Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-03-21

IstepS ne WAS met ny cdhes, "ho' III
low, guarded voice, invited him into his
masters study. AS he passed the win
dow of the drawing-room the young
man had flashlight view Of Evelyn as
she sat reading at the center table un-
der tall lamp with pink shade. He
had never seen her countenance SO ra-
Idiantly aglow. The thought took pos
session of his brain that it was due to
his release from prison, and that idea
was infinitely sweet to him after what
he had been forced to endure.
As he entered. the coloners study,
from the walls Of which family por-
traits leaned downward in deep, old
fashioned gilt frames, casual observer
would have taken him for man of the
world rather than a man whose life ex-
periences were bounded by the limits Of
single county.
First OF ALL" said the colonel, as he
extended his hand, stifly. 81 must con-
gratulate you upon your escape from
that disagreeab,e affair. was rejoiced
at the outcome"
Ronald thanked him, surprised at his
own calmness; the warm memory OF
Evelyn's face, as he had just seen 1t, in
spired him with strange, unexpected
confidence In himself. The chair he had
been given was quite near HaSbrooke's,
and as the colonel continued to speak
he leaned his head on his hand, his ell
bow resting on his desk. This posture
threw his face somewhat into the
shadow.
81 may as we'll come directly to the
point, Mr.. Fanshaw," in forced, tense
tone. ITO be frank, find myself COM
pletely in your power, and, since 1t must
be so, 1t is a comfort to be in the power
Of a fearless man, and one who would,
1 am confident. despise to take unfair
advantage Of me-"
81 am sure do not understand" fall
tered the visitor, in surprise.
The old man twisted himself round
In his chair; the lamplight brought his
strong features out in minute lineality
against the wall behind him.
"You have me, Mr.. Fanshaw, as COM
pletely in your power as II l lay at your
feet and you held saber agains my
heart. My daughter has withheld moth
ing from me. Be her judgment good or
Ill, she loves you as she loves her life.
She believed you have been greatly
wronged-always misunderstood-and
thai has intensified her love. At first l
was inclined to blame you for taking
unfair advantage Of her experience in
worldly matters, but am now forced to
admit that you have done nothing |
should not have done had the woman
been as attractive personally as my
daughter. I know you must care for
her, Fanshaw, and that Is why have
sent for you to unbosom myself"
The speakers words had been grow
ing more and more indistinct, until
they finally died in the still room. Ron
aid knew that he was expected to reply,
but he could gather nothing betting
the moment from the mass Of thoughts
and emotions that seethed in his heart.
At. this point bar Of soft, ripping
notes came from the piano, and they
were caught up by sweet, well-trained
voice singing a happy song. The old
man held up his hand.
"You see how she feels, Fanshaw,"
he said, huskily; "since your arrest she
has looked more dead than alive. Twas
seriously afraid she would not survive.
But you see how she is now; I told her
the news just before supper, and she al
most tainted with joy. That Is why I
sent for you; am unable alone to fight
q love like hers. You and must decide
on what to do-between us!"
Between u.s." repeated Ronald, still
in the dark as to what was expected OF
him.
Hasbrooke's face under the ordeal be-
fore him took on the color Of ashes, and
as he began to speak again he picked
the nap from the sleeve OF his coat with
the mechanical action Of dying man.
"Perhaps, Mr., Fanshaw, 1t may be as
we'll to begin by our admitting that my
social training has been different from
yours, In my cradle imbibed certain
conventional ideas Of the duty Of q man
of my name to his stock. From your
standpoint, doubtless, I am wrong
from mine. right. am coming to the
point. and trust you will pardon me
for being painfully plain. Fanshaw. as
far back as my family records run-and
we have volumes Of them, sir-we have
never found the line tainted with dis
honor"
Hasbrooke paused, taking q full
breath. It was evident to Ronald that
the climax was near, but he made no
comment. The room was very still; out
side Of it could be heard only Evelyn's
sweet, ringing notes. A vague. unac-
countable despair had seized on the
young mans heart. He knew not what
was coming, but whatever 1t was would
not be pleasant.
"You see, Fanshaw," the colonel
seemed to pull himself up to his task
with extra effort, 'if my daughter must
marry and bring children into the
world, I should naturally desire the al
? Lance TO be with man against whose
family there had never been a charge OF
dishonesty"
Ronald breathed hard. The last
word had fallen like powerful
weight which crushed out the last bit
of hope he had ever had Of fighting
the worlds difficulties.
. 81 think l understand, Col. Has
brooke" he heard his words jarring
against the sweet floating sounds OF
Evelyn's voice, which was rising like
happy prayer to heaven.
The colonel leaned forward almost
In an attitude of pity.
Don't understand me to say, Mr..
Fanshaw," he said, that ! should de-
mand s pedigree with my daughters
husband, for l think there are good
pc oplc who have not kept up their
family records, but if knew-actual'
| Iy knew Of dishonesty in a family,
that, sir, should try to save my child
from as ! would from hereditary con-
sumption or insanity. had a dear
friend, Mr.. Fanshaw, in Virginia, who
, belonged to one of the best families