Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-12-15

IOT6 OudIlco COtuCo - hSh oAkS ~
leased her long, dark hair from its impris-
onmeut in most ungraceful twist, and
carefully brushing its still glossy waves, she
plated it in the broad braids which Charles
used so much to admire in the days of her
girlhood.
The unwonted task brought back many re-
miniscences Of those long vanished years, and
tears glistened in her eyes as she thought OF
the many changes time had wrought in those
she loved, but she murmured, 'What hath
sadness like the change in ourselves we
find p
In that hour she realized how an aPpar-
emily trivial fault had gained the mastery
over her, and imperceptibly had placed
barrier between her and the one she loved
on earth. True, he never chided her
never apparently noticed her altered ap-
pearance-but she well knew he no longer
urged her going into society, nor did he
seem to care about receiving his friends at
his own house, although he was social man,
and had once felt proud to introduce his
young wife to his large circle Of acquain-
| tanees.
Now, they seldom went out together, ex-
cepting to church, and even dressing for
that was generally too much Of on effort for
Mrs. Thornton-she would stay at home Ito
keep house, after preparing her little ones
to accompany their father; and the neigh
bors soon ceased expecting to meet her at
public worship or in their social gatherings
and 80, one by one, they neg elected to call
on her until but very few of the number
continued to exchange friendly civilities
with her. She had wondered at this, had
felt mortified and panied heretofore; now
she clearly saw it was her own fault, the
veil was removed from her eyes, and the
mistake of her life was revealed in its true
euormity. Sincerely did she repent of her
past error, calmly and seriously resolve on
future and immediate amendment.
Meanwhile her hands were not idle, and
at length the metamoyphosis was complete.
The bright pink drapery hung gracefully
about her form, imparting an unusual bril-
liancy to her complexion-her best wrought
collar was fastened with costly brooch, her
husbands wedding gift, which had not seen
the light for many a day. Glancing once
more at her mirror, to be certain her toilette
needed no more finishing touches, she took
her sewing and returned to the sittieg room.
Little Nellie had wearied of her picture
book, and was now playing with the kitten.
As Mrs. Thornton entered she clapped her
hands in childish delight, ezclaiming, oh,
Ma, how pretty--pretty and running to
her kissed her again and again. then drew
her little chair close to her side, and eager
ly watched her as she piled her needle, re-
pairing the gingham dress.
Just before it was completed, Nellie's
brothers came from school, and pausing at
the half.opened door, Willie whispered to
Charlie, i guess we've got company, for
mothers all dressed up 1t was with min
gled emotions of pleasure and pain that
Mrs. Thornton observed her children were
unusually docile and obedient, fastening to
perform their accustomed duties without be-
ing even reminded of them. Children are
natural and unaffected lovers of the beauti-
full, and their intuitive perceptions will not
often suffer from comparison with the opin-
ions of mature worldly wisdom. 1t was
with feeling of admiration that these chill
dren now looked upon their mother, and
seemed to consider it privilege to do some
thing for her. 1t was 'let me get the kind
lings'-'I will make the fre'-and 'may [
fill the tea-kettle ?'-instead of, as was some
times the case, 'need I do itT-I don't
want to, 'why can't Willie
Nellie was too small to render much assist
ance, but she often turned from her frolic
with her kitten, to look at her mother, and
utter some childish remark expressive of JOY
ani love.
At last the clock struck the hour when
Mr.. Thornton was expected, and his wife
proceeded to lay the table with unusual care,
and to place thereon several choice viands
of which she knew he was particularly fond.
Meanwhile, let US form the acquaintance
of the absent husband and father, whom we
find in the neighboring town just completing
his days traffic. He is fine locking, mid
dle-aged man, with an unmistakable twinkle
of kindly feeling in his eye, and the lines of
good humor plainly traced about his mouth
we know at glance that he is cheerful
and indulgent in his family, and are at once
prepossessed in his favor.
As he is leaving the store, where he has
made his last purchase for the day, he is ac-
costed in familiar manner by tall gentle
man just entering the door. He recognizes
an old friend, and exclaims, George Morton,
is it you?' The greeting is mutually cor
dial; they were friends in boyhood and early
youth, but since Mr.. Morton has been prac-
ticing law in distant city, they have seldom
met, and this is no place to exchange their
many questions and answers. Mr.. Thorn
toms fine span of horses and light democrat
are standing near by. and it needs but little
persuasion to induce Mr.. Morton to accom-
pany his friend to his home which he never
has yet visited. The conversation is lively
and spirited-they recall the feats Of their
school days and the experiences of after life,
and compare their present position in the
world, with the golden future Of which they
used to dream Mr.. Morton is bachelor,
and very fastidious in his taste-asthat class