Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1902-06-25
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
nm THE following morning Her
w was much improved, but Arnold
was not. The excitement which he
had undergone proved too great for
him, for, though the crisis had
passed, he had not, as yet, regsined
his strength since that memorable
light. He had, on this occasion,
attempted to rob himself of life, but
was unsuccessful, for he, in his ex-
treme excitement, had placed the
weapon to his right, instead of his
left side, therefore the crime did not
result according to his intentions.
DR.. Elkins was their family physi-
clan and his strictest attention and
medical skill were required for this
patient. When he called on this
occasion he said that exertion and
excitement on the part of the boy
had aggravated his wounds, and it
was necessary for him to remain
quiet for quite while. Her wished
to nurse him during this illness, but
this was prohibited until she had re-
gained her strength. She endeavored
to patiently await the arrival of that
time, but it appeared to her as
months-though really only few
days-before they permitted her to
pursue the desired task. She was
then well once again, save the lack
of strength, which had never re-
turned since her recent illness. She
made an excellent nurse, kind and
faithful, ministering to his every de-
sire to the best of her ability. She
was delighted to remain in his COM
pany and be assured that he was
improving, and, in DR.. Elkin's opin-
ion, would, ere long, be himself again.
He desired to speak to Her concern
ing the past, but she would not
listen, declaring she would never
allow him to excite himself in the
least until quite well. She read to
him from his favorite books and her
mellow voice, as it sounded in the
air, appeared as music to his ear.
Finally both had recovered and they
went to enjoy a stroll TO the lake.
Ere long they were on the borders
meath the shade of a willow, where
they occupied rustic settee, to en-
joy pleasant cnat.
81 am unable to realize that you
are the promised bride of another
of Prof. Wallace. II seems as only
yesterday since we were children,
playing meath this same old tree.
Now, you, little sister, are to leave
me forever. | will miss your pres
ence in the future. Why are you
not preparing for the marriage
Isn't it to occur ere many weeks
have transpired, or, have you post
poned it until later?"
>"Yes, forever, for 1 will never be
his BRIDE"
"Do you not love him, Her? When
your heart is his, and only his, why
do you say forever p"
"No affection remains in nv heart
for him, though l once thought
cared for him. There is another
whom love with all my heart, and
| have returned Irby's ring" And
she held her fingers before him for
proof concerning the matter.
"May ask who is to be the for
tunate one to win your affections 2''
continued Arnold, as a crimson glow
entered his cheeks, and he glanced
into her happy countenance.
"It is only you. Will you forgive
the past1 If 80, l shall give my
solemn promise never to doubt you
again." she cried.
els it possible that I have you,
Her, the same unchanged girl of old
| am indeed lucky and my lifelong
wish is fulfilled. 1t is pleasant to
know that the awful tragedy did not
terminate according to my inten.
tions, for if it had this happiness
would have fallen to the lot of ano-
ther," he replied as he watched the
expression in her brown eyes.
"Had you been taken from me the
nunnery would have been my home,
and my life would have remained
one of unhappiness."
A smile crossed her parted lips,
but she shuddered as she thought OF
what might have been. lie observed
this, and spoke only of the happy
future in store for him.