Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-04-18

openly to any one, she learned, by degrees, to
look to him for sympathy and advice, and to
speak freely of what was in her heart. The
very position in which Colonel Dacre had es-
tablished him, entitled him, in some degree,
to her confidence, though she never would
have accorded it to him 80 frankly as she
now did, had not peraonal liking and regard
influenced her to do so. Maurice triumphed
in the success, thus far, of his plans, and
doubted not that still completer triumph
would be his in time.
Thus the weeks and months wore on while
still the tide of war swept over the land, each
day bringing news Of some fresh victory or
defeat, and of the loss Of many gallant life,
cheerfully yielded up in the defence of right
and truth.
Letters still came from Colonel Dacre, but
they were few and far between. Post.o6ices
and railroads were destroyed, and means Of
communication cut of in various directions
and those at home were obliged to content
themselves with but scanty information from
the seat of war, except such as came from
official quarters.
One evening, Maurice and Mary were Sit
ting on the little porch where the latter kept
her geraniums, which surrounded them now
with mass of bloom. 1t was Spring time
The Winter months, more than usually long
and dreary, had at length given place to bud
ding verdure and balmy airs, and nature
seemed to put on anew the garb of hope.
ut is such long time since we have heard
from Virginia." Mary said, after somewhat
lengthy silence, during which her fingers and
her thoughts had been equally busily en-
ployed. The former, with some work for the
soldiers, which now claimed the industry and
skill of all feminine fingers in the land the
latter with the events transpiring at q dis.
tance, which we're full Of such import to anx'
ious hearts.
EYES," said Maurice, ian unusually long
time has passed since the Colonel last wrote.
He is good deal occupied, [ suppose, and
has not much time to think of home"
II did not know that soldiers had much to
do, except officers" said Mary, unless fight
ing was going on" (For the Col mel, though
retaining his old rank in name among those
who knew him, had gone in the army as a
private, preferring active service without spe-
cial honors, to waiting for the chance of ob'
tanning a command at later period.) II
rather think that he has written, but his let
ters have failed to reach u.s.
"Perhaps 80" assented Maurice.
"How I wish this weary war was over,
said Mary, sighing. "But l fear it will be
long time before we have peace again"
81 fancy your wish is echoed by every one, "
said Maurice, though most particularly by
those who have some special interest at
stake-like the Colonel, for instance. 1t will
be happy day for him when he can return
to claim the guerdon in store for him. 10
poor fellow like me, who has nothing to look
forward to, it doesn't very much matter
whether we ever have peace or not"
II should think it would matter to every
one" said Mary.
GAS far as am concerned" said Maurice,
lowering his tone, II am tempted sometimes
to wish that the war would 60 on for ever"
"Why ?" asked Mary in surprise.
because, while it lasts, l am likely to con-
tinue in the enjoyment of an inestimable
privilege, which I will be deprived Of as soon
at it ends" he replied.
"And what privilege is that ?" she asked,
little guessing his real meaning; for she sup
posed that he alluded, jestingly, to his en-
ioyment of idleness, and of his temporary au-
thority in his cousins house.
"The privilege of being near you," he in
stantly rejoined, in tone which she could
not mistake; and before, startled and aston
ished, she could collect herself sufficient
ly to reply, he took her hand, and in tide
of passionate eloeuence, poured forth his love
for her, and all the pent up feelings which
had so long agitated his heart.
"Mr Cleveland" said Mary, releasing her
hand and speaking in an indignant and re-
proachful tone, "such language is unfit for
you to utter, or me to listen to. 1t is i'm
proper-it is shameful! If / had dreamed
that your sentiments, we're such as you now
express, 1 should certainly never have given
you the opportunity Of offering me this in
suit"
"Insult" repeated Maurice
"Yes 1t is an insult for you to speak such
words to me, in my position. And it is
treachery to the one who placed you here, and
trusted to your care, everything that is of
most value to him. How can you look him
in the face again after betraying his conf.
dence so basely?'
Maurice flushed s. deep red. "You use
pleasant and complimentary language" ne
bitterly replied. IF have erred, it is
through weakness, and weakness which you,
above all, might pardon. "If my love for
you is so great that it everpowers all other
considerations, it is no fault of mine"
"Honor should be stronger than every other
feeling" retorted Mary "and man should
sooner die than suffer dishonorable impulse
to overpower his sense of right. Let me pass
Mr.. Cleveland; do not wish to prolong this
useless conversation farther"
She had risen and would have entered the
house, but he placed himself directly in her
way.
"You shall not &c" he passonately ex-
claimed, "without at least giving me hearing
and suffering me to justify myself for the
base, and treacherous, and insulting conduct,
of which, according to you, am guilty"