Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-02-07
Au Original Storp.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
CELESTINE.
THE STORY OF A MISTAKE.
CHAPTER VII.

II did not suppose it was brilliant
thing" calmly replied Silas, "but have
never regretted my choice; and II L had to
encounter twice as many. difficulties ana m
hardships as have already fallen to my lot,
/ should, nevertheless, feel perfectly salts
fed with my calling, which | consider the
highest and noblest on earth"
8Tastes differ" said Mr.. Franklin. "At
least you possess the merit of being consls-
tent. and consistency is always to be respect
ed. I am sorry" headded, seriously, "that
did not hear sooner of your awkward CIR.
cumstances. Itwould have -ahem...pleased
me to be of some assistance to you"
He rose from his seat, and walked to the
window, where he stood for some moments
in silence. Silas also was silent. His new
Iy-awakened hope was beginning to die out,
and cold feeling of disappointment to take
its place. His uncle's next remark was IT.
"Not a very interesting looking place,
this town of yours. Is the prospect every
where like this?
"Pretty much so," coldly answered the
minister.
"I think I'll 60 out and take alook around.
If YOU have no objection, l shall return here
to dinner, and afterwards trespass on you
for night'slodging. But perhaps you have
no accommodation for me ?"
ayes, there is a spare room-you are quite
welcome to occupy it, "anSWered his nephew,
trying to infuse some cordiality into his
tone.
"Thanks. Well, nephew, goodbye for
the PRESENTLY the by, what time 90 you
dine?"
1--WE dine at the questionable hour Of
three; but you can have dinner at any hour
that suits YOU"
''say four then," said the old gentleman,
and he walked away.
He had not been long gone when Miss
Latimer entered with a perplexed face.
eff YOU please, Mr.. Warren" she began
rather hesitatingly, "I've got to go out for
a little while, and yet don't like to leave
you"
Silas. 81 shall not want anything"
care you quite sure? because If not"
s'Oh, I am quite sure" interrupted the
minister rather impatiently and Miss Lat
inner withdrew. TO the amazement of Sllas,
he presently saw her going down the street
IN company with Mr.. Franklin, who ap-
peared to have waited for her at the corner.
"What on earth can he mean by this
visit ?" he asked himself uneasily a dozen
times; and he worried himself over the
question until he nearly got fever. He
was greatly disturbed, too, by the knowledge
that Celestine's visit to the city was des-
tined to be fruitless one, and wished
heartily that she had not gone. Altogether,
he passed most uncomfortable afternoon
and was beginning at last to long for Miss
Latimer's return, and to wonder what could
detain her away SO long, when she made
her appearance, bearing in her hand a tray
full of delicacies, which she set on the table.
''If you are ready for your dinner, now,
Mr.. Warren, it's all ready for you" she re-
marked, smilingly. "Mr Franklin asked
particularly that you wouldn't wait for him,
as he might be lase."
"What have you got there ?' asked Sllas,
eyeing the tray suspiciously.
'Just one or two little things got down
town. I thought they might tempt your ap-
petite" answered Miss Latimer in bus
iness-like tone. "They don't amount to
much, utsick folks like such triaes. Come,
Mr.. Warren, | want to get you strong and
we'll by the time Mrs. Warren comes home;
it'll be nice surprise for her."
Silas gave sort of groan. Ibid my uncle
buy those things?" he asked without moV-
7He oh, well-I bought them; 1 thought
you wouldn't mind"
"You bought them with his money, you
mean. Be it So" said the minister bitter
ly. Humility is a Christian virtue, and |
must not refuse what will do me good,
suppose"
In spite of the distaste he felt at accepting
his uncle's bounty in such form, it was
grateful to his physical craving; nature,
loathing the plain common fare that only a
healthy appetite could enjoy, had desired
more tempting nourishment, and ala not
share the moral fastidiouSness which shrank
from the gift. The white delicate breast of
tender chicken, fanked by scalloped Oys-
tiers, and supplemented bya saucer of amber
jelly and glass of superiorport wine, made
repast which only an invalid, to whom
the luXuries of life had long been unknown,
could appreciate.
"Is there anything else you would like,
Mr.. Warren 2" asked Miss Latimer, per-
ceiving with much satisfaction, when she
came to remove the tray, that the joint ef-
forts of Mr.. Franklin and herself had not
been wasted.
"Nothing, Miss Latimer. l have already
had too much" !" said poor Silas.
ooh no, Mr.. Warren you will feel the
better for it, am sure" rejoined the good
woman, accepting the statement literally.
"Now if you could take little quiet nap, l
know it would refresh you; and will see
that you are not disturbed"
An hour afterwards, Mr.. Franklin, en-
tering very gently, found his nephew sleep
ing placidly on the sofa; and standing near,
he watched him with suspicious softness
on his own face, as if the aspect OF the pale,
worn features in repoSe aWoke some kindly
memory in his heart.
eHe is very like his MOTHER" he mutter-
ed to himself, livery like. And how old he
looks-nearly as old as 1 do. | suppose it's
the sickness that has done it?"
When Silas awoke it was quite late. His
uncle had dined, and was waiting for him
in the next room.
81 hope you are better, nephew" he said
kindly, as the minister entered.
81 do feel better this evening, thank you.
l must apologize for my rudeness in not
being ready to receive you on your RETURN"
answered Silas, sinking into chair.
"No apologies necessary, | assure you. |
have been making tour of discovery to-
day." said the old gentleman, land have
discovered good deal"
"Anything interesting, may ask, sir ?"
every interesting to me. | have discov-
cred evidences of great Work-a great and
good work, nephew; it's only fair to admit
that" said Mr.. Franklin, with some eN-
citement of manner. 81 have heard ac-
counts, sir, from various sources, of the man.
ner in which this work has been done, which
have awakened my admiration and my re-
spect for the person who has accomplished
it. And | regret" continued the old gen
tleman, bringing his fist down with empha
sis upon the arm of his chair, THAT did
not know of all this sOOner-that | have al
lowed prejudice to stand'so long in the way
of my arriving at a proper understanding Of
the state of affairs. | confess that l have
been wrong, nephew, and have acted Il
wrong part toward yOu-an unworthy part
by George you are better man than am,