Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-08-06

black veil.
The next day the whole village of
Milford talked Of little else than Par
son Hooper's black veil. That, and
the mystery concealed behind it, sup
piled a topic for discussion between
acuuaintances meeting in the street
and good women gossiping at their
own windows.
1t was remarkable that, Of all the
busybodies and impertinent people In
the parish, not one ventured to put
the plain question to Mr.. Hooper
wherefore he did this thing. Hither-
to, whenever there appeared the
slightest call for such interference
he had never lacked advisers nor
shown himself adverse to be guided by
their Judgment. If he erred at ALL
1t was by so painful a degree of self
distrust that even the mildest censure
would lead him to consider an indif-
ferent action as a crime. Yet, though
so well acquainted with this amiable
weakness, no individual among his
parishers chose to make the black
veil a subject Of friendly remonstrance.
There was q feeling Of dread, neither
plainly confessed nor carefully con-
the responsibility upon another. till
at length it was found expedient
to send a deputation Of the church, In
order to deal with Mr.. Hooper about
the mystery before 1t should grow into
scandal. Never did an embassy so III
discharge its duties. The minister re-
ceived them with friendly courtesy, but
became silent after they were seated,
leaving to his visitors the whole bur-
den of introducing their important
business. The topic, it might be sup
posed, was obvious enough. There was
the black veil swathed around Mr..
Hooper's forehead and concealing
every feature above his placid mouth,
on which, at times, they could perceive
the glimmering of melancholy smile.
But that piece Of Grape, to their imagi-
nation, seemed to hang down before his
heart, the symbol of a fearful secret
between him and them were the
veil cast aside, they might speak free
ly Of it, but not until then. Thus
they sat a considerable time, speech
less, confused and shrinking uneasily
from Mr.. Hooper's eye, which they
felt to be fixed upon them with an
invisible glance. Finally, the depu-
ties returned abashed to their con-
stituents, pronouncing the matter
too weighty to be handled except by
council of the churches, if, indeed,
it might not require a general synod.
But there was one person In the
village unappalled by the awe with
which the black veil had impressed
all besides herself. When the dep
uties returned without an explana-
ton or even venturing to demand
one, she with the calm energy Of her
character determined to chase away
the strange cloud that appeared to be
settling round Mr.. Hooper every mo-
ment more darkly than before. AS
his plighted wife 1t should be her
privilege to know what the black
veil concealed. At the minister's
first visit, therefore, she entered up
on the subject with a direct SIM
plicity which made the task easier
both for him and her. After he had
seated himself she fixed her eyes
steadfastly upon the veil, but could
discern nothing Of the dreadful gloom
that had 80 overawed the multitude;
it was but a double fold Of Grape
hanging down from his forehead to
his mouth and slightly stirring with
his breath.
NO" said she, aloud, and smiling,
there is nothing terrible in that
piece of Grape, except that 1t hides
face which I am always glad to
look upon. Come. good sir, let the
sunshine from behind the cloud.
First lay aside your black veil, then
tell me why you put it on"
Mr.. Hooper's smile glimmered
family.
There is an hour to come" said
he, when all of US shall cast aside
our wells. Take 1t not amiss, beloved
friend, If 1 wear this piece Of Grape
till then"
Your words are a mystery, too"
returned the young lady. Take
away the veil from them, at least"
Elizabeth, 1 WILL" said he, 80 far
as my VOW may suffer me. Know,
then, this veil is a type and symbol,
and I am bound to wear 1t ever,
both in light and darkness, in soli-
tude and before the gaze Of multi
tudes; and as with strangers. so
with my familiar friends. No mortal
eyes will see it withdrawn. This
dismal shade must separate me from
the world; even you, Elizabeth, new
er come behind it."
What grevious aff1iction hath be-
fallen you?" she earnestly inquired,
that you should thus darken your
eyes forever?"
eff it be a sign Of mourning" re-
piled Mr.. Hooper, II, perhaps like
most other mortals. have sorrows
dark enough to be typified by black
veil"
But what if the world will not be-
lieve that it is the type Of an inno-
cent sorrow?" urged Elizabeth.
Believed and respected as you are,
there may be whispers that you
hide your face under the conscious
ness of secret sin. For the sake of
your holy office do away with this
scandal"
The color rose into her cheeks as
she intimated the nature Of the ru-
mors that were already abroad in
the village. But Mr.. Hooper's mild
ness did not forsake him. He even
smiled again-that same sad smile
which always appeared like a faint
glimmering Of the light proceeding
from the obscurity beneath the veil
IF I hide my face for sorrow.
there is cause enough" he merely
replied, land if cover it for secret
,;- irlt do ha