Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-04-29
CHAPTER XVI.

landscape; tlnge these CLOUDS Win greyeI
hue and soften these vivid colors."
"No, nor she cried, "you would make my
Indian summer sunset, hazy English day
l will not spoil my brilliant tints."
"Your sky is too glowing to be natural,
Ellen" said Mr.. Willoughby, who generally
managed to agree with Graham. She paint
ed on in silence Graham, absorbed in the art
of which he was complete master, did not no.
tice her again for some time, but, at length,
looking up, said:
"Your colors are not yet softened enough.
Those crimson tints are gorgeous, but not
natural" -.
81 have not softened them at all, :" said
Ellen, carelessly.
Graham bent over her in wounded surprise.
"Ellen," he whispered, "why is it you persist
in acting so contrary toward me? Am l not
only to be denied the love would give my
being for, but the simplest courtesy of social
life."
She colored, ashamed Of her petulance.
"Would to heaven could be more patient,
Ellen; but in denying your love, spare me
your contempt" and; turning from her, he
left the room.
Mr.. Willoughby had been no uninterested
witness of this little scene Waiting till the
footsteps of the young man died in the dis
tance. he approached her.
"Ellen." said be, "have you hurt Graham's
feelings?'
"For heavens sake, uncle, don't question
ME of Graham's feelings. cannot be re-
sponsble for the caprices of his temper"
"It is time, Ellen, we understood each other
upon this subject. have allowed you rea-
sonable time for consideration. Are you pre-
pared now to answer me ?"
"What subject do you allude to, sir? am
not aware deferred decision upon any"
"This is idle," said Mr. Willoughby, stern
ly. "You are perfectly aware that | allude
to Graham"
''The allusion is as unpleasant now as it
ever has been, and as it ever will be-" she re-
piled, with determined air.
"And you reject him Internationally ?"
ri reject him Internationally"
evil you be frank enough to tell me why?"
said Mr.. Willoughhy, in unnatural calmness.
"It might be sufficient reason to say DO
not love him. If Lieutenant Graham is
gentleman, he will accept that"
II profess to be concerned in this matter"
replied Mr.. Willoughby, "and the reason is
not satisfactory"
81 can give no other" replied Ellen, deep
ly flushing.
"Then | will give it for you" said he, in
bitter sarcasm ut is because you love one
who never wastes thought on a maiden,
who thus dishonors every principle of modes
ty in her sex; because you love one who
himself invites you to fix your affections
elsewhere; who, it may be, makes your love
jest and song"
at is FALSE" cried Ellen, who had buried
her burning face in her hands, but who now
started up in passion of indignation. at
is false! Perish the tongue that could bring
you such SANDER"
"Your anathema must fall on his own head
then. Witness the letter written to Graham! !!
Did not every line breathe hope you would
soon be another's? p
"His love has been wounded. cannot tell
how" faltered Ellen; "and he wrote under
some strange misunderstanding.
"Foolish girl! Your trembling words belle
your trust. He wearies of passion he can
not return"
"Spare me, spare me-" cried the wretched
girl.
ELLEN, God knows I would not willingly
wound you; but why waste the best treasure
Of your heart on one so unworthy?"
"Unworthy cried Ellen, reused by the
charge "My uncle was not wont to consider
the child of his deceased friend in such
light; was not wont to hear aught against
the generous youth who so esteemed him
against the brave patriot whose purity none
lo, I,r fo br,
and that stranger an enemy, should so steal
the affections Of one hitherto so fond, can
not understand; but one thing l know, no
compulson shall ever make me give my hand
where my heart cannot accompany it"
"And this is your resolve?' said Mr.. Will
loughby, struggling for a calmuess he could
scarcely obtain.
Firm and unalterable !' replied Ellen
meeting his gaze in unfinching determina-
tion.
Then hear me-" said he, in low, wrathful
tones "If ever words of love pass between
you and Davie, you leave my roof, never to
see my face again. Choose between the two.
With the one you leave my house, and my
curse follows you; with the other, open my
heart to you, my Ellen, and bless you while
I live"
"For Heavens sake, uncle, what is this
How has Harry offended you? What trait
or has poisoned your ear against him?'
81 have nothing against him; but this is
my will"
"Oh uncle, what strange madness is this ?"
said Ellen, in trembling terror for her uncles
reason. THAT stranger should so intatu-
ate you"
speak the words Of truth and soberuess,
and so help me God, I will abide by them, ="
replied Mr.. Willoughby.
"Then God help me, said Ellen, bursting
into tears.
ELLEN, is it much I ask you?" said Mr..
Willoughby, more kindly. A youth, hand
some, generous and devoted, with every
quality to make woman happy, asks you
to be his wife. What miserable infatuation
forbids?"
She wept sadly.
"But plead sternly. Perhaps more tender
lips can plead to more purpose. Remember
your promise not 10 betray your love to an.
other" And ere she understood why, he
had left her.
"Ellen-and in tears?" said Graham.
"Have my foolish words wounded you
God knows, dearest, would give my life to
Ellen, and tell me I'm forgiven" said he, in
glad surprise, at this unwonted yielding.
She did look up, but with look of des
pair which startled him.
"What is the matter Ellen? | cannot un.
derstand this. Your uncle bade me meet you
here, to plead as only lover can plead 70,