Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-02-07

der for certain amount, to be at your
disposal, for present needs; and here" he
added, laying folded paper on the table,
''it checque on my bankers in the city,
which you will make use of at your pleas
ure. Pray don't say word," with a 'hasty
gesture, cit is a subject that doesn't bear
discussiOn-I am anxious to be done with
it. can only add that expect you hence
forth to call upon me without reserve, in
any case where can be of use to you. You
can give me no better proof of forgiveness
for the shabby way in which have treated
you all along"
Silas was overpowered; indeed, though he
tried to speak, he could not at first manage
to shape articulate words. 1t was not so
much gratitude for this late generosity on his
uncle's part-Which was simple justice after
all-that overcame him, as the sudden sense
of relief, the knowledge that the sickening
suspense and pressure of poverty, so long
endured were lifted from him, that he
could once more make Celestine comforta-
BILE, and not be tortured by the conscious
ness that she was toiling and suffering for
his sake, that acted upon him almost like
shock. Something of this feeling he did
manage at last to put into words, and to add
that when once he could recover his strength
he hoped he could not have to be dependent
on his uncle's bounty.
sNonsense," said Mr.. Franklin, testify.
''There is no question of dependence; it is
simply your right. Your are my own
sisters son, the nearest relation / have, and
indeed almost the only one; and you we'll
know what my original intention was con-
cerning you, only allowed stubborn pre-
judice to come in the way of carrying 1t
out. It's your trade to preach forgiveness
to sinners, and how can 1 suppose that you
really forgive the wrong have done you,
if you refuse to accept restitution now:
When l die, my money will all be yours
There's no harm in telling you that. So
why not let me see you get some good out
of it while / am alive?"
Silas, much moved, warmly pressed his
uncle's hand. 81 accept your gift he re-
piled and believe me, it could not have
come at more opportune time. l have
been sorely pressed, and this sickness has
untitled me for everything. For my wife's
sake, far more than for my own, am deep
ly thankful for your aid"
Enough said, nephew. Let's drop the
subject" said the old gentleman, heaving a
sigh of relief. II should like to see this
wife of yours, whom you thinkso much of;
it's pity I've lost the chance now. Did l
tell you ofmy intended trip to Arizona"'
speak Of it.
"Well, l am on my way there now; l
have business near one of the mines. I
shall stop there few weeks before return
ing to San Francisco, and hope to see you on
my way back" d.
Excitement kept Silas awake great part
of that night. Thoughts of his sudden, un-
looked-for emancipation from the shackles
of poverty, of Celestine's happiness when
she should learn the good news, filled his
mind and banished sleep. from his eyes;
4 do fhQf tho
tumult of his mind subsidized sufficiently to
admit of repose. When he slept, it was to
dream of pleasant things; and he awoke
refreshed, at late hour, to learn that his
uncle had gone, leaving with Miss Latimer
a message Of farewell.
"And now, Miss Latimer," he said as soon
as breakfast was over, "We must set to work
to have everything nice and comfortable be-
fore my wife comes back. You know bet
ter than how to do it, only let nothing be
wanting to give her a cheerful welcome
her have that!'
81 saw thank God, too, Mr.. Warren"
heartily responded Miss Latimer, who was
too good to friend not to be admitted into
the secret of the family prosperity, as she
had shared that Of their adversity-shared
it more completely than ever Silas knew.
Her thoughts reverted now to the diamond
cross-what pity that Mr.. Franklin had
not come in time to preventits being sold =
But of that transaction of course the minister
knew nothing.
All that day Miss Latimer bustled around
with wonderful energy, cleaning and dust
ing and arranging; and, before evening,
new, snowy curtains replaced the old ones
in the windows of Celestine's bedroom, and
one or two other shabby articles were re-
moved and their places supplied, while
fresh flowers were arranged in vases and
frightened and beautified the aspect of eve
rything. Miss Latimer had, perhaps, caught
touch of Celestine's poetic nature during
their intercourse, or perhaps she was only
prompted by loving-kindness to make the
sort of preparation she knew she would en-
joy. At any rate, she resolved to spare no
pains to give her the welcome which her
husband had bespoken for her.
AS to Silas, he felt wonderfully stronger
and better already; and no one looking at
him, could doubt the truth of the statement
that the mind acts more powerfully than
medicine upon the body. Happiness is
grand tonic; and to-day he felt as light and
happy as boy.
lie half hoped that Celestine might return
by this evenings train. 1t was just possible
that she would do so, though he was obliged
to admit that it was scarcely to be expected.
On the whole, he reflected, it would be best
for her to defer her homeward journey until
the following day; otherwise, she would be
too much hurried and fatigued. He pic
tured to himself her disappointment at the
failure Of her errand, her sOrroWful feelings
during her Journey home, her reluctance to
disclose the truth to him, and longed to com
fort and reassure her. What moment OF
ioy it would be for them both when he could
take her into his arms and say, "Be happy,
nv wife, for our troubles are past, our hard
ships at an end; we shall have to struggle
with poverty no more" He could see the
wondering glance of inquiry in the soft eyes,
the Frightening look, the quivering smile
as the truth disclosed itself to her, as plainly
as though the moment had already come.
One more night-yes, only one, he felt sure,
and then he could safely say, ''To-day, she
will be here!"
"It is too late for any one coming by the
train now, Miss I.atimer, think ?" he said
in the evening when the clock had struck
eight.
sure it is. Why, you didn't look for Mrs.
Warren tonight, surely"
sScarcely-yet fancied she might come.
However, l ought to have known she could
not hurry back SO soon. think l will 60 to
bed early, Miss Latimer, because did not
rest very we'll last night, and [ am tired.
Will YOU see that my room is ready"
cts all ready, Mr.. Warren. | am just
out of it minute ago."
Si!as rose, and with a bright, thankful
glance around, moved towards the door. AS
he reached the hall, there was a sound of
the front gate opening, and steps coming