Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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FORCED APART By W. CLARK RUSSELL Author of the "IFi 'eck of the Grosccnor,' I "A Suitor's Sweetheart," Etc. CHAPTER XXIL ALOXE. Upstairs lay Jenny, in the deep slumber .?which profound weariness in youth begets; the solemn sleep that, like death, smooths the countenance into an expression for utu'ch human knowledge has no definition. With out a stir in her she lay, and the mysterious sweetness of her lace was a sight for love to look upon with fear. Suddenly she started, and awoko with ono of those quick leapings from sleep which the f sleepless Eoul w?l forco the body into, and sat erect, with a frown of bewilderment, and her beautiful eyes alarmed and eager. She had no watch to tell the hour, but upon the carpet lay a streak of sunshine, and the mel low glory of it was n hint to draw her quickly to the window. The sun was high, and a splendor as of noontide upon the land. In stire belief that she had overslept the hour for the passing of the coach, she took her hat iu her hand and went downstairs. The first thing she beheld was the big Dutch clock just beside tho door; the hands of it pointed to the quarter past ten, so that Marples was not to be reached that day without posting. With her eyes fixed upon the clock, she stood oh the last step of the staircase, and her bn filed intentions plainly showed in the wonder and embarrassm?nt of her fact? until Sirs. Walker threw open the glass door of the bulkhead dividing tho passage from what would now be termed the bar, and, dropping her a little courtesy, hoped that she was tho better for her rest. "But I have missed tho coach, I fear," said Jenny, "if that clock be right" "It is right enough, ma'am. But Mrs. Mead is in the parlor, and will tell thee how this bapp'd, if she be not sleeping," replied Mrs. Walkor, with something liko a look of 'contrition on bor face, if ;t were not nervous ness. Without further words Jenny pushed open tho parlor door, and there, sure enough, at full length upon tho sofa, wos Mrs. Mead asleep. But Jenny was In stralta which would not permit of tender thoughtfuiness. She wanted to know why she had been allowed to mis. tho coach, and what she was now to do. And so gave Mrs. Mead a push, which sot the old woman talking in her sleep. "Ay, ay, thoe need'st not bother?the Lord lovo 'ee?an' it's as true as this hand?ynw!" "Mrs. Mead! Mrs. Mead!" . Tho old woman opened her eyes, stared at Jenny, lifted her head, gave a terrific yawn, and, planting her loose knuckles into the net work about Imr eyps, exclaimed in a smoth ering voice. -IVo bin as!c.'p, I do believe!" "Mrs. Mead, it's a qutrter past ten, and the couch has been gone this long wh 1". Oh, why was I allowed to sleep! 1 shall not get away this day; and here must I stop, for I have not money enough to hire a post chase!" ? cried Jenny. ."Sit down, mistress, and think a bit before ye quarrel. For maybe I'll bo showing ye that it's no fault o' mine ye've mi-sed tho coach, and then how sorrowful would your heart be for being angry with Mother Mead, who loves you,"sold the o d woman, continu ing to rub her eyo< until all tho sleep was squeezed out of them. "Sally, Sally!" she squeaked; and on Mrs. Walkor running in, Mrs. Mead exhorted her toprocuro breakfast at once tor Jeuny, and to look in upon them again tvvsently, which was as good assay ing, "Don't listen now, at all events." "You must not think I could be angry with you," > ud the girl, mournfully, "but it is a sad thin? f?r to lose tho coach; for I hoped to b3 with Bridget this day, and in a quiet place, where I could think how I am to act in the future." "And what's to stop you thinking here?" exclaimed Mrs. Mead. "Isn't it quiet enough??for hours together ye shall hear no sound but the hens talking and scraping in tho road Besides, it's nearer thy homo nor Marples. And Jenny, Mrs. Jenny! I'll own to thee it's my fault ye missed t' coach; and it wore my wish yo should. What did I say to 'ee lest night? Dreadful scandal will follow you when folks hear you have roon away, and I wiU not help theo to be foolish." Jenny looked at her with astonishment and fear. . Whatever force the objection might still possess, sh'> thought that Mrs. Mead had put it aside for good and all when she offered to walk with her to Winston. "Givo yourself time to think," continued the old woman. "If yc should have a mind to return to your mother, 'tis an eusy walk from here; if you will still go forward, then tho coach will be at this door to-morrow morn. But yo bo taking a mighty stop in quitting h^me without iver letting a cratur' but me know where you've gone It's be cause I love you that I've let you miss the coach, and given you a whole day for reflec tion wf thy home close at hand." "My mind is quite .mado up," said Jonuy, moving restlessly about the room.' "I w?l not return homo." "Well, that you say now, but by and by you will bo thinking anothor way." "I am grieved to have missed tho coach, but I am not angry," sho went on, hi a sub dued but firm tone. "It will bo dull work for mo here all day; for I suppose yen will return to Groystoue?" The old woman nodded. Jenny looked at her hard. ''Mrs. Mead, be frank with me. What do you mean to do' Shall you tell mother where I am?" "I'll not answer ye," replied the old woman rather sulkily, not liking Jenny's sharpness. "You have sworn to keep my secret," said tho girl reproachfully. "Suppose tho first man I met in tho street should be Mr. Shaw .'"-cried the old woman, in a shrill voice. Jenny turned to the window and looked through it in silence. "See now, my dearie," said Mrs. Mead mildly; "will ye let me judge how to act for you? If you were my child I could not wish you better than I do; and thy fame, which must be the dearest thing a woman hath, is my reason for hindering your journey this day. Neither you nor ina knows what is being said i' Greys tone, and things may hap to-day to make 'ee thankful j-ou had not all the way from Marples to come, Bide here while I go to Groystoue. I'll find out about thy mother, and how sho bt-ars thy going, and what is said of thee, and all that should bo known. And to-night will I return with what news there is; and it shall either bo that you return to thy homo again, or go straight on into the world, as shall seem best on what report I bring you." If Mrs. Mead had said this at first, Jenny would have understood her motives. But, says an ancient adage: "When you hear an old woman talk straight, you shall see your cow walK on its hind legs." "There may be good serse in what you say," Teplied Jenny, who had turned from Tho window and stood with her fine eyes fixed on Mrs. Mead; "and hero will I stop till you come back. But truly I do not know that any news you could bring should take me home again. For when father misses me his anger will bo terrible, and not to save my life would I face him without proof that I am an honest girLr At this moment Mrs. "Walker came in with Jenny's breakfast She chose to preparo the table herself, that she might havo a good sight of the young wife; for Jtnny was a wonderful heroino in the hostess' 03-33, and created a chance for imagination to chew upon that deserved to be made much of. "Your papa Is known to me, ma'am," said she, courtesying, in token that the breakfast was ready. ''I heerd him preacli a sermon once?nay, it weer a lecture, as I remember ?in St. Martin's hull, down Beach street, in your town. 11c hath a strong voice, anJ is a fine man, as I think Is he quite wollT With a sad smile Jenny answered her; and as she seated herself at the table, Mrs. Mead I asked Sail)- about the wagon that was to ] carry her to Groystor.c. "Johnny shall yut the horse to when it pleases ye," replied Sally. '?The sooner the better," said the old woman. ? The so-called wagon was a small metamor phosed cart, with a canvas hood, and wheels stout enough to support a horse. In ten piinutes' time it was at the door, and on the near shaft of it sat, with his hobnail boots within a foot of the, road, a sour-faced man, who sucked an inverted pipe, and doggedly* combed horseflies off tho rough hida of the horso with a whip. Sally camo into tho parlor to announco it, and Mrs. Mead at once got up and put on her old bonnet and shawl. "I shall find ye here when I come back?" said she, interrogatively, holding Jenny's I hand. ''Yes, 1 will wait for you," replied tho girl, wearily, with the now familiar absent look in hor.ej'es. The old woman hobbled out of tho room after her friend, and, with a hard expression of misery on her face, Jenny wont to the sofa and leaned her head upon it. CHAPTER XXIIL MRS. MEAD RETURXS TO OREYST0NE. "I kuow I'm doin' right Niver could-1 bold up my head if they got saying it were Jodith Mead as helped Michael's girl to roon away and leave her character behind her," said Mi's. Mead to herself as tho wagon drove off; and upon a loosened truss of hay she sat, right in tho center of tho vehicle, stnrin^ out of tho shadow at the prottv little ivu that was <.lr->ppiii? behind. It was eleven o'clock when they arrived at the top of the High strootof Groystone. "ThisTI do, mister," exclaimed Mrs. Mead, who bad no opinion of Johnny as a driver, and was weary of the jolting inflicted on her, and the miserably slow way they made; "ye needn't go no further." Johnny, however, refused to take any notice of her request There was an a!e house somo distance down tho street, and not until the wagon wa> abreast of it did he cry, "Whoa!" Then dropping from his perch, with a trifle of briskness in tho action, ho camo round to tho back of tho cart, and said, "Ye can get down here if ye lolko." . The ol 1 woman scrambled down as best she could, and Johnny locked on with a grin at her boots. Tho i eorrceting his smilo us sho faced round upon him, ho said: "This here's the Wheatshea', and the flavoy in tho liquor is as foine as though 'twar all roon stoof." "Ye'ro welcome to drink as much as iver they'll trust ye with," replied Mrs. Mead tartly. "Aren't ye goin' to stand summat?" cried the lean. "Yes, half a pint o' vinegar, if yo're good to drink it," answered tho old woman. 1 "Go along, or I'll get ye drownt for a witch," shouted tho disappointed Johnny; and off ho went, chuckling audibly. Not ten yards, however,'could she go with out meeting an acquaintance. Who should this bo but old Mrs. Bruff, going to hor snufT shop in George street, with her dinner iu a paper parcel. "Good mqrnin', Mrs. Mead. How are you? 'Tis an age sin I soon yo my way." "I'm middlin' -.veil, thank 'ee, Mrs. Bruff. As to comiu' your way, what hath snuff to say to a lone old cratur' that counts her val ley in fardens? The flies, they do tickle, truly. Them and tbG dogs knows what's good," exclaimed Mrs. Mead, with a glance at the paper parcel. "And doth not tho par son sny that prosperity draws strange things to it.'" "Ye'ro alien quizzing, Mrs. Mend. Pros perity, indeed! Five and fourpence was my airnings last week; scarce three loaves in it thanks to them wagabono French, as it's a massy for them I ain't a man." "Well, and yo give me no news? That two gossips should roast i' this heat with nothing to say! But they're wonderful liars i' Grey stone," said Mrs. Mead. "News?to (ker.!'' cried Mrs. Brun", with a ludicrous toss of the head. "Why, hero I stand for truth; f? r, as you say, thoy'ro dreadful liars i' Grey stone." "The truth o' what?" "But you know!" exclaimed Mrs. Bruff, looking at her old companion with absurd incredulity in her face. "I do not know," replied Mrs. Mead, with tho eageni'-ss of a born gossip. "I am this minute arrived from Winston, and if an> thing hath happ'd I'm as strange to it as a unborn infant" "Why, then," said Mrs. Eruff, speaking slowly, and with evident sense of superiority, "it's everywheres towd that Mike Strang field's wench hath run away for shamo o' tho wrong done her by Dr. Shaw's son. But that's not it, neither. Not twenty minutes since, I met Deacon Skelton, who says to me, 'Is it true, Mrs. Bruff, that my brother Strnngficld is dead'' 'The Lord forbid,' I says. 'I hope not, Mr. Skelton.' 'I'm afeard he is, then,' ho says. 'Jim Mason,' he s?}-?, him as keeps the Blue Posteses, had the news from Tom Rallies, as is cousin to tho ' Strang fields' scrvint; Poll}- her name is. ? She was sent for the doctor, but came fu-t in fright to her mother?who's kept her bed I sin' April, poor wretch?an' says that Strangficld's fell down in a fit, and's a dead man.' 'Lord bless me, sir!' says I." "That's news indeed!" exclaimed Mrs. Mead, very pale, and catching up her dress. "Jf it's true, it's as strange n wisitation as any that iver I read of in Holy Writ Good by to ye. You've put me in a hurry, Mrs. Bruff. Lord save us! what wonderful things happen in this life!" She was limping rapidly away before Mix Bruff could return her farewell. She was too experienced a gossip herself to believe in the uecuraey of any story related: but then, likewise, sho well knew that almost never does any story get abroad without foundation. They may say there's a flame where there is only a spark; but be sure there is fire of some kind. Hastily down the street she went. Ar rived at her home, she washed her face, brushed her hair, dusted her bonnet and shoos, and, glancing at tho cupboard, to make sure of a bit of dinner to be cooked on her return, sho sullied forth once more, and walked direct to Strangficld's house. No outward and visiblo sign there was of anything being amiss. Mrs. Mead knocked softly, and, with un easiness bred in her by tho dislike bore her by the Strangfiol&s, kopt herself close, that she might not be spied b}- any sideways glance from the window. No one respond ing, sho knocked again loudly, and presently tho door was opened by Mrs. Strangfield herself. The desolate white and grief of tho poor woman's face wai indeed something heart moving to behold. The utter forlorimess of the eyes, the piteous droop of tho mouth, tho (lishevelmeht of hair and attire, which into .grief throws a violent dramatic element, were bcyon 1 expression, She looked at Mrs. Mead, while the old lady bobbed n courtesy, as a person to whom everything that offers has a meaning cruelly hard to master. "God forbid, mistress," said Mrs. Mead, "yo should think I nm come out of evil curi osity. They "say the deacon bath been stricken ill, and positively would I know this from one who hath the truth." "Why do you come here for news? This is a house of mourning now. I nm a desolate, lonely woman. Heaven help me," replied Mrs. Stnuigtteld in a broken voice. "So, indeed, ye be, if it is only for your daughter's leavin' ye." said Mrs. Mead, with deep compassion. "But what hath happ'd to the deacon.' For the Lord's sake let mo hear it oY you, ma'am!" "He hath ben struck with paralysis, and lice dying and calling for his daughter. That is the truth. And now must 1 go to him, for your knock has brought me from his bed, and the maid is away on an errand, and 1 am alone in the houso." She spoko with stolidity of exhausted grief, and was stepping back to close the door. 'Stay!" cried Mrs. Mead, "I bring thee news of thy child." The mother wheeled round with a shriek, and with both hands seized her arm. 'What of her? Is she living:" "Living and well. Not an hour ago I left her." Mrs. Strangfleld had no words. The sudden dispersion of the fears that had torn her heart was a moral convulsion that deprived her of speech. She stood with her fingers clutching hard the old woman's arm. Then incoherently she spoke. "Sweet girl! How hath she been wronged 1 My pretty one! Alive, indeed, and 1 have been praying for thee. Oh, what a sorrow to befall the pure in heart! God forgive us!" She drooped and leaned toward Mrs. Mead, and brought up tho old hand to her mouth and kissed it, weeping the while such tears as only mothers weep. "Alive ami well!" sho burst out ngaia "D;r.r heart, to bring me such good tidings! Come in, come in! God is good to send theo! Dear heart, what joy you give me!" IT (Ml drops trickling Mown bor furrowed check, Mrs. Mead suffered herself to be drawn into tho house by the passionate mother. "Quick, now, dear friend," cried Mrs. Strangfleld, feverishly. "Tell me where my girl is! Is sho in Greystono?? Oh, my poor heart!" "Sho is at Winston, at the Greyhound there, and you mini go and fetch her, and tell her what blqgr hath fallen on thee, or she will not retoorn. Oh, she is bitter?and rightly so!" quavered tho old woman, in a voice strangely composed of indignation and sympathy. "Niver, sho swears, will she come to her home again, to bo despised and thought vilely of. For her dying father she may come?but you must fetch her, mis tress." "Come! Oh, she will come when sho sees my face, and hears that her father lies moan ing for her. Besides, hath not Dr. Shaw proved her a married woman ? Ay, this very morning, Mrs. Mead, ho camo to bring us written proof of my Jenny's marriage with Cuthbtrt Shaw! But how can I leave my husband?" sho cried, distractedly. "Tho doctor says ho must be watched. And how can I fetch my Jenny and be with my poor ?Michael?" "Well, woll! truly provod married! And sho hath told nc lies, then?" gasped Mrs. Moad. "Tho Lord forprivo ye for all tho pain you have given her. What didsl thee say?? thy husband wants nursing? While yo're gone I'll watch by him. I've nursed a many i' my time. Hath ho his mind?" "Yes; he lies still?ho has no power in one arm?and he groans sadly. He calls for Jenny, and? Oh, Mrs. Mead! if I am not quick he ma}- never see her again in this world. Dear Mrs. Mead, since you will stop, run up to him now, dear heart, while I get my bonnet. I w?l bo very quick. Do you mind, I have courage to be quick since sho is living. Straight up, Mrs. Mead, to the right Stay, I will show the:-. Oh, God grant him a little lifo!" Sho ran upstairs swiftly, yet with light feet, and Mrs. Mead wont laboriously, quiv ering and stumbling after her. Outside tho door quite clearly was the groaning of tho man heard. Hu lay on his back looking to ward the wall, and in the gloom of tho room his faco was scarcely distinguishable from tho pillow for the whiteness of it. Wtih.fmger on her lip Mrs. Strangfleld mo tioned to Mrs. Mead to take tho chair by tho bedside; and, nimbly appareling herself, she came to tho old woman's ear and breath lessly delivered instructions. They wero simple enough, and to Mr-. Mead's discretion was left the explanation of her prosenco if Strangfleld should observe her. But, truly, there seemed little chance of this; never once, since lifted from the parlor floor and laid upon the bad, had he stirred, and 'that should be over three hours. At regular in tervals he groaned, and as. his-wife glided out of the room he called for Jenny. CHAPTER XXIV. JENNY AND HEB MOTHER. Just out of High street,, not a stone's throw from tho church, lived Mr. Franklin, who owned tho Swiftsure coach that plied between Grey stone and the old city on tho road to London. He was a pudding-faced man, and shaped like a ball in that part of his body ? hieb the band of his breecho; circled; and he stood, with his legs wide apart, sucking a straw at the gateway of his yard, wherein, under sheds, stood his rolling stock, when Mrs. Strangfleld breathlessly came to him, and besought him, with clasped, entreating hands, 'instantly to order out one of his coaches, that she might be driven to Win ston. Now, fortunately for her, Franklin was a prompt man: and reading urgency in tho poor woman's desperate face, he gave a shrill whistle, and out from a little ofllcc tumbled a knock-kneed hostler. "Number Two, Jeremy, and Sarah's your gaL Let Thomas scrape hisself, and tell him the toddy's waiting," said Mr. Franklin; and with dispatch that would pleasure this electric ago to experience, a coach rattled up to the gate. "To the Greyhound, at Winston, as quick as ever you can gallop," cried Mrs. Strang fleld; and in u trice the heavy-wheeled vehi cle was scattering loungers in the roadway oil to the pavements, and making tho shop windows clink to the thunder of its progress, j Still, it was a half-hour's drive, anil a ter ribly hustling one. At last the village hove in sight; a little row of cottages swept by, ami the coach came to a stand in front of the glass door of the Greyhound inn. The man descended from the box of tho coach, though already she was spraining her wrLst in desporate efforts to opou the door for herself; and no sooner was sho liberated than sho flew into the arms of Sally, who, having caught sight of tho coach from a window, was running to the door. "Are you the mistress?" said Mrs. Strang fleld, in a wild way. "Yes, I be, ma'am," replied Sally, with a civil courtesy. "Is there a lad}- here?" "Ay: an' you bo her mother, I rockon." "I "ain her Mother. Take rao to her at once." Though Sally had been fortified with a dozen scruples, they would have been help lessly swept away by the peremptorinojs of this command. "She's just whore Mrs. Mead left her, ma'am. This way, please," and she went to tho parlor door and threw it open, saying: "Here bo thy mother, mistress." Jenny was standing at the window over looking the green space of garden at the back of tho housj. With a stupefied face on her sho turned, and a cry left her lips, and sho stepped back a pace when her mother rushed to her. Tuen, like a dash of night at the sight of the beloved face, an impulses of love and joy leaps 1 up in her; and in close, sol> bing embraej were they locked as Sally, looking away from the sacred sight, closed the door upon I hem. "Oh, Jenny, why ore you here.' why didst thc2 leave me;'' cried Mrs Stianglie'.d, re linquishing her daughter to gaze at her, with eyes in which rapture und sorrow wore strangely blended. "Never was mother's heai't wrung as mine was when this morn ing I beheld your bed untouched, and you wore not near to answer to my calL" "I could not stay. Father would have taken me to London to-day; rfhd see what a mad journey it would have been, and how cruel my ignorance would make him!" tho girl said, pushing back her hair, aad stand ing in a half defiant, half drooping posture before her mother. "Thy father! Oh, Jenny! not only is it my lovo for theo that has brought me hero in mad haste?thy father is dying! Ay, he may bo dead before we can return to html" "Dying!? Mothsr, what do you say?" said Jenny, taking, so to speak, a firmer hold of tho floor with her feet, and- frowning, while a sickly hue of pallor overspread her face, "Oh, Jenny! for the sake of God who hath brought mo to the:-, put on vour hat and come with mo quickly. I tell you your father is dying?he fell to tho ground when Dr. Shaw brought him proof of your marriage with Cuthbert Dostnot theo know that the doctor has proved theo his son's wife.' All, my poor heart, how should she know!?and ib.it the cause of thy husban l's mtaing, as the doctor believes, is that he was s> i:: ?1 by the press gang and carried away to sea! Down thy father foil, rui i we b ,iv hint to his room, and th6 Burgeon fears for his lifo; and all tho while ho lies groaning and crying upon thy name. 'Bring Jenny to me! bring Jenny to me." he moans. My pretty, como quickly, or you'll see him no more in this world." Tho girl stood transfixed and overwhelmed by her mother's news. Then you could have seen her battling with the rush and surge of tumultuous emotions a whole minute ere she spoke. "Do you teil me that my darling is carried away to sea?" she said, in a febrile whisper. "'Tis what his father believes." "And that Dr. Shaw hath proved me his son's wife to my father?" "Yes, indeed. He camo with a paper, and the sight of it hath killed thy father. His hear is broken for tho wrong ho has done his only one!" wailed the mother. "Oh, Jenny, do not delay! There is a coach at the door. Make haste to put on your hat. You would not let him be moaning for theo in dying sorrow and not come?" Sh" looked at her mother with a wonder ful ex u ession of troubled, amazement and incredulous horror in her eyes, then took up her hat, on 1 in a few minutes was ready to depart As sho loft tho room she met Mrs. Walker, into whose hand sho slipped a guinea, giving her a sweet, strnngo smile as sho did sc. but quite poworless to speak. ?Tho woman, much affected by Jenny's munificence, put the little trunk Into tho coach, and low and numerous wero tho Courtesies she dropped as it drove off. Tho rattle of wheel and window, if not a prohibition to speech, was a decided obstacle tc tho hearing. But Mrs. StrangHeld had too much to say to hold her peace. With her child's hand locked in hers sho poured her heart into Jenny's oar, and all the story of Dr. Shaw's visit told her, and the medical man's judgment on Michael's condition, with whatever else that her head was giddy with ?sometimes reproaching and sometimes breaking into passionato exclamations of rapture, which thoughts of her husband would inevitably choke; silent scarcely ever, and of tho matter of her volubility leaving Jenny, amid the roar of the coach, in pos session of but very small fragments. And tho girl/ Her father knew at last that she was honest, and for a brief while had exultation, of tho kind that inflames tho madman's eye, swelled until it had sickened her heart with the force and fullness of it. But the emotion died under tho heavy droop of humiliated honor. Sho had won back her name, but what had the victory coat her? Her husband was gone, her father was dying, her heart was wounded and bleeding badly. Tho bitter passion of shame that had driven her from Groystono revisited her again when tho coach entered tho High street, and sho leaned back and Involuntarily drew her veil over her face. The mother stjppcd the coach at the corner of the street, that the jar of tho wheels might not pone trato tho resonant wooden house, and alighted with her daughter, and both of them went quickly in. "Mother," whispered Jenny, standing in the passage as a stranger might, "I will stay here till youliavu seen him." "In the parlor, then, dearest, and rest thee. Oh, Jenny, pray God to suaro him! Ho is thy father." Softly the poor woman climbed the stairs, and Jenny went into the little room which, in all her life, she had vowed never again to enter. Speculating she stood, wondering how it had befallen that her mother had come so speedily. Then through the doorway came a whis por?"Jenny!" She went out, and on the stairs she saw her mother, who for despair could only beckon or toss her hands. She followed Mrs. Strnngfleld upstairs, with a creeping chill over her limbs, and the sensation of a thousand quivering fibers in her body. In the bedroom near the bed were two figures w hom she could not immediately dis tinguish for tho fecbh light in the chamber; but she speedily found that one was Mrs. Mead and the other the doctor. Both figures drew away when mother and daughter came Into the room. Mrs. Strnng fleld went to the bedside, and, bending over the motionless form upon it, said, in a whis per of exquisite sadness: "Michael, Jenny is here. Wilt thou speak to her!" For some moments there was no answer. At last, in a faint, hoarse murmur, Ih ? dying man said: "Let her take my hand and kiss me. June, thee knowest that I cannot move." Tho girl went to her father, and put her hand into his and kissed his forehead. '?Jenny, my littlo one," he murmured, "thee didss wrong to trick me. Of old did the prophet chide, saying, 'And thou saidst, I shall lie a lady forever; so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither did-t remember tho latter end of it.' But thy punishment has been sore, my poor one. By thee am I con lemned, whom I condemned. I was a liar for speaking what, in my wrath, I believed tho truth; and it did nearly break | thy heart, poor wench, as mine is broken!" No pathos tho meaning of his word' had could equcl the deeply moving effect giveu to J "Jenny, my little onc.'; he murmured. them by his speaking with his hea'l? turned away, all power lost, life ebbr^vT'oni him as suivly as the shadows cast by ihe sun were slowly circling to the east, whence darkness comes. She hung over him with dry eyes, for tho grief in her was too deep for tears. "Father," she whispered, "I wronged thee by loving secretly; Lut has not my husband's going wrung my heart with punishment enough? Truly, I was innocent of worso sin than decoit; and now tfcit you know I am innocent, and bear with my kisses, I could be happy to die." No answer did ho return, and ho began to breathe heavily; on which tho doctor came gently to her, and would have led her from the bed; but tho father had a grip of her 'hand, and she would not disengage his hold. Said the mother, in a feeble whisper: "Is there no hope.'" The doctor shook his head, and let his chin fall on his breast, and stood quiet, with his hands clasped. No more was said. What wo?; killing him, God knows! Not paralysis only, nor yet a broken heart Yet visibly was be dyin a?i' tii ? difficult breath grcv. -k.v.cr and ?v.-a.;?-r; <md within nu hour 1.0:1; 1 iy\ n-tiirn to lipr home the broar.h l:i Ui. 1 ?.>?? ?????>'? th.s body grow ing cold. IJ?; 1 ?.:.-?-'??! away amid a ileep s:ill ness in tli ? mmn; ant Jenny Iidivelf, vvh'i was n ai- h a, knew not, that he >vas dead. unti1 a strangeiiaa iu the hold of his flng-rs made her shriek cat. Thus did it come about; and the mother and daiight r wept ill each other's arms" while the doctor gliilc 1 noiselessly from the house, and Mrs. Mead tenderly closed the dead man's eyvs, and veiled the marble silemv of his face. (to uk continued.) fINSURE V??R PROPERTY WITH KIRK ROBINSON, AGENT. COMPANIES ALL FIST-CLASS AND KELIABLE. LOSSES PROMPTLY ADJUSTED AND PAID. COLLECTIONS PROMPTLY ATTEND ED TO. I am slill selling Brick, Lime, Laths, Hair and other Building Material. ALSO 1 am now prepared to furnish Coal and Wood in any quantity*. All orders left with nfe shall have prompt attention. No dravage charged. Give nie atrial. July E1KK ROBINSON For $:j!c A VALUABLE PLAXTAT I {) X 1 v eight miles east of town on the Five Chop mad. Contains 500 acres of land, ISO of which is under cultivation, find remain der well wooded with pine, oak, hickory, &c. Besides dwelling and other necessary buildings, all of which are in excellent con dition, there is a well appointed, steam gin, saw and grist mill, with power cotton press, seed crusher, cotton elevator," wagon scales and cut off saw. On the place is an excel lent car]) pond, stocked with scale carp (the only pond in this county, to my knowledge, that has raised carp.) This place is excel lently located in the center of a thickly settled neighborhood, there-by possessing excelled advantages as a location for phy sician. This place with stock and all other appurtenances, together with crop made upon it lliis year, except cotton crop, will be sold on terms to suit purchaser. . Apply to W. s. Baktox, M. I). "Slarwall" Farm, Orangeburg, S. (.'. June:;- linn OVEK D. B. OWEN'S, Kussel! Street, Omngeburg, s. C, TO THEj'UUMC: 1 have opened a lirst class Photo Gallery, i would tic pleased tu have samples of work examined at Gallery. All werk strickly first-class. Photos of Groups and Babies a speciality by Instant method. All Vowing Exteriors7, Dwellings, Horses, Dogs ami Animate taken at short notice by instant method. Old pictures copled'and enlarged. Special attention given to this branch of work. Pictures finished in water colors, India Ink and Crayon. Also Photo taken from the size of smallest pocket to full life .'5x5 feet All work done wilh neatness and dispatch. Vowing any where in the State. Special discounts on all orders over?10.00. Give mi' a call. I will assure sat isl action. All work CASH UN 1JEL1V LUV. Postivelj no credit. VAN OKSDELL, Artist, " ? July 17 llussell Street, Oramgcbimr, s. r. a-'ol Sale. 0 ~(\ AciiKs coon kaiimixc ')?)"' land located in Lyons Township, Ontngeburg County, seven miles from the town of St. Matthews. One hundred and seventy-live acres cul tivable, remainder well timbered. A good stream of water running the entire length of tract, with water power and machinery for ginning and grinding. Also lor sale one good forty-live saw Klliott ?jlli, ami one line young Mule. Anyone wishing a very desirable farm would do Well to confer with the undersigned before purchasing. Julv 'JSh'JUXO JAS. M. MOSS. "MOORE COUNTY GRIT" Tl.- hr.Ht Mitist- neinth? World f r Table >fenl. ?Samplesof meal lent ..n aptIhvHi-ii. s.-?.l |..r prinH on Portable Crn Mills, Upper and l.'nder Knnn r? ami Mill f.mtex W?a.-c agents for r'ttKifH'M, llnllrrn, Snw Mill*. Cot ton ('In?, Planen, sinftin;. I'ulley?, A.-., f..i Itutler-Jtul tiui:;: . '? ?'? ? ? ?"'?? "??u r-.r tho miller i:i every Imrrcl of flour I"' make*. Writ? Mating ?bat ? in v..int .in<: tarn? you ?l*n Im? on. Xlivc reference*. AtMrcis, Nor III ('nrolinn ."uh1 Htunu Co., Parke???!, M^.rc cv, N. C. ABIAI. LATHROl*. "r. M. WAXXAMAKER, Orangeburg, S. C. St. Matthews, S. C 1 ATHROP & WASXAMAKEK, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, Oraxgeburg, S. C. Office I'p Stairs Over the Fostotlice, SLAUGHTER THIS MONTH II FINE DRESS SOODS. The critical time in tin-Dress Goods trade nt the season has arrived and HENRY KOHN will not delay the usual CUT Which he makes in the prices of his Spring Dress Goods Stock in order to close them out ! Those who dcsjre to get the most for their MONEY always respond to my notice of "CUT PKIOES." Cashmeres, Plaids, Albcrtross, French Lkiy.es, Mikado Suitings and Tricot Cloths, have been reduced fully 2,1 per cent, to re duce the stock. Fine White Embroidered Kobe? in boxes from ?2.50, ^.7,j and ga, these prices are one half of former price. SHOES. IIK.N'KV KOHN'S nev.r Shoes and Slip pers, tin.' best and chendest stock ever offer ed in the City. ? noSHODDY shoes: NO TRASH SHOES! HENltV KOHN'S stock ol liibbons and Laces, is Iteyoud comparison, the largest ami cheapest assortment in the City. RMS, MMTI.WS AM) SHADES. Shade and patent rollers complete 7.1 cents. Cents reinforced Shirts, linen I routs 3? cents. ? No use in talking, HENKj KOHN lead.-, in lhe Clothing trade foi Men. lioys and Children, Ik: sure and look when you want a suit of Clothing. Thousands of Bargains in Corsets, Fans, Domestics, Cassimicrs, >Vc. limited space forbids the mention of. IT ? OST* KOTIIirVKTO LOOK. Ii will save you money lo do so. HENRY KOHN, LEADER OF LOW PRICES.