Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-02-19

deep reverie. The husband picked up mag
azine and became apparently engaged in
profound study of the lines Of the prontispiece
engraving. Cecilia scanned the letter, with
out breaking the seal, as if she hoped to find
in the superscription revelation of the mys-
terious enclosure. Her breathing quickened,
her white complexion became animated and
rose-tinted. This beautiful woman, dying
freezing-in this sad and isolated existence,
seemed suddenly wakened and thrilled with
new life Melancholy no longer shadowed
her face; she was absolutely radiant.
"Evidently, your letter is from friend"
said the childish uncle, who surmised about
everything that came in bis way; "and l dare
say you wish to read it alone. And really,
Clarence Gadbury, we have given to this trl'
fling incident of New York post-mark a
more important place in our thought than it
could possibly deserve; and as for you, mad
am," he continued, turning sharply to Cecilia,
eff were you would not have correspond
ents-now that you are a married woman
whose letters could excite me 80. You may
retire."
Without waiting for this erratic old crea-
ture to repeat the dismissal, Cecilia left the
apartment.
"Wait-I wish to see the letter." exclaimed
Clarence but she was out of hearing.
He hastened after her, but not soon enough
to detect the movement that transferred q
sealed note, contained in the letter, to her
wrapper pocket, nor the change her counte-
nance assumed to deceive him.
II wish to see the letter" he repeated, ad-
vancing to her side.
"Only letter from Mrs. L'Estrange," she
said, coolly, "askingan invitation to the Bluffs
You can see it-even before I finish reading
it," she added, with impatience, thrusting the
letter in his hand and walking haughtily
awsy-not to her own room-but to the draw
ing.room, at the door Of which she met her
sister-in-law, Docia Gadbury, bright-eyed,
sweet-faced, white.skinned, rosy-cheeked, and
brown-haired girl, full Of mirth and happiness
as June rose is of sweetness and beauty.
20, sis !" she began, in triumphant voice,
"I sang Casta Diva through twice without a
mistake"
The dotaged uncle had followed Cecilia and
Clarence out of the sitting-room, and now ad-
dressed himself grimly to gay Docia-
"Miss Gadbury, do you consider it the best
of manners to ignore the presence of your
elders?"
20, uncle Gadbury. 7 meant no ofense L
didn't see you. was so taken up, telling sis
about the song had learned" said Docia, in
bushing confusion.
"Snging and MISUNDERSTANDING and
singing! That's all that ever is in your head"
said Mr.. Gadbury, sententiously.
"But, uncle Gadbury-"
20, you needn't uncle Gadbury' me! l
don't congratulate myself that I an your
uncle! I have no control over you I! Your
sister.in-law is the only one concerned in your
government; though must say she don't ex-
hibit much prudence corresponding with
New Workers she married, too" And
with that last stab at Cecilia he turned, fol-
lowed by his great tortoise-shell cat, and
marched majestically back to the sitting-room.
"What an old snapping.turtle he isl" ex-
claimed Docia, as the door closed on her un-
Gle; zone can't speak without offending him!
I hope he has not wounded you, sister Cecilia.
But really, he is very cross-and great old
bore-if he is a Gadbury," and Docia broke
into merry laugh.
"You have learned your songS" said Ce-
celia interrogatively.
eyes; and O, you just ought to hear it !!
But I can't sing it over again now Brother
Clarence promised to play graces with me in
the billiard room. It's time I was there, for
he won't wait a minute" She paused
touched by the gravity of Cecelia's face. care
you sick, dear?"
"No, Docia; am only pre0ccupied with
thought"
"And you won't 60 to the billiard-room
with me?"
"No, oh, no." answered Cecilia, with faint
smile, Al will 60 to my room now."
Hearing Clarence's voice calling her, Docia
ran away, stopping only long enough to kiss
Cecilia.
AS soon as she heard the sounds of laughter
and merriment in the billiard-room, Cecilia
Gadbury hastened to her private chamber,
and took the precaution to lock and bolt her
door, before she drew from the recess of her
pocket the mysterious note she had retained,
and proceeded to peruse eagerly its precious
contents.
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.
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