The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1871-09-14
pyW ALEE AND HUGH WILSON.

my work? No, indccd!' and sh
bent over and kissed her mother:
forehead.
Out in the air she felt better. Th
nervous depression from which sh'
had suffered gradually left her, an'
she became interested in the sight
and sounds about her. In gay ant
beautiful dresses, some of her forme
acquaintances passed her, q few o
them with a nod Of recognition, bu
most without noticing her at all-lit
tie stings they We're, but she held hel
bundle firmly, lifted her head a trihe
higher, and passed bravely on. Turn
ing a corner, she camo full upon an
unexpected tablea,t A smartly
dressed boy, with feather in his cap
kicked and struggled with his nurse
who vainly pulled the obstinate child
until her face turned purple.
"Why, Lucy, Why, Benny" ex'
claimed Laura, for the girl was nurse
maid at the Haydcns, and Benny the
youngest hope OF the house.
"What's all this ?"
"Deed, Miss, he's awful said the
girl nearly crying. "Whcn he makes
up his mind, it's u tiger he is, Miss
Just see him now."
Laura spoke q few words to the
boy in a low tone, and he ceased
struggling for a moment.
sWe're ull at skies and sevens,'
said the nurse, "and the Missus is or
full nervous. Mr.. Bart has just re-
turned from Californy, without no
warning, and brought a beautiful
young lady with him, I do suppose
it's his wife from what I heard. and it
quite upset the missis, and made such
a time! Now, Benny, there's that
pliceman; so you better come,"
Laura heard, and for Il moment
street and houses whirled around, so
that she had much to do to keep her
self from falling. The words rang in
her ears-"I do o:suppose it's his wife"
The strange and sudden rcvulsion Of
feeling passed, however, leaving her
deadly pale. Certainly, Bart had a
perfect right to Ct NAL. led; aperfcet t
right to forget her, Of course he had.
Men had done such things ever since
the food. and probably would to the
end of time. Over and over again
she said thai he had never committed
and yet her heart answered
that he had.
Those words he had whispered,
had dared to whisper, she SAID to her
self, with flaming checks.
What is it but an avowal: what q
tingling memory it was! She saw
herself rs she had stood at that mo-
ment, attired in the exquisite fabrics,
the acknowledged queen Of the Jrte
and he handsome and poor, had
brought an answer to his question on
the very cheeks, in her very eyes.
The Llood burnt her face now; but
rs she came in sight Of the noble
dwelling, it rcccdcd, leaving her pale
and almost faint.
She stormcd at herself for being so
supremely foolish but the tears were
very near the tired eyes for all that.
Huge trunks blocked up the hall.
A loud chccry voice sounded, that
struck woefully against her heart and
the first person she saw was staIwart,
Bart Hayden, .ust coming
forward as he issued his orders to the
men who were taking the boxes up
stairs. What right had he to look SO
radiant.
"Laura, my dear, dear Miss Stet'
sonr' exclaimed the young man, hur'
rying toward her.
But Laura's face was like steel
She made cool little bow, and did
.aot choose to. see the hand he extend,
ed. t.
"Welcome home, Mr.. Hayden" she
said, in set, cold voice. Il came to
bring some--" she could not say
work, "something for your sister. !
generally go to her room. Is she
there?"
He fell back little. Stronge how
the light went out of his face.
"I-I rather think she may be en-
gagged" ho said in a laundering con
fused way; there might have been q
little anger in the voice; ''but-yes
perhaps you had better so up" and
he turned on his heel.
ale did not like to speak Of his
wife, and no WONDER" half sobbeC
Laura to herself. q choking sensation
in her throat. ..
1t was queer how the stairs bobbcc
about; but, perhaps the thick drops
on her lashcs would explain it.
"What in the deuce makes hcl
act 8, oddly?" muttered young Hay
don, then IN tender voice, poor lit
tic thing! it's pride, l suppose; bu'
she might have seemed just the leas'
glad to see me, think" and he kick
cd box out Of his path, and wen
moodily to the door.
Annie Hayden was alone.
"I'm so glad you brought it," sh'
cried and oh! doesn't it look bcautl
full? What a fsiry-ingers 5ou arc
and she shook out the creamy SAITH
with EXPLANATIONS of delight.
"Sit down, won't you? I've 81
much to tell you. Bart has CONF
home" ..'
"Yes I know it; but I can't wait
not moment. 1t is getting dal k
and-and-" she grew desperate will
the fear that Annie would sec tn
tears, and the trembling mouth; AM
stopping, snatched up the bill AM
placed it in tho hand Of her pat