Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-01-31

there was very formidable obstacle to him in tn
fact that the heart of Elinor was already occupied
with the image of another r. namely with younl
Captain Peterson, to whom Jock, the peddler, re
ferred in his soGloquy given in the last chapter.
Captain Henry Peterson was young man o
good family and a moderate property, though il
that respect quite inferior to Elinor. He had 1
bold and manly bearing, and prepossessing coun
tenance, so that altogether it was hardly strang
that he should have captivated the affections o
Elinor.
Upon her uncle, however, he had produced al
impression by no means so favorable. MIR. West
welt had looked upon him but coldly, and in ever!
possible way short of absolute rudeness had intima
ted that his visits were disagreeable. But so ont
as Elinor regarded him with favor, Henryfet com
paratively Indifferent to the disposition Of the un
Gle. At this time he was, though Mr. Westvel
knew it not, the declared and accepted lover OF hi
niece Of course, however, marriage was no
dreamed of at present. in the unsettled state OF th
country Besides, on this point too, the guardian
and his wards lover were at variance. The torme
was stiff Tory being confirmed aristocrat, while
the latter had devoted himself in all the fresh en-
thusiasm of his youthful feelings, to the cause
his suffering and struggling country.
The Westvet estate was an extensive and valua
bic one. The house was both spacious and elegan
for that day, although modern architect and up
holsterer would undoubtedly find improvements II
suggest in the house and its furnishing. Relative
to that day, however, it was such as to indicate
opu]ence on the part of the owner.
The servants employed were chiefly coored. L.
First and most important Of these, was Chloe ths
cook who ruled the roast, in very magisterla man
ner in the kitchen She was short in stature, but
this deficiency was amply atoned for by the rotunc
amplitude of her person, which could scarcely have
weighed less than two hundred pounds, with per
haps few to spare.
Chloe, the cook, was in the midst Of prepara
tions for dinner A turkey was on the spit, anc
she was on the point of removing it, the savory
odor indicating that it was done to turn, when
knock was heard at the back door.
'Some paguy FOOL" muttered Chloe, don
know enough to come at more proper time
Bress my soul, I do wish folks had more manners
Some don't seem for to have any at all. Here
you Dine, (short for Dinah) go to the door,
This Dinah was niece of Chloe, and was, by ma
ture, decidedly averse to work Of any and every
description She almost worried the hte out OF hel
aunt as the latter was constantly complaining
generally being quarter of mile off, or some I'M
practicable distance, whenever anything was to bt
DONE
''Dine, come right here and 60 to the door,
called the cook.
The adjuration was in vain, however, and Chloe
was finally compelled to intermit her occupation
and go herself, considerably against her will.
Throwing open the door with a muttered objur
cation, her eyes fell on the awkward figure OF Jock
the peddler, who had let down his pack and restec
it on the stone step, and now, with an expression
of mingled superiority and shrewdness, was pre-
pared to drive bargain, if such thing was pos
sible
'Why, how do you do, Mrs. Chloe? | SCI
you are looking as fresh and handsome as ever,
remarked Jock, or more properly Jehoachlm, IN
tone of gallantry.
Chloe had come to the door vexed with the un
timely visitor, but who is proof against fattery
Not she at least
$50 away with your foolish talk, Mr.. Stebbins
she said, addressing him by name, for she had seer
him before. 'You're only trying to cheat mt
with your talk.
II cheat you!" exclaimed the peddler affecting
profound astonishment. II could not think o.
such thing. Not but have cheated some l.
my day. Of course, Mrs. Chloe, you know there
are some foolish persons that you can't help cheat
ing. But you are too sharp for that. That re
minds me have shawl here in my pack tha
would be very becoming to you. Let me show
to you
IT should like to see ii" said Chloe, "but it
about time for dinner, and Mr.. Westvelt is yer!
particular"
"Wouldn't Miss Elinor like to look at some
my goods? I've got most everything.
IT don't know, I'll go and ask her"
'Do so, and shall be very much obliged, ant
you may tell her at the same time" here the ped
der inclined his head to her earand added in low
er tone rat the same time tell her that hav
seen young Captain Henry Peterson
claws, she'll be down in jify when tell ne
that, said Chloe, nodding her head knowingly
"Them wimmen critters understand each other,
was the internal reflection of the pedder as he cool
ly walked in and helped himself to seat.