Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-10-17

powers. neltHeT dSh HUI hoPS Aoi
mercy" said he, proudly. But there
is one on whom this will fall with
crushing power; Of her would speak
my plighted wife-Ellen Campbell"
And to me-" said Graham, turning
fercely upon him. "Is 1t not enough
that I have been encouraged, been
duped, led on, fool that was, to believe
a lie-but you must insult me with the
tale Of your love. BY Heaven, I have
been deceived long enough. 1t is time
some atonement was made"
II do not know what you mean by
atonement in this case, Col. Graham;
but this tell you, that ere you again
couple my name with such terms as
you have just used, will, unarmed as
am, avenge the insult on the spot, II
my life, the next moment pay the for
felt" replied Davie, speaking In the
low tones habitual to him in moments
of strong passion. his fiery black eyes
flashing and dilating.
| Graham uttered a deep curse, as
drawing his sword, he cried
Were you armed as am, and we
on you hill side alone, I would better
teach you what atonement Is; but your
helplessness ties my hands and saves
you from"
Hold, Graham. Another word and
your own sword shall chastise you"
said Davie, springing on him. and
catching his arm in his powerful grasp,
he held 1t with the uplifted sword high
in the air, while with the other he
clasped him as he would a child. The
commotion attracted the attention Of
the guards, who rushed to the place,
and had not Graham interfered, would
at once have made an end OF Davie
But quieting them by declaring that he
had provoked the attack, Graham
again prevailed upon them to retire.
The confusion incident to this gave
Graham time to collect his thoughts
and always acting on the impulse OF
the moment, whether right or wrong,
he said:
81 have been passionate and insult
ing, Davie. VIII you forgive me? 1
cannot ask your hand for do not de-
serve it: but ask you to forgive me.
I do not fear to ask more Of your gen.
erous nature. I ask you to forget what
has passed"
There Is my hand without urging,
replied Davie, frankly grasping his
hand. mo more apologies, Graham.
It Is forgotten. Let us talk OF your
circumstances. Do you anticipate
trouble in clearing yourself?" (,
mo-" replied Graham, the veins
cording on his temple. my influence
and position alone would clear me,
apart from my innocence, which I can
prove, and which will serve to pun
ish the dastardly villain that planned
my disgrace. But the dishonor, Davie,
the dishonor, the aspersions on my
loyalty. You cannot know how this
enters my soul. But never mind my
troubles-the favor you spoke Of" said
he, the ingenious blood rushing to his
brow What is it?'
"It is unimportant, Graham; I have
reconsidered 1t. Her own heart will
teach all my farewell would be-" said
Davie, sadly.
Graham's lips quivered.
You have not forgiven me-"
Davie turned look full Of affection
on him, as with his genial smile, he
placed his hand on his shoulder.
prove it then by claiming what you
desired Of my friendship" said Gra-
ham.
Davie hesitated.
NAY, then, 1 will myself indite
them, and my own heart will give
them tenderness that even your love
cannot surpass; and 1 will bid her be
of good courage, for will move heaven
and earth before one hair Of your head
be injured. And when happier times
bless you with her love, think some-
times of one whose passion, though not
equaling yours in purity, surpasses 1t
in intensity, and who has lost with
hope, everything that makes life dear"
Graham" said Davie; but 1t was
some moments before he could con-
tinue. Had 1 foreseen this I could
curse myself for my folly. 1 might
have warned you but from earliest
childhood, l claimed her as so wholly
mine, never thought of another dis
putting the right Her cordial and az
fectionate manner-has it encouraged
you!" said Davie hesitatingly.
God knows-no," replied Graham,
bitterly Though kept from some hid
den cause to betray her feelings, yet
every word, every action, taught me
how hopeless was my suit, till I was
fain to believe her soul was too pure,
too free ever to minsIe with its chas-
tity the alloy Of love-"
my truthful Ellen" murmured Da-
vie, with a proud smile.
"Then you came" said Graham un-
needing the interruption. "Then 10
was read her cherished secret; read
1t in her stolen glances, tremblingly
withdrawn when your eyes met read 1t
in the blush that deepened on her chang
ing cheek when your voice addressed
her; read it in the liquid music Of her
words when her low tones would reply.
But why curse myself with such men,
cries? l learnt that even as my love
was maddening, hers was fearful
Mine might overset the brain; hers
break the heart" He spoke low and
vehemently, as in refinement Of an
guish. his jealous love heaped up evil
dence against himself.
Davies eyes sparkled like meteors,
as Graham spoke, but touched with the
hopeless misery of the look, he said:
Would that had another Ellen for
you, Graham; and now that part from
her. never perhaps to see her again,
would fain leave her, as dear charge,
to your keeping; and believe me when
l say there is no other man under
Heaven, whom think worthy Of the
charge. But it would be idle. You say
truly, her brave loving heart will
break ere it can forget"