Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-11-10
CHAPTER III.

the end, the gulls wheeled and scream
ed, the wind blew salt scents up the
glittering shore. A stretch Of gray
beach, with an old hulk buried in the
sand; low horizon, dotted by the
white sails of the fishermen's crafts
and now and then a great ship going
by with her canvas floating and fad
ing in the distance like stately dream;
a pale green reach Of marshes, the
dreary cones Of sand hills betting the
western curve Of the bay; the hotel
itself perched upon the crags, like a
gulrs nest, and overlooking the seas
commotion, and the long desolate shore
that was the Guenthers' retreat
They had been there for weeks. The
quiet hotel was never crowded-no one
knew them-no one cared who they
were. Now and then, however, tran
sient visitor had his curiosity badly
piqued-they were a party that could
hardly fail to attract attention from
strangers; but the landlord and the
quiet hamlet people accepted them for
lady, who wore point-lace ruffles and
petted a lap dog; a dark-haired girl,
with beautiful eyes, who was often
seen more frequently upon the beach
than elsewhere, and a gray-haired
gentleman, an invalid, whose pale,
restless race haunted them by its
strange sadness. Two servants COM
pleted the party.
Why were they there? Why did they
remain there with no prospect of re-
questions night and day. Sea air did
not seem to agree with Ethel. She
had grown pale and silent; and no
wonder, Aunt Dilloway thought, for
her fathers drain upon her time and
attention was ceaseless.
Really" said the worthy old lady,
IF you will only tell me what this
dreadful matter is, Ethel, 1 will bear
anything; but here you are killing
yourself
Ethel interrupted her with a quick
gesture.
Don't, Aunt Dilloway; 1 am WE'LL
am happy as ever can be again-don't
say one word to papa, if you love me,
We must stay here"
And so the days deepened into sum-
mer. Fate works out her own prob
lems--it is only for us to be patient
and wait.
One summer morning Miss-Guenther
sat on the piazza of the Crags with her
hands folded across a volume Of "Owen
Meredith" looking out with large,
wistful eyes upon the sea. The sun
light sifted down through the poplars
and decked the dark hair and the rich
morning dress Of pink cashmere slid
ing down to the Andalusian foot with
a lowering, tender touch. 1t was
nice place to dream in. Everything
about the place was unusually quiet.
The mist had folded away from the
marshes and sea in great gossamer
clouds. A few fishermen's boats in the
distance-a little train Of idlers on the
beach, a knot Of ladies going to bowl,
a tinkle of the piano in the parlor-
that was all. So Ethel Guenther sat
watching the sunny dance Of the blue,
restless face haunted them by its
on her book and her thoughts far
away.
"Nea, can you see the sea-" said a
little voice, coming with sound of
pattering feet across the piazza.
Don't run, Blossom--yes, see it."
And the gulls. Nea-are there any
gulls?" eagerly.
Ethers dream was broken. Two
shadows fell between her and the sun
light-she rose up. The long curls
the spiritual face of Daisy Halstead, as
she stood clinging to "Nea," in he1
loving helplessness, then a quick ex-
clamation-an outstretched hand that
was not Daisys.
Miss Guenther!" cried Erne Hal
stead.
Good morning" said Miss Guenther
Regally cool. Erne enjoyed it
more especially as the jeweled hand
trembled perceptibly as it met his own
Il had not anticipated this pleasure
he said.
I'VE have been here several weeks
answered Miss Guenther, fluttering hel
white fingers through the leaves OF
owen Meredith"
"Vaunce informed me that you hat
left town." remarked Halstead, care
lessly; then, too, called"
And found a deserted habitation?'
with a flush.
Yes, to my disappointment Daisy
YOU are tired"
He took her upon his knee, tender a.
a woman. The child was so thin anc
pale that the reason of his presence
there with her was very evident t(
Miss Guenther. She leaned from hi:
arms with her lily face uplifted.
Kiss me-" she said, wistfully, tt
Ethel.
Miss Guenther bent and kissed the
child twice, neither on lip or brow, bu
on the beautiful, sightless eyes. Ernt
Halstead's look at that moment she
never lOTSOl. DdlSy ulOpptu llSI
brown curls wearily on his shoulder.
Talk" said the little voice.
Have you been here long," asked
Miss Guenther?"
Since last evening" she answered.
She drew a quick breath. Inquire!
for the family would come next, sh'
knew.
MY father is quite ill-he sees M
one. Did you leave your friend il
town." carelessly.
"Vaunce? Yes"
He looked at her keenly. Perhaps III
had a glimmering OF something strange
under the smooth face Of the ope1
countenance: she thought so, at least
for the moment, and thrilled suddenly
His gaze was withdrawn.
II came away with bountiful sup
ply of gossip, but fear much of it ha
escaped me. What can l tell you o
town2"
A thousand things pleasant to hea