Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-02-08
CHAPTER TX.

In the autumn came an invitation for Ethel
to spend some time with one of her friends in
Summerfeld. She debated the question some
time before accepting; but as Arly was now
pretty we'll, and both he and Mr.. Conway
urged her to make the change, she finally de-
cided to do so.
81 declare, Ethel, I wish I was going with
you," said Minnie regretfully, as she watched
her sister packing her trunk. 81 do think
Mary Lawton might have asked me too"
"They know you are going to school, Min
ME and besides, the Lawtons' house is not
large. I dare say they will ask you some
other time"
"Well, hope so, I'm sure. would like a
change of some sort it's awfully gloomy here
now and I shall be 30 lonesome when you are
gone won't know what to be after. 1 be-
lieve I'll try my hand at Irritation with
Arly, by way of amusement"
"Minnie!" exclaimed her sister reproach-
fully.
"Well, you needn't look so shocked. can
say thing in fun, can't [? And even if was
in earnest, where would be the harm? The
fact is, Ethel, believe sometimes you are
in love with Arly yourself"
"You do not know what you are speaking
Of" said Ethel with considerable displeasure
in her tone, for Minnies levity Jared on her
feelinps. "You should not choose theme
to jest on"
"Jestl I'm not jesting. Why shouldn't
it be so? I am sure I have heard you laud
him to the skies dozens of times and you
know he thinks you an angel upon earth, so
you would just suit each other"
eve are very fond of each other, Minnie,
but you know perfectly we'll the sort Of atfec-
ton that exists between vi"
"Well, if I were you I would try and cul-
tivate the other sort of affection 1 think it
would be an excellent idea"
"Perhaps I do not care about taking your
advice on the subject" said Ethel, now really
provoked at her persistency.
"Then, to return to the original plan; why
shouldn't try my hand? Seriously speak
ing, Ethel, I don't know that could do bet
ter than to marry Arly."'
"Marry Arly! Minnie, what are you talk
ing about?"
"You are very dull of comprehension, sister
mine; am sure my words are plain. l say,
that when one takes into consideration Arly's
immense property, it almost tempts one to put
aside the thought of the Disadvantages at
tending it mean, ia the person of the owner.
have arrived at the conclusion that it would
be by no means an undesirable thing to be
established as mistress of Oaklands with
Rawley Park, etc., etc., in the background"
"I don't think it is at all becoming in you,
Minnie, to speak in such manner. In fact,
such child as you ought not to discuss such
subject under any circumstances; and in
the present case, I think it is unfeeling, as
we'll as improper" said Ethel, warmly.
"Child what nonsense, Ethel, when you
know I'm nearly sixteen. As for its being
improper, tits no more than plenty of other
girls would think, if they didn't say it; and
can't see how you can call it unfeeling Do
you suppose Arley is resolved never to marry"
81 don't suppose any thing about it. 1 am
certain it is a question I never would ask him.
Only beg Of you, Minnie, not to trihe with
his feelings, or act inconsiderately toward him
when am gone" said Ethel, earnestly. eff
you do, I shall really think you have no
heart"
Whereupon, Minnie, with gay laugh, bid
her sister not lecture her, and asked if she
meant to accept as sober earnest every jesting
word she said.
"There's no such thing as having little
fun with you, Ethel, you're so dreadfully
practical and matter-offact Please don't
look so serious, or I shall really think I have
been saying something horribly improper. [
promise to take care of your pet while you
are away"
"Promise to be a good girl, Minnie, and
always act kindly, and shall be satisfied"
"Oh! will be as good as gold, never fear !;
you have no idea how saint-like shall be-
come Now, Ethel, don't stare at me so; I