Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-02-21
CHAPTER II.

We have seen the result of the interview
CHAPTER II.
Thornton took the road homeward in a
state of mind which only the habitual calm
of his nature preserved from despair. He
was marked by more acuteness of feeling,
than strength of character-was much better
fitted to endure than to infict; and he had
this in common with all women-the sensi-
tiveness, which retired within ITSELF on being
wounded, so filled his own pre-eminence in
affliction, as to sustain him against utter
hopelessness.
On reaching home he retired at once to
his private chamber, and boiling himself in,
like an obstinate child, refused to answer
every call from his mother and sister, until
late in the afternoon. Then looking out up
on the prairie, where the bright sunlight
bathed the whole landscape in food Of
tempered radiance, he felt an irresistible i'm
pulse to go forth. Mechanically he grasp:
ed his gun, and opening the door, without
speaking to any one, he walked out Of the
house, and took his way, perhaps from habit,
perhaps from half conscious impulse, along
the road towards Lowden's.
In the meantime, an event had taken
place, which nearly concerned him. AS he
walked away in the morning, leaving Ellen
alone with bis rival, Tilford watched him
until he disappeared without the grove, when
again leaning his rifle against tree, he
approached her with manner, and address
ed her in tone, wholly changed.
"Nellie," said, he, taking her unrcsisting
hand, eyou have had the opportunity you
desired; are you satisfied, and will you listen
to me now?"
~ am fully satisfied, she said "but-"
"Nay, them" he interrupted, "let us have
no reservations Let me claim at once the
reward of love far deeper than any this
timid boy can give you-say this hand shall
be mine, and that the heart shall go with
it,"
He received no answer, save the dropping
head and the trembling hand; yet it requir-
ed but little force to draw her 70 his bosom
and kiss sealed the tacit compact.
On their return to the house, Tilford lost
no time in seeking Nellie's father, and ask.
ing his confirmation of the contract Accord
ing to his expectations, Lowden received the
announcement with great pleasure, and
swore hearty oath that the wedding should
take place on the following Sunday.
owe shall scarcely be able" said Tilford,
sto get Nelie's consent to so early day"
"Well, WE'LL" Lowden answered, shaking
him by the hand for the third time, in the
exubreance of his JOY, ''she has been good
girl in giving up her chicken-hearted dan
gler, and she shall be gratifed by choosing
her own time"
After some further conversation, in which
Lowden again and again evinced the depth
of his satisfaction, he set out in search Of
his daughter, with the view of urging her
early compliance with his and Tilford's wish
lie found her in her private chamber, on
her knees beside the bed, with her face buri-
ed in the clothes, sobbing as if her heart was
bursting His entrance had not been OBJ
served, though he had rushed with the usual
Jrusqucric of his manner, without warning,
into the sanctuary of what seemed uncon-
trollable sorrow. He stood rooted to the
floor, and gazed at her convulsed form in ut
ter amazement. After pause, he advanced
timidly toward her, and, irresolute whether
to apprisc her of his presence, lifted careful
ly in his hand the disordcred tresses of her
light brown hair, which had been pushed
wildly back from her face, and lay in masses
upon her shoulders.
But Lowden was one of those men who
would much rather escape from a scene of
emotion, than attempt to soothe the sorrow
even of his own child. He allowed the dis
hevclled locks gradually to slip through his
fingers, and turning with noiscless tread,
left her alone with her grief, and walked
thoughtfully away.
"She didn't detain you long," said TIL
ford, meeting him as he passed out Of the
house.
"I'll speak to her another time," he repli-
cd hastily-"Now, 1 must get ready to rc-
ceivc the company" And without await
ing further question, he walked on toward
the stable.
The company Of Regulators, Of which Low
den was captain, had appointed this day to