Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-03-12
Am Original Storp.
Written for the Yorkvlle Enquirer.
DESTINY;
OR,
ROUNDED DOWN.
BY NELLY MARSHALL McAFEE.
CHAPTER XXXIV.


that night for she was tormented with
thoughts Of Mcdonald, and his unbearable
defiance in gaining a footing beneath her
roof under an assumed name, after all his
unkindness and presumption toward her, while
in New York. She made firm resolve to
shut herselfup in her private apartment, and
not to show her face outside Of it until the
visit of Mcdonald was over. But how to do
this She took solemn oath to be firm,
courageous and immovable; but she took the
oath without considering the power of the
man with whom she was dealing. There she
sat- staring at her night-lamp and wondering
if she could not feign illness for the matter of
day or two.
The hours of the night drifted by, and still
she was sleepless. Her eyes were as bright
and eager as mser's, contemplating his Sc
cret treasure, while she sat, gazing into space !;
and about her lovely mouth there was quiv-
ering shadow of pain sorrowful to see.
Rising at last, and going to her ebony
pearl-in-laid escritoire, she unlocked it, and
opening drawer, rummaged through it, until
she found blue velvet miniature-case, con-
tanning the picture of Mcdonald, painted on
ivory, which he had given her years ago.
Then, returning to her seat, she fastened her
eyes on the beautiful counterpart of her for
mer lover, and suffered her thoughts to dwell
unreservedly on him, while she gazed on it as
she had not even done when the gift was new.
The truth was-although she wrestled with
herself and prayed to forget that the man
loved her with such absorbing passion-she
could not resist being fascinated by the faith
fulness of his persistent regard.
When day-dawn came, her pale cheeks and
weary eyes left her no reason to feign indispo'
.tion. aud bore attestation to the restless night
she had passed. She sent for Docia to come
to her bed-chamber, as she wished to see her.
Docia answered the summons promptly. AS
she entered the room, rose-hued and viva
cious-sparkling with life, health and happ;-
ness-the contrast between her and her sister,
in-law was striking and sad. Cecilia was so
pale and wan, scarcely less white than the
snowy pillows piled under her golden head
Docia was absolutely shocked.
"Why, Cecilia, are you i'll You are white
as sheet. will call brother Clary" she
cried, anxiously, and started toward the door,
Cecelia's wan smile evidently cost her an
effort "Stay, beg you, Docia; l am not ill
enough to summon my husband. sent for
you to tell you had suffered all night with
one of my old prostrating headaches, and to
ask YOU to oficiate atthe table to-day. will
not be able to leave my room"
"Oh you only have headache!' replied
Docia, full of the heartlessness and cruelty of
unthinking youth "that ought not to con-
fine YOU to your room! I'm sure often 60
out with one; and, indeed, I can't take your
place at table. I am too timid.'
"Why, Docia, you are talking childish non
sense, and can't mean word you sayT
"No, indeed, I am rot am talking
truth! O, do get up, Cecilia There now I!
be good sister and get up! I'll order Skidde-
medink to be harnessed to my new phnton
and take you drive before breakfast if you
will. Please do" urged Docia, in beseech-
ing voice, sitting upon the bed and tapping
Cecelia's white hand with her soft palm, with
all the coaxing grace of kitten.
"You astonish me, Docia? You are utterly
selfish You have served at the table a
thousand times. You must do it again !" re-
piled Cecilia, coloring deeply, and speaking
with absolute severity.
Don't blame me !" said Doca, hiding her
face in her hands, but I can't help it,"
"Can't help what?"
Being shy Of Mr.. Damar I'm sure I'd
upset the cream:jug, put salt in the cups in
stead of sugar, and drop the pot Of scslding
coffee and at dinner Id be certain to turn
over the sauce-or do something else wrong
Dear! DEAR 1 can't do it. You must get up
Cecilia p
Il never expected you, of all others, to
treat me with such marked ingratitude?' said
Cecilia, reproachfully.
"I am not ungrateful !" cried the young
girl, eagerly; 81 know you are the best sister
on earth; but oh! you don't know how l
shrink from Mr.. Damars piercing eyes, that
read my soul and his graceful manners cap
tivate me 80 that am afraid!'
Cecilia made no reply. She even turned
away her head.
"Now as for Mr.. Dalaval; he's such jolly
fellow, one can't be afraid of him. Are you p
said Docia, naively.
"Not in the least" rejoined Cecilia, an ir-
repressible smile playing round her mouth, at
memory Of Dalaval's boyish face and tawny
moustaches; "but you look charming this
morning! Have you put on your rose.color-
ed chally to make conquest ?" said she, try
ing to change the conversation.
"Do you, indeed, think look well?'
beautifully"
"I'm so glad Do you know what my
uncle said this morning? You can't even
guess!
"Nothing kind. am certain to guess that
much straight; he's so malicious"
"You're right. When I came down to the
sitting-room, he was sitting there with Mr..
Damar and that jolly Dalaval, and when
bade them good morning, he looked at me
with the most insulting scrutiny, and said
'Docia, hereafter, when you want to create a
sensation, wear anything but pink; it makes
you look fluffy and red and crimson-not one
bit like Gadbury; and then your head is all
of frouseY thought | should faint. The