Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-09-15
CHAPTER III.
Mother and Daughter.

had long earned her living by going
out to a days work in the town and
suburbs She was a busy, active little
woman, and her services were gener-
ally in request.
She sat tonight in low rocking
chair, her face shaded by her hand.
The light burned low-much Of
the room was in shadow, yet what
was visible indicated the delicacy and
refined taste Of its occupants.
In early life Mrs. Willets had mar
ried her fathers partner, young and
rising man, but misfortune followed
within a year. The firm failed ruin
ously, and from that time commenc-
ed the downfall Of John Willets.
They moved out to Pottsville, and
not long after Mrs. Willets came into
possession Of some money-enough to
build a comfortable home and set her
husband up in business. For nearly
ten years he contrived to keep wife
and child above want, but his habits
were bad and his companions demor-
alizing He was fast drifting to ruin,
and had mortgaged the house and
land for more than two-thirds Of its
value And now it was to be sold
under the hammer
Luck stood for long time looking
mournfully out. The pose Of her
slender, beautiful figure suggested, in
some way, the delicacy Of the spirit
it encased. One could divine that she
had suffered and was still suffering;
for the small white hand that clasp
ed the frame of the window had a
certain tenacity of grasp 80 natural
when ones mind is at ease.
Presently she turned away with an
inaudible but long drawn sigh. In
the dim light she looked as ethereal
as a spirit. The classic head, the
broad, clear forehead, the satin-like-
lustre Of the hair, the graceful step
took and held the eye captive.
Gliding over to where her mother
sat, she sank upon her knees at her
side
Mother, DEAR" she murmured,
I'VE are In great trouble.
my darling, have seen darker
times" was the low reply. Il was
just thinking that this is a sad ami
versary day. Ten years ago today
your father left that door, and I have
never seen him since. Tomorrow
you and I are going"
"Rut. mother. dear"
He stood there" continued the
woman, pointing to the door, her
eyes fixed in a faraway gaze. Il felt
that I had borne all I could, but he
was my husband-your father. Go,
| I said, and never let me see your
face again. Oh, darling, how often
1 have crept out of my bed, in the
darkest hours of the night, down into
this room, fancying that his spirit
called me-"
Mother, don't; you frighten me!'
freely sobbed Lucy trying to restrain
her mother. who had half risen'
wild CLEAN, like the fire Of insanity,
in her eyes. You had cause to say
all you did"
Yes; but who knows what I might
have done in time and with forbear-
ance. Oh, child, that thought has
haunted me all these years-will
haunt me eternally! I am always
asking myself questions-why did l
not do this? or, why did I not do
that till my brain aches with the
car. and perplexity Of my mind.
Heaven forbid that reproach may
ever fall from your lips like the
words 1 said, OF that the bitterness
of a living death may be your por-'
ton! I have never known happy
moment since that time-never
happy moment"
Mother don't reproach yourself.
But I drove poor John to his
death. And now we must leave this
house. That is a bitter punishment,
too. John and 1 planned it together.
Oh, how happy we were! We looked
forward to such peaceful days! We
brought you in this room, and put
YOU in your dainty cradle. l little
thought how it would end" she add
ed, bitterly, sinking again in her
chair, and hiding her face in her
hands.
Mother. we need not leave this
home; mother, you shall stay! SAID
Lucy, springing to her feet, drawing
up her slender figure.
What! do you think I would con-
sent to sacrifice you?" the widow eX-
claimed. her face changing. Never!
have had sorrow enough for my own
sim"
But it will not be a sacrifice-per-
haps-they say love comes after mar
riage-and-and it is only because
he is old and ugly; but, you know, he
NAV be very kind, and I had better
be an old mans darling" She broke
down there, and slowly sank to her
, mothers side again, taking both the
thin hands in hers and kissing them;
but two hot tears fell with the kisses,
"You know 1t is only to say one word,
and then"
Repent the saying of it for the
remainder of your life-perhaps in
bitter anguish, as 1 have done. DO
; YOU think I would purchase ease and
; happiness at such a price? No; l
will work my fingers to the bone
first. Heaven will help us, dear, for
we are willing and able to help our
selves"
Calm as she was. and bravely as
. she struggled, the thin lips quivered
, and the breath came quick. Lucy
was crying now, her head bowed
upOn her mothers knee.
Suddenly three sharp strokes
sounded at the outer door. They