Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-07-16
DAUGHTERS OF CHIN
By Eta w. PIERCE
CHAPTER XVI.
A Few Days.

acquaintance with Shirlaw, confessed
their mutual love. spoke of the opposl'
tion which she expected to meet IRON
her Uncle Philip, and begged the far-
off cattle king to give immediate con-
sent to her open engagement with the
young soldier.
The letters at Rookwood usually
passed through the hands OF Philir
WE. With a growing distrust or mel
uncle, Mignon determined that ne
should not so much as look upon TINS
precious, this all-important message
TO her father, so she donned her outer
garments, and stole away to ost IL
herself.
Maud LOTUS was reading aloud to
Aunt E!inor in the latter's dressing
room. MignCn thought 1t best not to
disturb her. Philip wye and his son
were. as she supposed, at their law Of
fee in town. With light step she
descended to the lawn. The post-of-
fee was a half mile away. She cross
ed the long garden, and was just push
ing through a narrow gate into the
open high road, when she heard pur-
suing step and then a voice.
whittier so fast, belle cousine?'
said Cyril wye; "and all alone, too"
"I am going to the Dale post-oftice,
answered Mignon, coldly; "and to be
alone is far better than to endure un-
desirable company"
II suppose that shot was meant 1or
me-" said wye, fixing his glass careful
ly in his eye; ''but shall not take Of
fense-I am in a pacific mood today
wish to do you a real service.
She saw that he was looking hard
at the letter in her hand, and she gave
II a little defiant pat.
You wish to do me real service?'
she echoed, dryly; what can you mean
by that?"
If he was striving to establish con-
fidential relations with her, this be-
ginning was not promising. However,
he went on, undaunted:
"Mignon, there is a certain person
Of whom you are very fond, you know
She stared, coloring guiltily, then
met his pale, weak eye, and grew COM
posed again.
"Y-e-s-certainly."
~ mean your father"
"Oh, adore papa, Of course"
She stopped short on the open high
way with a protesting air.
whittier are you going, Cyril Vye?'
she demanded.
ITO the Dale postoffice," he answered,
coolly. II will walk with you. That
letter which you carry must be partic-
ularly precious, since you dare not
trust my father who has always taken
charge Of those things, to post It,"
1T is very precious" she answered;
at holds a great secret"
She walked on with .disdainful air,
her lovely head held high. A baleful
CLEAN shot into his jealous eyes.
"Mignon, have been very good OF
late, have l not? l have not intruded
upon you in any way, eh? You see
am trying patiently to conquer your
cruel prejudices. All, your eyes begin
to flash! You will not tolerate a word
from me upOH lillS SuOJCSS' 'Ni'
then, let us talk about your father.
Recently I have had our cattle-king In
mind a good deal. He must lead
very lonely life in your long absence,
Mignon. BY the way, who has charge
of his household"
Surprised at the question, Mignon
answered, coldly:
IAN old Mexican woman ruled the
kitchen when l was a child-Melita
was her name. l dare say she is still
there"
"Of course your father tells you
about the routine of his daily life-his
occupations and all that?" said wye
blandly. You get particulars of ev-
erything going on in your old home
eh?"
Papa does not live by routine, and
he writes always like man and not
like a woman No, he gives me very
few particulars, indeed" +.
Possible? Do you like that?"
Il like whatever papa likes-he suits
me in everything"
tache.
Did it ever occur to you, Mignon
that things may have changed some
what since you left the west? Tha
your father may not be precisely the
same man that he was eight year:
ago."
mo" she answered, scornfully
nothing of the kind has ever occurred
to me. Papa not the same? Ridicu'
lous! What do these questions mean
sir?-to what are they leading? Ian
sure you have no particular interes
in papa"
Il have a great interest in papa
daughter Not even Victor ShirlaV
has more. Don't frown. 1 told yol
Just now that wanted to do you {
service. AS 2 lawyer, it is part of m!
business to make discoveries. l hav'
lately stumbled upon one of a startling
nature, and it concerns you very close
y. MignOn, your father-the fathe
whom YOU adore-iS in deadly PERIL"
At last he was master of the situa
ton. Her eyes dilated, her face grew
scared and white.
You say this to frighten-to tor
ment me, Cyril" she gasped. Pap;
in peril? OF what nature. and how d.
you come to know of it-you, who hol
no communication with him.
"Oh, your father is scarcely the per
son to tell what l chance to know,
he answered, airily. Il assure you, tn
discovery was made through anothe
course. l will explain everything
Mignon, but only on one condition.
wish to serve you, but expect and In
sist upon receiving a suitable rewar
i cannot afford to act unseltishly /
this matter. Your father can be save
from the danger that threatens hir
by word of warning. l am the onl
person who can give that word, and