Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1869-08-20

4
her ; and that night l wrote Il candid
letter, which I proposed sending her
if no opportunity for private con-
vcrsation presented itself But fate
was kind, and the next morning l
met Miss Gawston accidentally in the
garden about an hour before break
fast time. Tho result was that she
did not appear at breakfast, and that
when wo rosc from tho meal I re-
qucsted few minutes private con-
versation with the Colonel. Never
shall 1 forget his look of indignant
amazcment when he learnt that his
sons tutor had proposed to his daugh-
ter, and that with success.
"Mr. Luxton, when engaged you,"
he said, "there was one thing I was
assured of most emphatically, and
that was that you were gentleman.
This is not tho conduct Of gentle
man to enter my house to undermine
the affections Of my daughter, to en-
trap her into an engagement. Sir,
you should have thrown up your stu
alton here rather than have dono
this"
felt he had justice on his side. AS
far as he knew, I was nothing but q
pcnnilcss suitor who had abused his
peculiar position by using the many
opportunities it afforded him of ma
king lo7e to Il young lady, a rcputcd
heircss Of apparently superior social
rank.
could not help being amused, ncv-
crthelcss, as I reflected how different
his tone would have been had he
known all. Something prompted me
not to tell him yet, but to go on pres
sing my suit without advancing ut
once the real claims l had to back it.
We were still in the midst of the dis
cussion, the matter was seemingly
going on hopelcssly against me, when
Il sharp knock at the door interrupted
our debate.
"Come in," said the Colonel, imra-
ticntly. A servant entered with q
note. 1t was q telegram calling the
colonel at once to town on important
business, military, I think, he said
"Mr. Luxton, must postpone this
matter until my return" he said,
hastily looking at his watch. Il
have not moro than ten minutes to
spare. I appeal to your honor not to
make any unfair use Of this unfortu-
nate interruption"
He passed out Of tho room. A
new idea struck me, and I followed
quickly.
Il had thought of going to town
this afternoon for the night, and Ru-
pert expressed a wish to accompany
me-" said; "will you allow him to
do 500"
"Certainly," said the Colonel, look
ing relieved. "lf you wish it, you
might remain away longer, not ncces-
sarily in town Of course, merely let
ting Mrs. Gawston know where Ru-
pert is"
"Rupcrt, do you mind just coming
with me to Belgrave Square first" 1
said to my pupil as we alighted from
the train.
"Oh, no." was tho reply, and so we
were soon rattling away in hand
some carriage to my fathers town
house.
Surely that's you," said Rupert,
looking ut photograph lying OH the
table in the drawing room, where we
wore waiting for my father to appear.
Eyes, am friendly here," replied,
getting red. eff you will take book
for five minutes shall have transact
ed my business with Sir Graham" l
moved towards tho door just as it
opened, and tho master Of the house
walked in.
"My dear Frank, I hardly expected
to sec you," he said rs he entered.-
"You are looking very well indeed, in
spite Of your teaching labors. hopo
you have thrown that foolish engage
mcnt up" He stopped rs he caught
sight Of Rupert.
"Lct mo introduce my pupil to
you," said.
"You will both dine here tonight,
of course, and Sleep" said my father,
shaking hands with Rupert. Il am
going to Luxton tomorrow by the
11:45 train couldn't you como, too ?
A change will do you good, and your
sisters will be delighted to SEQ you.-
They are under tho impression that
you are abroad, and I have not unde-
ceived them. You will join US too, I
hope, Mr.. Gawston."
It was so arranged, and the next
day we started for Luxton. In the
meanwhile Rupert had with some
wonder (but he was too well bred o
boy to many remarlss,) asked me if