The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1870-08-12
BLANCHE DE COURCY:
or,
Accomplishments

"Is Mr.. Brownlow within? Can
sec him % asked \ sweet voice, such
rs was seldom heard in the colossal
banking and mercantile house ol
Brownlow e Co.
Tho middlc-agcd clerk, who had
become respectfully bald in tho. ser.
vice Of ''The Firm" looked attentive
ly at the fair young speaker, Gro he
even took his reply into consideration,
She was simply dressed in dccp
mourning; but there was oil air OF
evident refinement in the sable toilet.
and the unconsciously proud carriage
of the graceful head spoke so plainly
Of aristocratic birth and breeding,
that Mr.. Cole could scarcely doubt the
applicants right TO claim the inter
view she asked.
"l really cannot say, miss. If you
wall give mc your name, will sec if
Mr.. Brownlow is able to spare YOU
few minutes, but he seldom sees
anyone, except on most urgent bust
ness.
"Will you toll him that Miss DO
Courcy will feel greatly indebted il lie
will sec her for short time. Ny bu-
sincss is most important, but l will
detain him as short u time as possi-
bic.
Mr.. Coles doubts seemed to clear
away, as the name Of an old client OF
the house met his ears. Admiral De
Courcy had kept Il pretty large ac-
count at Brownlow's, and they had
transacted his business for him, till he
returned finally to England. And SO
the name was sufficient passport to
the inner sanctum, where tho head OF
the house ruled tho dcstincs Of many
a far distant fhmiIy-we had well
nigh said region-at his pleasure.
~ am honorcd by this visit from
Miss De Courcy," said tho courteous
old man, rising, with q polished bow
to give his young guest q scat near
his own ample chair. "What can ]
have tho pleasure Of doing for her
Any service / can render to tho fam.
lily of Admiral Dc Courcy will give
nc great pleasure"
The girl threw back her veil with O
kind Of desperate resolution, display
| cd a countcnancc of uncommon beau
ty. "Uncommon," not simply from
its loveliness, but from the mingline
Of intellect and child-like sweetness i
betol;encd. Intellect spoke in tho
broad brow and large thoughtful eyes
while tho mouth Was most infantilt
in it's full, soft red lips, and pleasing
gcntlencss Of expression.
"It is great-a very great service,
said Blanche Dc Courcy, in halfchok
ed voice, "that want. But, indeed
indeed, Mr.. Browlow. you shall ncvc
repent granting it, if you will Civ,
me patient hearing to explain tn
purpose for which I need the favor.
The great mans face underwent b,
remarkable transformation at tn
girl spoke. From bland and dcferen
tial courtesy it assumed tho charac
ter Of cold and doubtful formality.
"Of course, I cannot refuse to hoa
you, Miss De Courcy; but am littl
in tho habit Of any romantic weak
nesscs; and / am so pressed for time
I'must beg you to be brief"
Poor Blancbe's whole franc shiv
cred, and cold, dull chill went to he
hearts core; but tho brave spirit cor
quered the Doully weakness, and sh
said, calmly:
"Mr. Brownlow, tho service I nee
is that you will lend moor rathc,
mamma and motive thousan
pounds"
"Miss De Courcy, I promised t
4 hear you5 but really my time is to
tprecious to be wasted in such trifIins
tIf you have proper securities O
which to raise money, I will order m
broker to attend to your business
4 .tsNo-hno--noi r. exclaimed the cir
4 suddenly recovering her energies, an
with tho~arm blood that had COZ
gealod at. her;heaft tidipg over cheek
and brow. SYou will-you must hea
'tmer ! cannot give mp my. only hope
Mr.. Brownlow, yon know my. .fathe
lived up to, income ). .and--nnf poo