Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-10-10
soul, pity Graham, but cannot re-
sign you"


Would you let me. Ellen? Tell me
what would your love do for me?"
NAY, Henry" said she, drawing
herself from his arm. the shadow OF
holy purpose resting upon her face,
that I never can tell; my life must
teach you that"
Answered like a woman" said
he; "and we'll I know the patience,
the sacrifice contained In 1t. God
grant that 1 may not be unworthy.
But tell me, why your uncle favors
this? 1 have heard Of almost stern
ness to enforce it."
"Alas, Henry, I cannot tell. Stern
ness! Call it rather cruelty. He will
listen to no appeal"
"You cannot mean he will force you
to this against your will"
HE will. I have prayed to him as
I thought my proud nature could new
er stoop to mortal. without avail"
But when he knows that you can
not love-nay. that you love-that
you love another"
"It is all useless. I have told him
what my faltering lips would never
dare tell you, Henry" said she, blush
ing deeply.
my own love, I did not dream Of
this, but l will myself go to him and
demand the hand your love would
give me-the hand his own kindness
led me to expect"
you need not, Henry; you need
not-you cannot imagine his bitter
ness, his infatuation. He has even
forbid me, on pain Of his eternal dis
pleasure, ever to speak with you
again"
Impossible! What madness is
this?"
Madness, indeed" replied Ellen;
but a madness that will admit Of no
mercy" And she here recounted the
different trials to which she had been
subjected. Davie. wondering and in
dignant by turns, heard her to the
end, then firmly said:
IT see but one course to pursue In
this matter. ! will go to him and un-
derstand the reason of this cruel pro-
ceeding, and falling Of gaining his
consent, I will not permit him longer
to persecute you"
But how?" said she innocently,
raising her eyes to his face. He did
not answer save by a look, which
caused her to hide her face on his
shoulder
"As my wife, Ellen, he can no long
er control or annoy you"
"Yes, but the curse. Henry" and
she shuddered.
do you suppose Heaven would an
swer such an unholy prayer. Come,
dearest. where is the firmness boast OF?
A union that he himself encouraged,
the blessings that he gave us, If not
by words, at least by every look and
act, to be thus madly ard capricious-
ly revoked. Nay, dearest, cannot
submit to be thus dealt with, and my
Ellen must rise to this emergency and
help me to meet 1t. Tell me, have
your heart in this, as. ! trust, in all
else?"
my conscience condemns the cruel
ty that so persecutes me. Ny heart Is
with you Henry. but do not act rash
ly; patience may yet conquer for us"
"By heaven, no." said Davie, more
indignant than he cared to show. Il
will go to your uncle and ask for
what is so truly mine. Nay, dearest,
to please you, will even plead the
encouragement he himself gave me,
and If he refuses, he but gives my
Ellen more quickly to my love-"
She did not answer.
Pardon me, if I have plead too
boldly. l have not cunning to be
strange, and my tongue is little used
to pleading. Speak. dearest, is 1t too
great a boon to ask?"
You could not ask too much,
Henry" she whispered.
BLESS you, Ellen. fear 1 am sell
fish in this urging. but cannot brook
the thought of leaving you to a fresh
trial"
You do not propose to act imme-
diately?"
Have you not learnt among my
other faults, that l am very impa-
tient?" said Davie, laughing. II pro-
pose to see your uncle this morning,
and if he refuses this wish Of my
heart, you will meet me here tonight
and an hours ride will take us to Mr..
Adams, under whose protection Will
leave my wife," he whispered. press
ing her to his heart, It'll happier days
enable me to take her to my own
home"
Ellen started. $50 soon, Henry ?
Tonight" and her face grew pale.
$50 soon, dearest! Every minute
will be an hour till weary time speeds
night. l could almost hope he would
refuse me, that 1 might the sooner
claim you My bride, and dearest yet,
my wife Nay. Ellen, the joy Is too
sweet to be relinquished. Speak. love;
say yes, and bless me-"
NO. Henry, cannot" she said. her
pale cheeks testifying to her emotion.
This is too sudden. too unadvised-
have no joy in it. Do not counsel
me to forget in a moment of passion
hours Of tenderness and love. I dare
not, Henry. Give me time-Graham
will soon be leaving. Let me try what
affection and patience will do"
He bit his lip impatiently.
Now comes the rock in Ellen's
character. Come here, I will not
plead with you sitting so cold and
motionless. Lay your hand again on
my shoulder; nay. 1 must see your
eyes. Now listen," and bending his
lips to her ear. he whispered low and
lovingly. with many a fond pressure
and tender caress.
Now, Ellen, answer" said he. as
drew her yet closer to him.
The cup is very, very sweet she
replied, raising her bowed head, but
it does not satisfy. 1 shrink from the
bitter dregs."
You are unjust to yourself and to
me, Ellen" said Davie, with some
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