The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-09-01
CHAPTER xxx.
CONCORD.

| CONCORD.
Such scenic beauty as the United
States Of America can boast-and 1t is
of wide extent and infinite variety
owes everything to nature. nothing to
man. American cities, almost with
out exception, consist of unpretentious
buildings disposed in square blocks. SO
that wherever the gaze of the urban
pedestrian is directed, his eye is met
by montonous right lines OF avenues
and streets. The feyerish pursuit, the
worship, of the almighty dollar which
an.mates the majority Of tho American
people, killing the artistic instincts in
herited from their progenitors and
! leading them to contemn Beauty and
defy Utility. has resulted in little or
nothing to make city life tolerable.
Everywhere in the new world the trav-
eler is confronted by advertisements
OF appalling dimensions and hideous-
ness. Liberal-minded American who
have travelled protest against such
wanton outrages on good taste more
/ loudly even than the stranger; but
they see no way to its suppression.
Notwithstanding my eager haste to
see and speak with my dear Constance.
/ could not refrain from pausing brief
space to contemplate the delightful
home where the infancy Of my promised
wife and her sister had been passed.
The cottage, constructed of wood,
was of low elevation, but covered much
ground; It was designed with fantas-
tic irregularity; windows and doors of
strange pattern and diverse size ap-
pearing at the most unexpected angles.
The cottage was sheltered at the back
by a wide semicircle Of large, closely
planted trees, whose foliage had now
assumed the beautiful golden tint Of
autumn, while along its front ran a
commodious piazza, shaded with white
canvas, from which one might step on
to the sun-Scorched lawn, or view the
fine prospect between it and the foot
Of Orange Mountain. In this situa-
ton 1t Is difficult to realize that the
great city Of New York lies so nearly
as thirteen miles eastward; but so it
Is. However, did not give much con.
sideration to that circumstance, but
having admiringly regarded that part
Of the neighborhood within my view,
1 entered the grounds of Belle Vue
Cottage. The heaviness Of spirit,
born Of my painful experience that
morning, had quite passed away, and
l was elated by the prospect of present
ly accompanying one to gain whom l
had suffered so much. My presence
being challenged at no point by either
closed gate, servant, or dog, l ap-
preached the steps which led up to
the piazza; and there, to my intense
delight, I discovered my loved one re-
clining in a hammock Of netted silken
cords. As usual with her, she was
dressed very plainly, entirely in white,
which greatly enhanced her natural
gracefulness Of figure and feature as
she lay, all unconscious of my ed
miring gaze, her delicate cheek resting
upon one hand, while with the other
she grasped the book that absorbed
her attention.
"ConEie!"
The startled fair enc dropped her
book and looked at me with an e.
preston of joyous surprise.
$50 you have come at last, dear"
she exclaimed, as I assisted her to
descend from the hammock, for which
service, before it was half rendered,
l paid myself with kiss. why,
what long time you have been awayl
l began to fear I should never see or
hear from you again."
'That could hardly be and l were
alive. my own little pet; but you will
remember it was agreed between US
that / was not to write or telegraph
unless my mission to England sue
ceeded. I am sorry to tell you it has
failed utterly, and my fortunes, what
SNSl thCy may piOfS " ~, oAS W AAAe&N>N'
Never again will reject the advice Of
ny OVID Connie"
mot until the next time, you mean;
or until you weary Of me-" amended
Constance, pouting.
"Ch my darling, that can never be"
"AIake no rash assertions, my dear
Ernie, and so perhaps escape broken
vows. My sister, worthier far than l
but have you seen poor dear Gertie?
How did you know where to find me"
81 left aunt ard uncle at Windsor
Hotel not more than an hour ago.
They are good friends now, am
happy to say, and I have this very
morning had positive proof that the
cause of their estrangement is now
fully removed At their request have
come to fetch you to New iork, and