The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-12-19

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curtsy to Allie, she answered Z ,.a.
II have learned that purely classical
phrase from my respected cousin, MI:
Minturn Durant. he acquired it most
probably in the fastidious society OF his
AT; At this moment Theodore appeared at
the door, and her friends clustered
around her. a. y. .aa 'srso
"You dear, brave darling!"
"You naughty little girl, to keep
yourself so completely out Of sight" ~
care those. tender fingers completely
worn out p and other similar e1clama-
tions saluted the ears Of thefeY strangers
present as they viewed the scene.'
Theodore was white as Parian marble,
and q suppressed quiver about her SEN
sitive lips told Of mental suffering. She
had left her position at the piano, think
ing the parlors deserted, but as she.
came forth into the glow. of Light she
found herself face to face with him whose
! whispered words had once made her
hearts sweetest music.
Instead of fastening to meet her he
had stood like one in dream. Theo-'
dora understood the pause to mean re-
nunciation of the past, and, without
glancing at him again, drew her slight
figure to it's utmost height, and with
more of the dignity Of her proudest days
swept by him and disappeared up the,
broad stairway. This was their meeting.
And It was for her sweet sake that
Clifford Marsden had thrown of the
fatigue Of travel, thinking that one
pl essure of her little hand would bring
him rest, even in the midst OF the lash
ionable throng. g.
But trihe light as air had already
separated them. A word OF explanation
anuttered, and veil of doubt and mis-
trust was woven out of materials as I'M
palpable as the mist, yet perhaps as en-
during as time itself.
The understanding between them In
the old time had not been ratified by ar
engagement, 30 they had not correspond
ed, and Clifford had received but meagre
news from home So he was still to hear
of the Lisle's reverses. =.
After this disastrous ending to the frst
evening of Theodora's experiment. her
! life went on, shaded by this new shadow,
but made endurable by cycle of faith
fully performed duties.
It was Sunday. The soft rustic OF
dresses and the sound of entering feet
had ceased. The last note OF the organ
voluntary was trembling upon the air,
when q voice of marvellous sweetness
took up the strain, "I know that my Re-
deemer iveth." ...
With one impulse the congregation
I rose and stood spell-bound, while the
pure, yolng voice rendered this wonder
full solo.
After the services were over, and the
crowd of worshippers emerged into the
open air. there were many inquiries as
to the identity of the newly-engaged
soprano.
One member of the church had no
need to inquire. He well knew the
voice as ono whose rich tones had
charmed his heart from his keeping in
by.gone DAYS, and each note as it rung
out in that sacred place, seemed to
awaken hopes sweet music in his soul as
u he resolved to make another effort to
break through the barrier that bad
arisen between Theodore and himself.
he had found QUE her place of resi-
dence, and had called several times with
out being able to gain admittance.
This occurred so many times that ne had
at last concluded Theodore did not wish
to see him, and chose this method OF
showing her indifference. He had tried
to Danish her from his thoughts, but not
in vain.
Since his return poor Theodore had
fought hard battle with her wayward
heart. The mere mention of his name
would send the blood tingling through
her veins tumultuously. She knew
that she loved him, but she had sue
ceeded in keeping her mother and sister
in ignorance Of her weakness.
One day she was seated at the piano,
ostensibly practicing; but the istless
manner in which she touched the keys
betrayed mine pre-occupied.
She startled as CLARA entered the
room suddenly with note foS her. Its
direction was in familiar hand, which
in former days she had often seen on
cards attached to baskets Of flowers.
Her heart throbbed violently as she
broke the seal and read
"THEopoRA:-Will you grant me an
interview, that I may learn why I am
denied your friendship? If any misun-
derstanding has arisen between US, it ls
nv due that may explain it away. II,
on the contrary, you have lost all inter-
est in one whose future will be made or
marred by his place in your esteem, it is
but Just to let me know the truth at
once. 7 will call at eleven O'Clock to-
morrow Tuesday morning, and If you
do not see me, I shall know the worst,
and will spare you the pain OF ever again
meeting CLIFFORD MARsDEN."
If the young lover could have seen the
kisses lavished upon his note, he would
have been spared the long hours OF
doubt that intervened between its recep
ton and the time of the appointed in
terview. -.
The next morning Theodore was
awaiting her lover. AS she heard his
approaching footsteps the alternate
flushing aud paliug of her face betrayed
her emotion.
She arose as Clifford entered. One
moment her fingers trembled in his
clasp as eye met eye in a long, heart.
revealing gaze-the next she was folded
to his heart.
"My own darling Theodore! he
murmured.
The talisman of silence, for few
brief, sacred moments, consecrated the
room then mutual explanations, sweet
to the long divided lovers, took place.
After time Clifford drew Theodore
to the piano, saying:
"It was hearing your voice IN that
glorious anthem which gave me courage
to make one more attempt to see you.
A voice said to me as listened-'Theo-
dora loves your It was my good angel;
don't you think 50, dearest9" :.
Theodore answered by seating }erself
at the piano and singing little Scotch
song-"Ii will marry my ain love" as
spiriteGiy as maiden should who sees
SORROW and mistrust fade away, and JOY
AMI feith take their place in her happy
heart.
Living on Wafer Forty-two Days.
DR.. Tanner, OF Minneapolis, MINI,
- H. n