Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-12-16
CHAPTER ".

table, in the cheerful little room which served
them as dining.room and parlor in one
This was the whole of the family circle, not
counting Cyril, the only absent member
Mrs. Hope, a sweet.looking middle aged lady,
whose close white cap and black dress mark
ed her widowhood Leila, the eldest daugh'
ter, beautiful girl of eighteen; and two
younger girls, Mary and Louise, aged res
pectively fifteen and twelve. Louise had
been an invalid from childhood, and was con-
sequently the centre of especial tenderness
and attention. Her delicacy betrayed itselfin
her transparent skin and unnaturally bright
eyes, and in the fragility of her form, which
had already attained almost to woman's
height. In feature she resembled Cyril.
These two, never strong, showed symptoms of
the disease of which their father had died
consumption; though their anxious and de-
voted mother hoped, by constant care, to
avert the overhangng doom. Cyril, who
had only lately taken orders, had been ad-
vised to travel for short time in order to
rest himself, and relieve his mind from the
pressure of constant study; and had been
glad of the opportunity which DR.. Rexford 8
invitation had afforded him of obtaining a
complete change of air and scene, and at the
same time of entering upon duties which
would be easy and light. He had no parish
yet, and his mother was not desrious that he
should too quickly assume the responsibility
of such charge. Though absent, he was
continually in the thoughts of the home cir
Gle; and they had now just been discussing
the probability Of soon hearing from him,
when letter, addressed in his handwriting,
was brought in to Mrs. Hope from the mail.
"From Cyril" she exclaimed with look
of pleasure, as she broke the SEAL.
81 thought a letter would come to day, "
said Leila. "Read it aloud, mamma, will
your"
"Its not very long," remarked Mrs. Hope,
glancng down the open page; and she read {:
DEAREST MOTHER: reached here on
Friday safe and sound, after very pleasant
trip, and already feel quite at home in my
new quarters. DR.. Rexford was here to re-
ceive ME, and did not set out on his journey
to Exeter until Saturday morning. He very
kindly put me in possession of the rectory
and its belongings, with the direction to make
free use of everything until his return. He
may be gone three or four weeks. This is a
pleasant house, with large garden, orchard,
etc., most comfortably arranged. wonder
when may hope to have such rectory of
my own? There are two servants here, the
housekeeper, and woman who is cook and
maid of all work. Of course the duties are
light enough. with only an old bachelor to
wait upon. I hope they will like waiting
upon young bachelor as well, as l never
wish to give trouble. On Sunday l preached
nv first sermon. How did wish you and
the girls could have been near me! 1t did
not seem satisfactory to have only strangers
for congregation; but 1 got through very
we'll. After service l presented my note Of
introduction from the Rector to the senior war
den, Colonel Gainsboro; q should properly
have done so on Saturday, but did not-was
too busy revising my sermon) and was taken
home by him to family dinner, at which l
met his wife, an agreeable lady, his two sons
and his little daughter. They seem to be
pleasant and refined. l have not become
sufficiently acquainted yet with the rest of
the parishioners to be able to give you des'
cripton of any of them. Conspicuous among
them seems to be Lady Hungerford, who |
am told is quite character. | noticed her in
her pew, (she is widow,) quite stylish af.
fair, cushioned and hung with blue velvet,
and having baronial crest carved on the
door. With her sat very beautiful wo'
mana Lady Hepburn-also a widow, who
is very exclusive and seldom goes anywhere.
Though resident Of this parish for ten years,
am told she has onl y taken to church. going
within the last few weeks. 1t will interest
you to hear of my flock Gas must temporar-
lily regard them) when | can give you more
particular account of them. 10 morrow | am
invited to Lady Hungerford's to tea
81 miss you all sadly, and you are constant.
ly in my thoughts How are you and the
girls; and especially dear little Lou? Tell
her to be sure and 60 in the garden every day
She stays to much within doors. | feel per.
fectly we'll, and find the soft yet bracing ali
here delightful. l wish you could all come
here for change. In day or two l will
write you more comprehensive epistle
Have nothing more of interest just now, SC
will Close with the hope of hearing from some
of you very soon. Love to you ALL
"Your ever affectionate son,
CYRIL"
Not satisfied with being listeners, the girls
each claimed look at the letter, in turn.
"Cyril writes so nicely" remarked Leila, a:
she handed it to her next sister. IL always
seem to see things just as he describes them
Fancy that Lady Hungerford in pew with
velvet curtains and a crest Isn't it grea
display, mamma, for a person to make il
church ?"
1T is common enough, my dear, among
peope of distinction, and not considered
wrong"
"Isn't it? Well, he must have got among
stylish people, fancied it was very quiet
plain little parish, from the way DR.. Rexfort
wrote. How should have liked to hear hi
sermon p
"Yes-his very first Sermon" plaintively
chimed in Lou. Mamma, don't you lung fo
. Cyril to have a church of his own?'
"When he is little stronger, my dear.
don't want him to work very hard just yet
and he is so ardent, he would throw himsel
intn his duties with his whole heart and soul