Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-11-10
dared to believe in its perfect secur-

/
She tapped the carpet with her
sound foot. Ethel was secretly won-
dering what it was that made her
mother look so worn and old this
! morning. Presently the truth broke
from Mrs. Irrs.
"I have had another tiff with Han
nah Johnson. my dear. Six months
ago I doubled her wages, and today
she had the impudence to demand an
other increase"
"Of course you discharged her at
once" said Ethel dryly.
Mrs. Iris glanced askance at her
daughter, then frowned.
DO not be absurd, Ethel. I have
explained TO you again and again that
/ cannot get on without Hannah.
must keep her-I really have no choice
in the matter. But you do not know
how am vexed and worried. My life
is becoming a burden to me. envy
you because you will soon be far away
from-from-this place and everybody
in 1t. And then your prospects! What
girl could ask for brighter ones? Cod
frey Greylock cannot last much long
er, and you are sure to come in for
his entire fortune. All! you must re-
member me then, Ethel! You were
certainly born under a lucky star. But
never forget that you owe everything,
even your titled English husband, to
my shrewd management, child"
Il will not forget, mamma" replied
Ethel, rather wearily
There was small danger Of such a
catastrophe while Mrs. Iris had a
tongue. After a pause the older wo-
man. asked, abruptly:
Ethel, what has become of Reg
nault?"
Mamma, how should know?"
What! have you heard nothing
from him. nor of him. since that night
at the pits?"
Nothing"
well, 1 hope he will give you no
further trouble; but you need not feel
quite sure about it. He is a man
without heart or conscience-that is,"
hastily, "of course he must be, from
the manner in which he has treated
you"
Regnault! Only with dread and
aversion could Ethel think Of him
now. Whittier had he fed? She did
not know or care. 1t was certain
tLot ha hod M f,,rtbar oou,ar to bo ~,
her, since she herself had revealed
everything to her nearest and dearest.
She was so sheltered now. so hedged
about by love and care tina. surely he
would never dare to approach her
again.
The autumn days went on, full of
the light that never was on land or
sea. All her life long Ethel would re-
member this time of perfect tranquil
ity Wonderful tints Of crimson and
gold filled the woods. The winds
breathed balm, purple hues clung to
the sea and the marshes; marvellous
light hovered over the paths where
she walked with-her lover, her life,
her king. He was constantly at her
side, and the villa rang with prepar-
ations for such a wedding as Black
port had never known before. Verify,
Ethel was happy in these days! Ev-
cry cloud hid vanished from her hori-
zon, the past was covered up, the pres
ent seemed a paradise, the future daz-
zled her with it's radiant promises.
And ali the while, alas! a tempest
darker than death itself was gather
ing over the unconscious heiress Of
Greylock Woods.
One night Sir Gervase took fond
leave of his betrothed in the great
hall, and stepped out upon the terrace
| to smoke a solitary cigar before going
to bed. 1t was November now, frosty
and cold. The leafless chestnuts rails
ed skeleton arms in the midst of the
evergreens. The imposing villa looked
higher and darker than ever on it's
grand knoll. He could almost fancy
that both house and woods knew of
their impending loss, and that, In con-
|
detected air. She was going with him
to a new home across the sea, and the
places of which she was the pride, the
light, the crowning glory, would know
her no more.
| Sir Gervase Greylock!" said voice.
The figure Of woman. in shawl and
hood, leaped suddenly up at the far end
of the terrace, and advanced toward
the baronet. I've something to say to
you, sir" she began, with a depreca-
tory gesture.
He flung down his cigar.
who are you?" he demanded.
"A friend" said the woman.
That is good, but indefinite. I must
trouble you to be more explicit"
AS he approached the figure it i'm
mediately made an alarmed retrosrade
movement.
Never mind who 1 am," she stam-
mered "it is enough for you to know,
sir, that I've something of great i'm
portance to tell you"
Concerning what?"
THE girl you are going to marry
Miss Greylock."
"Ah." said the baronet, dryly; this
is too mysterious by far! Upon such
subject no stranger can possibly
have anything to say to me which
could wish to hear"
Don't be too sure Of that"
He turned on his heel. She ran af-
ter him.
stop, sir! You're very particular!
Well, since you must know, you've
seen me before, on shipboard and at
Rose Cottage. belong to the house
hold of Mrs. Greylock."
Reluctantly she pushed back her
hood, and revealed the sullen, dark
face of Hannah Johnson. 1t was full
moment before he recognized her.
Il remember" he said, at last. You
are Mrs Greylock's maid"
Yes, that's what I'm called. I've
l;ya5 ,,.;tb NIro Crat,Iock for Years and