Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-03-17
YORKVILIFI O., THURSDAY, MARCH 1859.

how can I leave my uncle at such an ad
vanced age, when he has been almost fathe
to me, from helpless childhood to the pres
ent critical moment! But, suppose, that
sacrifice love to duty, by remaining in ny
present situation-what then d? Uncle is al
old man, he cannot live forever; ard, if
survive him, where is my protector? If
cast off Mr.. Evinston, must make up my
mind to become an old maid or marry with
out love; for uncle is not fond of society
does not appear particularly select in the
choice of his friends-what shall become o.
me! Suppose consent to marry Mr.. Ev
inston? ? Uncle then can live with US, and
in case of his removal by death, I shall mol
be alone in the world, without protector
and friend Such were Ida's thoughts, as she
sataone in herroom, beside her window. She
remained seated for few moments longer;
when, suddenly starting to her feet, she said :
Il will talk with uncle about this matter,
and he may at least listen to me-
Accordingly she descended the stairs
quietly entered old Mr.. Underdopk's libra
ry, and found that worthy old bachelor busy
with the afternoons newspaper.
do not disturb me now, Ida,' said the old
gentleman, in an impatient tone of voice.
You know very we'll, that prefer being
alone during the afternoon
But, UNCLE said Ida, you leave ME a.
lone almost all the time, and allow me no
recreation at all. Do you mean to keep me
shut up in this house the balance of my
days.
Have you not piano wherewith you may
amuse yourself?-have you not fine set ot
drawing materials 2-have you not capital
selection of the best English and classic
works ?-what more can heart desire?' said
Underdonk.
Those are all useful things, dear uncle,
for the culture and education of the mind
but we are not altogether intellectual crea
lures. But leaving that fact out of the ques
tion-what is the use of an education, if the
person who receives it, does not have an op
portunity of making use of it in social life !?
Social life ?-where did you pick up thai
unmeaning phrase?' asked Underdonk, stern
ly.
1T may be unmeaning to you, UNCLE re-
piled Ida, but my Bible teaches me, thai
we have duties to perform to ourselves, oul
brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, parents
and children but 1 cannot sec how those
duties can be performed by closeting our
selves from the world
sYou are stark mad = said Underdonk.-
what hast thou-a mere girl-got to d.
with such things?'
Every woman that has received an edu
cation, and is gifted with the least degree O
common sense, expects, and feels it to bt
her duty, to become wife, said Ida.
sAnd, 1 suppose nou expect the same
thing said Underdonk, with sarcastic
smile.
Il should be uttering a falsehood,' sale
Ida, 'if I replied in the negative. AH wo
men wish to marry, dear uncle; and sht
who says she is not thus desirous, makes ar
assertion which her own heart knows to be
false
Indeed = said Undertook.
The domestic circle is woman's appropri
ate sphere; it is at once her battlefield, and
her triumphal arch
mo more of such stuff! exclaimed Un
derdcnk, turning impatienty away. plague
take the domestic circle =
But, uncle
Ida, I wish to be alone = said [ nderdonk,
stamping his feet.
'Yeu surely do not expect me to remain
single, uncle
'Single?-nonsense I'm single, child;
and have no desire whatever of being dou,
bled,' said Underdonk.
sUncle-its no use to mince mafters-l
want to marry said Ida, timidly.
PLENTY of time plenty of time? said
Uuderdonk.
but want to marry this very afternoon.
The devil you do!-that's decidedly rich
Who is the poor wretch whom you have
chosen as your victim?'
'Charles Evinston,' said Ida.
who what !-Evinston ?-I'llsee him
hanged frstp said Underkonk. You re-
fused Marlton, whom 1 had chosen for you ;
and now you shall not have Evinston !!
But I acW have him though said Ida;
the warm blood rushing to her cheeks. i
would prefer becoming his with your consent
and blessing, but if you refuse me this, I
must accept the alternative.'
sAnd what may that be-?
Marry him in spite Of you !! replied Ida !;
and so saying she hurried from the room.