Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-01-09

thing He had made up his mind, however,
not to lose his temper again, no matter how
great the provocation he might receive. So
he answered, quite seriously, though in a
pleasant tone ..
Father, I could not have an idea that
you were in earnest, in proposing what you
did. did not suppose that you, or any OF
the family, felt the slightest wish to have me
marry Emily Hsughton. As to myself,
I assure you that the faintest shadow OF such
possibility has never entered my thoughts. 4"
"But if you looked at the matter in rea-
sonable light and weighed all the advan-
tages of the step, why couldn't the possibility
enter your thoughts now2 l am sure it's
not too late," said Sir Francis. II cannot
conceive why you should be so prejudiced
against Emily" .-,...
"But am not prejudiced against her--not
by any nieaassss.. said Frank. / dare say she
is a very nice young woman at least, know
nothing to the contrary. But admitting that
to be a fact, it does not follow that 1 must be
in love with her, does it, sir ?"
"'Nice young woman! In my early days,
people, that is gentlemen, used more respect
full language in speaking Of young lady.
Any one would suppose she was your moth
er's housemaid."
'Not at all; Il did not mean to be disre-
spectful. assure you. / esteem Miss Emily
too highly for that But really, | had as lief
marry that walking stick yonder in the cor
ner. I think it has about as much anima-
ton"
Animation! Is that what you would
haye? I suppose you admire bold, noisy
romp, like Susan what's-her-name there--the
old Admirals daughter; or perhaps that
Hippant Miss Phillips is more to your liking"
mo, sir, neither of the young ladies you
have mentioned is my ideal, by any means" !"
said Frank, quietly, but with sense of fun
dawning in hismind. II prefer Katy Car
roll to either of them"
katy Carroll !-pshaw !! a chit not out Of
the schcol-room. You can't really mean that
you have any inclination in that direction"
said Sir Francis, looking alarmed.
! "Only friendly one" rejoined Frank, un-
able to repress smile; "but l certainly like
her the best of the four"
emily Houghton is digni6ed, discreet,
lady-like girl" pursued the baronet "she is
quiet, admit; possibly little too reserved in
her manner, though I prefer that infinitely
to forwardness."
81 don't think she has anything to reserve"
Frank could not help saying "Her head is
tolerably- empty ofasfsrhs. She has been
drilled into a stiff, naughty demeanor, in
order to make her seem wiser than she is
Mrs. Houghton is woman of great tact
"Well, l must say think she would make
you very dignifed and proper wife" said
Sir Francis, "and if you have no views of that
sort elsewhere"
Franks fair complexion suddenly assumed
a rosy tinge. He had trick Of coloring very
easily, and the blush now was so perceptible
that, had his fathers sight been clearer, he
could not have failed to notice it. But his
eyes were rather dim, and the remark, too,
had been made at random, so that he did not
make any special attempt to mark its effect.
II don't think" he continued, 3you could
do better than to follow my advice. There
is not girl in the neighborhood whom I
should better like to welcome as my daughter
in-law."
"But is it absolutely necessary that l should
con6De myself to the immediate neighbor-
hood ?" asked his son, with forced careless
ness.
81 don't know why you should 60 farther. I
am sure" replied Sir Francis. "You could
not find nicer set Of people anywhere. And
then, we are all on good terms we have known
each other for generations-our families,
mean-and have the same ideas and associa-
tions. For my part, don't believe in mar
riages hastily made, between people who are
strangers to each other. They have not halt
the chance of happiness that those may reas-
onably expect, who marry after long and
close acquaintanceship"
IL don't know about that, sir, I am sure"
rejoined Frank, who had regained his compo.
sure. II have never given much thought to
the matter. But putting all those considera-
tions aside, the question, as it stands at pres
ent, cannot affect me, as have no thought OF
marrying yet"
"You absolutely refuse, then, to consider my
proposition ?" asked Sir Francis.
"My dear father" replied Frank, respect
fully, but very decidedly, 81 am sorry to dis
appoint you, or to cause you pain, but l can
not possibly consent to meet your wishes in
this particular. l hope and trust that we
shall be able to stem our present difficulties,
without resorting to step which could only
result in unhappiness, not only to me, but, as
a natural consequence, to all concerned"
Sir Francis sighed heavily, and reaching
forth his hand, took pamphlet from table
which stood near by. "In that case" he said,
turning over the leaves with an inpatient
gesture, "of course it is no use for M to de-
tain you longer. 1 thought it only right not
to keep you in the dark regarding my affairs,
as your own welfare depends materially on
their adjustment; but since you can dcnoth-
ing to help me- we may as well let the sub
ject drop"
"By no MEANS" replied Frank, somewhat
bnrt Of bic 70 tbor'e +nna HT do not interd to
let it drop, inasmuch as l shall certainly
spare no pains to find way out of our Diff
cnlties and hrinn them to a favorable eul