Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-07-22
7hen danger would attend the discovery Of

the truth. In me you behold one of those un-
fortunate exiles of whom I have spoken, driv-
en- by the DEGREES of tyrannical government
to seek an asylum in your hospitable land. l
cannot yet reveal any true name, even to
you"
"Your name, then, is not really Graves p
"No-no more than it is really Holdweg.
Dear Miss Vaughan, I appeal to your gene
rosity not to press me farther on the subject.
My confidence must of necessity be only a
partial one But this much I will tell you,
that the name am forced for the present to
conceal is one which for many generations
has been bright with the lustre of untarnished
honor, and stands high-higher than you
would perhaps believe, were to tell you-in
the annals of my country. In your demo-
cratic America" be added, smiling, "perhaps
this fact would be of little weight. Yet it
must count for something, I should hope, in
the estimation of those whose true aristocracy
of feeling teaches them to withdraw instinct
iyely from contact with the mean and low. y
There was a silence of several moments.
Virgilia had turned partially from him, and
with her hand resting on the table, and her
eyes bent upon the floor, appeared to be con-
sidering deeply. Mr.. Holdweg-for we must
still call him by that name-paced several
times up and down the room in perfect silence,
his arms crossed upon his breast, while occa'
sionally he directed searching glance at his
companion, who stood as motionless as stat
ue, until at length he paused in front of her,
and spoke in low, deprecating tone.
"Miss Vaughan, have sinned beyond for
giveness3 Is my conduct objectionable in
your eyes?"
Virgilia looked up, her cheeks flushing,
and her glance kindling.
$50 far from it," she replied, 81 thank you
for the confidence which you have reposed in
me, and assure you that will not prove un-
worthy of your trust. Your secret shall be
as safe with me as if you had never revealed
it,"
II felt assured of that" he rejoined, "be-
fore spoke. You do not blame me, then p
"No, have faith in you, and believe that
the motives which actuate you are lofty and
pure"
She held out her slight hand as she spoke,
and her teacher, with reverent gesture,
clasped it in his.
Sublime faith-sublime charity" he ex-
claimed. "Mass Vaughan, can but feebly
express to you, in words, the gratitude feel
for your kindness but my actions shall testi'
fly to it in all time to come. All how truly
felt, when fate first brought us together, that
there was bond of sympathy between US,
unseen by others, yet linking our souls as
surely to each other as though they were
bound by tangible fetter-that secret unison
of our finest sensibilties, our loftiest thoughts,
which exists between natures cast in the same
mould, and which no time can obiterate, nor
separation destroy! You believe in the exis-
tence of such an affinity, do lou not?"
Il have read of such things" murmured
Virgilia, in tone of ave. Like one fasci.
mated, she kept her gaze riveted upon him as
he spoke, and made no effort to detach her
hand from his grasp.
"You do not, cannot, reject a theory so
beautiful, 80 divine Now, for the first time,
fully realize the joy of knowing that hence
forth I can no longer be alone. Whatever
vicissitudes in life fall to my lot, shall be
sustained by the consciousness that sister
soul is passing with mine through every trial,
every joy. Destiny has so ordained it. We
cannot, if we will, alter her decree. Miss
Vaughan. you tremble-is there something so
fearful to you in the thought Of this soul
union ?"
II cannot understand it," said Virgilia, in
an agitated tone. "Itis all mysterious-dim
and vague-like the phantoms of dream,
which elude me when I strive to see them
more clearly. My comprehension is too feeble
to grasp the truth in its whole beauty and
force"
"Tis the natural shrinking of an inexpe'
rienced mind. Once accustomed to its con-
temptation, you will revel in the discovery as
do. See there" and he pointed through the
window at the rays of the setting sun, which
at that moment broke through the clouds and
mist, gliding, with rainbow light, the land
scape glistening in the newly fallen rain ;
"even so will wisdom's rays one day scatter
the clouds which obscure our minds, and illu'
mine these faint revelations, which dawn but
upon us now, with dazzling beauty
and clearness."
"You said" observed Virgilia, after a pause,
"that you could help me in my present troub'
les. How is that possible?"
II can and will help you. But nothing
rash-nothing premature must be done. Be-
fore decide upon anything, you must answer
me first, clearly and positively, some questions
1 shall ask you. First, do you desire to win
Hugh Thornton back to his first love?"
"Yes; but that, fear, is not in my power"
"Never mind that. I have promised you
my aid have not? Next, do you trust
me-not partly, not fearfully, but wholly and
Pause before you reply"
Virgilia pondered, with bowed head, then
raising her eyes to her companions face, an
swered in firm tone, 81 do"
"That is we'll. Thirdly and lastly, do you
promise to submit yourself, in this matter,
wholly to my guidance"
II promise, willingly"
"And now," said Mr.. Holdweg, with sud,
den change of manner, 81 must not detain you
any later. See; the sun is already below the