Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-07-10
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4 TERRIBLE TERRIBLE
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I TWENTY-FIVE years, ma'am."
Thoughtfully Mrs. Ellicott drew off
her diamond rings, and gave them to
her handmade.
Two weeks from this night my son
will marry Miss Fassel."
I'm sure l wish him JOY" said Su-
san, thinking Of the photograph in the
hair trunk.
LAS you already know, he will sail
for Europe with his bride, and in the
winter l shall join them at Nice. You
must go with me. l have become so
accustomed to your attendance, Susan,
that could not make the journey
without you."
VERY we'll, ma'am. AS long as I'm
necessary to your comfort, it won't be
the Atlantic nor any other ocean that
will part u.s."
After that the days flew swiftly.
Notes Of preparation sounded late and
early in the house. Mistress and SER
wants were alike absorbed in the alb
preaching nuptial Society, stirred to
its centre by the union Of two prime
favorites and two princely fortunes,
poured out congratulations and costly
gifts without stint.
Lepel Ellicott went constantly to
Windmere. His devotion to his fiancee
was unbounded. In spite Of much
stealthy watching, Susan Taylor could
detect no sign of disturbance in his
handsome face. If anything unpleas-
ant was preying on his mind, he GER
tainly concealed the fact with admir-
able skill.
AS for Mrs. Ellicott, proud, fond
mother, ten years seemed to fall away
from her. as If by magic. A new light
filed her eyes. She even forgot her
bodily infirmities, and moved unassist-
ed through her lofty rooms, while Su-
san Taylor followed after bearing the
gold walking stick which her
mistress had for a time discarded.
My eyes!" said Parker, the pompous
English butler in the servants quar-
ters shes that 'appy, one wouldn't
know 'er-transmogrifed,I call it. And
all this 'ouse gives 'er' earty sympathy,
I'm sure"
One night, at the club, Lepel Ellicott,
in accordance with the custom Of the
young gentlemen Of the period, took
leave of his bachelor freedom in a
recherche dinner to his best man and
his most intimate friends.
The hour was waxing late. Mrs.
Ellicott, tossing and turning on her
soft pillows, could not sleep. At last
Susan Taylor, who watched in her
chamber, was sent below stairs to
bring a certain book, and read aloud
to her mistress.
The house was very still. Susan
made her way to the library, searched
there, but did not find the desired VOL
ume. Presently she remembered that
she had seen 1t on a table in the draw
ing room, and pushing back portiere,
she stepped into the latter apartment.
The rose -colored lights were burning
low. A breath Of dying orchids filled
the air. The portrait Of Lepel Ellicott
smiled down from its place over the
mantel: and below, on the hearth rug,
stood Lepel himself, just as he had re-
turned from the club dinner. In one
gloved hand he held a letter, crushed
convulsively He had brought none
Of the hilarity of the banquet away
with him, for his handsome face look
ed gloomy, haggard, strange.
BEG pardon" said Susan; II did not
know you had come in, sir. Mrs. Eli
colt sent me for book. Gracious! I
hope you are not ill.,"
He thrust the letter instantly out Of
sight
I'll? I do not know the word" he
answered. smiling in mirthless way.
You simply find me busy with my own
thoughts, Susan"
Pleasant ones. I hope, sir?"
Very! Battle, murder and sudden
death are as nothing in comparison"
| He wheeled suddenly around, and
she saw that his face wore no flush Of
wine, but the pallor Of some fierce i'll
ward struggle.
Let me see. Susan" he continued
You were always rare good soul-a
sort Of foster mother to me, you know.
You must not forget to congratulate
your former nursing upon his ap-
preaching bliss"
The mocking tone Jared on the old
servant. She carried the welfare Of
lar r
her heart.
Il do congratulate you, sir" she an
swered, earnestly; "and If you'll par
don me, I'd like to tell you that I think
her the sweetest, loveliest girl in all
the world"
| Upon that point we agree perfectly,
Susan" he retorted.
I'm sure no man could see her and
not love her"
True. The maddest fellow alive
even a leap into perdition itself-if he
were lured on by face like hers"
Susan had not thought Miss Fasseps
beauty of a maddening order, but she
said. quietly:
she has the ways that go farther
than good looks, sir"
Good Heaven! yes. Her pretty
ways!-they would coax a mans soul
, from his body. How we'll you describe
; her!" He burst into a queer laugh.
Pray, tell me, whom are you talking
about. Susan"
why, Miss Fassel, Of course, sir"
He shrugged his shoulders.
Poor old Susan! My thoughts were,
indeed, far afield. l was not thinking
Of Miss Fassel at all! One word more, u
/ as she picked up her book, and retreat
, ed toward the door, rs not my moth
! er's health better than usual?"
Yes, sir!" replied Susan.
You are with her constantly You
! know. better than any other person
the measure Of her strength-her pow
ers Of endurance. Do you believe she
could. for few days, let us say safely
t sustain any considerable shock-disap-
pointment, or-grief. for instance"