Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-04-17

the record of Ralph's birth, and underneath
it the words, in faint, tremulous hand
"For this ray of comfort, of gladness, in
my afHiction, thank thee, oh! Lord. Bruised
and broken in my heart; but thou has sent
me wellspring of refreshment and JOY, in a
barren and parched land"
If he had doubted before, his doubts would
have been dispelled now. He read the pa
pers through and handed them back with
mechanical, "Thank you"
"You thank meme, the destroyer of your
peace" she cried, taking his hand in hers
and bowling her forehead upon it. "Rather
let me beg your pardon on my knees But
you will not act on this information will
do nothing rash or uncalled for. Remember,
it can easily remain secret between us three.
The world need never know"
"Pardon mel cannot discuss that ques-
ton now. You have done your part-it re-
mains now for me to do mine. Let me 60,
please. must find some place where l can
be quiet, and alone"
She saw that it would be useless to detain
him. Without another word, she relinquished
her hold of his hand. Without another word,
he withdrew.
The busy hum and stir of the city, the OBJ
1ects moving around and in front of him, as
he walked through the streets, had no mean
| ing for him. The world in which he lived
was changed-was blank. Where was his
hopes-his bright anticipations Of the future?
Gone-Aed like the mists of the morning
His heart, erst warm and glowing, was like
dry and arid plain, barren of single green
oasis, single flower of hope or joy.
Without thinking, be had bent his steps in
the direction of the Office. He had rather in
tended to 20 home, instead but having got
thus far, he thought it would make no differ
ence if he went in. He assembled the stairs
and found the door open, and on entering, his
eyes fell upon Mr.. Courtaine-and Daisy.
"This is an unexpected pleasure-isn't it,
my boy ?" cried the lawyer, cheerily, as he
extended his hand, which Wilfred mechanic
ally took "Daisy betbought herself sudden.
ly, when I was coming away this morning, OF
commission she wanted to execute in town,
so she ran down with me just for the day.
Daisy, blushing, smiling, looking so lovely
in her white chip hat, with its wreath of pink
roses and her light summer dress, stood wait
ing for her lover to offer some greetiug-say
some word. But she waited in vain. He
looked at her steadfastly for minute, then,
not daring himself to touch her hand, turn
ed abruptly away and left the room.
Poor Daisy, bewildered, trembling with
vague fears turned to her father, all her
smiles gone, and a look of piteous inquiry in
her eyes. "Papa j. she faltered, "what is the
matter2 Is be i'll ?"
II don't know, my darling-something
seems to be wrong. Wait quietly while 20
after him and see." And Mr.. Courtaine,
equally surprised and troubled, fastened to
follow Wilfred, whom he overlook at the
foot of the stair.
my dear boy, what is it?' he asked kind
ly, laying determined hand on his shout
der. ~ see by your face that something is
wrong"
Don't ask me row." muttered Wilfred
"Mr. Courtaine, I cannot talk. A heavy
blow has fallen upon me. Later, you shall
know ALL"
"But why not row?' urged his friend
"Confde in me; it is likely that l may be
able to help you"
"No-no. Nobody can help me. Nobody
can do me any good. Let me 60 home, and
1 will write to you; can explain it better
then"
"But Daisy-won't you say word to her ?
Consider her anxiety she is full Of fears
about you"
"Daisy-my little Daisy! No, Mr.. Cour.
taine l must not-dare not see her again. 1t
would unnerve me completely. l must 60
now" He was too much in earnest to admit
of further persuasion. Completely mystified,
Mr.. Courtaine returned to his office, while
Wilfred hurried home
81 can tell you nothing, my dear, said the
lawyer gravely, in answer to his daughters
questioning gaze. "He seemed very much
agitated, but would not explain. He will
write to me later, he says"
Daisy had no heart to fulfil the errand she
had come on. With her fathers permission
she went to their own house, and remained
there all day, fully expecting to see her low.
er some time before its close. But he did
not come. He felt that it was his duty to
tell Mr.. Courtaine the whole truth at once
He did not doubt that the result would be
the immediate termination of his engagement
to Daisy and until he had had little time
to collect himself, he felt that he could not
trust himself to meet her, to bid her farewell.
He went straight home, and, without paus
ing to speak to Madame d'Arcy-whom, in
deed, he did not chance to encounter-sought
his chamber, and locked himself in. He
would not stop to dwell upon his situation.
Opening his desk, he sat down and wrote i'm
mediately to Mr.. Courtaine, leaving out no
particulars Of his story.
"You will now understand" were his fin.
ishing words, "why it is that l have not the
courage to meet your daughter. know that
we must part I know that the brief, un-
speakable happiness which has been mine,
and of which the memory can never be ob-
liberated, is forever at an end. When L am
little calmer-when I shall have mas
tered myself sufficiently to be able to see
her without suffering an improper betrayal OF
my feelings, shall crave of you the permis-
sion to look in her dear face once more-to
bid her adieu-for the last time. You will
tell her all. She will know, then, the reason
of my strange conduct this morning God
bless you for your friendship-for all your
past kindness. God bless my lost treasure,
and make her fate happier than mine?'
To this letter he subscribed no name he
had no name to subscribe. Mr.. Courtaine
would know whence it came.
Sternly resolute and selfpossessed now
for he had decided upon his line Of conduct,
and would abide by it-he sealed his letter,
intending presently to mail it, and went down
stairs. He must not defer speaking to Mad
anne darcy. 1t was his duty to give her his
confidence without longer delay.
| IL bo oittipo roon1 She was not