Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-09-11
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b ~ u ~ y - u u " u " " y
had become flat, stale and unprofita-
BILE" Only one of their number was
missing Hillyer, who had been
laid beside Rose in the family tomb by
the sea.
Whatever is the sailor gal going to
do nOw?" the old fishermen asked each
other one September twilight, as they
lounged about the grocery, waiting for
the evening stage. Live on at the
cove with Martha Bray, or go off into
the world to seek her fortin'?"
Il take it she's spent about all her
money on her relatives" growled Cap
tain Ira. In course, she's got to leave
tho cove"
"Bess might ha' married we'll last
year." remarked Hiram Duff. You all
remember the Portland gentleman that
come down here to shoot birds-him
that war one Of the owners Of her fa-
theirs old ship. Middle-aged, but rich,
Marthy Bray told me. He hunted
Captain Johns darter out and fell in
love like a flash. But Bess she said
No, which was shortsighted of her.
If she'd taken him, you see, she might
ha' lived in ease to the end of her
days. And now Caleb he's up and
died, and what's to become of her?"
"Bess was never the gal to look arter
her own interests" sighed Captain Ira,
regretfully.
The arrival of the stage put an end
TO the conversation.
Only one passenger scrambled out Of
that ancient vehicle tonight, and so
swift and agile was he that by the time
the fishermen reached the grocery door
he was already striding off toward the
cliffs.
who's that 'eres schap, Tom Duff"
said Captain Ira to the stage driver.
Dunno. l didn't ask his name. He
came from the train at the terminus
sot inside, and read book bout all the
way"
Through the chilly, grewsOme gloam-
ing the unknown was walking rapidly
off toward Hillyers Cove.
The breath of balsam frs blew upon
him from the land, and the smell of
brine from the vast mysterious sea.
He reached the beach, which stretched
before old Caleb's small domain. The
cottage door stood open. In it Martha
Bray's silhouette was visible against a
background of mingled fire and can
dle-light.
The cape woman seemed gazing out
for some one. Presently our wayfarer
heard the rattle of oars in the row.
locks, and boat came gliding round a
sunken ledge. Bess Hillyer, in a black
gown, her sleeves falling away from a
pair of statuesque arms, beached the
dory and advanced to meet her visitor.
Il did not suppose" she said, in
grave wonder, that anything earthly
would induce you to visit this place
again."
Then you did not know me-" an
swered Lepel Ellicott. Il was in the
west looking after some mining inter-
est My mother sent me word of Ca
leb Hillyers death. l started at once
to find you. She begs you to come
without delay, and make your future
home with her 1 am to remind you
that you are of our blood, and that my
poor mother has been deeply grieved
by your refusal to accept any favor
at her hands"
She looked at him steadily.
He was Stalwart and handsome
enough to please any womans eye, but
on his face the marks of past tribula-
ton We're plainly visible.
Your mother is very kind" said
Bess Hillyer, "and l am not migrate
full; but it is best for me to depend
upon myself Mrs Ellicott does not
need me, and the owners Of my faith
er's old ship" coloring family, have
written, since Uncle Caleb'S death, and
for my dear fathers sake, l suppose
vate office l have accepted it, and
tomorrow l shall start for Portland.'
BY this time they We're walking to
the cottage-they had reached the old
porch where Andy Gaff once sat mend
ing Caleb's nets.
Lepel EllicOtt seemed deeply moved.
Portland" he echoed in diSpleaS-
ed tone. Unless the purpose which
L &c
altogether vain, Bess, you must not
shall not-gO, l need you, if my moth
cr does not. Believe me. l have pro-
flied somewhat by the hard lessons of
the past. Do l not belong to you. and
YOU to me? Take the rest of the life
which you cared for when it was not
worth your care, and make what you
will Of it. Bess."
She had loved him long in sadness
and silence. through good and through
i'll, but had never thought to hear
words like these from his lips.
For moment she stood dumb.
A great round moon, rising above
the shoulder Of an eastern cliff, shone
into the porch. and showed him the
glitter of tears on her pale checks.
"Bess." said Lepel Ellicott. will you
come to my mother, as the wife Of her
SOM"
Since you ask it, I cannot refuse
she answered, family smiling.
BY and by Martha Bray looked out
from the living room.
"Suppers waiting" she announced
Il thought l heerd strange voice here
Gracious Lawd, Is it Mr.. Andy-no
I mean Mr. EllcOtt?-beg parding, sir
It's hard to reconcile the two, sir-the
past and the present
THE END.