Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-03-04

OeNGIdl uau CIoPSSA SAHNS N~''
ard Blandford's death, which had left the
young girl, who ministered to him in his i'll
ness, one of therichest heiresses in the United
States. In commemoration Of this event, she
still wore (not exactly perhaps in accordance
with her feelings) light mourning of gray
and black, very elegantly and stylishly made
for since her lately acquired fortune, she had
chosen to be rather more fastidous in her
dress than the retired life she led seemed to
demand.
"Have you seen your mother this morning.
my dear?" presently inquired Mr.. Blandford
removing his spectacles, and closing his book
as he spoke.
"Not yet, sir. When I stopped at her door
she was just being dressed"
"That was some time ago, wasn't it? ldare
say she would be glad to see you, now"
Il am going directly, sir"
She had bad night, and, [ fear, is not as
comfortable to-day as usual. think OF
asking the doctor to come over, by-and.by."
Estelle made no rejoinder, but after still
lingering moment or two, she rose slowly,
as if 10th to disturb herself, and sauntered into
the house. Mr.. Blandford looked after her
with troubled face; sighed, shook his head,
murmured something below his breath, and
then, as if to Danish some uncomfortable idea,
resumed his book.
Estelle proceeded upstairs, stopped at a
chamber door on the second floor, and with a
slight knock to announce her approach, opened
it and entered. Mrs. Blandford, sadly changed
by long illness, and looking, with her gray
hair and worn features, prematurely old, lay
on a couch, to which she had been removed
from her bed, according to daily custom. At
her side stood a little table, on which were
placed Bible and prayer-book, and some
triAing fancy-work, with which she might oc-
cupy herself if she chose to do so. In her
hand she held a little volume of religious
reading, which she closed as Estelle entered ;
and nicely-dressed colored servant-her es-
pecial attendant-who had been sitting near
the window, rose at the same moment, laying
aside the work with which she had been en-
gagged. go,
"Here's Miss Estelle now, missus, so I'll 60
and attend to that little bit of ironing I told
you about, at once"
Eyes, Della, you had better 60. How are
you this morning, my dear? ?" she continued,
extending her hand to her adopted daughter.
"Pretty we'll, thank you, mother. How do
you do ?" rejoined the young lady, bending
over her and kissing her cheek. "Pm sorry
to hear you had had night"
81 had very uncomfortable night, and I
feel the worse for it. However, dare say I
shall soon be easier again. Your father is
going to send for DR.. Sydney, I believe"
"Im very sorry" murmured Estelle again,
rather feebly; and then she stood for minute
or two by the side of the couch, making a
pretence ofarranging the covering differently,
and smoothing the pillows, as if feeling it in
cumbent on her to render the invalid some
service.
call that does very we'll, thank you, my
DEAR" said Mrs. Blandford, in her usual gen.
tie tones and Estelle, turning away, strolled
to the mirror, and occupied herself in fasten-
ing up a braid which had become loosened
from its place.
Il am getting dreadfully sunburnt," she
remarked. "I've got such habit lately Of
going out without hat"
"That is a pity" said Mrs. Blandford.
"You ought to be careful of your complexion" "
"9He comfort is, l never freckle,' said Es-
tele, "and tan wears off. I'll put some cream
on my face tonight. Oh! ! no, not tonight ;
I forgot
"To-night is the party, is it not? ?"
eyes. You haven tseen my dress yet, have
you ?" asked Estelle, suddenly growing quite
animated.
"Not yet, my DEAR
"Well, III run and fetch it; that is, of
course, if you care to see it."
"Oh yes, certainly"
Something of the same look that Mr.. Bland
ford's face had worn little while before,
crossed his wife's now as she was left alone.
1t was a look of pain, of disappointment-a
look revealing wound in a sensitive place,
touched by careless hand.
"That child is certainly changed" she MUIR
INJURED to herself II have not been willing to
think so, but the conviction forces itself more
irresistibly upon ME each day"
Presently Estelle reentered, looking radiant,
and bearing in her hands the dress, of some
dainty white fabric, which was intended for
her to wear that evening"
ut looks pretty, doesn't lt?" she asked,
spreading out the voluminous folds over the
foot of the couch. Every pretty, indeed,' y
replied her mother "What ornaments shall
you wear?"
"Thats just what I have been thinking
about. don't like my pearls. Everything
will look so dead white about me. Might l
not wear my ruby set, just this one evening,
don't you think? They are so becoming to
me, you know"
II don't lay any restrictions on you in re-
gard to the matter" said Mrs. Blandford,
with a perceptible change, however, in her
voice. "You can wear whatyou please.
"Oh not you disapprove, of course" said
Estelle. ri only thought it would make no
difference, just for once; and [ look so ugly
without an atom of color about me. If only
had amethysts, now-but, after all, purple
does not suit my complexion. | suppose l
must be content with the pearls"
Mrs. Blandford had no suggestion to offer,
and Estelle, quite aware that she had touched
discordant key, but not the less sympathi-