Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-05-21

herself for indulging in such emotions, and
after standing for moment or two in silent
conflict, succeeded in partially subduing the
agitation she felt. She came back to her
grandfathers side, and silently resumed her
seat close to his knees.
"Why, Nellie! my dear child" he said af-
fectionately, taking her hand in his, "does
the idea have suggested to you displease
you so very much? ought to have broken
it to you more gently, I dare say; but did
not know it would be so distasteful to you"
81 had idea" said Ellinor, speaking with
some difficulty, "that any arrangement of
that sort had ever been entered upon of
course it takes me by surprise. Why was l
never told about it, Grandy?"
Because, darling, thought it better to
leave you quite unfettered by any such pros
poets until you were of an age to form your
own opinion in the matter and it WAS right,
too, that when the time should come, the Sgd
neys should make the first move. | received
only yesterday a long and confidential letter
from Edward Sydney, which has led to my
speaking to you on the subject this even
ing"
MAY see that letter, Grandy"
eyes, darling; I wished you to read it.
Here it is" and he drew it from his vest-pock.
ct and gave it to her. Ellinor turned slightly
from him so as to conceal her face from him
while sh; read it, and perused the long, close
ly written sheet with a beating heart 1t was
kind, warmly worded epistle, betraying un'
mistakable eagerness on the writer's part that
the marriage Col. Hollingwood had spoken
of should take place, and expressing earnest
hopes that Sydney Temples aspirations might
not be crushed by an unfavorable reception.
Ellinor read every word, then slowly re'folded
it and returned it to her grandfather.
"Well, darling?" he asked.
"Well, Grandy I think it's quite nice
letter, very complimentary, and so forth, and
no doubt quite sincere, and I'm very much
obliged for the honor done me. But l don't
feel very willing to accept it"
"Wait until you see Sydney Temple him.
self, before you decide"
II have seen him, several times.
"And did you not like him? 7"
81 did not dislike him; but I dare say l
should have done so, if I had known about
this-this absurd affair
"Now, Ellinor, don't be unreasonable. If
that is to be your only ground of dislike,
shall think it very childish one"
mo, Grandy; but you know it is not pleas
ant to find out in this sudden way that
that-people have been making plans and
speculating about one, and to have been kept
in ignorance all the time" And again El-
linor bit her lips, and her eyes sparkled.
"Dear child, don't blame your old Grand
father; he acted for the best. I didn't want
to disturb you with such thoughts before it
was time"
"Angry with yous Blame you, dear Gran.
dy? No, no, indeed! You are always good
and kind. 1t is not that-it isl am thrown
off my balance, I suppose; remember, 1 had
no idea of what was coming"
"But you will consent to Sydney Temples
coming here?"
"Jfust l, Grandy?"
"Can we refuse him, Nelie?"
"No-but-at any rate, if he does, it must
be with the express understanding that he is
not to expect"
"Any more than he deserves" laughed the
colonel.
"Grandy," whispered Elliuor, pressing her
cheek against his shoulder, "you'llnever make
me marry any one l don't want to, will you?"
"No, my pet, never. think it would be
a SIM"
"Thank you; 1 was sure you would say
So"
"But now, my pet, on the other hand,
promise to put aside prejudice, and let your
heart and judgment decide freely in this
matter, will you not ?"
II think can safely promise that"
"Then I can answer Sydney's letter, and
tell him that young Temple will be welcome
here-on a visit Of probation p
"Nc,>don't say that at all say you will be
glad to see him if he chooses to come. l sup
pose there is no escape, so it may as well be
done" said Ellinor, ruefully.
no BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.