Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-02-15

| tage, and II was not pIeasanC. 10 encouuter
tramp, or perhaps even worse character, in
such an unprotected situation. She did not
know whether to try to effect a retreat, or to
Keep still and trust to bis passing on without
molesting her. While hastily deliberating on
the best course to pursue, to her increased
alarm, he suddenly approached her and placed
himself directly in her path. a.....
"Lady, can you tell me if this place belongs
to the Earl of Desborough?" ?" he asked ab-
ruptly, yet not without certain respect in
his tone, which somewhat treasured her.
ut does," she answered quietly, and looking
him full in the face for whatever spprehen'
sion she might feel, she had selfpossession
enough to resolve not to betray it.
"And is he here now p he questioned in
the same abrupt manner.
Prudence forbade direct answer to this
inquiry, for she did not know what his motive
in making it might be.
sWhy do you wish to know I" she rejoined.
II have very particular reason for wish
ing to know" he answered with scowling
look, which quickened the beating Of her
heart. II have business with him."
She now perceived that although using cor
rect English, he spoke with Scottish accent,
and his physiognomy also appeared charac-
teristic of that nation. He would have been
good.looking but for his unpleasant express
ion, and his reckless, vagabond air.
II do not know where the Earl is at pres
eut," she coldly answered, at the same mo-
ment rising to her feet, as if to move away /;
but he still stood in front of her, and she could
not pass him in the narrow foot-path without
forcing q way through the thick underground,
on eitherside, or else brushing directly against
him.
call I want to know is if he is staying
here, on this place." he said, doggedly. II
don't care whether he is at home or not"
"And that cannot tell you" she rejoined.
"Why not?"
because the Earl expressed his intention
of leaving to-day, and has probably already
gone" '..
She told the falsehood steadily. it was but
half falsehood after all, for Lord Desbo-
rough had spoken Of going over to the village
before the hour appointed for meeting Mr..
Peterson, the agent, at his own house. But
she would have uttered more direct one to
save him from danger, which, somehow or
other, she fancied threatened him in the event
of bis meeting this man.
"When will he be backf"
"That do not know, either"
"Are you telling me the truth ?" he rough
ly asked, at the same moment catching hold
of her sleeve. Geraldine drew back haugh-
tily.
II am not accustomed to being addressed
in such tone," she said with flashing eyes.
Remove your hand directly, and stand out
of my way"
He let her sleeve go and retired step or
two, though still impeding her path.
"You talk very grandly," he replied in
tone that was half respectful, half contempt
uous. "You take me for servant, I sup
pose"
II take you for very rude, iusolent per-
son." said Geraldine, whose anger had almost
overcome her fear. II know no servant who
would be as uncivil to a lady as you are"
"You are Lady Desborough, l suppose7"
ut matters not, in the least, to you, who /
am. Once more, let me pass" she said, impe-
riously, and slightly stamping her foot to en-
force the command Whether he would have
shown any more Difference to her wishes this
time than he had done before, is doubtful,
had not the barking of a dog and the sound
of approaching footsteps, at that moment in
terrupted the interview, and to Geradine's
intense relief, Judson, the valet, came in
sight.
"I'll find chance of meeting the Earl"
said the rude stranger, nodding his head with
a menacing air, as he turned off, and in a
moment more he disappeared in the wood.
Judson cams quickly forward, with sur
prised look on his face.
"Has that fellow been troubling you, my
lady 2" be asked.
"Not exactly. He frightened me little,
however, by appearing so suddenly. Where
is your master now, Judson 7"
HE is out somewhere, about the premises,
my lady. I was just looking for him. Mr..
Peterson has come and is waiting to see him
up at the house."
sSeud Alice to me in the orchard" said
his mistress, "and, Judson, be careful how
you admit that person you saw just now, if
be should 60 to the house. He pretended he
wished to see Lord Desborough on business,
but did not like his looks at all"
"Theres good many tramps around here,
fancy, my lady. It's lonesome kind of a
place, and they're after no good. I'll keep a
good lookout"
Geraldine cast many an apprehenslve
glance around, as she retraced her steps to-
ward the orchard, where she intended to wait
until the agent should have transacted his
business with the Earl, but saw no farther
signs of the unwelcome intruder. She dread
ed his meeting her husband, and was greatly
relieved when Alice, joining her in obedience
to her summons, told he: that she had just
seen Lord Desborough 60 into the house.
She did not meet the latter again until din
ner.time, and then he was silent and stiff,
speaking only in monosyllables. Apparently
business matters annoyed him, for as soon as
the meal was over he buried himself in pile
Il loJ 1oFt NIT