Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-03-02

herself, who, when the first shock was over,
speedily regained her composure, and even be-
gan to jest at the appearance she must present
with her bandaged head.
s'I must certainly manage to get on my hat,
Mr.. Erskne If only had thick veil, l
should not look 80 odd. By the way, who has
gone to the hotel for youp You forgot to tell
me that"
He briefly gave her the details which he had
omitted. She added some light remarks about
the woman's usefulness being sufficient to
atone for the mischief she had done, chiefly
for the purpose of maintaining the appearance
of an ease which she did not really feel She
had caught the epithet which he had allowed
to slip from him, and caught at the same time
his glance brimful of an overfowing tender
ness, and the passionate tremor of his voice !;
signs of feeling which he had instantly con-
trolled, but which she could not forget, not
withstanding. It seemed very long time to
her before the conveyance which had been sent
for appeared light wagon, driven by one Of
the men belonging to the stable, and piloted
by the gypsy woman, who still rode Sophy's
steed. Sophy, albeit in no merry mood, could
not forbear laughing at her strange appear
ance, and Mr.. Erskine joined in the laugh !;
both, however, composed themselves as she
drew near.
$50 you're better, lady; I'm glad of it. For
give poor old Meg for being the cause of your
mishap," she exclaimed, as she dismounted,
and threw herself with sort of wild natural
grace at Sophy's feet. "Your husbands got
royal heart; many's the gentlemen that
would have had poor body like me arrested
for causing you harm, but he gave me money
instead, God bless him %
"You mistake" hurriedly explained Sophy,
in low tone, afraid that this speech might
have reached Mr.. Erskine's ear, who was
busy, however, with arranging some cushions
in the wagon, che is only my friend"
"Only your friend is it !? Then devoted
friend he is, for 1 saw him myself moaning
over you, and the kiss he put upon your sweet
pretty mouth-but forgive me, lady, old Meg
don't mean no harm only she wishes you
both long life, and happiness together till
the day of your DEATH"
'Oh hush, pray" muttered Sophy, in an
agony of apprehension and the woman with
laughing twinkle of her shrewd black eyes
kissed her hand and turned away. At this
moment Mr.. Erskine approached.
'sMiss May, the wagon is arranged for you.
Allow me to assist you to mount into it."
His tone was grave and formal Sophy felt
perfectly convinced that he had heard every
word of the gypsy's, and was making this dis
play of ceremony in order to second her en-
deavor to correct the impression Of different
relation existing between them. She did not
dare to look at him, but allowed him in silence
to help her to her seat, which he had made as
comfortable for her as circumstances allowed.
s'I will drive the young lady to the hotel"
he said to the stable-man, ''and you can take
charge of the two horses. Ride on ahead, as
I shall drive slowly"
And at leisurely pace they set off, receiv-
ing parting wave of the hand from the gyp-
sy, who stood watching them as long as they
continued in sight, and then turning in the
opposite direction, vanished in the shadows Of
the wood.
''I'd have crossed their hands for penny,
if they'd have let me, she murmured to her.
self, "and told 'em pretty fortune. There's
something that crosses their love, and it stands
in her path, guess but I'd have cleared it
away. He's as generous as a prince, and
ought to get all he wants.'
The drive back to the hotel was accomplish
ed almost in silence. 1t was quite dark when
they arrived there. They found Mrs. May
very uneasy, and Captain Russell using all his
endeavors to tranquilize her. Her fears were
assuaged, however, on perceiving that sophy
could run up the steps, and on receiving her
assurance that her head had felt badly, but
was really not painful any longer
fro BE CONTINUED