Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-04-30

ring the rest OF Cne lneal, uHLll I1ls' Deaho'
having finished her last cup of tea, left her
seat and commenced to clear away the table
with great energy and rapidity of movement,
and some unnecessary clatter. Elsie, too,
rose, and with little sigh, proceeded to rem
der her customary assistance in these house
hold duties, during the performance of which
she displayed such absence of mind as to call
forth several rebukes from the busy, bustling
housewife.
"Mercy on us, Elsie whatever are you
thinking about, putting the clancy cups on
the bottom shelf, instead Of setting them in
the waiter. There you go now, spilling the
water on the tabe-your fingers are all thumbs
this evening, and your wits have gone WOOL
gathering, it seems to me. You are growing
as awkward and careless as can be-
She was thankful when her tasks we're ac-
complished and she had leisure to betake
herself to the front steps, where she sat in the
moonlight, and gave play to the confused
thoughts that were agitating her mind. New
thoughts new MISUNDERSTANDING yet de-
lightful glimpses into world hitherto un-
opened to her vision, perplexed her and yet
made her happy. She could not analyze her
feelings; they seemed to surge over her heart
like resistless tide, bearing away all the or
dinary and commonplace things of life from
her thoughts. She recalled the looks, the
words, the soft tones that had thrilled her
that afternoon, and feeling of wonder that
she should have been chosen as the reci pient of
them rose in her mind. And what did they
mean? Elsie was no stranger to compliment
tary speeches and gances of admiration, for
many village swain had fallen captive to
her charms. But she knew how to deal with
those; they met on equal ground, and she
could, without difficulty, ply the arts of rustic
coquetry, to attract or ward them off as occa-
sion required. Here, however, was an ad-
mirer of very different stamp, whose notice,
while it embarrassed her, gave her twenty
times more pleasure than all that she had ever
received before. And yet, thought simple
Elsie, could he really find anything to like
and admire in one so ignorant, so uncutiva-
ted as herself3 He, the handsome, city-bred
stranger, accustomed to the society OF those
so far superior to her-was it possible that he
should desire her friendship? And if the
thought of something more than friendship
halffrightening her, and hidden quickly away
because of its presumption-gave wild pull
sation to her heart, it was little wonder, with
the echo of those low, pleading tones linger-
ing in her ear, and that kiss still fresh upon
her hand.
Her reverie was broken by the sound Of
gay voices, and merry group of young men
and girls approached the cottage Her first
impulse was to retreat within doors and re-
main there until they had passed by, for she
wa, in no mood for company tonight, and
she had already risen from her seat to carry
out this intention when the voice of one Of the
party arrested her.
"Elsie Elsie Deane! Come along and
walk with us. It's lovely evening, and we
are going as far as the old bridge"
81 don't think l care about going this even
ing Ellen" slowly replied Elsie, as they gath
cred outside the gate. l feel too tired"
"Tired oh nonsense; get your hat and
come along, and don't stay moping there
alone. We won't 60 without you."
"Mothers in," said Elsie, trying to think of
some excuse.
"Well, my mothers coming round present
ly to have chat with her; she told me so
Just before 1 left. Come, Elsie! don't be so
lazy"
"Elsie is waiting for you to persuade her,
Jem," laughingly exclaimed another of the
girls to a stalwart young fellow, who kept
little aoof from the others, leaning against
the fence.
"Elsie knows we'll enough whether want
her to 60 or not" was the reply, given in
tone of suppressed eagerness, as if the speak
er were unwilling to betray the extent of his
anxiety on the subject.
eyes, but you mustn't let her take it all for
granted. Come, Elsie, here's poor Jem dying
for you to say yes"
"And he may, and welcome" said Elsie,
tartly. "How can you talk such stuff, Susan
Clayton? I'd keep less forward tongue in
my head, if was you. III not come at all
if l am to be bothered"
MAY be you would rather stop at home
and have Jem stay and keep you company"
said the provoking Susan, "whle we take our
walk"
"Oh come Elsie, dear, never mind her
nonsense" said Ellen, persuasivcly. "It's
shame of you. to plague her, Sue. Run and
get your hat, Elsie, for the dew is chilly we'll
wait for you, out here"
Elsie, finding that there was no escape, and
fearing farther bantering if she delayed, went
off for her hat, and Mrs. Deane, emerging
from the door, addressed some gracious re-
marks to the party, having apparently recov-
cred her good humor in the interval since
supper She was especially friendly to the
young man, designated as "Jem," to whom
she addressed herself so particularly as to
bring him forward to answer her, and it thus
happened that when Elsie returned he was
standing close to the gate~and as he opened it
to let her pass through, the others moved off,
leaving him to follow with her as matter Of
course. Elsie was vexed, and mentally re-
solved to escape from the tate-t-ttte as soon as
she could, and in the meanwhile to have as
little to say to her admirer as possible. She,
therefore, tried to hasten ON to join the rest of
the party, but Jem Jagged so resolutely that