Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-03-22

Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
JULIAN MORVILLE'S BRIDE ;
-,.f.ra.arat. OR, ,,Hu..ai .a,.. ..r .,t.,'
THE POWER OF LOVE.
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III. lra--. ...t.
s..r.U..r RUIN. ,.f q .s.-'p.i. .s
Mr.. Orville was man of great wealth.
He was unmarried, and lived quiet and un'
ostentatious life on his estate, which adjoined
that of MI. Manyers, with whom he had been,
since boyhood, on terms of the closest inti-
macy. ~ "a
i, His character was amiable, but very weak.
He had the kindest and most generous heart
in the world, but no 6rmness of purpose, and
was always too ready to listen to the advice Of
others, and to follow it, whether good or bad,
rather than take the trouble to decide for
himself. ...-.., i ia .-...ft +
He had the most exalted ideas in regard to
the claims of friendship, and would have con-
sidered it base and dishonorable to shrink in
any way from aiding friend in difficulties,
no matter what personal sacrifice this might
involve. .g
Leonard knew that his father had, at differ
ent times, borrowed considerable sums from
him, aud supposed it was to assist in paying
off the debts he had incurred. Though how
these debts had FIRST arisen seemed inexplica'
Bile, since Mr.. Manvers' own property had al.
ways been deemed to be very considerable,
and his mode OF, living did not appear more
extravagant than was consistent with the po'
sition he occupied.
Mr.. Orville now came more frequently to
his neighbor's house than he had ever done
before. Almost every evening he made his
appearance just as the candles were lighted,
and after lingering short time in the parlor,
would disappear within the recesses Of tie
mysterious room," as Leonard now styled it
to himself, and not emerge thence until long
after the boy had gone to bed.
One night, curiosity and uneasiness over
powering his weariness, Leonard, having al
ready waited until some time past his usual
hour for retiring. resolved not to 60 to bed
until his father and his guests should make
their appearance and disperse for the night.
He accordingly seated himself in an arm
chair in the dining, room, near door which
opened upon the hall, through which they
would be obliged to pass. He resolved to
try and fathom this mystery, which had now
been going on for several weeks, but TO which,
as yet, he had been unable to gain any
clue. . ....
The, marble clock on the mantel chimed
twelve; halfpast twelve; one. A profound 81.
lence reigned. broken only by an occasional
mufled murmur of voices, and Leonard, quite
overpowered by fatigue, could no longer keep
his eyes open, but leaning back in his chair
fell fast asleep. ... .....
He knew not how long he had slumbered,
when at length noise in the hall awoke
him. He started up, suddenly remembering
the object of bis watch, and looking eagerly
out through the open door, being himself hid
den by the surrounding darkness. but able
quite plainly to distinguish objects ia the
hall, where the lamp was still dimly burning,
he saw his father, bearing candle in his
hand to afford better light, coming in com.
pany with three others-Mr. Orville, and two
of the men who had lately become visitors at
his house, whose names Leonard scarcely
knew. By the light of the candle, the boy
perceived that Mr.. Orville's face looked pale
and gloomy. He walked with an absent and
pre.occupied air, while his host, following just
at his elbow, had strangely excited and tri-
umphant expression on his countenance. A
few sentences were exchanged among the par
ty, in a low tone, as they stood for moment
near the front door. Then they separated, Mr..
Manvers courtecusly bowing them out, and
securing the door after them. As he turned
to retrace his steps, the light he carried Aared
upon Leonard, who had now emerged from
his retirement, and stood confronting him,
anxiety and disquietude written upon his
face.
"You bere-at this hour" exclaimed Mr..
Manvers, angrily. "Why are you not in bed p
"Father |" rejoined the boy, Il can ask
you the same questions. Why do you spend
every night in this strange manner3 am
sure something wrong must be going on. I
have felt uneasy about it for long time"
He half believed, as he spoke, that his
father would fly out into paroxysm of rage
at his words; but to his surprise he stood
quite still, only regarding his son with a
slight, peculiar smile.
$50 your curiosity has overcome your dis
cretion at last, has it2' he presently said
"Well, you are not a baby now. l suppose it
is natural for you to form ideas and conjec
tnres of your own. l think I will take you
into nv con6dence-so far, at all events, as
to crafty your inqusitiveness, and set specu
lation at rest. Come with me-"
Bewildered, and apprehending he know moi
what startling disclosure, Leonard mechani
cally followed his father to the door of the
"mysterious room," which the latter pushed