The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-12-29
THE SLEIGHING PARTY,

''Are you plentifully supplied with
wraps, little sister2 We have long
ride before US, and a cold one.
''Oh, yes, Rob. Mamma took good
care to see to that. DO take this great
shawl, will your She insists that 1
will need it, although l shall not, am
sure''
The carriage waiting at the door on
this cold December morning conveyed
me, Rob Ellison, and my sister Nanette
to the depot to take the train for Ever
ton, where we arrived after days ride.
Another carriage met us there and took
us to '"The Elms," the old mansion of
my uncle, John Crofton.
1.-The Elms" was a genuine old coun-
try house where the genius of hospitality
reigned supreme. The walls were
decorated with pictures, some of which
were old-time portraits Of fair ladies
with powdered hair, gorgeous in silks
and laces. Deer antlers, fishing rods
and engravings of dogs and horses were
III the hall, and through the open doors
that were never shnt rolled a glowing
warmth Of anthracite. 1t was jolly
place 10 visit. Uncle John was a fine
old gentleman. His stable was well
stocked with splendid horses, always at
the command OF his guests; his cellar
was plentifully supplied with the choi-
cest wines, and his table with all the
delicacies of the season.
Henrietta Crofton was the grown up
daughter of the family, and on this oc-
casion some of her old school friends
were domiciIed under her fathers roof
for brief season. I was very glad to
escort my sister to 1.-The Elms," for the
fair Henrietta had been the subject Of,
My day-dreams for years. We had
been much thrown together in OUR
childhood, and were SO fond Of eaeh
other then that we had exchanged a
promise to marry when we were old
enough. This was only childrcn's talk,
but L had treasured it III my heart,
intending that no effort Of mine should
he wanting to bring about it's fulfill
ment. Henrietta had grown up into a
beautiful woman, my ideal Of all that
was charming in womanhood, and the
thought Of passing a fortnight under the
same roof with her gave me perfect
happiness.
1 had been travelling in Europe for
two long years, and my anxiety to see
her was so great that when l greeted
the family and found Henrietta was
absent, she having gone to the town on
some errand, it WAS as much as could
do to keep my impatient feet from
taking the road to meet her on her re-
turn. However, we soon heard the
sound OF wheels coming down the ave-
nue., and rushed. to the piazza as the
vehicle drove up.
When the carriage door was opened
and Henrietta lea..ed forward to grasp
my hand, at the same time attempting
to alight without assistance, she step
ped upon her dress, which caused her to
fall. received her In my arms, and on
my breast was one Of the loveliest girls
had ever seen. Henrietta soon re-
gained her feet and trlpped hastily up
the steps. There We're indications on
her face that she knew her cheek had
touched mine as she fell, and that my
arms had inclosed her in warm en-
brace. When 1 followed her and our
eyes met she blushed and tried unsuc-
cessfully to laugh.
How happily our time was passing at
1.-The Elms." Our rides and walks in
the crisp, cold December days added a
rich glow to the ladies' cheeks and gave
a'keen sparkle to their eyes. Henrietta
was like her dear old self Of many years
ago, and l was supremely happy.
Alasl a serpent was soon to enter our
Eden. One Of Henrletta's visitors, a
Miss Levering from New York, was
about returning home, and her brother
was expected at 1.-THE Elnis" to escort
her. When he arrived he proved to be
fine-looking young fellow with polish
ed manners, we'll skilled in all those
agreeable trifles that attract the atten-
tlon OF young girls. 44e was a cultured
musician and a graceful dancer, he
gould play innocent games of cards with
dexterity, while his conversation was
rich and sparkling; to crown all he was
the son of millionaire, who allowed
him to use his money as if it was his
own.
1t was no wonder that Mr.. Levering
was Immediately attracted by the beauty
and grace of Henrietta, nor that he at
once showered his attentions upon her.
had never feared encountering a rival
before the advent of this young man,
but now / saw, with great pangs of
jealousy creeping through my heart,
that Henrietta treated him with marked
Kindness and was flattered by his devo-
on to her. l regretted this as much