Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-12-20

ever nave 10 go upon the SuSee o'
tended. You wouldn't you know, #
Aunt Airy wasn't crippled with rheu-
matism. Helloi the rain is coming down
again-let me hoist your umbrella. In
bound homeward also"
He opened the old cotton thing, and
hurried of with Mercy through the
wet, gathering night. Anything more
cozy and delightful than walk under
an umbrella betwixt parties who are
good friends cannot we'll be imagined.
One naturally runs to condolences and
soft looks and low tone Of voice-one
naturally feels isolated from all the
world under that light shelter, and II
there is any charm in proximity you
have It there. Mr.. Valentine Black was
a Young man almost as shabby In out
ward appearance as Mercy herself, for
he was only an ill-paid under clerk In
the Boston house of Sardis the banker.
Neither had he much to boast Of in the
way of good looks His closely-shorn
hair was as red as it was possible for
hair to be; his features differed from
all classic models; his hazel eyes were
honest, brave and kindly, but not In the
least beautiful He was broad-shoul-
dered, merry y-hearted-a purely useful
not an ornamental, being; common
place, but dearly loved by dogs and lit
tie children; strong of hand. heavy OF
limb and face, and the nephew, the
idol, the sole comfort and support Of
that poor little rheumatic spinster, Miss
Airy Black.
What sort Of day has this been
with your" he said to his. companion,
MOI inquisitively, but in voice OF CO.
vert sympathy.
Much as usual" she faltered.
Where is your-your mother?"
AT home-sick," said Mercy, family.
"Sick," was a very mild term to ap-
ply to Mol Diips disorder. Alas; no
reformation had been effected as yet in
the shameful creature. Val Black stole
one plying glance at the girls pale,
drooping face, then he set his teeth
and tramped on silently through the
mud and mire.
The rain fell in a steady downpour'
Gathering loudly on the umbrella. Pres
emily Mercy spoke.
This Is your birthday, is it not?
Miss Affry told me-"
Yes" answered Val, dubiously,
am twenty five today. Mr.. Sardis LETT
town this afternoon: he's of to New
port with his ward, Miss Beatrix Sar-
dis. I half expected an increase OF sal
ary before his departure, but 1t didn't
come. For Aunt Affry's sake would
have liked it."
There was so much covert disap-
pointment in his tone that Mercy muir
INJURED involuntarily: q.
"Too bad"
He frightened at once.
well, I'm used to hard luck, so 1t
doesn't affect me much, and I've live
ly and abiding faith in the future, and
that's a comfort. Fortune Is tickle
Jade, and she will be sure to show me
brighter face some day" .".
Mercy gave her escort an eloquent
look, then asked:
Has Mr.. Sardis recovered from his
hurt?"
She knew all about Vals employer
having heard of him often from Miss
Affry.
Yes"
And the person who assaulted him
has he been found?"
mo"
1T was very odd"
And very unpleasant. Mr.. Sardis
doesn't care to speak OF It, His ward
came with him to the office today.
happened to see her-a pleasant-faced
little thing"
And handsome, / suppose?" said
Mercy, with girlish curiosity.
mo. not at ALL There is a daughter,
though, the bankers heiress, who Is
called a great belle. She's in Europe
with her mother read in a newspa-
per paragraph yesterday that some for
eign nobleman was paying her marked
attention at Swiss watering place"
"A nobleman!" echoed unsophisticat-
ed Mercy, quite overwhelmed.
Count don't remember the name
Well whoever he is. he may consider
himself a lucky dog If he wins Miss
Sardis, for there is really no end to the
bankers money, and she is the sole
child of his house and heart"
Mercy heaved an unconscious sign.
Young, rich, beautiful-how happy
she must be-" she murmured.
Val had never paid compliment in
his life, and he grew very red and en-
barrassed as he stammered:
There's one thing at least, that you
needn't envy her-I mean good looks
YOU know. It's scarcely possible tha'
any fine lady living, can surpass you on
that point"
They had reached the door by this
time; and 1t was not necessary ior
Mercy to answer.
The wooden face of dingy. old, gray
No 10, dripped wearily with rain. The
court was sloppy, dark and disagree
able: but in Miss Blacks window, first
floor, IrOnl, ldIllp ShCSAAS
and as the two young folks stepped
from the gloom and went into its OBJ
trusive red beams, 10! the door new
omen, and Miss Black herself, in hel
Sunday gown and smartest cap. awry
as usual, appeared on the threshold.
what, both of you!" she cried, hel
wrinkIed little face all aglow with de-
light, how fortunate! Mercy, you
must take your tea with US tonight
will hear no denial-neither will Val
am sure"
THAT will not" cried Val, firmly
let her refuse to join us. and I will de-
cline to eat the chops which perfume
this house, will do even worse-repu-
diate my own birthday"
Mercy's violet eyes danced. She gave
Miss Blacks rheumatic hand a CRATE
full pressure.