Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-01-11
CHAPTER V.


pile, built in the fifteenth century. The orig
inal structure remained untouched, though a
~ d .iion 14o letor
years, and was at present the only inhabited
part Surrounded by magnificent woods, it
presented an air of almost gloomy grandeur
to the eye of the beholder, lying as it did, for
the most part, in shadow, save the modern
front, which looked out upon velvet lawn,
studded with beds of rare flowers and glossy
shrubs 1t was building that would have
charmed Geraldiue's fancy, had she approach
ed it under more favorable circumstances.
Even now, she could not but view it with in.
terest. and something like thrill of pleasure
BILE pride sweled her heart as she looked
around upon the noble domain of which she
had just become the mistress.
The Earl, who throughout the journey had
treated her with the most polished courtesy
and paid every attention to her comfort that
considerate kindness could dictate, pointed out
to her the various beauties of the scenery
through which they passed. Here stretch
of woodland, timbered by oaks of centuries
growth there smooth glade broken by
winding stream parks where shy graceful deer
roamed at will; shady copses and smiling
meadows, breaking successfully upon the view
like the scenes of a panorama as they drove
slowly onward. At last they reached the
castle, and his lordship, alighting, assisted her
to descend. "Welcome home, Geraldine" be
said, calling her, for the first time, by her
Christian name, as with grave formality he
raised her hand to his lips. Geraldines heart
throbbed. She gave him timid glance, but
no tenderness of expression responded to it in
his face. He Was, in fact, not even looking
at her, though he still retained her hand in
his as be led her through the arched doorway
into the marble. .foored hall, and thence into
a sort of reception-room, where stood table
spread with fruits, cake and wine. "Rest
here awhile" he said, placing her in luxu-
rious chair, "and refresh yourself with these
trfes for the present. Dinner, presume,
will not be ready for some time yet, as the
house-keeper could not tell precisely at what
hour to expect U.s."
Geraldine thanked him, but declined eating
anything, as she had no appetite. He poured
her out glass of wine, however, and insisted
upon her drinking it. When he had given
some orders to the servants who stood waiting
his commands, he offered to conduct her, at
once, to the apartments prepared for her re.
ceptiou, adding that he hoped she would find
them to her taste. Silently, she followed him
up flight of broad, shallow marble steps, to
the second Aoor Here, alonga wide corridor,
several doors stood open, revealing glimpses
of polished mirrors, damask and velvet drape-
~, luxurious furniture, ornaments of marble
and bronze. Passing all these he turned into
narrower passage, running crosswise, lighted
by stained glass, and turning the latch of the
first of three doors, held it open for her to
enter. "Here," he said, motoning toward the
interior of the apartment to which it gave ad-
mission, "you will find four rooms en- suite,
which directed to have made ready for your
occupation. They are, think, the most
pleasantly situated in the castle, and CON-
mand an extensive view. Your maid awaits
you in your dressing room, and will see that
you have everything that you stand in need
of. l advise you to take some rest now, as
you must be fatigued from the long drive.
When the dressing-bell rings, it will be time
enough for you to prepare for dinner, and
when dinner is ready, l will return to show
you the way to the dining-room. Pray call
for anything that you want, and remember
that you are mistress here now. The castle
and all in it, are quite at your disposal
Geraldine murmured her thanks, and, With
a sliyht inclination of the head, be left her,