Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-12-09

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upon himself. The elder Sir Roland hao
known his disposition sufficiently we'll to be-
lieve, and with Justice, that the reproaches oi
his conscience, in the event of his non-com
pliance with such an expressed wish, would
be heavier penalty for him to bear through
life than the loss of the wealth of which ii
would deprive him. So far as Roland was
concerned, therefore, there was small likeli'
hood of the contract being broken and in
regard to Miriam-well, her mother would
take care to manage that there was no failure
on her part-so said Lady Agnes to herself,
with her usual determination to have her own
way.
Months and years rolled by. The young
lord of Linton Towers attained his majority,
and Miriam, three years his junior, was
quite old enough to become bride. Quietly
and unostentatiously, Lady Agnes began to
make preparations for the wedding.
"Cousin," said Roland to her, day or
two after the celebration of his coming of age,
"next week 60 to take possession fmy estate.
wish to take this opportunity of thanking
you, most warmly and gratefully, for the
motherly csre and kindness have always
received at your hands, during my stay be-
meath your roof"
"Most welcome have you been to all that
you have received" graciously replied Lady
Agnes. "But you speak of leaving us. How
long will itbe, my son, before you return?"
Roland we'll understood her meaning. He
turned pale, hesitated, and looked down as
he rejoined--
"That depends on the pleasure Of my cous-
in Miriam and YOURSELF
"Your cousin Miriam, my dear Roland,
always conforms to my wishes. Moreover,
it would be impossible for her to feel anything
but pleasure at your return. 1t is for you
and for me, therefore, to make definite ar.
rangements on this subject. Of course, you
do not intend to postpone your marriage?'
"Of course not-that is-if Miriam con.
sents," faltered Roland
Consents! O, that is already un tait accom-
pE." lightly said Lady Agnes. However,
since you have never Gas beieve) formally
sought her acceptance"
mo madam, I have moi"
"You should delay no longer doing So
Come, tardy wooer! there need be no better
time than the present; "and with playful
but imperious gesture, she motioued him
towards the door of the next room, where, as
they both knew, Miriam sat at her embroidery.
The door having been closed, she had heard
nothing of the dialogue which so nearly con.
cerned her; but the expression of her cous-
in's face seemed to forewarn her. in some in,
explicable manner, of his purpose in seeking
her. Nervous and trembling at heart, the
young man drew Il chair to her side, and in
scarcely audible tone, accosted her thus
miriam, am come to inform you of my
intention of shortly bidding your farewell"
"Indeed!' Mirium's heart gave sudden
leap and the color mounted to her face. Had
she, then, been mistaken? Was she to have
reprieve?
"A temporary farewell" Roland continued,
becoming still more embarrassed. "It is for
you to decide-that is," he added, remember
ing Lady Agnes words, 'your mother insists
on my return at no distant period but
would rather have the time appointed BY
yoursef-since-"
"Since what?" coldly asked Miriam, as he
paused.
"Siuce should prefer consulting your wish
es, would not have you unnecessarily hur-
ried."
II do not understand your meaning" re-
piled his cousin, bending over her work.
"You do not speak very clearly"
II allude, Miriam, to our marriage, which,
as you know, has so long been settled fact !;
and desire to learn from you when you will
be ready to bestow your hand upon me-"
"You do?" said Miriam, in suppressed
tone. "You do?" She raised her face, and
fixed her eyes. glittering with excitement and
disdainful anger, upon him. "Then you can
easily be satisfied. My answer is-neusr."
Miriam T' exclaimed an icy voice. Lady
Agnes had just entered the room.
Miriam turned hot, then cold. She stood
for moment struggling with her emotions,
then suddenly burst into passionate 6t of
weeping
"Miriam," asked her mother, coming for.
ward, "what is the meaning of this?" And
without waiting for reply, which, indeed,
her daughter was unable to give her, she con-
tinued, turning to Roland
81 regret, my dear boy, that your suit has
been so discourteous y received but in a little
while, be assured Miriam, will recover from
the disorder Of mind, under which she seems
just now to be lahoring. She certainly for
gets, at present, what is due to herself and to
you-as we'll as to me- May l ask you to
leave us for the present. You can easily find
better entertainment than in the society Of a
wayward girl"
Roland was glad enough to make his escape
and agitated and troubled beyond description,
! he left the house to seek the refreshing quiet
and solitude of little shrubbery. not far off,
where he could reflect, undisturbed, on his
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