Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-01-22
an Original Storg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
WHO WAS MAUD MILLER !?
BYVIcToR VERNON.
PART II.
AT THE MINES.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.
A gray, lowering November day.
It had stormed all night, and now the
clouds and the wind, having seemingly
spent themselves for the present, stood IN
allowance, as if to recruit their strength for
fresh efforts in the near future. Hoarse
mutterings were heard on the mountain
tops, and the mountain streams, swollen
into cataracts by recent deluge OF rain,
roared and foamed thunderously through
their rocky channels, or flung themselves
with fury from their steep heights into the
chastns below.
Black and gloomy looked the Sierras, as
they stretched their winding lengths along
the horizon, losing their snoW-croWned
in its folds. At the base of one of thelrspurs
was scattered a rude mining camp, lately
sprung into existence, among hundreds OF
others in the vicinity. For the thirst for
gold had brought sudden influx of human
ity into this quarter, where rich deposits OF
the precious metal had lately been discov-
cred.
Distinguished from the surrounding cab
ins by it's superior size and finish, ana
standing, as if upon its merits, in dignited
seclusion, beneath solitary and wind
twisted Tree, WAS UIO" uWSllIHS "hoSS
inmates, like itself, were of sort different
from the common herd.
At the door of this little brown house
stood, on this November morning, the figure
ola girl, who appeared to be watching earn
estly for some expected object. Needless OF
the keen, cutting atmosphere, whose breath
must have penetrated her none too warm
attire, and chilled her frame, she stood bare
headed, her hands clasped together, hang
ing loosely before her, and her large blue
eyes fixed, with an intent and sorrowful
gaze, on the farthest visible point OF mar
row path that wound towards the camp.
"Looking out for somebody, my lass ~
asked a rough, hearty voice. The question
was uttered by miner, g. cheerful-looking
old fellow, known in the camp as Rusty
Jim, who was passing by on some errand to
the single store, that did thriving trade.
The girl instinctively drew up her slender
figure, as if offended by the familiar mode
of address.
II am waiting for my father" she rejoin.
ed, after moments pause, with a quiet
and serious dignity of manner rather unu-
sual among the rough-and-ready society of
Bear Camp.
"Yes." The word was spoken reluctant
ly, after another pause.
80, we'll! cheer up, he'll be along after
q while, guess" said Rusty Jim, encour-
agingly, and nodding to her, with friend
illness which her distant manner could not
quell, he strobe on, whistling tune.
The girl went into the house and shut the
door.
"They all know! They all know!" she
exclaimed vehemently, as she began to
walk with rapid steps up and down the
narrow room, where cosy fire, shedding q
warm radiance on its homely yet tasteful
appointments, offered pleasant contrast to
the cheerlessness without.
Breakfast had been got ready some time
before, and now stood waiting IN warm
corner of the hearth. A little table was
spread with coarse but white cloth, on
which two plates, two knives and forks, and
an equal number of blue china cups and
saucers, were neatly arranged in preparation
for the delayed meal.
The Young mistress of the premises,
stopping at last in her restless walk, sat
down despondently by the fire, and with
her chin resting in her hand, idly watched
the flicker of the flames.
Suddenly, at the sound of an approaching
footstep, she started up again with joyful
exclamation. The door opened, and instead
of her father q younger man entered. He
was handsome, well-formed fellow, dress
ed in rough hunting suit, which bore ev-
licences of much scrambling through mlry
places. At his heels came big dog, which
instantly dashed past him towards the girl,
upon whom it leaped with noisy demQnstra-
tions ofjoy.
sDown, Lionn' cried his master. And
pushing him aside, he held out his arms,
"Well, Maud, haven't you any welcome
for me?"
eyes, yes" she replied, beautiful blush
suffusing her face; and in an instant she
was pressed to his heart.
"You did not seem enthusiastic, on my
first appearance, he said raising her head
that he might look into her eyes.
II was so surprised, Edgar! l was look
ing for father, instead. l did not know you
had returned"
"Where's your father?"
"Out," said Maud, her glance dropping.
'He went off yesterday morning -and-he
hasn't come back yet"
''And l daresay you were up all night,
waiting for him."
81 felt too anxious to Sleep" said the
girl, sadly.
eyes, of course. This is the way things
60 on" exclaimed Edgar, impatiently,
whilea frown darkened his brow, and re-
leasing his hold of her, he thrust his hands
in his pockets and stood before her hearth,
warming himself. "You are wearing y0,n'
life out in worry and in work, losing your
rest and your peace of mind, and growing
thinner and paler every time see you and
am wearing out mine waiting for you"
Maud's lip quivered. ''lt is on your ac-
count that grieve," she murmured.
"And not on your own: You don't feel
any regret personally, in this Indefinite
postponement Of our marriage: You are
Indifferent to the delay: You are resign
ed to our separation
'No, did not mean it in that way" she
answered, gently. 81 only meant that my
own troubles would not be SO hard for me to
bear if they affected me alone. But when
know that yom' happiness is involved, the
knowledge makes me suffer-"
"You look as though you had suffered"
said Edgar, scanning her face. Hetook her
hand again and drew her near him. "Oh I!
Maud, all this makes me nearly wild. 1t is
time to put an end to it; it is, indeed.
can't stand it much louger. Why must we
waltz"
because there is no help for it, Edgar"
''There is. You are not bound to stay
here"
"Not bound!" She raised her soft eyes,
with surprised look, to his face.
"No. You are not bound to stay with
such a father-a man who has forfeited all
claim to your obedience-a gambler-l
drunkard-"
"Oh! stop, stop.' She laid her hand,
in trembling entreaty, on his lips. ut all
sounds so dreadful! And he is my father"
as it not all truew
For answer, she hid her face and burstinto