Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-08-04
CHAPTER XXI.

Upstairs lay Jenny, Ill tue ueeP oiuihooA
which profound WEAKNESS in youth begets;
the solemn sleep that, like death, smooths the
countenance into an expression for which
human knowledge has no definition With
out a stir in her she lay, and the mysterious
sweetness of her face was a sight for love to
look upon with fear.
Suddenly she started, and awoke with one
of those quick leapings from sleep which the
sleepless soul will force the body into, and
sat erect, with frown of bewilderment, and
her beautiful eyes alarmed and eager She
had no watch to tell the hour, but upon the
carpet lay q streak Of sunshine, and the mel
low glory OF it was hint to draw her
quickly to the window.
The sun was high, and splendor as Of
noontide upon the land. In sure belief that
she had oversight the hour for the passing Of
the coach, she took her hat in her hand and
went downstairs The first thing she beheld
was the big Dutch clock just beside the door;
the hands of it pointed to the quarter past
ten, so that Marples was not to be reached
that day without posting.
With her eyes fixed upon the clock, she
stood on the last step of the staircase, and
her baffled intentions plainly showed in the
wonder and embarrassment Of her face
until Mrs. Walker threw open the glass door
of the bulkhead dividing the passage from
what would now be termed the bar, and,
dropping her little courtesy, hoped that She
was the better for her rest
aBut have missed the coach, fear" said
Jenny, "if that clock be right"
ut is right enough, ma'am. But Mrs
Mead is in the parlor, and will tell thee how
this happd, if she be not sleeping" replied
Mrs. Walker, with something like look Of
contrition on her face, if it were not nervous
ness.
Without further words Jenny pu,hed opnn
the parlor door, and there, sure enou"h. al
full length upon the sofa. was Mrs III ad
asleep
But Jenny was In straits which would not
permit of tender thoughtfulness. She wanted
to know why she had been allowed to miss
the coach and what she was now to do. And
so gave Mrs Neal push, which set the old
woman talking in her sleep. GAY, ay, thee
need'st not bother-the Lord love 'ee-an' it's
as true as this hand-yaw"
aMrs. Mead! Mrs. MeadW
The old woman opened her eyes, stared at
Jenny, lifted her head, gave terrific yawn,
and planting her loose knuckles into the net
work about her eyes, exclaimed in smoth-
ering voice, "rve bin cs:e.p do believed"
"Mrs Mead it's Qulrter past ten, and
the coach has been gone this long while. Oh,
why was l allowed to sleep! shall not get
away this day; and here must l stop, for l
have not money enough to hire post chase!"
cried Jenny.
"Sit down, mistress, and think bit before
We quarrel For maybe I'll be showing ye
that it's no fault o mine yeve missed the
coach, and then how sorrowful would your
heart be for being angry with Mother Mead,
who loves YOU, said the Cd woman, continu-
ing to rub her eyes until all the sleep was
squeezed out of them. "Sally, Sally" she
.uueaked; and on Mrs. Walker running in,
Mrs. Mead exhorted her to procure breakfast
at once for Jenny, and to look in upon them
again presently, which was as good as say
ing, "Don't listen now, at all events"
"You must not think l could be angry with
you," said the girl, mournfully, "but it is
sad thing for me to lose the coach; for
hoped to be with Bridget this day, and i'll q
quiet place, where could think how am to
act in the future"
"And what's to stop you thinking here"
exclaimed Mrs. Mead. "lSnC IL uulcb
enough!-for hours together ye shall hear no
sound but the hens talking and scraping in
the road Besides it's nearer thy home nor
Marples. And Jenny, Mrs. Jenny! I'll own
to thee it's my fault We missed t coach; and it
were my wish ye should. What did say to
zee last night! Dreadful scandal will follow
you when folks hear you have room away,
and 1 will not help thee to be foolish"
Jenny looked at her with astonishment and
fear. Whatever force the objection might
still possess, she thought that Mrs. Mead had
put it aside for good and all when she offered
to walk with her to Winston.
"Give yourself time to think" continued
the old woman "If We should have mind
to return to your mother, It's an easy walk
from here; if you will still so forward, then
the coach will be at this dosr tomorrow
morn. But ye be taking mighty step in
quitting home without iver letting cratur'
but me know where you've gone It's be-
cause love you that I've let you miss the
coach, and given you whole day for refiec-
ton wi thy home close at hand"
"My mind is quite made up" said Jenny,
! moving restlessly about the room. "l will
not return homa.'