The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-02-07

and had seen him 0 more. Yet, foolish
as it may have been, had always kept one
corner Of my heart sacred to his name, and
| it was with u strange thrill that | heard he
was again near II c, and that soon should
see him.
That day he called with his friend, Harry
Mills. lie was Il tall, fine looking man,
polished, refined, and fascinating in his
manners. could hardly identify him with
the slender youth that had once known;
but he referred SO gracefully to our former
acquaintance, and expressed so much
pleasure at renewing the intercourse so sud-
denly interrupted, that felt at perfect
ease.
How pleasant were the days that follow
cd. We called each other "Will' and
"Lizzic" in the most friendly way, and
Lottie and Cornic seemed already to regard
him in very sisterly manner We read,
walked and talked together, and night after
night his t"ep, rich voice would accompany
those of III, sisters, while played the old
familiar tunes upon the piano.
fancicd that my own voice might have
lost Il little of its early sweetness, and so
did not attempt to join the others, whose
melodies were 50 harmonious.
Several other invitations were sent as
If yorc, to the Misses Whitaker, and was
fast forgetting that | was an old maid when
ut an evening party, l overheard the cnvious
and i'll naturcd remark
''Just SEQ that Elizabeth Whitaker.
What youthful airs she does put on! Try
ing to catch MIR. Lotus, dare say"
How those W rds rang in my ears long
ascr the ghts, the music, and the dancing
were shut out, and ! was alone in my own
ROOF. low | catech,scd myself, and tried
to reason with my poor, foolish heart. Yes,
hsd been trying ID look young, and had
appropriated Wits attention as a matter of
course.
What right had to nonopolzc his time2
Was it not far more likely that he would
choose Lo. ic or Cornic-if indeed he were
to pay court to any of us? Even this was
ny no means certain; he might go again as
suddenly as he had come; and was startled
to find what sad void his departure would
make in our circle, and ill more in my own
heart.
"Ah, Elizabeth. Elizabeth" 1 solio-
quiscd, 'talsc warning ere too latc!"
The next morning rose with a new ro
solve firm i'll my mind; would not yield
to the sweet delusions Of lovc--would not,
u-askcd, give my heart. The world should
no; have cause to laugh at The silly foolish
ness of an old maid. Strengthened by these
purposes l was better fitted lor the trial that
awaited mo.
That very day Will LOTUS came, and in
qurcd for me alone. I caught a quick
glance nassing between Lottie and Cornie
Us left lhe room, and there was n more
rapid pulsation at my heart as entered the
cool, dim room where hc'was seated.
'Elizabcth," he said tcndcrly, rs he took
my hand, do you know what a priceless
treasure have como to ask2 1 hardly dare
be so bold, and yet faint heart never won
fair lady and must not lose my courage"
GLOW very timid he has grown" /
thought. "Can he not see that he has but
to speak to VIM"
| smiled assuringly, and he proceeded.
'Do not think me prccipltate in my af-
fection, though the acquaintance has been
so brief, for l cannot be mistaken in my
feelings, and only wait for your permission
to offer my hand to your pet sister, Cornie.
You stand in the place of parent to her,
and therefore 1 ask your consent"
All, viii, Will 1t was we'll you could
not read my heart just then!
With a mighty effort chokcd down
convulsivc sob, and replied that he had my
full, free permission; a.ld adding that
would send Cornic to him directly, left the
room, sadder and wiser woman.
| There is not much to add. Cornlc's love
was alrerdy given to the handsome man 80
| recently stranger and very few months
later she became his wife.
Lotie was the fair and stately bridesmaid
while witnessed with maternal compla-
cency the ceremony which united the des-
tlnics OF the oply man had ever loved and
my child sister. Cornie.
Peace and contcntment were my guar
dian angels that night, and with a serenity
both sincere and unaffected returned the
kiss which the bridegroom gave me, as he
SAID, tenderly and gently, 'Sister Eliza
bcthl"
| E@zznennsasas EE..onn sas..onnzHsanp
| Tho KoliInoor Pearl.