Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-10-03
OR


by every endearing name and begged
her for the love Of God, 10 grant his
prayer. She shuddered In the embrace
she shrank from the caress, and with.
drawing herself from his arms, with
her eyes undimmed by single tear
but her cheek blanched to the hue Of
marble, she answered him:
Tell me, uncle, how 1t Is this strang-
er has stolen into your heart, robbed
your Ellen of the indulgent love thai
was never till now denied her, and
would force her to a union that would
forever perjure her soul and dishonol
every principle Of her nature? Oh!
uncle, what madness Is this! have you
no mercy!" And she clasped her hands
the image of fearless despair.
Call it madness II you will, Ellen"
he replied, turning away from that
strong look. "'tis a madness that will
bless you while live, or in cursing
will bring down my gray hairs In sor-
row to the grave"
She shuddered, and with tighten
ing clasp of the clenched hands, con-
tinued-
81 have no love to give. would but
defraud his affection; or, oh, God!
worse still, dishonor it," and the burn
ing face was hid in her hands.
Ellen" said Mr.. Willoughby, more
sternly. "is it possible you cling to
that dream? Oh! Ellen, Ellen,
thought more Of your pride, your prin-
ciple."
II have no pride now," she replied,
stung to calmness again by the latent
sarcasm in the tone. But will make
one more appeal. will tear the veil
from my heart, and II there Is shame
in thus exposing what my lips have
never murmured, even to myself, let
:he cruelty that forces me to 1t, bear
the disgrace I love another; I love
Henry Davie" Her voice trembled and
her color faded and flushed like rosy
waves, as she proceeded. Before
knew what love was, loved the fear
less boy that so controlled me with his
generous spirit. AS I grew older, his
coming was watched with delight, and
unconsciously my cheek would flush
and my eye kindle as he was praised
Then came a time Of tremulous Joy,
when love first woke its echoes in my
heart, and every sense was pervaded
with fond emotion. Hush, do not
blame me. Henry loved me; yes, he
loved me-" she said. her eyes, SWIM
ming, a smile lowering on her lip, as
the happy memory fioodei her soul
IT knew 1t by a pressure 4 the hand,
I read it in many a stolen glance. ]
heard it in the lingering tones Of part
ing, and in the tremulous JOY Of greet
ing. Every cadence of his voice told
me the tale, every act breathed 1t, and,
ah! every pulse Of my being respond
ed. Then came e time of doubt, when
the lover was lost In the patriot, and
honor and glory were my rivals. Then
I learnt that what to me was life and
being, was to him secondary to a high
er. holier, purer feeling and waited
in patience, and loved him dearer for
he manly virtue. At length, from his
own lips I learnt he loved me-"
Mr. Willoughby started.
True, we have exchanged no vows;
but failing to be his wife, every prin-
ciple, every emotion Of nv heart, bids
me be the bride Of Heaven. And now
will you bid me VOW to another the
love that has so passed from my keep
ing? Would you bid r.e stand at
Gods altar and VOW, for veal or woe
so help me God, with my heart crying
out at the perjury? Will you doom
me to a sin that will not only crush
out my hope of happiness here, but will
shut out every hope Of heaven here
after? Oh! uncle, spare me; do not
make me curse the day Of my birth"
ELLEN, Ellen, my child, do not look
so wretched. Oh! God, my punishment
is greater than I can bear. Tell me
you forgive me, Ellen. Alas, alas, the
curse extends all who are connected
with me. This agony will kill me-"
and he struck his clenched hand
against his brow, as he groaned in Bit
ter sorrow.
Ellen did not weep. She seemed
turned to stone Her look followed him
as she waited for his answer
You have said you could give con-
cent, Ellen. He will not ask for more
I know when the irrevocable words
are once spoken, you will never be de-
ficient in the duties you have vowed
and after awhile, happiness will come
he said, falteringly.
DO not deceive yourself, uncle
His keen sensibility and enthusiastic
tenderness would soon feel the GOODNESS
and indifference of love that was all
duty. and his misery would equal II II
did not exceed mine"
And If 1t should be proved that
Davie did not love you?" he said.
She smiled-such a smile Of scorn
of trust!
II will doubt myself first"
Ellen" said Mr.. Willoughby, knit
ting his brows as II nerving himself
for a sternness he did not feel, Il did
not expect to conquer you. My. knowl-
edge Of your character. the history OF
your whole life forbids that. / did
not expect to persuade you; your in
fatuation equally forbids it: but did
expect you to grant me this. Your
generous nature led me to hope 1t;
your affection led me to trust it. You
have disappointed me; how bitterly
Heavens knows, and all for the selfish
love that clings to another"
Selfish, do you call it?" said she
interrupting him. "Do you suppose II
1t were myself alone. could not crush
every memory. If not in oblivion, al
least in subsection? But it is he thai
would suffer; not only losing his faitf
in me, but in every holy principle Of
our nature. 1t is the living death tc
which l would condemn him, making
sepulcher Of his heart and buryine
within faith, love, hope and truth. Dc
not ask me to build such a charne
house. Oh, God forbid that my hands
should raise such a tomb"