Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-10-29

A very 1.-the and active man was he
Making his way. toward the rear Of thu
cottage, he came to the beach-to th'
very spot where Serle Varneck hat
effected his entrance into the garden
Quite unconsciously following in tht
| footsteps Of Sibyrs lover, he climbed
the wall dexterously, and dropping
down on the other side, found himself
In the very heart Of what seemed to bt
tenantless wilderness.
Indeed" unused Mr.. Trent, gazing
around him in the deep. deathly silence
"she Is playing the penitent recluse
dodge, eh?-expiatins her early sin!
after the manner Of La Valliere and th'
| rest Of them? And visitors are not ad
mitted except by their own efforts
Well, now that we are here, let Us SCI
what we shall see"
He plunged into the still green depth!
of the place, till he came to an up
rooted tree, fallen across the way. 1t!
trunk was evidently used as seat, ant
on it Mr.. Trent now saw little gray
glove and q bunch of faded roses ly'
ing. He snatched them up.
Heaven above! how very dainty
What a charming hand the owner
must have, and how pensive and SEN
timental look these roses! Can they
belong to a penitent La Valliere?
think not"
He proceeded with admirable noncha
lance up the path, stopping now ant
then to look and listen, and so came
unchallenged to the door Of the Gothic
cottage. 1t seemed as silent, as utterly
without life as a grave. After close
search Mr.. Trent found a bell, and gave
peal thereat which made the house
ring. A tremulous echo succeeded, dy.
ing far away within-then silence-ther
the door opened an inch or two. and ir
the aperture appeared hard, dry, wo'
mans face, staring out on Mr.. Trent ir
mingled anger and amaze.
Madame, your humble servant
said he.
She made as If to shut the dool
smartly upon him. He saw the design
in time to Illustrate it, by inserting into
the open space leg and an arm.
who are you?" scowled Rebeccs
Hardin, "and how did you get here?"
II entreat you." answered Mr.. Trent
with his high dramatic air.. do moi
crush me in this doorway, ancient dam
sci. have business Of Importance with
Miss or Mrs. Arnault-whichever she
calls herself"
Then, be off again as soon as you
may" said Rebecca, tartly, for you'll
not get in here, and you'll not see Mrs
Arnault. Business she has none with
any earthly creature"
SOFTLY" pleaded Mr. Trent, edsing
an inch or two further by main force
Let me make an experiment. I am the
legal adviser Of General Guilte Of Haze
Hall. If do not greatly mistake, tnat
fact will have its weight with your mis-
tress. I shall not stir from this spot
believe me, until I see her."
He took out q card, and pehciled his
name and the generals together there
on.
y. Take this-to The said. "She will
admit me-never fear.
The name seemed to have its weight
also with Rebecca. She moved reluct-
antly from her post, and allowed MIN
to step across the threshold.
wait here" she said. and disappear
ed with his card up the stairs.
Presently, from heights above, down
dropped her voice again, In no way
softened or sweetened.
You can come up" 1t said.
He ascended with boyish vivacity
and following her along passage, was
ushered into Mrs. Arnault's chamber
In her easy chair, before the fire
which warmed summer and winter nei
bloodless body, reclined the woma@ lie
so longed to see. AS he stepped across
the threshold, she arose, tall and white
disdaining all support, and confronted
him.
Larger and darker than ever looked
her splendid eyes in that face as color
less and regular as a Greek antique
Her dressing gown of purple silk swept
around her like a royal robe A slight
trembling only of her handsome mouth
betrayed her agitation. Mr.. Trent drew
back, and made her a profound bow
For once some genuine embarrassment
was perceptible in his manner. She
was the first to speak.
sit down." she commanded, shortly
What do you want with me?"
Rebecca crossed over, and assumed
her usual place behind her MISTRESS
chair. 1t was plain she was there to
hear all that should be said. Her pres
ence seemed to reassure Mr.. Trent, fol
he grew livelier.
Delighted" he said, airily, Ito make
the acquaintance of a lady Of whom
in times past, l have heard so much
You see in me a friend of General
Guiltes-mind, l do not say am sent
by him, or that he so much as knows
of this visit, but l come, nevertheless
for your good and his
He thought to see her change color
at least: but the GOODNESS and compo-
sure of the superb face remained un-
disturbed.
Splendid creature!" thought Mr.
Trent. BY my soul. it's small wonder
these two mad Guiltes lost their heads
over herr"
For my good and his" repeated
Adah Arnault, with ringing scorn
THE two can never be mentioned In
the same breath! What can possess
you, calling yourself his friend, to ap-
proach me-to force yourself upon me
in this way?"
Mr. Trent smiled.
Force myself upon you, madame?
Not for the world" he cried. gallantly
Say the word, and l retire at once,
and he rose from his chair. She wav-