Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-09-11
CHAPTER II.

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CHAPTER II.
Sunshine and showers had marked
the April day, but Phnbus had at last
overcome and it was a bright beauti-
full sunset on which Henrietta Nc
Arthur stood gazing. She was out on
a narrow porch which formed the en-
trance of the house, and looked weari-
ly on the sinking sun.
A sad change seemed to have fallen
on the girl. She was pale, almost
haggard. Dark circles were marked
around her eyes, and in them was a
scared, restless, helpless look, quite
pitiful. The sound of approaching
horses awoke her from her reverie.
She turned, and coming up the avenue.
nearly at the gate, she deserted Mr.,
Taylor, of Georgetown. For one mo-
ment, look of joy lighted her face
then faded away. A sadder helpless
ness it. seemed, by contrast, perhaps,
than before, settled there.
He dismounted hastily as he caught
sight of her, without waiting to throw
his reins to his servent-who was
coming a little behind on sturdy
nag, carrying his masters portmanteau
behind him but dropping them on his
horses neck, he went swiftly through
the gateway, and ran up the steps say
ing, almost before he had shook hands !:
"Are you surprised to see me, Miss
Henrietta I came to Charleston, not
having an idea of your absence and
your father told me you were domiciled
here until your mothers return. He
kindly gave me leave to come on and
see you, and to insure me welcome,
made me the bearer of your mothers
last letter, received by the last mail"
She took the missive nervously and
asked eagerly
"When is father coming?" Then
anxiously show long will you stay ?"
In his pleasure at meeting her, the
young man, at the moment, did not
seem to note the strangeness of her
manner, or her altered appearance,
and answered her pleasantly.
"Mr. Campbell told ME to tell you,
Mr.. Cover is away from home courting
so busily, the affairs are all on his
shoulders, and it will be impossible
for him to come up and see you before
the fall but said you must be good
girl, mind your uncle and aunt, and
not get homesick. / can only stay un-
til day after tomorrow, for when l left
home never dreamed of coming here,
and if I do not get home the day ap-
pointed, mother will imagine all man.
ner of horrible accidents have befallen
me-"
Henrietta Macarthur, as he ceased
speaking, burst into nervous tit OF
tears. Just then, Mr.. Robert Cam
BELLS voice was heard in the yard, and
they saw him coming toward the door.
She hastily retreated, leaving Mr..
Taylor in state of distressed wonder.
1t was teatime when he again met her.
Now he closely marked the sorrowtul
change which had come over the girl.
With his suspicious aroused he narrow
| ly watched Mrs. Robert Cambell.
She too, looked sad and anxious, but
was courteous and kind as was her
wont, and in her manner toward Hen
rietta he seemed to discern greater
tenderness than he had ever noted be-
fore. Mr.. Cambell was the same pleas
ant, gay gentleman, and seemed to en-
ioy the visit of Mr.. Taylor exceedingly,
paying but little attention, beyond the
courtesies of the table, to either his
wife or Miss Macarthur. The latter re-
tired early, and Taylor found no op-
portunity for any private conversation
with her, and the few remarks he ad-
dressed to her were answered in mono
syilables.
The next day he tried in vain to see
her by herself, determined to ask her
why she was so unhappy. How un-
speakably he longed to tell her of his
love, and strive with assurances of his
affection to win return and her con-
fdence; but love was IL tabooed sub
iect between them.
Mr.. Cambell-her step-father-had
questioned Taylor plainly, received an
honest confession, and required a
promise from the young man That no
declaration should pass his lips to
Henrietta, until her mothers return.
Then, the old gentleman gave his
word, no obstacle should be thrown in
the way of his success. Mr.. Taylor
felt it a reasonable request, and though
hard to accede to, he did not demur /;
but gave the old man the promise.
Mr.. Robert Cambell was devoted to
his self-invited guest, never leaving
him to himself, or even to the ladies,
for moments entertainment, and
seemed entirely bent on making him
enjoy himself. He insisted on show
ing him his place, horses, and hounds /;
made up a fox-chase for his benefit,
and expressed himself as exceedingly