The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-10-04
WHOSE WAS THE GUILT I?

Ellis Tremayne laid his fork down
with gesture half Of impatience, half
OF encouragement and frown that had
no business on the forehead Of six
months married man, the husband of
the pre!tiest of women, corrugated his
handsome white forehead.
"You seem to have not the slightest
appreciation of affairs, Effie. I have ex-
planned time and time again that I am
living up to my income-not saving
penny-and yet you still persist in de-
mandiug money for every tride that
takes your fancy"
Ellis riemayne spoke more decisively
than Ellie had ever heard him, and she
mentally vowed him horribly cross, and
parted ber red lips and leaned back in
her chair with very aggrieved look on
her lovely face.
And yet it Was lovely.
Mr.. Tremayne thought so that same
moment as he looked at the delicate
pink. .and-snow complexion, and the
large da,k blue eyes that had played
such mad havoc with his heart q year
ago-at the full, exquisite lips that had
only seemed made for smiles and kisses
then, that now were rapidly consummat-
irg their task of discovering the clay
feet OF bis idol-that now were parting
to utter words he knew were coming,
that did come.
"You are just as mean and cross as
can be What's the use Of living at all
if you can't have what you want-if you
can't have things like other peoplea I
tell you I do think you might let me
have some money this morning; need
it most awfully."
Her blue eyes certainly looked plead
ing enough to give entire credence to
her assertions.
"I am almost tempted to say that
cannot be true, Effie, since it was only
a week ago to-day handed you twenty
five rounds-s sum amply sufficient for
even the most inexperienced financier
on which to keep family of two"
Darker frowns were gathering on Ire
mayre's forehead, but Effio answered
with sneer:
twenty-five pounds You speak as
If it were fortune! / tell you, Ellis, |
must have things like-like other peo-
pie. How on earth do you suppose I
feel when Mrs. Coddington or Miss Bell
burn calls for me to drive, wearing their
elegant carriage costumes, and in the
same dress 1 appear in i'll the street or
at churchl"
Tremayne smiled contemptuously.
$50 you hope to rival the wife OF
millionaire and the only daughter of
wealthy banker, do you3-you, the wife
of cashier at Wingfeld & Sons, on
seven hundred yearl Efie. have
nothing to do with women who are,
unconsciously, perhaps, sowing seeds
OF di i'conteDtment and extravaganza in
your heart"
clam neither discontented nor e1trav-
agant, E'l:s-you shall not say 80. But
I must have some money to get new
suit. Oh, Ellis, such heavenly shade
of prune, and you know / can wear so
we'll one particular shade. Honestly, I
haven't dress to wear to Mrs. Lamar s
reception"
Ellis ate his egg with very little show
OF satisfaction, and his si;,uce, while Bit
ter thoughts were rushing through his
mind, was taken by Ellie as sign Of
consent.
She was not slow in pressing her ad-
vantage.
"It won't cost over twenty pounds.
Elis-very reasonable indeed, for I
shall make it nearly all myself, and I'm
sure you can't be displeased at that.
Then FAY yes won't you, Ellis dear2"
A settled, white look came around his
handsome mouth.
elf you care more for show and fine
clothes than for my respect and the con-
sciousness that you are my economical,
prudent wife who is helping her husband
save instead of almost goading him into
debt, you can have the money"
Her eyes flashed as dehghtedly as 6
child's over a new toy. She had &C
complished her desire, and his cold yet
touching words had fallen unheeded
before that
"You can have the money"
She sprung from her chair behind the
coffee urn, and threw her arms around
his neck, kissing his handsome, worried
forehead.
"You darling! I knew you would
not say mo, for all you read me such 6
lecture on economy. Really, Ellis,
when you see how lovely I shall look in
my new silk, you will not grudge the
money, will you2 You like to see me
) look as pretty as I used before we were
married, don't youl And you're moi
angry, deara You do love meH
Her sweet, girlish face all alight with
happy enthusiasm, her blue eyes dancing
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