The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1888-04-17

tQu10G anu r0SG CIl0 ,QOCCOc 6uCCGeuCQ In
breaking his fever, Vincent opened his
eyes III weak astonishment as his re-
turning consciousness discerned ihshist
faithful attendant the handsome young
lady with whom he had tried 80 assidu-
ously to flirt. s
He felt too weak from the shock and
and from the loss Of blood to ask any
questions, but Sybil divined his Won
der, and she explained to him the de-
tails Of his accident, with gentle grace
as charming us her former reserve had
been admirable. ' @
Nothing could have been prettier3
than Sybil's devotion to the unfortlln-;
ate stranger, and the other passeugersl
seemed to appreciate it, for they held
aloof and were content with being
merely spectators. She waited on him
with persevering devotion. 1t was
Sybil's way TO do that, She read to
him, OF, when he visible it, talked to
him. The presence Of an invalid SEEM
ed to infuse home feeling into the life
aboard the train, and when the weeks
journey was protracted by various Oh
stacles to ten days no one complained.
Before they reached San Francisco
Mr.. Vincent was able to sit up. 1t
would take some time for the wound to
heal, but he had recovered pretty we'll
from the shock. In the opinion of some
Of the passengers he was not altogether
anxious for immediate convalescence.
which was hardly to be wondered at;
and really I think Sybil felt a twinge OF
regret as she sat the last evening beside
Mr.. V'ncent's couch and listened to
party Of gentlemen warbling a Swiss
air out on the front platform. 1t was
twilight, and the porter had not yet
come in to light the lamps. I
"Don't you think. Miss Sybil," Mrt
Vincent said, in a low voice, 'that
some acquaintances ripen very much
faster than others2 / feel as though
had known you for years, yet cannot
tell what your last name is. The doc
tor, calls you just Miss Sybil.
''I thought you knew" she said,
simply, ignoring his first question,
which had sent a strange thrill to her
heart. ''Dly name is Travers."
"What2" he almost shouted. 'What
did you say9" b.
'Travers," she repeated, looking at
him surprised.
He sank back on the cushions help
lessly, and turning his face toward her
he murmured, "Kismetl''
''Do you know" he continued. after
pause which Sybil felt to be pregnant
with meaning, "do you know, we have
been as badly mixed up as to our iden-
titles as the people in play. I had no
idea you were Miss Travers. Your
Uncle jerry
''Do you know my Uncle Jerryp' she
cried, in surprise.
81 ought too,' he replied, with an
odd smile, 81 am--Sybil, do you ever
forgive people who practice little deceits
upon your"
The familiar manner Of this address
sd not offend her, strange to say.
"That depends she said. softly.
"What would you say If were to
tell you that my name wasn't Vincent
at ALP"
He had contrived to get hold Of her
hand, and he felt it tlutter slightly, but
she made no response.
81 do not know what led you to be-
lieve that my name was Vincent. At
first coule not correct tho impression;
and, when l was able, I didn't care to,
for was SO pleased with our relation
that feared to do anything that might
jar upon 1t. 1t is all the worse for me
now, for I fear this deceit may have
prejudiced you. am your uncle's
friend, SybiI. I am Royal Valleau."
1t was her turn to start Ill astonish.
ment. She snatched her hand away
from him. but he secured it again.
'Don'tl" he pleaded, in a low tone
'Forgive mel You have made mo love
you and you must not be so cruel. You
will at least forget that have deceived
you at all?' it
Sybil gave no spoken reply, but her
hand was still clasped in his, and before
the porter lit the lamps she suffered
him to carry it to his lips.
This story was detailed IN letter to
Miss Louise IIoughton the following
week, with the appended comments:h Z
And just think Of it, LouiseI I have
actually engaged myself to him. L
meant to hate him 80, tool Uncle Jerry
Is delighted, of course. For myself, L
can only say that am perfectly happy,
and leave the rest to your Imagination.
Wasn't 1t funny, thought lie left New
ork three weeks before he had intend-