Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1882-07-22

sprays Of heliotrope and sweet yer
bena Surveying herself in the mir
ror, she smiled and blushed, remem-
bering his words when she had first
worn the dress
"Oh, Maud, you are so beautiful!
always wear this dress, darling when
you wish to please me.
The May sun wheeled lower and
lower. aud at last went down, leay-
ing the earth wrapt in the dusky
mist Of twilight. Maud began to
grow impatient. She lit the lamps
in the parlor, and then went out to
the porch to wait. He surely would
come, he would not disappoint her.
The golden tints of day faded like
colors of a dream; the stars came
out one by one in the haZy lustre of
the sky, and the moon arose, coming
up grandly above the purple steepes.
Still he had not come, and the poor
wife's heart began to grow sick with
hope deferred. Another hour, and
then, above the murmurous music
of the night she heard a sharp step
upon the gravel, and started to her
feet, flushed and GREATNESS; but the
next instant she fell back pale with
disappointment, for the steps were
not his-she knew that long before
the person came in sight. He ad-
vanced towards the porch where she
sat, with slow, uncertain step, OBJ
serving which, and recognizing him
as one of her neighbors, she advanc-
ed to meet him.
"Mr. Rutherford, is it you ? l am
looking for my husband. What do
you think can detain him ?"
The man stood still, his face full
of silent, unspeakable pity. Some
thing in its expression caught her
quick eyes, and she sprang forward
and grasped his arm.
"Mr. Rutherford you bring me
tidings. Speak, don't keep me in
suspense!
Still the man was silent.
"Oh, sir!" she entreated, "don't
trile with my feelings. Do you
know anything concerning my hus-
band? If you do, for mercy's sake
speak out!"
MADAM, 1 have heard-that is
bad news" he began, his voice
husky and broken.
Her face grew as white at death;
but her eyes were calm and clear,and
her hand strong as she grasped his
arm.
"Sir, if you pity me, tell me the
worst, at once; l can bear it.
"Weu, Madam, your husband and
his party have been waylaid and
murdered by the Indians"
All Did none escape :"
Not one"
She turned sharply, leaving him
without word, and he saw her en-
ter the house and close the door af.
ter her-and that was the end. He
would never come back any more, no
matter how patiently She might
wait and watch. He would never
know that he had a son, never look
upon the little chubby face, with its
bold, blue eyes and sunny curls, so
like his own. From henceforth her
heart and home were desolate.
And this was the anniversary Of
her wedding day. Six years ago she
was a happy bride. Five years she
had been broken hearted widow.
Her boy slept in his little bed, and
she sat thinking, thinking and gaz-
ing out into the low leaden sky; and
the windrtossed trees The night
was closing in rapidly-a night of
storm and darkness. The rain came
down in great smoking sheets, and
the wild, wailing wind rushed round
the gables and went shrieking over
the hills like human souls in agony
Her heart ached with desolation
almost insupportable. Life was so
hard; yet, for the boy sake she must
endure and live on. She looked on
her sable garments with hot, blind
ing tears. Six years ago, and she
was ROBBED in gems and blossoms.
His face, his very voice seemed to
come back to her and she fancied
that his glorious spirit must be near