Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-06-26

men since. "Mr. English" still remained in
the vicinity, and occasionally called on us
but never saw him, as took advantage OF
an invalid's privilege and only admitted those
whose society would give me pleasure.
The great topic Of excitement in the neigh
borhood, at this time, was the marriage OF
Henrietta Lewis and Mr.. Howard. The most
elaborate preparations were being made, and
the bride was in state of enthusiastic delight,
which was really charming to see.
She came to Elmwood about week before
the time appointed for her wedding, and in:
sisted upon having an interview with me. l
did not much like the prospect but as.1 re-
membered she would soon leave us, I thought
I would sacrifice myselfon the "altar Of friend
ship," ESQ called) and give her farewell in
terview.
After the usual protestations Of sympathy
and regard, she drew her chair near the lounge
on which I was lying, and said
"Mattie, I have something very important
to tell you about Mary"
"Have you?" said I; "it is nothing un'
pleasant, I hope" ,..... ..
cit is more than unpleasant. am afraid
after you hear all that have to tell, that you
can never regard her as sister again"
"The proof must be very strong, then; for
it would take great deal to make me love
Mary less than I do.
"But if you were certain she had acted dis
honorably."
"Nothing could make me think that"
81 knew you would behard to convince so
I brought these letters with me. Perhaps
after you have read them, you will find out
that Johns wife is not quite so perfect as you
have always thought her." ..
As she said this, she placed package OF
letters in my hand, directed to "Mr. Richard
Howard, Waverly."
How I wished 1 could retain them in my
possession But this would have given rise
to more scandal, so I returned them, saying
81 know all about these letters, Henrietta
they were written to Mr.. Howard, by Mary,
many years ago. She spoke to me Of them
herself: As 1 have some compunctions OF
conscience in regard to reading letters which
were never intended for me to see, I must de-
cline your offer"
$50 she told you they were written many
years ago. perhaps you will think different
ly when you see this date-it is quite recent" "
She opened one and gave it to me. 1t was
dated "sept. 23d." Just two months since it
was written! 1 was astonshed for moment;
but then seeing through the whole plot, |
said
ut is very cleverly done; but, Henrietta,
in altering dates, you ought to be careful
about concealing your work. 1t is very evil
dent that something has been erased here"
Her face turned crimson, as she replied
81 did not come here to be insulted, Mat
tie."
"It seems not, truly; you thought only to
offer an insult. Perhaps it would be as well
for me to say all I have to say on this subject
now. These letters are perfectly worthless, so
far as they can, in any way, interfere with the
happiness Of any member of our family. l
know exactly when they were written, and
also, who placed them in your hands, that you
might work mischief I advise you to destroy
them, as it might not add much to the social
standing of the future Mrs. Howard, were it
known that she was in the habit of reading
other persons letters, and altering the dates to
suit herself"
"Oh Matte, you always are 80 severe when
you are angry; but you are entirely mistaken,
if you think had anything to do with those
letters. 1 am delighted to find they have not
been written recently, for I should be sorry to
be the cause of your being distressed in any
way. I thought was doing an act of kind
ness, in bringing them to you before any one
saw them. supposed you would know ex-
actly what ought to be done to save Mary
from disgrace. I found them among pack.
age of papers Mr.. Howard brought over for
me to read"
"When you return them to Mr.. Howard,
will you be kind enough to say to him for
me, that as he seems to have fancy for COL
lecting worthless documents relating to this
family, we have several old copy-books which
are at his disposal"
"How droll you are! What possible use
could Mr.. Howard make of old copy-books?'
"None whatever, that I know Of; neither
can he make any Of these letters, or Of the
old will of my mothers, which is in his pos
session."
"Has he your mothers will? How strange!
He never mentioned it to me-"
mo, suppose not Are you going to
keep these letters?"
"rhey are not mine, Matte; you know
have no right to destroy them. 1 will tell
Mr.. Howard that you are very anxious to
have them destroyed, and doubtless he will
oblige you"
II doubt it very muc.,," said I but was
becoming weary Of my charming visitor, and
was glad when saw aunt Patsy entering the
room, as knew she would make diversion
in my favor. Her first remark was
"Well, child! So you are going to be mar
ried ?'
ayes, Miss Patsy; and I shall certainly
expect you to the wedding"
"It is not worth while to do that. am
only going to one more wedding, and that is
to be Mattie's."
81 suppose you think you are perfectly safe
in saying this, Miss Patsy" said Henrietta,
with malicious smile.
The old lady gave me a significant look, as