Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-08-30
DAUGHTERS OF CHM
BY ETTA w. PIERCE
CHAPTER XXXIX.
At Last.

AiSRN----~
been admitted to her presence. One
afternoon Nina came down to meet him
in the Berkely drawing-room, full oi
some important matter. Her black
eyes shone vivaciously; there was 9
glow in her brunette cheek
''I know not what to make Of Mig
non," she began; "she is utterly list
less, with no interest in anything
She mopes and mopes, and grows palel
and paler every day. The doctor de-
clares that a sea voyage is necessary to
restore her. He wishes her to GO
abroad Immediately Paris and Rome
will be sure to improve her spirits"
He gave an involuntary start but did
not speak.
We'll, our plans are all arranged,
continued Nina. 1.-The entire family OF
Berkely will sail for Europe in the next
steamer Reginald is suffering from
hypochondria; papa wishes to study
finance abroad; mamma Is signing fof
new French toilets, and 1 am going to
Greece to gather material for an epic
Now, are you quite willing that we
should take Mignon with us?"
She looked at him sharply. Did he
change countenance? She was not
quite sure.
'If it is necessary for Mignon to go
to Europe, certainly 1 am willing" he
replied, in a steady voice. DO your
plans meet with her approval?"
YES, she is like a child-eager to
start at once"
Then, like a child, she must be in
dulged," answered Lispenard, quietly.
81 will make special provision for her
comfort and pleasure abroad, and send
my most trusted servant from the Dale
to attend her"
A dark envious look crept into
the poetess's fine, expressive eyes.
will you not come with US, too,
Lispenard?"
II? Great Heaven! No! that would
indeed, ruin Mignon's enjoyment!
Promise me. Nina, that, If trust her
in your hands you will guard her faith
fully: promise that if she is i'll, or
unhappy, or homesick, you will let me
know without delay"
81 promise" replied Nina, ironically.
For your sake will sit up nights to
watch her. Lispenard. She will not be
hOmesick or unhappy-no rich woman
ever is in Paris. l dare say she will
squander your money and flirt with
other men, and never give you a
thought, and If she does" bitterly, "it
will serve you quite right, for why did
you not marry girl who could ap-
preciate you?"
He paid no heed to this burst of
feminine pique.
How long will you remain abroad?"
he asked.
Heaven only KIN nJws! For years and
years, perhaps! 1 hope you may be
somewhat cured of your stupendous
folly by the time we return. Oh, Lis
penard, have you been wise? Have you
done well?"
at is too late to ask or answer such
questions" he replied, sternly. 81 do
not think of myself now, but only of
her"
THAT is so evident it need not be
told" she sighed. Il fear-I greatly
fear you have made yourself and Mig
non miserable for ever!"
Lispenard departed from the Berkely
mansion and went straight to Mignon's
physician; heard him confirm the state
ment made by Nina regarding the ben
eft that Mignon was likely to derive
from a European tour then he started
for the Dale, called the old servant
whom he had chosen to attend his
wife, gave her minute instruction in
her future duties, and dispatched her
to the Berkely town house. Next he
arranged that Mignon, wherever she
went. should have unlimited means at
her disposal, and he wrote scores OF
letters to foreign friends. bespeaking
their care and attention for the young
traveller at different stages of her wan
derings. And after that there was
nothing left for him to do but to bid
her a final farewell.
1t was a cheerless evening in the
late winter with rain falling drearily
Signs of an exodus were everywhere
visible in the Berkely mansion. The
steamer would sail on the morrow
The brac-a-brac had been put away
and the trunks packed; the furniture
was in covers, and the majority of the
servants had been dismissed. Mignor
hn afr
Nina's boudoir, which happened to be
warmed and lighted. She had donnec
deepest black again, a color that al
ways made her look like marble. The
lovely hand which she held out to hin
was chilly and nerveless.
why have you not allowed me tc
see you before?" he burst out, almost
angrily.
She looked family surprised.
Did you wish to see me? am sure
never knew it,"
Did / wish to see you?" he echoed
biting his lip. Most certainly!
have suffered untold tortureS in the
last few days. How i'll and weary yOl
look! My poor child, you must no
brood longer over your troubles-yol
must not! Do you want to Kill your
self? Are you tired already of life?"
She leaned her two hands on thu
marble mantel The black sleeve!
slipped back from the ivory wrists
Her lovely head, rippling over will
yellow hair. dropped forward like
flower.
No" she answered, with sob
but | will tell you what torments M
most of all. 1t is the thought of Es
ther, my poor sister, there at his deatl
eye witness to it. l have pondere'
the matter night and day, and fee
assured that she had gone to the ives
to find a home with him, for she wa
homeless here. She knew no more con
cerning his real life than l did. How
did she bear the truth when ii was re