Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-02-05

he, indeed, been deceived ?-strlvlng with all
the earnestness of his own proud heart to win
woman for his wife who delighted most in
alluring men to worship at the shrine of her
beauty, and trihe with them in amorous dal-
lance, as she had trihed with him-giving
kiss for kiss, caress for caress And so this
gambler-this reputed Notwithstanding
Mcdonald, had been one Oft the chosen lovers
! for day? And she had even carried her
coquetry to such all extent that she broke his
wife's heart? The thought seemed to craze
him. He glanced, instinctively, at the pro-
scenium box, where Cecilia sat. Just at that
instant it was occupied by the two objects OF
his unhappy reveric! And as fate would
have it, Mcdonald was fastening the button
of her delicate gloves, while his eyes, beamlng
with passionate love, were rivetted upon her
lovely face, with its rose hushes and downcast
gaze.
Gadbury felt ready to rush in the box and
strike them both dead.
Mrs Park Brentz watched his steady looks,
like wary panther. She knew that she had
attained the set purpose of her soul, and she
was full of evil rejoicing; for Mcdonald had
said "Separate them and name your price.
Money is of no account to me!'
She was we'll enough aware that she had
falsi6ed Cecela's fair name, as far as she
knew the woman's merits and dement's but
TINT mattered not an iota to her selfish, Tn
principled little soul.
Gadbury never spoke. He merely bowed
cold salutaton of adieu, and withdrew from
the green room. He went Immediately to
Mrs. Fessenden's box. Mcdonald was just
making his exit. Their defiant eyes met, and
thew went their different ways without word
Of greeting.
"Cecela," said Gadbury, in low, reproach,
full voice.
She turned toward him. her face beaming
with qualification and pleasure, and silently
held out her dainty hand. He took it cold
ly-almost indfferently then instantly
released it,
"Why, Clarence!" she marmured, in an
alarmed tone "what is the matter? Are
you y"
"Is it matter of profound consideration
to you, whether am we'll or whether | am
i'll ?" he answered, bitterly and scornfully.
"Why, Clarence, what is the matter? Do
tell me! Your conduct aflicts me"
"You don't know, then, what is the matter?
You can't comprehend? ??
"I certainly cannot. Pray explain
II leave your own conscience to explain. |
have nothing to say"
"My conscience? l am lost in a mystery!
"Doubtless it is matter of mystery to find
your conscience you lost it so long ago.
"You are impcrtinent, Mr.. Gadbury."
eff my manner is reprehensiblc, what have
you to say for yourself?'
"For myself?"
"Yes, for yourself"
81 am not conscious of having infringed
upon any formula, or been guilty of any breach
of etiquette"
1--WE differ"
"Then demand, as my right, that you tell
me with what offence I am charged and held
guilty"
"You and Irving Mcdonald were once
lovers-are yet-you are affianced to him,
while you receive and encourage my addresses.
Is that not reprchensible?" ?"
Cecelas face flushed hotly; but she quick
ly controlled herself and answered with quiet
dignity, but trembling voice
II have never been engaged to hIm!
"Nor flirted with him-and broke his wile's
heart"
To this last jealous thrust she made no re-
ply. She rose with naughty air, and adj
justing her opera cloak, prepared to leave
him. Understanding her intention, he laid
his hand on her arm to detain her.
She lifted her eyes with flare of anger in
them that could have Stayed him where he
stood, and said in a low but imperious tone
that was not to be gainsad-
"Release me, sir! You have no authority
over my actions"
His hand fell away from her arm, and he
stood as one dumbfounded and aghast before
her wrath-stood back with a profound bow
and allowed her to pass out, and then followed
her at respectful distance. At the door, he
ordered her carriage and stood beside her
until the coachman made way at the entrance; !;
and then, as she entered it, trailing her shi-
ming robes after her, he closed the door. The
vehicle rolled away, and he stood listening to
the rumbling wheels like one stupefed.
She came to the opera for magnificent tri-
umph she departed with a terrible defeat.
Scarcely realizing what he did, Clarence
Gadbury returned to the green room The
truth is, he was stunned by that interview
with Ceccla He really loved her; and to
doubt her was sadder than death. The first
one he met, as he entered, was Lidc Halstead,
on her way to her boudoir.
go, Mr. Gadbury!" she said, beckoning
him into it, Il have such favor to ask of
your
"a favor" he repeated, with mechanical
interrogation.
"Just that, Mr.. Gadbury-a favor!'
"What is t?' he enquired, striving with
his usual exquisite breeding, to subdue his
angry feelings that he might serve her.
eve are going to have a little party at the
villa tomorrow night, and l want you-"
"Really, Miss Halstcad"-he said apollo
getically-
"Ah! but shall taken excuse! Be gen.
erous and charitable, and say you will GOMEZ