Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-06-25

through the Heroncroft garden, and
over the uncrowned Wolfsden knoll,
where the dust-brown house had been,
but now was not.
1t was balmy October morning, and
q flood of sunshine poured into Fran
els Heron's oak library. In an easy
chair, by the writing table, sat Graham
Vivian, with his pale, handsome face
which the fire had scorched, yet hardly
disfigured, turned sensitively to the
sunlight that he could feel, but no lon
ger see.
In the last year the Blind Preacher
as he was now called, had become a
power in the land. Far and wide he
was known as a wonderful expounder
of the gospel-unsurpassed in stirring
up the consciences Of men, and awake
ening them to higher and better life,
His sight had been taken, but his pow
'ers Of speech increased nightly from,
day to day. Since the loss Of his eyes,
the young fellows patient heroism had
endeared him to every soul in Black
River. When men looked upon him,
they could see that 1t was possible to
suffer, and not complain-to endure the
wreck Of all earthly hopes and wishes,
and yet remain strong and undismay-
ed. In his daily life, Graham Vivian
silently, unconsciously preached the
most eloquent Of sermons.
And So for the second time" he
was saying, cheerfully, "Heron's Mills
have risen, phenix-like, from their
own ashes? Francis, the stubborn, the
unconquerable, is again master Of the
situation?"
Hazel, sitting on stool by her BROTH
er's side, rubbed her soft cheek caress-
ingly against his arm.
Yes. Today the mill hands return
to their old labor. With thieves and
evildoers driven out Of their midst, no
further trouble is likely to arise be-
tween Francis and his work people. /
know your plans, Graham-you want
to demolish the Nest, and build good
houses for its population. You want
to improve them physically and men,
tally, as well as morally. Your mind
is set upon coffee rooms, gymnasiums,
temperance halls-I know not what.
You shall have them all, dear! Halt
of my possessions / give to you; do
good to your hearts content. Till mis-
fortune came upon you, did not dream
that these Black River people loved
you so much. Because they have
shown in numberless ways their sor-
row for your affiiction. their sympathy
in your patient suffering, I take them
all to my heart!"
The warm light slanted on his pale
spiritual face, and crown Of brown
curls, as he groped, and drew her
nearer to his side.
Little helper!" he said, fondly "do
you remember the day you first came
to me in this room? called you then
a gift from God. Well do you deserve
the name! You are happy now, are
you not, Hazel-quite happy with
Francis Heron?"
$50 happy, Graham" she answered
gravely, that 1 often feel like failing
on my knees. to Thank heaven, fast
ing, for a good mans love!" 1 wonder
that 1 did not adore Francis long ago
wonder, too, that he could So prompt
ly forgive my outrageous treatment OF
him!"
1T is easy to forgive where one
loves"
rs it?" she queried, quickly. do
you know that from your own expert
ence, Graham?" Then, with an abrupt
change Of manner; "Sergia Pole has
returned from abroad"
He started-the blood leaped into his
face. All! he still remembered the fail
young coquette who had amused her
self at his expense in days gone by.
Before Sergia left Paris" explained
Hazel, Il sent her a pressing invita-
ton to visit me here at Heroncroft, ant
she accepted It,"
"Quite right" he answered, steadily
why should she not come? 1t is hel
cousins house. Do you think my pre-.
sence here is likely to annoy herr"
"Oh, no, no." answered Hazel, quick.
ly, and without another word she aros,
from his side. He heard her moving
down the room-a door creaked; HI
was alone.
Then he drew a long, deep breath. A
shadow darkened his sightless eyes
That fair woman had returned-sh,
was coming to Heroncroft! He trem'
bled at the thought Must he fight tn,
old battle over again? Now that III
could no longer see her beauty, woult
he still feel its fatal charm? Could he
unmoved, hear again the voice whicl
had beguiled him in the past? An(