Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-02-18

your pretty prize ready tor exhibition at the
time you promised"
"Don't be afraid. I shall keep to my word,
you may depend. But, Bertram-"
"Well p
"Tell me one thing before you 60, please !!
I don't like to press you just as you come
home, but"
"Well, what is it? Can't you speak 2" he
answered, impatiently, as she still hesitated.
"That-thatl little matter of mine, you know
The bill 1 told you of. If this affair turns
out to your satisfaction, will you-'Oont you
settle that, dear Bertram ?"
"Oh hang it don't bother me about bills
now, Jane. suppose you've run up dozen
others since then, haven't your"
"No, indeed, Bertram, I have not. have
been as economical as possible. Only see how
I am dressed I knew could not expect too
much from your kindness"
"Well, 1 make no promises, you know
still, if 1 find that yoa haven't given me false
expectations, don't say but that I may help
YOU. But it shall be the last time, remem-
ber."
"Thanks, my dearest brother; you will not
find me ungrateful."
~ hope will find you careful, for the flu
ture. By-by-I must really tear myself
away now from your charming society" And
with wave of his jewelled hand, Mr.. Laselle
made his exit from the room.
"Selfsh egotist," murmured his devoted sis
ter, as she applied herself to the task of clear
ing away such of the refreshments left on the
table asshe kept in her especial charge. "He
grows worse and worse every year. Upon my
word, sometimes I half repent bringing that
poor little Nita here! However, l foresee
grand results for myself if this scheme suc-
ceeds-so I can't draw back. And after all,
she might have worse fate than to be the in
dulged and petted protegse of one so lavish
with his gifts as Bertram is when he chooses
to be kind. If he once really faucies her-as
I am sure he will-he will leave nothing un-
done to crafty her; that is, of course, provi-
ded it doesn't interfere too much with his own
comfort! He will take her to Europe, sup
pose, and introduce her in the gay world
and as long as her beauty lasts, all will 60
we'll. He must be about thirty years her
senior so that by the time she begins to lose
her bloom, he will already be an old man, and
therefore the chances are that she will not be
discarded for new favorite. On the whole,
I don't see that she will have any reason to
complain 80 1 need not trouble myself about
the matter"
With this consolatory reflection, Mrs. An
thony locked the cupboard-door and rang for
Caesar to set the room in order. She then re-
paired to Zanita's room, where she found the
young girl amusing herself with picture
book she had lent her that morning.
"My brother has come, Nita," she announc-
ed with smile, "and is quite anxious to see
you Ihave promised that you will give him
that satisfaction this evening""
"Why not nowf" asked Nita, who was be-
ginning to find solitude irksome, and to long
for the excitement and variety which she was
accustomed to.
because he has gone out, my DEAR Would
you like to 60 down into the garden for lit
tie while now? Only be sure and keep in the
part of it nearest to the house.
"Oh! yes. l am tired of being up here"
said Nita, gladly.
"You will find some apple-trees near the
north end. You can take as much Of the fruit
as you want, and if you can find any flowers,
make them into boquet for the drawing
room."
Zanita skipped of, as pleased as child, with
her commission; and presently Mrs. Anthony
heard her, from the window, warbling gaily, as
she fitted about among the neglected flow
er-beds, and in and out the shadow of the tall
trees, oak, cedar and elm, that stood like SEN
tinels all around the big garden. By and by
she grew weary, and curling herself up on
seat in an ivy-mantled summer-house, she fell
fast asleep, with one arm under her golden
head, and her long waving hair hanging in
loose, bright mass over her shoulder.
1t happened that Mr.. Laselle's business in
the city did not detain him very long; and re-
turning home at an earlier hour than usual,
he went, without first going into the house, to
take q little stroll round the garden with his
cigar. Thus it happened that he came sud-
denly and unexpectedly upon Zanita, as she
slumbered, unconscious of his approach and
full of curiosity and interest, he stopped to in
spect her.
Mrs. Anthony had been very desirous that
the first effect of her beauty upon him should
not be marred by the lack of suitable attire
to set it of, and had been sewing with great
diligence in order to be ready in time to sup
ply this want. But Mr.. Laselle, as he gazed
on the pure, perfect, sleeping face, looking in
its dimpled repose as innocent and untroubled
as an Infants forgot to criticise the deficiencies
which had so greatly annoyed his sister. In
his eyes, this girl, in her common calico dress,
was more beautiful than any of the richly
dressed daughters of fashion he had ever be-
held 4; and in that instant resolution entered
bis mind that prize like this should never
escape out Of his hands.
81 must not let her see me now," he said to
himself, as he moved quietly away. "Should
she wake suddenly and find me here, it might
startle her unpleasautly; and l want our first
meeting to be free from embarrassment or
awkwardness. What face she has! Jane
was not wrong in her description-for once,
she has done admirably we'll. If that child
is as innocent as she looks, can easily mould
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