The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-06-23

mamma Alden had a motherly welcome
for her, and the worthy doctor laio
aside his medical journal to greet hel
with marked favor. Evidently. little
Miss Converse was q great pet IN the
household. Was it strange if she had
come to believe herself tacitly regarded
as one of the family3
"There! | wonder if Sidney remem-
bered to engage oysters for the festival?'
cried Zet, suddenly, as she helped Angie
| remove her wraps.
"i'il ask him." volunteered Miss
Huntrees. from the window-seat.
Thank you. And if he's forgotten
scold him."
II will-in your name" -.
"Why not in your own, too? 1t will
be more effective. Besides, it's your
peculiar duty-not to say privilege!"
Il don't wish to anticipate these
things" smiled Miss Bertha, vanishing
through the doorway.
Isn't she charming, Angler" cried
such exquisite hair! Sid says she is
like Titan Madonna"
"She is lovely" assented Angie in
the tone OF a martyr who dies for the
truth. i
It was not till after tea that the two
girls began their duets. Sidney leaned
over Angles chair to turn the music
leaves, discoursing merry nonsense with
herself and Miss Bertha, who sat near
the lamp sewing brass rings upon a
curtain for the public hall.
Il appreciate your good intentions,
Sid," cried his sister at last. nervously; {;
nevertheless I wish you'd run off.
Your chattering puts US out"
Your eloquence distracts our atten-
tion, would sound more polished, Sis
terkin."
"Choose your own form of rhetoric,
only leave US! Bertha use your in1u-
ence. He's bound to do as you say"
"Bertha won't abuse her rig hts; she
knows | haven't seen Angie ten
minutes"
"But Miss Converse would rather be
heard than seen just now," said Miss
Huntress, rising with an indolent
smile. "We oughtn't to interrupt the
duets"
Fair tyrant! She says go, and I
must be gone!" responded Sidney, in an
apparent ae ony of submission.
"Don't take Bertha away. She
doesn't disturb u.s."
"Maybe not; but her tarrying behind
might disturb me, sisterkin," retorted
Sidney airily,"" land she'll never desert
Mr.. Micawber."
As the twain disappeared arm-iu-arm,
Zet drew long breath.
"There!" said she, "hope we can
play better now I've disposed of him
and his bride-elect."
Bride electP" faltered Angie, strik-
ing a false note,
Eyes. Haven't you heardP I sup
posed Sidney had told you. You're out
of time. Angie. One-two-three--four.
Now the pedal"
wasn't it rathel-rather sudden?"
"Sudden? the sub-bass? 1t is writ
ten that way"
"What you said moment ago
about Miss Huntress and Sidney?"
"ThatP Oh, yes! I was disap-
pointed at first. Do you know, I wanted
Sid to have you? l never once thought
of Bertha. l have my doubts now
whether she is just the one for him;
but he ought to know her better than
we do" answered Zet between fitful
pauses, as she labored over a difficult
passage.
Atlast they had mastered the duets
to Zet's satisfaction, and Sidney lounged
in "to accept their apologies" he OBJ
served loftily.
Had Bertha finished the curtainp his
sister inquired. He had no convictions
on the subject, and Zet went to ascer-
tain.
Making a movement to follow her.
Angie found herself cleverly penned be-
tween rocking-chair and the center
table.
"Wait. little lady, I've something
sweet to tell you"
Il know! know! Zet has an
nounced it. II congratulate YOU"
"On the snow-storm Sidney looked
a tr1fe puzzled. "Thank you; though
don't hatter myself it comes solely tor
my benefit.
"Not on the snow-storm. Does it
really snow? l meant to congratulate
you on-on everything"
kind little soul! I was sure you
would be pleased" he said, taking her
nanQS IN nlS, as one mlgnC take cnllQS >
to warm them. "Yes, I consider that
I am very lucky fellow. Bertha is"
"Oh, yes, certainly! There's no ques-
ton about it," interrupted Angie, hur-
riedly, Withdrawing her hands.
"All I lack now, Angie, is q snug
little home and"
Zet's entrance put period to the SEN
tence.
"Ifit clears off in the morning, An
gelica. will you 20 sleigning with mep"
pursued Sidney, as his sister ran out
again for the bed-candles. II want a
long, quiet talk with YOU"
II can't! Indeed / can't go! l must
be home early"
"Must youP Honor bright? Then
We'll ride in that direction, and wn'll
set out as early as you please. But