Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-11-26

mainland, over Pnlnp HaWKStOne
murder. Opinions were divided con-
cerning the guilt of Ravenel. Cruel
tongues hinted that the Creole bride
might know more about the matter
than she chose to admit-that the
handsome lover-a Creole also-might
be but an accomplice.
| Jetta Hawkstone heard and made
no sign. She remained at Tempest
Hall, shut up with little BASIL and
devoting herself to the child with a
mothers zeal and affection. She re-
futed no charges, sought no sympathy
or pity. This girl, far from home and
kindred, among those who disliked and
suspected her, secretly accused of the
death Of the man she loved, wore, In
these dark days, a mask of marble
Her little stepson was her sole solace
the only thing that loved her at
Tempest Island.
Time went on. No new developments
appeared in the cast. The evidence
necessary to convict Ravenel was lack
ling. Further proof Of his completely
in, or know ledge of, the murder could
not be obtained. SO the door Of the
jail opened, at last and the young fell
low was discharged from custody-not
with innocence established, but rather
with guilt not proven. Before shaking
the dust Of Yankeeland from his feet,
Gabriel Ravenel went down to Tenn
pest Island for last interview with
Philip Hawkstone's widow.
1t was cheerless day, with rain
falling and thick mist on the sea. He
found Jetta Hawkstone sitting in the
old drawing room with the child Basil
playing by her side. Her dress, Of
biackest Grape and bombazine, made
her pallor startling. He scarcely recog-
nized her. She was like something
mot yet dead,
But in old marble ever beautiful"
Awed and amazed, he stood in her
presence, unable to articulate a word.
Harris told me that you had been
released" she said, listlessly extending
her ivory hand.
II return south at once" he stam-
mered: "but could not go without
seeing you once more, Jetta"
Her big, dusky eyes shone in her face
without seeming to light Its white, i'm
passive lines. She waited for him to
speak again. =.
"They found 1t impossible to prove
lme murderer" he went on, in an ag-
Igrieved tone, $50 they were forced,
willing or unwilling, to release me. OF
course in this place shall always be
spoken of as Philip Hawkstone's as
sassin. without doubt, the stigma OF
1.-THE affair will stick to me forever.
Neither have you escaped, 1t seems.
These island idiots, and their fellows
on the mainland, call US both hard
names. We shall be suspected per-
lsons"-with a short laugh-"t!ll the
end Of our days"
Her face kept its pale apathy.
Gabriel Ravenel, why did you come
there at all?" she demanded.
Ea'The color few into his handsome
face
II was mad with jealous despair, and
the misery Of your loss, Jetta! You
were my fathers ward had lived un-
der the same roof with you for years,
I loved you more than life, and this
Philip Hawkstone, my so-called friend,
came and won you from me, almost In
day. I was wild to catch one more
glimpse Of you; to see with my own
eyes that he had brought you to
home where you would be happy. 1t
seems that I have been well punished
for my stupendous folly"
The child was leaning his dimpled
elbow on her knee. She kissed him,
then rang for a nursemaid, and sent
him a way.
II could not talk in that boys pres
ence," she muttered. as the door closed
after him. Gabriel, you have, indeed,
been sorely punished. Say that you
forgive me-" remorsefully, "for all that
have made you suffer"
He thought she was alluding to his
unrequited love, and he gathered heart
to speak Of the real object Of his visit.
Great Heaven! Jetta, you are
changed beyond belief I scarcely
know you-small wonder, too. The
air Of this abominable island Is Of it
self enough to kill you-you-a south
ern flower. Look" with motion OF
his hand toward the window, all blur
red with sea-mist.
There lay the cheerless shore, against
which the waves were breaking in long
streaks of gray foam-a barren shore.
without bloom or color today, yet full
Of wild beauty.
II wonder that you could remain here
so long," grumbled Ravenel. But
your disastrous marriage is now ended,
Jetta. Return to your old home-to
your old friends and in their love for
get this northern nightmare! I am
here today, as, no doubt you have al
ready guessed to take you back to my
fathers house. You know that you
will be received there with open arms;
and surely this island is no place for
you now, Jetta-"
Her white face was as unreadable as
the Egyptian Sphinx.
You do not know what you say, Ga
briel. On this island I shall live and
die. To Philip Hawkstone's sons SER
vices have dedicated myself, body and
soul. Henceforth I live for him, and
him only. My southern home, my
friends, all that I left behind me on
my marriage day, are now as the things
of a dream In time shall overcome
the prejudice Of these islanders, but
whether I do or not, here I stay! This
spot, pleasant, or unpleasant, hospita-
BILE or otherwise, Is all the home that
remains to me. Poor, poor Gabriel!
pity you infinitely, but am glad that
YOU are going back, and at once. There
is great gulf fixed between us now
this YOU ought to know as we'll as do