Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-01-07

ing in mud puddle. He declared that ne
had left the baby sitting by the window,
and knew nothing whatever of her disap-
| pearance.
CHAPTER II.
About mile beyond the western boun-
Diary of Maysville, (the town in which the
Fairfaxes liyed), stood handsome stone
building, surrounded by fine trees; in front
was spacious and well-kept lawn, embel-
lished here and there with gay floWer-beds,
and sloping down towards river where, in
the summer months, pleasure boats glided
to an fro. A high iron fence enclosed the
grounds, and on the massive gate large
Silver plate bore the inscription, "Asylum
for Orphans and Foundlings."
Some ten years prior to the date at when
the opening of my story commences, the be-
nevolence of an aged lady, who had no
near relatives to inherit her fortune, had
led to the existence of this charitable in
stitution; and hundreds of destitute and for
to the friendly shelter which they had
found within its walls. Some of its first
inmates, indeed, still owned it as their
home. Though many had left it to find
other abodes, some as adopted children OF
wealthy parents, others to occupy less elevat-
ed, though perhaps not less happy positions.
Careful inquiry was made by those in
charge of the institution, regarding the
character of all who applied for children,
and no applications were granted unless
such inquiries were answered in satisfac-
tory manner.
1t was pleasant afternoon in the month
of June; Groups of young children were
scattered about the large playground, some
| hOnnS aI0np the
graveled walks, some racing together, some
Quietly amusing themselves with dolls or
books, but all looking happy, satisfied and
at home. Here and there was nurse in
charge of baby or sickly child. These
nurses were all selected from the older in
mates of the Asylum, ranging in age from
fourteen to seventeen years, and none but
the careful and willing were promoted to
such responsible post.
Within doors the aspect was almost az
cheerful as the one without, for it was the
holiday hour between dinner and study
time, and none need be busy unless they
advantage of this privilege to lay aside all
tasks, and devote themselves solely to rest
or recreation; but here and there might be
seen an especially industrious one still bend
| ing over lessons or over work, needless OF
the gay chatter going on about him or her,
and intent only on accomplishing fixed
object.
In the girls dormitory-which was COM
posed Of a suite OF four airy rooms, extend
ing the entire length of the building-a
party of five orsiX were gathered. Ofthese,
three, the most important of the number,
shall be formally presented to the reader.
Clara Conway, u tall and very tine-look-
ing girl of seventeen reclined indolently on
chintZ-covered settee, with a copy OF
"David Copperfield" in her hand; for stand
ard novels were permitted in recreation
| time, and to her sentimental mind the loves
of David and Dora were the most charming
thing in the whole book-the only part of it
in fact, which afforded her much interest.
"Cometh up as Flower" or Not Wisely,
but Too Well" would doubtless have been
still more to her taste, but such literature
did not meet with the appreciation of the
were strictly forbidden. Clara had been in
the Asylum six years, was an assistant in
the sewing department, and had charge of
| class in the SciIOOrOOm. Her dreams were
of a wealthy lover, with flowing blond mus
tachois, who should one day discover her
and bear her away to luxurious home,
where she might dress in silk and satin,
and lie down with u novel in her hand
whenever she should feel disposed.
Seated near her, and forming striking
contrast in appearance, was a little dark
creature, thin wiry, and plain in feature
with the exception of a pair of bright, rest
less black eyes, which at once enchaned the
notice of an observer, SO Intelligent was
their expression, and so keen their search
ing gaze. This was Sophy Merton, Clara's
"cOnscience," as the others called her, for
her influence over the lazy beauty was al
most unbounded, and was nearly always
exercised in favorable manner, for Sophy
was honest to the core, and though her
tongue was sometimes as sharp as her eyes,
she was never known to do q mean action,
or utter an untruthful word. She was a
great authority in the culinary regions, de-
| lighting in pies and cakes, and had no great
er ambition than to stay at the Asylum for
ever with her dear Mrs. Ellery, the matron
whom she loved with all her heart.
Seated at little table with her cheek rest
ing on her hand, bending over an open vol
ton, was Magdalen Frost, the oldest girl in
the institution, though she had entered it
but three years ago. Magdalen could re-
member childhood Of ease and luxury, in
the home of wealthy parents; but her faith
er's failure, and the subsequent death OF
himself and her mother, with no near rela-
tives living to care for her, had led to her
! finding a shelter amid these, to her, most
uncongenial surroundings. No sentiment
of affection towards those who here be-
friended her had ever stirred her heart.
She loathed the enforced discipline, the
| plain, neat uniform which she found deg
radiation, the companionship of the obscure,
and still worse, the nameess ones, who
were all placed on an equality within these
walls, from which she felt an intense desire
to escape. She was qualifying herself for a
! teacher, in the hope of entering field in
which she could expect promotion. She had
faith in her ability, and an unlimited pow.
er of self-concentraton on any cherished
aim; and devoted to the higher branches ol
education every moment which she could
spare from her regular duties. 1t can read
lily be understood that she was not favor
ite, for utter seltishness seldom wins liking
or esteem, in any position of life. Still, she
possessed a certain Importance, even in the
eyes of those who were repelled by her cold
and naughty bearing, and who would as
little have dreamed of seeking to be famil'
lar with her as of courting warmth on the
surface of an iceberg.
She was really of better class than the
majority of her associates, and the superin