Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-04-12
CHI APTER TX.
RASH CONDUCT.

Evelyn would gladly have risen and tioWn
into the house, when she saw Julian approach
ing. But escape was impracticable. She was
still incapable of any sudden movement, and
could not have effected retreat, even had
common civility not forbidden her doing so.
The ready color dyed her cheek as he came
near, and it was with the utmost effort that
she maintained a show of composure, as she
looked up and bade him good-evening. He
had bowed with grave formality, and now
stood near the foot of the steps, without ever
offering to come beneath the roof.
II am happy to find you BETTER" he said,
in calm, cool tones. II have come this after
noon to bid your father-apd all of you
adieu, and am rejoiced to be able to carry
away with me so pleasant conviction fyour
improvement"
pray come in, Mr.. Morville, and do not
remain standing" said Evelyn, in accent,
which she could not make perfectly steady,
though she tried. "Here are some chairs
my father and Rose will be in directly. l.,
you see, am still prisoner"
"Perhaps," said Julian, with glance
around, II may find Major and Miss Lynd-
hurst somewhere about the grounds-are they
near the house?'
II really do not know" said Evelyn, "but
if you prefer not to remain here"
"By no MEANS" said Julian, now ascending
the steps. II only feared my society might
be an intrusion"
Evelyn grew more and more embarrassed.
The tables seemed to be turned, and it was
Julian who was distant and reserved, while
she would gladly have put their intercourse
on less frigid footing
II am rather tired of being alone" she
said, with would.be carelessness," and will,
therefore, be glad of your society-provided
you make yourself entertaining"
"That I am afraid 1 cannot do," replied
Julian. II never was in less conversation
al mood in my life, and may only bore you if
I remain"
"I am willing to run the risk, at all events" "
said Evelyn, and by a Slight, scarcely percep-
tible movement she indicated chair that
stood near her, which he Immediately took.
us she Arti he thought, as be did so.
But something in her glance, as she had
raised her eyes, just for one brief instant, to
his, had already disarmed him. He could
scarcely trust the evidence of his own senses /;
but he fancied that he had read something
pleading, something of supplication in that
timid look.
"And so," said Evelyn, after short silence,
as she broke off hanging spray of fuschia
and twisted it carelessly in her hand, "you
think of leaving these mountains, and the
Valley of Hope. You know we have chris
tened our little valley by that name"
Il shall, indeed, leave hope behind me
when 1 go" rejoined Julian.
THAT would be sad, indeed" said Evelyn.
"What has put you in such melancholy
mood p
"Partly the consideration of my own folly"
he answered, with steady glance at her,
which she did not meet.
"What folly, may ask ?"
"The folly of not having sooner extricated
myself from a great danger, of which had,
from the first, the sense to be aware, but from
which l had not the resolution to fyp
"You speak in euigmas," said Evelyn. II
hope, however, for your sake, that it is not
yet too late for you to escape from this dan
ger, whatever it may be-
"Your wish is van," replied Julian, in an
agitated tone. He rose abruptly from his
chair, walked rapidly to the far end of the
verandah, then came back and stood in front
of her chair.
II know that shall incur your just anger
for my presumption, Miss Lyndhurst," he
commenced hurriedly, "and may not hope,
perhaps, ever to win your forgiveness but |
am impelled by power too strong for me to
resist, to tell you what is in my heart, let my
punishment be what it may. The danger l