Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-03-16


that Mrs May should have as little trouble a
possible after she was gone. She centered he
thoughts steadily on the present and future
She was about to turn over a new, unWrlttel
leaf in tho book of her life, and all its forme
pages should be closed and sealed. She mus
have no retrospects-none, at least, that coult
interfere with her peace or that of the one Il
whom henceforth her duty and obedience
would be owed. She dwelt much on the con
sideration of his goodness, his noble qualities
his lofty, generous heart all these touched
and warmed her. She could respond fully tt
them, though not, alas to his love. The
thought Of that only gave her pain.
The twenty-ninth of October came-the eve
of her wedding-day.
Captain Russell was expected home, either
this evening or early on the following morn
ing. She wondered that he had not arrived,
for they had looked forward to his returning
sooner. But he had sent her brief note, sta
ting that at the latest he would be back by ten
O'Clock on Wednesday (the thirtieth) The
wedding was to be at eleven. She occupied
herself in getting the cottage ready for him
arranged his sleeping room, putting some late
flowers both there, and in the little parlor, to
give the place cheerful air, and to let him
see that he was expected and welcome when.
ever he should come busting the books and
pictures, and the nautical instruments which
he always kept, in lieu of other ornaments,
over his chimney-place, and tying up with
fresh ribbon the white curtain that draped the
windows. Moreover she laid on his table a
book, which she had got Mr.. Erskine to pro-
cure for her as sort of parting gift to her old
friend ; though, indeed, the parting was to be
rather between herself and her old life, than
between her and any of her friends.
All this done, she returned home, to pass
the remainder of the day with her mother.
Mrs. May was looking brighter and better
than she had, at one time, ever hoped to see
her again. Surely, thought Sophy, as she noted
the change with a grateful heart, it was worth
a sacrifice to gladden. the spirits Of this dear
parent, and restore her as she had doubtless
been instrumental in doing, to health. She
we'll knew that not even her mother fully un-
derstood or appreciated the depth of those
feelings which had so long restrained her from
Welding to the wishes of all around her. In
urging her compliance, they had believed they
were acting for her welfare. They thought,
perhaps, that they knew her better than she
knew herself.
''See what Mr.. Erskine has sent, " said Mrs.
May, pointing to the package that lay on the
table. "IIe would not bring it himself, think
ing you might not care to see him at this hour,
but sent little note with it instead"
"Who brought it ?"
'sMrs Perry. She was very communicative y
said Mrs. May, with smile, ''and gave me
some hints concerning what has been going
on lately at Mr.. Erskine's, which perhaps he
would have suppressed if he could. At all
events, he intends it as a surprise for you,
so l shall Rot repeat what she said"
Without any comment, Sophy opened the
little note. 1t ran thus
hope you will crafty me by wearing the
accompanying sett tomorrow. I chose the
simplest pattern 1 could find, fearing you
might otherwise consider it an inappropriate
ornament for so quiet an OCCASION
She unwrapped the package. Within the
paper was a morocco case, which, OH being
opened, displayed, lying on the blue satin
lining, the most exquisite pearl necklace and
ear-drops sne had ever seen.
Chow chaste ~ exclaimed Mrs. May, as
she saw them. "Surely there can be nothing
my dear, in your wearing them
with your White dress"
"Oh no." said Sophy, calmly. "I shall wear
them of course"
''They are beautiful, are they not ?"
every. Inever saw anything like them, .
And with this comment, she closed the box
and put it aside She could not be enthusias'
tic over the gift. Indeed, it troubled her to
think that he had gone to so much expense on
her account; for though she had only an i'm
perfect idea of its actual value, she was well
aware that it must have cost no small sum.
1t was, however, his first expensive present
since their engagement. He had shown his
delicacy, in refraining from heaping offerings
upon her, which might Cypress her with
painful sense of the contrast between his
circumstances and hers, reminding her of the
wealth which he was always so careful not
to display.
He came over that evening, and sat with
her mother and herself for an hour, chatting.
in his usual pleasant way, of different things.
No allusion was made to the following day,
1t did not seem as if this was really a we'd
ding-eve.
''It's little strange that the Captain has
not yet returned, isn't it ?" he asked as he
rose to go.
s'We thought he would have been back be-
fore this but you know he wrote word that
he might not be here before tomorrow morn
ing, so 1 am not uneasy"
''Oh no, don't think there is any cause fol
uneasiness, particularly as he was quite vel
when you heard"
He led Sophy out to the front door, and they
stood there for a moment, looking at the
moonlit garden, and shimmering line of water
in the distance.
''It is beautiful night" said Sophy.
''Beautiful; unusually mild, too, for the
season. am glad it is such lovely weather
My love-" he added, his voice sinking to ;
lower tone, 81 hope the calm, peaceful night il
happy augury for your future l need NJ
augury for mine.''
She was silent. She longed, more than hi
knew, to be able to respond to his feeling fo
her; she felt herself so ungrateful, so cold
"Sophy," he pleaded, twill you give M
just one kiss 20
1t was the first time he had ever made thi
request. His caresses, such as they were, hat
always been bestowed without seeking a re
turn; and even these had been few and quiet
usually limited to pressure of his lips upol
her cheek or hand.