Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-02-07

garden In order to read her letter undlSturDed.-
/ Neither her guardian nor Major Amory, however
knew this, but supposed she was in the kitchel
directing the servants, or else had had occasion t.
20 up to her chamber to arrange her toilet or pro
cure sewing in which to employ herself for the at
tenoon Whatever might be the cause, it seemed
but natural, and attracted no remark.
/ It was the custom of Mr. Westvelt, as will
many elderly country gentlemen who are not driver
by business, to take nap after dinner.
Accordingly he excused himself on rising from
the table, with the remark that such was his Gus
tom, and added.
/ ''You must make yourself quite at home, Major
Amory. You will find books on the table, and
will tell the servant to bring in the latest papers
from London, and the last perhaps you may
have seen In case you wish to take the air, there
is the door which leads into the garden. 1t is moi
what it should be, but we have few flowers"
"Make yourself quite easy about me, Mr.. West
velt," returned the guest. 81 have no doubt
shall pass the time pleasantly"
"Perhaps my niece may be in before 1 come
down. She is probably occupied at present
eff she does, the time will assuredly not pass
heavily" said Major Amory bowling.
"a very agreeable young man, and perfect
gentleman" thought Mr. Westvelt to himself, as
he went up stairs Ear preferable to that fellow
Peterson. Iwonder Elinor could ever have fancied
him."
There are great many points on which the
young and the old do not agree, and we have seen
that on this point Elinor and her uncle were at va
rance.
Left to himself Major Amory looked carelessly
through book which lay on the table He tried
to interest himself in it, but very soon decided that
he was in no mood for reading, and taking his
hat from the table in the hail. stepped out into the
garden.
The garden was moderately large enclosure,
comprising perhaps an acre of land, devoted to
flowers, fruit shrubbery, and so forth.
Not dreaming of the presence of Elinor, Major
Amory walked slowly down a graveled walk, think,
ing of the best method of securing her affections,
and obtaining her assent to his suit, when his at
tention was drawn to voice which he at once re-
cognzed as that of our heroine. The words which
she uttered were those which have already been
reported, in which the rival suitors were referred
to- not at all to the advantage of the Englishman.
''Ha !'' thought the officer, and stopped quietly
to listen, partly that his presence might not be de,
tected.
He heard nothing more, however, as Einor, af;
ter some five minutes spent in reflection, arose from
her seat, and left the arbor
As she emerged from it, Major Amory sunk
back in the shadow of the hedge, and thus escaped
observation Itwould have been an awkward mo-
ment for both if he had been discovered. But
this did not happen. Suspending his breath, even,
he was successful in avoiding attracting attention.
Not imagining that the one who was most inte,
rested had listened to her words, Elinor pursued
her way to the house.
As soon as he felt it to be safe to do so, Major
Amory emerged from his place Of fconcealment, and
entered the arbor which Elinor had just left.
As he did so, his eyes lighted up with joy, and
he hastily snatched paper from the seat
The reader will at once conjecture that it was the
letter of Captain Peterson, which Einor had mad
vertenty left.
A thorough gentleman would have scorned to
read a letter not intended for himself, however
much he desired to become acquainted with its
contents. Major Amory was not gifted with nice
sense of honor He only felt that the letter of his
rival was in his hands, and it was his object to read
it before Elinor should return to reclaim it. 1t was
not long letter and took him but short time to
read it.
"Ha!" thought he, frowning, this matter has
gone farther than 1 thought. So the girl prefers
this beggarly rebel, does she, and he has the au,
dacity to appoint meeting with her. 1t is fortu,
nate that Einor has thrown this letter in my way.
shall now be prepared to act to better advantage.
only hope the fellow will meet her on the 2Sth,
as he proposes here. He may find it a little hard,
er to get away than he supposes 1t is fortunate
too that the meeting is to take place before my
leave of absence expires"
He carefully laid back the letter in its place. and
swiftly left the arbor DESTROYS of escaping all sus
picion of having seen the letter, he made his way
to the house, and seating himself in the drawing
room, become apparently deeply interested in
London paper
Meanwhile, Elinor, who had discovered her loss,
hastened back to the arbor. 1t was apparently
| just as she left it.
'sHow lucky!' she calculated with relief
sWhat if my uncle, or Major Amory had seen it. y