Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-07-19
nothings, that I would fain believe are as
meaningless as they are idle
He looked up in startled surprise.

; De looked up IN startled surprise.
Good heavens, Miss Ellen, you cannot
, believe I would so insult you. Idle and
, tritlng they may be to you, but believe me,
they but poorly express the emotions of my
heart
'The Knowledge of that but adds to my
concern she replied, frowning coldly, 'and
. l trust that the future will relieve me from
such evidences
t She arose as she spoke, for she had been
E kneeling beside him and left the room
] He covered his face with his hand and for
some time remained silent. Suddenly star
ting up, he discovered Mr. Willoughby ga.
) zing upon him in anxious surprise.
!; Are you in pain, Graham p said he ten
derly.
'No-yes; am wounded this iron
has entered my SOUL replied he, bitterly.
what is it Graham? What is wrong
said Mr.. Willoughby, frightened at his i'm
petuous step.
why did you encourage me to love e.
len? Why did you not tell me she could
not return my fervent passion? Why ex.
pose me to such misery? Better have
died; and he flung himself upon the sofa
and buried his face in his hands.
What is this? What do you mean, Gra-
ham ? said Mr.. Willoughby, approaching
him.
Il mean that my life is a curse without
Ellen, said be passionately; every emo.
tion of my soul is merged in her, and death
alone can root out the love-
MY boy, my boy, be calm,' said Mr..
Willoughby, tenderly. How do you know
she does not love you? You distress your
self needlessly.'
'Needlessly! Methinks she is not one to
say one thing and mean another-and you
encouraged me; you told me 1 could win
her, said he, almost beside himself in dis
appointment.
'Aud if you will but be calm, l tell you,
you will yet win her, foolish boy. Ellen's
nature is calmer than yours Give her
time-your impetuosity frightens her.
Tell me this: Does she love another?'
sAnother? Whom has she to love. 1t
cannot be- said Mr.. Willoughby, slightly
equivocating, for be had suspected it since
the night of Davies capture.
'Davie, said Graham, half whispering
the name, even in the suspicion, stung by
a sense of ofingratitude.
pooh! cbildhood's friend-she has
scarcely seen him since the war broke out
replied Mr.. Willoughby, coloring slightly.
Leave the matter with me, Graham rest
assured l will use all my influence for you
Graham wrung his hand.
My lasting gratitude will be yours, sir,
if you can give me this dearest wish of my
heart. If I could but think it was mai
den's modesty.'
of course it is. What else can it be 2
replied Mr.. Willoughby; and unwilling to
prolong the interview, he said he would at
once see Ellen and have the matter deter
mined.
In her favorite chair, at the bay window,
Ellen sat in pensive meditation. Hesita-
ting but moment to consider how he should
address her, Mr.. Willoughby advanced.
sAnd of what is my Ellen thinking?
said he, as he stroked her hair and pressed
kiss on her brow.
'Fie !, uncle to ask maiden her thoughts;
maybe, regretting the fitting of my last new
bodice, or mourning over my pet bird, or
meditatiDg new trick for Zoe, here said
she, pointing to the spaniel at her feet.
ELLEN Campbell's head, is not wont to
busy itself with such reveries my little la
dy must think again
well, perhaps l was wondering when
those blue heavens would smile on peace
full land, or if it would ever be till the
troubled hearts now beating, we're laid at
rest she said, mournfully.
Too sad by half, Ellen; I will not ac-
cept it, replied Mr.. Willoughby, sitting by
her and gazing earnestly in her face.
Then it was reverie that will admit of
no interpreter said she, annoyed at the
scrutiny 'and my heart will not unveil her
sacred temple
sMaidens dreampt of lovers when I was
young
'Aud experience taught them their
dreams very vapory castles, suppose, said
she pettishly.
My Ellen does not think that all love is
passing breath, surely?' said Mr.. Will
loughby.
My uncle did not come to my window
to talk to me of love, surely replied Ellen,
mischievously.
No, Ellen, I did not,' said he, throwing
aside the bantering manner he had hitherto
assumed. But come to speak of lover
She turned one quick, rosy, sparkling
glance upon him, then looking from the
window, waited for more.
i cannot think my Ellen has arrived at
years of discretion without ever feeling the
natural passion. Tell ME, is it so ?
There was no answer, unless the eloquent
blood that was dyeing her very finger tips
were answer.
'And who 80 worthy as the one of all
others my heart so fondy rests upon-brave
manly and captivating. Tell me, Ellen, is
it SOP and be drew her towards him. The
blushing face was hid on his shoulder as he
said, 'and he is even now waiting the IT,
dings that will make his Ellen his own
may bid him hope?'
'He was not wont to require spokes-
man in such Matters said Ellen fondly,
raising her head.