Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-01-29

been very courteous on the previous day, had
been making some resolves to conduct him
self in manner that would do away with
any disagreeable impression he might have
made. Not that the opinion of Jennie's un
Gle was very important in his estimation, but
his pride made him repent Of having seemed
boorish or rude, since no doubt the fashiona.
BILE and cultivated stranger would conclude
that he had never had an opportunity Of
learning what was right, and consider it a
misfortune that his niece had been condemn.
ed to associate with one so greatly her infe'
rior. He, tn. refore, after finishing his early
morning work, arrayed himself in his best
suit of clothes, brushed his hair carefully,
and entered the breakfast-room looking both
handsome and refined, and with an uncon.
scious air of dignity, that added to the man.
illness of his appearance and sat not unbe.
comingly upon him. He gave Mr.. Stanley,
who was there before him, polite greeting,
and made some remark in an easy and un-
embarrassed tone. That gentleman, as he re.
sponded, could not fnrS"ar glance which
seemed to say, ".Here is transformation
which I cannot account for" Whatever
surprise he felt, however, he was too well-bred
to manifest it by more than single glance.
He fell at once into conversation, wondering
more and more, as it advanced, to discover in
the young man not only high order of in.
telligence, but degree of knowledge and
cultivation which proved that he had made
the very best use of the advantages, such as
they were, which he had enjoyed.
"Have you always lived on the farm :" he
could not help asking; for it seemed to him
no mind could expand in so narrow sphere.
eyes, all my life," was Edwards reply.
Presently, Jennie entered. Her gay man
ner of the previous evening had given place
to somewhat subdued and pensive air, which
did not escape the notice Of her companions.
Breakfast passed of quietly, and when it was
over Mr. Stanley invited his niece to walk
with him. She accepted the proposal with a
beating heart, for she guessed its object; nor
was she mistaken in her conjecture. On find
ing themselves out of hearing, he inmedi-
ately broach,d the question which he had
previously laid before Mrs Thorndale, SEEM
ing to take it for granted that he would have
no difficulty in winning her consent.
"You are very kind, Uncle" she replied,
after listening to his various arguments in ia
vor of his scheme. "Its very good of you to
think of such thing" ...
"Not at all, my dear It will be a pleasure
to me to do everything l can for you, after my
apparent neglect of you all these years.
Though indeed, as have already explained
to you, it has only been apparent, since did
not even know of your existence until lately.
If l had, this thing should have been done
years ago. You are fitted for brighter
sphere than the dull limits of a farm. 1t is a
matter of sincere regret to me that you should
have been condemned to this life so long" j..
81 have been very happy here" said Jen-
ME, in low tone; "and cousin Martha has
been like mother to me, always"
II don't doubt it !; and hope you will be-
lieve, my dear child, that I fully appreciate
Mrs. Thorndale's kindness to you, and am
most grateful for the care she has bestowed
upon you. Your situation, at your mothers
death, must have been = very lonely one in
deed"
"It was" replied Jennie, "and it had been
very lonely before that, also. Mamma was
constant invalid, and I was not much with
her. I had no one to play with, and nothing
but my own resources to fall back upon. We
lived in dull little house, in disagreeable
street, and was not allowed to play with 9TH
er children for fear Of learning bad manners.
Mamma was always telling me that was
lady, and must not associate with my interiors.
But I used to wish was no better than the
rest, for then I might have had some compan-
ions, and been able to amuse myself. When
came here, had 'unbounded liberty and
cheerful society, and you can imagine how l
enjoyed the change. I have scarcely had a
days trouble or unhappiness since"
1T was fortunate circumstance which
placed you in such good keeping" gravely
responded Mr.. Stanley. II have never quite
understood how your mother came to leave
you to Mrs. Thorndale's care ... p.
"Why, they we're related, you know. Cous-
in Martha is yo,!r cousin, uncle Herbert, as
we'll as mine. and in nearer degree"
II know there is relationship. But what
I meant was, l did not know what opportuni-
ty my sister had had of becoming intimate
with her." (.
"She was great deal younger than cousin
Martha, of course. But she had seen good
deal Of her at one time when she was little
girl. I have forgotten the name of the place,
but it was where they both lived before cousin
Martha came to this part of the country.
There was no one else near her, whom she
cared to give me to. No one, perhaps, who
would have cared to take me-" said Jennie,
speaking rather sadly. Her uncle was silent
for little while, then said, in cheerful
tone .-t.. ...a
"Well, we'll, dear, we won't dwell too much
on old memories. They are seldom very en-
livening things, though you are scarcely yet
arrived at the age to find them painful.
Your thoughts should now turn to the future.
Life is before you, and much happiness, l
trust, is in store for you. 1t shall not be my
fault, at any rate, if you fail to find it. l
understand, of course, that you agree to place
yourself under my care; though you have
given me no definite answer yet. Your aunt
and cousins are prepared to give you warm
welcome, and in my home you will find all
the tenderness you have right to expect.
"You are very kind" said Jennie again.
It was hard to give him definite reply.
"Of course you will feel regret, and a
very natural one, to part from your friends
here. But the change, as you must perceive,
will be beneficial to you, and those who love
you best will be most pleased to consult your
welfare, than their own feelings. Attached
to you as Mrs. Thorndale may be, it would be
mere sel6shness in her, selishness of which
I am very sure she would not be guilty, to
desire to keep you in such seclusion always.
With me you will have the advantages
of travel, of the best society, and the most
favorable opportunities of improving your:
self; and from what have seen Of you, feel
no doubt that you will improve all such ,op,