Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-07-08

Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE SEVEN SISTERS OF YORK.
CHAPTER VIII.

came every day to Brlerly Farm, anu tnougn
he had as yet spoken no definite words, his
manner was sufficiently love-like to leave no
doubt of his intentions. Edna was entirely
satisfied and happy she felt secure in their
mutual affection, and was in no haste to ex-
change the romance of wooing and being
wooed for the formality of a solemn compact.
In these days her step was elastic as girls,
her cheeks and eyes bright with content and
her voice had joyous ring in it her sisters
had never heard before. Hugh had spoken
truly, when he said she was more beautiful
now than when he had left her twelve years
ago.
She was impatient for her younger sisters to
come home, that both of them, but especially
Claribel, might know and admire her hero.
At Mrs. Curtis solicitation they prolonged
their visit from week to ten days. The good
lady had also sent for Dolly, but she, for rea'
sons of her own, preferred postpoDing her
acceptance of the invitation until the others
should have returned home. Meantime Hen
ry Curtis was very devoted. The distance be-
tween his home and hers did not deter him
from seeking her presence every evening, and
Edna considerably allowed them to have the
exclusive use of the library, whenever it was
too cool for them to carry on their love-ma-
king out in the open air. 1t was already set.
tied between them that their engagement was
not to be long one, and some time late in
the autumn was spoken of for their marriage.
Tomorrow Clarie will be at home," Edna
said at last, one afternoon, when Hugh had
come for her to drive. "How glad am l
am longing for you to know each other,
Hugh"
Il shall be glad to know her, of course /;
but am not longing for any society but
yours
"Oh!" she replied with blush of pleasure,
"that would become wearisome to you after
while"
"It will never be wearisome to me, Edna"
On the following afternoon he came over,
and went, as usual, directly to the library, the
glass doors of which, in summer, were nearly
always open. Here he was wont to find Edna,
but it was little earlier than usual, and she
was not there. A young girl, however, stood
by the table, arranging dish of flowers. She
turned as he entered, and in her chiseled fea-
lures and blonde complexion he recognized a
charming counterpart of the miniature he had
admired.
"Claribel~ he said, smiling, as he came
forward. She returned the smile, as she ex-
tended her hand.
"Mr. Thornton, of course am so glad to
meet you
His eyes dwelt on her face, the loveliness
of which far exceeded his expectations. He
thought he had never seen more beautiful
eyes, or more winning smile, and her voice,
as she welcomed him, was music itself
II have heard so much of you, that feel
as though I already knew you quite WE'LL he
said. Hence the liberty, which would 9TH
erwise be an objectionable one, of addressing
you as did"
II do not at all consider it liberty, from
you," she rejoined, "though might resent it
in any one who had less claim on my friend
ship. Sit down, Mr.. Thornton, and I will 60
and let Edna know that you are here"
"Stay little longer, and let US become
better acquainted with each other" be was on
the point of saying, but in an instant she was
gone, and he heard her light step ascending
the stairs. Instead of taking the chair she
had pushed toward him, he was walking
thoughtfully about when the door reopened,
and she again appeared.
edna will be here in few minutes. In
the mean time she has delegated to me the
duty of entertaining you," she said, smilingly.
II am quite sure she could not have chosen
better substitute. I only hope you won't
find the duty an onerous one"
Substitutes are unsatisfactory things at
best, however" said Claribel, archly. "They
seldom come quite up to the original; don't
you think SOP"
"In some cases they do not fall far short" )"
he rejoined. cat all events, Miss Claribel, l
am notinclined to quarrel with my fate in the
present instance"
Thanks for the compliment; though sup
pose you felt in duty bound to pay it,"
"Not at all I am man by no means
given to paying compliments. Your sister
can tell you So"
"Oh 1 shall not 60 to her for any opinion
regarding you, Mr.. Thornton"
"Why not to her?''
because think can Judge more Impair
TALLY for myself"
II hope she would not tell you anything
that was not good about me"
"She has told me good many things about
you," said Claribel, "but shall not crafty
your curiosity by saying whether they were
good or not"
II fancy am safe in her hands" said Mr..
Thornton, lightly. "She is too kind-hearted
to speak unfavorably of her friends" Then
dsmissing the subject, he began to converse
with Claribel about her visit to the Curtises,
and to ask various questions concerning the
family, whom he had known, though not init
mately, in former days.
II was quite pleased to renew my acquain-
tanceship with Henry Curtis. He seems a
most agreeable and gentlemanly man. re-
collect him a mere STRIPPING when I went
away"
"He is very nice, I think" said Claribel.
eve are quite satisfied with Dolly's choice.
We have never had brother, and enjoy the
prospect of having one"
She glanced at him to see if he would take