Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-02-11
gu 0rigiual Storg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
z A n ITA,
THE CIRCUS GIRL
BY MRS. HENRY DEAS.
CHAPTER XII.

81 wish you'd take this basket and run round
the corner for some little things I want. I've
got list of 'em down here-tea, sugar, can
dles and so on. Be quick, now, because it's
getting late, and there's no time to lose"
Zanita took the basket rather unwillingly.
She was averse to going out alone, in the
streets, after dusk.
"Where's uncle Dan p she asked.
"Busy about something. What's that to
you? He amt a-going with you, that's GER
tain. Don't stand gaping there but be off,
will you? Nothing can hurt you"
Thus adjured, Zanita did not venture to
hesitate longer, but slowly set out on her mis-
sion. The lamps in the principal streets were
already lit but she had first to 60 through
dark alley that was not much frequented, and
her heart beat as she entered it. She ran as
fast as she could, until she had passed it, then
slackened her pace, breathing more freely as
she came in sight of the crowded thorough
fare, where she felt secure.
She discharged her errand at the grocery
store and. basket on arm, set out on her home
ward way.
Just as she turned the corner into the alley
she so greatly disliked, her arm was suddenly
seized. and low voice uttered her name. A
slight scream escaped her, quickly stifed by
ahand placed firmly, though not roughly, over
her mouth and the voice whispered hur-
riedly-
"Don't be frightened, Nita-it's me; don't
you know me?"
It was Icons voice and looking up, she
recognized his face and figure, as we'll as the
darkness permitted her to do so.
ooh! Leon," she exclaimed with sigh OF
relief, show you frightened me-"
"Hush! don't talk too loud. I've been
watching for chance to see you, this week
past" .,
"Why didn't you come to see me- then I
"Oh didn't want any of them to spy me
out. have cut loose from them all, you know,
and would rather have them suppose l had
gone away. 1 am going away, you know"
care you? When?"
"Pretty soon-in fact I've only been wait
ing to see you. 1 couldn't 60 without that.
Come little away with me, Nita, to place
where I can have my talk with you without
fear of being disturbed
"Why, won't this place do? It's quiet
enough" said Zanita.
mo; cUu1 s:..lA- -GarthAr-I-k know bet
ter place. What's the matter?' he added, as
she drew back with manifest reluctance.
"See how late it is l have my part at
half past eight, you know; and here are all
these things I've gut home: and my
aunt will be so angry"
mo she will not don't be afraid Nlta,
YOU surely can't refuse me the qualification of
a few words with you, 1t isn't asking much
of you, considering all things. Remember
I'm going away"
Moved by this appeal, Nita hesitated, con-
sidered, and finally yielded.
"Only for very little whle then, Leon
don't think ought; but still, as you are
going off"
"Come this way, then;' and taking her
hand he led her rapidly off toward little
cross-lane, even darker and more obscure
than the one they were in. awe can talk as
we 60 along"
"How dismal it is" said Nita trembling.
"Never mind that Listen to me now,
Nita. I've something of greatmportance to
say to you. In the first place, have been
thinking, night and day, of what you told me
when saw you last"
ttIULot ,,o, +bot Go6 Ionito
"What was it? If you have forgotten it so
easily, have not You told me that you
loved me-
"Oh ! Leon
swell, what? Didn't you mean ?"
IL was so confused. hardly knew
what I said"
"Well, you've had time enough since, to
make up your mind about it. But, Nita,
don't tell me that what you said was false.
I'll not bear it."
His grasp frightened on her hand and he
stood still to hear her answer. Nita was
growing frightened ; his voice was so stern
and resolute, and it was so dark, and so lone
ly where they were! She was not exactly
afraid of his hurting her !; yet something in
stinctively warned her that it would be best
for her not to excite his wrath.
"You hurt my hand, Leon, she said, tim
idly.
He instantly relaxed his clasp.
"Poor little hand" he said, his tone chang
ing to one of extreme tenderness. 81 didn't
mean to hold it so roughly. | love you so
we'll that l wouldn't hurt hair of your head.
Dear Nita-darling Nita-tell me that you
care for me-that you will be my wife p
"Oh! Leon" The abruptness of the pro-
position dismayed her beyond expression.
eff you do love me, surely you must mean
to marry me! And l can't believe that you
spoke false when you told me that you did,"
IL never thought about marrying at
ALL" faltered Nita. "You forget how young
am, Leon.''
"No, l don't. You are not too voung for
me. Plenty of girls mar IS young as you
are And I've brought you here now to give
me positive answer about it, because I've
been almost frantic with suspense"
Nita was silent. Oh! how she wished she
had not met him, or that she had refused to
come with him What on earth was she to
answer to his question?
"See here, Nita," Leon continued, 81 want
to tell you exactly how the matter stands |
made up my mind, ever since left Foley's,
to quit these parts and 90 off somewhere-to