Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-05-16
gu Original 4unrelettt,
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THE SHADOW ON THE WALL
A STORY OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA.


A STORY OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA.
BY JOHN EsTEN COOKE. ESQ.,,
Author of "suny, Of Eagles Mes, aearns he Gray" "
of fsStonewalp jackson" etc.
S
XIV.
HOW LORD RUTHvEN MADE THE ACQUAINTANCE
. OF HoNORA.
A month after the events just related, chario
and four drew up before handsome house in vii
liamsburg, and the footman knocked and asked l
the ladies were at home The reply Of the white
haired negro was in the affirmative and gentle
man, clad richly and fashionably, but in garments
whose prevailing tint was dark, descended and en-
tered. .........: .....-:... ...
The gentleman who thus passed into the man
sion of Colonel Carter-where Sir Rein Brand
his wife and daughter were guests-was Lore
Ruthven.
The baronet and his family had reached the cap
ital week or two before. They arrived at the
gayest season when the meeting of the House o.
Burgesses drew to the ancient city, the intelligence
the wealth, and the beauty Of the whole colony
and when revel and enjoyment ruled the hour
Nothing was spoken of but the great ball Of the
preceding night, or that which was to take place
in day or two. The splendid chariots of the
gentry" with their glossy four-in-hands, flashed
to and fro on Gloucester and, for the time
the whole capital seemed given up to the carnlya
of pleasure. In truth, the winter then In WI
Eamsburg, was the elimination OF that splendic
life of old and the gayest and most pleasure-lov
ing people that the sun ever shone upon, ther
paye the freest rein to their gayest moods.
Sir Rezin was familiar with the metropolis al
such seasons, and his undenied object in visiting
Williamsburg at present, was to exhibit to the o
rstocratic world that peerless jewell his daug ghter
His expectations were not disappointed by the e
vent Honoria- the mountain beauty" asthe
beaus now universally called her-speedily became
the toast of the Capital and even "the pretty Mis-
Fountain as the chronicle Declares was far out
shone by our heroine. Sir Rezin's rank and wealth
had given him. at once the highest position in thu
splendid society of the metropolis, and Honori'
soon found her time no longer at her own disposa
as at Haddon; but usurped by balls and races
teadrinkings, riding excursions, cards and all th
festivities of a re-loving city. She was hur
riea off to round of assemblies, where she fount
herself the idol of the gay throng; and had tn
Young girl possessed character less firm and ear
nest, her head must have been turned by the In
eense burned on all sides in her honor.
Her very appearance was the signal OF her tn
umph. No party was complete without her; m
beau was in the fashion who did not carry her fan
to dance with her was coveted honor, and smli
from the young ladys con6ding eyes, wasa subjec
for hourly boasting and rejoicing
Was this the pure caprice Of fashion, that ga
goddess who delights in choosing her favorites ii
accordance with her momentary whim? Suc'
NAV have been the truth, but what began thus
accidentally, continued upon other grounds
Honoria's beauty of character was the spell whlc
made her popularity lasting. She was as delight
full in conversation, as she was lovely in person
and before she had been week in the capitol,
dozen youthful gallants were dreaming Of her, an
waited for the favorable opportunity OF otferln
their hands and hearts to the beautiful and wlnnln
little heiress
Among these passionate admirers of Honoria
was Lord Ruthyen. He hadm her at an Assem-
blv. soon after her arrival and as she entered tn
room. Lord Botetourt, who held the young noblt
mans arm, felt him trembe.
ssWhat is the matter, Ruthven?' was the sm
ling question of the worthy Botetourt. "Ah! ths
little maiden makes you start, does she?'
IF the speaker had looked at Lord Ruthven, b
would have wondered at his emotion. He ws
as pale as death, and cold sweat started from b
forehead as he gazed with distended eyes at tt
'sWho is she, my Lord2" he said, in voice
low that it sounded like whisper; "her name!
ssHonoria Brand" was his Lordships reply, {
he bowed to Sir Rein; ''the daughter of my o.
friend, Sir Rein Brand-a beauty is she not?'
And Lord Botetourt went to meet and WELDON
Sir Rezin. As for Lord Ruthven, he stood f
some moments motionless, his face like that OF
marble statue, his lips alone trembling visibly.
"The uon,an p he muttered hoarsely, "dse ac
man nP'
''Why Ruthven, what ails you% cried the vol
of one of his companions; ''you stand there st
ring at the Brand beauty-or the mountain beaut
as the more poetical call her-as if you were roc
ed to the floor; and I swear you are as white as
sheet Come, let me introduce you !"
''No! hop muttered the young nobleman Wi
a strange shudder; mot for the universe Ime
that is-thank you, but am not very well, al
another time
With these agitated words, Lord Ruthven tur
ed away hastily, and sougLSt to leave the apartmel
This, however, was impossible, from the dens
of the crowd, and he found himself borne to al
fro, without the power Of guiding his steps.
more violent surge in the brilliant company tn
he had yet felt, at length almost made the you
nobleman lose his balance, and in striving not to
borne onward, his foot was placed upon you
ladv's skirt, in which it made terrible rent.
The young lady turned quickly, with laugh
affectation Of distress, and Lord Ruthven rect
nized the brand beauty"
He turned paler than before, and bowling 10
uttered some hurried words Of apology. Homo
gathered up the torn skirt, threw it over her sno
arm, and with smile, replied that the accid'
was the merest trife. The result, however, '
that Lord Ruthven was presented to Miss Bral
BY the young lady's escort, and thus, in spite
himself, the young nobleman made her acquai
ance.
A quarter of an hour afterward Kuthven reacf
his chamber in the Raleigh. As he entered
room he said hoarsely to the old body-servant
was nodding over the fire,