Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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GECarroU i|n g? /r^^T*^;rp^I &? -v? 4 -vss^e: ' - . # t; v ii. - ?? 1 * lewis'm. grist, proprietor. | ^h i|tlaspagtr: Jfot fgc ^roiotiim of % Ijjjtttfgl, jiotiai, ^gritcltnral nl Contracriial fitimsts rf.t|jt ] terms?$3.00 a year, in advance. vol. it. ^lerttvtt.t.v. s. c., thtjlfe)ay, february 16, l8^jmfcg, &<> 7 ' --'- - t. ?1? Mnm nl i a Vi f*i all he Jut Original |; Written for the Yorkville Enqwirer. I ATJ.OXA, 9 a BY MRS. M. A. EWART RIPLEY. CHAPTER XII. , r LETTERS AND DECLARATIONS. * The next day, however, Lee failed to see Avlona, except as he met her in the family. * The next and the next passed, and he then felt satisfied she studiously avoided him. So 8 a month passed, seeing her only occasionally, J' but she still wore his ring, and though there'T was often a sad, far away look on her sweet * face, yet she was invariably gentle and pleasant He would liked to have seen, sometimes, c something of her old impatience and haughtiness; but now she was often more sad than 8 gay, and though he occasionally heard her I ^""SBvei'y laughter, the bright rare, smile henev- h er saw. s< Strive as he would, he could not surmount ^ the barrier that seemed inevitably rising be- ? tween them. Even Ysabel, who had hitherto left them much alone, seemed, in some way, a s' party toiceeping them asunder, for she now P scarcely ever left the side of her charge. Lee could not resist connecting this change, in some undefined way, with the package of letters 0 which she had received Christmas, and many a a time he wished they had been buried in the 0 snow. b So spring advanced, when one day, as Lee 8J was passing through the passage, he saw Ysa- ^ bel striving to lift a heavy table in her room. ^ He instantly offered bis assistance, and as Avlona was not in the room, she seemed disposed to be more gracious than she had lately been. 81 She asked him if he knew of any one who could pack furniture well, as she wished to n have some such work attended to pretty soon. "Why ?" asked Lee ; "do you expect to 0i move just as the pleasantest time of the year in this up-couutry region approaches ?" "Yes," she replied, whispering mysteriously, ^ the Senor was coming for Senora, and if they <4j were not married late in the spring, her father ^ would take her North, and they would -be married early in the fall, and return to Cuba, j nnd for her Dart she was elad of it, for never had she been in a place where aches and pains 110 so abounded, and where cold was so intense. An acute sensation of pain quivered through Lee as he listened. She went on: "Don Mendoza had sent the Senora his miniature Christ- ?? mas ; he was not as ugly as she thought, though by no means handsome, but Senora ^ had beauty enough for both, and her father ^ had written to her that he, with her expected consort, would visit her this spring. Lee could hear no more. Murmuring something about not being able to do anything ^ more for her, he ran down stairs, and called C) for his horse. As he waited, striding with hasty steps, up and down the long piazza, jj Avlona, with Katie, opened the gate. He q would hSTu avoided her if he could, but she * stood leaning on the fence admiring the beau- ^ ty of his horse, as he gracefully capered under the tightened rein of the groom. Lee strode down the nath. liftine his hat without speak 1 * w ing as he passed. gj Scarcely knowing what he did, he had bro- w ken off a switch as he came down the graveled n walk, and as he sprang to the back of his H horse, he gave him a sharp cut which the g, mettlesome animal sprang under as if it had f( been a lance. Reining him suddenly back, -n the horse reared, quivered a moment, and n then rolled over his rider who lay prostrate u and silent. t, Katie's screams soon brought out the fam- a ily, and Lee was carried senseless into the house. His head was frightfully cut just ^ above the temple, but fortunately, Mr. Grey c knew exactly what to do, and as Avloua's self- 8] possession and perfect quietness was indis- a peusable in the hurried moment, Mr. Grey at once enlisted her as coadjutrixin the operation. ? "He will do now," said Mr. Grey, as he di- jj rected her to bathe his head, while he went to ^ wash his hands. d Lee opened his eyes, and seeing Avlona's pale face bending over his, murmured some words in Spanish, which caused her to blush 8, deeply, and turn away her head. "What does he say ?" said Katie, bending ^ eagerly forward. u "He does not know what he says," replied ^ Avlona; "his mind is wandering." ^ "Whom does he call dearest so much ?" asked Katie, who had picked up enough of Spanish from Avlona to understand that. t] "May be some one at home," replied Avlona evasively, as a more passionate out-burst of a Lee's alarmed her, lest Mr. Grey should re- I turn, and hear it. But weak from loss of y blood, he soon became silent again, and after a short interval was carried to his room. Sev- t ' ''"? Kafnro lio Wnmp fllllv POIl- ll trial u a jo cj?|?vu w?v?v *.v ? j scious, during which time, by the request and t under the direction of Mrs. Grey, Avlona was 1 his untiring and patient nurse. v Mrr*cnrys contcnipwwiw "utufl1? i xm sense" to all Ysabel's demurs, did more to re- h concile her to the arrangement than anything (] else, and the perfect quietness of Avlona, t coupled with the professional air with which 1 she accepted the position, deceived her as to t any special regard her charge might feel for \ him. 1 One morning Lee was lying in a state of dreamy consciousness, when Ysabel came in i * and held a whispered conversation with Avlo- t na, who was sitting by his side. t "It is useless for you to say anything more I to me," said Avlona, at length, her voice ' slightly elevated and with her old imperiousness of manner; "I do not expect to do anything derogatory to my own dignity, nor do I 1 expect to compromise you, but you must not attempt to control me. I will meet all the de- 1 mauds upon me and at the proper time will be ] prepared to make the sacrifice," she contin- 1 ued, bitterly, "but, in the mean time, I am s free, and I will not bear even an allusion to \ my bondage." Ysabel attempted to expostulate. 1 "Silence!" she exclaimed, peremptorily ; "you know me, and you know you can trust I me; go and let me alone." She turned from i her, and Ysabel knew right well, it was vain ] for her to speak longer. She turned slowly ' and left the room, muttering, as she went, up- j i on the instability, the fickleness, the caprice ' \ of young people. After she had gone, Lee felt there was some j i one bending over him ; her breath was on his < cheek, and a touch of a hand upon his hair , lingered like a caress. He moved slightly,! md instantly the form was seated. Slowlg jpening his eyes and holding out his hand, b net the eager look of Avlona. She smile< ler warm, radiant smile, as she took his hand saying, "You are better, Mr. Lee." "Yes," he said, "but I will be ill a lon^ vhile." "Why ?" said she, in astonishAent; "Mr 3rey says you are so vigorous, and have sue! emarkable recuperative powers that you wil )e up in a few days." ^ "No," said Lee, positively; "I am going tc >e ill, that you may nurse me." "I intend nursing you till you are better, he replied, decidedly, "but be quiet, or I will eave you." Clasping her hand, he again fell into a slum>er. * ^ J I bin OAnttnlnO. As Mr. wey naa preuiuieu, u?o wu f (AIW ence was rapid, and jealous of the promise o nurse him that Avlonahad given, he would carcely permit her to leave him. 6he.pr?pared his . food and brought it tc tn irrfnntniji unrl rnnjj the Dngs he loved. He also made good use of is privilege to correct her, and in short beimo quite tyrannical. It was, however, a tyranny against which be did not rebel, and in humoring the carices of his fancy, or bearing with his impaience, she never wearied. The summer was advanciug; the air was dorous with the breath of a thousand flowers, nd Lee, reclining on his couch, was looking ver the mail which had been, a short time efore, brought by his servant. Suddenly pringing up, he threw a note whioh he had een reading, on the table, and called for Bill > bring out his horse immediately. Avlona was coming up the steps at the me, with a salver containing a glaSs of port mgo and a cracker. "Are you crazy ?" said she; "you surely do ot intend riding this morning." "Yes," said he, hurriedly, "I have just reeved a note from Ralph Heyward, mpd&in * i- :it ???, [ mine, saying ne win ltc m mc vmag? fternoon. I ought to have received it yes;rday, but these confounded mails!" said he lgging at his boot, and then stamping it on. Quick, Bill! quickI" said he calling through le open window to his servant. "If I don't hurry," said he, turning to Av-< ma and laughing, "he will be here, and that an event in the chapter I would like to sroid ?" "Why?" said Avloua, who had set the aiter on the table. "Oh, I don't know," replied Lee, coloring ; [ prefer seeing him at Brookland." "Mr. Lee," said Avlona, in an expostulatory me, "you surely do not intend to ride that orse again." "Of course. Why not?" he asked. "And he so vicious?" she said. "Vicious!" he exclaimed, "you are mistaen, I was vicious myself; I should not have it him." "I think you are very imprudent," she said, er color slightly raised, "but here is Mrs. rey to put an interdict upon you." Tliegood lady might arf well have saved her reath. Lee answered her with such an odd lixtnre of petulance, impatience, and irony, 5 made Avlona laugh in spite of herself. "You will at least take* your sango," she lid reproachfully, as at length equipped, he as preparing to leave. He stopped a raolent, tasted it, made a wry face, declared it as diluted to nothing, he could not drink ich stuff, and ran down stairs, Mrs. Grey dlowing, alternately expostulating and scoldig. He walked on down the path till he ached the gate. Then suddenly glancing p, he saw something which caused him to am back. He sprang lightly up the stairs, nd in a moment was in his room again. Avlona was leaning against the window, er head partially buried in the folds of the urtain. As she heard his step on entering, be hastily dashed her hand across her eyes nd looked up. "I have come back for my wine," said he, give it to me," and seizing her hand he drew er to the table, and although she struggled a free herself, would not release her till he had rained the goblet "There now," said she, "may I go ?" "I have acted like a bear toward you, my iveet nurse, do you forgive me ?" "There is nothing to forgive," said she lushing and smiling, though her eyes were nwontedly humid; "you will go with or rithout my consent, so it is useless to give or rithhold it." He laughed, "well, good-bye." "Good-bye,"said she;"do be careful about bat horse." "Nonsense," said he, "do not be uneasy ; I ssureyouit was all my fault the other day." fe paused, and looked at her. "God bless ou !" said he hurriedly, and went down stairs. The next moment he was galloping off in he direction of the village. It was late when le returned, and to the different questions as o how he stood his ride, he answered absenty, and with such a preoccupied air that he . as allowed to sit in silence. - T? gnowioly ninfl r.Vlnr-lr niton fining. ie bade the family good-night, saying as he lid so, that in all probability he would have o remain at Brookland for a few weeks, as lis cousin would spend some time with him here, and after thanking Mrs. Grey very varmly for all her kindness, she went up to lis room. He left his door open that he might heai \.vlona when she came up, and after some nrne he heard her step as she came, humming i low song. He walked to the door of tlx >orch, and as she came forward, he said 'Come and look how beautiful the night is!' She looked out. "Beautiful, indeed, but it is late, and Ysa jel is waiting for me. Good night." "Not yet, Avlona," said Lee, as he dre* ler hand within his arm, "it is the last nigti [ will be with you in a long while, perhaps orever; let us enjoy it together." Hecoult see her color change in the moonlight, but sh< fielded without speaking. "Has anything troubled you ?" she said, a length. "No?yes," he answered, "it troubles me t< :hink we must part." He looked at her ear nestly. "Avlona, will you listen, and listei patiently a little while?" "No," she replied, looking up firmly in hi face, "not if you speak that to which I shouh not listen." "And why am I debarred the privilege o telling my love? Why can I not hope t overcome all difficulties, and yet win you ? will, dearest," he whispered, vehemently, "i you only tell me you love me." j ; ?atd " e Mra '$& Kg rSHB|S^||B^osratiQul my.JpB ; ise. Let-ffoe ''ipBpa^i-. and Long-ago, when iSfebut^a . most smiled as hejHked nfMh 1 face of scarcely se^WwiMLaMj^feny fatber became, from sgj^raiHM^^^^^HjflKy Spanish Governm estates confiscated, but^?^ife^|flfl9PB peril. I can still reJ^WPBBM|^KaB time during which-jfeie ftj| the overflowing gramuda^BBjmHSKt that a Cuban, a friendjOT^KSBflltat, one who had been manly independence fH^^^^^HHpbe, had stepped forward M^HHHHK-was interceding, at the riinBMHWwi^wition, for my father's life. It^as granted to his urgent entreaty, while he was held responsi xL- r-*? ?J i,;P friQr.fi Ttnf I UltJ lor LI1C 1UIUIC wuuuut VI Uiv ?>.? : -i?i?;ipteroM8ioija.didjaot stop here; be became " most active in the benevolent object of regaining my father's estates, and did not cease his efforts till they were restored to him. Their estates lay contiguous, and in default of a more worthy offering, my father pledged to Don Mendoza, his daughter's hand. I have been aware of this betrothal since my childhood ; have never objected to it, and I believe it would break my father's heart to think that his daughter would falsify his word." "Avlona !"^exclaimed Lee, passionately, "you do not m&n to say that you are willingly a party to this unholy contract Think of the solemnity of the marriage relations; thiftk v ofthesacredness of the vows. The^imefliould be little short of^pojjury.'j^/*^ .. "No," replied AvBba, calrf^, "1 do not consider it so^rMyTMst duty is to my. only ^urvivingy>ar&^an4$to honor him is -beyond all hum*?vffw's." , #Tell me." said Dee, hurriedly, "is your Win this?" - , "My heart 1" she said, bitterly. "God help me, would I had none 1" v She buried her face in her hands. "Avlona," said Lee, bending toward her, and striving to draw her hands from her face, :"if I only dared to speak." \ Xheyoung girl shrank back involuntarily. She felt what was coming, and sweet as the . avowal would be, there would be an ineradicable dross of bitterness in it, and she knew it must not be made. Hecovering herself, with a strong effort, she - - ? i i ? 1 A said, "but you do not dare, ana 11 is Dest you you should not, I am sure. It is best for you notto speak. Don't you think so?" and she looked up with a face of piteous pleading, "Of course, if you say so," said Lee coldly, the warm flush 011 his face fading; "but why are you here, why are you not with your betrothed ?" he asked bitterly. Avlona's lip quivered ; the tone as well as the words cut her to the heart; but she saw he was suffering, and true to her woman's instinct she replied gently: "My health failed me in Cuba, and my father feared consumption, which, when it-originates in thrift climate, is fearfully rapid in its effects. Ysabel was in constant correspondence with her brother, and after spending one winter in Florida the physicians decided it was not consumption from which I was suffering, but general debility, and prescribed the bracing air of a colder climate. This decided my father to send me here, and jealous of attentions which might lead my girlish heart astray, he forbade my receiving company, except those with whom I should be thrown in the circle of the Greys, judging that my indomitable pride would keep me aloof from other than a mere ac quaiutanceship. He desired me also to conceal my name, and all the circumstances which I have told you, unless something unforeseen should force it from me. I feel that I am justifiable in telling you this much, and only regret that I did not do it long since. But I could not foresee such results, and now when it is too late to remedy it, I can only beg you to forget me." She rose as she spoke. "Do you remember, said she, a faint smile passing over her face, "telling me that I should not be out here so late ? It is best I should go, now. Good-night, Mr. Lee." He did not move or speak. She stood uneasily by him. "Will you not tell me good-night, and goodi bye ?" she said, "I will not see your in the morning." He looked up, "Good-night, little conscience," he said bitterly, "since you care more for that than anything else." She stood as if she had yet something to say ; finally she said, "I have worn this ring to please you, and I will be honest, to please myself; it will not be right for me to wear it longer." She held it to him. "Fasten it upon my chain," he said, handing it to her. She did so, and replacing the watch he said, i "There! that remains there till I claim you at J the altar." i "Do you think," he said vehemently, "I am going to resign you "Not so," , Wavflfiimorl Jjgj tightly to his heart, love has made you mine, and by heaven! I will not rei sign the right that knowlege gives me over you." He kissed her passionately again, and again, ? and then releasing her, stood long lookii^out into the night. **&&&&*?& It was after midnight when Avlona heard ) him go to his chajopi^^Taking up a letter ; which lay crushed ujroiTthetable, he read: ; "We are hearing whispered tales of you, my dear brother,;'t?at are giving ns great on! easiness. I have hitherto only these as a foreign^a^of ranbut j | who is not only of doubtful birth, but ignoble | extraction. She is spoken of as a beautiful 2 j mystery, a fascinating deception. Dear Arj thur, write and tell us this is not so. Our t gentle mother is growing pale over it; and our stern, but fond father frowns darkly when 3 your name is mentioned. I strive to chal j away unconcernedly about you, and will nol | perceive the ominous signs, though raothei 3 j looks timidly with a quivering look at fathei who knits his brow and compresses his lips a: 3 he mutters, 'If Arthur unites his vigor t( 1 spurious and base-born blood, I forever re nouuce him.' You see how far things hav< f gone. I have thought it better to tell you ai plainly, for the hints of my former letters be ? ing totally disregarded, I became more anx * i ious than I was willing to acknowledge evci f j to myself. Mother is exceedingly anxious t< I go to Brookland at once, and if we do not hea r by the next mail, a total denial nLfjEfeee dirf| i reputable statements, you may look fair ua verj^ soon. Eyer fondly, your sister, '% | f Alice." . CHATER XIII. |% cleopatra ver8u8 lucretta. !& Jjee discovered that Avlona was serions in. : her determination not to see him. The easyw yj^iliaritv of daily intercourse being noff j Broken lif/and being obliged to visit the famy l ily at stated intervals, he found it impoissibH^ I wtmeet her. She was either out walking, engaged, or indisposed, and at length, convinced ' that accident alone would throw them togeth> or, he desisted, and rarely called at Hillside. 1 His cousin, a lively dare-devil'kind of fellow, kept his mind and time fully occuined, amf* 1 Lee, who dreaded a bantering to whiH?J|i^ already been unmercifully 8ttbjecte^?Sfp(^K reconciled than he would otherwise few*!**!] to his absence at Hillside. There ttHBsr I ed courtesy existing between Lee? and Heyward frequently <PlV^jHE such a clever fellow as Henry sfibtiM f stiff. Parties from the low country had now come up, and the neighborhood was becoming nnito fror yuu lu-mguu 1 Katie laughingly assented, but Avlona ] stood reluctant. "Have you forgotten your confidence ?" he ; whispered. i She looked pleadingly up; then saying, "I ; trust you," she led the way to her parlor. I No sooner had they entered than Lee said, "Avlona, whom are you expecting?" "My father, and a'friend," she said reluc1 tantly. 1 "Andthat friend, is he welcome?" ' "Why do you torture yourself and me by [ asking such questions ?" she replied impetu, ously. "Is it wise thus to speak ? Why do j you betray my confidence in you ?" ) "Confidence!" said he, vehemently, "have - you any ? you will permit yourself to be sac2 rificed, and will not accept the freedom you ^ might obtain." "Freedom !" she exclaimed; "show it to me, j consistent with my parent's honor, and see j! how gratefully I will accept it." r i "Will you, indeed, let me speak ?" he whis 1 b~J' "I say, Henry," said Heyward, as he and Lee lounged on the piazza of the hotel, bowing and smiling to the fair occupants of the* different vehicles as they passed, "have you any beauties up here compared to our lowcountry girls ?" "Yes," replied Henry, "I think we have some that can surpass them in beauty of face ' and figure, but they lack the high-bred ease,' the airy elegance, the indescribable tone and polish, of those who have been thrown in the society of city and town." "Exactly," replied Heyward, "a sort, of 'kiss-me-if-you-dare' kind of style. I give my preference to the coy maiden, who looks up with a blushing look of 'kiss-me-if-you-will.' But look, Lee, look! who is that coming down the street in that open vehicle ? I never saw her before. Heavens, what a houri! What ' a dazzling complexion, and she reclines among the cushions with the air of an Eastern priu- i cess. Shade of Cleopatra! she is coming here. Watch her now as he speaks to that dunce of a driver, how haughtily her lips curl! That beauty is proud, depend upon it; she could make herself inapproachable, and Heavens! ; how her beauty could sting!" "Hush, Heyward," said Lee, in a low tone, "they will hear you." As he spoke the open carriaere stopped, and while Katie held the 1 reins, the driver entered to ask some question of the landlord. Lee would have been as well pleased to have been somewhere else, but 1 Katie's quick eye, which had never ceased roaming, caught sight of him, and she nodded . and smiled. "A fair challenge, Lee," whispered Heyward, "go and speak to them ; she knows you; go and speak to that coquettish black-eyes, and i find out who the princess is." ? Lee would willingly have avoided the meet- <1 ing, but feeling that it would be discourteous, \ he advanced to the carriage. Avlona, who Lhad thljugTit"KaU^^T>owtwas inteSded^pfjj Henry, and who had made a haughty inclina- j< tion to that gentleman, did not see Lee until he stood by her side. Her face was instantly bathed in a warm flush, and a radiant smile sparkled over her face. She involuntarily extended her hand, and his warm pressure he felt was returned, i Lee asked some incoherent question, he scarce1 ' ? ' * i ii_u:~ ly Knew wnat, duo ner uiuuusyuuuiu auonu seemed perfectly satisfactory. He leant into the carriage, taking some flowers from her lap, while Katie rattled away upon his absenting himself so long from Hillside. "Take me home with you, Katie," said Lee, ; suddenly; "I am longing for a sight of Hillside." "Willingly," said Katie, laughing; "but where will you sit ?" "I will drive," replied Lee, as he sprang to the seat, "and let your coachman ride my horse." Even had Avlona wished, she cobld not object, and Lee called out: "Heyward, amuse yourself as well as you can, I will not be at Brookland till evening." "Cavalier kind of treatment, certainly," muttered Heyward. The coachman here returned, saying the landlord said, "The gentleman had not arrived but rooms had been ordered, and he would probably be here to-morrow evening." Lee flashed a quick look at Avlona, who became very pale and drew herself back into the carriage. "Is that all ?" asked Lee, turning to Katie. An affirmative answer caused him to crack his whip, and the horses plunged off under the unwonted sting. Katie screamed and caught Lee's arm, "Do, Mr. Lee, don't whip the horses; you look just like you did the evening your horse threw you, and you'll kill us all." Lee shook off her arm as he reined them in, but almost immediately turned, and said gently, "Don't be afraid, Katie, I would not harflfc you for the world." * 9 ~ "He Turned to Avion?, who wy -still1 and silent; "you are not frightened ?" he asked; i "With you V' she said; "no, I have too much confidence." There was more in the tone than the words conveyed, and Lee drove almost in silence the rest of the way. N .- On reaching Hillside, they found Mrs. Grey, , Tsabel and Jennie had gone to visit a neighbor, and Lee immediately said, "Avlona, I , want you to play for me, and you, Katie, getrae some supper; I am going to take tea with i a ? hurriedly; "then fly with me, give me pU^e right to protect you. This night let me i|^lke your honor mine, and God help him who a word against it." |:^Mr. Lee," said she in proud reproach, "is frjcju who gives me this counsel ?" You have pwppointed ma, ^ looked to you to sustain ?$5/ looked to you to teach me that the path j$&duty, thougftfc might be rugged, was clear ^t&plain. Yourlophistries mustnot deceive rtUAj your freedom would be a sad bondage, j f^hshat freedom conld I have in the knowlej^eof deceiving a toying parent?" fc^fYou do not love me,'' said Lee; "you have . iteyer loved me, or you could not accept your J firture so calmly?you could not reason so ' ^yjjjiavepnever told you I loved you," she : ?gtd, bending her head, while the blood 1 Minted impetuously to her brow. < jw^Avlona!" exclaimed Lee, "do not add 1 mflfelty to coldness." I fc^wloaked at him sadly. '""My cruelty 1 ^indness," she said., j 14Sw noP he Replied, passionately; "bet- t ter let me feel th^: you have loved, though lost to me, than never to have loved at all. ' Once more listen to me; it is the last time. ? I think," said he, bitterly. "I have some con- { ception of the feelings of a criminal on the ^ eve of execution. This is my last chance for ^ pleading, and I plead for life. True, you 1 1 -J V..x i < never toia me you lovea me, out yuu uavc never told me you do do not; and on this negative, I rest my claim. Be my wife, Avlona. I have enough for an ample support. I will give you a sister in my Alice, who is 3 next to you in my heart, and my parents will * learn to love you." 8 "You have a sister, and do you love her?" 1 she asked; "and your father, Ms he good and 8 noble ?" "Yes," proudly replied Lee, as the image of that faithful, loving sister rose before him, ^ and the memory of his proud and fond father, ^ "you would love the one and reverence the 8 other." 1 "Is she, your sister, dutiful?" she asked, 8 softly, and do& that proud father love her?" * "He does," replied Lee, "and he will soon c love you as another daughter." ' She shook her head, and put his hand away ^ as he attempted to grasp hers. "I have seen your sister," she said, "and she is very lovely." 1 "You have seen her!" said he, in surprise, "when?where ?" "Twice, you sent me to your room, and your * sister's miniature lay open on your dressing- 8 case. A memory of the lovely face often em- * bittered me, when I thought you were paying 8 too much attention to Katie." a "And caused yon to treat me coldly, when [ sought your society, also, I suspect," said v Lee, looking keenly at her. "Yes," she replied, ingeniously, "it did." "And how did you reconcile it afterward ?" know," she replied. "I learnt to J jHfire you no warmer name for that belief, 8 replyjsavet by* saying "And j jour father trusts your sister; he confides in her dutiful affection." "Implicitly," answered Lee. "Then, what would he think, loving her as | you say, trusting her as he does, if, for her own personal good, he would place her where she could be safely guarded, and doing for 1 her all that love could prompt or judgment j dictate, tenderly and sadly leave her, only to find she had betrayed, forsaken apd dishonor- ( ed him ?" Lcepolored violently. He had not expect- c ed such a termination to her questions. "You ] see these things as a woman," said he, augri- ^ ly, rising and pacing the floor, "and you judge me as women judge men?not as they appear to their own sex, but with that inaccuracy * which generally accompanies the estimate of j onesexbythe other. Involuntary, I grant you," he said, as he noted her grieved look, "but still inaccurate." t "Then women only are true, faithful and dutiful," she replied. 1 "True?" he exclaimed; "what miserable | misconception ! Would it be truth in you to come to my arms while your heart was an ^ other's? Would it be faithful to swear false vows of love and honor, while your conscience a was giving the lie to your oath ? Would it WTdutiful to carry to your grave an aching heart which would daily reproach, spite of ydur efforts to the contrary, a parent's conduct? It ( is you who are sophistical, and, Avlona, I must tell you, I cairoot -reconcile your conduct either to won&a's truth, or maiden's ^ She flatted a vivid glance at hiui, and while the ranrent of angry feeling rushed in hot blood to her face, she answered : "You J suppose me, then, capable of ertfering into inch a compact without giving a truthful j statement of my feelings." j "You intend doing this?" asked Lee eagerly. 'Maintaining my own integrity { white Ido him justice," she answered coldly, i-^Whatman of honor could hear such a ( (JtaJpMttLwithout releasing you ?" he said as- . perception of her intention dawned upon "What honorable man, indeed," said she; ^ "yet he may consider he has a right over me which he will not be willing to yield." "And'then, Avlona?" asked Lee as he j waited eagerly for .her reply. "And then," she replied rising, as if to terminate the interview, "I will know how to ( ag.' I cannot ^tadpatein this matter." "Would that* could end all anticipations in , a realization'that would give to me my dearest hopes." he exclaimed. ; "Vt'yxllve duties as well as myself," she , said turnjng as she had almost reached the door. "Do you think the proud father of ;j whom you speak, would welcome a fugitive 3 flying from a parent whose every earthly hope centered in her ?" , , Lee colored violently. "You have a moth- , er, too ; you speak of her as tender aud gen- 1 tie. Could she* trust a daughter who would thus set at.defiance every principle of duty and affection Y" And your sister; would she be willing to introduce into her aristocratic i circle, a namless girl who, unsought, had entered into her family ?" She looked at him keenly, "I am right in concluding that your i position would be as unenviable as mine would be unwelcome." He stammered some incoherent sentences about learning to love her. She smiled proudly, "I have too long been used to the position of superior, now to become a suppliant. It is in heaven we frstsee, then love ; but here on earth we must first love, and love opens the eyes as well as the heart" "And you jgftgsgne," said he, as she opened the door, "witg|jfifot'word of hope V' "Hope," sh#Vnf, again turning, "I give you everything to hope for?hope to be true? to be just and honorable; hope to perform your duty to your parents, to your position, to yourself; hope .to live above selfish gratification, above misanthropy and despondency, and after that, hope to find eternal happiness She passed.?6kn the room; and forgetting Katie's sur^j^Xee was-soon on his way back ding with,''you H^^nnered^^, you; I did oot more than half believe all the tales they told on you down the country, but now, I ion't believe the half was told. How confoundedly sly you were,about it, too I Nobody ever suspecting the immaculate Arthur Lee, who had scoured the continent fancy free, to be caught up.in^e w.oodajjy a free-love j lady, who is scarcely half-way in 'her teem r- \ "Look, ye ! Ralph," replied Lee, biting his lip'to suppress his anger, "I have borne with pour bantering, and have permitted you to go Jven to extreme lengths with me, without offence; but I swear that if ever your lips pollute the purity of her name,I wQl strike them nute though the blood of my own father flowsd in your veins." "Hal" said Ralph, opening wide his eyes, 'so badly bit, old fellow, but by George, she stings the brain with beauty.' I don't wonder you're mad! But, look ye, what'll the old 'oiks say? You must get out of thatnonense before they come. Aunt Mary is taking t really to heart, but the old man?you ihould see him, Lee; he's black as thunder." Lee Sat moodily silent. "I say, Lee, how are you to get out of it ? [t is evident the girl's as big a fool as you are. heavens! how she blushed this evening, when he saw you. I never saw such an eloquent neeting; and when the blush softly died iway, what a melting tenderness remained in ier dark eyes, and how the radiant smile juivered around her mouth, which looked like rose-buds filled with snow 1' By Jupiter! I'd >e a fool, too, under such circumstances." Lee paced the floor, "If you knew all, Ralph, f you knew her, you would not blame me." "I do know all," he replied, mysteriously, 'and I know her. We heard all about it in Charleston. She is an adventuress, and was ent up here to entrap you. I don't want to lurt your feelings," said he, as Lee stopped tnd glared at him, "but you know I'm blunt, ind you must take the tale as I give it to you." "Impossible!" replied Lee, "the merest ac.ident threw us together. 4 ' "Where?" interrupted Ralph. "In the road, and again here," Lee replied. 1 ?'* nni'/l T?fllrvL IWMtlnoll XT "tXToll y JLXUI1J|J11 1 SttlU lliaijiU iiuuivwLij) nvwt "Then when we met,?for I acknowledge ve did meet, though without connivance of rers, and indeed evidently to her great disatisfaction." "Of course," again sneered Ralph, "the ard had-to be entrappe<Lialo the snare of.the owler, well?^ * Lee gave him an angry look. "We met mly to quarrel. It was a succession of offences upon my part, and of sarcasm, and haughiness upon hers." "Exactly," said Ralph, "I cannot imagine i better programme. Well ?" Lee moved restlessly. "Well, I used to take ler pretty severely to task about different inliscretions, which she committed ?" Such as?interrogated Ralph. "Such as a lisregard for appearances, for instance," he' continued, answering his questioning look; <Bhe would dance the dances of her country jefore young men." ."In which she showed off a superb feurg to. . jreat advantage, Mr. Lee maJmrafA|i& .ottye tdmiring audience," soliloquised Heyward. "She wasas innooentae a child about these hings, spite of yonr sneers,"said Lee angrily, 'and at length slif asked me to advise her igainst her errors." ? "Better and better," exclaimed Ralph, rubring his hands, "Well ?" "If you don'tstop your confounded sneering, [ will tell you no more!" said Lee in a pasaori , "Well, well, go on!" replied Ralph, it's as good as a play. Well?" / 4 "To prove her innocence, once or tw^pe she ame into my room after the' family had retired, to ask my forgiveness about something which had occurred previously. "Ha, ha, ha I" laughed Ralph, "what a nrecious fool vou are. Lee: I didn't know you * r y ' ' .. ? ivere such a boy! Well V' "If you utter that hateful well again, I'll jhoke it down your throat," said Lee; "I am not the boy you pretend to think me, but Alice would have stood in no holier relation to me, than did that young girl, clothed in the invincible panoply of her spotless innocence." "Well," again uttered Ralph, shrugging his shoulders, "may be so; is that all?" "All?but that I love her to madness!" said Lee, again striding up and down the room"' " ainTif I Ree hor I will never look ott"J woman's face again. "Lo8eher!" repeated Ralph; "you don't mean to marry her ?" Lee stopped in his walk and looked at Heyward, while the blood seemed as if it would gush from his crimson face. He clenched his hands. * "You are trying me too far, Hey ward," he 3aid, in low measured tones; "be careful." Heyward involuntarily shrank back from the blazing glance. "You startle me," he said at length, "I had ao idea things had proceeded so far, and you wish to marry her ?" Lee looked at him. The blood had left his bee, and his lips were blue, but he did not jpeak. "Poor fellow! poor fellow 1" said Ralph, motfng uneasily in his chair. "I don't see what you are to do; uncle will never consent if on/? T kolioTra if nrnnM YimoV mv Anrit'fl uvr i vj ?uu -t. uwtVTU <v nvuiu wavwm *MaJ w??m?v. heart" ' .. Lee did not speak, but strode on. "They will be here soon: Supposing you try what can be done," asked Ralph, his kind heart enlisted for one he had always loved and respected, and whom he had looked qpon as superior to softer emotions. . Lee shook his head. "Anything I can do for you," he said, hesitatingly, "you know you can command me ; why not enlist Alice? Woman's intuitive tact sometimes reaches where man's force and judgment fail." Lee again shook his head. "Well, then," said Ralph, bluntly, "why don't yon take matters into your own hand, and marry without leave or license ? You have an ample support, and are dependent upon no one; and although I would be the last to counsel against any action dishonoring to your parents; yet, in audi a matter, a man should choose for himself You have to live with your wife?they don't." "You have mentioned several difficulties, Ralph," replied Lee, "but you have omitted the greatest Surmount that, and you make me the happiest man earth holds; fbr I tell you, dearly as I love my right arm?and no man dreads infirmity or deformity more?I to/miM nnlumttiinfflv. viflld it fbr her." nuuiuiuuuw.- -^ , j ? " What fa in the way f' asked Ralph; "yon are of age, andWrableof judging for yourself." "An tVuurmouma&fe objection is in the way," replied Lee,' "forshe won't heme me." "Won'thaveyouT said Ralph springing from his seat, "I honor the woman! that is," himself "You are youing, rich/ handsome as Apollo," though, he muttered, "haughty as Jupiter, "what else does the woman want?" ' "She waits Ibr just what you considered now was the great obstacle in my way, the consent of her father." ' "Better and better," exclaimed Ralph, again springing to his feet and shaking himself; "she is really and truly then not out in search of a husband?but what do you intend doing ?" he continued hastily, noticing the gathering frown. "Possessing my soul in patience, I suppose," 1-'-J T 1? repneu uw un ucuj. "Well, when that wears out, call upon me. In your war," said Ralph, "we can have the parson in a twinkling, and let the old folks settle the difference afterward." "How little you know of what you are talking, Heyward," said Lee. "Although chafing almost beyond endurance at her obstinacy in denying me, I love her more for her filial affection, and ray respect is increased ten fold." "Humph!" ejaculated Ralph, "does she love you ?" "I must think so," he replied, coloring, though she has never told me so." "You have never asked her ?" "Yes, often; but she evades the answer, or tells me to hush." "Well!" exclaimed Ralph, "if she is not an enigma." "Yea," replied Lee, "one that I would give ten of the best years of my life to solve." [to be continued next week.] [Copies of the Enqcikkr containing the previous chapters of UiU Story rnr, be furnished to new lubecriben'.] ptettlliuwfltt* Handing. A. T. STEWART. , A New York correspondent of the Springfield Republican makes the following remarks lifpon the charactor of A. T. Stewart, the dry i -j?jut i e it.*..:,.. Kaouaiuiuiuiijiirwui uuu, , '"f notice thata'dclence bf A. T. Stewart has been going the rounds*of the press, in which he is eulogized for his ability, culture, and especially for the girls' lodging house now being erected at his expense in 33d street and on fourth avenue. It seems quite right to defend a man from malicious and scandalous assaults, which are in too many cases excited by the circumstances of his being wealthy and holding a prominent position before the public, but I fear much that has been said against the great dry goods millionaire is well-founded. Of his ability there is not the least question. He has a most wonderful memory, and is said to know the quantity and price of goods ij^verv.department of his two huge stora^so that he can tell exactly when he is executive talent is also rettiilkable, as well as his grasp of minute matteiB.'thdugh as a rule he gives his leading ascastantscarte blanc in executing his ordere in detail. Yet at the same time, while all of these men respect his , intellect, they do not feel any regard for him personally, and his subordinates generally bear no love for him. This is because Stewart has no bowels of compassion, but treats men like machines, getting the most possible work out of them without regard to the consequences. He pays good salaries to his chief men, but mere, pittances to othera, who are kept under an iron discipline all the time. But the only test of a man's actions are his motives, and according to indisputable authorit) Stewart is a man with an insatiable ambition for flfelf-advancement He would be the first c merchant in the metropolis of America, and leave behind a name that will not be forgotten. Hence, even those who are disposed to view his course most tolerantly say, that they are convinced that his lodging-house donation, the Hempstead city, and Stewart's other schemes, are intended first, for his individual aggrandizement, and are only secondarily philanthropic. Stewart was much disappointed at not being made Secretary of the Treasury, and felt the defeat keenly. He expectWHo do a vast deal of good by getting that office, and had he been able to hold his own against the politicians, would no doubt have cleaned out the Augean stables of tfe New York custom house, with whose corruption he is well acquainted. It is much to be regretted that he could not make the experiment, but the fates directed otherwise. Stewart is honqpt; according to the business definition of the word, but it-is h'is^worst trait that he will not brook -rivalry, and will use every means to crush out competitors. There'have been numberless cases where he has put doWrr all his prices, and borne alheavy. loss so as to destroy a rival in trade, and he will d o this without the least compunction. He seems to have a gnawing jealousy of competition and shows a despicable spirit iin this^especfc'' He does not go much into sociefy^but haSar'small. circle of friends with.whom heiB free spoken, though at other- times absorbed by hV'ovm; thoughts.. He <3^ not caifrcept as a meantfto itf $ He & fond of art and hasloo^ei^Wai^tfe.^ & he will carry out his visf "piahfl for public good, we may almost excuse his personal defects, but his name should not be spoken in the same breath with Peter Cooper, Vassar, Cornell, or PeaKn/iv other reallv disinterested philan thropists." An Editorial Anecdote.?Thos. Barnes the editor of the London Times, first gained for that journal its distinctive character ; it was under his regime that it first acquired reputation of being the leading newspaper of ? \ Jbingiana. Darnes vmj ovw^j? did by the most unsparing and remoraleas use ofthe powers witb which be was entrusted. Woe be to the contributor under Barnes' administration who, whether dignified leaderwriter or humble reporter, failed at the critical moment One anecdote, one that is literly and verbally true, will serve as sufficiently indicative of the man. O'Connell had been delivering one of his magnificently metaphorical and patriotic speeches in the House of Commons in which this memorable passage bad occurred: "Then the genius of Ireland uplifted her outraged and bloody hand." etc. When Barnes looked at the Times next morning, the vigorous Saxon equivalent of the sanguinary was printed "b?y." Barnes* ' wrath was kindled ; the luckless reporter was sent for, and in no measured terms was asked what he meant Trembling, the poor fellow replied, "But, sir, you will admit?that is I thought?that bloody was rather a coarse, word." "Very coarse, indeed, sir, but sometimes very appropriate; for instance, if I was q say you were s. bloody Toolkit wogl very coarse, bnt it would be very true." PFRE WATER. It is certainly remarkable that, in our advanced condition of civilization, notwithstanding the scientific progress we have made, such > a question as?whether pure water or impure water is best for us ??should arise. It is not by any means an axiom that nature dictates what is best and most wholesome for us. As a rule, we relish and enjoy most those things which are unwholesome, and that whiok applies to our food is equally true in respgt to: our drink. For drinking purposes we .like water to be cool, bright and sparkling ! Popularly'it is admitted & priori, (from, the* name to the effect,) that the pure water is the better, but it is reasoned & posteriori, (from the effect to the cause,) that sparkling, bright and cold water is necessarily pure. It happens, however, that the exquisite ooolggps of some water is due to the salts contd|w in solution, from which also the beautipti crystal-like brightness is derived, whiletheapaskjingeffervescence results from the libefsttptwfef gases held in solution. Such wa& delights the eye and pleases the palate, especial!ton a hot " summer's day; it is par excellence and if the truth be told, is often nothing erne than filtered sewerage, in which the qualities so highly appreciated are imparted by nitrate of ammonia and other salts, out of decomposing organic materials. Again, carboniferous waters are 'highly - W. . * . n prized as palatable, cool, and sparaung, ana although a little carbonate of lime probably may not do much barm to most people, yet excess of calcic salts might be disagreeable to some patients. All mineral waters occasion' ally set up ferbile disturbance in subjects of the gouty diathesis. 80 much for prejudice, which is, as the child's prejudice in favor of jam, a relative question of nasty and nice. If we consider what constitutes hardness, we see that pure water most of necessity be soft, for ' the harder the water the greater is the amount vof saline material contained in it Pure waterisfcveiyrare thiagfflfe uSaiert-appcBicb / to it is rain-water, collected in perfectly clean vessels in the open country after continued rains have cleansed the atmosphere. The purest water derivable from any natural res- 'T*"ervoir is that of Loch -Katrine, in Scotland, the solid matter contained in agallon of which is only one grain. Many waters in common use, however, contain considerable quantities of solid matter. In considering the purity of water as affecting the death rate, we must not omit to mention organic impurities, which, though often inappreciable as regards the condition of hardness, have but too frequently carried death into the cup, and that, too, through germs which have baffled detection. The ordinary method by which the hardness of water is tested is based upon the fact that soap readily decomposes the salts of the alkaline earths which forms insoluble compounds with the fatty acids, and the common experiment is performed with a standard alcoholic gfltofy of soap, a measured quantity of which with a standard measure of the water'; if no.curdling takes place on Shaking the mixture, J>ut a froth instantly obtained, the water is soft; if, oiiu-the other hand, the soap solution is curled or broken, the water is said to be hard, and a second quantity of the standard solution is added, or a third* or more, until a froth can be obtained on shaking the mixture, and according to the number of measures of standard solution used, so is the calculation of the degree of hardness of the water made.?Good Healths A Coal Pit on- frbb *ob a Hundred Years.?One of the most carious phenomena in connection with coal mining, is exhibited at the Bank colliery, near Bother ban, the property of Earl FitzwiUii&k This pit caught fire one hundred years ago, andal^the efforts . of the workmen at the time awjjebsequently, have been quite ineffectual to'-extinguish it A short time ago it was ascertained that the flames were approaching tlie bottom of the shaft, and it was then resolved,# jjxwsible, to stay their progress, so that they^mgtt not ex- _ tend to other parts of the' woAjpgs. At length the superintendent of theeollijiries, Mr. T. Cooper, conceived the idea aTfyiilding a wall to shut in the fire, abd"ji>order to ascertain the best site for this italic *$?$ral of the officials crept on their .haS$r $nd knees, through the dense stifti&g -sm&ke, as far as possible in to the workings, Their efforts were successful, and a waH is-now completed nearly one tiiott^d yard^ iblength, and varying from ninO inches tc^ five feet in thickness, at distaficmwsxyi^ from thirty to fifty yards, metal pipes jh^e been inserted in this wall, and aire secni^plugged at the end, so that any time,, by Removing the plugs, the state of the efrph-the side of the fire, and even the potffifen of the fire itself, can be ascertained. So intense is the heat arising from this fins that people possessing gardens above the colliery declare that the growth of plants ia motorinllv affected, and that tbev are ena bled to obtain two and three crops every year. ?London News. . \ WS" Clothing madeihrm a new' kind of paper has been patented in 'England. The components of the material are said to be some animal and vegetable substanoee never before used. When reduced to a palp, and bleached, the completed fabric is a sort of felt, of extraordinary pliancy, flexibility and strength. It can be sewed with the needle as tightly as woven fabrics, and already table cloths, quilts, shoes and petticoats are in the market, all j made from the new material. ' ^