Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-05-06
CHAPTER XVIII.
"Shall go on? Or have said enough?'

"Shall go on Or nave sau enouSH'
MILTON.
At the foot of the garden which lay be
yond the mansion, was lovely and secluded
spot called the Glen. A narrow path, sha
ded by magnificent oaks, led to its boundary.
Here the trees widened and enclosed sylvan
amphitheatre, waving with oaks, hazel and
birch trees. Messy banks, crowned with ev-
ergreens, were broken and interrupted by
fragments of rock, placed under the direction
of Ellen, which added to the grace and ro-
mantle beauty of the scene. A limpid brook
ran rapidly along at the opposite extremity,
and seemed to issue from between two large
rocks which had been placed for that pur-
pose. It's course was placid and even, till it
reached the centre of the retreat, when fall
ing in mimic water falls, it eddied and bound
ed, all foaming uproar, till again it went
murmuring down and was lost in the woods
beyond. A thick natural growth on its op-
posite side, formed an impenetrable screen,
and though not lacking in summer its sum-
mer verdure, the clambering ivy and dark
evergreens, relieved it from winter dreari'
ness.
The morning was still gray, when Davie
tulGTSu LLC 0lCu LIZ IuiCW NliuoSli oPob
one of the rustic seats that were placed around,
anG waited with what patience he might, for
Ellen. Time dragged YEARLY. But few
moments had elapsed ere he sprang to his
feet and restlessly paced the enclosure, cast.
ing impatient glances at the lingering sun.
He walked to the verge of the avenue; then
slowly back again, to turn and be disappointed.
"What can keep her?" he murmured.
"Ah day is yet on tiptoe. More light more
light and patience too"
And with resolute will, he threw himself
upon the embowered seat near the entrance.
The vapory twilight was melting into morn:
ing. Its glimmering light gradually dilated
to rosy glow. Nature was clad in dewy
beauty-the earth "sowed with orient pearl" )"
The hoar frost sparkled on every spray, and
the CONCEALED dew drops hung like gems on
trees and shrubs. The horizon deepened to
vivid crimson, and swift beams of cleaning
light darted up the zenith, touching the pend:
ant icicles with their main rays till diamond
drops fell from their sparkling points.
With timid boldness, an eager shyness,
an elastic yet lingering step, Ellen advanced
to the Glen. The frosty morning air deep
ened the hue of health and expectancy on
her cheek, and her eyes sparkled with more
brilianoy than natures diamonds around her.
For a moment she stood at the entrance of
the Glen-a picture of glaring beauty. Her
scarf falling from her shoulder enhanced the
grace of her beautiful form, while the rich.
ness and purity of her comp plexion, the express
sive eagerness of her dark blue eyes, as she
stood moment posing her graceful figure in
hesitating search, made picture of exquls-
ite and enchanting loveliness. Ere shade
of disappointment could gather on her lovely
face at finding the retreat unoccupied, DAVE 8
arm was thrown around her, and words of
fond chiding fell upon her ear. She smiled
and pointed to the rising sun.
"Old Sol was laggard to day. My El-
len should not have awaited his drowsy sum-
mons. I have been cha6ng here for an hour
but l will not quarrel with him, now you are
here. l have so longed for this interview,
dearest. I have so much to tell you-so
much to hear And first, Ellen, that cruel
note which your generous love forgave with.
out explanation" And he told his doubts,
his fears, his certainty that it was needed for
her happiness; and Ellen listened, as fond
women generally listen, and forgave as wo,
men do, when resting against hearts warm
and loving, and lips pressed against their
own, plead for pardon.
"But tell me of Graham, Ellen. He loves
you but that is not strange-who could help
itw And again lovers tongues were "silvel
sweet"
"Graham deserves perfect confidence from
me- 1 should have told him of-of-"
"Of what Ellen ?" said Davie.
She could not meet the arch tenderness
of the look, and with pout and blushing
embarrassment, turned her head from him.
II will not tell you," said she, II will moi
encourage such sauciness."
"Then let me tell you, Ellen," he replied
drawing the half resisting form in his cir
cling embrace. "You should have told him
that dearer than all the world beside, my Ell
len was to me. Nay more she was my hope
of heaven. For losing faith in her, belief
in all things pure and true would be destroy
ed You should have told him of my pride
in you, the treasury of your mind, your hero
ism, your woman's fortitude, your Cheerful
spirit, your calm, resolute will and told him
these graces, these virtues were from the
earliest childhood worshipped in the only
woman 1 ever loved. Then bid him look al
your peerless beauty, at your winning grace
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