Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-03-19

OF his Delng USnC-mlnOeQ or lTlVOlOuS, u!-
less thee considers such terms applicable
to the natural joyousness and unreserve OF
youth, particularly where it has been un-
tramelled by the enforcement of our stricter
rules and observances. Even our own Lis
beth, as thee knows, does not adhere to the
customs to which we have been used; but
how is she the worse for it ?"
"Is she not the worse for it? Has thee
become renegade to our time-honored
creed, that it seems so slight thing to have
her depart altogether from it?"
"Thee knows that nearly all the young
people of our sect have freed themselves
from our old-time restraint Lisbeth has
done no more than the rest-and will say,
and every one knows, that NOR obedient
and dutiful daughter can nc here be
found" cried Prudence, warmly. "And L
have come to think, of late, that our saliva
| ton does not depend upon q formal exterior
or an intolerant spirit, but that true religion
is not inconsistent with suitable degree of
merriment, and moderate seeking after
pleasure. AS to Henry Monteith, we have
found him neither vain nor irreligious, and
we have no reason to fear that he will exer-
else an unholy influence over the precious
charge we are about to yield into his keep
ing. Does thee think that we would be JUS
titled in marring her happiness, perhaps for
life, by refusing our sanction to her marri-
age, simply because the young man to whom
she has given her heart has been brought up
with wider views than ours? l tell thee,
Friend, we cannot draw the line so close.
NV conscience fully acquits me in this mat
ter, and Reuben feels as do"
"Well, I can only hope it will turn out for
the BEST" said Friend Simpson "but if thee
finds thyself mistaken, do not forget that |
warned thee in time, and that [ have acted
according to the moving of the spirit"
Although Prudence had so strongly de-
Tended herself against the attack of her
sour-minded visitor, the interview left an
unpleasant impression upon her, nor could
she entirely shake off its depressing effects.
Had he been truly moved by the Spirit to
wrong not to heed it? She could not be-
lieve so-and yet the thought perversely re-
Cured to her that possibly she might have
taken the wrong course, for she was always
prone to believe herself incapable of judg-
ing, and bow to the superior wisdom OF 9TH
ers.
However, the time for deliberation pass
ed, and the wedding-day arrived. Harry
had come down the night before, and all
misgivings seemed to vanish under the
cheering influence of his presence. The
bridal company assembled in the little par
lor, the bride herself looking as lovely as
poets dream, in her robe of simple white,
and her cloudy lace veil, crowned with
white blossoms natural blossoms, for Pru
dence would have no artificial ones adorn
her child-and the marriage ceremony was
duly performed. There was a quiet break
fast, and then came the sorroWful moment
of parting-tears, hand-clasps, warm caress-
es, whispered words of attempted cheer
and Lisbeth, with her husband, passed over
the threshold of the home which had shell
&l hnr hny> fn htff AL ih
she could no longer call her own.
They travelled all day, and stopped late
in the evening in little town a few miles
distant from the city where MIR. Monteith
resided.
"Shall we not 60 on to your home to-
night ?" Elizabeth asked for she had sup
posed that they would complete their jour-
ney at once.
"Not tonight love, I must have quiet
evening alone with you here-and my uncle
does not expect u.s." replied Harry.
They had supper which they made mer-
ry over, feeling it something new and de-
lightful that they should thus sit down to
meal together, and that it was natural and
right for them to do so; Harry was full of
lively talk, and the evening sped away
rapidly and without constraint, until Eliza
beth made some chance allusion to their
future arrangements, when a shadow sud-
denly fell on the brightness of her husbands
spirits.
"Lisbeth, love-" he said after brief
pause, ~ want to make a confession TO
you which | have postponed too long al
ready; but count on your goodness to for
give me. I have not been quite as honest
with you as l ought-or with my uncle
either"
Elizabeth regarded him with surprise.
"What do you mean, Harry? Doesn't
your uncle approve of your marrlage:" she
asked.
"He does not know of it yet," replied
Harry, feeling very much like culprlt as
he met the inquiring glance OF her clear
eyes, but resolved to make prompt and
free confession.
"Why, Harry! Do you mean that you
have kept it a secret""
ayes, and I'll tell you why. He was anX-
ious for me to marry a girl that he has taken
a fancy to and l was unwilling to break
the truth to him .prematurely, because felt
sure that as soon as he should know y0u he
would be entirely reconciled to my choice
so l decided to wait until l could present
you to him as my wife, and claim his for
giveness for having stolen a march upon
him."
Elizabeth looked greatly troubled, and the
| tears came into her eyes.
. "You should not have done this" she said
! in low tone.
"My darling, did it for the welfare of US
both. / was anxious, too, to keep my place
in the bank as long as possible, because, not
having many expenses, that has enabled
me to lay up little sum on which we can
depend, if" he stopped.
"YOu mean that it is likely now that you
will lose your place."
"Not likely-but possible; it depends on
my uncle, and on the impression you make
on him." said Harry. caressng her hand.
She drew it away; vivid flush sutfused
her cheek.
"What a position you have placed me
I'M" she exclaimed. 81 shall not dare to
meet your uncle-he will never believe but
that l have been party to this conceal
ment!'
"Do you suppose for an instant that I
would allow you to take any share of the
blame >" cried Harry. "What must you
think of me? Oh, Elizabeth, my darling,
don't turn against me-who have l got in
the wide world to love me but you? | ac-
knowledge that / have acted ioolishly-
wickedly, perhaps, in conealing the truth
but surely you ought not to be the one to
condemn me-"
Elizabeth burst into tears. He clasped
her to him., and she hid her face on his
breast. "Forgive me-" she sobbed; 81 ought
not to have reproached you; see we must
help each other now and always. l know
you were placed in a hard position; but
YOU see | was so taken by surprise, scarce
! ly knew what said"
So they kissed and made friends, like q
! po;r of children who had ana rreled and