Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-12-04
Thc Sturp Trllrr.
RY THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN.

overtlowng with panSies, gernneunis and ro-
ses a house which looked like Il magnificent
pepper box, completely hidden from view by
masses of hopvincs, honeysuckles, and red
blossoms of some flower beans. The noon
sun poured its hot beams over everything,
making the dusty leaves sparkle as if some
benevolent fairy had powdered them with da'
mond dust.
In contrast to the outside heat and 6 lare,
Ruy Biasmont, sauntcring along the shaded
piazza, in his white linen suit, seemed per-
feet miracle of GOODNESS. He was slim
handsome man about thirty, with regular
features and a light olive complexion. His
hair and a small black moustache he wore,
We'd with his eyes in intense blackncss. Such
eyes they spoke when their owners tongue
was silent, and expressed whatever ne IN
tended.
He puffed lazily at a cigar, and taking his
stand where the shade fell, dark looked out
on the sun-beaten road.
"Parbleu!' he muttercd, "What care for
the heat? Heat is my element. 1t is we'll,
for doubtless III have enough oft some day.
And he laughed sardonically. 81 think I'd
rather enjoy war with his Satanic Majesty
He paused an instant and then exclaimed,
"Ah, here he comes-the young farmer
What brings him here at this hour? ??
A young man had just rounded the corner
of the nearest house and was coming toward
the Blasmont garden. A stalwart, brown
faced man with with frank, open look. Tic
nodded slightly to Ruy Blasnont, and said :
as Miss Rosa at home?"
"Madcmoisele Blasmont is not at home"
her brother answered, slightly raising his
eyebrows and playing with his moustachc, to
show the large diamond ring glittering on his
right hand. =,
His hesitation did not last long A petite
figure, clothed in some airy fabric of pink
and white, came hastily through the French
window. 1t was Rose Blasmont.
"Oh, Mr. Brightlyr' she exclaimed, smiling
and offering her hand. 81 thought heard
your voice."
81 understood from what your brother sald'
that YOU were not at home
"Why he knew"-she began but she had
too much tact to continue.
II meant that my sister might not be at
home to this-ahem !-gentleman," said Kuy
Blasmont with an insolent glance at John
Brightly.
John Brightlys face flushed, but he took no
other notice ofthe insult, for Rose laid hand
on his arm and whispered:
"Ruy isn't we'll. He is-what do you
Americans call it ?"
"Insolent," John Brightly could not help
saying.
"Oh no. no, no. Only little veXed, cross.
Come into the parlor Iti much cooler there.
Que vous etes bon Ces hcurs sont magnl-
fque ?" she exclaimed, catching sight of the
large cluster Of water lilies John held in his
hand.
"You forgot that don't understand
French" he said smiling, rs he followed her
into the parlor
"Ah, oui But am so thankful to you.
I must sing at Mrs. Moreland's garden party
tonight and these are the vcritable flowers
love most to wear
"You told me so last evening"
"And, therefore, you walked through the
hot sun to bring them. How good you are y
at is not such sacrifice. This Is my DIM
ner hour. We farmers are extremely busy
lust at present, so snatched sufficient time to
pay you a visit"
"Thcn you will lunch with us. Excuse me
and l will prepare"
"No l wish to speak with you"
"Strawberries and cream? Can you resist
the temptation? Besides you never tried my
sponge cake" she said, laughing, and trying
to escape.
Rose" he said gravcly, "give me few
moments, have something to say to YOU
Ruy Blasmont drew near the window and
arrang ged himself in position for hearing all
that might be said.
Rose resumed her seat, her eyes cast down
and the color varying in her face. ,,
81 have q question to ask you, Rose; Will
you be my wte?'
Ruy whispered through the lace curtain a
sibilaht "no.'
Rose heard it and turned pale; to her, her
brothers will was law.
81 don't know | cannot yet tell" she fall
tered.
The eager look on the young farmers face
gave way to deep disappointment. 81 have
been abrupt but thought perhaps my ac-
tions had given you reason to expect that |
might ask you this question:
Rose was silent.
"You think am too impatient. | have
waited 4 long time for this opportunity, and
it may be my last chance for months.
start to New York on the midnight train"
Rose gathered up all her courage.
"Yes, John, l promise. | will be your
wife whenever you choose"
Ruy Blasmont angrily overturned the RUS
tic chair on which he had been sitting and ell
tered through the window.
"Ah, mes amiS," he said coolly smiling. 81
have been an involuntary listener to your
conversation and pardon me if | correct Il
slight mistake Monsieur Brightly, the lady
who has this instant promised to marry you Is
already pledged to another-to Monsieur
Wills"
John looked enquiringly at Rose. Rose
seemed astonished-and then her color height
ened, and she cried Indignantly:
1T is falscv
at is true l have promised Monsieur
Wills that you shall become his wife within
the year
"You !" exclaimed Rose, with a gesture of
"Bv what right?" asked John.
"Bv my right as her guardian and only re-
lation.'
81 deny that any such right exists cried
John, passionately. "Takc, Ruy Blasmont-
take care. If you attempt to force your sis
tcr-now my promised wite-into marriage
with another, will disclose that which will
place YOU where interference will be useless. y
"Indecd," sncered Ruy; but his countc-
nance fell.
"Good bye, Rosc,' said John. "Be true to
me- will return as soon as | can. AS for
ID