Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-04-25

80 bound by the closest associations to the
scenes of her maiden and married life. II
had cost her pang-but for Mildreds sake
all such considerations were forgotten. Weir
wood was given over to the charge of rela'
tive, an eccentric old gentleman, who de-
lighted in doing odd things, and had himself
proposed to be a tenant for an indefinite
time.
The exploits of "old cousin Mark" were
the subject of Mildred's discourse now. She
and Colonel Meredith were already in the St
Anna suburb, and pausing at the gate of the
English garden when the others came up
II declare, Mildred, you are determined on
walking us to DEATH" Kate said, falling upon
rustic seat as if half dead with fatigue
Colonel Meredith, you ought to restrain hel
eagerness. 1t is positively unwholesome."
"The truth is, Miss Kate, was so interest
ed in Mildred's story that I forgot We were
walking at ALL"
"Old cousin Mark and his will, I'll be
bound" Jack said laughing. II will make q
wager with you, Colonel, that he will draw
up codicil in my favor twenty-four hours
after my introduction to him.
"Nobody doubts your being irresistible
young gentleman" Colonel Meredith respond
ed, as they went forward toward quaint lit
tie coffee-house just within the gate; "sup'
pose you try its effect upon the keeper Of that
caf Order US dainty little supper, and
will take the ladies on to the second bridge
You will find us somewhere there"
mo doubt; but must insist on having a
companion, or I may lose myself and then
you would never forgive yourselves for having
imposed upon me. Won't you take care Of
me, Mildred9"
She readily acquiesced, and they soon found
themselves alone before the cofee-house, with
its carved balconies running around the out
side, after the style of Tyrolean chalets.
Having given necessary orders at the neat
bar within, the cousins wandered off toward
the 1sar. Itrolled calmly along between its
level banks, in the roseate evening glow.
Afar to the east was the glorious, calm Al.
pine chain, raising its jagged peaks into a
pure, pale sky, along which lay vast solemn
masses of cloud. They passed through long
avenues of acacia trees. Here and there were
seen glimpses of Arcadian hooks, still green
and mossy with summer ripeness; winding
walks lost in the forest depths; fountains
tipkling at intervals; and distant strains Of
music from the band in front of Prince Carl'a
palace. Mildred could not repress her enthu.
siasm, but it was more quiet than in former
times. Jack gladly encouraged the theme.
and they talked more familiarly than they
had ever done before.
Don't you remember" he said at length,
chow once prophecied you would be in Eu'
rope some day? And with me, too-and
Colonel Meredith"
He stopped. feeling intuitively how painful
were the associations thus revived. Mildred
grew shade paler, but she replied quietly
eyes, 1 remember the circumstances dis
tinctly, and yet all this is so much more beau
tiful in reality than in anticipation. Oh
Jack, I quite forget sometimes that have
ever known any other existence than this
calm, lovely German life. This last month
has been the" she hesitated. Sincerity for
bade her to say the "happiest"; she added
after pause "the most contented have
ever known. I feel rested as if I need never
think, much less move again"
Jack did not speak. The sound of this
sweet pathetic voice was almost too much fol-
his resolve, strong as it was, never to betray
himself. He held the story of her terrible
past as too sacred ever to intrude upon her
confidence. Chivalrous in every relation Of
life, as a lover, Jack Moreton was as tender
and knightly as Lancelot of the Lake
''The goodliest man
That ever among ladies ate in Hall,
And noblest"
So now he spoke not, because he revered
her and her great grief; because he was ell
tirely unsel6sh. But he took the little hand
which rested upon his arm, and seated her
upon bench at the foot of fine old beech.
The garden-women were raking the dead
leaves from the walks, broad straw hats Of
peculiar shape tied down over their weather.
beaten faces with handkerchief of ever imag'
Unable hue-their stalwart limbs, encased in
stout boots, chattering on the graveled ave
nues. Every now and then group of people
passed on their way to the music-stand in
front ofthe palace,
"Do you wish to go uearerW Jack asked
presently.
"No, think the strains sound more sweetly
at this distance. Listen! That cornet-solo-
The Banks of the Beautiful, Blue Danube
Oh how exquisite!"
The wind.instrument, perfectly adapted to
the wild and thrilling air, now rose over the
sotto vocs of the accompaniment, and scared
aloft in the still September evening like a
seraph' voice. Jack leant against the gnarled
old tree, and watched the face Of his cousin
1t was a sure test of his strength when this
also passed and he was silent.
As the last note died away, they resumed
their walk, and soon reached the rest of the
party who were waiting somewhat impatiently
for the delinquents- ts-and their suppers The
latter soon appeared, however, borne on trays
by white.capped Kellnerins. Kate presided
with much complacency over the feast, only
regretting that they had not commissioned
Lawrence to appear, "for," as she observed
~ am always sure we are making an impres
sion on strangers when he is about"