The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-06-30

at pains me to thwart you.- said Mr..
Derwent now speaking with stern gravity,
"but on the other hand, 7 cannot be- ruled
by your obstinate determination to have
your own way. T will not listen to you to
night. You cannot have anything to say
that it is worth my while to lose my rest.
I SUPPOSE" he added more liyhtly,-"I
suppose the truth is, my handsome daugh-
ter wants to replenish her wardrobe for
the bridal tour. Here, then, silly child
here is my purse; you might have told
me as much in fewer words, and without
such alarming preparations"
As he pressed his purse into her hand,
he would have passed on; but Sybl
clutched at his sleeve.
'Take back your money, papa J! she
Sscried imperiously 81 have no need Of ,iSI
You must hear fiiesar@a oncep'
She tIsrews open the door Of the study,
b and made sign to him to enter. But Mr..
Darwent hung back, and still yelling his
annoyance under his smiles. h; agaiu de-
clared himself to be too much fatigued to
hold lengthy conversation thats night.
'You are both unkind and undaitnpI Sy-
bl," he said, in cocclusion, "to slow;so Lit.
tie consideration for me-"
ri would not willingly be either the
one or the other" she answered, "yet
must be heard ere we attempt, to sleep"
As she saw that he continued to hesitate,
she bent forward, and-despite his un.
willingness to permit it-she whispered
few words in his ear.
He started from her with cheeks as pal.
lid as her own, and eyes widely dilated. as
though he had heard something too horri-
BILE for belief.
"Now will you hear me, air9" she de.
nanded.
He did not seem able to command his
voice sufficiently to reply; but, by o ges-
ture, he signifed assent, and staggering
rather then walking into his study, he sig-
nailed to his daughter to follow him.
She obeyed, carefully closing and locking
the door behind her. Neither Of them had
| perceived that on the stairs above, there
crouched listener; one who, from the mo-
ment that Violet-worn ont with the events
and emotions Of the day-had fallen asleep,
bad watched Sybil unwearyingly, and had
been an auditor Of every word that passed
between the father and daughter.
As the closing door hid them from her
view, she sprang to her feet, and stole soft
ly down to the hall. But nothing more
than the low murmur Of their voices could
be heard from here, and she looked around
with a gesture Of vexation. Then, as, a
thought flashed into her mind, she sped
to the hall-door, and softly let herself out.
The night was dark and rainy; the wind
moaned hollowly in the trees Of the gar
den, but undeterred by this, she glded
round the house till she stood beneath the
- Mu 20 tr1x obf1t
ters were closed, but ray OF two Of light
cleaned through them on to the face Of
the excited girl, while she tried to lift the
heavy sash.
As she had hoped and expected, care
less servant had left it unfastened, and
while cautiously raising it, the name Of
Robert Walters fell on her ear. The win
dow creaked, and the voices suddenly ceas-
ed. Scarcely daring to breathe, Millicent
crouched down amongst the shrubs, mo-
mentarily expecting to hear the shutters
unbarred, and find herself detected by the
piercing glances Of Mr.. Derwent. But af-
ter while the murmur Of conversation was
resumed, and again she took her place at
the opening she had made.
Ten, twenty minutes passed away. The
rain fell steadily, drenching the absorbed
listener; yet she moved not. until, with
horror-stricken face, she suddenly started
away and fed back into the house.
Up stairs sped Millicent, scarcely staying
to close the hall door behind her; but
when her own apartment was reached, she
turned the key with the trembling hands
and terrified air Of one who fears that she
is followed. Not content with this, she stood
for long time holding her breath, and lis
tening intently; but not sound broke the
silence, until Mr.. Derwent WAS heard leis-
ure ascending to his chamber.
Then Milicent locked her still quigering
fingers together, and murmured, witt
mingled triumph and awe, cat last, oh,
Robert Walters-at last, am on the track,
and ere long your death shall be
ayenged!"
To be continued.