Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-07-26

little love passage in the rustic porch of Mrs.
Goodwin, and beneath the twining morning
glory vines The following day passed for
him with leaden feet He longed to see Mary
Norris in her new character as his aftianced
BRIDE That she would be gentle and sweet
with him, now that they were engaged, he did
not doubt, and he felt he should like her bet
ter when a triAe toned down. So the early
shadows of evening found him at the door of
the Norris mansion. Mary was at the piano.
He could distinguish her voice in some pecu-
liar strain. No doubt this Was only ruse to
cover her natural confusion. A servant
showed him in and he instantly discovered
that Mary was not alone. A masculine friend
from a neighboring village, was devotedly
leaning over her and turning the music. The
closing of the door announced him. Mary
started up from the instrument, and without
the slightest deepening of the rose upon her
cheeks, and as simply and natural as ever,
came forward, greeted him and introduced
cher friend, Mr.. Cummings"
The hot blood surged into the cheeks of the
doctor, and he attempted to express his dlsap-
pontment and ardor with one eloquent glance,
but it fell entirely short of its mark. No an
swering expression came back to him: AS
if unconscious of their new and dear relation
to each other, Mary Norris ran on in merry
jest and railery, until he became thoroughly
out of humor, and espoused the contrary slde
of every question. and at an early hour took
bis departure. When in the hall, where the
girl accompanied him, be turned upon her
with words of reproach.
"How could you admit that fellow tonight
when you expected me?"
II beg your pardon, DR.. Collins" she re-
piled, with her saucy black eyes dancing.
"You are very much mistaken. l did not
expect you tonight, and that fellow is one
of my dearest friends"
"Mary, you are trihing with me. Have
you forgotten what transpired in the veranda
only last night2" ..@
"What veranda?"
"That of Mrs. Goodwin, to be sure"
"You must be insane, doctor, or are labor
ing under some hallucination. | was not in
Mrs. Goodwins veranda with you for sin
gle moment last night; and if you made any
engagements with any young lady at that
time and place, it was not with your humble
servant ?"
"Not with you'll" he gasped, pale to the
lips. "Who the deuce was it, then, l should
like to know?"
II can't say You should not he so care
less, doctor. No doubt some fair Brownsville
girl is this moment looking her eyes out
while you are wasting time with me. But
must 90 back or Charley will be jealous. Yet
stay. I have one trifling bit Of confidence
for you. We are engaged"
certainly. Don't l know it, he exclaim.
ed, Selling her hand, with radiant face.
Knew it, and had the audacity to call my
Charley "a fellow and to be angry because |
did not deny myself to him on account of
your stupidity in thinking that under Mrs;
Goodwin's porch you had informed me OF
your intended visit. Oh goodness, what
coquette you must believe me to be-"
His hands fell away from hers suddenly,
and his voice was husky, as he answered:
Il congratulate you. Good night"
Out in the silent and dull village street he
ground his teeth, and used some very intr-
cate and harsh words against himself; the
worst of which perhaps was that he mig ht be
considered "an ass" He went directly to
his office, and DR.. Peters noticed the change
in his manner, and kindly inquired what was
the matter.
"Any bad news, my boy" he asked, jocose-
ly. "You look as though you had been hav-
ing case of double conniptions, and did not
know what to do with them"
II am an unmitigated fool, that's all. I've
gone and engaged myself"
"To be married? Not that, hey2"
eyes, just that, old fellow" and he sank
into the chair with most disgusted air.
DR.. Peters looked at him for moment,
and then burst into an uncomfortable tit OF
laughter.
"Why, the deuce take it," he said, as soon
as he could get his breath, zone would think
you we're doomed to be hung. | give you
my word that if had gone as far as you
say you have should try and look more
cheerful"
"Good heavens, how can I? Listen for
few moments. As said before, am engaged
to be married, but / swear to you l don't
know to whom!'
The old physician sat up, his face suddenly
elongated and he stared at his partner in pills
with open eyed astonishment. Presently he
said, as to himself:
"The boy is mad as March hare"
mo am not-wish to thunder was"
He related minutely everything that had oc-
Cured under the porch and screening vines
at Mrs. Goodwin's, and continued: "Whoev-
er 1 mistoek for Mary Norris evidently be.
lieves in and loves me. She solemnly yielded
herself to my caresses as my betrothed wife,
thinking that l worshipped her and her on
ly." Dr.. Collins groaned and ran his fingers
through his hair until each particular fibre
stood on end. His partner vainly attempted
to control his risbles. One glance at the
disconsolate visage of his friend was too much,
and Ito use all Hibernianism) he let off a roar
that shook the very foundations Of Browns
vile, and it was a good half hour before he
could sufficiently control himself to give his
friend the comfort and advice he needed.
"No doubt" was the reply, lit is laugh
able matter, and its ridiculous side exceed.
ingly funny. And now, as a gentleman and
man of honor, what am | to do ?"
Doctor Peters wiped his eyes settled him
self to considering for time before replying,
and then said:
"If I were in your place, should first find
out to whom was engaged, and if she proved
agreeable or desirable | should marry her,
unless nv heart was firmly set on Mary Nor
ris."
fortunately that spell is broken. see
that was merely infatuated. Besides, find
that she is already engaged. But that does
not matter now. Suppose find the young
lady the very reverse of my expectations