Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1866-01-11

Y0RKVILLE, SOUTH
but this was exactly what captivated young
Williams /; precisely what seemed to hin
her peculiar loveliness and beauty. Mrs.
Rogers, without waiting to ascertain any.
thing Of his character or position and sim
ply pleased with his address and handsome
exterior, gave him, at the conclusion Of the
party cordial and pressing invitation to
visit her house as often as be might make
it convenient, and this was done without
consulting Ellen or even mentioning the
fact to her As matter of course, vii.
liams found it convenient to call very often,
so often, in fact, that both Susan and Ellen
began to talk seriously over the matter and
to question the propriety of such marked
attentions, which had already began to be
noticed and commented upon by tbeil
friends. But Mrs. Rogers insisted that the
girls should entertain him, in spite of all
their unwilhngness to do so; and Ellen,
over whom her step-mother seemed to ex-
ert.an irresistible control, quietly submit.
ted to do as she was bid without murmur.
'Now, Ellen, my DEAR Mrs Rogers would
say sing that little Spanish air for Mr..
Williams, as she took the -timid girl by the
hand and led her, like a child, to the piano
The little Spanish air would be sung with.
out word of remonstranoe. sNow, Ellen,
my darling, let Mr. Williams hear how well
you can play that charming Swedish
Waltz The Waltz was played. Then
turning to Williams, Mrs. Rogers would
say, sEllen has full command of her in.
strument, you see, SIR These and like
remarks were made, making the blood
crimson the cheeks of poor Ellen; as she
felt that her step-mother was simply making
an exhibition of her for the entertainment
Of her visitor, regardless Of every feeling
of delicacy. The fact of the matter was,
Mrs. Rogers seemed to exert her utmost
efforts to draw Mr.. Williams attention to
all of Ellen's graees, accomplishments and
requirements as frequently ras possible
though, it should be said, that Mr.. Williams
needed no assistance whatever in that res.
pect, as he was already too much attracted
for his own peace Of mind.
Now, it SO happened that Mr. Rogers
seldom got from the counting house until
very late at night, and these visits of Mr..
Williams were encouraged without the
old mans knowledge One night he:
fore leaving, Mr.. Williams mentioned the
fact that grand launch of the gunhoat,
Palmetto State, was to take place on the
following Thursday, and invited Mrs. Ro.
gers and Ellen and Susan to accompany
him in a private carriage to Yitless the
nautical exhibition. Susan politely de-
clined, stating asa reason, that there we're
so many dranke1 soldiers about, thai she
did not think any ladies would be present.
MIR. Williams colored and seemed mortified
that he should have veutured to give the
invitation but Mrs. hogefs came 10 his
rescue by cordial acceptance of the invi.
tation for Ellen and herself, not forgetting
to administer stern rebuke to Susan for
what she considered very pert and uplady
lie refusal. That very night Susan made
it her business to speak TO M Rogers at
his return, and ask his opinion about tac tac
propriety of allowing ELLEN to accept the
invitation. The consequences were just what
the intelligent reader would have expected.
The. old man kindly, but firmly refused to
consent to any such thing. $50 far as Alice
is concerned said he, 'she san do as she
pleases-as she always does--but Ellen
shall not attend the LAUGH or any other ex-
hibition, until know more Of the young
man of whom you speak -
This was Immediately communicated to
Ellen, who resolved to obey her father and
deoliue the invitation. Here the matter
rested until day before the launch was to
take place, when a writer invitation was
received by Mrs. Rogers for herself and the
two girls, from Mr.. Williams, to which she
gave written acceptance on her own res
possibility. Matters having gone thus far,
Mrs. Rogers felt herself bound, as lady,
to fulfil her engagements, feeling herself
quite equal to the task. Alas for poor El-
len Mrs. Rogers proved too powerful an
antagonist for cher; and, after series of
threats, entreaties and promises,
the girl yielded iual, but reluctant con-
sent.
Now, Mrs. Rogers consoled herself with
the saatteriug uuction' that she could wit
ness the launch and return long before her
husband could get back from the Office, aud
thus nothing would be said or known about
the matter. I. so happened, however, that
Mr.. Rogers, feeling 6a-e!n! 6ia-cn that afternoon
and observing that there was every appear
ance of rain, returned at an earlier hour,
only to find the state of things recorded in
the last chapter, and to peruse the cold,
hear.less, business.like relation of his Idol.
lied daughters miraculous preservation
from 80 tragical Isath. We may Imagine
his feelings-they cannot be described.
CHAPTER III.
But why have you taken such dislike
to the young man ? asked Mrs. Rogers, as
herself and husband sat together in the par
lor, some days after the accident related in
the opening chapter.