Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-04-10
S. G., 1879

With a strong effort she controlled her
emotion. What must this young man think
of her?
mo, thank you-you are very kind. 1t
does not matter at al" she said. II thought
perhaps, I should meet some one here-Mr,
Barstow. Do you know him."
"Mr. Ralph Barstow, do you mean ?"
EYES,"
ri am slightly acquainted with him--that
is, we are not very intimate. He never
comes here, however. Was it him you ex.
pected to meet?" asked Wilfred, rather sur
prised.
1T was him 1 meant" she replied, evading
the question. She had kept up the dialogue
solely with a view to enable herself to
study accurately the features, the expression
of the young man, to listen to the tones Of
his voice-tones as familiar to her ear as
those of her own son. He-Ralp ph-was not
half, or quarter, as like his father as this
Wilfred was. The absolute certainty of his
identity had flashed upon her the instant she
had seen him.
She could have no better chance than this
for finding out all about him that she desired
to know. There was not soul in the office
but themselves. Why should she not linger
little while, on pretext Of resting herself
and talk to him if he would let her?
"It is very warm,' she said, "and l have
walked some distance. Could you be so kind
as to get me little water?"
"Certainly," replied Wilfred, and he COM
piled, with alacrity, with the request.
ut is, indeed, terribly warm" he remarked,
as he received the glass from her hand when
she had drank. eff you walked here, you
must be fatigued pray stay until you are
rested"
"You are very kind. But l fear I shall be
intruding, Mr.. Barstow."
She brought out the name purposely.
"You are not intruding at all. You know
me, then ?" he rejoined, smiling, but surprised
again.
II have heard of you-t through my son. I
am Ralph Barstows mother"
"Indeed !" it was not to be expected that he
should be specially delighted at the announce
ment, seeing that he and Ralph we're not the
warmest of friends. Still the cordially OF
his manner did not diminish.
"Yes; and hearing your name, l have nat
urally been interested in you. understand
that possibility exists Of q relationship be-
tween US"
(Oh thought Wilfred, perhaps this is the
real object of the old lady's visit-to find out
all about me. Well, let her 60 ahead.)
"I really can't say anything in regard to
that fact, Madam" he replied, with GOODNESS
significant of his indifference on the subject
Call I know is that my fathers family origi
mated in one of the Southern States. I, as
; you have perhaps been informed, was born
and educated abroad, and thus feel cut off, in
great measure, from all home connections
such as they may be."
ut seems likely hewever, that the family
may be the same, especially if your father
came from Virginia" she urged, anxious now
to come to the point she desired to settle-de'
sired, yet dreaded, to have his own words
confirm.
"It may be so,' he replied, still speaking
with indifference. Once he would have &C
cepted the suggestion with pleasure, but
Ralph's behavior to him had quite robbed
him of all desire to trace out the relationship
"Would you mind telling me your fathers
name?" she asked, hesitatingly, almost timid'
ly. She felt frightened at her own daring.
"Not at all-it was Ralph. The same as
your sons"
"And your mother's?" The question was
put still more falteringly than the last.
"She was a Miss McGregor; Lucy was her
Christian name. Did you know herr? he
asked, suddenly.
She had grown white, now, to the very
lips; but she still managed to answer with
outward composure-
"I think-I am not sure-I have heard
the name. Did I know your mother? No.
Your fathers name being the same as my
sons seems-to-to indicate the possibility OF
a relationship; but am not certain about it.
I must really 60 now," she added, rising, and
looking confusedly about her. 81 have de-
tanned you too long"
"Pray don't hurry yourself" said Wilfred'
politely.
"Oh, thank you, am rested now"
"You do not wish me to be the bearer Of
any message to Mr.. Courtaine, when he re-
turns3"
"No, no. There is nothing-at least, it
does not signify. Good morning."
"Good morning." replied Wilfred, as he
opened the door. "She is certainly little
queer in her manner" he added to himself
when she had gone down stairs; "perhaps she
is not quite sane. wonder, I do wonder, il
l am related to these people, as every one
seems to think? ?"
But the postman bringing him letters just
then, among which was one from Daisy, he
soon ceased to wonder, or indeed to think
about the matter all.
Mrs. Barstow, as she got herself out of the
building and into the binding glare of the
street again, felt that she had acted queerly
but that consciousness did not trouble her
She was too much absorbed in other thoughts
to care what impression she had made on this
young man, to whom she had so unexpected
ly presented herself Ralph's son !-Ralph's
son she kept repeating below her breath, as