The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-05-16
XXIV.---NO. 40.

at is very odd, but I certainly thought
that mamma told me you had given up
your profession"
"she was Mistaken" said Uncle George,
shortly.
II have often longed to 60 to India"
cried Edith.
"Have your said George, very eagerly.
"Oh, yes, beyond anything; life there
gives everybody a chance. mean, heroic
men and great characters are formed in
India, and men have great responsibilities
and development for quite a different class
of most desirable qualities there" .-
"That is quite true; and you are just
the sort of woman to help man to do any
thing"
"I am 30 glad you think SO, Uncle
George" she said, laughing and blushing.
At seven o'clock they reached very large
station where the train had half an hour
to wait. They got a cup of tea, and then,
both being rather cold, they began to walk
vigorously up and down to the very end
Of the terminus. 1t was quite dark at the
far end, and they stood side by side, look
ing up into the mouth OF the great station
with its mighty arch. Trains rushed past,
or heavily moved away with harsh, dis,
cordant whistle. Grert red lamps loomed
out of the darkness like dragons eyes.
George drew Edith hastily on one side that
she might not be struck by the chain OF
huge carthorse which passed close by them,
on its way to bring up coal-truck. 1t
was very cold, and they stamped up and
down, and George enjoyed fragrant cigar.
"Take your seats p shouted the porter:
"Take your seatsp And they resumed
their places. :, =,
"Them's a bride and bridegroom" said
stout countrywoman to a friend; and the
loud cultural Lorw with which the news
was received reached the ears OF the
travellers. ...-.
A blazing lamp was in the carriage, and
under it's yellow light Edith tried to read.'
"Don't read, Edith" said the young
uncle, suddenly. "Talk instead."'
She shut up her book. ,
"To tell you the truth, Uncle George"
she said, "we are getting go near that am
beginning to feel ridiculously nervous"
He looked at his watch, and suddenly
started.
$50 late" he said. ave shall be there
| in ten minutes"
"Oh"'
"And the fact is" he began, restlessly
6dgeting; the fact is-a1a---l have got
confession to make to you."
:" To me oh, Uncle GeorgeP
"- Uncle George"
Edith looked startled beyond measure.
"The fact is, Filth, I am not my
father"
"What do you ,nean?"
~ mean I am my son."
"But he is dead"
"No, no; only, what was a fellow to say
when you pressed me 80 hard? l am your
| Cousin George
"Ohw
"And we have been such friends, you
won't be angry? Are you vexed, Edith "
and he took both her hands.
"No; only astonished. I think---on the
whole, am rather---glad."
"That's all right; for, do you know,
Edith, seem to have known you tor years
You have shown to-day every good quality
woman can possibly possess"
| "Don't spoil me by such sayings"
"And Edith, dear Edith, do you know
confonnd it! here we are !---only this,
should like to 20 on travelling with you,
like this, for ever and overland "--'
HatLon! Hatton! tickets, please, Hat
aHere Jones! take Miss Edith's bag. Is
the carriage up"
eyes, sir"
"And cart? there is a heap of luggage"
GAIL right, sir"
"Come along, Edith here we are, and
nv father is in the carriage"