The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-08-11
MINNIE'S MISTAKE.

pleasant one it was, too. He was lover
engaged also, and ne was soon to lead hls
bride to the altar. He was now journeylng
toward the home of her who had filed ana
would fill, he hoped, in the happy years to
come, many of his hours with "silken splen-
dor" Is it, then, to be wondered that his
thoughts, his day-dreams were profoundly
delightful
"Malvern" cried out the conductor.
Tho conductors announcement startled
HIM from his reverie.
"Here already" murmured Malcolm.
"Why, tho time has passed very quickly
He removed his satchel, cane, and um-
brella from the rack, vacated his seat, and
when the train stopped stepped of on to
the platform. A large crowd was assem-
blcd at the station awaiting the arrival OF
the train, for Malvern was quite flourish
ING town. and he was making his way
through the ccncourse Of people as rapidly
az he could, when q pair OF arms were
elssped around his neck, and soft voice
whispered: :,
90, George! I'm so glad you've come ;
and then almost as suddenly added, go L
mao nardon, sir, I've made great mistake
bnt the resemblance is wonderful.
R.fore the astonished Malcolm Thorne
could make reply, the young female with
The fair, lovely face suffused with bushes
had disappeared in the crowd and was
quickly beyond his sight
"By Jove!' he thought. "that young
ro,,on must have taken me for her lover
whom, I suppose, she expected would come
hv this train. Why, bless me, it's the fun
r;es. adventure with which I've ever met.
Tho whole affair struck him as being en-
t;ro,v lnd;crous. and he stood still for mo-
mont and gave vent to hearty laugh. =,
He moved On again, got clear Of the
.,ova, and then gazcl along the platform
whore row Of various sizes and styles OF
vehicles were waiting to convey the arri-
walls to different points in the town.
minnie promised to meet me here with
the carriage, but sec neither her nor 1t.
probsbly something has delayed her; at
apv rate, I'll sit down and wait a few mln-
utes longer"
Ten minutes passed away, but neither
his lady.love nor tho vehicle appeared.
"she must be ill.," he rnurmured, glanc-
;ng at his watch; "but it's strange she did
not order the carriage to come for me- even
If she couldn't come herself.
He calleda cabman tohim. "Do you know
rhere MIR. Rangton resides?" he asked.
The man replied in the affirmative and
Malcolm ordered him to drive there as
quickly as he could.
The vehicle stopped in front of stately,
handsome residence, and Malcolm Thorns
sprang out Of the conveyance walked rap
idly up the graveled walk to the door and
rana the bell, which was almost lmmedl-
ataly answered by servant.
nIs Miss Rangton indisposed, or is there
INV sickness in the family7" cried Malcolm.
"All are quite well, sir" replied the do
,,ostic. "snd Miss Rangtoa cannot see you
and bade me give you this note.' She
+h-,,st il into his hand. and then shut the
door, as tho sayia; is, in his face.
Ma1colm, bewiLiered and astonished,
stood there, making no movement, but
having the appearance OF person who is
-. rso,,v aware whether he is in his right
senses or not.
"Cannos SEQ me'' he at last admitted.
nWhat have done to offend her9 What
ia the meaning Of this strange action OF
hersp" He seemed to have forgotten the
dainty, pink-tinted missive which the SER
cont had given him, but suddenly recol-
lecting it, he tore open the envelope and
read these sarcastic lines:
Mr.. THcRNE-DEAE SlR:-"1 was not
aware, until quite recently, that your heart
was large enough to entertain an affection
for two women at the same time. Such be.
inc the case, must decline the share OF
love Won have been wont to lavish upon
me. as, in affairs Of the heart, L AIN very
selfish, and not for moment could THINK
of looking to rival. Let all, hence1orth
that has passed between US be forgotten
leave YOU free to bestow the whole wealth
of your elastic affection upon whomsoeve,
YOU choose to honor in that way. Shoulc
we chance to meet let it be as strangers
for my vocabulary contains no "ord bJ
which / can fully express the scorn In
which I shall evcrmorc regard you.
remain, very respectfully,
M1NSIE RAEGToN.
"Good heavens! What Ia the meaning
Ct this? Has her love for me departed
since I last saw her and been bestowed on
another, and is this the paltry manner IN
which she seeks to rid herself Of my COM
pauy and sevor the engagement? 1t If
one series of fa.sehood from beginning te
end, and is plainly Of her own coinage
too !"
1t is strange how quickly, when suspicion
is once aroused, people jumpto conclusions
be they true or false; and this is especially
the case when two Of mans strongest pas
siohs, love and jealousy, are at all concern
ed in the matter.
At this juncture the eabman approached
Malcolm, who was excitedly pacing up and
down the verandah which surrounded the
house, and said:
"Td like to have my fare, sir, for must
be off. can't wait here all day unless you
pay me for waiting" y
"You may remain, for I'll want you os
take me back to the station, and I'll pay
you for your time replied Malcolm.
can right. sir" said the man, going back