Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-03-11
An 0rigiual Sturg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
Z A N ITA.
The CIRCUS GIRL.
BY MRS. HENRY DEAS.
CHAPTER Xxx.

word, he led the way to his wfes apartment
A shaded lamp burned in one corner, cast
ing but faint light throughout the room
but even in that dim, Pickering light, Estelle
could see her mothers face, as it lay white
and still, with closed eyes, upon the scarcely
winter pillow. A pang Of terror and keen
reInorse shot through her at every sight. She
came swiftly forward, and would have fallen
on her knees, with an outbreak Of emotion, al
the bedside, but Mr.. Blandford restrained her
"Not sound-not syllable" he said, in
allow but peremptory tone. "The least agita
tion now may prove fatal"
Estelle crept away to distant corner and
sat down, feeling very guilty and miserable
and shivering in her thin evening dress
Della, the maid, mpassionating her forlorn
look, brought cloak and put it around her
shoulders; then sitting down near her, told
her, in whisper, the particulars of her mis-
tress' recent attack 1t had come on about 8
half an hour before Estelle started for the
party, but in the agitation and anxiety it
caused among her attendants, no one thought
of sending particularly to tell the latter, ex-
cept Susan, whose tidings had fallen upon ears
unwilling to credit them, and were, conse'
quently, disregarded. Twice since, it had
been repeated with alarming violence, and
during the latest paroxysm, it had been feared
thather last moments were at hand. But she
had gradually fallen into calmer state again,
and the doctor then gave his opinion that,
although her condition was extremely critical,
there was some hope that she yet might re-
cover.
"Was father very angry when he heard l
was gone ?" hesitatingly asked Estelle.
"He didn't say much, but he looked fit to
kill me when 1 told him." rejoined Della.
"And afterward, when he heard that Susan
had told you before you went, it was worse
STILL"
"Butyou see, Della, didn't believe Susan, B."
said Estelle, who was most extremely anxious
to make all possible excuse for her conduct.
II knew she was stupid and fond of exaggera-
ting; and sol didn't know l ought to stay,
unless somebody else told me-.
Even Della was sensible, however, Of the
feebeness of the excuse, and had nothing to
say in sympathy. Estelle could not but be
aware of the improperly Of her behavior; but
as the hours crept on and the extreme fear
which at first overpowered her was quieted,
her. old selfish feelings began to regain the
mastery and to blot out other considerations.
She had no doubt they were all unnecessarily
frightened-she was sure she had seen her
mother just as i'll before. 1t was very hard
that her father should treat her as if she were
a criminal she could not see that she bad
done anything very dreadful after all only
made mistake, and all through other peo-
Piles carelessness aud neglect. She was aw-
fully cold. sitting there in tartan dress, in
the dark ; somebody might have the consjde-
ration to tell her to 90 to bed, for they might
know how tired and worn out she was, after
dancing half the night. Then the remem-
brance of Edmund Delancy's whispered
words came to her mind, sending thrill of
pleasure and triumph through her, and she
began to wonder how soon she would see him
again; probably he would come that very
day "And shan't be fit for him to look at,
for know exactly how white my face will
be, with great horrid rings round my eyes,
from all this fatigue. Things always do hap
pen in such way! Now father won't be in
the humor to hear about our engagement or
anything and suppose he should be disagree
able to Edmund when he comes?"
By and by, the gray dawn crept in through
the blinds, gradually frightening into day,
and extinguishing the candles feeble glare.
Mrs Blandford slept TRANQUILITY, and the ply
sician carefully noting all the symptoms de-
cared them to be more favorable than he had
ventured to hope would be the case. Perfect
quiet, extreme care, were still to be observed !;
but he hoped, by the help of Providence, to
bring her through once more.
"Thank God,' murmured Mr.. Blandford
Then turning to Estele, he said, more kindly
than he had before spoken
"You had better 60 and take some rest
now. you are wanted l will send and let
you know"
Greatly relieved at having the long-desired
permission thus accorded to her, Estelle
obeyed his behest, and seeking her own room,
undressed and went to bed, where she quickly
fell into profound sleep.
She had not wakened up, when young De-
lancy (who was staying at the house Of a
friend) rode over to "The Cedars" to pay an
early visit to his fancte He bore in his hand
a bunch of beautiful flowers, which he had
himself gathered for her, and looked unusual
ly bright, chivalrous and handsome, as he
drew rein at the gate.
Mr. Bandford had just come out on the
lawn, to get breath of fresh air and sun
shine, as the visitor appeared. He was not
intimately acquainted with Edmund, but had
met him once or twice, and knew him we'll
by sight and reputation, and he now came
forward, with his usual cordiality, though
looking anxious and worn, to meet him.
"Good-morning, Mr.. Blandfora' laid Ed
mund, lifting his hat viii. s i4auk, graceful
courtesy of manner that characterized him.
Il am an early visitor, you see but thought
myself justified, by circumstances, in thus in
fringing upon conventional rules"
Il am always happy to see you, Mr.. Delan-
cy,' said the old gentleman, not in the least
comprehending what he meant by being justi-
fed by circumstances "and | should be par
ticularly happy to invite you in, at this or
any other hour but that my house at present,
Is one Of illness and trouble MY wife. as |