Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1888-03-21

"Ah, that makes a difference. suppose;
that's why they are both so fond of you," he
added, with sigh.
"Fond Of me?"
'You might marry either of them to-mor-
row, if you cared to hold up your little
finger; I can see that"
"What NONSENSE
"Oh, it's true enough" he cried.
laughed.
Then shant hold up my little finger"
''That's right he said; and he actually
drew long. deep breath, as though it relieved
him to hear lie say no; ''for that captains q
pompous old noodle-a selfish party, who's
stuck to my telescope whole week-and the
railway man would fdget any woman out OF
her life in a fortnight"
"What's the matter with him."
He's an old woman, that's all"
upon my honor, you'are very uncompli-
mentary in your verdict upon my dodgers. "
II hate your keeping lodging house." he
muttered.
MY poverty and not my will consents" I
answered
He was very silent for long time now.
The visitors had hurried homeward, or had
,ought shelter like ourselves, the band had
ceased playing, the rain was coming down in
earnest.
May l ask favor of you before Igo back
to London" he said suddenly and very
hoarsely.
What is it,"
"Will you say yes"
"Not till I know what it is about" re-
piled, with spirit, certainly not
"Well, then," he cried, ''don't give mo
back that little bird carved. You said you
would, and it has been preying on my mind
that it will come flying back some day when
least expect it and SO upset me terribly. I
want it hanging on your wall, to remind you
Of ine sometimes. You know; being a bird
like me. you see, it must And though our
acquaintance did not commence auspiciously,
still you have forgotten and forgiven,
| haven't you."
'"Well-yes-almost.'
And you'll keep that little carving."
perhaps will
BLESS you, Jane-Miss Neild, I meau.
And now
| was getting alarmed at his vehemence,
and very much afraid of what he would say
next. jumped up.
II think I will 60 home to Lily. She's all
alone, poor girl"
But it's raining cats and dogs"
Il don't mind the rain, and I'm fond of
cats and dogs l said, tripping from the
shelter and struggling to open the umbrella
which Lily had lent to me.
You have caught cold in the rain before
now," he said, dryly; ''do stop few minutes
longer"
Mol said, shaking my head, II would
rather not"
"Hcre, let me manage that thing for you,
then' he said, making dash at the umbrella,
opening it and holding it above my head, ''if
you must run away; but you'll get very wet. u
1--WE got my waterproof."
"Yes, but-oh, Lord.'
"What is the natter" I exclaimed, as he
turned very red and white, just as I had seen
him on the fort, only now lie looked at me as
if 1 were ghost and my spectral appearance
had frightened him.
He did not reply at once, and cried:
''Oh, what is the matter! Aren't you well
Won't you tell me?"
"It's all right; that is, shall be all right
in minute" he answered, in quite new and
hard tone of voice; "don't mind me-
"What can it bel"
81 tell you it's nothing, Miss Neild," he
said. ''Don't take any notice Of me, please.
had rather you didn't"
1t was strange request, but did not.
maintained rigid silence, being little net
| tied presently at his own silent movements al
my side, his steady stare ahead of him, the
stern expression on his face. He marched
along in so grave and dumb fashion at last
that could have slapped his face for him
What did he mean by such behavior, I Won
dered: At the end of the jetty he brought
my heart into my mouth by suddenly roaring
out:
''No, I'll never believe it! It's magic, it's
q lying dream, it's anything but this! I can't
believe it Of you; I'd rather jump into the
sea than think of it for another moment"
''Think what2 Good gracious! why don't
you tell me?'
s'Think that you have deceived me all the
time. You, too, of all the lot of them!'
"What have I done, Mr. Bird!'
"This-this umbrella" he cried
"Well?"
"It-it's tho umbrella I dropped down youl
area! My fathers present; can swear to il
anywhere. They're my initials on that silver
collar, 'G. B. Oh! heaven and Garth, tx
fancy for one instant that you-Miss Neild
I am going raving mad. Look at it, lool
at itm
Istared from him to the umbrella, which
he had thrust into my hands, and felt going
mad myself. I looked SO terribly mean ant
guilty, and yet was so perfectly innocent
and did not want him now to have one
| thought against me. was confused; die
not know how to explain; felt too indig
nant in the midst Of my grief even to try t.
explain; for he should not have jumped tx
conclusions in this way, but have waited
and then I burst into tears.
"Oh, pray don't cry" he called out, "fol
1nercy's sake, don't, Jane; don't care about
the umbrella now, don't mind your tax
ing"-
'It's-its not miae!' I Iscreamed out at last
'It was lent me by Lily Brian, because sh'
thought it-it-it would rain before l go
home. Therem
''Thank God! What al awful thief she i
for one so young" he cried. Il am so tire
mendously glad, though, so awfully glad"-
s'Take your umbrella" I cried, pitching i
at him; "und I'm glad it's found, too, very" "
81 don't mean I'm glad I've found it, bu
that you"-
"How dare you suspect me 1cried, SWEEP
ing majestically away from him, but he TO
lowed me and held the umbrella over IN
head again, and overwhelmed mc with hui
ried and incoherent apologies, which l dt
clined to accept.
| AID ba n
"Pray be rational, Miss Neild. 'B' stands fo
Brian as well as Bird. Is Mr.. Brian's Chris
tian name George, do you think
"Dont speak to me- You know It's you
umbrella
"It is little like it." he said, dismally.
~ don't want any miserable evasions, MI
| Bird, and never want to see or speak to 20
again, and p
"Why, Jenny, what's the matter!' erie
Lily Brian. suddenly appearing round tn
corner of the street, and under another un
brella, and with q shawl over her arm
"Where have YOU been! Ma was afraid yo
wanted more wraps, and has sent ME ou
with them, and-how dye do, Mr.. Bird
Who'd have thought of seeing you this We
day.
| i've OIellletl Miss Nellu, Ho 'eli"' A-
smiling in the least at her arch manner c
address to him.
You! Oh. what about:" she cried. :.
''That nasty, hateful umbrella" sale
"Where did you get it, Lily: oh! where Oh
you get it:''
"Whats the matter with the umbrella:
asked Lily, very cool and self possessed.
''It-it's not yours l exclaimed. y
never was yours