Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-11-03
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A DARK DEED
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Bv ETA w. PIERCE

room.
Was it a stified cry he heard as the
door closed behind him? He stopped
listened, but all was still. He crossed
he hall to Godfrey Greylock's library
ntered, and walked up to the table,
here sat the master of the Woods,
'riting his letters.
What has happened" said the lat
ter, startled by the look on the baro-
nets bronze face
hospitality and to say farewell" an
swered Sir Gervase. Il must leave
Blackport by the next train"
The pen dropped from Godfrey Grey
locks hold. He arose to his feet.
1T is that girl" he almost shouted.
she has rejected you!"
Yes" answered Sir Gervase, as
calmly as he had ever spoken in his
life.
BY heaven," shouted Godfrey
Greylock, with all his old-time fury,
she shall pay dearly for her folly!
How dared she defy my wishes, my
commands, like this? For her sake
destroyed one will that was written in
your favor-I will now make another
that shall remain
The baronet's hand fell quietly on
the elder mans shoulder. This con-
tinual thrusting of American dollars
upon his notice-yea, directly into his
face-was becoming intolerable.
Pardon" he interrupted. almost
sternly; you will do nothing of the
kind. / am not thief, to take that
which belongs to another. If you
could be so unjust as to will Miss
Greylock's fortune to me, l should re-
store it to her before she had time to
realize her loss. For years you have
professed for me a deep regard.
must now put it to the test by begging
you, as a personal favor, not to re-
proach your granddaughter for any
disappointment which I may have sus-
tanned today-not to annoy her in any
way concerning this affair. To do so
would be monstrous, since she is en-
tirely blameless. If you wish me to
go from your door with no unneces-
sary regrets, you will not withhold
from me this proof Of your esteem"
Godfrey Greylock struggled hard to
control himself. For years he had
thought of this marriage, hoped for it
laid all his future plans in reference
to it, and now it was never to be!
Violent was his wrath, severe his dis
appointment; but the look, the tone
of the baronet, acted upon him like a
powerful curb.
LAS a powerful favor l ask this!"
repeated Sir Gervase.
"As a personal favor l grant it," an
swered Godfrey Greylock, almost
against his will
Many thanks. 1t would be intoler-
able for me to think that I had been
the means of making discord here, or
unhappiness for Miss Greylock. You
pledge me your word that she shall
not be troubled about this matter?"
Il pledge you my word" replied
Godfrey Greylock, gnawing his thin,
bloodless lip. Since it is your re-
quest, 1 will spare that blind. foolish
girl, but" with a look full of bitter
resentment, she has spoiled nay dear
est hopes-she has swept away every
plan which l had laid for her future"
Since your plans could not lead to
her happiness, it is best that they
should be destroyed" said the baro-
net, sadly.
Il do not know about that" cried
Godfrey Greylock, walking angrily up
and down the floor; they manage
such things better in France! Heaven
above! Did that absurd child give
you any reason for refusing your
hand?"
None; but it is plain that have
not been fortunate enough to find the
way to her heart"
And now you will return to Eng
land?" groaned the other.
Sir Gervase shook his head.
Not Immediately. Some friends OF
mine are shooting buffalo in the far
west. 1 shall join them and share
their wandering life for awhile. Later
in the autumn. probably-I shall
sail for home"
So ended Godfrey Greylock's match
making.
Half an hour after, Ethel saw car
riage roll swiftly off down the ave-
nue., and knew. beyond doubt, that the
baronet was gone. She had looked
her last upon him. Hencefcrth she
would be to him, and he to her
nothing but a memory and name
She stood and watched the vehicle till
it vanished among the trees-she was
still straining her eyes after it, when
servant opened the door and an
nounced:
"A person from Cats Tavern to see
Miss Greylock."
Ethel turned quickly, and confronted
light, shabby figure, in a common
working dress, with a plain black
shawl pinned across her bosom, and
hat of coarse straw fastened over her
smooth, massive braids.
Again the two girls stood face tc
face They were alone, too. BY many
strange ways Fate had led them tc
this hOur-to this place. One, at least
of the twain was deeply moved. She
looked at the beautiful creature before
her-she thought of the secret locked
in her own heart-that secret of which
the other was as unconscious as the
dead, and she could scarcely cOntro
her voice TO speak.
"A gentleman at the inn sends this
letter To Miss Greylock," drawing g
sealed envelope from her pocket. III
you please, l am to wait for an an
tswer."
The heiress Of the Woods changed
color Her white jeweled hand wenr
out eagerly to meet the brown, work
worn one of the messenger. She tore
open the letter with breathless haste
it ran thus: