Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-05-14

constantly reproachiug herself for allowing
her thoughts to dwell on him, yet unable tc
turn them into the right channel. Her de-
meanor toward Jem was variable; sometimes
she would seem listless and Indifferent, never
rejecting, but passively enduring his demon
strations of affection then again, when in
remorseful mood, she would force herself tc
show more warmth of manner, and try tc
Danish the impression of her former coldness
Poor Jem was not very happy under this
treatment he could not help seeing that she
was oppressed by some secret trouble, and
painful doubt would sometimes cross him
whether her heart was really his He dread
ed any explanation, however, which might lead
to realization of his fears, and tried to be
content with the knowledge that Elsie had
promised to marry him, trusting to time to
clear away the present clouds, and to his own
deep and patient love to awaken reciprocal
feeling in her heart Elsie was grateful tc
him for his forbearance, and became each day
more sensible of the unsel6shness and devotion
to which she knew she was making so poor q
return.
They had been engaged about fortnight
when one evening he said to her with rather
melancholy face
"Elsie, dear, I've piece of news to tell you
which I have been grieving over all day, but
may be 'twon't make you as sorrowful as il
does me"
"What is it, Jem?" she asked, assuming al
appearance of interest.
cit is this" he replied, sitting down by he'
and taking her hand in his, "our foreman
Adams, down at the works'-Jem was EN-
ployed at an iron foundry-"has broken hi'
leg, and will be laid aside good while, anc
Mr.. Foster, the master, wants to put me ir
his place."
"Why do you call that bad news ?" asked
Elsie. 81 should think you would be pleased.
GAY; and so I should, may be, if things
were different. But don't you remember,
told you 'tother day that the foreman was te
be sent to Liverpool to see Fosters partner
and inspect the works there; there's some
changes to be made in the machinery, and il
the business too, and some one who under
stands the matter has to 90 and learn al
these changes thoroughly, so us to set 'em lr
order here"
"Well ?" said Elsie.
"Well, twas settled as how Adams shoulc
20, and I was to take his place here until ht
came back but now -what'll you say, Elsie
when I tell you that the master wants me te
60 instead"
At first Elsie said nothing. She looked
down, and pulled at the frill of her apron
presently she rejoined, in hesitating tone
81 should think it would be good thing
for you, wouldn't it ?"
"But," said Jen,, ruefully, "I'd have to bt
away long time-several months at the
least Mr.. Foster says it's very importan
commission, and must not be hurried over"
Elsie was silent.
Jem was dreadfully disappointed. He hae
expected, or at least hoped for, some token O
regret at the prospect of his departure; he
had, besides, project in his mind which he
was longing to suggest to her, but dared mo-
do SO unless she gave him some encourage
ment.
He waited some time, then got up ant
walked away to the window.
"It's Just as I feared, Elsie" he said, bitter
ly "It's all one to you whether l 60 or stay
unless, may be, you'd rather be rid of me thar
not"
His mortified tone touched her, and made
her sorry for her coldness. Tears filled he
eyes, and after moments uncertainty, sh'
followed him and laid her hand on his arm.
"Jem, don't be angered at me! l know
don't treat you as you deserve, and you arr
very good and forgiving. But 1--we 60
something on my mind that makes me unhap
py-aud I don't think I can be happy as long
as l keep it from you, for I feel as if you ough
to know"
"My DEAR" said Jem taking her hand il
both his, "pve seen all along as how some
thing was wrong; but l didn't question you
for l trusted to you to tell me Of your own fret
will, if there was aught to tell. So if it vii
make you any easier to let me share it, what
ever it may be, don't keep it back no longer
tut just open your heart to me and let mt
know ALL
He said this with a little tremor in his voice
looking at her tenderly, yet anxiously, as i
he longed but feared to hear what her contes
sion would be. Elsie hid her face and cried
she had spoken impulsively, and WAS almos
ready to wish she had held her peace. Still
she felt as if it would be relief to have hin
know the truth, or at least enough Of thu
truth to explain what had seemed strange il
her behavior to him since their engagement
and if he then should still desire to keep he
to it, she would earnestly try to put away th'
haunting remembrances that made her duty
50 hard to perform, and tutor herself into {
right feeling for him.
1t was but broken and imperfect outline
that she gave him, suppressng Charles sgd
news name and all but the main facts Of tht
case, and dwelling mostly on her anxiety tt
obtain his pardon.
"Pardon!" he eanswered, sorrowfully; "there:
no talk of pardon, Elsie. You wasn't boune
to me, you know, and you couldn't help going
the way your heart led you, suppose. Blu
are YOU sure-the words stuck in his throat {
minute before he could get them cut-are yol
quite sure, after all this, that you're willing te
marry me-that you can come back to your