Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-01-16
Au Original Stnrg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
MISS CAREY'S BOX.
BY AN OLD CONTRIBUTOR,
CHAPTER V.


...... CHAPTER V. ....
To return now to Mildred. The cause OF
her unwonted pre-occupation and occasional
fits of depression, may be easily inferred from
what has been related above. Her secret,
which need be secret no longer, was briefly
this: She was conscious that she felt regard
for Frank Coventry warmer, perhaps than
was warranted by what had passed between
them, and she was troubled at having allowed
herself to dwell upon an idea, which, some
times, she thought might have sprung from
her own fancy alone In recalling his man
ner, his implied assurance of his own senti-
ments toward her, (Which had seemed so un'
mistakable at the time) it did, indeed, appear
to her as though she had ample foundation
for this idean But then, again, she wondered
that he had never spoken definitely, and her
soul revolted from the thought that she might
have suffered herself to be beguiled into sup
posing that his attentions meant more than
they really did. Such an idea shocked both
her delicacy and her pride, aud there were
moments when she resolved to Danish his i'm
age, at once and forever, from her mind.
But all this was not easy to do. In fact, 1T
was not possible, for had she not felt, over and
over again, when in his presence, the delight
full conviction that she was dear to hin-had
he not testified his regard by hundred signs
easy to interpret, which had said to her, as
plainly as though his lips had uttered the
words, 81 love you ?" Puzzled and harrassed
by what seemed contradictory in his conduct,
by the alternate hopes and doubts which ag.
tated her heart, and the trying suspense which
she seemed destined, for an indefinite period,
to endure, it was no marvel that her customa-
ry cheerfulness became somewhat clouded, or
that in the solitude of her own apartment, and
the silence of the night, tear would drop
upon her pillow, unseen by inquisitiYe eyes.
. As have already said, however. her natu'
raj firmness and her habits of selfcontrol,
we're strong enough to prevent her betraying
her trouble in any perceptible degree; though
as the weeks and months wore on and the
gulf of separation and silence grew wider, it
weighed more and more heavily upon her,
and affected both her health and her spirits
more powerfully than she was herself aware
of. .'. ."'.:f". .. .!.. .. ..-
81 don't think Mildred looks as we'll as she
used to do at home," Mr.. Crofton remarked
one morning at the breakfast table III the
presence of. the family. "The San Francisco
climate doesn't seem to suit her, so we'll Are
you pining to get back to England, Mil
dred" -...
The suddenness of the question brought
the color to her face 81 don't know that
am pining, cousin Charles" she replied with
rather forced smile "but shall be glad to
90 back, of course. 1 suppose we shall all
be-"
"Oh! I am in no hurry" said Ethel ~
think it is nice enough to be out here. 1t is
a queer place, but pleasant; and goodness
knows it was dull enough at home.
'tQuiet, but not dull" corrected Mildred.
at is the same thing. Walking, riding
and driving about the country, and paying
occasional visits to the neighbors, are not very
enlivening pastimes."
<"You forget the archery meetings, and the
hunt-dinners, and the country balls" said
Alice.
"Yes; they are the few bright spots in the
desert where one gets refreshed ="
., "By the sight of uniforms and the sound
of pleasant compliments-particularly when
these last are whispered in the winning &C
cents of bold dragoon," said Alice. go
Exactly" was Ethel's composed rejoinder.
"But if you mean Harry Houghton, | assure
you have nearly forgotten him altogether.
l have seen people since have been here,
whom like twice as we'll as him."
"Anyhow, the military balls are the incest"
said Alice.
"We all know that you think so," retorted
Ethel
Because one sees new faces there, at
least"
Though very nearly handsome ones;
which, of course, makes the exceptions more
valuable" remarked her sister. 81 wonder
why it is that army and navy officers are so
often ugly"
"They usually have fine figures, which are
more important than handsome features
20, yes! everybody can testify to your
admiration Of q huge seven-footer, with
shoulders a yard wide. 1 like something
more elegant-and light said Ethel.
"Like Charlie Crawford, who dances with
the airs and graees of the leader. Of ballet
corps" '.~ :!
"That is preferable to dancing with the
airs and awkwardness of an elephant, and
treading on the unfortunate toes of a partner.
7 shall never forget when your big Colonel
waltzed, or attempted to waltz, with me that
evening at Lady Brewster's. My foot aches
now at the bare recollection. shall never
dance with him again if l live to be hun
dred," protested Ethel.
''He won't trouble you with his attentions
while am present." rejoined Alice.
In this stream of idle talk and badinage,
the original question, to Mildred's relief
seemed to be forgotten; but her guardians
comment on her appearance had been warn
ing to her to be cautious of any selfbetrayal,
and from that time she was more than ever
careful to conceal her real disquietude under
a tranquil and cheerful manner.
"If he really cares nothing for me, my ab-