The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-01-21
who had hidden her lover farewell at

who had hidden her lover farewell at
the rustic gate eight years before.
The change in her life had come sud-
denly-an eccentric old lady had heard
her sing, and charmed by the depth and
power. us well as the sweetness of her
voice, had taken her under her patron
age, and placed her under the best mas
tiers, and two years after had the salts
faction of knowing that her protcge was
tated to be one of the greatest singers in
the world.
But before all this had come the falsity
of her lover and the anguish that nearly
killed her, and then the news that the
dear old folks ut the farm were dead,
md that Guy had sold everything and
gone abroad, then her new life began,
and people were thrilled by her beauti-
full voice, and men infatuated with her
beautiful face. and when she returned
to her own land, from queening it
abroad, foremost among her lovers was
Wilson Audrey, who never dreamed Of
her identity.
There was to be- reception that even
ing. given in honor Of her, and Wilson
Audrey would be there waiting to re.
ceive his answer from the woman he
loved.
There were many fair women present;
but Miss Leigh reigned queen, by right
Of her beauty, and Wilson Audrey
watched her with thrilling pulses, and
wondered he ever believed that he loved
woman before.
He was talking to q grave, handsome
man, whose earnest eyes had wandered
more than once to Miss Leigh's proud,
pale face.
They were standing in the shadow Of
n bay window, and neither OF them
noticed that q slender, stately woman
in sweeping robes of silk and lace was
leaning against q flower wreathed
column a little distance from them.
1T is good to see you again, Win
tiers. after all these years." Wilson said,
land you have come back heart-whole
as we'll"
Guy Winters face grew grave.
Il came as l went, Audrey" he said,
slowly. Surely you remember l
loved Eunice Dalton"
Wilson Audrey laughed lightly.
"Ah, yes; sure enough! Well, Eu-
nice was q pretty little thing. She
was"
"Eunice Dalton was the one woman
on earth to me-" Guy interrupted,
sternly: Had I known she was not
your wife"
mot my wife! No, thank goodness,
Winters. I don't ,hind telling you, but
l have met at last the oma before
whom my very soul bows down. t,If
wealth and energy a accomplish i !
will marry Miss Leigh, the beautiful
prima donna"
Il do not understand" Guy said,
chow once caring for Eunice, you can
"love another; rs for me, this is more
precious than the love Of the fairest
woman on earth" and he drew a little
sandal-wood, and opening it displayed a
faded red June rose.
Wilson Audrey's face flushed.
You are romantic, Winters" he
said, "perhaps were you to search for
your lost love you might find her"
God would be kinder to me than I
dare hope; but if | should find my dar-
ling"
A sweet, low voice interrupted him,
and Miss Leigh stood before him, her
eyes glowing, her lips apart, the red
roses clustering at her breast.
~"Guy-Guy! l am here. God has
taken care of me for you-far better care
than I deserved"
And then, sheltered by the silken cur
tains, he took her in his arms and dressed
passionate kisses on her low, white
brow, and smiling crimson lips.
An hour later, when Miss Leigh
thrilled the hearts of her listeners rs her
voice rang out in the old song, my
darling is tender and true" only two in
the room knew how her heart throbbed
1T the thought. for none save themselves
dreamed Of the story Of the two red
roses.