South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-07-14
How Harry Came Homo.


time,' sighed Maud Merlin, sinking
into the low seat by the window, aud
pressing her sad, white face against
the glass. 'Ah me how happy was;
but 1t is all over, shall never be hap.
Ply again 7
Her dark eyes overlooked with tears,
and her memory went back to the old
homo of her childhood, the great ram
bling country.house, with its spacious
rooms and blazing fires, and large
hearted hospitality. She could see
the old garden, with its winding Dor.
ders. and cool retreats, aud catch the
sweet odors of the pinks, and the
drowsy murmurs of the bees, and there
was the woodbine arbor, beneath
which she and Harry had so often sat
together. How well she remembered
one evening above all others, an eve-
nlng in royal June; the air heavy
with spicy odors, and full moon
pouring down its gloryfy;ng light up.
ON the snowy pillows OF orchard bios.
som, and the long hedges of crimson
roses, weighed down bp their own in,
tense. perfume. On that evening
sue had listened to the story that has
80 often been repeated, ont which
never grows old. Maud, my darling,
love you-will you be my wife?'
She recalled the very words, she SEEM
ed to hear his dear voice, aud see his
tender eyes. The betrotIlal ring was
still on her finger, just as be put it
there that night, and beside it another
even yet more sacred, her wedding
ring.
And this stormy, desolate night
was the anniversary Six years ago,
and the old homestead had rung with
music and revelry. Every window
blazed with light, aud every brpad
heurthstone glowed with flaming logs.
For on that night, adorned rs she
WAS with blossoms rs spotless and
sweet rs her own virgin heart, Maud,
sole daughter Of house, and heart, and
beauty and belle wherever size welt,
became bride.
bidding farewell to the old home,
and the Old friends, Maud went forth
with her husband, for henceforth aud
forever to be the light OF his home,
and the inspiration OF his life.
One year, one short, sweet, happy,
year, that went by like some rare, rich
melody, without a single note OF dis
cord to break It's divine perfection,
and then the trouble CAME. The bare
remembrance Of it blaiclled the wiie's
checks, and made her breath come in
quick. painful gasps. At the close OF
tins short, happy year OF her welded
lie, her husband received Informal
ton concerning the illness OF an only
brother residing in California. lie
was dying OF a slow but sure disease,
aud wished TO see his brothers. face
once more. Harry Merlin did not
hesitate an instant, the path OF duty
was plan-hc must go. Maud en-
treated to DC permitted to accompa.
ny ihm, but he WAS incxorabc- The
risks and hardShips were too great.
Left alone, Maud was not the wo-
man to give way 10 dependency; it
was her nature always 10 keep her face
to the sun. She kept herself busy
with the duties Of ler household, and
at last the dreary days went by, aud
tidings from Harry came. He was
sale at his journeys end, but his bros
Their was dead, leaving Hairy, how
ever, the inheritor OF considerable
fortune. just as soon as his business
matters could be arranged, Harry
wrote, he would start for home. Soon
after second mail came bringing in,
telligence that Harry, in company
with quite aparty ofbrother travellers,
had set ont, taking the overland route.
Maud counted the days with throb-
bing impatience, the parting had been
so long she pined 10 see his dear
face, and hear his voice once more,
She worked from morn till night, fill
ing the rooms with little ornaments.
and getting up q little surprise against
his return. She cultivated the flow.
crs Inc loved, and sang the ballads he
admired never did woman count the
passing moments with such loving ex.
pectation. At last the dav came.
1 DhaS iNNSiN wi tlO iul tiltI IHltIiEGnCG.
but she felt sure that hc would come.
The evening was IN spring, genial and
balmy, their little home a wilderness
OF blossoms. She prepared his sup
per with her own hands she adorned
the rooms with the flowers lac loved !:
and even laid ont his gown and slip,
pers, and drew iis arm chair beneath
the window. Then she went to her
chamber and put on the dress he lik-
cd to- see her wcar-a mauve silk,
with dainty laces at tho throat and
wrists, and jet and gold ornaments /,
her flossy, brown hair held back By
sprays OF heIio,rope and sweet VERDE.
IVA. Surveying herself in the mirror,
she smiled and blusbed, remembering
/ his words when she had first worn tie
I dress
Oh, Maud you are so beautiful !.
always wear this dress, darling when