Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-01-23

was she, as far as she knew, to him-except,
indeed, in her own heart? cd.
Mildred was but girl, and not strong
minded, except in a womanly and limited
sense of the term. And these thoughts,
added, perhaps, to touch Of physical weak
ness unusual to her, we're not without de-
pressing effect. Some quiet tears found their
way to her eyes, and she had just brushed
them for the second or third time away,
when ring at the street bell startled her.
"That surely cannot be visitor, so late, }"
she said to herself, as she arose from her re-
cumbent position, and walked across the room
to survey herself in glass, which hung over
the mantel.piece. II hope not, at any rate,
for I'm not fit to see anybody"
Thomas, who had by this time returned,
entered directly after, looking rather mystl-
fed. "There's gentleman to see you, Hiss
Rathbone," he announced, "but he wouldn't
send in no card, nor give me his name. Shall
ask him in?
care you sure it is gentleman, Thomas ?"
asked Mildred, doubtfully. .4n:in:., .----
"Looks like one, ma'am, though not exact
ly very high-toned, as should say" rejoined
the aristocratic valet. 81 don't recall to mind
ever seeing him here before"
"Well, suppose I must see him-but you
may tell him, Thomas, that l am not feeling
we'll, and then he won't stay long, l hope,
whoever he is He can come in here, as the
drawing-room lamps are not lit"
Thomas departed, but again came back
alone. ..
"He says, Miss Rathbone, that he won't de-
tain you but minute; that his shoes are
muddy and he don't like to come in, but
would you be kind enough just to step to the
hall door,"
"Oh it must be some person on business"
said Mildred, and without farther delibera-
ton, she walked out to the door.
A tall man in great-coat, with hat par
TALLY shaded, stood outside. ......
"You will excuse me, hope, Miss Rsth-
bone" he said in respectful manner, as he
touched his hat, "for disturbing you at this
late hour, especially as you are, hear, not
feeling well; but was so anxious to see you,
or one of the family, that l ventured to in.
trude." ...
"Every one is out but myself" replied
Mildred Her unknown visitor kept himself
we'll in the shade as he addressed her, so that
she could not see his face, but something
struck her as familiar in the tone of his voice,
making her fancy she must have met him be-
fore.
II have heard of your kind and charitable
disposition" he continued in the same quiet,
earnest, gentlemanly manner (for he really
seemed to be a gentleman) "and for that
reason am anxious to lay before you partic-
ularly urgent case Of distress which l feel
sure you will be willing to relieve. There is
poor young woman just arrived here from
England, who knows you well, and appealed
to me to find you for her; former depend
ant, believe, of your family. She is i'll and
suffering, and quite destitute. Her name is
me, what is the last
name? Something peculiar, I think, but it
has really escaped me. have the most
treacherous memory in the world for names.
Will you see her? she is waiting out there
now"
"Waiting-here?" asked Mildred, glanc-
ing around.
"In a carriage, just at your gate. She
seemed hopeful that you would receive her,
but I would not bring her out until you spoke
to her FIRST"
Mildred was puzzled. She could not recall
to mind any person of the name of Susan
who had formerly been dependent of her
guardians family. Neither could she imagine
how this man, who was now pleading in her
behalf, could know anything of such case.
But her natural kindness of heart, and read.
iness to be of assistance to others, put all
questioning aside, and without hesitation she
wrapped a shawl around her shoulders and
started down the garden walk towards the
gate, through which she could now see the
dusky outlines of vehicle standing.
Her unknown visitor, after pausing for a
moment to say something to the listening
Thomas (who Immediately retired towards
the rear of the house, followed her quickly,
and came up with her just as she reached the
gate.
Excuse me" he said, as he stepped in front
of her and opened the carriage door. "Here's
the young lady," he announced as if speak k
ing to some one inside. Indeed, Mildred
could plainly discern a mufled-up figure on
the back seat. "Poor thing! she seems to
have tainted, or something-just see, Miss
Rathborn-let me assist you"
He clasped Mildred's arm with firm pres
sure, and pushed, rather than lifted her, into
the carriage. At this instant, a suspicion Of
some trick rushed into her mind. She turn
ed huriedly as if to alight, but the stranger,
following her in, slammed the door Of the
carriage, which was instantly driven off at
at furious pace. She would have shrieked
aloud for help, but handkerchief pressed
into her mouth precluded the possibility of
her being heard. She struggled violently, but
soon finding that her strength was weakness
in the hands of her captor, ceased to resist
after a short time, and submitted passively
to the evil fate which, for the present at least,
she could not escape from. Many dark and
terrifying forebodings chased each other
through her mind as she was thus borne
helplessly along. But she tried to keep as