The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-10-24

lAcy SaII IueIc iouS ldlhluS IoS0tA0i
but all they said does not concern us.
Demetrius had told Lydia she was the
only woman he had ever loved. She, in
her turn, confessed what every girl
would not, that he was the very first
sweetheart she had ever had. But
Demetrius loved his tender flower all the
more that he had been its discoverer.
As they walked back to the hotel he
said: "And now must speak to your
aunt; do you think she will ob;ect9"
''My aunt3 Oh, no, my aunt will not
object, am sure,' said Lydia.
In the evening when Demetrius ap-
preached Miss Hartley on the sub ect
she seemed considerably surprised.
Lydia is so young-I never thought
that so soon -" the old lady STAN
mered. ST course, Mr.. Green, you
have my consent, so far as am con-
cerned, but I am not Lydias natural
: guardian.''
II thought she made her home with
you?' said Demetrius in some surprise.
: $50 she does" said Miss Hartley.
Who is her guardian thens'
f "Her father"
"Does her father live with you9"
"No. He comes to the house about
every week, when We a"e at home.'
''Where can I find him."
81 cannot tell you Il do not know"
said the old lady in some confusion.
us it ne :essary that get his consent
to my marrying Lydia?'
81 think so. oh yes, indeed"
+. "Miss Hartley" said Demetrius, eff
there is anything of painful nature
about your brother, do not ask you to
tell it to me. am going to marry your
niece, but I should perfer to have her
father consent"
"There is nothing painful Dir. Green.
1t is only that can tell you absolutely
nothing. My brother is very peculiar
man. Some year ago he was sea-cap-
tain of some prominence. He lost the
command of his vessel, or resigned it, I
do not know which, and since then I
have never learned what business he
went into. Generally he comes to see
us every week, but sometimes he doesn't
come for month"
'Does he never write to you or your
niece2"
"No-yes, he did once. He sent
Lydia a message about year ago, and I
remember that brooklyn Navy Yard
was on the letter paper, but that may
not have meant anything"
II am much obliged to you for the
information; it probably means great
deal to any one who wants to find him.
Is this all you can tell me2"
"That is all I know"
Another week passed. a week of great
happiness for Demetrlus. and apparently
for Lydia, too Demetrius had told her
that he was to 90 on the road again the
following Monday. He would be in
New York often before the fall, and, of
course, would always come over to
Brooklyn to see her. "In October shall
be in the city for three weeks" he added,
"and then, if it suits you, is when
should like our marriage to take place"
Lydia blushed, then smiled and con-
sented.
On Monday Demetrius bade adieu to !
his betrothed, took the early train for
New York and reporting to his house
made up his route. Then he started for
Brooklyn, and reached the Navy Yard
shortly after noon. Going to headquar !
tiers he inquired for Mr.. Hartley.
"David Hartley2" was the response.
eyes, is he herel"
''No, he's out" pointing to the water.
"Can I communicate with him2 it is
on matter of great importance" said .
Demetrius, looking at his watch land
will probably take but short time" !!
The official hesita:ed moment then
rang bell.
John. this gentleman wants to talk
to Hartley Take him over.n
The man led the way to the dock when
the two got into small boat, the man
taking the oars and pulling toward a tug
which lay about two hundred feet from
the dock. There were several men on
the tug.
(which of these gentlemen is Mr..
Hartley" asked Demctrius.
"None," replied one of the men,
laconically.
Il was told that I should find Mr.:
Hartley here" he said. 9
IF YOU can wait while, We'll have
him up" said the first speaker. a
"t'p2" Ie, Gated Demetrius.
"Yes. out of the water; he's in the
wreck"
"Wreck-what wreck2"
"The Mary Stevens, right under you,
sir"
remetrius was appalled,. Was Lydia's
father drowned, and had he come here
only to carry back this dreadful news to
herr Three deep, reverberating strokes
came from far beneath him, which
sounded like death knell. Demetrius
shuddered. Then catching sight OF the
amused faces Of the men, he thought it
some hideous joke.
"Gentlemen," he said, II must see
Mr.. Hartley or communicate with him at
once on matter of the utmost import
ance. You say that he is under the
water, yet am perfectly sure that he is
not dead. have to transact my business
and catch train at o'clock, SO should
be obliged to you if you will explain
this mystery at once"
"Certainly, sir" said the man who had
answered him, ''Mr. Hartley is down in
the wreck, in the diving bell; if you
cannot wait until he comes up, We'll send
down a message for you !,
Demetrius breathed more freely. torea .
leaf from his memorandum book and .
hastily wrote: 'Demetrius Green, with .
Manning, Moore & Manning, asks the ;
hand of your daughter lydia in mar !
riage. He has her consent, sud hopes
to have yours"
,rb;, ba nnrIoae6 in an envp,0De and !,