Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-12-08

Cllnlng years, ana son Wuo udu peeh Aeo w
expect fortune as his inheritance.
The little clergyman behaved with singuls'
dignity and straightforwardness He tola
the whole story frankly, and seemed to do
velop fortitude for the trial. We weN
pleased to. hear now from his lips some Of
those phrases about trust in God and resign&
tion to the dispositions Of providence al
which We had sometimes felt inclined to smile
when the sleek little fellow spoke them in thf
pulpit. Indeed, so deep was our commisera
ton for the rector's misfortune that we-who
are neither a church nor, fear, very chart
table people summoned meeting Of lead
ing parishioners, at which we resolved, BY
annual subscriptions, to raise enough to pay
the curates; and thus, without directly pau
perizing our clergyman, we hoped to enable
him to hold his living. In this way Rector
Brent was put in possession of about three
hundred year-not a bad allowance, you
may say; but consider how he had lived
hitherto. The carriage must be put down;
the gardens must be laid out in grass; tha
cozy dinner parties must be given up; Rector
Brent must, for the rest Of his life, walk the
ways of genteel poverty.
Among the first to hear the bad news was
Mrs. Barbara Temple. That excellent little
woman had a maxim for every change and
chance, and upon hearing the tidings she re-
marked that such was the world-up and
down. "If the ups were always up" she
continued, straying for an instant into philos.
ophy, "the downs would never have chance.
There was only SO much money, so much ease,
so much luck, going. What one lost fell to
the lot of another" At the same time she ex-
pressed ard felt genuine sorrow for Mr.. Brent
and for his son, who had always appeared to
! her most promising young fellow.
Shortly after hearing all this, Mrs. Temple
rang for her maid, and sent for Sophia, who
came in with light dancing step, rare with
her; her face was full of glee.
II know what it is, mamma; you want ms
to look at your dress But saw it before You
did. Frightful, it is! You shan't wear it,
dear; not if wear it myself"
Sophia, you look very pretty this morn
ing," the mother said, with much fondness
and admiration, and touch of sorrow too,
as she thought of the disappointment the girl
was about to have "Never mind the gown;
have something to say to you"
Sophia looked wondering into her mothers
serious face, as she took seat beside her.
"Life is full Of trials, Sophy." the kind.
hearted little wording began. mo one is fl
to live who is not ready to meet small vexa-
tions and disappointments, that perhaps al
first don't seem small, and meet them with
cheerful face. One great thing is to remem.
ber-what is undoubtedly true-that moA
disappointments have bright as we'll as
dark side. Indeed, if one looks over ones
life, it is surprising to notice how many mis-.
haps which we either cried over or felt we
would like to cry over, only we restrained
ourselves, become on review matters Of con-
graduation Do you know, Sophy, think
sometimes, when look back over my life,
that what called my misfortunes have in
three cases out of four become either directly
or indirectly sources of happiness after
year or two. don't wish to talk boastfully,
dear; but think some of that is due to my
own good common sense"
She drew herself up with a self-satisfied
air. but instantly resumed her compassionate
tone, while Sophia looked little anxious,
not knowing what was coming. She saw
that her mother watched her closely, as she
delivered herself of these philosophic morsela
II shall not delay what have to say" Mira
Temple went on, stroking her girls hand
kindly. II have heard something this morn
ing which renders your marriage with young
Erent impossible"
mammal" Sophia cried, in great agitation
"These things happen, Sophy," the mother
continued; these things often happen. ]
never told any of you girls before, but as
sure you the first man that proposed to me-
and to whom was OH the point Of being
married-had to fly from England to avoid
transportation.
Mammal" Sophia cried again, but now
srringing to her feet, with a face white with
fear and pain. "Tell me; what is it! He
can't, o, he can't have done anything
wrongw
Nothing wrong, DEAR" she answered. 81
| cnly mentioned my case as in some respects
like yours. No: the Brents are honorable
people, but they are beggars this morning,
Sophy-beggars"
Then, in as few words as she could Use, the
little woman, with most perfect lucidity, told
the stor" of the disaster, remarking, when
she came to the maneuvering widow, that the
rector ought to have kept sharper eye on
his brother.
Because we all know, Sophy, that there are
always widows who will do these things il
they can should as soon think of leaving
my jewel box all night open on my front
doorstep as of leaving a rich relation un-
guarded-if it was my policy to get his
money Now, don't cry, DEAR" she added,
seeing her girls tears flowing fast; things
might have been much worse"
~ am not crying now, mamma" Sophia
said. sobbing, however, while she spoke. II
was frightened at first by what you said. At
nf 7 I
really felt afraid of don't know what. But
it is only money Percival has lost-not char
acter, not honor"
20, no; his honor is untouched, the mother
replied. His character is as good as ever;
and that will, of course, stand by him when
he goes in search of employment Besides,
am glad on your account, dear; for even the
most transient connection of your name with
a person who had done anything wrong would
be disagreeable."
Sophia said nothing. She was drying of
her tears with great brisknsss and assiduity.
It is pleasant sight to see pretty young
woman wiping her tears away, and feather
ing herself into cheerfulness again.
Excellent good sense, Sophia" the mother
said, looking at her with great approval. II
YOU would come to this view of the matter;
but was prepared for little temporary re-
luctance end little girlish romance, and
was prepared to bear it kindly, dear, and to
wait for the return of good sense, which l
knew would not be delayed long. But you
are wise girl, Sophy; nothing like facing
the inevitable boldly, and at once"
"But, mamma" Sophy said, lit is not such
a great trial. Percival can work. We can
both wait"
20, then have mistaken you!" exclaimed
the mother Now, Sophy my dear, you
must not be absurd. This marriage is simply
impossible Wait as long as you may, the
young man cannot make fortune such as
you should expect and require. You will see
this some day"
II promised him would love him always"
Sophia said with artlessness which in an
other wom:n might have seemed affected;
"and am to break my word because my
Door fellow is unfortunate? He has done
nothing. Is he to lose his money and-and
me too!"
At which dreadful prospect Sophia began
to cry again, and worked at her eyes with
her pocket handkerchief, which she had
twisted into sort of ball, as crying women
do.
ut is very nice, kind way of talking,
Sophy," the little diplcmatist said; "and il
does you credit, dear. almost think l like
you better for it. sweet, sweet girl" with
kiss at each adjective But we must u
! prudent. dear Believe me. Sophy, nothing
that is imprudent IS ever kind in the long
run. It may appear so; it never S-not