Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-02-16

10 90 any Glllll5 SO IdSH DIS letFlllS houlo' Ia
life of governess is adreary one at best ant
besides, how could your mother be left alone p
"That last Joint is the only difficulty she
replied. II would make arrangements, o.
course, to leave her in suitable care. We have
many friends in the village-humble ones it,:
true, but faithful and kind-and among them
I could find one who would be willing to stay
here and take as good care, probably, Of nam
ma as I can. And perhaps I could get situ'
alton not very far off-in Chatham, for in
stance. Then I could come home quite often,
perhaps even once week."
Mr.. Erskine rose from his chair, and took a
few restless turns up and down the room.
''It seems to me altogether impracticable,' y
he said, without stopping in his walk. '1n
fact, 1 do not see how you could arrange it at
ALL"
sYou mean that ought not to leave mann
ma %
'sCertainly--that is one reason. I am sure
she could not spare you. Her health would
suffer, and so, doubtless, would yours. You
could not endure the life."
'I! Oh, am very strong. am never i'll
and there would be no hardship in such life y
"My child, you can't tell. You do not
know. I could not bear to see you thrust out
into the world-' his voice grew husky; he
paused an instant, controlled himself, and
went on more quietly: "Governesses have a
harder time than you are aware of. Do you
think that the trifiing sum you could earn at
such an employment would compensate to your
suffering mother, for the idea of her child
being exposed to contact with selfish, uncon-
genial natures. perhaps to unkindness, even
impertinence above all, compensate for the
separation, which would be so severe trial to
her ?"
She looked at him wistfully. "Do you think,
then. would earn so little ?'' she asked.
s'Governesses seldom make fortunes" here
piled.
ssNo, but without making fortune, could
not at least make enough to keep mamma
comfortable ?''
ssYou might, possibly but at what cost!"
''Do you think my going away-provided
could manage to see her pretty often-would
really be bad for her %
''Can doubt it ? Are you not her only
comfort-her only companion Would the
society of any one else make amends for the
loss of yours ? am sure not. In her frail
condition, any additional cause Of anxiety or
depression would certainly be most disadvan-
tageous to her."
''Then don't see what can do," said So
phy, despondently. ''It is not likely would
get scholars to come to me, I suppose"
.s'Give up the idea of teaching, altogether.
1t would be most unfruitful occupation"
'But cannot think of anything else."
ssDo not think about it at all. There is no
necessity for you to be in such haste to make
new arrangements. Let everything 60 on
without change for the present"
''But, Mr. Erskine, it is impossible that
things should 60 on without change. What
are we to live on ?''
A sudden inspiration struck him. 'Come
and live with me, you two," he exclaimed,
turning an eager face towards her. stBe my
guests, for this winter at any rate. Il would
be such happiness to me. Consider how
lonely am consider what benefit"
''The benefit would be all on our side, no
doubt" interrupted Sophy, with faint smile.
''But Mr.. Erskine, don'tpropose such thing
it would be impossible"
''Why impossible, may ask ?"
sOh, because I'm sure mamma wouldn't
consent"
II see no reason why she should refuse. At
all events, mean to ask her. Consider" and
his voice took most persuasive tone, as he
came to her side and satdown; "Consider how
easy, how natural, an arrangement it would
be.n
'It is always easy and natural for you to be
kind" said Sophy, in whose eyes tears were
now trembling. ''You have already done
enough favors for us to prove that"
''Mighty favors, truly! And pray, who
showed me kindness, when was shipwrecked,
and forlorn, cast insensible on strange shore?
Who nursed me through sickness, and made
me well, and took me unquestioningly into
their hearts, as well as their home? Can 1
ever, think you, repay such generous treat
ment 20
"You have more than repaid it already"
s'No, indeed, and never expect to be able
to. But at least, in comforting such benefits
upon me, you gave me the right to expect to
be allowed to serve you little, when occasion
should require. My house, and all that it
contains, therefore wish to place now at your
disposal You well know that your presence
there could only afford me joy; and you would
have leisure to decide, soberly and without
undue haste, upon your future mode of life.
Come, Miss Sophy, do not be unreasonable. /
am quite sure it is the best thing that you could
do.''
II am quite sure that you are the best friend
I have" she said, gratefully.
s'Will you think of it ? Will you speak to
Mrs. May 20
'I-dont know. Mr.. Erskine, another
plan occurs to me. We might take boarders. ="
He shook his head. "Boarders are much
trouble and littleproft. They would interfere
with your domestic comfort besides, they
would be hard to get. Don't worry your head
with any more plans. Agree to my proposal,
and then I promise to help you find occupation,
if you continue bent upon the scheme"
At this moment, Mrs. May, looking worn
and weak, and wrapped in a large shawl, came
slowly in.
II thought heard your voice." she said to
Mr.. Erskine, who hastened to meet her, while
Sophy arranged a cushion for her on the sofa,
''and came in to welcome you home. 1t is a
sad welcome, however, that any of us here can
give you just now.''
Sophy, after helping her to place herself
comfortably in her usual seat, quietly withdrew
from the room. She felt that she could not
bear at that time to enter into any farther dis