Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-05-06

moral excellence and purity of the soul which
rises superior to all. To that heart, to that
soul, nv spirit turns with more than eastern
alteration, as the Mecca of my life; and
though rude storms may assail, and friends
betray, or foes oppress though danger or even
disgrace await me, still in my Ellen's love
will l find solace in her trust, renewed
courage. Firm without sternness, gentle with
out weakness, sensible without vanity, my
Ellen is to me the embodiment of all things
tender and true in woman. From my soul,
| pity Graham, but I cannot resign you"
She looked up and smiled.
Would you let me, Ellen Tell me what
would your love do for ne?'
may, Henry" said she, drawing herself
from his arm, the shadow of holy purpose
resting upon her face, "hat never can tell !;
my life must teach you that" ...
"Answered like woman said he; "and
we'll I know the patience, the sacrifice con-
tanned in it. God grant that l may not be
unworthy. But tell me, why your uncle
favors this? 1 have heard of almost stern
ness to enforce it."
"Alas, Henry, I cannot tell. Sternness
Call it rather cruelty. He will listen to no
appeal"
this against your will"
"He will. I have prayed to him as |
thought my proud nature could never stoop
to mortal, without avail"
"But when he knows that you cannot
love-nay, that you love-that you love an
other"
at is all useless l have told him what my
faltering lips would never dare tell you,
Henry" said she, blushing deeply:
my own love, did not dream of this.
But will myself 60 to him and demand the
hand your love would give me-the hand his
own kindness led me to expect"
"You need not, Henry; you need not
you cannot imagine his bitterness, his infatu-
alton. He has even forbid me, on pain ofhis
eternal displeasure, ever to speak with you
again"
"Impossible What madness is this ?"
madness, indeed" replied Ellen; "but
madness that will admit Of no mercy" And
she here recounted the different trials to
which she had been subjected. Davie, won.
dering and indignant by turns, heard her to
the end, then firmly said:
81 see but one course to pursue in this
matter. l will 60 to him and understand
the reason of this cruel proceeding, and fail
ing of gaining his consent, will not permit
him longer to persecute you"
"But howl ?" said she innocently, raising
her eyes to his face. He did not answer
save by look, which caused her to hide her
face upon his shoulder. . .. ..
LAS my wife, Ellen, he can no longer con.
troll or annoy you"
Eyes, but that curse, Henry" and she
shuddered. ..
"Do you suppose Heaven would answer
such an unholy prayer. Come, dearest, where
is the frmness I boast of! A union that he
himself encouraged, the blessing that he gave
US, if not by words, at least by every look
and act, to be thus madly and capriciously
revoked. Nay, dearest, cannot submit to
be thus dealt with, and my Ellen must rise to
this emergency and help me to meet it. Tell
me, have your heart in this, as, trust, in
all else?'
my conscience condemns the cruelty that
so persecutes me- My heart is with you Hen
ry, but do not act rashly; patience may yet
conquer for U.s."
"By Heaven, now said Davie, more indig.
nant than he cared to show. 81 will 60 to
your uncle, and ask for what is so truly mine.
Nay, dearest, to please you, will even plead
the encouragement he himself gave me, and
if he refuses, he but gives my Ellen more
quickly to my love-"
She did not answer.
"Pardon me, if l have plead too boldly.
I have not cunning to be strange, and my
tongue is little used to pleading. Speak,
dearest, is it too great boon to ask ?"
"You could not ask too much, Henry" she
whispered.
BLESS you, Ellen. I fear am selfish in
thus urging but l cannot brook the thought
Of leaving you to fresh trial"
"You do not propose to act Immediately T
Have you not learnt among my other
faults, that am very INPATIENT" said Da-
vie, laughing. l propose to see your uncle
this morning and if he refuses this wish of
my heart, you will meet me here to night,
and an hours ride will take us to Mr.. Adams,
under whose protection I will leave my ,oite,"
he whispered, pressing her to his heart, still
happier days enable me to take her to my
own home"
Ellen started $50 soon, Henry? To night?
and her face grew pale.
$50 soon, dearest! Every minute will be
an hour till weary time speeds night. could
almost hope he would refuse me, that 1 might
the sooner claim you. My bride, and dearest
yet, my wife, Nay, Ellen, the joy is too
sweet to be relinquished. Speak, love SAY yes,
and bless me-"
mo, Henry, I cannot" she said, her pale
cheeks testifying to her emotion. "This is
too sudden, too unadvised-I have no joy in
it. Do not counsel me to forget in moment
of passion, hours of tenderness and love: l
dare not, Henry. Give me more time Ora.
ham will soon be leaving Lei me try what
affection and patience can do."
He bit his lip impatiently.
"Now comes the rock in Ellen's character.
Come here. 1 will not plead with you sitting
so cold and motionless. Lay your hand again
on my shoulder; nay, must see your eyes.
Now listen," and bending his lips to her ear,
he whispered low and lovingly, with many
fond pressure and tender caress.
Now, Ellen, answer" said he, as he drew
her yet closer to him.
"The cup is very, very sweet" she replied,
raising her bowed head, "but it does not salts
fy. shrink from the bitter dregs."
"You are unjust to yourself and to me, El-
len" said Davie, with some sternness. "This
is simple superstition You owe no duty to
one who would force you from the path of
truth. You disappoint me, Ellen,' and he
turned in some GOODNESS from her. A tear
fell upon the hand that clasped hers.
my own Ellen, do not willingly grieve
you. Forgive me if I plead too earnestly !;
but think how miserable would be to have