The weekly sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1886-1887, 1886-12-09

JUST AFTER THE w AR.
a SToRY OF TEIE SOUTH
Weekly Joae OF n.
Auhor of LHleiotn.'
) SOUTH.

clock strikes eleven. I have listened
to Leonard's pictures Of our future,
and almost beheld the reality, in the
brightly growing fire before US. It is
his plan to locate here, as DR.. Moore
has offered to take him into partner
ship, on account Of his own declining
health, thus our family band will not
be exactly broken, simply added to,
by Leonard's presence.
Strange it is, that | sit, and listen
so complacently to this conversation,
which week since [ would have de-
rided as supreme folly, and then to
think of all my boosted preference for
an Old maids life. | won't think of
my fckleness my sudden change CT
ideas. | am merely woman, and |
believe it is woman's prerogative to
be a creature. incapable of being COM
pretended. At any rate, after con-
Tossing all my anxieties concerning
Archie, to this friend at my side, I
feel decidedly buoyant at his hearty
promise of co operation.
AS generally do spring from the
lowest depths of the blues, to the
highest pinnacle of mirth, 1 astonish
myself at my entire lack of sadness,
even with the proximity of the detest-
ed Delacourt, and must prove ex-
tremely agreeable, since my affianced,
to think l should, with all my assever-
atoms to the contrary, have one, alas I!
demonstrates the fact that no woman's
assertion is to be entirely relied upon,
under such circumstances, where love
is concerned. feel as if I had secur-
ed strong preserver, which amid the
buffeting waves of life's too otter tenn
| pestuous sea, will keep me afoat, I'M
til the journey, being safely accom-
plished, the stormy experience ended,
[ gain the haven of different sphere,
there to discover that much here,
which served as burdens to our feeble
frames, was in fact, was in truth, but
the necessary discipline, to fit us for
that future state of action.
| Thus when the clock struck the
eleventh stroke, it found me standing
upon the stairs, with Leonard in the
hall, still gazing at me. When nearly
up to the second story, I retrace my
steps, and calling him gently, say
Leonard, you won't forget about poor
Archie
He clasps my hand as he replies,
"only death will cancel the promise
to do all in my power for Arches
good" then raising my hand to his
mustached lip, he imprints upon it
his second kiss, and the years sudden
ly glide backward in panoramic sur
vey, and [ behold the sitting room
door halfopened, and within Joel
slumbering figure, comfortably reclin
ing before cheerful blaze above
stretched in painful suffering lies a
little orphan boy. while standing near
holding my hand in his feverish grasp,
stands his brother, pleading with me
for the assistance | can lender to his
dear Oscar. Tonight, there only
seems to be difference in the plead
ers, and the one pleaded for, for while
my brother is not laid upon any bee
; of physical suffering, requiring Leon
ards capacity AS nurse, yet he mus
be stretched upon a rack of menta
torture, for which Leonard, as physi
: clan for mind as well as body, mus
discover some cure.
Sleep doesn't always visit closed
t eye-lids, for tonight, the singular an.
2 crowded events Of the last few hours
} seem to defy its approach, and chas
e it farther distant, when it seems t
!, come stealthily nearer.
8 Twelve, one, two, ring out on tn
D cold night air, and still no sound c
: Arches footsteps reach my ear
r well-attuned now for their direfu
. echo.
e Twenty minutes more must be nun
: bered, when still, with baffied sleeI
) lingering near, but not approaching,
d distinctly hear the sharp clang of on
n gate, as it swings upon its hinges, the
closes with its peculiar noise.
Il The sound of many footsteps splash
i ing in the numerous puddles, wit
J. which the rain has lately ornamente
e our path, fall upon my ear.
e The different tones of several voice
IS too are noticeable, and with a shive
n of alarm, / spring to my feet, clutcl
p ing wrapper near at hand, upcerta
g what to do, yet vainly striving to r
l. gain my selfcontrol. Before the bar
W has reached the door, I am in tt
h front hall, leaning against the frien
Of ly walls, and wildly pressing my bea
to stihe its mighty tumult, which,
lie its loud confusion, it seems to n