The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1889-12-20

~ a. & s "A =
broken axle OF the coach, and the fare
OF dry paper, rolled up into torches,
which the passengers were continually
lighting for their convenience.
Had the youth gone on, to satisfy his
curiosity, he must have fallen into con-
versation with some of the passengers.
he fact that he had guided one of
their number to Tom Brysons would
have been mentioned, and the crime of
that night must have been promptly
discovered.
But, after a moment of irresolution,
Edgar Van Wyck continued his way
home. Had he kept on along the
highway this narrative would have a
speedy end.
A light was burning in the widows
room when he entered the cottage. He
was about TO 60 to his chamber. when
she called to him.
Don't 60 yet, Eddie" she said. "I
wish to talk with YOU"
He went into her ro IN and sat down
His mother came and stood beside him.
and laid her hand lovingly upon his
head.
What is it. Edgarp"
His eyes were averted, and sought
Il have been 80 frightened to be loft
alone when that dreadful storm was
raging; and I have been anxious Tor
you. Where have you been?"
He gave little impatient laugh.
"Over to Bryson's."
you have been there much lately
haven't you?"
lie was silent.
Il think can guess the truth, my
boy. Doyou love that mans daughter ?"
He broke from her caresses; his voice
choked.
Love her ?--yes, do. You might
as we'll know it now. I love hero
God!-O mother, how 1 love her! l
can't live without her. There-now
you know all"
he sob6ed like a girl. Mrs. Van
Wyck looked ut him pityingly, as a
mother might do; aud then q look of
resignation and of settled purpose came
to her benevolent face.
You say you cannot live without
her. You need not"
DO you mean that, mother?" His
eyes were full of hope as they looked
up to her.
"Why should 1 not? l have seen
her; she is beautiful, and trust, good.
l wish she had better father than
that sour old laborer; but that can't
be helped. They are poor. 1 am not
rich, but l have enough for us three
until you can do for yourself NV
dear Edgar, want to keep you with
me for the few years that shall stay
here. So bid you marry as you will !;
this shall be home for both of you !:
and may God bless you!"
She wiped the tears from her eyes.
Dear mother-dear, good mother I"
His face was radiant as he put his
arms about her neck and kissed her.
Presently other thoughts disturbed
him.
-4dts I&s al yell enough" he said, "for
whether she cares for you or not?"
I've never asked her."
HAS she any other suitor?"
mo, / am sure not"
And you have never spoken out
not for all these weeks that you have
been going there2"
He told her everything; the simple
story of ditfident boy, almost dumb
before the idolized object Of his affec.
ton. The widow listened, and smiled.
"My poor, bashful boy, you must be
bolder! Women are never won in that
way. Speak out. and tell her tho
truth. Where else could she get q
better match, about here? You're
| young, to be sure; so was your Door
father when we were married. You
may tell her that your mother con-
! sents."
"l'll see her in the morning, mother.
won't delay bit longer. I'm going
: to know how it is, right off, Your
advice is good, and yoa're the best
| mother tha. ever fellow had"
| The mother laughed at the boys
eagerness, and kissing him good night,
she retired to rest.
Edgar also retired; but not for some
hours to sleep.
The brief conversation in the moth.
er's chamber seemed Mt once to have
made man of him; the words of the
kind, induigent widow had inspired
, him with new hope and new conf.
dence.
He resolved that he would 20 over
to BrYson's early in the morning. He
would go with the traveller to Ayles-
worth because he promised him to
do so, and then ne would return and
learn his fate.
Fatigued, at last, with exultine
thoughts and rosy anticipations, he
fell asleep.
And still-not to his mother-not to
any person-had lie spoken word OF
his adventure of that evening; of his
meeting with the traveller, and his
guiding him to Eryson's!
Thoughts Of Jessica, hopes for o
bright future with her, had, for the
time, driven the events of the last few
hours from his mind.
The survivors of the strange events
we are recording, looking calmly back
upon them from time ten years later,
thought that fate itself worked that
night to conceal the DARK deed.
CHAPTER VIII
THE FACE OF DAY
With q start Tom Bryson awoke
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