The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-02-01
TRI-WEEKLY EDITION.


cry-the other that she had regained fond
husband at a moment Of all others when
she most needed his aid, counsel, love and
support. ....
"Come,' whispered my friend, touching
my arm, 'let us withdraw; their meeting
should be sacred from the intrusion Of
strangers"
Though deeply curious to know some-
thing Of their history, l silently acquiesced
in his proposal; and quietly departing, re-
turned to our hotel, muslng upon the un-
certainties, Ylclssitudes and romance of
life.
Two days after, as was sitting on the
piazza of the hotel saw the sailor Passing
along the street, and curiosity prompted
me to address him. The moment he saw
me he came bounding up, grasped my hand,
and burst into tears.
God bless youl" he exclaimed III q chok-
ing voice; "God bless you and your friond
and so says Mary. pve been hunting you
all over the city, sir, but feared I'd never
see you again. Here, let me pay you back
your money and will you be SO kind, sir,
as to accept these two rings for yourself
and friend2"
took the money-for saw if did not
he would feel very much hurt; but fearing
his circumstances might not Justify him LII
making present of so much value, l at
tempted to decline the rings. 1t was of no
use-he would take no denial-and so re-
luctantly accepted them, thanking him IN
behalf OF nv friend, who was absent.
then drew from him his story, which will
give ina few words.
lie and his wife were both natives of a
small village on the Chesapeake, and had
fttf, rNlaN NlI tN.y akh hnr ol,: II
father was in good circums ances. but sub
sequently lost his property and died soon
after, leaving himself and mother to strug-
gle along as best they might.
Among those believed to be friends in
prosperity, but who forsook them in ad-
versity, was tho father Of his present wife;
but though change of fortune separated the
youth and maiden, it only increased an at
tachment which had begun in childhood.
For years, however, they did not meet;
ami during that tune the narrator became
a sailor, and acquired sufficient means to
purchase cottage for his mother, leaving
small balance on mortgage, which his noxt
voyage was to clear OF. While at home
he and his Mary again met, and discovering
mutual passion and knowing her parents
would not consent TO the union, bnt were
most anxious to ally her to a wealthy sui
tor, they took advantage of the oppDrtunl-
W, and were privately uuarried.
Charles Delaine, for such was his name.
then took leave of his wife, and shipped for
whaling voyage, intending 1t should bo
his last cruise. While absent, his wifes
parents, discovering the secret OF her mar
riage, disowned and drove Lar forth, and
she took refuge with his mother.
Together the widowed mother and wife
struggled along, both anxiously looking for
the return OF their only friend; but he cam,
not at the time expected. the mortgage was
foreclosed, the property sold, and, almost
penniless, they repaired TO Baltimore, hop
Ing to be able to maintain themselves by
the needle.
l need not Drolong tho story-it Is an old
tale. Sickness and misfortune followed
them; they failed to procure sufficient
work Tor their necessities, and on the night
when the vile appealed to us, they were
III starving condition. Charles had lust
returned from his cruise; and at the very
moment when his Mary 50 unexpectedly
met him, he was thinking OF home, which
he expected to reach the next day. lie had
been prudent; the voyage had been more
than usually profitable, and his share, he
said, would enable him to start in business
Come what will, he concluded, 'I'll
never leave my dear mother and Mary again
while We live. They're happy now, thank
God, anu it shall be the aim of my life to
keep them So"
lie urged me to come and see him and
his now happy family, and bring my friend;
and then invoking upon us the blessings of
heaven, he wrng my hand and turned
quickly away to conceal the emotions he
cared not to display.
"Ahl such is liic, in this world of sell
fish and unseltish humanity" unused /, as
l watched his rctrcaling footsteps, till a
turn in a street concealed him from my
view. We never met again.