Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-10-20

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My companions ,oere Branksome and
Fosdyke
It seemed as though they were anxious to
make some amends for the shameful treat
ment I ha already received on board the
Golden H .wk. Fosdyke had an endless
store of interesting anecdotes relating to
criminal cases and the peculiarities OF
famous judges and counsel; while Brank-
some's talk was what had found it to be at
Scarborough-renetrated with wit and an
intelligence such as very few men with
whom have ever been in contact have pos
sessed.
But all conversation was stopped by the
arrival Of the letter bag. Ridiculous as I
knew that it must be to expect anything else,
confess that l was disappointed when I
found that there was nothing for me in the
bag. | had secretly chung to the hope that
Mauleverer might have betrayed my posi-
ton to Daisy, in which case I felt assured
that shs would seek some means Of commu-
nicatng with me-
But though there was no letter for me, there
was ws from Great Lorton Hall My in.
| stinct told me which of the letters that
saw Branksome turn over when he received
the parcel from the steward was that which
concerned me most deeply. Yes, I remem-
berd the large, square envelope Daisy had
used when she wrote to me, and across the
table could even identify my darling's
handwriting
| could not take my eyes of Branksome's
face as he read this letter-the first which he
opened. 1t was not very long, but evidently
1t gave the doctor something to reflect
| upon. He read it a second time and ap.
parently pondered its contents carefully in
his own mind. Suddenly he looked up and
caught my eyes fixed intently upon him.
"Ah!" be said, with smile, ~ can under
stand how much you must wish to see what
| Daisy has written. Well, there are no
secrets, so far as can see, which need pre-
vent you reading her letter." and he tossed
| 1t lightly across to me.
1t was written in a tone Of affection and
confidence, and it elated some of the events
which had happened at the hall since Brank-
some left AS the letter had been written
only some three or four days after his de-
| ~, noicx hod Yronrh IN foil R11t
to my rprise and relief the news she told,
30 far as it concerned herself, was good.
Her unce. she said, had altered consider
ably during the last two or three days.
The pas ion and irrtability which had
marked his tempe, for some time had al
most entirely disappeared "He is becoming
more like his dear old self, and he no longer
treats me in the strange, cruel way in which
he did at first O., I do pray SO earnestly
that this happy change may continue. God
grant that he may yet give me back his love,
and that the cloud which has arisen between
US may pass away. You know, dear doctor,
what mean when say that-or rather you
know what / do not mean. I shall never
prove untrue to Mr.. Fenton. I have prom
ised him to be faithful, and though I may
never marry at ALL shall never marry any
but him"
NY eyes sparkled with delight as read
| the dear words I could tell that both
Branksome and Fosdyke were watching me,
| but could not restrain the smile Of Joy that
broke upon my lips.
"Where can he bea" she continued. u am
surprised that should not have heard from
him again and sometimes fear that he is
Ill, or that some misfortune Of another kind
has befallen him. When you return to
England do befriend me, dear doctor, and
try to ascertain where he is. I am forced to
trust every thing in your hands now. You
will not d, sert US bJthl" There was post
cript to the letter which confess l read
with little interest compared with that with
| which I perused those passages that more
immed .a,ely concerned myself 1t ran "a
follows:
u should have told you sooner that my
uncle has not been very well of late. He
has not had the doctor again, however. He
is taking the medicine the doctor prescribed
| when he first saw him
I hoped that Branksome would allow me
to keep this letter, in which there was so
much that had the deepest interest for me.
But was disappointed When he saw that
I had read it through he held out his hand
and received 1t from me.
@Now, Mr. Fenton," he said presently, Il
am going to reason with you. Daisy's letter
proves, think, that Mr. Mauleverer is re-
covering his senses. You, who have seen
him when in his ordinary state Of mind,
must know how gentle and amiable he Is
when free from mental excitement or dis
turbance. want to plead with you for his
forgiveness. Can you not see that when he
Is himself again there will be no man living
who will be more Mortified at the thought Of
the outrage Of which be has made you the
victim than he will be!'
assented to what Branksome said.
"Well, then, be generous to him. Remem-
Der his close connection with Daisy, and for
give him for his conduct, not merely by
word Of mouth, but in your inmost heart"
II am quite ready to do that; indeed,
thought had already done So"
"No, there is only one way in which you
can show at this moment that you are not
unforgiving. That is by remaining on the
yacht. Yes. see that you do not like the
suggestion, but before you reject it consider
one or two points. First, then, you will un-
questionably show magnanimous spirit
which can hardly fail to impress Mr.. Mau-
leverer in your favor when he RECEIVERS en-
tirely from the excitement from which he
has lately suffered; next you will be COM
plying with what I know under such cir
cumstances would be Daisys wish. Do you
not see in her letter how she recommends
you to my protection? Well, I am ready to
protect you, so far as can do so, if you will
follow my advice. Lastly, I believe that
you will be able to get to England sooner
by remaining with us than by any other
way"
I wavered-and was lost The truth Is
that had no grievance against Branksome
or Fosdyke. The former I had learned to
like immensely and to trust entirely. The
latter was one Of the most amusing Of COM
panions. 1t was unpleasant, no doubt, to re-
fleet upon the fact that Flinter was Nne of
the company on board the vessel. But he
had carefully kept out of my way since my
release. and the ship was large enough to per-
NIT him to avoid me entirely if he wished to
do So took the outstretched hand of
Branksome and declared that would finish
my voyage, as had begun it, on board the
Golden Hawk.
| Three days we lay In the harbor at Bodo.