Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-01-16


mestic affairs. If the hedges are not trimmed by
the time agreed upon, shall consider the contract
violated on your part and feel justified in withhold
ing every part Of the payment already due"
"But sir"
''There is no manner of use in arguing the mat
ter, Mr.. Daniels When I return to my office to
night, I shall expect to find your task completed.
In that case, you may call upon me etomorrow morn
ing, or as soon as you may fRd it convenient, and
I shall promptly fulfil my part of the contract, by
paying the full amount of myindebtedness. Good
morning, SIR" And, so saying, the speaker hur-
riedy vaulted into the saddle, and, putting spurs
to his horse, was gone before the old man could
reply
"And is it possibler' he exclaimed, looking after
his departing employer; his countenance pale with
indignation and perplexity. "In the name Of all
that good and honest in human nature, does the
man-this christian gentleman mean that9"
'sMean what, Mr.. Daniels; and of whom are you
speaking?'' asked beautiful young girl, who, un-
observed, had been walking in the garden.
'To be guilty of an act of such gross injustice,
Miss Louisa Il am speaking of your father, ," re-
piled the old man, looking sadly down upon the
gravel walk.
"My father guilty of an act of injusticeI'' ex-
claimed the lady, Indignantly. "Pray, sir, be 30
good as to inform rue what has occurred to drive
you to such harsh conclusion"
sIt does not matter" said the old gardener, has.
tily turning away and walking meditatively toward
the gate.
''But are you not going to work to-day" asked
the young lady, following the gardener to the gate.
'sNo, Miss Louisa. My wife is dangerously
so-and have no heart for work this morning
beside which, I am in duty bound to be at her side
and to minister to her wants. only came here
this morning to inform your father of my inability
to finish my work to day on account of domestic
afliction."
'Wel, certainly; that is no fault of your" said
Louisa ssand the little work that remains to be
done here can be completed next week just as well
as to-day Father did not object to all this, I am
sure"
"Object? Why he grew angry the moment
alluded to the circumstance and not only refused
to allow suspension of the work, which has been
going on so uninteruptedly for the last two weeks,
but actually threatens to deprive me of every cent
of money which is already due me for the whole Of
the laSC LnlrCeen uay WOFk.
II am sure, that father does not mean this, Mr..
Daniels" said the young girl, evidently mortified.
'sBut, how much longer would it take to finish the
work that remains to be done?''
II could have completed my task by sunset, u
replied the old man.
'Only one day!' said Louisa, thoughtfnIy.
Then, after few moments silence, she looked up
with sweet smile, and said: IF your wife would
only allow me to nurse her to-day until your work
is completed, perhaps you would be few dollars
richer tomorrow morning, and your wife none the
worse for my attention. 1t would be pity for you
to lose the reward of your toll when its completion
is so near at hand
'sIt would be more than pity, Miss Louisa, -
said the old man, flush of anger passing over his
venerable face 'It would be crying shame be-
fore God and mana downright swinde and cheat,
for which the perpetrator would richly enttle him,
self to cell in the county jail. "
''Why, Mr. Daniels!'' exclaimed Louisa.
II mean exactly what say" said the old man,
much excited. 1.-TWO weeks ago found this gar
den perfect wilderness of weeds and poisonous
briars. Your father, upon his own terms, engaged
me to 60 Immediately to work and put matters te
rights, with the understanding that everything was
to be completed in fourteen days. I have weeded
the entire garden, put fresh gravel and shell in
every walk, erected arbors, adjusted and trimmed
every bush, plant tree and vine, until one scarcely
knows this to be the same place. Every thing Is
now completed but these hedges, which require
considerable amount of trimming, but all OF which
would have been done by sunset, had nothing oc
CURED to prevent it. Now, on the morning OF the
very last days work, your father, on whose prop
erty have expended so much toll and no little
money, positively threatens to defraud me Of my
just earnings because solicit the right Of minis
tering to a sick wife. hayeno words, with which
can express the indignation I feel towards such
man."
''Stop, Mr.. Daniels! Don't 60 away in such o
passion" said Louisa, as the old man turned te
leave. "Father would not be so unjust as to keep
back farthing of your money; and 1 feel satisfied
that he would not deprive you of the sad pleasure
of attending to your sick wife. Perhaps he only
told you what he did, to expedite the completion
ofyour work. Now, listen to me moment: ]
will again offer to act in the capacity of nurse, il
YOU agree to remain here and finish your work.
Say the word, and will instantly put on my bon
net and 90 at once to your house. Should your
wife grow worse, or should she even express disap
probation with our little plan, will Immediately
let you know of it." :.
II see how it is, Miss Louisa" said the Ole
man; ''and it is needless to attempt to disguise
the fact. You evidently feel satisfied in your OWL