Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-10-07
CHI A P T Z R II.
DIR. WARDLAW.

My father presently brought the stranger
into the dining-room, and introduced him as
DR.. Wardlaw. Before long, he came to my
side and entered into conversation with me-
somewhat to the discontinue of Charlie Ray
mond. who was disposed to regard him as an
intruder.
II must apologize for being an unbidden
guest" he said, in a singularly sweet, low
voice; "but it was quite by chance that l ar.
rived here to-day, instead of yesterday, hav.
ing met with al unexpected delay on the
road"
Of course, l assured him that his presence
was very acceptable; though wondered men.
tally, at the same time, what had brought
him there at all, as did not remember ever
having heard his name before. My curiosity
was soon grati6ed
"a mutual friend of your father and my,
self, hearing that l was coming to this part
of the country, kindly favored me with some
letters of introduction" he said. "Among
them, one to Mr.. Lambert, whom he desired
me particularly to become acquainted with
am from a neighborng State-South Caro-.
lina-and am making tour for the benefit OF
my health, which is a little shaken by re-
cent attack of illness"
81 hope you will be benefited by it, said l
not knowing what other reply to make.
"Thanks. | am very much better already,
and hope to be quite strong ere | return
home"
"Do you come from Charleston ?" was my
next question. 81 have some friends there
with whom went to school at one time in
Raleigh-perhaps you know them the West
brooks"
"No-I know very few persons in Charles
ton," he replied. Il reside entirely in the
country, in the upper portion of the State
that has been my home ever since | came
from Scotland, which is my native land"
"Scotland" 1 echoed in surprise, for he
did not look at all like Scotchman-at
least, like my ideal of one. Instead Of the
high cheekbones, ruddy complexion, and red
ish hair which l had always associated in
my mind with people Of that nation, l saw
before me pale, classic face, with delicate
regular features, dark brown hair and large
dark, deep set eyes, very soft and kindly in
their expression, while his voice and manner
were as gentle as a woman's. He spoke to
me in quiet, fatherl y sort of way, as if there
were an immense difference in our ages yet
l do not think for the most he could have
been more than thirty-six or seven years old
"Yes," he answered, smiling. "Does it
seem a wonderful thing that l should have
come to live such long way off from home
was the youngest of a numerous family, and
the paternal nest could not contain us all, SO
l took flight early, and came to try my for,
tune in America. l am grateful for having
prospered in my adopted country. 1t seems
quite like my own now, for l have been here
sixteen years"
NEARLY as long l have" said /, gaily
"Do you know, to-day is my seventeenth
birthday"
He accepted the childish announcement
with another indulgent smile. "You are a
very happy young lady" (it would have seem
ed more appropriate to say little girD "to have
so many friends around you to celebrate the
event" he rejoined. Nov when my birthday
comes, don't think anybody knows anything
aboutit except my housekeeper, old Barbara
and she always makes me cake"
"Why, your family ought to know" l ex
claimed, thoughtlessly. An instantaneous
change came over his face.
81 have no family-at least, none with me,
he answered, little hurriedly. II lead
very solitary life"