Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-05-09


dark, old oaken staircase. Count Hugo fol-
lowed. For the first time that day, to Jack
great happiness, he found himself alone with
Mildred. He took her hand, and they as
cended to the first floor.
Here was suite departments furnished in
the most primitive manner. A few rudely-
carved chairs, some massive tables, tall
porcelain stove of olivegreen, bearing the
heraldic swan, and some strange pictures of
the early German school. Overhead were
huge rahers, painted in the most vividly.con-
trasting colors. A quaint little balcony over
hung the river which rushed below, murmur-
ing between its wild and picturesque banks
"Won't you rest here awhile, dearestF
Jack said, arranging seat for his companion.
She sat down, and he drew taboret to her
feet and placed himself beside her. ,"Now,"
he continued, fondling the little hand which
lay con6dingly in his, "you will answer my
question of last night, won't youF'
And Mildred answered it.
Meanwhile, above them similar scene was
being enacted. Count Hugo found Kate ex-
ploring the banqueting hall, which lay at the
top of the castle, and commanded an extensive
view of the surrounding country. A long,
heavy oaken table, running across the hall,
supported a row of goblets fantastic enough
for an enchanted palace; the walls Of the
room were papered up to a certain height
with dull crimson paper, bearing the same
heraldic swan which seemed to haunt the
premises above the paper, and upon the
white-washed walls were arranged coats of
mail, shields, swords and escutcheons; :. the
rafters of the room, like the one below, gay
with colors, producing fine barbaric effect.
On one side of the hall, revealed by half
drawn curtains of crimson-and-gold colored
stuffs, was large gilded shrine standing in a
recess.
Count Hugo possessed considerable knowl-
edge of heraldry, and took great delight in
explaining all the devices to his companion.
But he was evidently pleased when she con-
fessed herself satisfied and willing to ascend
still higher to the watch tower, and wait there
until the arrival of the other explorers.
II wish you could see Altenburg," he said
presently, as Kate's eyes roved idly over the
scene below.
They were standing by the window. Below
rolled the "rapid Isar;" right opposite gleam-
ed the mountains; and between lay the vast
plain extending sixty miles. Here was a
height crowned with castle; there, patch
of dark pine forest.
He continued:
"This is certainly charming, but there is
more or less of monotony in the scenery.
With US, the Tyrol is synonym for all that
is grand, beautiful, and picturesque. The
mountain-peaks rise on every side in sublime
majesty between them lie sunny valleys
teeming with verdure. And then our hunts in
which ladies often take part. The queen, her
self, rides to cover every morning during the
Highland season. Your brother and have
made party for chamois-hunt. Will it be
presumptuous to hope you will consent to be
one of the number?"
His tone implied much more than the words.
Kate was too we'll trained, however, to be so
quickly caught.
"Certainly I shall go-that is, ifJack does
not object. He has rather prudish ideas on
some subjects, and it is possible he may veto
the plan. Do you think so?" with irresista-
BILE aaivets, looking up at him from under her
long curling lashes.
"Of course not" he replied more impetu-
ously than the question warranted. II can
easily persuade him if he should be so in
clined. May espouse your cause as my
own?"
"Oh! that is not worth while" Kate said,
carelessly twining curl around her finger,
appearing utterly unconscious Of his meaning.
Count Hugo was but man. He could not
look calmly down upon the tall queenly figure
leaning in an attitude of unstudied grace
against the window; or mark, withouta quick
ened pulse, the soft flush upon her cheek, and
the magnetic light glowing within her splen:
did eyes. He imprisoned both hand and curl.
"Kate- -Mademoiselle-it Is worth while.
I have not thus sought you to be SO calmly
discounted. I tell you am fearfully in ear
nest, and you know it"
"In earnestp exclaimed the imperturbable
coquette, vainly endeavoring to free her cap
tive fingers. II had no idea the question de-
manded such feeling. But if you care to
know" raising her eyes shyly and blushing
more deeply-"I will confess to a decided yet
secret weakness for-for-a chamois-hunt"
The palpable heartlessness was too much
even for German equanimity. Count Hugo
dropped her hand with an expression of un-
feigned disappointment.
"Pardon me- Mademoiselle. I shall en-
deavor TO command myself in future"-and
turning away, he looked out of an opposite
window.
Footsteps were now heard, and Colonel
Meredith entered with Mrs. Weir. Aunt
Agatha and Henriette came toiling up the
steep ascent, the former leaning upon Jacks
arm, while Mildred followed, laughing at her
cousins piteous protestations, and urging her
on to more vigorous efforts.
"Now, Eta, just one more step, and all
will be over. See, what grand scene awaits
you from that point" they gained the first
landing, and light lattice alone interviewed
between them and the bright world without.
Kate FASTENED forward to meet them, and
poured forth, in tone Of forced interest and
a,.4.. lor oocta nins of tho nnaint littla nastle