The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-05-19
CHAPTER II.
THE wAR,uNa.ss


clared himself satisfied with the arrange
ments; and his weary daughter, on whom
these had devolved, still wrapped in her
morning-robe, was sitting on the couch in
Violet Lindsly's dressing-room, watching
the progress of her friends toilette.
BY whim of Mr.. Derwents, every lady
present at that evenings entertainment
was to take the semblance Of some favorite
flower; and the black silk vizor was to be
generally worn until supper was announced,
to afford room for little mystitication and
amusement
Violet Lindsly had purposed assuming
the name and characteristics of the modest
blossom from which a doting mother had
named her; but her guardian, contending
that this device would be too transparent,
she adopted another, chosen for her by
Sybil, and WAS to appear as the forget-me-
not.
Nothing could have been more appro-
pirate to her blonde and delicate loveliness,
and she acknowledged, with bushes and
smiles, that her friends taste had been far
superior to her own.
Sybil kissed her affcctionately.
"You will be the belle of the fete but do
try to overcome that foolish shyness which
offers, and slight all the rest. A degree
more of celf-possession is all that is required
to make my dear little Violet charming"
cit is very kind Of you to say So" her
friend replied; "but can never be the belle
where you are, dear Sybl; for feel myself
utterly extinguished rs you come sweeping
by. How miserlbly petite and insignificant
ann "What would not give to possess
your stately proportions and dignifed yet
courteous bcaring!"
"And what would not give to be you-
happy, liyht-heartei, and free from ali posi-
tive care or anxiety. All, Violet!" And
Sybil Derweut sighed 81 mournfully that her
friend pushed aside the hands of her maid,
who was fastening the bouquets which con-
fined her lace berthe, and hastened to dis
miss her.
Go, Merit. I will call you when am
ready Then knccling down by Sybil, she
tried to look into the downcast ewes that
avoided her affectionate scrutiny.
"You are not well, DEAR" she softly said:
cor else one Of those terrible fits of depres-
sion from which you suffer is threatening to
attack you. Is it too late to put off this
bull ? 1 could not enjoy it if thought you
were sud Or suffering"
Sybil resolutely shook off her gloom, and
even forced smile, as she replied, "Non-
sense, love; it is your birthday and reckon
upon your producing quite sensation.
Don't look so anxious; for mean to be as
gay as the gayest, and the first to con-
gratulate you on your conquests.''
"Conquests, indeed !" Violet archly re-
peated with a toss Of her pretty head, "Nay,
will not one suffice ? The rich Mr. Walters,
for instance? Though if you look so grave
at the mention of his name, shall conclude
that you do not intend to relinquish him to
me-"
"Do not jest upon such subject, Violet"
said Sybil, very seriously.
The light-hearted girl laughed at the re-
proof. "Why not, dear? Would you have
me pine myself into a green and yellow
melancholy over the loss of an admirerY'
"And yet" Sybil rem inded her, "for all
you now talk so indifferently of Mr. Walters
attentions, you danced with him 50 often
at Lady Dornton's ball, that our chaperone
grew scandalizcd."
The blushing Violet turned to the bell ia
recall her maid. did 1? All, yes; I re.
member. But it was only because I knew
him better than any one else there. do 80
detest strangers
"And am to believe that you were quite
Indifferent to his whispers and tender
.glancesY
The young girl she addressed looked
round quickly, for the question was put
with an earncstness that surprised her; and
Sybil was leaning forward, awaiting her
reply with an unusually eager interest in
subject she commonly eschewed. For the
first time, the thought crossed Violet that
e. Ill
suktlued by the personal advantages Robert
Walters possessed, and that SIZE dreaded in
her q rival Ere she could frame any reply,
there was tap at the door. The guests
were beginning to arrive, and Mr.. Derwent,
impatient at the non-appearance OF his
daughter, had sent now to know II the
Young Indies were not ready TO appear.
Sybil started from her seat. If she evinced
but little affection for her father, yet she
was always the most dutiful Of daughters,
and his slightest wishes were sedulously at
tended to.
"I had forgotten how late it is" she muir
INJURED, with dismayed glance at her dis.
habille. Chow could be 80 inconsiderate."
"Never mind" cried Violet, snatching up
her fan and bouquet, "I will go down. I
can truthfully say that you will not be long;
for your toilette is always a rapid one. So
make haste, dear, and be sure TO look your
best
Mr. Derwent met his ward at the door;
the impatient contraction Of the brows
which marred the still handsome face, dis
appearing when he saw her. Violet knew
by the pleased smile that followed the rapid
survey Of her appearance, that ne was satis-
fed; and slipping her arm THROUGH his, she
pressed closer to his side, with the caresslng
gesture of pleased child.
Violet Lindsly, though nearly Of age, was
still childish in many Of her ways. She had
coaxing, clinging Kramer, pecutiarl y at
tractive to those with whom she employed
it, and her gaurdi.n must have often felt
the contrast between his daughters cold
obedience, and the affectionate solicitudo
that always characterized Violet's manner
towards him.
"Don't put your vizor on yet, love-" he
said, as he led her into the room. Mr..
Malcolm is here, and 1 will introduce you
before we have any fresh arrivals
"What sterr, thoughtful looking man"
Violet murmurcd in her guardians ear, as
he led her towards the visitor Don't
leave me, dear sir; shall want your sup
porting presence sadly
Mr.. Derwent laughed, and looked graft
fed, as he nodded and whispered two or
three re.assuring words; but Violet for
got her fear altogether when Charles NAL
colm's face softened, as he gazed on the
girlish figure and delicate features Of his
friends orphan daughter. He said little,
but his curt speechcs were we'll chosen, and
something like conversation was begin.
ming between the shy girl and her reserved
visitor, when the room began to fill, and
sybil came in, self-posssssed and grandly
beautiful, to play her part as hostess.
Her dress was in the simplest style. Black
lace composed it, relieved only by bright,
ambG~-colored chrysanthemums, while on
her hair glittered one small diamond star
Violet was amongst the first to note her
entrance. Touching the arm Of AIr. Nal
colin, she drew his attention to her friend.
LOOK there is my guardian 8 daughter,
Miss Derwent. Is she not lovely? and as
good as she is beautiful. Let me have the
pleasure of prescntino YOU"