Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-05-16
Am 0rigiual Stnrg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
MARY EUSTACE
t.s OR, .'.'.
TRUST BETRAYED.
CHAPTER XVIII.

looking gentleman, in the uniform OF Con-
federate Colonel, might have been seen, one
autumn afternoon, slowly riding towards the
gate of Mosslands, through the long avenue
Of oaks which waved their giant branches
over him, as if to bid him welcome home.
A look of deep care rested on his face,
which, added to the ravages of illness and
suffering, gave him the appearance of being
many years older than when, in the flush OF
health and strength, we parted from him
last ... .......l. l...o..
1t was the master of Mosslands, whose
ears. on his release from prison, had been
saluted by tale which had quelled his new
born exultation, and cast gloom over his
return to the spot to which his heart had
= turned as the centre of all his happiness. all
his hopes. - .. s.. ...... r. ....a.
There was rush, an outcry of delight, as
two or three of his faithful slaves, suddenly
espyipg his approach, dashed forward to meet
him and surround him with loud and heart
felt exciamations of welcome. A faint smile
lit up the Colonels haggard face, as ne yield
ed his hands to their rough, but honest, clasp.
1t was something to find these humble friends
true to him, and joyful at his return. .,,.
The news spread like wild6re over the
place: masters come-master' s come home!'
and by the time he reached the house, large
group of domestics had assembled to receive
him. He had shake of the hand and
kind word for each, briefly answering their
eager in ouiries and EXPLANATIONS at his chang
ed looks. ..f ......
II have been in prison. My wounds were
very bad, but are nearly we'll now. l will
speak to you all after a while. At present
need rest. Cesar, is Mr.. Cleveland in the
house ?" An involuntary sternness marked
his tone as he asked this question of the boy,
to whom he threw his bridle-rein.
"Mass Maurice, sir?-yes, sir. There he
comes now, master;" and as he spoke Maurice
appeared at the door. The Colonel slowly
ascended the steps, the weakness and langour
of his movements denoting how far he was
from having regained his customary health.
Maurice approached to offer him his support.
He waved him aside without word, and
entered the hall alone. Having reached the
library, he sank upon sofa, and remained,
for a few moments, perfectly still. jeffrey,
the faithful butler, who had followed him
with anxious looks, fastened to offer him some
wine, which he took with shaking hand.
"Anything else, master ?-some biscuits
some cold meatf" I'll have nice supper
ready for you in little while" s...a....
Not just yet, JEFF I am not hungry; on
ly little worn out by my long ride. want
nothing at all at present. If need you |
will ring the bell.'
"Very we'll, sir" jeffrey took the hint
and withdrew, leaving his master alone with
Maurice, who had come into the room and
now stood on the hesrth-rug, calmly regard.
inu the new conner. Whatever emotions the
unexpected appearance Of the latter might
have awakened, were not visible in the young
mans countenance, which was carefully COM
posed.
Colonel Dacre raised his eyes and fixed
them searchingly on his cousins face. "4ou
are, no doubt, surprised to see me here," he
coldly remarked. Up to this moment, not a
syllable of greeting had been exchanged be-
tween them.
81 confess that am, rather" replied Mau-
rice. II thought you were in Fort Della
ware"
"And likely to remain there. Such, at
least was probably your hope. 1t would
have been gratifed, but for an unlooked-for
exchange of prisoners, BY which benefited,
in consideration of my shattered health. As
it is. have come home, to ask you to render
an account of the trust which con6ded to
your charge when went away"
"Well, believe things on the place have
gone on much as usual said Maurice, sitting
down with business-like air. "There have
been no Yankees in the neighborhood, and
the negroes have gone on with their work un-
disturbed think you will find the planta-
tion in good order"
1--WE will leave those details, if you please,
for another time," said the Colonel, sternly
81 was not alluding to plantation affairs,
which, at present, I feel little interest in but
to a far more sacred and important trust left
in your keeping. Where is my ward, Mary
Eustacep'
"Miss Eustace," replied Maurice, chang
ing color in spite of himself, was, when last
heard of her, in Richmond, Virginia.
I'm Richmond !" repeated the Colonel.
eyes; so she wrote Mrs. Banding, just be-
fore that lady left here"
"With whom was she-under whose care p
"Under the care of Mrs Stanley, per-
son she met there
"This is news to me-" said the Colonel. II
understood that she was staying with Mr..
Gives family, iu one of the upper districts of
this State"
"She was for time" rejoined Maurice.
"And will you inform me what was the
cause of her leaving Mosslsnds?
"Perhaps," said Maurice, with e6frontery,
"you may have already informed yourself Oh
that subject. If so, it is unnecessary to cate
chise me any farther"
"Audacious boyr' exclaimed the Colonel.
81 do not wonder that you evade answering
nv question-that you shrink from exposing
your own per6dy. l have heard the reason of
Mary's departure. I have learned that she
went away from here to escape from your
unmanly and dishonorable persecution your
persistent attempts to shake her faith in me,