Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-05-23

eyes, the youth paused for moment, and his lips
moved, as though he were about to speak
But no words followed. The agony Of his soul
had rendered him speechless, and letting the hand
fall he turned away and left the apartment.
The actors in the singular scene remained mo-
tionless, gazing upon each other with speechless
surprise.
Upon the floor, at Sir Rezin's feet, lay the frag-
ments of the will which had fallen from the out
stretched hand of Innis, at the moment when he
tore the document in pieces.
THE CONFESSION.
Innis is sitting in his lonely lodgings, with con-
tracted brows, paid cheeks, gazing into the fire.
'This then, is the end !' he murmurs; the
dream of life is over-the drama has terminated.
What is left me, but to yield? That mad, wild
scheme I revolved! To carry her off and cut the
knot by force! must have lost my senses to de-
wise plan of forcing young lady, against her
will, to ally herself with my miserable fortunes, my
poor lonely life!
He smiled almost scornfully as he spoke, and
the brow became more painfully contracted. Then
deep sigh shook his bosom, and he murmured :
"Oh! no. no. In the depths of my misery,
my utter despair, let me still remember that ]
am my fathers son, and not be guilty of unmanly
weakness and injustice. She is pure, faithful, ut
teriy, true-with weak will only but q noble,
beautiful nature. Her very absence of all selfish
ness and devotion to duty, is the origin Of my mis-
cry. No, no; whatever comes, I'll not be guilty
ofthe mean injustice ofvisiting her, my wretched
ness! Perhaps, after ALL she acts for the best; she
needs her equal, not poor obscure young cousin.
Yet I was rich, few hours since Yes, was
rich, and he who almost scorned me, hewas poor y
Innis paused, and leaning his head upon his
hand, pondered long and silently.
IT did well" he said at length. raising his head
proudly. 'I acted as my father would have had
me act-as became my lineage! The estate was
mine it is theirs and my cousin and playmate
goes not forth from Haddon, portionless, to wed
the stranger"
As he spoke with bitter smiles and laboring
bosom, the door opened and old Robin entered
With q low obeisance, he presented, on his waiter
as before, letter, sealed and directed to Innis
The young man took and opened it. 1t was
from Sir Rein and ran as follows:
"ly Dear young Friend and Kiasnan
"Your action this morning was that Of a noble
gentleman, and scarcely surprised us, for we knew
you WELL In the name of my wife and daughter,
thank you for this proof of your regard and afec-
ton, and shall always esteem you as the truest
gentlemen I've ever known.
"Of course, it is wholly impossible for me- how
ever, to take advantage Of your magnanmity:-
Haddon is yours, and shall pass to you, in despite
of yourself To send you the paper which estab--
fishes your right and title would be perilous, !
fear after the events of the morning. and shall
guard it carefully. In the presence Of every one,
the pieces were reunited statement Of the cir
cumstances under which it was destroyed has
been drawn up, and signed by myself, Lord Ruth
ven, my wife and daughter, and the will, with this
document, will be recorded IN the proper court,
Immediately on my return to the mountains.
II shall so far trespass upon your favor, as to
retain possession of the estate until the first day OF
March, when it shall be delivered to you, with a
full account of everything
"And now, my dear Edmund-for let me drop all
forms of ceremony and address you as my feelings
impe me to do, not in ceremonious terms but as an
elderly kinsman, nay, as father-my feelings have
and I would have some frank and candid words
with you. Iwould make confession, and though
this confession renders it necessary for me to abdi
cate my native pride for the moment, will not
shrink from q truthful statement of the meaning
of my late action. objected to your union with
Honoria because you were socially, and in the
eye of the world, unequal to Lord Ruthyen. That
| is the naked truth, which write with great re-
pugnance; but have sworn to myself an oath that
would not conceal the actual truth. For yourself,
personally, as | stated to you, on the occasion Of
our interview I had and have, the utmost respect
and regard-a sentiment which since this morning,
has become warm affection and admiration. -
But was weak, my dear Edmund-I could not
govern my pride I was powerless to resist the
temptation of making my beloved child the bride
of nobleman; and if you had been born in Eng
land, and grown up with the ingrained prejudice
in favor of rank, you would understand my feelings.
I said, "Honoria has but school girls love for
| her cousin, and will soon recover from 1t, when
she finds herself the centre Of all eyes, admired and
1attered as Lady Ruthven; and he, too, will for
get his romantic attachment, and become an hon.
orable person in the Colony, and marry, and be
your request IF did so in manner unbecom-
ing in me, you will pardon me am very sure.
"Well, now, my dear young friend and kinsman,
have written very frankly, and concealed nothing.
1t may pain you, but must state, as frankly, that
Lord Ruthven will soon marry Honoria. You
heard him claim the performances Of my phghted
word, and am powerless to resist.
| II must end my letter. 1t is only necessary tor
me to add that within the month, Honorla will be
married to Lord Ruthven, at Haddon. The estate
will be delivered to you op the first of March, at
'Your friend and kinsman,
'R. BRAND"
This was the letter which Innis read with cold
eyes, pale'lips, and in silence.
When he had finished, he simply inclined his
head, and bade old Robin tell his master that he
had delivered the letter. Old Robin bowed, and
not daring to intrude upon the young mans gloomy
mood, retired
$50 it ends !" repeated Innis, letting the paper
fall unheeded upon the foor and all is as thought
AS knew! This letter was not necessary for
read that proud heart fully-all is finished Well,
so let it be. 1t only remains for me to act. They
cannot give up Haddon if there be no one to de-
liver it to, and before the first of March shall
have sold my little patrimony and left Virginia
Where shall T 60? know not-but [ will go.
Oh yesl Were to stay here, Ishould sufocate.
The very air would strange me! Twill go-and
will never return!'
The pale lips were still again, and the stern cold
eyes were fixed upon the fire. But gradually the
white cheeks flushed, the bosom heaved, and with
close set teeth and eyes full Of tears, the young
man raised his head and murmured, mother
mother"