OR, THE WORLD HAS CHANGED. 133 



be better for the education to be disappointed than me. 1 

 wanted the girl, and wanted her quick — like Judge Bleckley 

 wanted the earthquake to stop. 



Soon after her vacation, I followed her to her home on the 

 Saluda, in Edgefield ; got off the railroad at Chappell's, and, 

 fortunately, met a gentleman taking the train, who kindly ten- 

 dered his large coach and baggage cart to take me to my des- 

 tination, as it was near the route home. Some time after dark 

 had set in, we crossed a bridge and drove up a long rocky lane 

 approaching the mansion. It was one of those close, sultry 

 summer evenings, so common in our southern climate, and the 

 rattling of the cumbersome wheels of our vehicles seemed to 

 make the most extraordinary lumbering noise. As we drew 

 near the dwelling I observed, in the lighted windows, numer- 

 ous heads poking out, to ascertain the cause of the unusual 

 rumpus. Our caravan halted before the front gate, and your 

 writer descended and walked with a stately tread to the 

 entrance, and was met there by a brother of my intended. I 

 introduced myself and announced the object of my visit, and, 

 upon invitation, resolutely moved forward into the parlor, 

 filled with people. A single glance satisfied me that I had 

 interrupted their evening devotions. A reverential old gen- 

 tleman was peering over his spectacles, with Bible in hand, and 

 beside him sat another old gentleman, who I decided to be my 

 future father-in-law, and the balance of the company to be 

 guests and members of the family. On the right, I discovered 

 my jewel, greeted her warmly, then moved around the room 

 with my usher, bowing in the most gracious manner as intro- 

 duced, then modestly retired to a seat in the rear of one cor- 

 ner of the piano and listened devoutly to the family service, 

 scarcel}'- casting a glance in the direction where my eyes e^- 



