Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-02-10

"But shall find him, and bring him back,
nevertheless" said Picciola, "if you will only
let me CO.
"And if lose you, Picciola-my last, only
support-the one .iriend have left!"
"The good God will protect me" said the
young girl, solemnly. "Even if | do not
succeed in my attempt-though think l
will will return to you safely. Oh, my
dearest mistress, do not refuse my Prayer|
And kneeling at Esther's feet, she wound
her arms about her, and fixed her pleading
and eloquent eyes upon her face.
Esther, deeply moved, bent her head upon
the girls shoulder, and for some moments re-
mained silent, engaged in mingled thought
and prayer, while the tears flowed from her
eyes, and her heart was agitated by conflict
ing impulses, too varied to describe. On the
one hand, her yearning to discover her lost
treasure prompted her to accept any means
which seemed to afford her even the slightest
hope of doing 80; while on the other, she
shrank from exposing to danger, throug her
consent, the noble-hearted girl who had be-
come so dear to her, and whose welfare she
felt was entrusted to her keeping
Again Picciola's soft voice whispered, as
she gently tried to wipe away her tears
"Sehora, dear Se1ora let me go"
Esther raised her head, and regarded, al
most with reverence the earnest and beautiful
face upturned to hers, illuminated as it was
with the light of supreme faith and resolve
and a touching devotion rarely felt or seen.
"Go, then, dear child" she replied, in broken
tones unable longer to refuse the request, Sec
onded, so forcibly as it was, by the pleadings
of her own heart. 81 cannot keep you back
Yet, oh Picciola, for my sake, avoid all rash
exposure of yourself Be prudent and eau
tious, and make every inquiry you can to help
you, and to assist in warding off danger. /
shall be in sore trouble and suspense until
see you back"
II may not 60 far to-day" said Picciola
overjoyed at having obtained the desired per-
mission. II thought of going first to your
own house, and finding out there if anything
had been seen of Senior Alasquez, since we
left. And then, perhaps, I might put myself
in the way of following him, or, at least, dis
covering where he has gone. But I cannot
decide upon anything yet; only be sure, Sef'
ora, that will take great care, and not do
anything foolish or useless, for that would be
a poor way of helping you. And pray, pray
do not be troubled about me while am gone
and Sonora, you will let Mariana care for you
will you not? She is good and kind and
longs to be useful to you and it will comfort
me to think that you will not be neglected
while am away"
Esther promised that she would call upon
Mariana, in case of wanting anything, as Pic
ciola had already signi6ed to the latter the
possibility of her leaving her mother, as she
called her, for a short time, and obtained from
her the assurance that she would do what she
could to supply her place during her absence
and then, with heavy heart, she watched the
young girl prepare for departure. These pre-
parations were few and simple enough, as they
consisted merely in assuming her outdoor
garb, and in putting up paper of bread and
dried fruit for her lunch. These being speed
ily completed, she bid her mistress farewell
repeating, at the same time, her injunction te
her to keep cheerful heart, and not indulge
in anxious feelings while she was absent.
"God bless you, and 60 with you, Picciola
and may He reward you as you deserve" said
Esther, as che returned her embrace. All
difference of station between them seemed tc
be broken down and swept away now. Mis-
fortune had drawn them so closely together