Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-09-03
Copyright, 1897, by Robert Buchanan.
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Gen." had neither house nor lands,
though he belonged by right of birth to
an old county family. In spite of his
poverty he had great expectations, for
his uncle, Sir William Craig of Craig
castle, had no issue, and young Patrick
was the next of kin. The property, how
ever. was not entailed, and it was en-
tirely in Sir Williams discretion how
It should be disposed Of
During his uncle's lifetime Patrick
paid assiduous court to the old man
and received in return a modest al
lowance, which he dissipated freely
among his companions. From childhood
upward he had been a black sheep, car
ing little for decent society and spend
ing his time in the company of his in
feriors, but he was daring rider, a
good shot, and he could tie fly or play
q salmon with any man in Mayo. His
escapades, which would have shocked
most people, only amused Sir William.
"Pat is a wild young devil, he
would say to his wife, "but so was
myself at his age. Some day he'll marry
ana SOBER QOWn.
Before the young man could do either
the old gentleman died, leaving every
thing he possessed to his wife except
miserable e100 year, which was as
signed to his "beloved nephew" Pat
rick Blake.
Young Patrick cursed and ragged for
time, but he had sense enough left to
transfer his court to the widow, whom
he invariably described as "the old
woman. He went with her to church
(she was Protestant), carried her pray
er book and posed as young saint, only
escaping from time to time to more con-
genial society, in which he could drink
and swear comfortably and curse his
bad luck.
Things were going on very well from
his point of view-that is, the old lady
was in very delicate health and likely
to follow her lord and master, after
having made will in her nephew's
favor-when serious scandal, in which
a young peasant girl was concerned,
opened Lady Craig's eyes to the true
character of her scapegrace nephew.
She held her tongue, altered her will
and died peaceably, leaving the castle
and the estates to niece Of her own,
Miss Catherine Power.
When the will was read, young Pat
rick used language which is not gener-
ally popular in polite circles, cursed
"the old woman, land expressed a hope
that she was enjoying a warmer climate,
and, riding off to John Carey's inn, re-
mained for whole fortnight there in a
state Of savage drunkenness
In the meantime Miss Power arrived
and took up her residence at the castle.
and she had hardly been "a hours there
when the story of the dispossessed heir
was related to her. 1t aroused all her
womanly pity, and her immediate
thought was, "How can 1 make
amends?"
She waited for a little time, thinking
that her cousin might call. He made no
sign.
She ordered her horse and rode over
to the inn where he had taken up his
quarters, thinking perhaps to get a
glimpse of him. He heard of her COM
ing and kept out of the way.
Then she sent him this "petit mot,
which was carried by her groom:
MY DEAR CoUsIN-I should very much like
to shake hands with you if you have no obJec-
ton. Will you come and take lunch with me
some day soon? Yours very truly,
CATHERINE POWER
The young man tore up the letter.
The next day he was in Castlebar.
where he had long talk with Peter
Linnie. That worthy gave him very
sensible advice, pointing out to him
that in all possibility he was missing a
great chance. Why shouldn't he cap
ture the heiress and her money by hon.
orable marriage and so make odd things
even?
"She's a handsome woman" said
the lawyer, land all the men are after
her. Spake up to her like gentleman
and I'll lay odds on she'll have you"
The result of this advice was that
Blake dressed himself in his best, stuck
flower in his coat, mounted his horse,
and rode off to Castle Craig. Thus
smartened up, he was strapping young
fellow, handsome enough to catch any
woman's eye.
He was shown up into the drawing
room, where he waited scowling and
trembling, for he was not much used
to fine society. A few minutes later a
beautiful young woman, with smile
like May morning, entered and made
him welcome, greeting him like an old
friend. Being in her heart very sorry
for him, she was full of sympathy and
effusion, and he went away strongly
convinced that she would be an easy
conquest.
For little time after that Blake
was constant visitor at the castle, and
being of good family he had no diff
Guilty in getting invitations to other
county houses where Catherine was a
frequent guest He neglected his wild
companions, paid strict attention to his
wardrobe, and altogether seemed re-
formed character. His cousin gave him
every encouragement He rode with
her, danced with her and was constantly
near her.