Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-06-05
CHAPTER XII.


sight of the little, pale, patient face by my
side, made me all the more anxious for the
Journey to be over. I think John was startled
by Mary's look but he concealed his feelings
and it was only by the great tenderness of his
manner toward her, that I discovered his
thoughts.
She seemed listless and pre0ccupied all the
time now, as if she had some cause for anxiety
which she was endeavoring to conceal from
us. 1 said to her one day
"Why are you so quiet, darling? You
have not been like yourself since your return
from Clifton"
To my surprise she burst into tears and left
the room. After that I did not alude to the
subject again.
Time passed slowly with us. Since Nelle's
marriage we had but few visitors, as neither
Mary nor myself we're gay enough to attract
the young people of the neighborhood. l had
seen nothing of Miss Nancy Turner since my
return, and most devoutly hoped that l should
not. Henrietta Lewis was quite constant
visitor, but as she indicated so plainly that
her visits were not to me, I did not trouble
myself to entertain her.
Mary and herself had long conversations to-
gether, and once thought l saw letters pass
ing between them. I determined not to sus-
pect, but wait and see what was the meaning
of fall this.
One morning, as we we're sitting at work,
Marys basket was overturned. A letter, the
direction of which I could distinctly read, was
thrown ont. 1 thought it's good opening for in
PRODUCING the subject with which my thoughts
were almost constantly occupied, so l said
II did not know you corresponded with
your cousin Richard, Mary?"
eyes, sometimes" she replied, evidently
embarrassed by my question.
"Where is he2"
"At Waverly, but he expects to come to the
Lewises next week. Why do you ask"
"Notbing, only ever since heard he was
once an admirer Of yours, have felt interest
ed in him"
There was something not agreeable in the
recollection of the former intimacy between
her cousin and herself, I could plainly see;
but what it was, l was at a loss to know. l
resolved not to Judge her hastily, and until
she proved herself to be unworthy of my love,
it should still be hers.
Richard Howard came, and Henrietta
brought him directly to Elmwood. He de-
voted himself to me the earlier part of his
visit. He mentioned Owen Morris name re-
peatedly but had schooled myself to ap-
pear Indifferent, and think I succeeded. l
was surprised, when on leaving me to join
Mary, he said
"Miss Leslie, is Owen Morris the only ac-
quaintance you have in Cuba?"
eyes; why do you ask?"
81 have received letters lately from friend
of mine, who has been making most minute
and particular enquiries about the Elmwood
household. I thought it likely you might
know him"
"What is his name?" asked, but before l
could hear the answer, he turned and left me.
Henrietta now fell to. my charge, while
Mary and Mr.. Howard walked out on the
lawn 1t has puzzled me, ever since, to know
how kept up the conversation that morning,
for my thoughts were certainly not with the
fair lady with whom 1 was conversing; but
she did not seem to notice it. After waiting
an hour, she arose and said
81 suppose Mary and Mr.. Howard are so
much interested in talking over old times,
that he cannot tear himself away. I am
afraid I shall have to interrupt them, as l
have an engagement"
81 will send him word," replied, but as |
turned to ring for the servant, I heard such an
exclamation of horror from Henrietta's lips,
that I looked around and saw that Mary had
tainted.
Richard Howard was supporting her in his
arms. My first impulse was to take her away
from him. l could not bear that he should
touch her, for l was now convinced, beyond a
doubt, that he was the villain I had always
suspected him of being.
We brought her into the library, and after
resting for few moments on the sofa, she
seemed to revive. She looked anxiously
around, and on seeing that was the only
person standing near, said
"Do not tell John, please"
1 was too anxious to deny her anything,
then so said
"No, darling, 1 will not tell him, if you do
not wish it."
She seemed satisfied, and closed her eyes,
as if wishing to sleep. turned to Miss Lew
is and Mr. Howard, who were standing at
some distance, and said
"On your way home will you be kind enough
to stop by DR.. Green's and ask him to come
to Emwood as soon as possible? I would
not trouble you, but John is absent, attending
to some business, and will probably not return
before night"
"Certainly, I will do so, Miss Leslie" said
Mr.. Howard; "and if can be of assistance
to you in any other way, I shall be glad if
YOU will call on me. Would you like me to
inform Mr.. Leslie of his wife's illness, also"
"No, thank you. I know he intends re-
turning here as soon as he finishes his busi-
ness, and it would alarm him, needlessly, were
you to tell him about Mary"
81 hope she may soon recover. Painting
from over fatigue is not often serious in its
consequences"
AS he said this, he gave me such look,
that, woman as I was, felt the most intense