The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1871-09-28
nv ". "A. LEE AND HUGH WILSON.
innumerable documents and illegible

manuscripts. -...... --..,
Weeks roolcd away. I saw moth
ing of .Bane Darwoll, except an occa
sional glimpse, which l. caught o.
him as he passed my office. Doubt
less he is too much occupied in his
new vocation, to bestow a thought
upon an old friend" thought l, as
with curling lip, tried to dismiss
the subject from my mind.
Time passed on-the holidays drew
nigh. Bane had found time to give
| me hasty call, assuring me that he
| was, thus far, we'll satisfied with his
scheme, aid that he had found a
lady, who was the embodiment of all
his wild dreams oi truth and sinceri-
ty. ain fact there arc two," said he.
''One Of them is a niece and ward OF
my employer, and the other is a
friend of hers, visiting at her
fathers. They are to give party
the coming week. I will manage to
secure you an invitation, that you
may judge if my opinion of the two
young ladies is not correct. Luckily,
1 am pretty we'll up in the estimation
of Mr. Crank, ind am treated more
as member of the household than
as an employee. 1t was by this
means that I became acquainted with
the young ladies of whom l have
spoken. You'll attend the party
won't you. dear friend? I am
anxious to hear your opinion Of them,
especially of sweet Anna Langdon,
Mr. Crank's ncice. must confess
that 1 love her, while only respect
her friend, Lucy Merton"
So saying, the curious fellow waltz
ed out of the room, without giving
mo time to reply, and saw no more
Of him until the evening of the party
when, having received the invitation
promised by him, presented myself
at the stylish residence of the
Cranks. .,..
Bane Darwell was there before me,
attircd in an elegant suit, which was
in ill-kecping with his position as a
grocer's clerk. OF course l was in
troduced to the ladies in question,
and, at tho first opportunity, Bane
graspcd my arm exclaiming-
'sIs she not beautiful? Do you
wonder that love her 2" ..
"One question at q time, if you
please. / do think her pretty, and
very sweet looking" | replied.
'Ah, yes; l tell you, my friend, she
is destitute of the mercenary princi-
pies which actuate tho ladies Of my
acquaintance, in my own city; her
beauty would attract the attention Of
many a millionaire, while she bestows
her &iudest smiles upon groccr's
clerk, .s-.a.0. ... g.. ;...s T..
q. ! could not dispute his assertions in
regard to her beauty, and he went
on: 10. .-.... -.
s.Such iustrous, bcwitching eyes of
midnight darkness, such beautiful,
olive complexion, such glossy ebon
curls--" .--,.. $50 q ..... ,>.-,..
'.Hold, Bane /" I cried, "you are
talking about another girl altogether
I was speaking of the girl with blue
eyes and brown hair" . -.
:: oh" he answered, somewhat de-
spondently, !that is Miss Merton.
What do you think of the other
Miss Langdon ?"
Il have had very little time to de-
cide," ] answered evasively, for l felt
assured, according to my ability to
judge of persons by their faces, that
he was greatly deceived in the dispo-
sition and character Of his inamo-
rata. ,..a.E.. ~. .......>,. o..
He soon left me, joined the lady in
question, and | saw them afterwards,
strolling, arn'-in-arm, upon the piazza,
as, with an acquaintance, passed out
of the crowded rooms to enjoy q few
moments in the cool air. On. rc-en-
tering the house, feeling somehow dis
inclined to mingle with the tbrong, 1
sought quiet nook, where was not
likely to te disturbed. I entered a
small room-a sort of boudoir, at the
extreme end of the hall. The gas
was turned off, so as to afford only a
world, partial light, and I sank upon o
sofa, thinking to enjoy reverie, for
l certainly felt in the mood. -
The SOFT. velvety carpet had not
echoed my steps, and 1 had been but
a moment seated when I found that
I was not alone in the room. BY the
dim light I detected the outlines of
two. figures at the opposite side, seat
cd by window. | wes about to re-
tire. when my steps and decided me
to remain, even though l was playing
the despicable role of eares-dropper.
sOh, Annie, how could you be 80
cruel?" said soft sweet voice, in a
distressed tone. "You know you
have encouraged him, led hisa to bo-
lieve that you cared for him, and he
is so handsome, SO polished, and
above all, so good and noble why, I
should be proud to win such q man."
"Don't be ninny," was the reply,
in harsh ringing tone;' zone would
think you were iu love with him your
self. If persons will be so foolish and
conceited as to marry their superiors,
why, they must expect to be trifed
with. Marry, Bane Darwell, my un-
cIe's clerk! Indeed, I'm not insane,
konite think"
"Ah! then It's the money!
nYes, if you will have it so; since
! YOU are 80 much. interested in the af-
fairs of Uncle's clerk, I fancy that
ron onpht to rejoice that / have 70.