The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-05-16
destroyed, and the engine rushed on

destroyed, and the engine rushed on in
safety.
George and Edith sat down opposite te
each other; both were very pale.
"Thank Godw said Edith, and she Gov
cred her face with one hand. George did
not speak, but he took off his cap and look
ed out OF the window for one minute.
"Now I shall give you some sherry, ".he
said. suddenly. "You are the pluckiest
little brick I ever came across. Any Other
girl would have screamed"
"I never scream" said Edith, indignant
ly; "and I don't want any sherry"
81 am your uncle, and l say you are tc
have some---drink it up"
II hate wine," she said, giving back the
flask.
"There, good child, to do as you are
told"
At the next station a perfect crowd Of
passengers was waiting for the up train.
great .tste WIS going on in the next town for
the visit of some royal parsonage, and the
train was filled to overlowing. Presently
the civil guard came up to the special car.
riage, and said, most deprecatingly, that
there was one gentleman who couldn't find
a place anywhere; and as he was only
going to the next station, would they admit
shim just for that twenty minutes? Uncle
George consented very discontentedly, and
very grudgingly moved his long legs to ad-
nit of the entry of very stout old gentle
man, who sat heavily down, and received
into his ample lap perfect pile Of pack.
ages and baskets, and brace of hares, and
rabbit tied by the legs, which he had
dexterously suspended by a string round his
neck.
"Not worth while, indeed, my dear
madam" he said, as Edith began to make
room for his things. "Only twenty min
utes---no inconvenience, I assure you."
The heavily weighted train moved off:
The old gentleman now began q series OF
playful bows which made the hares and
rabbits dance up and down.
at really was too good of you to admit
an old fogy like me-" he said, blandly
for of course with half an eye can see
the tender situation"
A deep growl from Uncle George. He
gave a little start and went on to himself !:
"Sweet young couple just m arried, eh?"
Edith felt half choked with laughter,
but she managed to say convulsively:
"Will you give me my book, Uncle
George?"
The old gentleman started. cooked his
head as blackbird does when he perceiyes
a very fat worm, and muttered:
"Impossible~
Edith and George were wrapped in their
respective novels. The old gentleman
fdgeted, sighed and arranged his features
into q most sanctimonious expression.
There was dead silence till he reached his
station, where he descended. The de-
parture bell was ringing, when his head
suddenly reappeared at the window, the
hares and rabbit streaming wildly from the
back of his neck.
"My children" he said, take my advice
go back to your friends. This"--- A
little shrek ended his discourse the train
was going on; and he, being borne along
on the step involuntarily two stout porters
rushed to the rescue and lifted him of.
Edith and George laughed till the tears
ran down their cheeks"
~ could eat again, with little persua-
sion," said George, presently.
"Why, what o'clock is it?"
"Just five, and we shall not get in till
eight thirty. Remember that we had our
luncheon at twelve.
every we'll" And they proceeded to eat.
The sun had gone down, and the whole
sky was gorgeous with gold and crimson
light, on which great black clouds floated
prophetically.
"What grand skyw said Edith.
Magnificent! Nowhere does one see
such clouds as in England"
"Were you very fond of India?"
"Of course / am; my work lies there,
my hopes. my future"
Edith looked astonished. 81 should
have thought" she said, "that now you
would be content to rest at home; but adj
mire you for loving work. Shall YOU 60
out again?"
"That depends very much upon circum-
stances. 1t would be great grief to me to
give up my profession"