Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-08-16
listlessly, looking at her with dull won

der.
"And think" with a certain prim
dignity, speaking with palpable effort,
II think you ought to be informed that
he has uttered threats against you on
account Of your devotion to Artalissa. I"
"Well, upon my world" he cried,
laughing harshly. "Thank you for
warning me, Miss Ellery. It is really
very kind, especially that delicate little
reference to my devotion to Artalissa
cannot sufficiently express my appre-
citation"
II might have known you would take
it like that; that Iwould get no thanks
for meddling with your affairs, " she
exclaimed, angry tears rising to hSr
eyes. In truth, she could have bitten her
tongue out now for the impulsive words.
"Heaven knows why did it. I"
"But do thank you, Miss Ellery.
Have not said it?" he replied, his tone
bitterly ironicaL "It shows solicitude
on your part I should hardly have ex-
pected. It is really quite fattering.
But, to reassure you, I don't think Jim
will wax very dangerous until my de-
votion to Artalissa''-with an angry
emphasis on the words-'shall have
developed into something beyond the
bald acquaintance it has been up to
date"
II don't know what your idea Of bald
acquaintance may be-" she rejoined,
irritated beyond reason at the scofting
words, "but I may as we'll tell you that
Jim saw everything at the dance the
other night From the glimpse Of his
face caught afterward I think he may
be inclined to disagree with you per.
haps as to the privileges involved in a
bald acquaintance.
"But what on earth was there to see,
Miss Ellery? I confess that am at a
loss to imagine" he said now, with
genuine concern in his face "Will you
explain little further, please?"
"You can hardly expect me to 90 into
Details" the girl said, drawing back
coldly, yet seeming irresistibly impelled
to 90 on. "It should be enough to say
that I, too. happened to see it all, and SO
of course know what I am talking about.
I had walked away from the house a
little way-they had been urging me to
dance-and was standing behind some
shrubs when you walked by with Ar
talissa, and a moment later l saw Jim
sneaking behind you in the shadow.
But why am I telling you all this?
What right have I to interfere in your
affairs3" she exclaimed, breaking off
sharply, with a movement as If she
would fly from him..
Heaven knows you have right,
Miss Ellery, nobody better" he
breathlessly protested. coming close be-
side her, though what you are talking
about now l confess know no more
than the dead. was strolling along
that night, hoping to meet you, if you
will allow me to be wholly frank, when
I met Artalissa, who turned and came
with me. I did not ask her, did not
want her, but what could I do? We
walked few rods and then simply
walked back again. That's all there
was to it. I can really imagine nothing
more harmless. She was joking me
most of the way about having been
drinking with the boys, and to prove
my innocence I laughingly blew in her
face. Was that what Jim witnessed
that was 30 terrible? 1t was not very
delicate, certainly, but no worse, to my
thinking, than the girls foolery which
invited it. If you think I am to be shot
for this
"Was that all there was to it?" she
demanded, facing him sharply.
"What else, in heaven name, should
there be to it? Could you possibly have
thought
"Those half lights are confusing. l
am sure it looked-Jim certainly
notwithstanding off abruptly, with
sudden accession of hauteur. ''But it is
not the smallest concern of mine. I beg
to apologize if I have seemed to ask for
an explanation. "
"But thank you a thousand times
for letting me explain, he returned
eagerly. "That is, if you could posi-
bly, have thought that was making
love to that girl, who"-
II did not say So, she hastily inter
posed, her eyes upon the ground, her
voice tremulous with embarrassment.
"But think that Jim thought
Bother Jimp' he exclaimed, with
an unsteady laugh. "What you thought,
Miss Ellery, is all care to know"
"It was not of the slightest conse-
quence, but you have taken the trouble
to make it clear that was mistaken. /
need not detain you any longer now."
"But-just one word -
II must not stay any longer" but
she fingered still, waiting for him to
speak.
He stood looking at her for moment
in silence. II have no right to infer
anything, Miss Ellery," he said; then,
as if he found a certain difficulty in
speaking, "but it seems to me that you
have been little unjust, and that per-
haps you owe me something by way OF
amends"
Indeed" she faltered, her voice
rather weak, her head turned from him.
IF my apologies
II want more than that, Miss Ellery.
I am audacious enough to crave great
favor" certain peremptory confidence