Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-11-22

took care to cultivate by asking him tt
his house.
This man, whose name was Spill
shank, had not been at Withrington's
half a dozen times before his admira
tion for Maud grew apparent. He was
in every way an improvement or
Fladsby from the fathers standpoint
because he was richer, more generous
better subject for prospective bleed
ing; from the daughters, because he
was a refined, kindhearted, considerate
gentleman. The upshot of it was thai
Fladsby-to his huge chagrin-re
ceived peremptory congo, and Maud
in her thankfulness to escape from that
atrocious monster, made less difficulty
than her father expected about accep'
ting Spilshank's offer.
Wilmington was greatly annoyed
when Old Scratch announced his in
tention of taking them all down t.
Henley to see the race for the Diamond
Sculls. "Wouldn't he prefer to 60 on
one of the other days?" suggested the
stock broker. "Oh no." said Spilshank
"Not the same thing at all. He espe.
cially wanted to see the famous Charles
Milligan-the man who held the same
position in aquatics now rs he himself
had done 25 years back. Therefore
if it was all the same to Mr.. Withring.
ton, he should much prefer to make
the excursion on that particular day
1t was not till the race for the Dia-
mond Sculls drew near that the poor
girls lethargic demeanor frightened
up. Maud will not easily forget that
race. How eagerly she waited for the
skiffs to come in sight. How her
heart jumped when they appeared
round the bend how it thrilled as she
heard clapping and cheering and loud
shouts of "Milligan-Milligan !" They
came abreast, the two competitors.
MiIligan was leading by length. His
manly frame looked superb in rowing
costume. How beautifully and with
what ease he sculled. The other man,
a Cantab, was now in distress. Mill
gan went as fresh as paint. He simply
had the race in hand. But he spurted
Just for the finish, and passed the win
ming post three lengths in front.
"Well sculled-well sculled, indeed,
Charles Milligan !" Numbered hearty
voice at her elbow, and two powerful
hands began to clap with a noise re-
sembling the report Of pistol.
Maud started round, like one awak-
ing from blissfnl dream. There stood
Old Scratch. He was watching her
face. No doubt he wondered why her
eyes had suddenly grown so bright, and
why her checks were so flushed: and
her face so strained aud eager.
"His form was grand, was it not %
cried Old Scratch, with enthusiasm.
II could see that you admired it, my
dear. am glad that you appreciate
form. After all, there's nothing like It,
is there? Once upon time, before
you were born, my DEAR" added Old
Scratch, in wistful tone, 81 could
scuIl like that myself. But age tells
on a man-doesn't it, Maud? And,
sooner or later, the youngsters are
bound to win" n
Next morning, shortly after break
fast, Maud was summoned from the
girls boudoir by her father to an in
terview in his study. She went down
stairs, with beating heart, expecting
TO be scathingly reproved for her con-
duct at Henley yesterday. But she
was agreeably mistaken, for he did not
utter word of rebuke. He, did how.
ever, appear to be slightly annoyed,
although he found no fault, merely
saying, with a rather cold intonation,
"Maud, Mr.. Spilshank has called to
see you privately. He is in the draw
ing-room now. You had better 60 to
him at once.
ayes, papa" said the girl, turning
upon him a look, half.frightened, half
imploring, of her large black eyes.
Her father took no notice of the
look. He turned away and busted
himself with some letters. Maud
opened her lips as if about to speak.
But no words came, and, without fur
ther attempt to unbosom herself, she
left her fathers presence and went to
the drawing room.
Old Scratch stood on the hearth
rug awaiting her.
"Sit down, my DEAR" he said to her,
wheeling forward an armchair. 81
have little something to say to you
which will take time."
at Is a little story" said Old
Scratch, at length, smiling gravely.
"Once upon a time, my dear there
lived fine young fellow and pretty,
charming girl, who loved one another
devotedly. But the young man had
no money, and his sweetheart's father,
being in difficulties, urged her, COM
PEELED her, l may say, to give up her
poor lover, and to accept the atten'
tions of rich old scoundrel. She was
a dear, good girl. She acted for the
best. She responded to her fathers
appeal"
"I-I-"ejaculated Maud, gasping
and with rosy cheeks. T-I-"
"Wait bit, my dear" Old Scratch
stopped her, gently. ~ have not
finished vet. This young fellow, in