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.

E stjmter watchman, Established Aprii, isso. "Be Just and Fear not?Let all the Ends thou Aims't at, be thy Country's, thy God's and Truth's." the tk?e.so?t?ron, Established jane, 1866. ^ Consolidated Ang. 2, 1881.1 SUMTER, S. C, TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1885._New Series?Tol. IT. No. 46. - * ' Published 70 7 Tuesday, ?BY THE? ^?Tatchman and Sovthron Publishing Company, S?MTER, S. C. tbbms: -Two Dollars per annum?in advance. One Square, first insertion.?.?............$l 00 Every subsequent insertion.. 50 ? ^Contracts fox three-months, or longer will be made at reduced rates. All co raanications^whicb snbserTe private interests wall be charged fdr es adrertisemehts. ^ .?bit?aties and tribales of respect w??l be charged for. Marriage notices 3ad notices of deaths pub ?hmAitk\f . ?; " : ^ For j?o work or contracts for advertising address Watckmin and Southron, or apply at t?e<jO?^-io> . 4& G. 0$TEEN,r ? , ' ' s >' r.' i'BnsinessManager. ffiSM? BAMGPOTOEB T0-DA?? ^ -, -Brands ad-rerased as absolutely- par? THE TEST: DOES 50T CONTAIN AMMONIA. m HXAUHTCLSESS KAS NEVER BEK* QtTS-nOTKD. In ?ata?en bornes for & quarter of a century It baa ?tood. tbs consum?is' reliable test, f j TBE TEST OF TBE 0?EM. ?PElM A ? POWDER CO., Mince's Special Raiiir?is, The r>i nwt^awwt JuCUn? ?M an?lfl?pg fcnwWn,?* Bra Price's LupuliaYsast films For Ugbt, Healthy Bread. The Best Dry Hop Yeast in tbo World. POR SALE BY GROCERS. - - CB|C*CQ? ?_* j. ? - c ST. jLoms MOST PERFECT MADE Paresi and strongest Natural Fruit Flavors; ? Vanilla, Lemon, Orange, Almond, Base, etc, flavor as delicately and na?nraHy as the irait, PRICE BAKING POWDER CO., CHICAGO. ST. LOTJT& A NEW TREATMENT For Consumi ton, Asthma, Bronchitis, Dyspepsia, Catarrh. Headache, D?b?i ty,.RH?u7nclism, 'Nevralgia, and all' (Jhr^n?c and Nervous Disorders. A CARD. We, the nodersigoed, having received great and permanent benefit from the nse of "COM POUND OXYGEN," prepared and adminis tered by Das. St?rkst k Fase?, of Philadel phia, and being satisfied that it is a new dis covery in medical science, and all that is claimed for it, consider it a duty which we owe to the many thousands who are suffering from chronic and so-called "incurable" dis eases to do all that we can to make its virtues knowa and to inspire the public with confi dence. ?_ We have-personal knowledge of Drs. Star key & Palea. They are educated, intelligent, and conscientious physicians, who will not, we are sore, make any statement, which they do not know or believe to be true, nor pub lish any testimonials or reports of cases which arenot genaioe. WM. D. KELLY, Member of Congress from Philadelphia. T. S. ARTHUR, Editor and Publisher "Arthur's Horn Magazine,7* Philadelphia. V. L. CONRAD Editor of "Lutheran Observer,17 Philadelphia. . Philadelphia, pA., Jtxz 1, 1882. In order to meet arnatura! inquiry in re gard to our professional and personal stand ing, and ;to gire increased wnfid enee in our ttatemeots^aad in the genuiness of our testi monials and reports of cases, we print the above card from gentlemen well and widely known and of the highest personal character. Oar "Treatise on Compound Oxygen," con taining a history of the discovery of and mode of action of this remarkable curative agent, and a large record of surprising cures in Consumption, Catarrh, Neuralgia, Bronchi tis, Asthma, etc., and a wide range of Chron ic diseases, will be sent free. Address Drs. STARKE Y--& PALEN. 1109 & 1 1 Girard Street, Philadelpnia., Pa. P. H. Folsom, I~ W. Folgoro. -ESTAB'D 1S6S. F. H. FOLSOM & BRO. Practical Watchmakers and Jewelers, Main-Street, opposite John ReioVs, STTMTER, S. C-, Clocks, Silverware, Jewelry, Spectacles, Cutlery, Fishing Tackle, Violin Strings, Machine Needles, Oils, &c. Repairing of Watches, Clocks and Jewelry promptly doue and satisfaction guaranteed,-. ? FAMILY AFFATI BY HUGH CONWAY, _ Aulkor of "Called Backhand "Dark Days." CHAPTER VUL UBS. E TAXES A HOLIDAY. Mrs. Miller, the respectable, middle-aged widow who had, in spite of her lack of properly authenticated service-testimonials, been installed in the place vacated by the nurse girl whose amorous tendencies sent such a thrill through Hazlewood House, continued to give the greatest satisfaction. She was a living proof that a broom which swept clean when new, may continue to do so after the newness has departed. Moreover, Mrs. Miller was a broom which, raised very little dust as it swept. ' She was a pale-faced woman with strongly marked features. The nose was aquiline, the cheeks thin, almost hollow; the mouth and chin told of a certain force of character, the eyes were dark, and at times shone with pe culiar brightness. In spite of the calm, methodical way in which she went about the place in discharge of her duties, one skilled in the study of the face would have said that this weman possessed a highly nervous tem perament?that her qmet was but the result of years of self-control, that had she lacked that strong month and chin, Mrs. Miller's true nature would have shown itself at every hour of the day. She was thin, and in the dark gowns which she invariably wore, looked almost ascetic Tomen she presented few attractions. The under gardener who had been reprimanded, but not dismissed, found the change of nurses a sorry one for him. Had he wished to do so, I doubt if the most forward man servant would .have dared to put his arm round Mrs. Miller's sombre waist. But her masters liked her, Miss Clausen liked her, the boy liked her, and, above all, Whittaker liked her. This last was an im* portant matter, as in the servant's hall Whit taker, by virtue of long service and irre proachable character, reigned supreme: The new nurse was in many ways a ser vant after his own heart. She treated him with the respect which was his due, and neither by word nor action ridiculed his roasters?the crime common to nearly all the retainers of Hazlewood House. The only fault which Whittaker could find with Mrs. Miller was on account of her religious senti ments; For Whittaker was an intelligent man, who in his hours of leisure improved his mind. For theology he read good old-fash ioned, one-sided works which proved beyond doubt that through the porch of the parish church lay the only road to Heaven. Every one knows that it is delightful to give a new-comer the benefit of one's own religious tenets?to point out where one is right and the other wrong. It was but natural that in akindly, paternal way Whittaker should take an early opportunity of ascertaining Mrs. Miller's orthodoxy. He did this in the butler's pantry, whither she had. one. day come on some errand. It was on a Monday, and Whittaker began by commenting on Mr. Morale's sermon of the preceding night. He little guessed what a storm his words would raise?how by sheer accident he had stumbled on a way of turn ing this calm-looking woman into a wild en thusiast. But he hadin fact struck the fire ?rom the flint. She forgot all about her errand, and entered into religious discussion in a way that took the male disputant's breath from him. She talked about selection and predestination? the utter mefficacyof works or faith to save? she pounded him with terrible texts which cut off the hope of mercy from all save the elect, until poor old Whittaker fairly gasped. His one-sided studies furnished no weapons with which to meet her vehement attack. All he could do was to shako his head pityingly and sigh for the state of her mind. ?n this he was little different from many reputed teachers of men. She pounded hrm with terrible texts until - Whittaker fairly gasped. Suddenly, as if remembering where she was, Mrs. Miller grew calm, but evidently by a great effort of self-control. She even apologized for her excitement, which she hoped Mr. Whittaker would forget. Then she left him. In his responsible position his first thou ? was that his masters ought to be inf ormeu ? the heterodox views held by the nurse. But this seemed scarcely fair to the woman, who, in spite of all, went to church as regularly as the other servants. So he did not mention the matter to the Talberts, but, overtaking Mr. Mordle as the latter was one day walk ing into the town, he, "with all respect, told him what strange ideas Mrs. Miller held on religious subjects. This may seem presump tion on Whittaker's part-, but the truth is, that the dream of his life was, that had not fate made him a butler he might have been a clergyman. And a very imposing one he would doubtless have made. "Ah said Mordle. ' 'Calvinism?-dreary religion?most dismal and dreary of alL? The curate was rather short with Whit taker. He thought the old servant rather e nuisance and somewhat of a prig. "Will you see her and taik to her, sir?' asked Whittaker, respectfully. "No?Calvinists are mcurafefe But to please you, Whittaker, III preach at her some Sunday." It may be presumed that Mrs, Miller did notinSict her Calvinfem upon Beatrice, as the latter seemed to find the new nurse per fectly suited to her duties. It was clear that Mrs. Miller had become strangely attached to?er young mistress. Nothing seemed to give her such pleasure as performing any small personal service which Miss Clausen re quired. When Beatrice passed her, the wo man's dark eyes followed her with an ex pression of almost dog-hko affection. On her part Beatrice treated the nurse with a con sideration not always shown by the most amiable toward their servants. It was vul garly said among the household that Mrs. Miller, quiet as she was, had managed to get the length of Miss Clauson'i foot. Whether Mrs. Miller was unduly favored or not, things at Hazlewood House ran on smoothly. Perhaps it was the perfect order in which tho gear worked that induced the nurse to take a day's holiday. It was the day after Mr. Mordle had made and lost his venture. Horace and Herbert, ? potter inj; about the gardens*, saw the br?jj?t haired boy going out in charge of the parlor maid. This was an infraction of rules w hich oould not be overlooked. They demandai the cause, and were told that Mrs. Miller had gone j for a day's holiday. Of course the brothers said no more; but, ? upon seeing Beatrice, they mentioned the mat- j ter to her. ""Yes," she said, "I told her she | might go for the day." The Talberts were too polite to blame Bea- 1 trice in words, but a slight elevation of four eyebrows showed their owners' discontent. Beatrice, in giving a servant a holiday, had taken a liberty. **Where has she gonef asked Herbert, who liked to know that his servants were spending their time properly. "To London, I suppose," said Beatrice, carelessly. Now the way in which Mrs. Miller spent her holiday was as follows: She rose at an early hour and walked from Hazlewood House to the cross roads. Here she waited until the lumbering, old-fashioned 'bus came in sight She took a seat in it, and was in due time deposited at the Blacktown station At Blacktown she took the train to Weymouth, which fashionable watering place she reached about 11 o'clock. It was, however, clear that she had not come hero to enjoy a day at the seaside. In stead of going at once to the gay esplanade, she sought the shades of the general waiting room?here she remained an hour. She then embarked in another train; one that ran on a single line of railway?ran nearly the whole of its way with the sea on one side anda mighty h?l of smooth, rounded pebbles, known as the Chesil Beach, on the other, whilst in front of it loomed tall, serrated, precipitous cliffs, at the foot of which was its destination. Mrs. Miller paid no attention to the latural scenery of the place. She stepped hrara. the train and walked out of the little station in a methodical; business-like way. It was evident that the woman had not come so far on a mere pleasure jaunt. It was a burning day. The sun shot down its rays fiercely on the treeless, shadeless, barren island, or so-called island. Mrs. Mil ler's black garments seemed scarcely suitable to such weather?her frame certainly not strong enough to toil up those cliffs of oolitic limestone which frowned down upon her. No wonder she turned to the cabstand. The two or three cabs which it boasted were rickety old machines, but the horses which were between the shafts were strong ones. Hordes need be strong to earn a living in this land. She drove a bargain after the manner of her kind, then took her seat in one of the dusty vehicles. She was driven through the little gray town, which lies at the foot of and stretches a long way up the hill, The horse toiled np the steep street, on and on until the occupant of the cab looked down on the tops of the houses which she had just passed. Then a turn, and a bit of level ground, another turn and a steep hill; soon and on in a zigzag course until the table land which lies at the top of Portland island was somehow reached, an event which must have been grateful alike to the horse and the occu pant of the cab, supposing the latter only possessed of nerves of ordinary strength and therefore apt to rebel against being drawn up hills as steep as the side of a house. Some time before tho cab reached the top of the cliffs it had at intervals passed gangs of men working by tho roadside. At a dis tance these men looked little different from ordinary navvies, but a closer inspection showed that tho garments of most of them consisted of a dark yellow jersey covered by a sleeveless jacket of light fustian or some such material. This jacket, moreover, was stamped in various places with the govern ment broad arrow. Every man wore gaiters and a curiously-shaped cap, under which no hair was visible. Occasionally one might be seen who moved with a certain stiffness in his rait, as if something which he would wil lingly have dispensed with restrained the nat ural elasticity of his lower limbs. Here and ihere the monotony of the attire was broken by the appearance of some who were dressed in blue instead of j-ellow; but taken alto- ? gether the dress, if comfortable and enduring, was scarcely one which a man being a free agent would choose for himself. The gangs which Mrs. M?ler passed on the roadside were for the most part engaged in handing lumps of turf from man to man. They performed these duties in a listless, per functory manner, although, standing on the hillside above every band of workers, were two men in long dark coats wiih the sLdhing but tons of authority, and each of these men held a ri?e with fixed bayonet. j Farther away in the quarries could be seen many other such gangs, digging, delving, haul ing, wheeling barrows, and performing other operations needful for extracting the famed Portland stone from tho ground. After passing various sentries, and driving for some distance along the level ground, Mrs. Miller's cab reached a beautiful, tall, but tressed wall; skirting this it turned at right angles, and very soon drew up before an im posing entrance built of gray stone, and bear ing over the archway the royal arms of Eng land. This was the entrance to her majesty's prison of Portland. In front of it, across the road, stretched the governor's garden, still brilliant with flowers and looking like a glorious oasis in the midst of a barren land. A man who in the dis charge of his duties has to live on the top of Portland island wants a garden or something of that sort. Without it the monotony of the place would drive him mad. But Mrs. Miller did not even look at the gay beds. She dismounted, and after telling the cabman to wait for her, walked boldly through the prison gate. She was immediately accosted by a portly, gc>od-tempered-looking janitor, whose gold laced cap spoke of superior standing. He ushered her into a little waiting-room just inside the gate, and asked her to state her business. Mrs. Miller's business was to see one of the convicts, by name Maurice Har vey. Now, co":. lets are only allowed to see their friends once in six months; so Cie janitor shook his head dubiously. Still as Mrs. Miller was a most respectable-looking woman, ho said he would mention the matter to the governor. He begged the lady to take a chair and then left her. She sat for some time in the bare little waiting room, the walls of ~Vch wer? d?do rateci w?tn notices requesting visitors to tht prison not to offer the warders any money, but to deposit such donations as they wished tc make in boxes that were hung against the wall for tho benefit of discharged prisoners and the officers' schools respectively. After awhile the good-natured janitor returned. Ho told Mrs. Miller that the convict had not seen a friend for many months, so upon his return from work ho would bo asked if ho would like to see her. She must givo her name. She wrote it down, then waited patiently. By and by thoro was a measured tramp o? many heavy fe?t, and sho knew the convicts were returning to dinner. After the tramp had died away a warder made his appearance and told her to follow liim. It was but a step. He opened a door in the rear of tho waiting room, and Mrs. Miliei found herself ina] ?lace which could suggest nothing eke than a den at a zoological gar den, one sido of tho room being formed ol iron l>ars about six inches apart, and oppo site was a similar den with its front turned towards it and entered by. another door, and betwi ea the two was a space, a narrow den, entered by another door and containing a stool. Presently the door of tho middle den opened and a warder entered and seated himself upon the stool; then tho furthest door.o?>e:ied, and one of the blue-bab:'tcd convicts walked up to tho bars and gavo his visitor a nod of care less recognition. As a rule, when a female friend is per mitted to see a convict there is weeping and wailing. Hands are stretcl>ed out through the bars across tho open space, and if the two persons are of ordinary stature, finger tips may just meet. This is better than nothing. Time was when no open space divided the friends; they could kiss and al most embrace through one set of bars. But it was found that the visitor's kiss often transferred a half-sovereign from her mouth to the convict's. A kindly action, no doubt, but one which when discovered led the man into trouble, knocked off goo..l-conduct marks, and lengthened bis time of imprisonment: So now there is a spaco of something like live feet betw^oa the visitor and tho visited With tb?dso t-.vo there was no weeping, nc stretching out of hands. In fact, as M is. Miller looked at the caged creature in front of her an expression very nearly akin tc hatred settled on her strongly-marked fea tures. Yet, in spito of his close-clipped crown, shaven cheeks and ugly attire the convict was 1 >y n< > means ill-lo< >king. His fea tures wf-ro straight, and might even have been en1. M refined. Ho was above the mid dle height, broad shouldered and healthy looking. His teeth were g<>od, and his bands, although rough and hardened with toil, were not the hands of one who lias lai lored from his childhood. His eyes had a cruel, crafty look in them; but this look might have been acquired sine? his incarceration. Indeed, Mrs. Miller had noticed tbo sam* expression in the eyes of every convict whom she had met on the road to the prison. Mrs. Miller looked through her bars at the convict; the conviot looked through his bars Urs. Miller looked through her bars *c the convict. at Mrs, Miller; the warder between them sat , on his stool sublimely indifferent, and for a while there was silence. The convict was the j first to break it. | "Oh, it's you, is it?" he said. "Yes, it's mo," said Mrs. Miller. "Well, what do you want? To see how I am getting on?" He spoke quite jauntily. His visitor gazed ! at him scornfully. "Oh, I'm in splendid health," he continued, j "Physically, Pra twice tho man I was when I came here. Regular hours, regular meals, regular work. Constitution quite set up. Ino chance of my dying before my term's up." "No, I'm afraid there isn't," said Mrs. Mil ler with such bitterness that the impassive warder glanced at her, and wondered what manner of prisoner's friend this was. Tho prisoner's face changed. He scowled at her as darkly as she had scowled at him. "When will your time be up?" she asked sharply. "Can you tell me?' she added, turning to the warder. "Can't say exactly," answered the warder. "He's in blue, so he's in his last year. " Mrs. Miller shuddered. Ker hands clenched themselves mvoluntarily. "I want- to know," she said, addressing the convict, "what arrangements you will be willing to make when you. come out. That is the object of my visit." The man looked at her mockingly. "I have thought of nothing as yet," ho said, "except tho joy I shall feel at once more returning to the arms of my devoted wife." The woman's dark eyes blazed. She leaned her face against the bars and glared at the shaven face before her. "How much money do you want?" she whispered. The convict shrugged his uninteresting looking shoulders. "Money is an after con sideration ; I am pining for connubial felici ty." She turned and paced the narrow space. The warder grew quite interested in the inter view. As a rulo his duties were very monoton ous. He recognized the fact that the present conversation was out of the ordinary run. The woman seemed to have forgotten his presence. She stamped her foot and turned fiercely to the convict "Look here," she said, "will you go to America, Australia, anywhere? Money will bo found." "fertainly net," ^aid the polite convict "Besides, sir," he :-dded, turning' to the wardor with an assumed air of deference, "I believe it is a sine qua no?, I mean it is indis pensable, that for some time I must report myself to the police once a month?' Tho warder nodded. "God' help us!" murmured the woman. Then turning to the convict, she said: "You'll let me know when you are re leased?' "Oh, yes. 11 let you know fast enough. You'll bo one of tho fust I shall come and sec. Nov.-, if you've nothing more to .??ay, ] ask to be taken back to my dinner. Good and plentiful as the fare is, I like it wane better than cold." The stolid warder could not help smiling. The time usually allotted for an interview with a prisoner had by no means expired. It was b. aew experience to find a convi?t of hif own free wEl -curtailing his privilege. H? turned inquiringly to Mrs. Miller. "(iot anything more to say to him?" ne asked. "No," she answered sullenly. The convict made. her a police bow as she turned and waited to tho door of her own den. She stood outside on the gravel fora moment, and gazed moodily after Ko. 1,080 as he was con ducted by bis guardian across the open space and vanished from sight round the chapel on the way to his own cell. Then she entered the waiting room, where she found the civil official who had at first accosted her. Prom him she ascertained the proper office at which the inquiry she wanted answered should be made; and upon applying there learnt that No. 1,0S0, supposing he continued to conduct himself as ho had hitherto done, that is, earning tho maximum of eight good marks a day, would obtain his ticket-of-leave in about six months' time. "Then what becomes of him?1 she asked. "Do you just put him outsido the gate, and tell him to be off?' The officer smiled. "Oh dear, no. Ho is asked if ho has any friends to go to, or where he wants to go to. His fare is paid to that place. He is given a sait of clothes and a little money. After that he must do tho best he can." Mrs. Miller looked thoughtful. "Is there anyone I could write to and ask to bo told the day he will come out?' she asked. "Certainly. If you are a relation or friend, and willing to look after him, and wrote to ! the governor to that effect, no doubt you would hear from him." "Thank you,"' said Mrs. Miller. Then she gathered up her biack skirts and left the prison. Sha found her cab and was driven back to the railway station. It was some time before tho train left for Weyinouth; so j sho climbed to the top of the Chcsii Beach and sat down gazing out over tho sea. Her lips moved, although tho rest of her body was motionless. She was praying, and tho petition she offered up was that Keaven in its mercy would remove from earth a certain convict bufare the day came upon which he would be entitled to demand his freedom. A curious prayer for a religious woman to make, but after all not stranger than the pra3*ers offered up by antagonistic armies. The train started at last and took her to Weymouth. Here sho obtained refreshment, cf which, indeed, she stood much in need. Somehow she made a mistake in tho time, and missed tho afternoon train. Tho conse quence was that it was past eleven o'clock when ?he rang the bell of Ih-it methodicaliy conducted establishment, Hazlowood House. And the rule of Hazlowood House was that no servant should on any pretence bo out of doors after hal f-past nine; or. unless the pres ence of company demanded it, out of bed after half-past ten. Her masters were in waiting, and at once took her to task. Sho explained that sho had missed the train. "What train r" asked Horneo. "Tho train from Weymoath, sir." "But Miss Clausen told us you wcro gone to London." "MI: s Clausou inaile a mistake, sir." Horacofelt nettled at ti:-: idra of anyone who b-.-id even a vicarious authority from hhaself making.a mistake. So ho said, with saino ttsperitv, "Tuis must not occur againj Mrs. Miller." "And," added Herbert, "tho next time you want a holiday kindly mention the fact to us is well as te Miss Chiusoli. We havo a rulo in those matters." Mrs. Miller curtsied, and left tho i-mpi. "Sho is a curioua looking woman," said Borace. "' wonder if we- were right in taking her without a character?' CHAPTER IX. JUM1?XG AX CONCX.ITSI02?S. Mr. Mordle wont away tho next week. He carried his sorrow with him, manfully re solved to do all ho could to leave it on tho summit of Mont Blanc, or the toatterborn, to smkitin the Lake of Maggiore or Como, or to cast it upon tho flowing lit inc. Ho told niniself with such cheerfulness as he Could I muster that ho was deeply wounded but not killed. Before he tied the label on his port manteau ho discharged what his keen sense j at honor told him was a duty. He called on ; tho Talberts and informed them how he had j fared with Beatrica They wero very busy bottling off a quarter I sask of sherry. They found that buying their I wine in wood saved them Heaven knows how j much. Now, bottling wine is a nice, digni ! fied, yet, withal, cheerful operation, in the j performance of which a duko need not bo ashamed to be seem If I had tho wine to bot tle I would work at it ten hours a day. Bo when the brothers heard that Mr. Mordi? wished particularly to seo them, ho was asked fco step down into the cellar. Into the cellar he went. Not a bad place an such a sultry day. He found Horace seated on a low stool, with his long straight legs spread on either side of the cask, in something of the attitude of a reversed Bacchus. He was filling the bottles with the golden fluid, whilst Herbert stood near him, and after dipping the corks into a little basin full of wine, manipulated them with a cork j squeezer and eventually drove them into j their restmg-place by aid of a small spade ?haped mallet. As each bottle was filled, worked, and put aside, Herbert made a chalk mark on a board, and every fourth mark he crossed with another, so that the tally could be easily counted. The whole performance was beautifully methodical and business-like, reflecting great credit on the actors. With their native politeness, the moment Mr. Mordle came in sight they ceased their Dccupation. Horace turned the tap and rose from the half filled bottle; Herbert left the cork half driven in. They greeted their visi tor and apologized for bringing him down to the lower regions. Although they were large soarse white aprons, fashioned somewhat like a girl's pinafore, they looked two well-bred gentlemen. "I say," said the curate nervously, "you know I'm off the day after to-morrow." aIsay,n said Hie curate, nervously. "Yes. We wish you a pleasant trip." "Thanks. Sure to enjoy myself.. I want to tell you something beforo I go." They begged him to speak. They thought it was I some petty parish matter on his mind. "Do you mind taking off your aprons for a minute? Somehow my news doesn't seem to St in with them." Mordle was a privileged person. Ho could say and do what few others could. Moreover, his manner showed them he had something of importance to communicate. Without a word they untied their pina fores, folded them up and laid them across the sherry cask. "Shall we go up stairsf asked Horace. "Oh dear, no. This will do capitally. What I want to tell you is this: Last week I asked Miss Clauson to marry me. She re fused. Thought you ought to know." Horace looked at Herbert; Herbert looked at Horace. They stroked their beards medi tatively, but for some time neither spoke. "Well," said Mr. Mordle, "that's all." "I think, Mordle," said Horace sadly, "you should have consulted us first." "Quite so," said Herbert. "Don't see it at all. Miss Clauson isof age. But it doesn't matter?I tell you now." The brothers shook their heads gravely. "I tell you," said Sylvanus, "because Fm going away to cure myself. When I come buck I should liko to be able to visit you as before. You needn't be afraid. " "Miss Clauson must decide," said Horace. *'Exactly so," said Herbert. So the matter was left, and Mr. Mordle went away on his hard-earned holiday with a clear conscience, if a heavy heart. The brothers returned to their fascinating occupation and worked away for some time in silence. Three dozen of sherry must have been bottled before Horace 6poke: "It is time Beatrice was married." "Yes," said his brother; "but sho isn't a marrying girl She takes after us, I think" There was always a comfort in this reflec tion; especially now, when the fame of Miss Clausens good looks had spread through half Westsbiro. It was indeed time that a suitable suitor made his appearance. The chances were that in a year or two the girl might fall into her uncles' old-maidish ways. For the Talberts were now getting into a domestic groove down which it seemed likely they would slide until the end of their lives. They had of course seen tho great world and the vanities thereof, and now they found j that there was nothing liko home, sweet | home?especially when the disposition of the home-lover is such that he takes an immense interest in every detail which makes up that sweetness; With tho exception of tho peren nial visit to town, thev had not left Hazle wood House for any length of time since thoy settled down to rule its fortunes. They went to London this year for tho last week in j May and the whole of June. But Miss Clau son did not accompany them. Sho said out right that she hated London, and loved Oak bury- and its belongings. So at Oakbury she stayed A very carious choice on the part j of a young lady who might, had she wished j to do so, have spent the London season ming- j ling in tho pursuits and gayeties of what is j called the upper circle. However, her decision was a certain relief j to her uncles. Had she selected to accoin- j pony them to town, they would hardly have j known what to do with her. A handsome ! niece staying w:;h them at their hotel would be?well, it not a nuisance, a responsibility. | Approving as they did in tho main of her j treatment of Lady Clauson, they could not ; counsel her to go to her father's liouse. There j were, of course, many families they knew j who would havo been glad to have taken j charge of a niece of theirs, but Beatrice's j staying at another establishment whilst Sir ! Maingay was in town would clearly show j tho world that there was a family feud, j rsothing in tho Talberts' eyes was worse than ? a proclaimed family feud. Hence it was that even now theyspoko of Beatrice as only being on a visit to them. This delicacy on their part was a costly matter, for had thoy brought themselves to consider tho girl as part of the house, thoy might with [perfect justice mid propriety have associated her with themselves in the Juno audit, so giving Horneo another opportunity of showing his skill ia accounts.and estimates. So when Miss Clausen refused to go to London she extricated her uncles fr<::i a dilemma. She stayed at Hazolw*ood House, and for five weeks ntfed AVLdttakor and the other servants as well as sho could The Talberts h:id ?ow settlod down i>?r tho remainder of the year. Autumn.or winter would make little diiTerenco to th^m. TIvy wero not, as may easily be imagined, enthusi I astic sportsmen. Som?tanos they accepted an invitation for a day or two's shifting; lait that acceptance depended moro en tho ? quality of the host than on that of tho sport. j Although when they did shoot, they shot I fairly well?as they did most other things? ! it may be taken for granted that their j knowledge of tho proper treatment of gamo j was more valuadlo when the game was lying ; in tho larder than when it was flying or ; ] running about. They couid advise you how ! j to b:islo a hare much better than how to j j shoot him. So it was that after their visit ; to London they l?x>ked ui>on themselves as pretty well fixed at Hazel wood House until 1 the next spring Beatrice was now just past 22. It really . was high time that a suitor came, and the \ "Tabbies," who could easily have adapted j their feminine gifts to match making, began to think over the eligible young men in the county. Then fate produced someone, whom) until now, sho had kept in the background? But whether eligible or not is a master we must discover by and by. Beatrice entering the library one morning early in August found her uncles in high con clave. She saw at once that something had happened, and for the moment feared to hear that tho red currant jelly recently made from their own receipt, and almost, under their own supervision, had turned mouldy. It was not that Miss Clauson was particularly fond of red currant jelly, her fears w-ero simply on account of tho distress such a catastrophe would cause her uncles' kindly natures. How ever, the matter was not so serious as she imagined. Uncle Horace handed her an open letter. "Bead that, my dear, and tell us how we shall answer it." She read the following: "Dear Mr. Talbert: You and your brother haveBeveral times asked meto pay you a visit. May I come for a week or two this vacation ? I am rather knocked up by hard work, and my doctor tolls me I had better spend some time in a quiet place in tho country. So I remembered your kind invitation, and if quite convenient to you would come straight from Oxford to your house. Of course, al though rather overworked, I am noe an in valid, or I should not think of trespassing on you. Yours sincerely, Frank Carruthers." ""Who is Frank Ckrruthers?' asked Beatrice. "Some relation to us, is he not?" "His mother was my father's half-sister." ""What relation does that make ln'm to me?" Herbert stroked his beard and grappled with the problem. "Ho must bo your half first cousin once removed," he said at last. "Exactly so," said Horace. This point being settled, Miss Clauson re quested further information about Mr. Car ruthers. Thereupon Horace went into family history, which it will perhaps be better for us to look up on our own account. On such occasions Horace was apt to become rather prosy. Old Talbert's half-sister, who "Was some years younger than himself, married, just before the successful coup crino off, a man named Carruth^rs. It was no great match, and if Mr. Carmthers found domestic bliss it was well that ho made his matrimonial ar rangements before the "boom" in oil, tobacco, corn or whatever it was, sent Mr. Talbert to rJazIewood Jtiouss and county society, ?sd ho deferrod it till thon tho chancos are that Mr. Talbert would have insisted on his sister doing better; for Carruthers had only a moderate fixed income as manager of some works in tho north. Somehow after her marriage his half-sister slipped away from Mr. Talbert's life. As whole sisters and brothers so often do the same this fact is not astonishing. Mrs. Carruthers had several children?but one after another they died off. She wrote to her half-brother announcing the birth or the death of each. Ho answered her letters in a congratulatory or consolatory way as the occasion required. This was about all tho correspondence which passed between them. When Horace and Herbert were lanky boys in Eton jackets and round collars Frank Carruthers to; boni, and actually lived long enough to give promise of growing up. Indeed, his father before ho died saw his only surviving child a strapping young fellow of seventeen. Mr. Carruthers left his widow an annuity for lifo and a few hundreds in ready money. She lived well within her income and ex pended her capital in fmishing her son's edu cation. She may have had scmo of old Ta? bert's views of things in general, although lacking his means of carrying them out. Anyway sho sent her boy to Oxford. Thore, for three or four terms, he behaved disgracefully. He got into scrapes, difficulties and debt. So far, indeed, Into the last that his mother for the first and only time in her life applied to Mr. Talbert for assistance This was given readily, and the 3roung man was once more set off straight. Then suddenly Mrs. Carmthers died. Out of her annuity she had saved enough each year to pay a premium of assurance, and Frank, when just twenty-one, found that her foresight and love put him in possession of some seventeen hundred pounds. Whatever his faults might have been he was passionately attached to his mother. Her death seemed to make a changed man of him. He immediately paid back Mr. Tal bert's loan?better still, he went to work like a horse?an intellectual horse, of course. Tho consequence was that he became one of tho most shining lights of his year, and was in duo timo rewarded by a fellowship. This was lucky; for after having repaid Mr. Talbert ho had only enough money left to tarry to the end of his Oxford course. Eventually he settled down to try and make his living, or augment the emoluments of his fellowship, asan Oxfordj "coach." At that particular time the supply of coaches was beyond the demand, so for some years, in spite of his brilliant reputation, passengers? or pupils?were few. But he stuck to tho busi ness, and latterly had been given as much,, even more, than ho could manage. Hence tho overwork. Ail this Unelo Horace told Beatrice in his own fashion?all except the wild-oat episodo. That was past and pone ; Frank was now a successful man, so his youthful sins might be forgotten. Beatrice until now knew nothing about her fractional cousin. An intermittent and lan guishing correspondence had existed between her mother and Mi's. Carruthers, but upon tho death of his first wife Sir Maingay had not tho least interest in keeping up any form of relationship with Mrs. Carruthers. It is doubtful whether he even know of her exist ence. Tho Talberts, who were far too proud to disown any of her kin, had met tho young man several times and had liked what they had seen of him. Thoy had asked Imxtto Oakbury, and alter excusing himself once or twice ho was now coming there. "Is ho a clergyman?' asked Beatrice. "He must be, I suppose." "Xo," said Herbert. "Ho never took orders. The fellowship he holds did not make that indispensable." "They ought ail to bo like that," said Beatrice. "Men oughtn't to bo forced or bribed to enter tho church. Besides," con tinued she, "they ought not to make a man give up his feUov.\snij> wheu he marries. J ast as he wants more money they take it from him. He must cither give up his wife or his income.? Miss Clauson was growing quito a philo sopher on tho subject of marriage. Sho poke about il as if it were an impossibility that she herself would ever be interested in the matter. "My dear," said uncle Hox-ace, gallantly, "I don't think a maii would consider two hun dred a year a great sacrifice if you were in tho .'mention." Sho smiled faintly at tho compliment; "Still tho system must l>e bad." she said. "It might lead to all sort* <?.? unhapphiess. A man mi'ht keep his marriage a dead secret might not marry at all. All sorts of misery might resulta" "You may bo sure," said Herbert, "what isisnek," "Exactly so." said Horace. "I am sure it is 1 -ad." she said, decisively. Miss Clauson must have been in advance o? her day, tho authorities now having iu t p eat measure adopted her views luid changed the system. "Shall wo write sr.d tell him to comef asked Horace. "It won't be any annoyance to you?'' "Why should it he- -what difference will it make? Ask him, by a)l moans." Then, hearing the patter of Little feet out side, she left her imc??s to answer their letters, andina tew minutes was out in the garden romping with the child. Horace wrote a beautifully worded letter to Frank Carruthers, expressing tho pleasure he | ami his brother f?lt at hearing of tho prom ised visit, lio begged him to fix Ids own day ? for coming, and to stay as long as hoconve- j niontly could. The letter was handed to Her- ? rt for perusal and approval. Herbert read j it, and after nodding his head continued to ; bold the letter in his hand, whilst a kind of j puzzled, thoughtful l<x)k spread over his face, j Strange to say, Horace also fell into a rev- ' eiie. For some ten minutes the two brothers . sat facing cue another, stroking their beards. If that vulgar wretch from whose rank mind that feline nickname first sprung could have seen them he would, I am afraid, have been quite satisfied that he had chosen an appro priate designation when he dubbed them the "Tabbies." Herbert and Horace knew without speaking that their thoughts were running in parallel lines. They often thought of the same thing without a previous word on th? subject. Tho similarity of their natures, no doubt, accounted for this. "Herbert," said Horace at last, "you are thinking of what Beatrice said?" "Yes, I am." "So am L It seemed a revelation, but we oughtn't to jump at conclusions." "No," said Herbert, "but the fact remains. Some four years ago he bad nothing but his fellowship to live upon." "You are right, nothing. Beatrice spoke justly. She may by chance have strode the mark." "I am afraid so. Still, we must not be hasty. Yet, whoever sent the child must 6ave fancied it had some claim on us." "It is ridiculous to suppose that an entire stranger would have done such a thing." "Quite so," said Herbert, ' "He may have been much tempted; at that tame have been driven to his wits' end It is a sad affair; let us try and piece it together." Then, like a couple of old women, they began to construct their new theory. "TTe will say," began Horace, "he was max? riad four years ago." "Yet was dishonorable enough to CSnceaJ It, so that he might hold his fellowship." "Of course this is all supposition, " said Horace. The word dishonorable in connec tion with one of his own kin grated on his ear. "Exactly so," said Herbert "I should sus? pect that his wife died?perhaps recently, perhaps shortly after the birth of the child." "The latter, I should think. Frank makes a large income now, and could afford to give up two hundred d year." "Yes," said Herbert, "the wife died after the birth of the boy. The older the child got the more trouble he found it to conceal its identity. Thereupon he sends it to us, trust ing we may keep it." "And new," capped Herbert, "after de clining former invitations, he comes to us himse??. The further we pursue the matter tho clearer it becomes." They were quite in a state of m d excite ment. That they could draw logical infer ences We have seen by the affair of Ann Jen* kins' stockings. The brothers had both been distressed that all their speculations as to lit* tie Harry's origin had fallen to the ground for want of proper support. Now, at last, was a theory which, if it reflected dishonor on a connection of theirs, was at least tenable. It was improbable, but tho whole affair was so monstrous that it needed an improbability to account for it. They absolutely argued themselves into beheving they had found the truth. "Didcotis the junction for Oxford," con tinued Herbert, after a pause. "Besides," said Horace, "we cannot forget that his conduct once was not what it should have been." That's the worst of going wrong. No amount of straight running will make people cease to look at times askance. The work of reformation is child's play to that of making your friends believe jou have reformed. Therefore Horace Talbert's remark was a clincher. Herbert toyed with the open letter. "Shall we send this?" he asked ^_ They fell to stroking the-i?^ beards once more, and continued i?^5peration until the natural^kindlinWof their hearts reasserted itselfv""' "After all," said Herbert, "it is all purely conjectural." "Completely so." "He had better come, then." "I think so. Besides, it will give us an opportunity of seeing him with the child; surely the instincts of paternity must show themselves." "They are supposed to be very strong." But as neither of them knew anything about paternity, these remarks were made in a doubtful tone, and were subject to correction. The polite letter was sent, and a week after the ending of the Trinity term tho young Oxford tutor packed up his things and started for Oakbury. As there is no occasion to make superfluous mysteries, it may at once be said that Frank Carruthers knew no more of the existence of tho child whom his amiable uncles had argued themselves into believing to bo in some way his property than he knew of?for the sake of a simile?say the presence at Hazlewood House of a gray-eyed girl, whose beauty would satisfy every demand of his rather fastidious taste. fio BE CONTINUED ] What Our Editors Say. Greenville Kewe. Greenville owes Congressman Dibble something for his efforts to secure the United States court house building for this city, and we do not forget it, But we must say he is engaged in very silly child's play now. The exchange of epithets through newspapers between grown men is usually foolish ; between men holding responsible public positions, represent ing respectable constituencies, and sup posed to set some sort of decent exam ple, ;it is criminal. Mayor Courtenay is not responsible for the present exhibition. What he said of Mr. Dibble was said in a com munication to Secretary Lamont, not intended to reach the public eye. The fact that a mau bolds a public office docs not forbid him to express his opin ion of auothcr man's conduct to the persons immediately interested. But there is no necessity or escuse for ob truding a retort to such an expression on the general public. The thing is made all the more ab surd and relieved of any dignity that might be given it by the possibility of tragedy by the evident fact that all this denunciation is entirely safe. A few years ago wheu a man called another a liar it meant something, for the accuser was compelled by public sentiment to niaku his charge good, fight or back down. Now such an ut terance means nothing in the world but a bad temper and a presumption of de feat to inspire it. Everybody knows that the mayor of Charleston and the congressman frota that district may call each other liars until. they are black in the face without the remotest probability, under our present laws, cf either suffering from anything worse than lacerated feelings. Now what does Mr. Dibble expect io accomplish ? He is generally a sensible man, and knows that \Vm. A. CoprW nay has uot maliciously uttered any falsehood aim that nobody will believe he has done so. He knows he can per- ! suade ni>body that Captain Courtenay is a. coward He hnows he cau ,aot carry eon vietimi of his own truth and fairs-ess io the public miud by general, sweeping and absurd denunciation of Iiis assailant. The pcoj>Ie harc tbc right to demand j that tho*e chosen to represent them in:i high places should use wisdom, modera- | tion and dignity. No man can read Mr. Dibble's card and see anything in ; it but undignified foolishness and violence of accusation and lan<rua>re, unsupported by evidence or the weight of personal ac?oh?ilability. We do not. iji?ail to. imply that Mr. Dibble has wil'falTy published a misstate ment or that his conduct would be dif ferent if he could be held to ac^oaut under "the code of honor." What a very large number of herbea and popular idols are tumbling from their pedestals and revealing the ord?* nary character of their clay this year ! We shall have none left after a while it the present rate of mortality among them continues. tresiaetit with a Will of t?i? Own, Uolumbia Register. Cleveland is cropping out among the politicians generally as a man with a will of bis own. Well, so* long as a President keeps Within his appointed sphere, we don't know that there is any objection to this. No President show ing the right sort of grit, ?fheisb?? lieved to be conscientious and does not break with his own party, .has need to fear letting it be understood that* he meaos to hold the reins. The people. like a man of will, if they believe him honest and trae and fair. If ever ? man tested this Old Hickory did; and - he went beyond his legitimate sphere to do it at times. But the people believed Jackson to be honest and true and hence they stood by htm under every emer gency. The greatest intellects of the country broke with him and at one time were combined against him. Nothing for that, he held his grip on the reins as though he had been born to an im* perial rule and held his own against all odds. Let Cleveland impress his party with being true to his principles ana fair to his own party, whilst he is fair to the opposite party when the interests of the country and honest recognition of the right require it, and he will hold his own. Of course, there will bo differences t?f opinion arising within the Democracy as to the policies to be pursued in the practical conduct of things. The Demo* cratic party has been out of power for twenty-five years. In the meanbTmeV""" world of men and things has grown lip. Men of common sense cannot fail to see this, and that they cannot undertake to put new wine into old bottles. What* ever our principles, we must accept the situation and deal with it as a fact* And this not with a cowardly fear of our own principles; bat such a practi* cal and sagacious use of the trusts pat in our hands as shall show the country that the Democracy is capable of higa statesmanships Our conviction is that the country, tho whole conntry, is going to give Mr. Cleveland and the Democracy, a fair \ showing, and, as we show ourselvesjJgC? faithful in the trusts committed to~our charge and faithful to the whole'country ^ a-nnited-houssbo?d-j^BorOl?veland ana the Democracy will be accepted and sas* tained. 'The Civil Service Iniquity* Abbeville Meditan. One of the greatest humbugs of the j day is the Civil Service Commission or I ganized under the act of Congress cf 1883. > Dorm?n . Eaton, a rank radi sai, is at the head of it, by appointment of President Arthur. fie has been pouring out his wrath on the editor o? the Newberry Observer who recently exposed the absurd, partisan and igno rant Board cf Examiners in this State which was made up of Wilderand Wal lace two colored Republican politicians and Leaphart who declined to serve. The supposed object of the law was de? feated by such appointments and the Observer very plainly showed up the iniquity of the whole thing. Eaton did not vindicate these appointments bat indulged in a tirade of foul and unseem ly abuse of the editor of the Observer^ The whole system of Civil Service is*, rotten from the top to the bottom. No - matter how much good political theorists - may have expected from the law, ite practical operations have been disgust ing. With incompetent Boards of Ex-, aminers, manipulated from Washington, - merit has been retired and the most ob-i noxious partisans have monopolized aljtr" the important offices of the Govern I ment. I We never favored the law and we -" j now nave stronger objections to it than/ iever, since we have seen more of the i evils flowing from its enforcement. The ' ; last Legislature endorsed the system in " a series of resolutions which were for- * warded, to President Cleveland. We ; are happy to Say fc&at we opposed the I measure. j: ... Darlington ^ezes. t Tbc contest between the friends of Mesare. Walker and Mowry for coliee I torship of the port of Charleston has ; gone to such an extent as to threaten I the solidity of the Democratic party iav* ! that city, on the appointment of sj^erp one of them. Their conduct is Wash ington and their utterances ic petitions and newspaper articles- have been such, that President Cleveland'expressed him self some days ago as coming to the I conclusion that It" would be best to let T. B. Johnson serve bis time on*. [ i This action of the President' wob&S.be a * Uttosiog -rebuke to the vi?lense of greed , for oihee and would oe ao more than the Democrats of Charleston or any oth ; cr section deserve, if, as is asserted* the nomination of one man should split the party. Some cf our Etemocrate have forgotten how. little we. wanted in . j 1876, and how we looked on the car j pet-bag scramble for office. If at this ? early day, almost before the Natiena? , Democracy have had time to take i? the ^ fact that tLey are in, come the raasors . J that a portion cf tho Sont h Carolina . I Democracy aro abo ai to split off on the _ i office question, the supremacy of the par- ? ty in the State is doomed. It was this . same greed for office, and its. accompa^ . : nying salary and perquisites which gaTe g ; us Moses and others of that ?k and u I produced McLane and his. gang. . Let _ : Charleston beware lest she produce an~~ other Taft. .Something moss he "rot teu iu Denmark." . , . Tyranny of. Opinion b twin brother . to Tyranny of the Sword;?you ?annota I foster the former without, inviting the I latter.?John' SxtrJoiSs Paper. personalities should be pronounced contraband by .the.ncxt Prese Associaci tian, and be followed by the expulsion of such as stoop to indulge* in the use of them.?San Antonio Times. The Presbyterian General Assembly w?t meet io Augusta, Ga., next year.