Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1883-01-25
CHAPTER II.

The winter gllded drearlly away, and spring
heightened into summer, yet Dolly heard moth
ing from Rayne. She had grown sadly thin
and pale, in the long waiting, and the people
of the village feared for the life of their
darling Her uncle, alone, did not notice
the change in her; or if he had observed
it he said nothing. He could learn from
her behavior nothing of the grief that WAS
devouring her and she never spoke OF her
lover. Some surmised that she had forgotten
Rayne; but she said to herself that she could
never forget. lie might be false but-she
The time passed slowly and wearly enough,
at the cottage The old man, Dolly's uncle,
had been more feeble and complaining than
ever before, and he demanded all her atten-
tion. Only few times in the long months
had she visited the village. Sometimes she
walked to the old church, and, sitting beneath
the great elms, thought mournfully of the
many pleasant hours she had spent there.
But her sorrow never found voice. She suf-
fered and was silent hoping-she knew not
what fearing-what she could not express.
Thus the time went on, until after many
weeks, light came again into her life.
It had been dull, wearisome day. The
mists had hung over the distant mountains
since early morning, and the atmosphere was
heavy with rain. 1t was such weather as
of himself yet Dolly, apparently, had not
been affected by its unconscious influence.
The day had brought with it tolls and cares.
and she had worked faithfully to discharge
her duties. Her time of rest came in the
evening; and, after she had made her uncle
comfortable for the night she went to her
room, and sat down near the window, gazing
out at the fast-darkenng village beneath her.
She did not think, as she sat there only Won
dered if Howard still lived if he was true
to her. as she knew she had been to him? II
he had died or-forgotten 1t could not have
been said that her faith in him had wavered d:
she was waiting, that was all. Perhaps she
might meet him again on earth then he
would explain his long silence and they would
be happy together; perhaps-in Heaven
She sat thus for long time. Finally,
the rain began to fall /; softly, at first, then
freshening to a shower. The air had become
suddenly cold and she found herself shivering.
She closed her window and turned to 60 away ;
when a sound, as of {; pebble striking the
glass, arrested her steps.
She opened the window and looked out.
Her heart gave great throb, as she saw,
through the thick mist, and standing few
feet away, the figure of a man She looked
again. The fashionable clothing had been
replaced with soiled and tattered garments !;
the face was scanned with lines which told OF
sin and suffering; the whole expression OF
the man had changed-yet she knew him as
Howard Rayne!
She leaned far out over the sash. sHow-
ard ~ she called, "HOWard ~
He came forward, us she spoke, and stood
beneath the window. She noticed that he
walked with difficulty, that he could hardly
stand. His lips were white with the pain the
effort had caused, as he looked up at her.
'Hush!'' he whispered. mo one must
learn l am here. knew it was not right that
should come-after so long time-but l
could not bear to leave my little girl"
Her face frightened at the familiar name.
The anguish she had undergone was forgotten
in that instant. Out of the room, softly
down the creaking stair case; within mo-
ment she stood beside him, her arms about
his neck.
There was no questioning nor surprise in
her glad eyes. 81 knew You would come u
she said.
my Dolly - he cried, brokenly, and pressed
his trembling lips to hers.
sit was not my fault - he began, endeavor-
ing, as of old, to justify his own acts. 81
meant to come back to YOU Curses on my
weakness l was tempted and l fell Dol
! ly,"-with a sudden shrinking away ana
catching of the breath-"I am accused OF
murder ~
but you are innocent ~ she replied:
Her chldlike faith in him showed to the
weak, selfish man what he had lost it sham
ed him to full confession.
GAS innocent as you !" he said. but l
have no proof. The law would hang me, II 1t
found me out. l am sick, Dolly, dying it is
but few weeks longer, whether am dlscoV-
cred or not. Forgive me for com:-g here i
thought had to see you-ju just-once-mo
Her face paled for a moment, and then
grew bright with hope and strong determine,
tion. The girl had become woman in mind
and strength of purpose 'You shall not
die p she cried, and clung to him as if resolv:
ed never to give him up. ''They shall not find
YOU will hide you If they take you, Twill
90 too They shall never separate us %
He clasped her to his heart for moment
then the nervous energy which had brought
him so far deserted him all at once, and he
fell swooning to the ground.
She knelt beside him and busted herself III
loving attentions, her heart beating high Will
;,y ,nd th,nEfu fulnpSS She WOuld take care OF