Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-02-26
"Anything- anything! Only give me the
right to address you, unreservedly, for few


right to address you, unreservedly, for few
moments"
She momentarily hesitated then tranquil
izing herself with the memory of his promise
she sat waiting for him to speak.
Mcdonald threw himself at her feet, and
lifted his adoring eyes to her face-but spake
not word.
Cecilia bore his scrutiny patiently for some
time; and instead of being embarrassed by
it, she was composed. Every moment added
to her selfpoise.
"What brought you to Kentucky?" she
said, at last, "surely, not the mere wish to see
me? Your note, enclosed in that Of Mrs.
LEstrange, said that you were coming but l
gave you credit for more discretion than you
have evinced! Why did you come in dis:
guise? You are disguised. You are dressed
like a journeyman carpenter. What is your
pation-and your station ? if | may ask,
in the language of the famous 1ittle Battle
Tit Mouse"
She had sustained herself we'll throughout
this speech She had the manner of care
less, sarcastic acquaintance, and nothing
more.
Mcdonald smiled, and answered coolly, as
he took off his hat and ran his fingers through
his hair: "You know just as we'll as do,
that am not a journeyman carpenter, and
that the Bluffs is the objective of my travels. "
"The Bluffs? Why, man, are you mad
Don't you realize how imprudent and incon-
siderate you would be to persist in such a
course? | cannot hear to it a moment!
"Inever thought of that" he answered, de-
jectedly; II only realized that coming here, |
should find you! My soul clings to you. You
are my magnet When I bask in the sun
shine of your beautiful eyes, / ask no other
boon of Heaven! When the music Of your
voice intoxicates my senses, l long to live, stu
pid in delicious languors and delirium for
ever I cannot exist away from you You
are the air l breathe-the very light of my
life 1 love you-I love you"
He broke off impetuously and bowed HE
face in his hands.
II cannot-I will not-believe you are Sc
riously earnest in all you have said," Cecilia
responded, gravely ;"ifyou are, your estimate
of my character has sadly altered since we
we're friends. You must know, in your in
most soul, that do not sanction your con-
duct Your passion bewilders you but will!
not encourage you ip it. You know you have
no right to come to the Bluffs. You know
your unjust manner toward me in New York
excited Mr.. Gadbury's jealousy. ALI /! how
very wretched you made me then-how very
wretched you make me now!' She broke off
suddenly, to add, in keen excitement, "Should
my husband see you"
"Let me call upon you both, at the Mansion.
l will smooth over all the roughnesses of our
past acquaintance. Believe me, there is no
danger"
She regarded him with utter dismay. "Can
you be so blind-so dull" she cried; "'no
danger ? man, there is death in it! Not only
to you-but to me! 1t would kill me for you
to risk it,"
"Nay, nay, my beloved Cecilia, do not be
agitated l will be more careful, then ! |
will do nothing that is likely to cause you
pain. l will live on, just as am now-in
disguise. l will endure anything, only to be
near you sometimes"
Cecilia regarded him with a contemptuous
smile, and then said, in her haughtest manner
and her blandest tones
"Mr Mcdonald you presume upon my gra-
ciousness. We have had enough of the high
tragic for to-day"
Mcdonald was overpowered byher manner.
He turned red and pale alternately, but did
not reply.
She saw the advantage she had gained by
this coup .de.coup, and said in the same cold
voice
"Will you establish your headquarters at
the Falls Inn in Salvisa ?"
II don't know am there at present"
II presumed as much"
"Yes," he replied, "and shall remain
there, unless enabled to make other arrange
ments by which l will see you every day! |
cannot see why we should not meet. You
take lonely walks-so do |. We can meet,
and my disguise will hide me from your hus-
bands suspicion"
1--WE will waive that discussion" returned
Cecilia, coldly-her brilliant eyes flashing,
her scarlet lips curling scornfully, her arms
folded in her rich scarlet mantle, and her
whole manner one Of proud and high disdain.
ave will waive that discussion" she repeated !;
"you can display sense and prudence. | ad-
wise you to do so on this occasion. You had
better leave Kentucky for your own sake-as
for mine." She paused, steadily confronting
his anxious eyes, and continued-"As for my
sake, if you care aught for my good opinion,
only by fulfilling my Wishes can you hope to
retain one pleasant memory of mine My
position is too prominent for it to be torn down
by SANDER and imprudence Ifyou love me
at all, you will heed my words. Farewell"
She rose to go; but he caught her hand
with a gesture of passionate eagerness, and
cried out with deep emotion
"No, Cecilia, I will not obey your cruel
behest! If you refuse to meet me here or
elsewhere, shall 60 to your husbands home
in disguise aud see you there"
"You will p
II will "
"Suppose betray you?"
"You dare not Your husband is jealous,
and you know full we'll you can never con-
vince him you were not privy to the decep-
tion."
She stood, scornfully regarding him, with
out saying word.
"Do you adhere to your resolve not to meet
me?" he said, after a pause.
"Ido."
"Then l will be guest at the Bluffs, to-
morrow
She affected Indifference to the threat,
pulled out her watch and glanced casually at
it, then replaced it in its fob, and answered
him, interrogatively-
81 am, then, to expect you tomorrow ?"
"You certainly may"
II will bid you good afternoon, then, as it
is time for me to take my ride"
Hist" suddenly whispered Mcdonald.