Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1902-06-04
CHAPTER vi.

twiukled in the dark blue sky. "The
Queen of Night" threw her silvery
beams upon the faces of happy
couple, causing their bright counte.
nances to appear happier. The gen.
tleman was pushing the oars slowly
into the waters, as the boat barely
sped across the surface of the lake
This couple appeared too happy fol
words and only the gentle murmurs
of the water disturbed the silence OF
the night. They seemed completely
wrapt in meditations, their secret
known only to themselves. They
sat gazing at the reflection of the
moon upon the lake, when, suddenly,
little sigh escaped her, though she
endeavored to restrain it. Her at
tempts were to no avail and it was
audible to him !; therefore, he said
"What reason is there for this
melancholy ?"
"I am not sad, Professor, and do
not know why allowed the sigh to
escape"
"Do not say professor call me
Irby," replied Prof. Wallace.
"But it does appear strange, Prof.
Wallace mean Irby-to address
you in that manner, and you a
teacher at our college, too"
"Ere long it will become natural,
Her.
"Before l promise to grant the re-
quest you asked of me several days
since, [ desire to inform you of some
thing concerning my past history.
| trust you will bear with me pa
tiently and / will make my story as
brief as possible. am an orphan.
My mother was taken from me when
| was quite a child, father having
predeceased her one year. was left
penniless and alone, in this broad
world, to fight the battle of life as
best | could. My ancestors, on my
fathers side, were quite wealthy,
but mama, like myself, was left alone
in the world to make her mark. She
chose stage-life as her occupation.
Father having married her, an ac-
tress, contrary to the wishes of his
parents, was disinherited. Mrs.
Edrones pitied my lonely condition
and took me in and has been as a
mother for me. She had only one
child-that was son, little older
than myself, and, having been
brought up together, we feel almost
as brother and sister. l have moth
ing but myself to offer and tell you
this that you may not afterward be
deceived. You have heard my story
and if you yet wish it I will grant
your desires"
"I love you, not for the sake of
wealth, but for your own value. You
are far more precious than silver or
gold and | consider myself the most
fortunate being on earth to hear,
from your lips, the promise to be my
bride, and shall endeavor to prove
myself worthy of your affections.
My heart overflows with joy. May
| seal the engagement with kiss ?
Remember, ere long, you will be
mine forever"
She nodded her head in assent :;
and he pressed his lips to her fair
brow. She was never caressed and
petted as she now was, but she
placed great confidence in this man,
and felt confident that they would
be happy together. She gazed into
the sparkling lustre of a gem, as it
glistened among many others around
her neck, and wondered if her matri-
monial life would be as bright and
full of light. The stiffness was
broken by the sound of her lovers
voice.
"Come, dear, we have reached the
shore, and shall break the happy
news to mother and father. They
will joyfully welcome you as a
daughter. Perhaps we can find
them in the office; too, I fear you
will take cold in the evening breeze.
In my infinite happiness I neglected
to consider your comfort"
He gently assisted her from .he
bateau and they Immediately re-
turned to the college.
A few moments later DR.. Wallace
was aroused from his desk by gentle
tap on his Office door. He gave a
stretch and one deep yawn, as he
lazily muttered
"Come in"
Irby at once appeared, accom-
panied by Her, proudly presenting
her to DIR. Wallace for admiration
The old gentleman faced her and
awaited the request of his son.
"Father, l present to you a
daughter, upon whom / trust you