The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1888-01-25

ton by Mrs. Clayton, my treatment since
my arrival there, and my difficulty with EV'
ing Barrett that afternoon.
The young man seemed puzzled.
"You are sure you are no relation to Mrs.
Clayton" he said, after few moments
thought.
"None that know Of, SIR" replied,
certainly, if was she would not treat me
So,
Mr. Dudley smiled perhaps not" he
said. '!But" he added, starting suddenly,
II am going away tomorrow, Dorcas q had
already told him my name), and shall not be
back for years. am going abroad to finish
my education. 1may be gone three, four Or
even five years. I am sorry am going so
soon for your sake I would see if could
not unravel this mystery, for mystery 1t
surely is. But, as I said before, am gong
and have not time now. But now listen TO
me, Dorrie: Be good girl; never mind the
saeers and gibes of the family, but attend
to your books. You have kind teacher,
you say, that is good. Make as many friends
as you can and as few enemies. Don't run
away, as I dare say you are thinking OF, but
stay here. Let me find you here when re-
turn. Will you do as wish, little one?"
ssI will never do any thing you would not
like, Mr.. Dudley,"I answered, simply, and
for years kept that promise.
'sThat is right" he answered, gladly.
seNow we will 60 to the house"
He arose and took my hand and I trudged
along by his side, feeling, knew not why,
strangely safe and glad. When we reached
tie house he paused:
Goodnight, Dorrie," he said. 'Remem-
Der what I have told you. You were hiding
tonight, little one. Don't do it again, Dor
cas-. Be open and frank and generous IN
your actions, it's the best way, dear. Re
member what I have told you and your
promise to me. 7 shall hold you to that
promise, Dorcas," and he smiled. II am
your TREND" he continued, "and as a
pledge I will give you this,'' and he pressed
into my hand something that glittered
brightly.
esKeep this" he said; 0don't part with it
unless Won can do no other way. Now
good-bye.' He raised me in his arms and
kissed me; then, letting me 60, disappeared
within doors.
looked at the token be had given me. It
was bright golden dollar that was shining
on my palm. I saw and felt rich indeed,
for had never owned but single piece OF
money before, and that was a large copper
cent which little Paul at the home had given
me, and which now, wrapped in paper, re-
posed in box in my room where kept my
few scanty keepsakes. laid this away
with them when reached my room, and
then crept into bed, feeling quite cheerful
and happy. Some one cared for me-some
one was my friend. This thought comforted
me more than can tell, and fell as!cc,> to
dream of Mr.. Dudley and his magnificent
present.
The next day, or morning rather, saw
the two gentlemen drive away, and knew
my one friend was going far from me, and
could scarcely keep back the tears; but
resolved to try, as Mr.. Dudley had told me,
to make the best Of things, and I succeeded
very well, though my life was a hard one,
shut out as was from all companionshir
with children of my own age. Except my
schoolmates at school knew no one, and
these was strictly forbidden to visit or in
vite inside the gate of ''The Heights"
Ny only company, therefore, was the serv'
ants of the household, and though they
were always kind to me, often felt was
in the way, and considered nuisance
At such times I would wander away by
myself and sit for hours on the mossy banl
of the lake, or under the shade of tree
in some part of the grounds where no one
could see me, and there read and re-reao
the few books had picked up.
Once year the family went away for 6
month or so, and then. unseen, would stea
through the grand rooms, feasting my eyes
on the beauties of the costly furniture, plct
ures, carpets and statuary which the house
contained. T often wondered eff the little
heiress of Caledon (the dead one meant,
had ever trayersed these rooms, or hel
childish laughter or chatter ever echoed
through the house, or had she died Ignorant
of all this grandeur that should have beer
hers. inquired Of Maggie about her, TO,
somehow felt a strong interest and sym
pathy for the little girl who had died wher
She had so much to live for. But Maggie
knew nothing about her. She had died long
before she came there, she said; and she die
not even know her name, though she be
leyed it was Dolly, or some thing Like it
sThe housekeeper could tell ye," she said
but disiked to ask questions Of this grave
parsonage, and so remained in ignorance
Of what might have been great benefit
to me.
Iseldom went to church, and I missed the
sermon we had always been used to hear
each Sabbath and our quiet Sabbath school
very much. The family went to church in
their grand carriage, and liveried coach
man drove their handsome horses for them.
The servants were permitted to attend once
in the day at any church they chose; but
few availed themselves of this privilege.
preferringto gather in the kitchen and gos-
sip. Maggie occasionally went to church, but
the church she attended was a Romanish one
and I did not understand word of what
was said; so I begged to remain at home, g
request she was only too glad to grant.
often wondered st my strange life, for