Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-01-30

was particularly cheerlng W Ills slIuatiou. "a
few words explained the situation. .-.. ,..
$50 you've gone and broken your wrist !
Too bad; but it's an ill wind that blows no.
body good, and the interruption to your prog
ress has been the cause of my meeting you
Well have a good time together, while we
are here" . .,.,. .......
"When did you arrive?" asked Frank.
"Only this morning. l did intend to 60
straight on, but I'd rather stop a day or SO,
now that I've stumbled upon you in this un-
expected manner. By the way, bright idea
occurs to me. My aunt, whom I am about
to visit, would be delighted to have you 60
with me. She lives in little quiet out-of:the-
way country place, few miles from here,
and know would take excellent care Of you.
Come, what do you say to the plan? Its a
first rate one, think"
Frank hesitated. The proposal was tempt.
ing, but he demurred at the idea Of intruding
his presence upon strangers at so short a no.
tice.
"You are very kind" he replied, "but how
do you know that my company would be wei
Gomez"
"Bless your soul, my dear boy, there is no
doubt on that point whatever. My aunt de-
lights in company, particularly as she has
very little chance of enjoying it, and any
friend of mine is sure to be welcome. The
only thing is, that you are likely to be bored
It's a pretty dull sort Of a place where she
lives"
"Talk of my being bored, after the FIVE
wretched days I've spent here" said Frank.
"Well, as long as you will ensure me cordial
reception, 1 am only too willing to accept
your kind offer. Of course, you'll have to
let her know beforehand" . .....
"Not bit of it," rejoined Armstrong.
"Just pack up your things and settle your
bill, and we'll start right off, and you may
just make up your mind to stay at Bellevue
until you are in travelling condition again"
"Is Bellevue the name of the placer
asked Frank. .....,: .l. .-
eyes; rather an amusing one, considering
that there is no view whatever to be obtained
from any part of it. It's little domain shut
in by fir trees, with Swiss cottage in the
centre; and here my venerable aunt presides
in solitary state over her msnage, consisting
of two antique domestics, a dog, cat, some
poultry and couple of COWS. There's an ex-
cellent orchard there, however, and old Nanon
makes the best cream cheese you ever ate in
your life. And not far from the house is
very nice little stream with plenty Of fish,
where contrive to furnish myself with sport,
and my aunt with good supply for her table,
whenever am there.
'"When do we start?"
"The train leaves here at eight, and we take
a diligence at little village about twenty
miles off, and reach Bellevue at half past
nine"
"Won't that be rather late to arrive there
without notice?'
t."No, my aunt's bed hour is ten, and she
adheres as religiously to it as to the articles
of her belief Just go and get ready directly;
we'll be in plenty of time if you hurry"
"You will have to help me then" said
Frank, "for I can't hurry with my lame
hand" ' ?.' ''.' - .''--:. 49," .''..-
Mr.. Armstrong readily agreed to help him,
and by dint of their combined exertions, they
found themselves in very good time for the
eight o'clock train. This bore them at a
tolerable rate across the intervening country,
to the hamlet where the diligence awaited
them and taxing places in this conveyance,
they found themselves ere long at their desti-
nation. ,.- 90 ..... ~ ~ .'..'"' = '.-
HThis is the avenue" said young Arm
strong as they alighted; "we just: have an
easy walk up to the house. Take care you
don't stumble; it'sa little rough here and the
night is dark .a.:sit a-'.a 4 .... ,.. ..n
Carrying their portmanteaus, they walked
up the narrow avenue Of tall fir trees, and
presently reached low white gate. The
dim outlines of a house, with peaked roof,
now became visible, and friendly light
issuing from 8. front window assured them
that some one was still up to receive them.
Opening the gate, Armstrong, followed by
Frank, approached the front door and knock.
ed The knock was Immediately answered,
not as they expected by an elderly lady, but
by young girl, who greeted their appearance
with an exclamation Of surprise. 50 ~.
lit is you, Mr. Armstrong, so late p ""..
"Not later than usual, Mam'selle Claire" !"
. responded that young gentleman, as he bowed
gallantly over her extended hand. "Allow
me introduce my friend Mr.. Coventry, who
has consented, at my earnest request, to spend
a Jew days in this harmonious retreat"
Claire bestowed shy glance upon Frank,
curtseying gracefully in response to bis salu-
talon. "Walk in, Messieurs," she said, as
she opened the parlor door, "and I will see
that supper is made ready for you"
!"Has my aunt retired9" asked Armstrong.
eyes; she had pain in her head, and
went early to. her room. Probably she may
not yet be asleep Shall l tell her Of your ar
rival" .. .., ....: ~. = ........, .,,. ..-
mo, no, certainly not we won't have her
disturbed. We will content ourselves with
your hospitable ministrations for the even
ing; won't we, Coventry 9',.o ~t L.. .....: .
."By all means," replied Frank, wondering
at the same time who the young lady could
be. His companion addressed her with a
mixture of familiarity and careless gallantry
which led him to imagine that he must be on
very intimate terms with her; yet there was