Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-01-03
CHAPTER, RI.

CHAPTER II.
Perhaps the very best account of the cir
cumstances which had led to Mr.. Warren's
sudden marriage may be- found IN ms Wlie's
diary, written soon after her arrival at her
new home.
SANDvILLE, CAL, Aug. 30th, 1S-. Little
did I think, when closed this journal last,
where and amid what surroundings would
open it tagain!
So much has happened since I made the
last entry in these pages, that scarcely
know how to begin my new record! 50
wonderful is the change in my whole lie,
and I sometimes ask myself, am 1 really the
girl who, a few weeks back, was the happy
Celestine de Beaupre, with scarcely care
save that Of my dear fathers failing health &?
Alas that care is no longer mine. 1t is
one month to-day since my precious father
was taken from me, suddenly and almost
without warning. At least, had no fore
shadowing of the event, though have
since thought that to him it was not uneX-
pected. have recalled certain words which
he uttered at various times within the last
few days of his life, which seem to indicate
that he did not expect to live much Longer.
Among other things, he said to me only the
evening before he died
"Celestine, my child, there is one thought
which haunts me continually, and causes me
much disturbance and 1 think the time has
come for me to speak to you of my earnest
desire in regard to it. have thought that
profession such as yours, is dangerous,
very dangerous one for an unprotected girl,
and only my continual presence and watch
fulness, which have been your safeguards,
have reconciled me to allowing you to pur-
sue it. I wish you now to make me SOL
emn promise that if am taken from you,
you will at once abandon it and seek some
other employment"
l laughed-so little apprehension did
feel of losing him!
"Dear Papa" said, kissing him, II will
promise anything you like; but why speak
of such thing now? AS long as have
you with me l need make no change, nor
think of making any,"
"No, dear-nOt while am with you," he
rejoined; and then he sighed. "But Unjust
have your promise" she added presently.
''Seriously, you must give it to me, Celes-
tine, whether you ever have to fulfil it or
not 1t will make my mind easier"
was so accustomed to humOr him in his
little fancies, that I easily granted his wish.
1 gave him my faithful promise, as he de-
manded then left him, thinking nc more
of the matter.
At daylight the next morning was sum-
moned to his dying bed. BY six o'clock he
had breathed his last. \ His last
word to me was 'Rememberv
august 31st I could write no more yes
terday the recollection of that dreadful
scene overcame me.
In a previous entry Of my journal, have
mentioned Mr.. Warren, among other visit
ors at Cedar Springs. On learning my be-
reavement he came to me at once.
His behavior was admirably kind. With
| ;,,fr inn rou
showed so much sympathy that could not
help feeling him to be q true friend. He
took upon himself the whole direction Of
the funeral-I myself was incapable of di-
recting anything, almost of thinking, for
was stunned-and performed the ceremony; ;
and when it was over he talked to me
long while, and so beautifully. He told me
many things I had not thought of before,
and / felt that all he said was right and true,
though it could not heal my wound. He
was with me great deal. l soon began to
feel as if / had known him for years.
At last, one evening, when he had made
me 60 out, little way with him, to get
some fresh air. which he said 1 needed, he
said that he wished to tell me what would
surprise me, he knew, and perhaps even Of
fend me very much, though he hoped not.
"Otfend me-" I repeated. "Oh no, Mr..
Warren, you could not offend me by any
| thing you mlSnC say.
"Would it not offend you, then," he said,
taking my hand, eff you knew that l, being
almost q stranger to you, were presumptu-
Gus enough to cherish the tenderest love for
lXts" lXo"7eVe" 10 nope '""' you '''s''' 'S'"''
looked at him. was stricken dumb.
Because" he went on, pressing my hand
to his breast and speaking with vehemence,
81 do love you, Celestine. I Ihaveloved you
ever since we met. If you will marry me,
I will love you faithfully always; l will
spend my life in trying to make you happy.
1t is true that l am much older than you
are, but none the less will make every joy
and every sorrow of yours my own, and my
longer experience of the world will make
me the filter guide and protector of your
youth. OH child, you might roam the
wide earth over and find no truer heart than
mine; and I-where could L find your
equal?"
1 think those were his very words. |
know every syllable he uttered impressed
itself clearly and distinctly upon me, though
1 felt as if l were listening to them in
dream. had not, for an instant, imagined
such feeling on his part. did not in the
least know how / ought to respond to it. L
certainly was not conscious of loving him
then. But had sort of idea that it was
imperative upon me to do as he wished. My
predominant feeling toward him was graf
itude. was deeply grateful to him for his
Kindness; and felt instinctively, also, that
| could trust him fully. No one could look
in his face and not feel MU. believed him
when he said that his happiness depended
on my decision. And then / was, but for
him, so utterly alone! 1t flashed over me
that my dearest father would have chosen
such a lot for me-that of becoming the wife
of a good, true man who would spend his
life in caring for my happiness.
| asked him for little deay-a little
chance to think. He granted it instantly;
and went back to the house and up to my
room, to try and steady my whiring brain:
MY thoughts were all in confusion, and it
was hours before | could arrange them in
anything like order. 1t was no use recall
ing the past. | had the future to look for
ward to-the present to decide upon. Sup
pose / refused Mr.. Warren, what alternative
lay before me? A life of uncertainty, Of
toll, doubtless of poverty for what resource
had l but the profession which had sol
emnly promised to abandon? Again, |
felt that to marry him simply to ward off
an evil, would be doing him a grievOus
wrong. | knew him to be worthy of my
love. Could give it to him? l question
ed, or tried to question my heart. | believ-
ed that would learn to love him in time.
Of ,toxv