Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-06-09
CHAPTER I CONTINUED.

lmNsXHEaQl9Te SSlOH, lSbuih w UoA
Il @kNa9travelers. The greater part
9sVel51eScof their road lay through a
large forest, and the glistening icic-
les, dependent from trees of all
heights and sizes, which the warm
sunbeams were slowly reducing to
LIQUID. formed indeed an enchanting
spectacle. and one well calculated to
incite the most ardent admiration.
Il Agnes was carried away with en-
Il thusiasm, and felt that she could
4 have enjoyed this glorious exhibi-
& ton of natures chsrm, without be-
4 ing satiated, for much longer pc
Il Rod.
4 Marguerite, also, was in a trans
Il port of delight, but her blissful emo
Il tion enlanated from an entirely diff
Weren't source. The only child OF
u most affectionate parents, who in
N diligently humored her every caprice,
h and exhausted every resource in
their power to promote her happi-
ness, she repaid their devotion with
I all the warmth and ardor of her
young heart, and the returning to
these beloved parents, from whom
separation of only few months,
seemed ages, and her dear old home,
was such ecstasy that all minor at
traction sank into insignificance and
made but q feeble impression upon
her soul.
Every one is aware how, from oft
repeated observation, scenes gradu-
ally lose part of their beauty and in
terest. This partial fleeting of pris-
tine loveliness can only be Apppar-
ent, not real we are so accustomed
n to their charms that we are incapa-
bic of properly approaching them,
while something new, perhaps infer
ior, has more fascination for us sim
ply from its novelty.
Marguerite could not restrain her
Impotence, and the horses had scarce
. " time to pause before Mr.. Kings
ley's residence, large brick man-
sion. with mansard roof and high
porch, when, not waiting for assist
sance, she leaped out, and gleefully
bounding up the steps was, the next
moment, clasped in her mothers fond
embrace, who, with a happy smile
lending an additional charm TO her
NATURALLY sweet and attractive coun-
itenance, was waiting to greet them.
Agnes, too, received such hearty
welcome as made her feel at once at
home. and as if she had known Mrs.
Kingsley all her life instead of this
being their first meeting.
4" AS they entered the spacious hall
the drawing room doors were sud
denly thrown open, and tall, hand
some gentleman, with large, spark
ling black eyes, dark hair, and the
most regular features, Agnes thought
she had ever seen, gracefully stepped
forward
"Why, DR.. Preston !" almost
shrieked Marguerite, as she advan-
ced to accept the proffered hand, a
pleasant smile Illuminating her face ;
"what an agreeable surprise. Agnes.
this is the playmate of my childhood
of whom | have so often spoken to
you; and now, sir" continued she,
playfHly, the ceremony of introduc-
ton, and the formal civilities usually
concomitant upon first presentation
being over, "to what fortunate cir
cumstance are we indebted for the
pleasure of your society, and pray
why did you not inform me, in your
last missive, that there was some
thing so charming in store for me ~
! ooh, had most excellent rea-
sons" replied the young disciple OF
Esculapius, his eyes twinkling in
\ merriment ''lmprimis, was afraid
/ would be unable to keep my en-
gagement, for you know" jestingly,
1--WE professional men are so much in
demand, and are kept so busy, and
\ suppose such had been the case'and
\ | had been prevented from carving