Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-01-01
fulness beyond bis years. A degree Of reserve

fulness beyond his years. A degree Of reserve
became apparent in his manner, even with
those nearest to him, and Mrs. Thorndale,
whose affection for him continued, if possible,
to increase daily, wondered at his growing,
as she expressed it, into such different boy
from what he had used to be.
Whatever the change which had taken
place. no one had cause to complain OF the
BOYS habits or behaviour. The latter was
always exemplary, and a more Industrious,
steady.going, active little fellow could not
bs found, in any capacity, for miles around.
His fondness for books did not interfere with
attention to home duties and his spare hours
we're devoted to working in the garden and
on the farm, and in rendering assistance to
Mrs. Thorndale in the various branches OF
domestic work.
When he was about ten years old, Farmer
Thorndale fell ill, and after lingering for
many months in precarious state, was final
ly pronounced by the attending physician to
be beyond the hope of recovery. The blow was
terrible one to his wife, who was most de-
votedly attached to him, and it seemed as
though she must succumb to it, losing all en-
ergy and all hopein her earthly future, with
the destruction of this one near tie. But the
old farmer spoke kindly and cheeringly to
her, dwelling on the many causes for thank
fulness which remained to her, and trying to
comfort her by his own assurance that God
must always deal wisely with men, and that
this parting was not sent to them as token
of anything but love. :.
"For you know, Martha dear, we've been
many long years together; we've pulled up
the hill of life hand in hand, and our true
love made all the rough steps seem smooth.
I did hope as how we might have come down
the shady side hand in hand, too; but we're
neither one of US very far from the bottom
now, and if I'm to go first and leave you to
travel the rest alone, why we mustn't COM
plain. Then there's the boy to comfort you,
and keep you company, He's good lad,
and will be the stay and staff Of your old age.
We're sure it's all right, my dear. God has
always been good to US and He won't fail us
now."
Very gently and kindly the Messenger
loosened the last earthly bond, and led the
freed spirit away. The old man died with a
smile on his lips, and so peaceful was his
parting breath that his wife thought him
still asleep. But it was sleep that would
know no waking in this world. When the
sealed eyes unclosed, they would read the rid
die of life clearly, and see all things as they
were. 50 g. gt
Mrs. Thorndale, worn o9&by grief and long
nursing, lay on her bed with closed eyes,
prostrated in body and mind. The gray
shadows of twilight yelled the room, as
tall, gaunt figure stole noiselessly in, and
crept with silent footsteps towards the bed.
1t was Charity, the sewing-woman, who still
kept her old position in the household. In
her hand she held wine,glass containing
some dark fluid she set it on the table, and
drawing aside the curtain from the pillow,
looked fxedly upon her mistress face. Mrs.
Thorndale opened her eyes, and feebly asked
what she wanted.
"Ive brought you q glass of wine, Mrs.
Thorndale it will do you good, you seem so
broken down. You'd better take it now then
let me undress you and help you into bed."
"I don't want wine, or anything else," was
the moaning reply, as the poor woman turned
wearily aside "Just let me be in quiet now.
I'd rather not undress"
"You had better drink the wine; it'll DO
you good. See, I have it all ready" said
Charity, taking up the glass. There was
suppressed eagerness in her tone, e,and glance,
as though she had some special reason tor
making the suggestion. "
"Well, give it to me, then,'' said her mis-
tress, impatiently, anxious to get rid OF her
importantly. Quickly the glass was placed
to her lips, and in moment was emptied of
its contents a =
"Now, leave me-" said Mrs; Thorndale, fall
ing back upon her pillow. "When l need
you, I will ring How disagreeable that wine
fastest" ... -..@
"Maybe took it out of the wrong bottle"
said Charity. "Shall get you some more p
"No, no; only go now, and don't disturb
me again"
"Good.nigbt," said Charity, softly, as she
stole toward the door. -. =:
fro BE CONTINUED. ~