Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-08-01
N, and Daisy rode with Fred Morton in
Mr.. Arnold's new, pretty sleigh.

conversation.
"What is that!' suddenly exclaimed sever
al voices.
The cause of the alarm was large, dark
object which hurried into clump of bushes
near the road, the underground, or perhaps
ditch, hiding it from view.
"What do you think it was ?" asked Daisy
of her escort. ..
"Some animal wandering about, suspect,
and took fright at our noise" was his reply.
Many surmises were made as to the susPl'
cious object, so unexpectedly presented to their
view, and as quickly disappearing.
"Daisy, have you my guitarr presently
asked Lizzie. ..... f.. t..- ST..
Il have. Shall play something?"
"Do." .a.l: .,.....
The speed of the sleighs was slackened, and
sweet strains of music soon mingled with the
Ginning of the bells. Several voices joined
Daisy's and for some distance, the singing of
the party could be heard. D.. ....
"Oh let's serenade the Binums! See the
house just up the road ?" said Lizzie.
eyes it would be capital idea," ex.
claimed several. Suppose We agree to the
proposition p
The music was hushed, and, as silently as
possible, they approached the house. When
properly arranged before the gate, slvery
notes again foated upon the crisp air. Soon,
persons appeared upon the broad piazza, and
anxious to know who their serenaders were,
some left the house to ascertain.
"Good evening, Mr.. Binum p exclaimed
Lizzie.
"Wty, Miss Lizzie, I am surprised and de-
lighted to see you!'
1--WE bethought US of you all as we were
passing, and determined to play before your
gate to night" replied Lizzie, gaily.
Thank you, many times, for your kind re-
mem brance. But do alight and come into
tie house. We would like you to partake Of
cur Christmas wine and cake"
They decided to accept the invitation
Lizzie introduced those who were unknown to
the Binums, and they were cordially greeted
by the family. Ere long, the young people
were stripping the light fantastic toe" in the
capacious reception-room Of the Binums.
Soon refreshments were handed around. The
rich cake and wine were thoroughly discussed,
and our party began to make preparations to
depart Nettie Binum insisted upon their
having one more dance; so after gliding
through "old Virginia reel," they made their
adieux. .s
On the return route, hilarity, as before, tri
umpbsd. - ".
Daisy was making her first visit to that
part of the country, and was naturally more
eager to note everything about her, than the
others. She admired the trees and bushes, in
their snowy mantles. Her attention was all
at once particularly attracted by cluster of
bushes near the road. They were thicker
than any she had noticed, and much under
growth gave them a very compact appear
ance. Just about the middle, there was a
small opening, and here and there, frozen
drops glittered. Daisy compared it, in her
imagination, to natural cave or grotto, with
many chandeliers diffusing light around and
within. AS she came directly in front of her
imaginary grotto, she distinctly beheld two
fiery eyes fixed upon her, evidently belonging
to dark object which crouched beneath the
bushes. Her heart palpitated with fear but
she refrained from alarming the others. As
she alone saw it, she concluded they would
laugh at her, and suppose it only creature
of her Imagination.
For some time those burning eyes seemed
Ito blaze before her. What could it be she
wondered. The sleighs were dashng ahead
at such a rapid rate, as only to permit her
one glimpse at the denizen of her grotto.
At Mr.. Arnold's, the party separated, some
going to N, the others remaining at Ever
green Dale.
"Christmas gift! Christmas gift" cried
the darkeys everywhere about the premises.
The sound of it aroused Daisy, Lizzie and
Kate, from their slumbers. As usual, the
negroes were hailing the dawn of Christmas
day, with shouts of gladness and the inevita-
BILE "Christmas gift !"
Mrs Arnold resolved to have dinner par
ty that day, and the young people were to
enliven the evening with soiree.
About 10 o'clock, the guests began to ar.
rive. Soon the parlors were filled to their
utmost capacity, with gay, handsomely at
tired company. At late hour, dinner was
announced, and the guests were shown into
the dining hall, where bountiful supply of
all the luxuries of the season awaited them.
1t has been said that there is nothing more
eficacous in bringing about flow of good
humor than tempting repast. So, on this
occasion, of course, that element Of the hu-
man mind was displayed on every side. Af-
ter dsposing of the numerous courses, and
smiling over the good old wine for the usual
length of time, the host led the way to the
parlors, which were now brilliantly lighted,
as the evening shades prevailed. Rich gar
lands of evergreen mingled with holly
entwined the chandeliers, surmounted the
doors and windows, and as far as the eye
could penetrate, presented gala appearance.
The evening hours were filled with mirth and
music. At a late hour the company took
their departure. Daisy, Lizzie and Kate
were truly weary when they once more found
themselves alone, and quickly sought tired
natures sweet restorer, balmy sleep"
CHAPTER II