Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1914-01-06

1t has been his turn to come croppers
lately. But now, as we all rejoice to
see, he's fit and we'll again and stand
ing at Lord Beverly's right hand.
Could a better man take the whip
than Lord Brancaster?"
AS amid cheers that followed this
speech Lady Diana and the women of
the hunt in full field costume entered
and grouped themselves on the stairs
to hear the conclusion Of the speech
es. Brancaster arose and with bow
to the company began in low voice,
which gradually increased in power:
Gentlemen, you pay me very high
compliment, but I'm afraid don't de-
serve it. To command the support of
the Beverley hunt 1 have not yet
proved that can ride hard enough or
as straight as 1 should when 1 follow
the lead that 1 am certain will appeal
most nearly to you-the lead not of
deputy master, for there is none here
fitted to take that place, but the lead
that is given in some counties by the
mistress of the hounds. Gentlemen,
let us follow that example and declare
by acclamation today that Lady Diana
Sartoris is the chosen deputy mistress
of the Beverley hounds"
Only the greatest positive and affirm
ative shouts greeted this declaration,
and, encouraged by it, Brancaster
walked slowly to the foot Of the stair
way and took from his pocket jewel
case containing a miniature whip In
diamonds, the package he had been
fuming about in the morning.
Lady DIANA" he said to the young
girl above him, you have heard the
decision of the hunt. May 1 beg that
on their behalf you will accept-the
whip?"
And he gave to Lady Diana the gilt
tering diamond whip.
Lady Diana was plainly moved and
there seemed tears Of pride and joy in
her eyes as she answered:
"Gentlemen-I-I-i you really
wish it-then as long as you wish it
Il will do my best to hunt as hard
and ride as straight as a Sartoris
should-I thank you very much-and
I'll hold the whip you give me till it
it can go into better hands"
Overjoyed at the turn Of events the
old marquis hastened to the table,
filled big bumper and then motioned
to all the company to do the same.
Ladies and gentlemen" he cried,
''the hounds wait. ITS" time for a
stirrup cup! Fill your glasses! 1
give you a toast"
"Cries of THE Whip" and Lady
Dr. greeted him.
Yes, the whip and Lady Dr." he
said, "and not only the whip and my
dear Di-for the whip may soon have
a new handle to its name
A general murmur greeted this
statement.
"Falconhurst and Rievers may be
bound by a new thong" went on Bev-
erley. "On a day like this it's great
pleasure to ask you to drink not only
to your new whip-to my grandchild
Di-but to the future
The strident tones of big footman
at the door interrupted him, or rather
inserted themselves into the pause he
had intended to be impressive.
The footman's words completed the
marquis sentence, but they also gave
sinister threat, tragic turn to the
happy course of events.
Lady Brancaster," announced the
footman, while all turned their eyes
to the doorway to behold there, smil-
ing coldly, Mrs. D'Aquila.
For a moment there was a general
silence after half the company had got
TO it's feet. Haslam moved toward
Sartoris as if he required the strength
of his personality. Beverley turned
toward the woman standing there
coldly possessed.
Madam" he exclaimed.
In a most decided drawing room
manner. Mrs. D'Aquila faced him.
Lord Beverley, pray forgive this
er-intrusion," she said sweetly. Ger
tain rumors having reached my ears,
view with a view to obviating a pub
lie scandal. But happily-or unhappi-
ly-I have just heard the words that
have fallen from your lips. There
tho hof
may cause, it is due to myself that I
should speak here as publicly as you
have spoken and say-that 1 am Lord
Brancaster's wife"
Brancaster started forward, his
hand at his forehead as he struggled
to regain memory of the last day be-
fore his accident.
Wife," he shouted. Its lie!"
Lady Diana had gone straight to her
grandfather and, ready to fly to the
refuge of his arms, stood close to him.
Madam" said Beverley in deep
pain. "if this is some i'll timed piece of
bravado-some attempt
But Mrs. DAquila took the words
from his mouth.
1T is an attempt to save your
granddaughter humiliation, Lord Bev-
erley," she said; perhaps something
worse. 1t is now an endeavor to as
sist you in explaining to her exactly
my position in this house."
While Lady Diana's eyes followed
Brancaster wistfully, dispairingly, the
young earl turned to the company OF
his friends and neighbors.
Gentlemen. on my honor"-he ex-
ploded. Beverley. this is an outrage!
Turn this woman out!"
Beverley seemed half inclined to
take the hotheaded sugg astion of his
neighbor and act upon it.
Mrs. D'Aquila"-he began.
That's not my name" she said
firmly. You don't believe it?''
Il believe Brancaster." said the rae
ing marquis. clasping the hand Of the
young man.
Suddenly the woman held out tc