Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-06-27
Au 0rigiual grize Sturg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
AN HEIRESSIN HER0WN RIGHT.
BY EMILY ]. ROMEO.
CHAPTER XII.


AN OLA PoDRIDA IN WHICH THERE IS AS
LITTLE OF THE PLoUGHsHARE, AS IN CHAP
TER XI.
'To grow lovely at duty-to make our actions
rebound upon ourselves-is the hardest, but the
noblest part of all.'
Before going on with the dry details Of
everyday cares and perplexities, felt by
those who, from the summit of fortune, sank
into unexpected difficulties and privations,
We will give an incident which occurred
shortly after the boys returned home, and
had greater effect on future events than
was dreamed at the time.
1t was Sunday evening. The whole family
were gathered in the parlor or around the
windows on the piazza, and one and another
had related incidents which had fallen under
his observation during the war. Mr.. Ellison
had closed quite tribute to the women OF
Virginia, when Mr.. Elliott began
"You all unite in praising the courage and
bravery of the women of the border States !;
but can give an instance of greater heroism
that happened right here, than any you have
related-one which the modesty Of the hero
inc has kept from being told, till it seems
doing her injustice to let it remain secret
any longer" ..... ,
Grace made deprecatory movement, but
her father would not heed it. So she slipped
into seat where she was half hidden by one
of the window curtains, and Mr.. Elliott went
on
"There was q hard.headed father who
would not think this State could be overrun
like others-who thought the enemy had but
to touch its soil to be annihilated- and who
would not listen patiently to any one who
differed from him, till he received visit
from an old college chum, whom he loved 80
we'll he could not quarrel with in his own
house for believing things entirely dissonant
from him, though he did dissent consid-
erabiy. The result of the visit was that a
daughter Of the wrong-headed man thought
it very probable an army might pass through
here as easily as through Georgia. So she
went to work to learn every island and spot
for miles around, which might be used as a
place of temporary concealment She explor-
ed every bay, swamp, island and hammock,
and followed every by-road and tangled path
till she knew all its bearings. She had the
plate, Jewels and heirlooms of the family
buried here and there, and for few weeks
was as busy as any engineering corps She
arranged set of signals, in case of emergen-
cy, and was ridiculed and laughed at for her
efforts and perseverance. But her reply was,
4 hardly expect to ever have use for my
newly.acquired knowledge; but, father, # it
should be needed And with that she would
have her way; for no one could say what
unexpected dangers might arise.
events proved the wisdom Of her plans
and forethought. Sherman's army came as
sudden and numerous as cloud of locusts;
and nothing but one of those providential
circumstances which show that good deeds are
never lost, saved the place and family from
wanton ravage; while the father, knowing
himself unable to do any good, and unwilling
to be taken prisoner, was hiding in the swamps
and taking care of the horses. A neighbor
was his only companion. 1t was the second
night of camping out; they had not been
molested, and danger was scarcely thought
Of, as an old and favorite negro had come with
supplies and messages purporting to be from
the family, but in reality as spy; yet some
slight precautions were taken, in case un-
friendly parties might come upon them. In
the middle of the night signal was heard
which sent thrill of horror to one heart, and
on answering it, who should it be but the
daughter, who, aided by one of the enemy's
men, had gone all the way through the dark
ness and dangers to warn her father that the
negro had betrayed him, and party were to
attack him at day-break. Now, do you Won
der that I think my Grace greater heroine
than any lady in Virginia?"
Exclamations of surprise and questions for
full particulars followed in rapid succession !;
and Grace herself had to tell it all over before
they would be satisfied.
Conway's tears fell freely. She reproached
herself for the way she had treated Grace
after her receiving Captain Clinton's parting
salute; and now it turned out to have been
one of the most delicate acts of honor and
reverence.
Mr.. Ellison and Russell complimented
Grace in the highest terms. Arthur called
out, "Bully for you, cousin Grace-you're a
trump" and all made some fattering remark,
except Jack, who took both her hands with
out word.
II do believe he wants to kiss you," cried
Arthur.
Grace looked up, and Jack did press his
lips to her forehead. A hush fell on the
room, and Arthur felt as if he had said some
thing out Of place-a new thing for him.
The look and kiss haunted Mrs. Elliott,
and she said to her husband that night
II do hope we are making no mistake in
regard to Grace. I am afraid Arthur is too
coarse for her"
90, Arthur will do we'll enough. He's
good hearted, and will have polish and soft.
ness after his camp ways wear off,"
Mrs. Elliott was not satisfied. 81 don't
think Conway cares much for Jack. 1 wish
they had been left to their own choice with.
out so much intriguing by older relatives
They would have been happier, I'm sure"
"It would have been just as it is now, il
they had. Arthur has always been fond Of
Grace, and claimed her, and Jack has to fall
back on Conway, or marry some girl without
her charms; for there isn't her equal in the
State, except Grace"