The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-05-19


fuse it when offered! I wish you'd 60,
Charlie Go, to please me, will youpp
Mr.. Malcolm dilated his. piercing gray
eyes. "Why, Rob, of what earthly conse-
quence can it be to you whether Ego or
stay away?" -
Walters took up position which enabled
him to arrange his hair by the dusty, old
fashioned glass hanging between the win
dows, and smiled complacenttE:at the i'm
age it reflected.
."What consequence is it to me ? More
than you suppose, my dear fellow. am
positively meditating matrimony at lastg'
Malcolm was aroused into animation now.
Dashing his cigar into the fire, he exclai1n.l
ed, "Not with Sybil Dcrwent? Surely not
with herr"
"And why not.2" his cousin coolly de-
manded. 'fCould find a woman anywhere
in society who would do the honors of my
house with more dignity and good taste
than the beautiful, queenly Sybil2 Among
my mothers ornaments there is set of
diamonds and rubies. I can fancy how
they would fash and glitter in her raven
tresses, and on her polished throat
'"And is this all you think about?" NAL
colin retorted, scornfully. "Will such mere
outside advantages satisfy your wishes
Wed her, then, if you will. But if you
seek something more in q wife than fair,
heartless statue, on which to display your
wealth, never lead Sybil Derwcnt to the
altar. Never trust your future happiness
to her keeping"
Humph!S said Walters; "and yet
think have heard whisper that you were
once a worshipper at that very shrine
"Say in plain words that I loved her
dearly, and III not deny it, Malcolm an
swered steadily. ~ am not ashamed of
having put faith in q woman's purity and
DEVOTION
"But you were Tilted, it seems" snecrcd
his cousin.
eyes, said Malcolm, fixing his eyes
upon the supercilious face that was hastily
lowered before that penetrating, contempt
uous gaze. 81 was Tilted; after our en-
gagement had been sanctioned by the young
Eudy's father, and the day fixed for our
nuptials.''
"Rather presuming of you, Malcolm, was
it not, to expect-excuse Inc if speak too
plainly-to expect to carry off so fair a
prize3' Such girl as Sybil Dcrwent
might reasonably expect to marry well.''
81 suppose it was presuming, seeing that
have none of handsome Rob Walters ad-
vantages," Malcolm calmy replied. "How-
ever, have survived the disappointment
Of my too presumptuous hopes, and merely
alluded to them to warn you that Miss
Derwent has displayed a caprfcious nature,
and is scarcely to be trusted.''
Walters clressed his bushy whiskcrs, and
laughed. II ain not afraid that the young
lady will refuse me, if | should make up my
mind to ask her hand. But it is precisely
because / do not know which like best
Sybil or VioIet-that want you to go with
me to this bail. 1 have great faith in your
Judgment, Malcolm. I'd sooner take a
wife on your recommendation than any
ono's! 'Pon honor l would ~
This was said so seriously, that Malcolm
although in no mood for mirlh, could not
resist u smile. "You are ridiculous
puppy, Rob, and l should be very sorry to
see good, sensible girl united to you until
you evince more stability. However, will
strain point, and go with you to Mr. Der
vents tomorrow night. l have little
curiosity of'my own to crafty. Will you
call for me, and drive ME down?'
Walters hcsitatcd. 81 would with plcas-
ure, but | have 4 visit to make on the road
A pretty little girl ut Camberwen has n
fancy to see me in my domino, and I hav'nt
the heart to refuse her wish, poor child"
The conceit Of this speech made Malcolm
curl his lip disdainfully; then the name of
the place mentioned struck on his ear, and
he thoughtfully repeated, "Camberwell, did
you say2 Is it possible that you are allud-
ing to the poor young creature your horse
knocked down one evening LAST summer, as
we were riding along the Dulwlch lanes
together?"
1.-The same, mon ami. She rejoices in the
pretty name of Millicent-Milliccnt Vyner.
l felt in duty bound to call and inquire after
her occasionally, and she has contrived to
fall desperately in love with your humble
servant"
AS Walters said this, he cast another
glance at the mirror, and caressed his NOUS
t:lehe. But Malcom's looks were stern
enough to make him redden angrily as he
met them, altough he strove to appear un-
conscious OF their significance.
"You don't mean me to understand that
you have the melnness to boast of having
destroyed the peace Of mind of modest,
industrious girl, whose earnings were her
widowed mothers sole dependence? Great
heavens, Robert Walters, has prosperity
perverted you into thorough scoundrel?
Walters started to his feet. upon my
word, MIR. Malcolm, you presume too much
upon my forbcarLnce! Milliccnt Vyner has
nothing to reproach me with, beyond few
attentions which mean nothing! But if
it were otherwise, pray what right have you
to interfere?'
None, perhaps, according to your lax
code of morality was the sharp retort.
"But sincerely hope that the poor girl has
some male relative strong armed enough
to teach you not to pay attentions to inno-
cent women chat mean nothing, or worse"
"Of that III take my risk, most amiable
cousin" answered Walters, carelessly.
"Adieu, for here comes your client. May
your temper be better when we meet
again -
He turned back at the door to say, "I
shall write, and tell Derwcnt that you ac-
oept his invitation. Heaven help the poor
man, if you are as bearish ut Norwood as
you are in your den p
"He is q conceited, shallow fool !" NUT
tered: Malcolm, Us the young nlln went
whistling down the stairs. "Yet, with all
his faults, should be sorry to see him come
to any HARM"
And making q hurried apology to the
gentleman who had just entered the room,
he ran out, bareheldel as he WAS, forgetting
his dressing gown and slippers, and over
took Walters before he had turned the
corner Of the building.
"Rob,' he said, rs the other stared at
him with surprise and amusement at his
dishabillc. " Half-a-dozen words with you
and remember that it is the warning Of o
friend. Glue up this Camber,ueu filtration
You'll get yourself into some mess or other
with your follies, ain convinced Of it,"
"Bah" cried Walters, contemptuously.
" Are you afraid I shall be dropped upon
by some stern parent or Jealous lover? l
think Pm big enough and sharp enough to
take care Of myself, MIR. Charles Malcolm,
without any ones warnings especially yours,
which are always bitter pills to swallow"
"But tell you that I have an uneasy
feeling npon me-a presentiment that you
will meet with some serious trouble, if you
arp so rack1nss - Malcolm nnrsiSted