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


I'd willingly let you 60; only don't let me be
the cause of making you miserable, through
my own sel6shness. This isn't exactly what
1 had hoped for-after loving you 80 long
but I'll trust to time to make things come
round straight, and if being good husband
will make you care more about me, my dear,
think can promise you that you won't have
to complain about me"
. After this explanation, Elsie felt better and
more resigned to her fate; at any rate, she
was freed from the feeling that she was acting
the part of hypocrite, and Jem's generous
conduct went far to raise him in her esteem
She felt as if, after time, she might come to
give him the return for his love that it de.
served.
Later in the evening, Jem spoke to Mrs.
Deane of his intended journey. Elsie was
not in the room at the time, and her mother
unhesitatingly exclaimed
"What pity 'twould be, Jem, for you to
60 away for such a long time and leave Elsie
behind"
81 had thought had hopcd"-began
Jem, and then stopped.
"What ?" asked Mrs. Deane.
"That may be, if Elsie had been willing, we
could have been married before I went; but,
! he added hastily, as she made ready GESTURE
of assent, II think it would be hurrying her
too much I'll have to leave here by the first
of October"
"Well, that's three weeks off," said Mrs
Deane. II guess I could have everything
ready by then"
"But Elsie2'
"Elsie'll do whatever is for the BEST" said
Mrs. Deane. "You needn't be fearful of her
refusing. She's known you so long and SC
we'll, 'tisn't as if she had to make up her mind
to 20 off in a hurry with stranger. I'D
trust her with Jem, to the worlds end"
"Thank you" said Jem, feeling however, as
if he would have been more grateful had ii
been the daughters lips instead Of the moth
er's which had made the assertion. Before
he went away that evening, the wedding day
was fixed. Like one in dream, Elsie listened
to the discussion of the arrangements, mechan'
ically consenting to everything that was pro-
posed by her mother, and feeling that she was
being hurried on by will stronger than her
own into an act that would decide her fate for
life, and leave no more room for doubt Per
haps, after all, she thought, it might be the
best thing she could do; for when she was
actually Jem's wife, it would be wicked for
her to think any longer about Mr.. Sydney
and she would be better able to overcome hel
weakness, knowing it to be sin.
Mrs. Deane lay awake long that night, re-
volving various plans and contrivances in hel
restless brain. She was, of course delighted
at the prospect Of Elsie's speedy marriage
that would make everything safe and sure, and
dispe any lingering possibility of her being
led astray by that "villain," as she called
Charles, for she never could divest herself o
the idea that his designs were not as fair and
above.board as he had represented them to be
Mrs. Deane, in her own way, was very fond o.
her daughter, and this affection, combined
with her hard, stern pride, made her very te
nacious of the slightest reproach attaching it
self to her name. Elsie had never been call
ed giddy or light, even by those with whom
she was most familiar she had been something
of u little coquette, but in a purely innocen
way she had never tampered unkindly with
her admirers feelings, or sought to give then
pain, and the most perfect modesty had al
ways marked her behavior. 1t was on thi:
account that Mrs Deane had been the more
scandalized at her recent conduct, which she
viewed much more harshly than it really de
served.
"I'm so thankful she'll soon be in Jems
keeping" she said to herself, with sigh O.
relief, as she turned upon her pillow and com
posed herselfto sleep. "My girls good girl
but she's too soft and simple to take care o.
herself. I know she's hankering after thai
villain still, but when she's once married, shell
not fret after him any more. Jem's gooo
steady fellow-as good as ever breathed-and
he'll make her happy-and, if aught should
happen to me, I'll be eacy to know have hel
in good hands. Yes, yes, I'm very Thankful
it'll be settled 50 soon."
And then her waking thoughts lost them
selves in Dreams Once in the night she hall
awoke, hearing, or fancying she heard, noise
outside the house, as of footsteps, andhurried
smothered talking but as she listened il
ceased, and she was again wrapped in pro
found repose.
1t was later than usual next morning wher
she awoke. The sun was shining in at hel
window-a rare thing it was for him to find
her still in bed. She arose quickly, and
called to Elsie to make haste and come down
for it was late.
There was no reply.
"She must be still asleep" she said to her
self; "what's got into both of us this morn
ing, wonder?"
Hastily wrapping shawl around her-for
she did not boast the luxury of a dressing
gown-she ascended the narrow flight of stairs
that led to Elsies room, and pushing the door
open, looked in.
"Elsie," she commenced but the word died
on her lips The room was empty the bed
had evidently not been slept in that night
the closet was open, her hat and shawl gone
from their accustomed place, and various
small articles scattered on the floor, as if has
tily pulled out and thrown down. Mrs.
Deane advanced to the middle of the room,
and stared around in blank dismay-then