Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1881-03-31
CHE Sturv Teller.
A CASE OF JEALOUSY.

n OADG VI 1I1ASO ~ = =
Fred. Kennedy is my best friend. We
were in college together, and deep IN one an,
Others confidence. He studied law, and
commenced practice in the city; | read medi
cine, and opened an office in the country.
But Fred. got in love and forgot me. until
about three months after his marriage, when
received letter from him which troubled me
very much. 1t was full of vague hints OF
sorrow, and anger, and despair. He wanted
to see me. He must see me and tell me what
he could not write 1t was a week before
could leave patient dangerously i'll but one
afternoon after three nights Of watching. |
threw myself and my carpet bag into the
cars, for the city slept all the way, only
disturbed by two punches in the ribs and an
equal number in my ticket, and at eight
o'clock found myself ringing the bell at the
door of Fred's pretty residence on, -- street.
A trim servant girl answered to my sum-
mons. | knew by her look that she had
heard of me- and suspected who was. Mr..
Kennedy was at home, she said, and was in
the parlor, the door of which she swung open
to me, after had laid aside my overcoat.
entered the door, but the parlor seemed to be
empty. l looked about the walls, but the
only thing which fastened my attention was
the exquisite portrait of beautiful woman,
almost enveloped in the misty bridal veil-a
very marvel of painting through which
shone out the most golden ringets, and a
face of sweet beauty and rare intelligence.
1t seemed strange that the parlor should be
lighted so brilliantly and be without an
occupant, and advanced towards the por-
trait without noticing that deep easy chair,
its back toward me, was planted before it. |
soon perceived that it was occupied, for an
embroidered slipper peeped out from one
side, toying lightly with the air, as if the
heart of the one who wore it were absorbed
in happy contemplation.
coughed slightly, and in an instant Fred.
Kennedy was on his feet, and | was in his
arms. | never saw him so extravagant in
his demonstrations of delight. He shook my
hands dozen times, slapped my shoulders,
caught me by the arm and whirled me around
the room, poked the fire, and laughed as if he
were insane.
"By George! Tom Conway, am glad to
see you, said he, at last fairly putting with
the demonstration he had made.
II had begun to suspect something of that
kind" I replied, rubbing my shoulder. 81
affections late v"
"Well, / have. What do you think of
that p And he turned me around, and point
ed to the portrait.
Exquisite ~ l exclaimed.
"Magni6cent, isn't it?"
"Mrs. Kennedy?'
"Mrs. Fred. Kennedy"
Very pretty, she is painted"
"Ha, ha, ha, ha !"
"Now, Fred" said I, seriously, "sit down.
You are too much excited. 1t will be the
death of you. l have come 10 seesyou pro-
fe.sionally Your letter.
"The letter!'
"It's clear case of insanity" l continued.
eff l am favored with an interview with the
original Mrs Kennedy, I shall reprimand
her for leaving you alone. Your letter be-
trayed the most distressing symptoms. was
afraid that should find you had committed
suicide, but see that there has been a reac-
ton."
said this in a bantering way, but no.
tced that Fred's countenance changed, until
its expression was one Of mingled vexation
and pain.
mo more of that an thou lowest me, Tom"
he replied, and then added, "After you have
had supper l will tell you all about it.
Jane is a good creature, and has gone to
the sewing circle. Those things bore me,
and she insisted upon my staying at home.
We shall have good hour together before
her return"
Fred sat almost sien: with me, in his snug
little dining room, when did justice to my
appetite and his hospitality then we returned
to the parlor, and gave myself up to slip
pers, cigar, and Fred's story.
"When wrote you that letter." said Fred
81 was fool, but was very miserable. new
ertheless. You see, before was married,
there was a young man in the city, Of the
name of Benton. He loved Jane found
it out, and hated him. He was quiet
fellow, with dark, soft eye, and a roman
tic air, and | can't express the contempt
felt for him. He seemed to me to- be per-
feet mik.sop 1t was before l was engaged
aud used frequently to meet him with Jane,
at her fathers house. | saw that he was in
love head and ears and what vexed me be
yond everything else was. that Jane would
always treat him respectfully. After he had
parted from US on one occasion, and she had
treated him with the usual consideration,
was determined to bring matters to an end.
proposed before left, and received the assur.
Q ance that was the chosen man.
Well, Benton continued to call. dc
not think he knew Of the new position Of af
fairs, but it made no difference. | determin
ed to cut him, and | did met him in the
street in broad day and cut him dead. Who
should find that night with Jane but this
contemplate Benton? He had risen to leave
the room with agony depicted upon every
feature of his face. saw it all at glance
he had proposed and been rejected. All the
devil there was in me rejniced. | have nc
doubt that grinned maIiciously upon hin
as he passed out could heartily have add
ed kick to the repulse he had received
But Jane was distressed. She was sorry fo
him She wouldn't have it l.appen for thu
world! She respected Mr. Benton so much
Mr.. Benton is a fool, said l. Don't waste
your precious sympathies on such u creature
as he.
Mr.. Benton is gentleman, replied Jane