The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-09-25
CHAPTER Xxx.

next day q paragraph appeared IN the
society column of fashionable paper,
to the effect that the beautiful Mrs.
Lawrence, of Lawrence Park, would
open the hospitable doors of her ele-
giant mansion on Thursday night to
her "dear five hundred friends.
There were sundry hints as to the
grandeur of the proposed reception,
and the elegant affairs of the kind to
be expected in the near future from the
mistress of Lawrence Park.
Of course old society was horrified at
the announcement of fashionable re-
ception within q lew months after the
late tragical event, but, after all, Gill
bert Lawrence had not been kind
husband and father; in short, his treat.
ment of his wronged wife and child
had been so outrageous and unfeeling.
that no one could blame the fair widow
for the step that she was about to take.
Besides that, everybody was anxious
to see what sort Of hostess this woman
would make. this parUeuaL, who had so
suddenly been elevated to great wealth
and high social position.
Consequently, therewere few regrets
sent in, and when Thurday night came,
the drawing-rooms of Lawrence Park
were filed with the elite of the city.
Gabrielle, in severely plain but ele-
CANT costume of rich black velvet anG
black lace, with diamonds. was lovely
hostess; while Adele, in floating robe
of flmy-white lace frosted with seed
pearls, and with pearls all about her,
was at once acknowledged the belle Of
the evening.
Never, in all her life, had Adele st.
Cyr dreamed of such triumphs. II
was like q tale from the arabian
Nights"-the homage which she re.
ceived from the glded youth of the
city every one of whom would have
shrank in horror from asking ballet.
dancer to become his wife.
The music surged in sweet. wild
strains, and the dance went on. Adele
was dancing the Manola, dancing with
such light, airy grace, such veTve and
abandon, that the aristocratic noses OF
the aristocratic society ladies began to
elevate themselves in scorn; and com.
ments, not loud but deep, went around
the rooms, as to the improperly OF
Gilbert Lawrence's daughter dancing
30 soon after her fathers death!
Probably, had Adele's dancing been
less perfect, society would have forgot.
ten to make such comments!
The waltz was over, and, leaning
upon 4he arm of her late partner.
Adele was led to seat upon satin
divan.
Miss Lawrence!" said voice at her
side.
She turned, to see standing near her
lady all in black, some rich material,
without ornaments, strange, forced
smile upon her handsome face-Mrs.
Chillingworth!
When Gabrielle had sent the invita-
tion to Ruby's late chaperon she did
not believe for a moment that Mrs.
Chillingworth would accept.
Society itself marveled greatly; yet
there she was, within the room where
she had passed so many happy hours
with poor forgotten Ruby, smiling,
bland as though the tragedy und never
occurred.
No wonder society was astonished and
turned cold shoulder upon Mrs. Chill
lingworth; but that lady seemed in no
wise disturbed.
"Miss Lawrence, she repeated, slow
ly, pardon me, but I am about to take
my leave. Ny health does not permit
me to devote much time to society"
(she had been there exactly half an
hour), "and-and-" she was gazing
into Adele's lovely face with eager.
searching eyes-"I have friend-a
gentleman friend-with me, who has
begged so ardently to be presented to
you, that I venture to ask your permis-
sion.
"He is foreigner-a friend of my late
husband-an English lord, of immense
wealth. My dear Miss Lawrence, have
I your permission?"
Adele bowed, her eyes flashing with
delight at the fattery. An English
lord! Her heart leaped.
"Mrs. Chillingworth's friends are al
ways welcome at Lawrence Park" she
cooed.
"He is a stranger here" went ON Mrs.
Chillingworth, "and when I received
your mothers card for tonight I ven.
tured to include him in the invitation
@Quite right" said Adele, cordially.
Under her breath she was repeating,
eagerly: "a lord real, live English
lord! And immensely wealthy"
There could be no mistake about his
wealth and title, since Mrs. Chillings-
worth was his friend.
+ A little later tall stranger was bow
ing lowly before her while Mrs. Chill
lingworth was saying: -.
"Miss Adele Lawrence. my lord.
Miss Lawrence, allow me to present
Sir Arthur Stanley, of Sussex, En-
gland"
A pale, cadaverous face, utterly un-
like the usual English comeliness;
deep, dark eyes, disfgured by the in
evitable eyeglasses, and hair as red as
hair can possibly be.
Mrs. Chillingworth withdrew and
there was strange, exultant look IN
her ewes, while low under her breath
Bhe muttered: -,
"My poor Ruby, you shall be avenged!
must get out of this house at once OF
I shall die The very atmosphere IS
laden with treachery!"
And as she drove away from Law
renee Park, Sir Arthur Stanley was
just leading Adele out to join the
dance.
@You dance divinely, Miss
renee" the Young nobleman observed,