Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-09-06
gu 0rigiual Sturg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE FROZEN HEART.
BY CLARA DARGAN MCLEAN.
CHAPTER Nv.


stead in Auburn, away from the noise and
dust of the busy city-away from "wars and
rumors of wars" for the valley of the Emo
was far removed from the great lines of trav-
ell, and only faint echoes of strife stirred the
quiet existence Of the few families who re-
mained.
Aunt Agnes was not the least happy of the
trio who drove through the grove Of ances-
trail oaks one evening early in March and
she was continually reverting to the annoy
ances and inconveniences of city-life. Sara,
too, was rejoiced to be free from all fashlona-
BILE tramels, and to roam at will among the
scenes endeared to her by their association
with Rupert. Her first walk was to the bluff
above the river, where she had stood with
him on the eve of his departure almost year
ago. How much longer the time appeared
when counted by the unusual incidents, which,
since then, had crowded her once quiet life !!
And it seemed as if century had strength
ened her love-it had matured so wonderful
ly since that June evening Its intensity
frightened her; she saw with a self-reproach.
full pang that she had yielded her whole soul
to this creature worship, instead of striving
against it, as she had prayed to do then. Was
she wrong in loving him2 No; the sin lay
in forgetting all else in this absorbing afec-
ton. Aud the inevitable fate which comes
to all idolators sooner or later. was slowly
but surely approaching, though Sara was all
unconscious of its deathly shadow-and in
her blind worship had needed not those warn
ing words: "For I the Lord thy God, am a
jealous God."
Rupert Darlington had become far more to
her than God or father or friend. In his
presence thousand faults and follies might
have betrayed his real nature, aided by
daily association and increasing intimacy.
But separation had only deepened the CLAM.
our through which her fond fancy viewed
him; the silver veil of Khorassan hung in daz'
ling splendor over every defect. Every sus
picion-if her momentary fears deserved so
harsh name-had vanished with that part
ing vow every weakness became endeared
when she recalled his tender words, his elo-
auent eyes, his handsome face and graceful
figure They were before her now, as she sat
on the knoll ut the foot of chestnut, with his
last letter in her hand. She saw him IS he
stood on that very spot, and heard again his
sweet assurances.
w ucuSScI yuu SSO tuot otoA3 sA1Ann W Wv,
love me, and trust me"
1t was just rising now-shining with trem.
ulous beauty above the darkening eastern
horizon. All! when that unchanging star
should have gone its mighty round, where
wonld be all those fond hopes Truly it would
have been better "never to have loved at all"
but that BE hath chosen otherwise for His
own glory.
1t was towards the cfose of the following
week that Sara was found by her aunt, sit
ting on the steps of the porch late one damp,
warm evening.
my DEAR she said, anxiously, chad you
not better come into the house? 1t is yet too
early in the season to linger out after sunset,
and the air is quite heavy with dew. Come
in, or shall have to answer to Rupert for an
unfaithful discharge of my duty"
"Oh, Rupert wouldn't blame you in this
instance, aunty," Sara replied, laughingly.
at is entirely on his account that I'm now so
imprudently exposing myself But it won't
be long-I see William coming"
She ran with quick light steps down the
avenue, and met the colored man who acted
as postman when Mr. Howard was not in
clined to 90 out. Sara eagerly questioned
him, stood for moment as if in doubt then
returned to the house. Disappointment was
written plainly upon her face.
mo letter, dear ?" her aunt asked, synpa-
thetically, as she approached. "Well that is
not surprising, for things are in such an un-
settled state, the mails cannot be expected al.
ways to come regularly. You had one only
few days since, you know"
"Last Friday-almost whole week."
almost whole week! Why, my love,
consider what is whole week to soldiers con-
stanty moving. No doubt Rupert is much
more prompt than many others under similar
circumstances And there are a thousand
things which might have prevented"
"Oh, mol" Sara exclaimed, impetuously.
81 don't believe it, aunt Agnes Rupert
would write under any circumstances-un-
less"
Her cheek paled suddenly at the very
thought. Don't distress yourself needless
ly, DEAR" Miss Howard said, gently drawing
her arm around Sara's waist and leading her
within, "you should have more courage. One
day is not long to wait; you will surely hear
tomorrow"
Tomorrow came, and the next day, and
the next; but the expected letter did not ar
rive. Mr. Howard attributed the delay to
the openin esof new and active campaign !;
Major Darlington was an officer of tried skill
and courage, and, therefore would, no doubt,
be called into frequent special service. Sara
bore up bravely, growing more confident each
day "that it would certainly come to-mor-
row." Her aunt had secret misgivings of
Rupert's health he might be ill-too i'll to
write; for be had often assured Sara that
nothing but positive inability to guide pen
would prevent his regular semi-weekly letter.
The uncertain mails also came in for their
share of blame but other letters from that
Division of the army, arriving safely in the
village post-oh6ce, this faint excuse at length
failed to console.
Meanwhile Sara's health, never very ro-
bust began to fail under this terrible sus-
pense. Her eyes grew dim, and her sweet
face paler day by day: Through all she pre-
served an exterior of calm trust; her faith
in Rupert never wavered.
April had already set in when Mr.. Howard
resolved to write to Col. Manning, who now
commanded Rupert's regiment The letter
was accordingly dispatched, and an answer
received promptly. Col. Manning wrote that
Major Caring gton was quite we'll, and SEEM
inply in excellent spirits, as he had taken an
active part in ball and tournament given to
the ladies of F. a few weeks previous, and was
az usual a universal favorite; that he had
ridden off with several other officers only q
few moments before the reception of Mr.. How
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