The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-12-27
Under the Arch of Clematis.
BY MISS GERTIE LINEHAN

On the the corner of East and
Sixth street stood white marble
mansion of Mr. L Forester who
was one of the leading tobacco mer
chants Of A His family consisted
of a devoted wife and three loving
children. two boys and q girl. Eu.
gene, the eldest of the family, was
studying law. Louis was at college.
and Phedors, beautiful girl Of l9
summers, was her fathers pride aud
mothers comfort
The lofty oaks and chestnuts were
hanging with icicles, and the leaves
looked as if they were incased in
crystal caskets, the sun was hidden
by the snowy clouds that glded over
the floor of Heaven, and the snow
flakes fell fast forming a white sheet
upon the happy earth. 1t was Christ
mas eve, and Mrs Forester and Pbe
dora began their charitable errand
Many hearts were made glad by
their visit, for this spirit seemed to
be cherished BY her dear daughter
As twilight stole in the golden
west Mr. Forester returned from his
business. bearing a present for each
OF the family. and also' for the poor
one his wife vas in the habit Of vie.
iting The family greeted him
warmly. and he entered his sitting
room. where the happy family en-.
;oyed his presence before a bright
wood lire on the ample hearth /; its
reflection played hide and seek in
every nook and corner of the spa.
c'ous room which lighted up the
dark oaken panels and danced on The
green vines that framed the paintin gs
OF the family who had long passed to
rest
The dawn of Christmas stole quiet.
~ over the sleeping earth giving
promise of bright Christmas day.
All swoke with happy hesr.s and
sweet smiles. wishing each other
Merry Xmas The day was not only
enjoyed by the rich family, but BY
the poor one on Sixth avenue.
On March 18th, 1850, by one turn
OF the wheel of fortune Mr. Forester
became poor man. His business
failed. and this almost made him
truly poor Louis. who was at col.
lege, was sent for the mansion
was sold, and this fashionable family
had to move from the home where
they had spent 90 many happy years.
Phedora first felt the fail more severe
Iy than the others, but che was
resigned to the holy will of God. and
hoped that the happy days she had
passed would return Hope. that
bird of viewless wings, sang in her
ears the live long day the sun of
glory, and the castles of promises
seemed to lift her to the very skies
She knew hope would impart to
sorrow golden tint. and give to life
it's sweetest joy Eugene was still
practising law, and Louis was still
working with DR. johnson, who
taught him his profession whenever
an opportunity would permit Phe
dora was a we'll educated girl, at
trac,ive. and of a noble char
acter She also resolved to
help her dear parents who were so
good and bind When the mail was
handed around at the breakfast table
Phe dora was surprised at receiving
letter 10 an unknown hand from q
lady who desired her as a companion,
having heard of her nobility of char
acter and her desire to aid her parents
The day of her departure for Sch
nectady was fixed for April 5th The
train shifted out of the illuminated
! depot just ss the sun was waking the
earth to gladness, happy forerunner
of her future happiness The treee
seemed to keep pace with the swift
train IS it passed through the lovely
forest Phedors at last reached her
destination. and was met by Dr.
Huntington and Gladys, the son and
daughter of the dear old lady to
whom che was going to act az com.
psnion
The carriage drove up to the red
brick mansion of the Huntington's,
which was approached by grove of
fine oaks. which stood in the heart of
an exquisite flower garden. Phe-
dora met Mrs Huntington and at
once made friends Her routine was
very simple, which she readily began
by reading to the dear lady in the
morning and in the afternoon she
would spend her time sewing among
the flowers Every evening Phedora
wrote to her broken hearted parents,
% she knew her letters would cheer
them Mann an afternoon while
wandering in the garden admiriDg
the beautiful flowers, which may we'll