Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-11-11
An @riginal S:torg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
SLEEPY HOLLOW.
CHAPTER XII.
GETTING ACQUAINTED.


GETTING ACQUAINTED.
The old Scotch housekeeper, Barbara, stood
waiting to receive us in the hall. She welcomed
me kindly, looking searchingly at me at the
same time with pair of keen, twinkling gray
eyes. .-'
"She's got bonny face she said, nodding
at her master with satisfied expression, as
she released my hand. III should say yeve
made guide choice, Arthur-if the outside
don't deceive me-"
I felt some surprise at her calling my hus-
baud by his Christian name; but supposed
that the familiarity of long intercourse had
engendered the habit, which the difference Of
years between them made the more excusable.
DR.. Wardaw smiled at her comment, turn
ing to me at the same time to see how I bore it.
II think you may fairly judge BY the out
side, in this case" he rejoined, pressing my
hand which he still kept on his arm. "We
may look for sunshine in the old place now,
Barbara"
"And it needs it," said Barbara, senten-
tiously. Then taking up candle, she added,
"your lady's rooms are quite ready for her !;
fires burning and ALL Will 1 show her the
way to them at once?"
"Will you 60 up stairs to take off your
bonnet, Rosamond, or are you too tired ?"
asked my husband
may as we'll go up at once" 1 replied. II
am anxious to get acquainted with my new
domain"
"It's a good big house enough was the
housekeeper's comment, as she preceded me,
light in hand, along the passage, Matilda fol-
lowing with my travelling bag and shawl; "but
it's awful lonesome sometimes Areyou much
fond of company"
"Not particularly-that is, of course like
it sometimes" I replied; 'but 1 am accus-
toned to a quiet house. AT home I lived
alone with my father"
"Eh! it's good you're not one Of the fly
about Sort" said Barbara. "The doctors a
quiet, donce man, and he'd fare i'll with CAV,
gadding wife. Here's your chamber, little
madam, and there's drawiug-room and par
lor beyond. They've all been aired with fire
and sunshine and breeze every day for week
past, so hope you'll find them comfortable ;
and if You want anything Just send your maid
down to me- My room is below here, off the
back entry. When you've rested, you'll find
tea waiting for you below; or rather, a sort
Of dinner and tea in one, as I may say for
you'll be hungry after your Journey"
II am very much Obliged to you-every-
thing looks very nice" rejoiued. Having
thrown open my room-door with some cere-
mony, and waved me in, the old dame hustled
of down stairs.
"What funny old lady, Miss Rosamond,
remarked Matilda. "Is she any relation to
the doctor!'
"No; certainly not. She ishis housekeeper.
But remember, Tilly. you are to treat her with
great respect, for she is person of impor-
tance. What pretty rooms these sre!
"Spec' the doctor had em fixed up on pur-
pose for you," said Matilda, looking round, ap.
provingly. There was no doubt that such
was tie case. The soft, bright-aowered carpets
locked as if they had never been troddeu up
on. and the dainty chintz drapery of windows
and bed hung in fresh glossy folds. The fur
niture alone was of an ancient fashion, of
solid, shining mahogany, rejecting on its
quaintly.carveds surface the flicker of the cheer
full FIRE, that leaped and danced with look
and sound Of welcome on the hearth. The
three rooms designated by Barbara opened
into each other. The chamber was spacious,
and, being corner room, had four large win.
dows, though what the aspect was from them
I could not at present discover. The dressing.
room was large, light closet, furnished with
q wash-stand and chest of drawers, and with
space for sofa or single bed if necessary
and the third apartment was a charming lit
tie boudoir, adorned with pictures and stat
ues, and containing lounge, small marble
table and two or three luxurious low chairs
In a recess were also shelves for books, and a
light wicker work stand stood in one corner
showing that the room was intended for daily
use and enjoyment. "
at looks so cosy, I am afraid, when | gel
settled here, | shall scarcely ever want to &c
down stairs said l., Glow pretty and com.
Portable everything is! I expect l shall feel
at home here very soon.'
as you goin' to put on your blue frock
Miss Rosamand?? p asked Matilda, evidently
thinking .katit soddhe Almost uh.bridslike
proceeding to make my first appearance al
my own tabistn traveling-dress. I was toe
tired, however, to make any change; so merely
smoothing my hair, and putting on fresh col
lar and cuffs, left to Tidy the task OF un
packing my trunks, or portion of their con
tents and went down stairs.
DR.. Wardlaw and the old housekeeper were
talking earnestly over the dining'room bre
caught one sentence, uttered in the high
shrill tones of the latter, as entered.
."Eh but she'll be glad to see, you again
Arthur the puir lassie just pines for you whe1
you're away"
"Who is it that pines for you when you're