Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-02-25

herself, but not liking to be fattered at the
expense of her friends.
"In one sense they may be- perhaps; but l
was not thinking of their skill. I meant
that-in short, to speak candidly, Nita, you
are fitted to I'll much higher sphere in life
than the one you have chosen"
81 didn't choose it, sir; but still I am fond
of it,"
"Well, of course it is natural to like what
one is accustomed to. Still, my interest in
you has been so warmly excited, even in this
short acquaintanceship, that you must not
mind my wishing the best things for you that
could possibly fall to your lot"
To this Nita made no reply and Mr.. Laselle
observing that she had finished her fruit, re-
lieved her of her plate and pushing aside his
own, rose from the table and asked her to fol-
low him to the drawing-room.
When he got there, he opened handsome
piano, and seating himself before it, played in
very fine style several brilliant operate gems.
He then sang in a melodious, though not pow
erful voice, some of the favorite ballads ofthe
day; and Nita, who was devotedly fond of
music, listened in delight to his performance.
"You like this?" he said, pausing at length,
and noting with a smile her face of rapt atten-
ton and pleasure.
"Oh yes, sir" she answered, drawing a
deep breath 81 never heard anything pref
tier in my life"
"You, too are musical" he continued 81
know you can sing, for have heard you"
"Me, sir" she rejoined in surprise.
eyes this morning, when arrived, was
greeted by the sound of sweet little song
from upstairs. 1t was my first intimation of
your presence in the house.
II am sure I didn't know any one was lis.
tening," she replied.
"This was what you sang" said he, and he
played the air of it on the piano. "Come, try
it now, and will play the accompaniment for
you"
81 never sang to the piano, sir; I should
only make mistakes"
sNever mind, you can easily learn. Come,
am sure you will try-just to please me!'
Thus urged, Nita, difidently, approached,
and after considerable hesitation, essayed a
faint note or two, which increased in power
and clearness as she found herself sustained
by a very skillful and judiciously managed
accompaniment, while Mr. Laselle encouraged
her by his praise to proceed. Soon she was
singing the simple song with her wonted ease,
and when she commenced the second verse
her companion struck in with sweet tenor,
which confused her little for moment; but
her naturally correct ear soon enabled her to
overcome the difficulties Of the concerted
strains, to which she was unaccustomed.
"How nice that sounded" she exclaimed,
naIvely, when they had finished.
Indeed, it did. You have delicate,
charming little voice, which only needs culti-
vation. I have plenty of other songs here,
which, I have no doubt, we could easily sing
your ear is perfect Have you never learued
musc?"
"Never, SIR"
"Would you like to?''
eyes, indeed, sir"
"It is pity that you should not. 1t would
be such pleasure to you"
"Oh but I could not have time, you know,
sir. How could practice, or anything%
"That is true. All Nita, you see what a
disadvantage your profession is to you !!
Come, here is pretty ballad, with which |
dare say you are familiar-'Robin Adair.'
Nita had never heard it; but Mr.. Laselle
having played the air several times, she man.
aged to catch it after few efforts, and they
went through it together, to her unbounded
satisfaction. She was beginning to think her
new friend one Of the most delightful people
in the world After some time farther being
spent in music, he got out some beautiful pic
lures, and showed them to her, explaining the
subjects, and reading little bits of poetry at
tached to them, with much expression, giving
her an insight into various scraps of history
and romance with which she had not hereto
fore been familiar. Then they had little
more talk, and then, to Nitas astonishment,
the marble clock, on the mautel struck ten.
"Four whole hours since dinner !" she ex-
claimed.
Mr.. Laselle smiled.
"Have you had a pleasant evening?' he
asked.
"Yes, indeed, sir You have been so good
to me-"
81 think, upon the whole, I have enjoyed it
just as much as you have" he rejoined. At
this moment the door opened and Mrs. An
thony came in.
care you ready to 60 to bed, Nita?" she
asked. "You seemed so we'll entertained that
1 would not otinterrupt you before"
Nita rose directly.
"Good-night, SIR she said, holding out her
hand. 81 am so much obliged to you"
"Good night, my little friend. l shall see
you again Tomorrow" His bearded lip
touched her hand for moment, as reveren-
TALLY as if she had been princess and then
she turned quickly away, and followed Mrs.
Anthony out of the room.
"Have you had a pleasant time" asked the
latter, repeating her brothers question, when
they found themselves upstairs.
ooh so pleasant" replied Nita. "Why
didn't you stay down stairs, Mrs. Anthony ?"
81 had little sewing to do, my dear and