
When ten O'Clock arrived, Maggie began
to listen for his football. But it came not
She grew anxious; and as the finger of tho
clock rose towards eleven she went to the
door and looked down the road. Concluding
that Thomas had been detained agains
his will, she was about to re-cntentcr tho
house and go to bed, when viper made hi
appearance, whining dismally. SURPRISED
at this she spoke kindly to the poor beast,
and asked him where his master WIS. The
dog looked up in her face with scared,
uneasy cxpresslon and in gazing into hil
face she saw that he had something i'm hi
month, "What have you got there
Viper7" she asked, holding out her hand
for the article, which the esagacious creature
laid In her palm. 1t was piece of blue clotl
with brass button attached. She looked