Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-02-02
Au 0rigiual Stprg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE HOUSE ON THE HILL.
BY HERBERT JOHNSON.
CHAPTER V.

Melancholy days were those WHICH euSue'
upon DR.. Nays death. Warm as was the sym
pathy rendered the bereaved ones by those nea
them. in whose hearts their affiction seemed
to awaken a closer feeling of friendship an(
affectionate interest than before, it could no
alleviate the first keen sting of sorrow. Win
ter swept by with it's storms and SHOWS. Soo1
the early buds of Spring began to open thel
timid eyes but to one mourner, at least, th'
return of the vernal season, in it's fragrant
beauty, brought no consolation. Mrs Ma!
possessed one of those clingng, dependent ma
lures. that entwine themselves with the deli
cate firmness of vine around it's support and
that support once removed, they drop helpless
and forlom and seem ready to perish in the
adverse blast that sways and bends them witt
it's cold breath. Sophy, in addition to hel
grief for her fathers death, found new weight
laid upon her heart, in the anxiety which She
began to feel for her mothers health.
1t has been said, and truly, that troubles
never come single. The cases are compara-
lively rare where one blow is not soon follow
ed by another, even if it be not OF the same
nature AS the widow and her daughter were
one day sitting together in the front room, the
former with pretence of some trifing Work
in her hand the latter reading aloud, in order,
if possible, to divert her from her sad thoughts,
they perceived, through the window, stran-
ger in buggy drive up to their door.
'sThat is not any one we KNOW" remarked
Sophy, as she laid down her book sprobably
it is some one who wishes to inquire the way. y
The occupant of the buggy alighted, and
very deliberately fastened his horse to the gate
post. Then he walked up the steps, drawing
off his gloves, with the air of man who knows
his business and means to carry it out
Sophy, wishing to screen her mother from an
encounter with a stranger, waited for mo-
ment, until the latter had made her escape to
her own apartment, to answer the loud knock
at the door, which seemed to announce that
the visitor was impatient for admittance.
'sGood day, Miss,'' said this person with
easy familiarity, as she opened the door. care
you Miss May?'
eyes" she answered, wondering what his
errand could possibly be. He was vulgar
looking man, with red face, and black hair
very much oiled, and his appearance inspired
her with instructive suspicion and dislike.
Excuse intrusion, he continued, inducing
himself, with cool assurance, into the room,
and taking possession of chair; 'but I've
come ON very particular business. Is your
mother in 20
''My mother is far from well, " replied So
ply, s'and is not able to see any one but her
friends.''
''Wel, amt her enemy, guess" rejoined
the stranger, with a disagreeable chuckle
''though it must be admitted that amt come
on the pleasantest sort of business in the world
at least, Pm afraid she won't find it so. Did
you ever hear your father speak, my dear, OF
one John Skinner"
ssNo," said Sophy, shrinking with disgust,
as he bestowed this familiar appellative upon
her, while her heart began to beat with vague
alarm. 81 never heard the name"
''Ah maybe he'd forgotten all about me.
guess he thought I was dead. Most people
have thought so, until lately. But Pm alive
as you see. I am Mr.. Skinner. at your SER
vice."
To this announcement Sophy made no reply.
She stood by the table, her hand resting on
the back of a chair, while her glance lnvolun-
tarily roamed through the window, out into
the road, in the hope of encountering some
friendly face approaching to her relief.
'sSit down, please,'' continued Mr.. Skinner
''It's as cheap sitting as standing, and good
deal more comfortable. At least, that's my
opinion.''
Sophy began now to feel indignant. She
considered the man very impertinent to speak
to her in such tone. Of course, she did not
accept his kind invitation to make herself
comfortable. Her displeasure probably be-
trayed itself in her flushed cheek and COM
pressed lips but Mr.. Skinner did not notice
these symptoms. lie was now busily engaged
in looking through some papers which he had
taken from his pocket, untying string which
bound them together, and laying them one by
one on the table.
''Here tits, he presently exclaimed "Here
is the document want. Now guess, Miss,
you amt much of hand at business-young
ladies seldom are-but if you'd kindly
Sophy interrupted his speech with an excla-
nation of relief and pleasure, and sprang to-
ward the door. She had suddenly discovered
Mr.. Erskine coming up the steps.
glad am to see you!''
He glanced with evident surprise, as he en-
tered, at the stranger. His lips, after return
ing Sophy's greeting, were silent, but his eyes
plainly asked, "Whom have we here?''
This-this-person, Sophy hurriedly ex-
planned, has come, believe, on business-l
don't know what"
GA friend of the family, Miss 20 cooly in
quired Mr.. Skinner, inspecting the new conner.
eff so, don't mind explaining to him the ma
ture of my business; it'll do just as we'll"
''I am friend of the family, sir" rejoned
Mr.. Erskine, 'and your business, whatever it
may be, had better be explained to them
through me, if it will save Miss May any an.
noyance 1 trust" he added, with a rather
stern glance, THAT am not too late to pre-
vent such feeling on her part ?"
Without waiting for an answer, he took So
phys hand, and gently drew her. to the door
''Pray understand he said, in low tone
s'that have no desire to intrude upon an.
private affair but if can be of the least ust
to you, command me-"
''Indeed," answered Sophy, in the same tone
81 am quite ignorant of the mans business
but whatever it is, l shall be grateful to yol
if YOU will let him explain it to you, and
know mamma puts the greatest confidence il
YOU"
s'Then leave me with him." said Mr.. Ers
kline; ''or, if you prefer to remain"
''No, no. she quickly rejoined. ''Pray se