Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

r \ ? m 1 1 LEWIlro^i?SRIST,[ ' Iniirjjcnkiti Jfamiln gttospapa; Jar % franrefant af % |olitical, Social, Agricultural ani) Comtnerttd |irterests of % &<mtjr. - : VOL. 13. Y(?KYILLE, S. C., THTJE8DAY, MAY 16, 1867. - 1i'"\ 1 \ ''.llHt. - * Jtn Original pauwlcttc. r i \ [copyright secured. i THE SHADOW ON THE WALL A 8TOBY OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA. BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE.. ESQ., Author of "Surry, of Eagle's Nest," "Wearing the Gray," "Ltl of'Stonewall' Jnckson," etc. XV. how lord ruthyen made the aixjuaintanc of honoria. A month after the events just related, a charic and four drew up before a handsome house in Wi] liamsburg, and the footman knocked and asked i the ladies were at home. The reply of the white haired negro was in the affirmative, and a gentle man, clad richly and fashionably, but in garment whose prevailing tint was dark, descended and en tered. The gentleman who thus passed into the man sion of Colonel Carter?where Sir Rezin Brand his wife and daughter were guests?was Lor* Ruthven. The baronet and his family had reached the cap ital a week or two before. They arrived at th gayest season: when the meeting of the House c Burgesses drew to the ancient city, the intelligence I the wealth, and the beauty of the whole colon; and when revel and enjoyment ruled the hour.Nothing was spoken of but the great ball of th preceding night, or that which was to take plac in a day or two. The splendid chariots of th "gentry," with their glossy four-in-hands, flash? , to and fro on Gloucester-street, and, for the time the whole capital seemed given up to the carnivs of pleasure. In truth, the winter then in Wi] liamsburg, was the culmination of that splendii life of old; and the gayest and most pleasure-lov ing people that the sun ever shone upon, the gave the freest rein to their gayest moods. Sir Rezin was familiar with the metropolis a such seasons, and his undenied object in visitin Williamsburg at present, was to exhibit to the s ristocratic world, that peerless jewel, his daughtei His expectations were not disappointed by the-f vent Honoria?or the "mountain beauty," as th beaus now universally called her?speedily becam the toast of the Capital, and even "the pretty Mis Fountain," as the chronicle declares, was far oui shone by our heroine. Sir Rerin's rank and wealt had given hira,?at once, the highest position in th - % i rr splendid society of the metropolis, ana nonon soon found her time no longer at her own disposa ras at Haddon; but usurped by balls and race; tea-drinkings, riding excursions, cards and all tb festivities of a pleasure-loving city. She was htu ried off to a round of assemblies, where she foun herself the idol of the gay throng; and had tb young girl possessed a character less firm and ea] nest, her head must have been turned by the ii cense burned on all sides in her honor. Her very appearance was the signal of her tr umph. No party was complete without her; r beau was in the fashion who did not cany her fan to danoe with her was a coveted honor, and a smi from the young lady's confiding eyes, was a subje* for hourly boasting and rejoicing. Was this the pure caprice of fashion, that gs goddess who delights in choosing her favorites i accordance with her momentary whim? Sue may have been the truth, but what began thu accidentally, continued upon other grounds. Honoria's beauty of character was the spell whic made her popularity lasting. She was as deligh ful in conversation, as she was lovely in persor and before she had been a week in the capitol, dozen youthful gallants were dreaming of her, at waited for the favorable opportunity of offcrir their hands and hearts to the beautiful and winnir little heiress. Among these passionate admirers of Honori was Lord Ruthven. He had met her at an asset t bly, soon after her arrival; and as she entered tl P room, Lord Botetourt, who held the young nobl I ' man's arm, felt him tremble. "What is the matter, Ruthven?" was the sir ling question of the worthy Botetourt "Ah! th little maiden makes you start, does she?" If the speaker had looked at Lord Ruthven, 1 would have wondered at his emotion. He w as pale as death, and a cold sweat started from I 1 1 1 x xl forehead as he gazed witn aistenaea eyes at u young lady. "Who is she, my Lord?" he said, in a voice low that it sounded like a whisper; "her name ? "Honoria Brand," was his Lordship's reply, he bowed to Sir Rezin; "the daughter of my c friend, Sir R4zin Brand?a beauty is she not?" And Lord Botetourt went to meet and welcoi Sir Rezin. As for Lord Ruthven, he stood 1 I some moments motionless, his face like that o: (marble statue, his lips alone trembling visibly. " The teaman/'' he muttered hoarsely, uthe v man !" "Why Ruthven, what ails you?" cried thevo of one of his companions; "you stand there s ring at the Brand beauty?or the mountain beau as the more poetical call her?as if you were ro ed to the floor; and I swear you are as white a ^ sheet SvCome, let me introduce you !" V "No! W>!" muttered the young nobleman w: ' a strange shudder; "not for the universe! I me [ ?that is?thank you, but I am not very well, a another time ?" ( With these agitated words, Lord Ruthven tu ed away hastily, and sought to leave the apartme This, however, was impossible, from the dens of the crowd, and he found himself borne to a fro, without the power of guiding his steps, more violent surge in the brilliant company tl he had yet felt, at length almost made the yoi nobleman lose his balance, and in striving not tc I borne onward, his foot was placed upon a yoi f lady's skirt, in which it made a terrible rent. ' The young lady turned quickly, with a laugh affectation of distress, and Lord Ruthven rec nized the 1 'Brand beauty.'' I \ He turned paler than before, and bowing 1< uttered some hurried words of apology. Hone | gathered up the torn skirt, threw it over her snt j arm, and with a smile, replied that the accid K? was the merest trifle. The result, however, l| that Lord Ruthven was presented to Miss Bra II by the youDg lady's escort, and thus, in spit & himself, the young nobleman made her aoqua K ance. P A quarter of an hour afterward Ruthven reac r his chamber in the Raleigh. As he entered ? room he said hoarsely to the old body-servant \ was nodding over the fire, "Fergus, I have seen the woman!" "The woman, mv Lord?" was the cool rej "and what is she like?" 1:1.. ill? *i to "One is use?use?iuc epcvtit: And, Lord Ruthven, breathing heavily', sank a chair. For sonic moments the silence reinai i unbroken. Lord Ruthven then said with a qi I. movement of his head, I "We go to-morrow!" "To Europe, my Lord?" ? "Yes!" P "Good!" L And rising, Fergus coolly began to fold his i r ter's clothes, and lay them carefully in a great t I ] eling trunk. I ^ "I tried to avoid making her acquaintance, eve 1. muttered Lord Ruthven, "but fate forced it v ft me!" / B "Eh ?" was the dry response, as the old ser B, x went on packing. "As I made the acquaintance of the other?the man!" ; "Your Lordship means young Mr. Innis?" "Yes! Does it not seem strange?" "Everything is strange in this world, my Lord? but I'm glad we're going.'' "Yes! we go Pwe go! Oh, the very soil of this aocursed new world would yawn beneath my feet andengulph me if I staid." t "I'm glad your Lordship thinks so.'' "I will go?yes, to-morrow!" "Good. I, myself, have no fondness for the new world?but are you really going?" "Yes! yes! Have I not said it Fergus!" "You said it before?when you saw the man." | "And if I did!" was the angry reply, accompa^ nied by a fierce scowl which betrayed the fiery excitability of the young nobleman's temper, "am I to be catechised by my menials!" "Menials, my Lord?" said the old man, pausing s and turning to the speaker with a strange emotion * on hi8 weather-beaten countenance, "I a menial!" "Forgive me, Fergus! my true, my only friend!'' |" exclaimed the young man, approaching the old j servant and pressing his horny hand between his 11 * * J 1? "T ? ?rl T own whim; auu urisujuruui; ptuuu. x iuu ul?u, * think, or I never should hare thus insulted you, 'my good and faithful Fergus. Forgive me?I have been unnerved to-night; that face! that smile, and lip, and hair?the same, the very same! Oh! yes, yes, Fergus, we will leave this cursed soil?it ' would be infamous to stay! To-morrow, yes, tomorrow, I will go!" e Thf morrow came and went, and day followed e day, yet Lord Ruthven was still in Williamsburg. | first, the obstacle was the difficulty of finding a homeward bound ship, then some other barrier, j then again another. Meanwhile, the young man I had visited Honoria, a ceremony then regarded as ^ incumbent on a gentleman under the especial circumstances; had registered an oath to go no more ?had gc ne again?had finally conceived a passionate .love for the young lady, and abandoned all thought of leaving Williamsburg. Lord Ruthven was generally pale, but during ? these days which our narrative has now reached, J" his countenance was like that of a ghost. He " rarely engaged in conversation with any one, had a strange way of looking over his shoulder, and remained at times, for hours in his chamber, motionless and in a trance as it were. t At such times Fergus said nothing to him, and k indeed their conversation always was confined to business matters. The clothes had been coolly e unpacked and re-arranged, without a word of rej monstrance, and the old servant maintained his air of impenetrable reserve. At intervals Lord Ruth^ ven's eye would encounter that of Fergus, with e gloomy meaning in its expression, but no words j were uttered. The old clansman bowed with si lent obedience to his chief. e Such were the events which had connected Lord r" Ruthven with Honoria. 1XVI. 1r 1Q THE LOVERS, i Lord Ruthven entered and found Honoria await|e ing him in the drawing room. 2t The young lady was not alone?a gentleman was conversing with her?and in the visitor Lord Ruthiy ven recognized Edmund Innis, whose acquaintance n he had made, as we have seen, on the day of his h fall from horseback. s, A nervous tremor of the nobleman's lip and a ? deeper pallor than before, were the sole -evidences :h of emotion which he exhibited. Bowing with t- grave courtesy, he offered the compliments of the i; day and sat down, having shaken hands with Ina nis. id "l see that you are acquainted with my cousin, ig Mr. Innis," said the young lady, slightly blushing ig as she spoke. "Yes, madam," was the courteous reply, in a a, firm voice; "he has doubtless related the occasion q- of our first meeting?'' ie "Which will always be a subject of regret to me, e- unfriendly as it may seem, my Lord," said Innis. "By no means, sir; on the contrary, it gave me ii- the honor of your acquaintance." at And another bow accompanied the words. "But I was not aware that you had become a lie resident of the capital, Mr. Innis," he added, as "Yes, my Lord, temporarily. I am studying for lis the law." be "A very noble profession, sir, and the high road to distinction. I trust you may find it all that you ft hope." And having exchanged these formal and com113 mon-place courtesies with Innis, Lord Ruthven 'h* turned to the young lady and began conversing about the last ball. "Pe Honoria's delicate cheeks wore an unaccustomed |,or color, for she fully understood the feelings of jiei 1 u visitors, and was too young and sincere to control her real emotion. She knew perfectly well thai vo~ Lord Ruthven came as a suitor; he had betrayec the fact in many ways, and her position was thui lce one of no little embarrassment She managed ta* however, to sustain her portion of the convcrsa t-'? tion with sufficient self-possession, and Lord Rutl* ot" ven soon rose to take his departure, having offerep 3 a himself as the young lady's escort to the great barj which was to take place at the Raleigh Tavern ofo lt" the ensuing evening. Honoria had accepted hn :an escort, and with a grave aud courteous bow, la nc* now departed. Innis remained. a For some moments after the visitor's departurli m" the two young persons preserved silence. Innv ? finally said, with a deep sigh: s "I understand all, Honoria." b ^ "Youunderstand, Edmund?"murmured tjy girl faintly. v "Yes, my own Honoria, it is very plain thl J?? Lord Ruthven does not come hither as an ordinab visitor?in plainer words, that he comes as a suii or for your hand." ' n Honoria covered her face, and did not speak., v lD? "Is it not so?" said Innis mournfully; "do y a notlcnow this?" i "Yes." _ s And a deep sob followed this despairing motr )na syllable. c >wy , iw|j| succeeci)''Innis; "I see that plai ] en ly. Your father will never permit you to rejefrj nobleman of Vis position?the die is cast." i ' "Oh! I never, never will consent?!" sobtj r?f the girl . h "How can you resist, my poor dear Honoria't jjgd You know not the strength of Sir Rezin's will. j tjie will laugh at your opposition, and declare youri E v willingness no obstacle?the simple coyness < > ? romantic girl." _ j (ISM. I Wmiiml Vio onnnnt bip will not force ] \JLL : iJUWUiiU) uv WU..V/V, .. ... ? , i . to this miserable union ! He loves me, and whe ( ' tell him that I am engaged to you?that in j sight of heaven I am your wife?'' j into "What then, Honoria ?" < <;He will yield, he will not make me wretched i The young man mournfully shook his head, j "You do not know mankind as I know them, i own darling; they are hard, very hard, when <1 hair is gray and the blood is cold. They find gc < reasons for the separation of young hearts; on i sec before me nothing but misery.' < "I will never, never, become Lady Ruthven rav- "Lady Ruthven! Are you sure, Honoria," 1 said groaning, "that the difference between J < n I" Innia and Lady Ruthven will not finally imp: 1 [pon itself on your mind too ?" "Edmund! This is cruel; yes unworthy! . \ rant to doubt?" i "Oh! yes!" he interrupted; "yes! my wi'i are wild/unkind?but how can I see my happiness, my veijfife at stake and not calculate all chances! I say that many maidens would be dazzled, many lose thef sense of right, when this was placed be- . fore then; the plain choice between a poor and unknowl youth, and a wealthy nobleman! But I know yd* better I Yes, Honoria, I am certain, , certain 3 my heart of hearts, that you are mine forevefthat you will be faithful?that the cere- ? mony llhich ties you to this gentleman will be a * mockeij as it will be a terrible sin in those who ^ influentfyou! Forgive me then?but what remains? They say that I am resolute, not prone to ? bend bebre opposition, but what can I do? I con- c fess thai all seems dark, for I see the future plain- * ly. Otf thing only is left me, an appeal to Sir 8 Rezin Hmself, and this appeal I will make." The/oung man ceased speaking and gaaed linnn flin flnni* ^ UlUlUUitf*J U|A/M vuv UW1 "Hejftn only refuse," he added gloomily, "and 0 I cannq be more wretched!" ? As hi spoke, Sir Bezin entered the apartment ] XVII. I THE GLADIATORS. * The t*one t greeted the young man with stately courted, and smiled upon Honoria, who, agitated bythQ>ainful scene through which she had just j passej glided to her chamber with a last sad look ^ Tbyoung man retained his seat, and the baro- a net bo bad taken the chair opposite, exhibited 8 an iperceptible surprise, at this manifest desire ^ on tk part of Innis, for an interview with himself ^ Sir B*in hated business, hated scenes?abhorred diseifcions, explanations?in a word, "interviews." p He ferefore assumed his coolest manner, and set- P tlingda chin in his huge white neckcloth, waited witftprmal politeness for the young man to speak. ^ Las did not long delay. Now, when the mo- ij meat)ad arrived for action, he found his self-pos- c sessifl return, and the native resolution of his tem- ' peraent came to his rescue. ^ a "km glad you came, Sir Rezin," he said earn- t] estly"I wish to speak with you upon a matter of j gredlmportance." t] ' 'i/matter of importance, sir ?'' said the boronet, incKrig his head, "I am at your service." "fcish to ask }?our consent to my union with Hoiia." ti B words were calmly and simply uttered, but jj thejeemed to strike Sir Rezin like a thunderWf ? " o '?>ur union!?with Honoria!" he gasped.? a "W)this is madness, sir! What could have put ^ sucin idea iti your bead?such a wild and foolish ^ tho^it. It is absurd, sir! mere moonshine! - ia * - t] nea Your proposal is astounding sir, and shocks mef # s Lis did not reply. With a heightened color, ^ and stern compression of his under-lip, he braced ^ hisrcngth against the storm. ^ lfes, shocks me!" continued Sir Rezin; "thus sudmly?on the spur of the moment?without Q waing?to be called upon coolly to give my daughter a?" ^ ^ 'top, Sir Rezin!" said the young man flush- ^ ingaughtily; "at least spare your insults.* You s, shanot find it necessary to ask me out of your hoc!". . fa ilnnis spoke, the burning cheeks, the flaming j, eye the lips trembling with sudden ire, formed a $ piorc such as a great artist might have dreamed r of. Ihe blood of a haughty race had rushed to thfoor youth's cheek and made him oblivious of fi allmsequences. g lid strange to say, Sir Rezin's wrath did not f, ler to meet that of his companion. His excite- a nat visibly'cooled, and something like a grim sat- v uction came to his stern face. He recognized a ( nure as strong and proud as his own, and dis- 0 cned to take advantage of his position to crush j ' g "Insult you, sir!" he said more calmly. "In the }, me of Heaven, Mr. Innis, what imaginable in- u It have I offered you, or designed offering you ? a J under the excitement of this moment, you have c and in anything I have said, or in my tone of lice, the least indication of an intent to wound 0 mr feelings, I pray you, as one gentleman should jj other, to forget it No, sir! I trust that I know f, e proprieties of my station too well to outrage a intleman, quite as good as myself; but I repeat, r, and it is proper that I should do so plainly, lat the alliance which you do me the honor to j ropose, is wholiy out of the question.'' jj "Out of the question?" said the young man lo- p .ng his angry tone, and speaking in a voice of j ainful earnestness; why, in the name of Heaven, >ir Rezin, should the marriage be thus impossible ? n love Honoria?I have no right to speak of her wn feelings?I love her with the truest devotion, nd you, yourself, acknowledge that my origin is ^ qual with her own?nay, we come of the very nine blood?why then, this absolute opposition!" ^ Sir Rezin listened to the glowing words in moody ilence, and when the youth had finished, said in ii lis habitual tone of stately courtesy, r "My young friend, this discussion is quite use- t ;ss. I have said, and I repeat that I can have no p ossible objection to your social status, for a gen- b leman is a gentleman under all conditions, so that il e keep his faith and honor. But this union is b one the less impossible. Honoria is a mere child, S nd though I do not mean to declare that this is ii n insuperable obstacle, I still insist upon it I be- o eve, sir, that you are attached to your cousin. I rill not for an instant be guilty of the injustice of il upposing, much less saying, that you are impelled y motives of interest. A vulgarian might offer v ou that insult, sir?but I, an English gentleman, b rill not so degrade myself No, my young friend, t am perfectly well assured that you are wholly a- 11 ove this mean and ignoble calculation ; your feel- jj jg, I doubt not, is genuine and disinterested, but one the less am I resolved. I regret, sir, that my rords thus pain you," he continued, looking with softer expression at the youth, whose brows were ' :nit together, "but, believe me, that on this oocaion, plain words are the best. I cannot give you uy daughter, Mr. Innis, and for this decision I \ ould furnish you with good, and valid reasons.? \ Snough, sir, that I find myself compelled to refuse t our request. For yourself, personally, sir, I chersh not only great respect, but a real affection. If \ ny natural coldness of demeanor has impressed -ou with a different idea, you have not done justice o my feelings. You will find this fancy dissipated n the course of time, and now let us cease to j ;peak upon this very painful subject. Our con- r ,'ersation need not cause a change in the relations mu have hitherto sustained toward the household, ? jut I should advise you, as a friend, not to seek oc- T sasions which may serve to nourish a hopeless sen- j timent I must go now, Jttr. innis?let us part ^ friends. I do not venture, sir, to make any offers ] jf service to a gentleman of your rank, but should ( ihe occasion come, you shall find that I will aid you in despite of yourself.'' ( With these words, which were strongly in con- < trast with the stately and formal bearing of the ] speaker, Sir Rezin rose, exchanged a ceremonious gbake of the hand with Innis, and retired from the < apartment t The young man put on his hat, and with locked [ tips, contracted brows and a face as pale as death, j jeparted. He needed solitude and silence to col- ( lect his thoughts, and sought them in his chamber. i Honoria who had seen him go away, and under- ' jtood the pale cold face, was weeping. But even 1 in the depth of woe and disappointment, Innis was < justained by his pride and stubborn fortitude. < XVIIL i THE BETHBOTHAL. ' i: Day after day, and week after week, passed by. ( Die dramaofthoseliv.es, which we have under- 1 oken to delineate, approached its catastrophe. Innis and Honoria had scarcely met, and Lord ! luthven was at the young lady's side at all hours , if the day. In vain had the young lady gone to ler father and besought him with sobs and tears 8 o forego his purpose of giving her hand to Lord luthven, who hod formally proposed, and been J s formally accepted by the baronet. The reply of Q. Sir Rezin was a mild but firm refusal, and at the 1 eriod of which we write, there was no more pos- c ibility of opposing the determination t)f the baro- 5 let, than of reversing some great law of nature. ' What could the young girl do ? The authority f f narenta was snnreme. and the verv thought of 1 ding in definance of it, was regarded as a montrous crime. Hearts were not'free in those old J lays, or if the natural sentiment yas indulged, the bstacle to its gratification was insuperable. The , etried rule of social life was that the hand of a oung lady could he given only to the person whom er parents selected for her?she was not a responible party to the contract And this was the diect result of the mode of thinking then in vogue, larriage, with our proud old ancestors, was not 1 he union of two loving hearts?it was the allince of two ''houses." Did a young man of the entlc class desire to marry one whom he lov- j d, his parents straightway made inquiries on he yital points of the lady's social rank, posses- g ions, general "eligibility." The question of her t ersonal attractions, her affection, and the pros- g ect which her character afforded of a happy un- ^ )n, scarcely entered into the affair. Much more ras the case when some old baron of the planters ( ras expected to bestow his daughter on a youth. g 'he suitor was compelled to undergo, a searching ( riticism. His birth, his wealth, his family oonections, were investigated with the utmost care, nd if the suitor was objectionable upon any of bese grounds, his suit was courteously denied. f ou the other hand, he was found "eligible," ^ ben the affair was speedily arranged. Did the oung lady object that she did not loye him, c bat she did not respect him, that the union , ras a hateful thought to her? All this opposion was regarded as irrational, undutiful, rebelon against her parents, who were certainly as * rell enabled to decide upon her course, as she ould be. Far better able, indeed, to choose a suitble husband for her?unblinded as they were by t jeling, and acting with an eye single to their j aughter's good in life. So Agnes found herself be bride of tho rich old Honorable Judge Wolfe, nd Constance, with her tender, loving heart, her oft blue eyes and golden hair, became the wife of attered Colonel Dives, leaving her young lover to ie of despair, or sneer at woman. So the thing t bat is, has been; and the fable will be narrated of lany coming generations. But we wander from ^ ur theme. t Sir Rezin had accepted Lord Rothven, and in pite of the prayers, and tears of his daughter, ad- ^ ered obstinately to his resolution. And Honoria ubmitted, with a singular apathy, and something , trange in her demeanor, but none the less submited. Her mother, silenced and subdued by the on will of the baronet, could only pray for her 5 aughter's happiness?she oould do nothing to ar- * est the consummation of the sombre nuptials. e The effect of these events upon Innis was pain- ( ill to behold. In a month ho seemed to have rown ten years older. All his buoyancy, his hope- ? ul energy, his zest of life had left him. He went fc bout with a measured and mechanical step, spoke ~ ery seldom and seemed to have lost some precious ^ King of which he was in pursuit. He no longer pened his law books?study had grown hateful. ' Ie never went into society, and the brilliant paeant of the capital went on around him, no more ^ eeded than the idle mummery, the shadowy figres of a dream. The youth seemed, to revolve Dme crazy undertaking, and to be estimating the hances of success. Such was the condition of things when an event ccurred which was destined to arouse Innis from ^ is sombre apathy, and change the aspect of af- . lire. XIX. I THE LETTER. It was a bleak, clear morning of January, and , nnis was stretched upon the couch before his fire, i the dreary "bachelor lodgings," which he occuiied, on Gloucester street, when a knock at the . oor aroused him from his gloomy reevrie. ^ "Come in!" he said, in a loud stern voice, for k usery had changed the whole bearing ot' the youth -his very tones. The door opened, but Innis did not turn his j iead. "Well!" was the brief, harsh greeting which he ave the unseen visitor. "A note, mas' Edmund, from Sir Rezin," came j a the familiar voice of old Robin, tbe grey-haired " najor-domo of Haddon, who had accompanied he family to Williamsburg; and respectfully ap roaching the youth, he drew a small waiter from eneath his capacious coat, placed the note upon x t, and handed it to Innis with a bow that might x lave done honor to the Grande Monarque himself, c luch was old Robin's view of propriety, and noth- 1 ag but stern necessity could have induced him to . rnit the waiter. i Innis took the note without rising, and opened ( t with gloomy surprise. t "Sir," it ran in the old formal style, "if you * rill do me the honor to attend at Col. Carter's f louse, within the hour, I shall be much indebted 0 you. An affair of great impbrtance, and the ( nost surprising character, renders your speedy 1 iresence not only desirable, but absolutely noces- 1 ary. "With great respect, ( 'TTour friend and kinsman, "R. Brand." 'To Edmund Innis. Esq. Glos'ter street The young man read the note twice, interrogated ' rainly the calmly courteous features of old Robin, ! rho stood respectfully awaiting further orders, and hen took a pen and wrote: "I will attend upon Sir Rezin, at CoL Carter's, 1 rithin the hour. I "Respectfully, ? "Edmund Innis." This note the old major-domo, after exchanging ( 1 few words with the youth, bore away, and Innis eturned to his sofa and his thoughts. "What now?" he murmured, with a sardonic 1 imile; "here is a mystery that at other times vould certainly interest me. An affair of great importance and surprising character I Lord Ruth,-en is discovered to be an imposter, and I am the leir-apparent of the Earldom ? Is that the rnysery ? Ah! well, we'll see ? but I will not huny." And the youth relapsed into reverie. At the md of half an hour he rose, made some slight al:erations in his toilet, put on his hat and wrapsings, and repaired to Col Carter's. Sir Bezin met him upon the threshold of the Irawing room, and Innis saw, at the first glance, hat some extraordinary event had taken place.? rhe baronet's countenance, generally flushed and rubicund with high living and rich wines, was juite pale?and his air of stately courtesy had given place to an expression of absence and gloom, rhe very shoulders, habitually carried proudly jackward, drooped; and the unwonted negligence >f his dress, betrayed the all-absorbing character of ;he baronet's thoughts. "I thank you for your promptness, Mr. Innis,' le said, recovering his grand air, though it evi lently cost him a great effort; "come in, sir, and ve will speak of the strange event I referred to." The young man bowed with gloomy courtesy, ind entered the apartment As he did so, he leard alow sob, and this sob proceeded from Ladj 5rand, who sat holding the hand of Honoria, on s ofa by the fire. Innis interrogated with a rapid glance, full oi >ain and wonder, the countenance of the two lalies, who were both weeping? but this glance onlj ncreased their emotion, and Lady Brand's fact lisappeared behind her handkerchief. Before the roung mah could advance or speak, Sir Rezin, nth his old formal air of stiff politeness, and setling his chin in his white neckcloth, opened the nterview. ^Vaii wifnnoo fKn vomilf fl?n Kncnnnoa IvifrtW A uu TTiCUVOO l/UV I^OUIV U? UUV l/UUIUV>W MV*V? > is, Mr. Innis," he said, pointing to a seat which he young man took in silence. "I await your explanation, sir," was the reply. CI confess that this spectacle fills me with wonder.'' "Naturally, sir." "What is the occasion of Aunt Ellen's grief, sii - and?Honoria's ?'' "It is not grief," said Sir Rezin, with some stiff less. "What then, in heaven's name ?" "Mere agitation, sir?mere agitation !" And Sir Rezin's voice became suddenly tremu ou8, as he gazed upon his daughter. "But the cause of this agitation ? the cause, irl" exclaimed Innis, who found himself yielding o a. vague excitement, his bosom oppressed bj in iron load, as his eyes were fixed upon the paleaced girl. "The reply is simple, sir," said the baronet mdeavoring vainly to recover his habitual self-pos ession ; "you are the owner of the estate of Had Ion!" "I!" exclaimed Innis, turning suddenly and fa :ing the speaker, "I the owner of Haddon!" "Yes, sir?and it will be surrendered to yor it the earliest moment compatible with the com ort and convenience of my family." Innis made no reply; his eyes were rivetted up >u the gloomy face of the baronet with incredu ous surprise. "I shall be compelled to trespass upon youi jroperty, sir," continued the baronjt in an agita ed voice, "until I can collect my slender resources, ind find somewhere a shelter for my wife and laughter?I mean a dwelling?do not dream, sir, hat I design practicing upon your magnanimity, ! doubt not that by combining my scattered reources, I can afford my family an honorable sup >ort for the remainder of their lives " "In heaven's name, do not prolong this preface, ir!" exclaimed Innis, mastered by excitemenl ind rising from his seat; "do you not see, sir, hat I am overwhelmed, confounded, by this an louncement! that I am utterly astounded by youi fords, and do not dream of the meaning of al his !" "It is easily explained!" muttered Sir I^ezin, vith a contracted brow. "Then explain, sir I Explain! Good heavens! ^.m I to be told of your intention to seek for a hdter for my Aunt Ellen and Honoria!?thai -ou will leave my property as you say, as soon a* K)ssible! If you do not wish me to lose my reason, xplain this mystery!" "I will do so, sir," was the baronet's reply; 'a few words only will be necessary, and I beg yon o pardon the apparent trifling of which I have >een guilty. As you see, sir, I am greatly moved -1 thought that nothing could thus agitate me ? >ut the thought that Ellen ? Lady Brand ? and lonoria ? pray pardon me, sir ? I will cease with his, and put you speedily in possession of the acts." As Sir Rezin spoke, the wheels of a chariol rere heard at the door, the knocker rose and fell, ,nd a servant announced Lord Ruthven. "It is well," muttered the baronet with a bitter mile; "the family party is now complete, and me explanation will do for all!" As the words were uttered, the door of the [rawing room opened, and Lord Ruthven who had hrown off his furred wrapping, entered the a?artment and saluted its occupants with a low and ourtly inclination. [to be continued next week.] fpiSf*nat?imj5 grading. SUFFERING IN S. CAROLINA FAMINE AMONG THE PEOPLE. ieport8 from every district of the state 4c., ac., ac. Letter from Governor Orr. To the Editor of the N. Y. Herald: Executive Department, ) Columbia, S. C., Aprii 30, 1867. j I enclose you herewith an abstract of letters ad Iressedtothe Rev. Wm. Martin, of this State, ii esponse to a circular issued by him under my di ectibn;; which will exhibit to you the extent or th< lestitution and suffering prevailing in South Caro ina. I have received and am daily in receipt of letter irom benevolent and philanthropic persons in th( N'orth and West, making inquiries as to the extern )f the destitution, and if you will do me the fayoi o publish the communication sent, it will furnisl ulf information upon the subject to all who feel t generous interest in our distress. The writers of nearly all the letters from whicl attracts are taken, are known to me personally md I have no hesitation in endorsing the state nents made. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, you ibedient servant, JAMES L. ORR, Governor of South Carolina. EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS SHOWING THE CONDITIO? OF THE PEOPLE. Lancaster District?Will require 50,000 bushels rhere is not more corn, if all distributed, than e lough to do the District longer than the 1st ol February or March. Our crops, both of cottor ind corn, have been extremely poor. I suppos< lot more than one-third of a crop has been made Unless our people are assisted from abroad and i good Providence interposes, I do not see how rnani ire to escape starvation. Those persons in ou District who have heretofore been able to assist th< lestitute, are now reduced themselves and unabl< io do anything in that way. Chesterfield District.?I think it will require a east 10,000 bushels of corn to supply the necessi iies of the poor of this District. Marlboro' District.?Crops very short; not mor< ihan one-third or one-half supply made. It is es iimated that the District will require 100,000 bush jls to supply the want. Chester District.?There are about three hun Ired and forty families, representing twelve hun ired and fifty persons, a large proportion of whou ire widows, orphans and disabled soldiers, who an inaer present circumstances, uuuuic tu pnmue iu Lhemselves. He thinks it will require from 8,00( to 10,000 bushels to meet their necessities." Kershaw.?The Commissioners of the Poor fo: this District have been applied to for relief by 50( white persons, who furnish certificates of deslitu tion, and the number of destitute freedmen is mor< than double that of the whites. Horry.? I believe that it will require not lea than 20.000 bushels of corn to supply the District 5,000 or which must be for charitable distribution Lexington.?From the numerous application made to me, I know the destitution to be ver] ?reat In my opinion, it will require not less thai 1,000 bushels or Corn to supply the want Colo ael Palmer, now resident in this District, amonj many certificates, gives the following: t ' "Miss , aged 23, has an idiotic sister, aged . 16, physically helpless, and an infant niece, entire ly dependent upon her. Her mother and elder sister have both died daring the past month, if not from actual starvation, from great want" i The above estimates, with the exception of Kers shaw District, have been made without reference r to the freedmen. In almost every District their . destitution equals or surpasses that of the whites. Georgetown.?We are impressed with the belief that it will require at least 5,000 bushels of corn tb meet the necessities of the paupers of this Dis trict The following extracts of letters are in response j to a circular sent out under direction of Gov. Orr: | Georgetoicn.-?Our population of whites fa as 1 you know, small; and vet there are about fifty widows in Georgetown, tneir small children who are dependent, number about forty, while those i who could work, if work was to be had, would swell the number considerably. This does not by , any means comprise all who are in actual want I am not sure if the ones who are suflenngthe most 1 are not those whose delicacy leads them to complain the least I know of many such. AUston, Fairfidd District?The failure of the 1 crops last vear, following the disasters of a destructive raid, leaving us comparatively nothing to live . on or to work with, has reduced us to that painful state that manv of our people are dependent on the charity of those outside of our community, we no longer being able to help one another. The situation at this time is really alarming; starvation at the door of many industrious men trying to make a crop ; will not be able to plant without help. If they fail to get help now tney will be in a worse situation next year if they live to get through this. i Edqejidd District?Then are several old per; sons, Doth white Knd colored, who for some months r past have been sustained by the charity of others . until the community is no longer able to support them, and without aid from abroad they must perish. Two old negro women were found in the 1 road one freezing day in January, without food or - friend and carried to the cottage of a white woman near, where they have been supported by the neighbors ever since, but now the provisions of all parties are exhausted. Near Greeracood, Abbeville District?There are several widows, with families of little children, 1 who have been supported by the chairty of neigh bore until they can no longer assist them, and they are now at the door of absolute want Fort Mills, York District.?I am destitute, and have a large family, and have no way to get corn. I .would be obliged to you, if possible, if you could send me some relief immediately. I have a large r family, ten in number, and nothing to eat. I sold all my bacon to buy corn and am now without eii ther. T /MI./W U?vf r\f TXioi<+*r>9 T llflWO ft [ JLAJlUlsl ? IX f V yj aiWOHUW O-'dOll K.v. AUU TV H TXVft owed mother and two widowed sisters, who are ' much needing assistance. One of my sisters has ' two small children, the other seven, all of, theip living with my brother-in-law, who haslost the use of his right arm. He was farming last year and is this, but last year he failed entirely in making a crop, and he has no money to buy com or meat. ' Fairfield District.?There are in my immediate " neighborhood fifty or sixty persons in great want, ana who must perish unless help comes speedily. Kershaw.?The crops huye failed to such an exr tent that I feel satisfied from the representations | made to me on the subject, that not more means of subsistence has been made than will be consumed by the 30th of June next 1 Horry.?From the effects of the war and tho drought of last summer, I believe that it will not ! require less than 20,000 bushels of corn to supply t the wants of.the district, 5000 of which must be for . charitable distribution. Due West, Abbeville District.?In a limited 1 neighborhood near Due West, a gentleman writes ' that they must have 100 bushels per month to keep the people from actual starvation. # ; Lexington.?I have a list of poor, consisting of i old men unable to work, and widows with small s children and no resources. These are now in a j state of beggary and want. We are in the raided region, ana one person is not able to assist another. ' Richland?Including the burnt City of Colum' bia, I have on my list 450 names, representing l 1970 persons, most if not all of whom must be fed i from day to day by charity or suffer. This list embraces both white and colered. We are in great . and immediate want. Kershaw.?There are one thousand individual names upon the list who received each two weekS' rations of the corn out of the shipment made to ' me from the New Southern Relief Association.? [ That list is daily increasing, and there are many in want who are unwilling to apply for relief. In ad, dition to these supplies for tne destitute, I would [ suggest the appointing of a committee of intelliSnt and reliable gentleman from each - precinct of e district to sees: out meritorious objects among I the retiring, delicate, sensitive people, who neea relief, but who would not beg. Colcesbuiy, Abbeville district.?There are eight , families in our immediate neighborhood who are in a suffering condition, and who cannot live without assistance; and I have no idea that these eight are more than one-fourth of the number who cannot : live without assistance in this immediate neighborhood. If you can send us any corn, in mercy do it. ' The months of May and June will test the powers of endurance of many a delicate woman and orphaned child in the nard scuffle for existence. Abbeville, C. H.?There is no end to-our necesi sities^ We have received four hundred and sixtyeight bushels of corn, and that will not supply onehalf the needy with one bushel each. I cannot say how many families there are, bu^ their name is legion. ITKMloof TITO Tit id Tint Tllitll tllO fff w/(OW/ V JL iiV givuwov nuuv aw iivv ??tvu vuw extremely poor, but with those who are trying to labor without means for future support Some have one, some two months' supply, but without , aid may yet fail in making a crop. All such need assistance. Due West, Abbeville.?There are seventy-five [ families in this neighborhood without corn, money or any means to obtain bread, and unless some proi vision is made for them some of them will certainly } perish. I Chapped! s Depot, Newberry.?There are here r two old negro women, one aged seventy-two, the t other ninety-one, who are totally unable to support . themselves and have no one to whom to look for help. { Chester Court House.?A. list of twenty-seven families in want comes from Chester, certified to I by Rev. S. Leard, Judge McLure and others There is quite a large class in this place needing . relief, &c., men who have some property, but no money, corn or credit Chester.?Of those likely to suffer for want of food in this distriot, I think the number reaches at i least two hundred. Hodges, Abbeville.?Mr. Gr. W. Hodges reports . three white families and one colored in very great - want. f Union Court House.?Judge Goudelock writes: 1 ?There are in this place eleven families who I 3 know are in great suffering Sumter Court House.?The destitution in Sum1 ter District is very alarming. Only to-day I have 1 heard of a mother and two daughters who were r buried from want of sufficient food with which to 3 sustain life. # I think the lowest number at which 2 the families in want mav be Dut down is one thous and. white and colored, t Bamberg, Barnwell District.?There are thirty-' - five families near me, white and colored, who are in extreme destitution, and I fear fatal results, un3 less speedily aided. Fairfield District.?The number of persons in - desperate want in this neighborhood reaches five hundred and seven \ many, I do think, will die of - want, without help is immediately afforded. JDoko, Fairfield District?1 have taken the 1 names of thirty-five white and colored, in this vi3 cinity, in abject want, and who, to all human apr pearances, must perish without aid from some ) quarter.. Besides these, there are many others who find great difficulty in obtaining subsistence; r some of our real good citizens?I might say best ) Johnson's T. 0.} Barnwell District.?Tne post master at this station writes: "I have the names 3 of fifteen white and eight colored families who must suffer without some help." 3 Hodges, Abbeville District. ? Another letter from , this station adds six families to the list of the starv ing. 3 Bishopvflle, Sumter District.?Rev. P. F. Kist7 ler reports three families without means, and sub) sisting on the shorte d, allowance of charity from - day to day; some of tL'se must have help soon or I die. One is a woman, blind^ with eleven in the 1 family, her daughters and their children; another I neatly afflicted; another seventy-eight rears-old; another eighty yean old and Window children, starving and naked; one colored, ~veiy old and helpless; another colored 110 years old; another colored 100 years old; another da Wind. Most of these are in tne track of Sherman's march; Rotors Pump, Orangeburg District-?W. L. Wolfe, the Railroad agent at this station, reports three white families and ten colored in great want Orangeburg Court Souse.?There ate in my immediate neighborhood, fifteen families, white and colored, who are in a very needy condition, am) must perish without assistance. ,, Greenville Court Souse.?There are in the vicinity of Greenville and in the town itself, at least two hundred and fifty families who must starve unless supported by charity, and in the district very many more. WiUiamtton, Anderson District?1Thete are, in this place, thirty-one families, white anddotored, who must perish for Want of bread without charitable assistance. This list embraces old persons; children and afflicted people. ' ; . BeUon, Anderson District?There are in this neighborhood twenty-five families, white and colored, most of them old persons and little children, who are very destitute and entirety without means of support. 1 ' BarntceU.?There are from two to three thousand persons, black and whitej in Blrnwell, who must perish unless aid be afforded them. Our planters are drawingall their subsistence from factaiKi in DitrWffli S*v?r?nnVi ?n/i Amnrft and are utterly unable to afford relief to theVnBijS Most of tnese destitute persons are bkl women and children and diseased persons. LyndiMtrq, Sumter District.?There are in thia immediate vicinity at least seven families entirely without means or support. x ' . <. ?c: Swnma-vilU, S C.?There are about .thirty families, with about one hundred and twenty or one hundred and thirty children, whites, who must starve without assistance. Many of them would be starving now but for rations furnished them by Colonel Nagle. . v;i-V , Ldurais. C. H., S- C.?Th^ destitution of this district is becoming really alanning, and if help from our friends abroad does not soon teach - us, 1 greatly fear the consequences. It will prevent many from making a crop this year. ViMA Clinton, Laurent District.?There are in this neighborhood eight families, white and colored, who must suffer without charitable aid, and there are very few of us able to help others. Qranitevple, Barrucell Dutrict.?There a re in this vicinity thirteen families, white and ooktred, mostly composed of helpless women and children, who most perish without assistance. ~ ; i nnt Glenn't Spring* Spartanburg There are in my neighborhood twenty white and at lesst as many colored families who are almost entirely without means of subsistence, and there is no one able to help them.BemxettsviJle, Marlboro1 Distri&^tvmlim threatens more than fifty families hereabouts.; % Graham's, Barmom District.?I know soma ten or twelve families who are actually suffering at this time for food. St. George's, Colleton District.?At least thirty families, white and colored are in great want, and many more most be suffering in two or three months. Many are widows with large families. llrn tr-rlnn ( 'rJlrt/m TUxIrirf ?T lnvnr rut! nww - than twenty families vithin a radios of lass than four miles who are utterly destitute. I beg earnestly that help may be sent to us at once. Kxugstree, WUhamsbvrg District.?There is great destitution and want id this place.. Unless aid comes from some quarter mapywill starve^? At this moment there is a pressing necessity far food. it' a Sandy Run, Lexington Districts-There is" a great destitution in this section, both amougwhfte and colored. I know of twelve families who are suffering for bread, and am certain there axe at least as many more. / -T .i.. Lexington . H.?l was furnishing some 450 persons from supplies of corn which had been sent me; since then my list has been swelled to 750, with applicants who have not yet received anything, wnioh will cany it to 1000. Bradford Springy Sumter District?1The suffering, I assure you, is extreme, and unless reliev- . ed by the hands of onarity, many persons must die of starvation. live same Neighborhood.?Tho suffering is very great; children are eating all sorts of things they can get hold of, and their appearance betokens great destitution. One boy eighteen years of age, Addison Logan, has latelely died of absolute starvation. Within five or six miles of me the population is fully 500. At( least one half are now suffering severely, and within a month from this date the whole population will have nothing to eat u CcKleton District, near BranchviUe. ?There are great numbers in this section, both white and black, who are in a very destitute condition, and how they are to survive through the summer I am tillable to see, unless some of the relief now being sent from abroad is distributed among them. Newberry Court House,?I can assureyott mluw families at this time are suffering for bread If we can passa fewmore Weeks I think wejrill-bave better times, as our wheat oops areveiy promising. Newberry.?Forty-five whiteaand twelve'cokned. These cases must be relieved, or fatal will be the result t ' gt Georgetown.?Seventy-eight adulto, mostly indoors. and one hundred and fifty-one children, not including those in the town, which would make it about forty more widows and sixty children, besides families that are not ready to let their wan ts be known, though in need. The opinion is that there are between four and five hundred persons who are or will soon be in a suffering condition for food. GraniteriOe.?l find twenty families who are really beggars, and of those who will not beg and WOO reany neea neip 10 procure uw ouuimontxn. food, I think the list ooala be doubled. J Lancaster Cavort Home,?We have die names of one thousand women and children, whites, and five hundred blacks, who must perish without help. Some have already starved to death. ' ' Jamison's, Orangdntrg District.?There are in our neighborhood twenty-five families, white and colored, who are in extreme destitution. Shelton depot, Union.?There are twelve families in this neighborhood in great need of charity; there are others who^ro in need of help now, out would be willing and glad to remunerate fbr it when they make their crops. CUnion, Laurens district?The suffering in this neighborhood is very great Some are in danger of actual starvation; many are in most extreme suffering. . Cheroic, Chesterfield district?All of our poor are in a desperate condition; those in the remote parts of the District are in great danger of starvation. We need at least fifteen thousand bushels of corn. Spartaribwrp.?There are several thousand persons in this District who must suffer, if not-relieved by charity. V Hardeevute, Beau/art district.?My vxnmty covers an area of thirty-six by twenty miles; in it there are at least thirty families who must perish without charitable aid, and I fear same may do so before relief can reach them. -1 . Waterloo, Laurens district.?There aw' fe this small neighborhood upwards of three hundred persons, white and colored, without bread; among these are twenty-three white females, heads of families. representing ninety children. BarmceH.?I nave just closed the distribution of two hundred sacks of corn among the destitute, regardless of color. This was a great blessing ; but the relief is only temporary. Sinoe the distribution, during the last two or. three days, i nave been visited by titty or sntyoDjecta 01 distress, 10 _ whom I am obliged to say, 'There is no more corn." Including destitute widows and orphans, aged men and women, diseased, white and colored, there are not less than from twelve to fifteen hundred families in this District, a large portion of whom must meet death without assistance, ^ MonticeUo, Fairfield district.?There are within' an area of ten by fifteen miles, next to Broad River, at least two hundred and twenty-five persons in great need. They are principally women and children, white and colored, the mothers not being able to support themselves and children. There is another class, in which there are males able to work bnt with large helpless families, who are? destitute of provisions and nave no monev. WiHiston, Upper part of BwnquodL district.? There are sixteen white and twelve ooloreddhmiliefl in this vioinity who are in utter destitution, and who, without charitable aid,' will inevitably starve. These families contain seventy-two persons. (W ; :<J w -ii ^ t. I 1 w, . .. til ?Mwm <