Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-02-19
Au Original Sturg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE THREAD OF FATE.
BY VICTOR VERNON.
CHAPTER XII.

who we're perfectly charmed at the idea OF
this unexpected trip. At first, Mrs. Stanley
thought of leaving the two children in the
care of friend, in order that their studies
might be continued without interruption. But
they protested so earnestly against such an ar
raneement, that she finally consented to let
them take holiday for short time
"Remember, you will not stay away longer
than two or three weeks" she said to them,
when giving this consent. Should anything
happen to delay my return, within that time,
your papa will bring you back, and you must y;
promise to be good children, and not grumbie."
Maude and Florence promised faithfully,
and thenceforth, the preparations for their
Journey went on with delightful activity.
Eueene started off the day he received the
letter, charging them, as he bade them good
bye, to follow as soon as possible.
Jennie was also pleased and interested at
the thought of visiting the chateau. She had
not, as vet, seen anything of French country
life. and wished to compare it with the. coun-
try life to which she had been accustomed,
though she expected, Of course, to lind 1t very
different.
will pass over the journey, on which they
started at the appointed time. No incident,
worthy of note, occurred during its progress,
and they we're sufficiently fatigued to rejoice
at finding themselves, after somewhat wearl-
some stage-ride, within sight of the gates,
which their driver pointed out to them as the
entrance to the chateau.
"And there's Eugene himself" cried Maude,
eagerly, leaning out Of the window. 1t was
really Eugene, coming to meet them on foot,
with a broad brimmed hat on, a loose coat,
and boots drawn up over his trousers-"trying
to look like a countryman," as Mrs. Stanley
said, with amusement, when he came sufficient
ly near to greet them.
"Of course am what am | but coun.
tryman now? / have become learned on the
grape question already. Come, are you not
tired of being cramped up in the stage? 1t
is only short walk up to the house.
"Oh yes, let US walk" assented the two
little girls with readiness, while Florence
added that her feet were quite cramped from
sitting still so long The rest of the party
were willing, so they all dismounted: Mr..
Stanley paid the driver his fare, and they
proceeded on foot to enter the domain which
Eugene designated as his 'grape. garden"
1t was in truth not very extensive, but much
care had been bestowed on its cultivation.
Every walk and alley was in perfect order, the
trees were freshly trimmed, and sweet flowers
bloomed in prim little buds, surrounded by
hedges of box and myrtle.
"But where are the vineyards ?" asked
Maude, looking around.
"Oh, they are not in sight from the front en-
trance; they are over to the south. on the
slope of the hill. Behold my ancestral halls !
And he pointed dramatically to some quaint
turrets rising above C uster of trees at some
distance in front of them. A few more steps
brought them to a turn in the road, from
which they could see the whole Of the cha
teau a Gothic building of gray stone, look.
ing extremely picturesque with It's narrow,
lozenge paned windows and deep elnhrasures,
and masses of dark green ivy climbing over
the walls
"How lovely" cried Maud, who was some
thing of an artist while Florence added, 81
am sure saw picture Of it at the last exhi'
btion wasn't there one, Eugene
"Not that know Of" he replied. "But
there are many residences scattered over this
part of the country which closely resemble
it in general appearance"
cit is really most pretty and inviting"
observed Mrs. Stanley. 81 think, Eugene,
you are to be congratulated on the possession
of such charming place"
Every one added some word of admiration
and approval. Eugene looked gratifed and
pointed out the various attractive points in
the surrounding landscape, as they slowly
approached the Chateau. Here was an open.
ing in the trees, giving view of smooth
meadow beyond farther on, silvery stream
rippled between fowery banks, broadening
and deepening in its course towards river
which made part of the western boundary of
the estate Mrs. Stanley expressed her sur.
prise at everything looking so homeike and
orderly, as if the place were always inhabited
by its owner.
"Your steward must be very faithful per-
son." she remarked
HE is most excellent, reliable man.
Poor fellow, am sorry he has had such a
severe attack ofillness. He seems utterly pros
trated by it, and I am afraid it will be some
time before he is able to resume his duties"
SIS he recovering?"
"Yes, he is beginning to recover, but very
slowly. When first arrived, was appre.
hensive that it might be something conta.
gious, and repented of having requested you
all to follow me here but on inquiry |
found that there was no danger. He has had
a sort of typhoid fever. His rooms, however,
are in the western wing of the house, quite
apart from the rest, and there is no communi-
cation but through a passage which he and
his family never used. thought it best, as
safeguard, to establish them in the house
itself, instead of the lodge which my fathers
old steward used to occupy"
They had now reached the chateau, which
they entered by flight of broad stone steps,
on either side of which stood marble urns
containing Towering plants Passing through
small porch they found themselves in a
long vestibule, from which doors opened into
rooms extending along both sides.
"This is my paror," said Eugene, opening
the first door "step in for few minutes and
rest yourselves, before going any further"
1t was an inviting little room, carpeted and
curtained in rich bright colors, with stiff, old
timed furniture, straight backed and spin
die legged.
"a carpet down in summer" exclaimed
Maude.
EYES, it seems a custom here for them to
keep one room in winter garb all the year
round, while the rest are changed to suit the
changes of the seasons. At lcsst, such has
been Jeanne's custom and of course haven't
begun to revolutionize yet. Next to this is
the dining room, and opposite is the library,
which is the pleasantest apartment of all,
and which is much the incest for sum
mer sitting room. But dare say, before ex-