University of South Carolina Libraries
SHERIDAN & SIMS,'.Proprietors. SUUSCIUI'TION. , . . One Year.SI.50 Six Months.. .1.00 Ministem of the Gospel.1.00 ADVBRTISKMENTti. First Instertion.$1.00 Each Subsequent Insertion.?....CO Liberal contracts made for 8 month anil over. JOT3 O-PJET-Iojil IS PREPARED TO DO Al.f. KINDS OK THE USUAL WAY, A RURAL ROMANCE. ?FOBTHE OKANGKUUHG DEMOCHAT.J BY'l/ESTKLLE. Mr, TrafTord wlis on llic cvc of de parture for his distant home, and a farewell social, party had been given in his honor. Kato was radiant that night, and TralTord seemed ftdly to realize her. attractions. iWJeston was unable to secure her company at all, and while looking at her moving care lessly through the dance so absorbed in conversation with her partner as to forget when their turn came, what was it that made him suddenly leave ?the 'room and seek the starlight? Did he leave the revelers to their anirtb-, finding no enjoyment in the mere animal excitement which held sway over their minds to commune alone with his own worthier feelings, or to admire the beauties of the stars ?which one by one "swung out their pale lanterns V" No, he did not hold such sweet communion with them. "I'm a fool," is what he said to tbem, tjecausc there was no one else to hear?"a perfect idiot to come out here with such tremor on simply be cause 1 saw him clasp her hand in the ?dance, which is no more thau every body else docs, and which I have done scores of times myself and felt no emotion either." Star gazing is not calculated tql steady auj one's nerves especially if of nn excitable temperament, and Weston learned a lesson there that he had long been struggling against. His heart was having its revenge now for having been hushed and bade to lie still so long. Ho should have ?taken care to analyze his feelings sooner, now it was too lato. He did not heed the flight of time till pres ently a couple came out to prome nade. Hidden in the recess formed by a window, he was unobserved, and was not aware of their presence till ?he recognized Kate's voice. They had paused and were leaning over the the railing. What was she saying looking far away over the azure held ? ^Stars in the heavens, everywhere, Stars that tremble and wink and glow, Stars that start back with a broken glare From the earth's dark shield below. O\or the cloudy hill-tops, stars Stars where the moon strays idly by, Stars where the twilight's dusky bars Guard fast t?*rc western eky. Ahl strande old dream of soer and Sage, On which of those gleaming oros up .yonder, Lurk Nie dark lines of the mystic page That holds my fate?1 wonder T1' The very question he had idly ask ed himself, but he started'suddenly when the smooth, well modulated tones of Trnflbrd broke the silence, eloquent to at least two hearts there, saying in a manner he intended to be impressive: :"As seer and sage are both a /strange old dream' of the past, Miss Raymond, Jet me be the astrologer to jead your destiny in the stars, but tell me first if I am to share that des jUnyf" Weston heard no more, for they turned and moved oil* before Kate gave the reply on which so much de pended for him and his rival too, he imagined, never suspecting that this was but a specimen of the sentiment al nonsense current in the intercourse of the present day, and which finds expression through many different channels. Earnest himself, he judged others to be like him in this respect. Anxious to know the result of that promenade, he joined the party again and eagerly scrutinized the faces of Kate and her recent escort to delect any traces of emotion or surprise suck glances of secret intelligence as might pass between them. His in spection, however, was vain. If any siew relations existed between them there was no betrayal of it in their looks or actions. Puzzled he certain ly was. Trafford did not not resem ble a rejected lover as he moved about with his usual ease and elegance. Could Kate bo heartless? Had the serious proposal of another made no impression on her, or was it all per fect acting? No, they could not be engaged and seem so careless. He did not believe Kate was in love, she looked too sel f possessed?he had pictured it differently?and Trafford, how could his ylance be so calm if she had met it with that tender glow in hers as he imagined she could look under such circumstances? How strangely it would make him feel if she were to look at him thus?how much he would like her to do so? why ! surely they were not promcnad ing again. How warm the room was and how badly Iiis head ached?be believed lie might as well go homo and? "You do not seem to be enjoying yourself us much as usual this even ing, Mr. Wcston. Have you become too dignified to join in our frivoli ties?" "Not at nil, but my head aches, and tlie exercise?" "Does not tend to benefit you. No, please excuse mc, Mr. Trufi'ord, I do not care to dance just now." This to Trafibrd, who having procured her a seat next to om moody friend, had vanished for a short interval. In an incredibly short time the aspect of tilings was-altered for Wcston. En gaged in animated conversation, the dance was over before he realized it, and again Iiis rival solicited Kate's hand for the next, but the former ventured lo interfere. "How selfish you are, Trnlford, in trying to monopolize Miss Kate this evening. You give no one else an opportunity. Now, I have not danced to-night, Mies Kate, and think you might let your old friend have the pleasure once." "But your headache, Mr. Wcston?" "Ab, you have made me forget that!" Rising, she said, "I will dance with you if Mr. Trall'ord will be so kind as to excuse mc." "Certainly," he relumed politely, and withdrew, but became their "vis a-vis," dancing with the most beauti ful lady present. Wcston felt considerably elated at the preferer.ee thus shown to the sup posed discomfiture of the other. He began to feel that pleasurable excite ment which bad seemed so dull be fore?what n difference there was between acting the spectator and participating one's self. After all be was having a nice time. He soon re deemed his reputation, for during the remainder of the evening be was as gay as any present. Afterwards he did not put himself to the trouble of twalching Kate?how could be seeing that the smiles and glances were now directed to him, and Tralford the stimulating cause, a hundred miles away? His depression under the starlight was a thing of the past, and be rested firm in the belief that he was always the favored one. For several months nothing occurr | ed to disturb the pleasant relations into which they had drilled back till one day Wcston accidentally saw a letter directed .toTi:aiTord;in;_Knte's liaiid-M'itiog: Wliati'.at revulsion bf. feeling came over hirn ! He now be rated his stupidit}* in not suspecting that they, would correspond, or that the scepq at the party "was a bit of acting oleverTy coctiivcd to bliud him. Of course Trafford would have resented her slight bad there not been a secret understanding. Now he knew the meaning of their seeming indifference?and he to bo so easily duped?no doubt they were laughing at his expense then. Yes, he was satisfied now that she must be trying to flirt with him, in the absence of the other he would do as a substitute. Very resentful Mr. Weston felt, but glad that fate bad favored him before I he bad irretrievably committed him self by word or deed, he determined to prove that ho was not rushing blindly to the end, no iudeed. When next they met, he was more cool and distant than be had ever been?not more reserved and dignified, though than Kate herself, who re.idilly adapt ed her manner to his, and strict for mality replaced their former intimacy. When Weston thought de had sulli cienliy exhibited his indifference he was confident bo now felt, bo wanted lo experiment a little, exult over his escape from her wiles. So he look advantage of the first opportunity to say to her with engaging address and a roadelo-order smilo intended to convey an impression of the undis turbed state of his mind. "When have you beard from that particular friend of join's, Miss Kate ?" "To whom do you allude?" she ask ed in turn. "All! banish that disinterested air, Miss Kate, it is loo transparent. There can be but one?of him you think, of him I inquire."' With some surprise she replied, "1 know of no one on whom my thoughts are engaged '.o the exclusion of oth ers." "You anticipale the name, I sec it by tho tell-tale blushes. You know 1 can mean no one but the fortunate I TrafTord, who sends you such con ' stunt reminders of his existence." Mr. Weston expected to sec guilty surpriso chase away every other ex pression on learning that lie had dis covered her well kept secret; ho even smiled with exultation over his an ticipated triumph, but ho was inglo riously defeated. "Oh, is that all?" replied Kale with an air of relief. "I received a letter from him a few days ago." Such frankness he hardly expected. Baillcd in his first attempt, he was fur from being content. Rapidly the thought flashed through his tniud, "she likes to boast of her conquests? she wishes me to know that if her scheme for my subjugation has been a failure, others arc move suscepti ble." Evidently Mr. Weston was a young man not easily deceived. ''I am not mistaken then in sup posing that on the night of the party TrafTord was consoled for having to say farewell? lie left with his hopes realized?" Weston could not forbear litis mild boast of his powers of penetration, because his own -contradictory beha vior on that occasion rankled in his memory, and he did not want Kate to suppose she was the cause?it would be too flattering a concession to her vanity?he had acted a part then as well as themselves?of course he had. "I trust he did, Mr. Weston." Now this was loo much ! If she was glad for the other's sake, it was bad taste to tell him sc?he did not want her confidence?next she would be telling him she loved TrafTord, and notwithstanding their compact of friendship he was suie ho did not want her to do this ; 'twas enough lor him to suspect it. What a strange girl she was?any one else would have looked shy and confused, been fearfully embarrassed, but Kate was perfectly calm, there was no waver ing in the steady eyes which met his so unconcernedly. Was she i i love? If he was TrafTord, he would like some enthusiasm, not such a proper, conventional look as if one was used to I eing in love all one's life. "Accept my congratulations then, Miss Kate,I hope that you will realize tli? happiness you expect, and that you will not he disappointed in your dreams of the future. As a friend, 1 have always felt a strong interest in you, and?don't forget me when your wedding-day arrives." He was cer tain he said all that could be expect ed, then why should his companion laugh so merrily at this speech ? "How absurd of you, Mr. Weston. I do wonder if you think me in love with Mr. Trailbrd because I have ac knowledged our correspondence? The hopes I trusted he realized were that he would enjoy his sojourn in this part of the world and lake away a score of pleasant memories. I sec you arc not froe from the popular superstition with regard to a letter, which is considered a serious affair? something held in awe and on no ac count to be trifled with. Especially is this the case with those unac customed to writing. To mc, it is simply a written conversation, fluctu ating from grave to gay according to the mood of the hour. Mr. TrafTord made a formal call on my Urns and attention, as it were, by writing. Could I do less than reply when spo- j ken to? Would you not think it dis couitcous in me to refuse to outer tain you when you visit the house? I think a correspondence is a pleasant way of continuing an agreeable ac quaintance which we are unwilling to lose eight of forever." Would he ever find out Kale Ray mond thoroughly? Now ho was sure, and now his conclusions were com pletely undermined. Was TrafTord only a friend like himself? Slill he did not like the inconsistency shown by writing to him when lio knew she dis liked some of his traits. "Excuse mc if 1 have been too has ty in my conclusions, but you told me once you did not admire Mr. Traf ford very much, and in order to re concile your subsequent actious to that expressed opinion, I could arrive at no other solution than Ihat you finally yielded to his fascinations? else, why prolong the acqaintance?" "Esteem was the word 1 employed, because he did elicit my ad an ration ?for he is really brilliant in conver sation, and exacts that tribute from everyone." "Is amusement your object in writing too, Miss Kater" ??Not altogether. My reasons are various. I have quite." a number of acquaintances in the place were this gentleman resides, and enjoy bearing the local news which he.never fails to give, and which I hear ?ho other way. It i3 a pleasure to me ot any time to read a well-written letter, and a correspondence with a person who can and does write such a letter, is very stimulating. I Ibid it very im proving to emulate such nn example, and would regret being deprived of this source of entertainment^ Hero is Mr. Tralford'a last now ; I will read you the portions most interest ing to me so that you can judge for yourselfof his ability to please." After the perusal, Weston's doubts having been once again dispelled, and he thought forever, he said, ?'Well, Miss Kate, I must sny 1 am sincerely glad to hear that there is nothing serious betwpnn you, for, candidly, I do not think him.worthy of you and would regret to sec you I leave us to go?what is'the meaning I of your grave looks though?" ! "I was only thinking,?Mr. Weston, if that was your real opinion, I hard ly merited the judgment you formed against mc?at least I hardly expect ed it after your professions of esteem. Knowing me as you do, I did not suppose jou would givO credence lo the reports usually circulated in such instances," Tbercl lie was in trouble again.! He had been the first to doubt, and] base enough to harbor suspicions against one who fullv trusted in his friendship. Seeing the reproachful look iu her eyes, he felt ashamed when he remembered that instead of defending her like a true knight, he hud led the attack. What a hypo crite be must seem to her, on whom j above all olhr.rs he was moat anxious to make a favorable impression. What must she think of bis defection.' Humbly lie listened as she proceeded in a clear low voice, each tone of which awoke a remorseful echo in his breast, "If I have nppenrcd-'ftjfe) vi??u and frivolous as to justify others in mak ing such accusations against me, I! really thought one who affected to un- i dcrstnmi me so thoroughly would not so misjudge my actions. Though n casual observer might not suspect it, under my light exterior are bidden deep feelings and serious thoughts. These seldom find expression because they do not meet with sympathy or encouragement in the habits or con versation of my associates. I low true it is that ??Wo never sneak our deepest, feelings. Our holiest hopes have no revealings Save in the gleams that light the face. Or fancies that the pell may trace.1" Doubt and suspicion wore once more sharers of the past. A tender light was in his eye?he felt his heart's rising throb of sympathetic action, and what indescribable emo tion passed over him us he wondered vaguely if be would find an answer ing gleam on her face if he now spoke his deepest feelings, and revealed at OKCO Iiis holiest hopes. The words would not come though be struggled desperately for suitable language to convey his meaning. He felt that this was hid opportunity, und was most anxious to settle forever the perplexing question?but tbero he stood silently gazing on the grave face so near him?but bis lips were mule?'hey could not perform their olllcc for him. And Kale! Well, she looked up presently, and perhaps misintcrpret /.*d the expression of bh features, elo quent in their agitation, for instead of mutely awaiting the revelation which would have been made then and there, she said with an odd little laugh, '4Iow absurd it must sound iu mc to be 'moralizing' in this strain. Ex cuse the infliction on your patience, please." Undoubtedly she thought him vexed at her plainly spoken re buke, and sought to divert ids dis pleasure from herself, and his thoughts from the disagreeable sub ject altogether, for she immediately launched on a stream of small talle. How tlid he enjoy the tableaux? what amusements were contemplated next? what authors was he reading at pre sent? and his thoughts being thus thrown into confusion, Weston was unable to pursue his purpose, or ar rest the current and turn it usidc into tho channel he wished to follow. When leisure for rcllectiou came, he regretted bis tardiness, and resolv ed not to let such another opportuni ty puss unimproved. But it is not so easy as one might suppose to tell the cherished secret which has been so carefully guarded from curious eyes, even when the will is good and the final resolution taken. Doubtless it requires no small de gree of moral courage for a young man in Weston's situation to formal ly accost the object of his love, ami inform her in so many . words that with her rests the decision of his fate. No wonder then that our hero found so many obstacles in the way of his intended declaration. Some times her attention was engaged by other aspirants or he became too much excited to give utterance to a solita-y word of tbc speech he had carefully prepared ; then again, Kate was either in too gay and mischiev ous a mood to admit of a serious pro posal, or so dignified and reserved as to cast a chill over his advances. Therefore, when several months had passed and there was nearer approach to an understanding, he as a last re sort, determined to write, and thus end the suspense that had become no longer endurable. He was accepted, and felt that his cup of happiness was now full. All the old dread of her elation at hav ing made a conquest was forgotten. He gave no thought to the satisfac tion which ought to be demanded lor this sacrifice of the dignity of his freedom till Kate laughingly remind ed him of the severe consurc he had once passed upon those who "med dled with other people's affairs," and had presumed to foretell his future too. "You see, Mr. Weston, the pro phetic lI told you so' has lost none of its significance, for agaiu is its sove reignty manifested as once more Madame Humor makes this little en try in her book of follies : 'I knew it! I told you so! Another case of friendship between congenial spirits has ended just the usual way."' "Let me add a P. S.?Miss Kate : Consequences?Hymen's bells will peal for the erring, mistaken spirits in just how many weeks fchall I say?" "Bright youth 1 I thought other heathens represented their god with an e.Uar to be kindled, not a chime of bel.'s *.o go jingle." Consolation. According to stalwart Radical or gans the leading Democratic states men are on the verge of the grave, j Every week or two Mr Tilden 6tifl\;rs I a fresh stroke of paralysis, and now tl>e sympathizing nation is harassed with d. ails of Mr. Seymour's en feebled condition. According to these veracious chroniclers the least excite ment throws Mr. Seymour into a nervous lit, he totters in walking, like a drunken man, und his friends are momentarily expecting him to lapse into insanity. All this because they are afraid the Democrats will make Mr. Seymour President, wheth er or no. After the Democratic Con vention shall have nominated some one else, the Radical orgaus, with great unanimity, will congratulate Mr. Seymour on his return to health. ifrXcics and Herald. Woman's Love. John E. Poindcxtcr was married the 10th instant to Miss Isabel Cot troll. Some time last year a clerk by tho name of Curtis idsulted Miss Cottrell' who was then engaged to Poindexter, for which Poindexter cowhided him. Curtis nftewards went to Poindexter and attempted to return the cowhiding, when Poindex ter shot and killed him. For this he was tried, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to two years imprison ment in the State Penitentiary. He appealed to the Supreme Court, which confirmed the verdict and sentence. Just before starting to the Penitenti ary he was married. The Effect ot Leap Year. Women are at the bottom of a large proportion of difficulties between men. What more natural than that the gentler sex should have fallings out in leap years about the otherjSex. The New York Sun give* an account of a sanguinary conflict that took place a few days ago between Misses Louisa Wise and Margaret Downing, two fair damsels of ?Jd Virginia, the casus bel i being their mutual jealousy concerning a young swain with whom both were in love. One used a club and the other a pitchfork, and both were so badly hurt that their recovery is doubtful. A Sad Dream. Which may not be all a dream, wa3 thus related : Tbc dreamer saw two of bis friends die, and aftewards saw them seeking admission into Paradise Knocking at the gate the first was asked his name, bis occupation in life, and what good be bad done ; all these were answered satisfactorily. To the question had he been a subsciber tu the /itview? "Alas! no," said lie, "I sponged my reading." "Did you ever help tbe editor by giving him an advertisement?" "Never., ,Wbnt, never." No, never ; well hardly ev er." "Alas then, thou miserable sin ner, you cannot enter," was t-be sol emn reply. The other was put through the same interrogatories had lived in peace and quiet, belonged lo tho church, never robbed any one, or committed arson, and bad been a subscriber to his county paper, but never paid for it, and bad once adver tised for a small amount. He too, rightly, was refused admission, nnd I lie two were sent howling where the lion roarcth and the whang-doodle uiournclli. Sad fate, and conclusive proof that the printer must be nour ished and cherished in this life. Take warning, oh yc delinquents, and selllc your bills !?Lancaster Il'.vicio. Self-Reliance. The young man who starts in life with a determination to work his own way to success, and to place absolute dependence upon nothing but his own energies and perseverance, is far more likely lo succeed than he who is con stantly looking up fur help from par ents or friends. It is well enough to have a father's or a friend's aid, but far better to have self-reliance, to look facts squarely in the face and prepare cit'er to take honest advantages of or combat them bravely, as occa sion may demand. Men rarely un ders'.onil their own capablilitics. Many a onehas learned for the first lime that he could swim when threatened with drowning, and few of us understand how much we can accomplish until actually called upon to put forth our energies. Economize time. Read good bopks while others arc wasting precious hours. Head carefully and undcrstundingly. Be honest, honor able ami upright in all your dealings. Respect every man's rights, aud com pol others lo respect yours. Start with suck resolves and pertinacious ly adhering to them, the pathway to honor and success lies straight be fore you. Ethan Allen's Courage. Ethan Allen, whose misfortune it was to have a termagant for a wife, bad and deserved a reputation for courage of the leonine kind. Some wags thought to frighten hira once, but they mistook tlieir man. One of them, arrayed in a sheet, stepped in front of bim in tbe road lute one dark night when he was on his way home ward. Ethan stopped, looked nt the specter, and without a moment's hes itation, exclaimed: "If you come from heaven I don't fear you. ' If you are the devil, come borne- and spend the night with me?1 married your sisler." His neighbors never sought to test his courage after that. Is It Organization ? We have information from reliable ! sources that the colored people are having nightly meetings in some sec lions of the county. The clans are 'gathering at all the meeting-houses I around, and religion is not always the theme. That there is organiza tion of sonic kind going on, our in ?formunt says there is not the least doubt, lot the meetings arc held at the dead of night aud are conducted with great secrecy. Possibly this may count ns a straw, following upon the mceling of the Republican execu tive committee at Columbia n few duys ago.?Cheater Bulletin. Divorces in Massachusetts. A .Massachusetts statistician has been looking up the number of divor ces in that Slate. From 18U0 to 1878, wc learn, 7,233 decrees for separation were pas?cd in the Massachusetts courts, 2,400 on the petition of injur ed husbands and 1,833 on the peti tion of injured wives. Under the laws of Massachusetts there aro nine specific causes^lor which tbe courts may decree a dissolution of the bonds of matrimony, and the particularly virtuous people up there appear to in dulge Ibc "specific causes" very free Drunkards' Wives. If there he a lonely woman amid the multitude of lone and sorrowful women more to he pitied than another, 1 think it is a wife looking upon the one she has promised to honor, lying upon the bed with his hat and boots on. Her comforter, who swore at her as long as he could speak at all. Her protector utterly unable to brush a fly from his own face. Her companion, lying in the stupor of death, with none of.its solemn dignity. As he is entirely unconscious of her acts, I wonder if she never employs the slow ly passing moments in taking down her old idol, her ideal, from its place in her memory and comparing it with its broken and defaced image before her. Of all poor, broken idols scat tered into fragments for the divine patience of womanhood to gather to gether and cement with tears, such a ruin as this seems the most impossi ble to mold anew into any form of homeliness. And if there is a com mandment seemingly impossible to obe}', it is for a woman to love a man she is in deadly fear of, honor a man she cant help but be ashamed of, obey a man who cannot speak his com mands intelligently. The theory of recognizing our friends in n futuro world is a beautiful one and worthy of much thought, but I think it is commendable to try to keep our friends in a condition to recognize us in tills world, try to keep a man whilo he is alive so he will know his wife and children, and not as aften occurs, turn them out into the storm of a win ter midnight, or murder them in his fretvey. How to Dress Well. A lady may dress expensively and not dress well. It is not the quantity of the cloth she wears, or the costli ness oflhs fabric, that constitutes the outfit of a well-dressed lady, Color, style, and adaptation must be con sidered, if she would not make a guy of herself, as thousands of women are doing daily.' High colors in a dress are as much out of taste n9 vio lent colors in a picture. We do not judge of paiuts used but by the deli cacy and natuialness of the shadings, and the skill with which the artist brings out the objects in beauty and harmony ou the canvass, we forget about the paint. And so in dress. That lady dresses best who attracts leas*, attention to the details of her toilet, whose dress is so becoming and suitable that it seems ? a part of herself; not noticeable for extremes and for oddities, but for good taste. Such an one will command respect in any circle. No well-bred, refined wo man can follow the extremes of fash ion. A high toned lady of culluie would not be willing to load herself down with the absnrdities that fashion brings to her votaries evey year. ? The Political Future. Senator M. C. Butler has been in terviewed b}- a reporter of the Hart ford Post, in which he is reported to have said : uIt is my firm conviction that after the next Presidential elec tion universal peace will prevail, and the animosities of section be swallow ed up iu the prosperity of the coun try, lu my own Senatorial position I am struggling rather to extinguish altogether the naturally dying embers of political hate and sectional rancor than reillume a spark by party issues. I not only stiive to avoid controver sial debate, but as often seek to di vert the tendency of such a current of legislative action by the presentation of extrinsic subject matter. I foiesaw the results of the extra session, and i endeavored to prevent it. I*, was a 'great blunder, and its effects are be ing now sensible felt in many ways* The North forced it, and the South had no alternative, and yet the South is mads the undeserving scapegoat of all the errors of the party." Thoso organs which have been bothering themselves about the way in which Union soldiers have beeu turned our of various positions around Congress, will be soiry to hear that Senator Conkling's Governor of New Voik is also treating the Union sol diers badly. He has recently remov ed from the position of Quarantine Commissioner a bravo soldier who foughl all the way through the war, and appointed in his placo a, man who, when the war was going on, remained at home to look after any little ollioes that might bo l^ing I around loose.