Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-12-18

VlNlu Wrlter , lllttS Sllitlloll-lloW Slle hNe"
it to be real.
Opening door that hung by one hinge,
they entered the room of death.
One talow candle lighted the room, but
after the darkness Of the hall, it seemed
quite bright, and showed plainly the straw
bed in the corner, on which lay gasping the
little girls father.
|. 1t seemed impossible that the faded sal
low face and attenuated form could ever
have been the dashing and fun-loving
James.
ooh, Thenia, l knew you would come
I felt you must" said he feebly, as he held
out a thin hand to each Of them. "God is
good, when / least deserve it,"
'Tut, tut, boy; why haven't you sent tc
us-nay, come to us, instead of suffering like
this" spoke out good Mr.. IIlleston.
ooh, uncle, | could not, until life was
dispaired of, come to those | have so deeply
injured"
"Hush, hush, James; you were wild, but
YOU never hurt usk and it is folly to talk so
You must 60 honRWith us now"
"Uncle-Anthine, your kindness overpow'
ers me. Don't you see-can't you see that
am dying? and, oh, must tell you while
life lasts"
"Tell us what, James ?" asked Anthine
softly, as she put her cool soft hand over
his fevered forehead.
"Thenia, do you remember your wedding
night, seven years ago? And did you ever
wonder why Paul never came to you ?"
eyes, yes, indeed. Tell me, doyou know
why?" and unconsciously she drew nearer
ooh, Thenia it was some of my accursed
folly. l loved you and hated Paul, and was
envious of him for having won what | wa:
unworthy of. And the morning before he
expected to start for you, he received let
| ter telling him you we're married to your
cousin, James Holmes, and were to star
| Immediately on your bridal-tour, bidding
him forget you and seek some one more
worthy. TO that letter your name wa:
signed, Thenia, and it was posted here
You know Paul's proud heart, how such {
blow was death to him, and how he saileC
in the first vessel that left the harbor.
81 thought to win you then, Thenla, bu
in your proud eyes l saw no hope of ever
taking PauPs place, so [ went away anc
found soft-voiced little girl who loved me
only too we'll, and only lived long enough
after l called her wife to give me little
velvet-cheeked baby whom we christenec
Anthine after you; and then, with that IN
nOcent baby looking into my eyes, wrote
again to Paul and confessed my wickedness
Directly with new hopehe came to you, bu
YOU refused tosee him. He wrote to you, bu
you returned his letter unopened, and with
saddened heart he began anew, striving t0l
| fame and honor, that you might know ne
was incapable of the base act OF which yor
believed him guilty. When he sought me
he could not find me until few days ago
1t was very wicked, Thenia, but oh, forgive
men' pleaded the dying man.
"lt was wicked, James, but we are taught
to forgive" spoke up the clear, pure voice
though her eyes were full of tears.
Poor James Holmes was weeping, too, a:
he gathered his little girl closer, but he wa:
failing, as they could see.
Suddenly his eyes frightened and he salC
faebly:
"There is his step on the stairs now
Thank heaven he has not come too late.
can see the hands clasped that once sep
| arated."
A moment more and Paul Wellington, il
| all his noble manhood, stood before them
| One clasp of the sick mans hand, one look
in Anthines eyes, and the estranged one:
were weeping in each others arms.
Out of the darkness has come light
| IIenceforth when they Wept they W0ult
weep together.
Mr.. Elleston grasped Paul's hand warm
| ly, and they turned to him whose troubled
! look still told that life's care was not ye
ended. He was pointing to his little daugh
| ter.
"She shall be cherished and cared for
was Paul's solemn answer, as he put hi:
hand on her curly head, while her little
eyes looked from one to another in childish
wonder.
All care was over. He had sinned much
and much had been forgiven.
The film of, death had gathered now, bu
settled peace came over his face, us his
uncle prayed that heaven would be merci
full, and then his soul was borne from eartl
away.
Months after this when the little one haC
grown accustomed to her new home ant
her new relatives, there was joyous bu
quiet wedding. Anthine is as queen-likt
and beautiful as ever, but her greatest JOY
is in her own home with her father, anC
husband and children.
Her little namesake is tenderly cherished
and little pleading voices that say, "a pen
ny-only one" are never turned away
empty-handed for the little dark-eyed chile
that haunted Mr.. Elleston SO was pOol
James little Anthine.
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AN INDIAN WEDDING IN FLORIDA