Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-01-07
CHAPTER II.

The sun rose in splendor, scattering the
murky clouds before him, and flashing his
golden rays over the still tossing, troubled
waters of New York Bay, as the Ocean
Queen" crippled indeed, yet gallantly hold
ing her own, crept slowly into port
No farther lives had been lost, and the
whole extent Of damage done was much less
than had been anticipated. The grateful
passengers made up a handsome purse, and
presented it to the captain in token of their
appreciation of his almost superhuman efforts
in their behalf-the captain accepting it with
thanks-but Immediately distributing its con-
tents among his men, who, as he generously
remarked, deserved it more and stood more
in need of it than he did.
1t may be stated here, however, that he
was not permitted so easily to discharge his
obligation to them for second subscription
was Immediately raised, and two days later,
he was made the recipient of the handsomest
service of silver that could be purchased in
New York-a testimonial which he still pre-
serves, and exhibits with pardonable pride to
all his friends.
Friends who had waited in anxious expec-
tation for the arrival Of the steamer, and who,
during the storm, had almost given up hope of
ever seeing it again, fockcd to the wharf to
welcome its precious freigh of living souls, so
narrowly rescued from watery grave. Deep
and heartfelt was the joy expressed by the
braces, eager greetings, warm congratulations
might be heard and witnessed OIL all sides.
But, amidst all this tumult of happiness and
excitement, in which she had no share, where
was the little Estelle?
The man who had first noticed her, and
who had broken to her, with all due caution
and kindness, the news of the loss of her pro-
tector and friend, had taken her in charge,
resolving to befriend her, at least for the pres
ent, until some further arrangement could be
made for her welfare. He was only plain
mechanic, in very moderate circumstances,
but he had generous and sympathizing
heart, and was deeply touched by the lonely
situotion in which the poor little waif found
herself placed. He had a wife and three chill
drcn in New York, who, he said, he knew
would willingly cooperate with him in giving
her temporary shelter and protection. The
child made no resistance to the plan when it
was proposed to her. Indeed, she appeared
strangely unmoved by the novel and painful
circumstances of her position, testifying neith-
er any especial sorrow at the loss OF her
! former companion, nor any anxiety regarding
her future fate She still wore the same wist-
! full, halffrightcned look, mutcly obeying all
the directions given her, without betraying,
by look or action, either fear, pleasure or re-
gret. Her new friend, whose name was Dar-
/ hot ba nnnfi,caI
as he expressed it, "dazed," by the conjunc-
tion Of startling events which had occurred.
"Its no wonder her nerves are shattered, poor
little lamb" he pityingly remarked. "Whcn
she gets used to my family, and to her new
life, no doubt she'll come round, and show
her feelings like other children"
Darcy's charitable intentions regarding the
child were not destined to be carried out.
Just as he was leaving the wharf, leading her
by the hand, intending to walk the short dis
tancc to his own house, he was hurriedly ac-
costcd by an elderly gentleman, who came
running after him in brcathless state.
"Excuse me-" he exclaimed eagerly, "but
Captain Merton, with whom have been con-
versing, has just pointed you out to me as the
person who has kindly taken charge of the
little girl whose protector was lost in the
storm. Is this the child?"
"This is the child" replied Darcy, regard
ing his interlocutor with some surprise. "Do
YOU know anything of her."
"Know anything of her? Why, she's my
own sisters child, whom I've been expecting
for a month-came down to the last steamer
to meet her. but she didn't comc-poor little
thing, her mother died not long ago, and she's
sent to me to be taken care of. Here, Ma.
mie, darling look at me, won't you? I'm
your uncle John ; your poor dear mammals
own brother! Don't you want to come home
with me-"
"N1y name isn't Mamie" said the child,
shrinking little closer to Darcy. "My
names Estcllc."
"Well, your mothers name was Mamie, OF
at least Mary, and | always supposed yours
must be the same. Your name is Estelle
Harding, isn't it my pct?"
"Only just Estcle."
upoor I;ttIa NOT, hnw frirhtonc1 Won look