The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-05-24
Trapped by an Hciress.

at Hillcrest would have been hard to find.
if one had travelled from Lands End to
John O'Groat's; and this cventful evening,
when the destines of two worthy people
were about taking definite form--two pco-
pie who had never seen each other, and
who had heard Of each other so often that
both were curiously eager TO muet--on this
important evening the sttng-room at Hill
crest had never looked plcasantcr or CO.
ser.
A huge fire of logs glowed like molten
Carbuncles IN the open fireplace; On the
table in the centre of the floor, whose cover
matched the glowing crimson of the carpet,
was silver stand that held dozen snowy
wax taperS, whose beaming light contrasted
cxqnsitely with the ruddy glow OF the
fire.
Beside the table, in big cushioned
char, with his feet thrust toward the genial
warmth on the hearth, his grey dressing
gown sitting comfortably on his portly
form, his gold-rimmed glasses on his nose,
sat the owner aud master of Hillcrest, Mr..
Abiah Cressington, rich, good-natured, and
fond Of his own way. Opposite him was
the mistress of the place-llttle, shrew-faced
merry Aunt Cornelia, his sister, who,
since her wldowhood, has come to Hillcrest
10 make neT DuClclOI ufOIucrS nOlllC us
pleasant as she could.
That she had succeeded was evident by
the way now in which he looked up from
letter he had been reading-the confidcn-
tial, kindly way in which he did it.
"Walter writes curious letter III response
to my invitation to come and spend few
weeks at HilcresJ as soon as he gets over
his fatigue from his ocean voyage home,
,,ftnr b,o 6un xyaura, topr oily ,,TI
it to you
He leaned over tho oftly-glowing light,
and began the short, concise reply that
Walter Austin had written from his CHAM
Der In the Temple:
''You arc very kind, indeed, Uncle
Ablah. to ask me down to Hillcrest for as
long as l wish to stay, and l can assure
you that have been so long wandcrer
that tho idea Of q home is very pleasant to
me. But when l take INTO consideration
the peculiar Importance you propose at
laching to my visit, l am unwilling to ac-
cent the invitation. To mo tho idoa of
having nv fancics and lnclinations put
into harness, ard to feel that am on cou-
tinual duty to win my way into the good
praces of my second cousin, Mabel, WHOM
you are good enough TO wish me to
marry"
Mrs. Cornelia interrupted sharply
"Abiah, you never went and told our
granddaughter that you had in view his
marriage with Mabela"
Her tone was energetic, almost repre-
hensive.
"Why nota l certainly did. told
him in my letter that it was chance for
him he'd never get again, and that he
needn't feel under such terrible obligations
to take a fancy to Phll's little Mabel, but to
come down and be cousinly, and if any
thing should happen. it'd be right all
around,
Mrs. Crnella knitted vigorously, her
lavender cap ribbons quivcring in the mel
low taper glow.
"All l have to say Is, you 're-A fool,
Abiah! Walter is right A young man
doesn't like to have his fancies under rein
and whip, and the very fact That we want
him to marry will make him indsposed to
do 1t. You've made great mistake in the
beginning"
Mr. Creesngton looked aghast at his sis
ter's determined face.
why, I.really didn't suppose"
"Of course you didn't. It's only your
natural stupidity, you dear old fellowl
Men are all alike. Don't l know them like
u bookp And you've ruined your hopes
for Mabel and Walter at the very outset. "
Mr.. Cressington started discomtltedly.
81 am sure / mean it all right enough,
Cornclia. certainly wanted Walter to
know what little darling our Mabel ls,
and what nice little wife she would make
for any man," ,
every commendable, indeed; only, il
You had consulted me upon the letter you
send should have advised you TO say moth
ing about Mabel or her charms, or her ex
pectations | should have simply asked
HIM to come and sec us, and have left tho
rest to Mabcl's blue eyes. You see now
Abiah?"
His lips compressed slowly.
II think sec. And my hopes in tha
direction are all ruined.'
The silver needles clicked rapidly, ant
the snow. white yarn came reellng mcrrlly
of the ball under her arm. :,
'tNot at all. Leave that to me, and III
sec what con be done. Trust woman'
wit to get even ablundering o.d fellow lik'
yourself out of a scrapc"
She smiled and nodded, and looked alto
gether SO mischievous that MIR. Crossing
ton .Jecame quite excited over her littl
mystery.
'Do explain, Cornclla
And when she explained he leaned bacl
in mis- chair, with al expression of positiv
awe and admiration on his face.
"What a woman you are, Corncllal
declare, 1t beats anything | ever heard il
the whole course of my lifel"
T.
After dusk, glorious winter day, wit
here and there o star twinkling in the pal
gray sky, and tho lights and fires in til
Hillcrest sitting room making an eloqucn
welcome to Walter Austin, as he stood il
the midst of the home circle, tall, gentle
manly, handsome amt sell-posscssed.
Old Mr.. Cressington was in his riches
humor as he led forward two young girls
Come don't be shy now, Walter, this
your cousiaa Nasssl S;ressisston, and this
her good ffieha pseparsble comr.alo
Irene yance;, Sc4Me to help to entertai
.,on NV nanhau hr Walter Auatin Oi ria