Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-08-14

Rachel, perfect brunette, commanded ad.
miration almost unconsciously, was witty, full
of life, and in fact what is termed harum'
scarum, while June, who was between a
blonde and brunette, with an abundance of
dark brown hair and large brown eyes, drew
all to love her for herself.
Each of these ladies had suitor. George
Blain, prosperous lumbermau, paid court at
Rachels throne, while Geofrey Lowe did the
same for quiet little June Geoffrey was a
dental surgeon, and commanded large prac-
tice.
Each prospered in his wooing, and the time
was settled for the consummation OF their
hopes, and the Merritt homestead was to lose
its bright stars on the same day; but the ln-
PRODUCTION of John Lawlor into the family
proved the bolt that was to shiver the happl-
ness of both couples to atoms for time.
From the instant of Mr.. Lawlor's introduc
ton, even casual observer might have seen
his infatuation for Miss Rachel, aud his at
tention to her became the subject of gossip
and conjecture.
George Blain bore all with patience sell
dom equalled, thinking Rachel was only ex
ercising her short freedom; but soon matters
assumed a serious shape, and George found
himself displaced. Although cut to the heart
he went about his work as usual, and in fact
seemed to confne himself more closely to it.
In this way year had passed, and still
June and Geoffrey were not married; as she
despised the base action Of her sister, she was
putting off the day of the nuptials with the
hope that Rachel would return to her allie
glance and recognize George as her lover
again.
The Lawlors gave party one evening, IN
observance of the first anniversary OF their
taking up their residence at q, and to it
were invited all the young people in and near
the village, June, Rachel and Geotfrey OF
course among the number. Dancing was the
order of the evening, and all went merry as
a marriage bell.
The ladies of Vineland seldom went into
company, but when they entertained it was
with lavish hand, and this night saw the
house brightly lighted, and the spacious
grounds hung with paper lanterns of many
colors, truly beautiful to ones vision.
June danced necessarily, and, becoming
fatigued, asked to be excused from her part.
ner; and, wrapping cloak around herself
wandered alone into the grounds firing OF
strolling about, she leaned against the build
ing thinking of Rachel's treatment of George
Blain, when suddenly faint streak of light
shot across her tiny boot and lay there, no
larger than straw She looked around and
above her, but could not find the source from
whence it came until she stopped to regain her
fan, which had fallen to her feet, when she
saw it proceeded from cellar window, and
she was preparing to return to the house when
a sentence caught her ear; sad voice said
Colbert am tired of this slaves life"
She, thinking not of eavesdropping, stoop-
ed to catch the reply, which came from
negro.
"So'm I, Massa Luke; how'm we gwine to
git out?" (......
June, badly frightened, hurried into the
house. and, seeking Geofrey's side, requested
to be taken home. They went away unknown
to every one except their host and Rachel,
who agreed to come later.
When they arrived at the Merritt residence,
June asked Geoffrey to 60 in, saying she
wished to talk to- him OH an important sub
iect. When they were comfortably seated in
the parlor, June began by saying
"Geofrey, you are aware how dlstastetul the
attentions of John Lawlor to Rachel are to
me, and you are also aware that I still look
forward to the day when George and Rachel
will lie reconciled to each other; and you,
believe, are equally anxious to consummate
our happiness and have asked you to stay
tonight to secure your cooperation in mat
ter relating to that. But before l tell you
another word you must promise me uncondl-
tional secrecy if my plans fail"
Geoffreys answer was quick and to the
point.
yes, June dear, you know I am anxious
to make you my wife, and that | will DO
anything in reason to bring about that happy
event, and l promise you secrecy. Now tell
me your plans"
June then told him what she had heard
while standing by the cellar window, and he
was naturally surprised. She concluded her
remarks by saying
.':Now, Geofrey, there is some mystery
hanging over the Lawlor family, and Vine
land contains at least two prisoners. We
must not allow Rachel to marry John
Lawlor until it is all cleared up. But as it is
getting quite late, | will ask you to call for me
Tomorrow and we will 60 out in the carriage,
and by that time will have arranged plan
for thoroughly sitting this mystery"
Geofrey took his leave, and, lighting cl-
gar, sauntered home, wondering what strange
secret the old stone house held, and what
plans his quiet June would have to propose
on the morrow for its clearing.
The next afternoon was clear and quite
warm for the season, and three o'clock found
June and Godfrey gliding along behind
pair of gentle carriage horses, feeling full OF
the coming romance for, both being young,
they so viewed it.
June startled her companion by saying
us your business in such condition that
you can leave it for month";"
After thinking a minute he replied
Eyes, guess | can arrange it if necessary"
June then went on with her plan, which
was as follows: Godfrey was to spread the
story that he was going to California and
Oregon on pleasure trip, to be gone a
month, and after arranging his affairs was to
90 to Chicago, drop his present identity, as
sumo that Of a laboring man, and apply for
the situation of gardener at Vineland, which
position was vacant.
In four days from that time he was gone,
and one day, week after his departure, as
June was strolling through the grove, leading
her pony, she was accosted by tall, stoop-
shouldered man, having long black hair that
reached to his shoulders, and carrying bun
die. He bowed very politely, and, taking off
his hat, asked to be directed to the residence
of Nathan Merritt. June told him where her
father lived, and had started on when the
stranner asked If a family named LaWlor