The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-09-03

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masterful and humorous challenge on the
Captains face, 81 may capture him for
her"
"Henri is an excellent fellow" said
the Captain, with some emotion.
He glanced through the window at
the two young people pacing slowly up
and down in the moonlight.
81 wonder what he is talking to her
about" thought the Captain. "His COL
lege races, probably"
Lena's grandmother, in her turn,
watched her companions unconscious
face moment.
"Wcll, wcll," she said, eve shall
sec"
"But, Captain Charter, I don't know
why"
"You don't know why I should COM
plaina" said the Captain, gently. 1t was
many evenings since the evening of his
arrival, and it was he now who was pac-
ing in the dusk by Lena's side. Con-
science stricken, he told himself that he
had no right thus to monopolize that
place. Where was Henri, his nephew2
"Ah, WE'LL" he resumed, "you cannot
say that you always treat my nephew
kindly-as kindly as he would wish" !"
He was trying to smile, but his heart was
heavy. 1t seemed always to be so now.
Lena, with downcast eyes, made no
answer.
"Perhays you will say" continued the
Captain, still with his forced lightness,
that you have not known him long
enough Toto learn to think Of him as he
would wish. But"
Do you think one must know-a
person a long time to-care in that way7"
asked Lena, casting rapidly sly glance
upon him.
"No!-I-I think day-an hour-is
often enough-often too much, if it is to
make the unhappiness of a whole life"
The poor Captain paused. What, what
hal he been saying? Desperately he
ssrove to gather himself together. The
odor of roses and new mown hay was in
the air, and the rustic of Lena's white
dress upon the gravel of the park made
his pulses beat. Wildly he threw him
self back into the way of duty. "But
that must not be with poor Henri, I
hope. If you could learn to care even
little for him, the rest might come in
time"
Heplessly he foundered on. Lena,
who moment before had flushed like o
rose, had now turned pale as ghost
under cover of the cleaning. When, the
next time, they reached the end of the
walk, she left her companion and entered
the house.
Her grandmother was sitting in the
great armchair, under a shaded lamp,
reading Herbert Spencer.
"Where have you come from2" she
said. "But I know. Ishould do better
to ask where young Mr.. Bowen Is. You
have been walking with the uncle in
stead. Why was that2"
The old lady's tone had never been
more autocratic, her eyes had never had
a more arbitrary and sarcastic CLEAN. Lena
began to trcmblc. Hcr tense nerves gave
way.
"Grandmarma, she cried, "you have
no right-no, 10 right-to marry me
against my will"
Her blue eyes were flashing like dia-
monds behind the sudden binding tears
of rebellion.
"Tut, tut. What's this? Who, pray,
is trying to marry yoa against your will?
Are you not very fond of this charming
young fellow who is 80 madly IN love
with you9 If you are not, marvel at
your lack of taste. All this is childish
ness. I know better than you. Old
people always know better than young
people. 1t is very sensible to make their
marriages for them. If it were always,
done there would be far less matrimonial
laundering. Ask Captain Charter if
am not right"
"You speak of Captain Charter ass
though he were old!" cried the girl, for
gettingal things in her hot Indignation.
1.He is only thirty-six."
"Well, that is old for O. girl of your
years." retortcd the cid lady,. with un-
ruflcd equanimity. "Cone,. kiss me,
and retire fof the night. You cannot,
present yourself before the gentlemen with
that tear-stained face
When Lena had left the. room, Mrs.
Eredricks glanced at the closed door
with avery curious smile upon her lips. -,
She was about to resume uPrinciples Of
Sociology" when the Captain came In,
He looked worn, haggazd and pale
After few words of preliminary conver-
sation he observed that BE might find
himself obliged to return TO town within
a day or two.
"Provided," cried Mrs. Frederick
sthat you are permitted. and I don't atall
know that I shall perna you'll I belieSe'
you are all in league to make me pass,
bad night. Here haps just dismiss ed
Lena in very bad stste of agitation set
ting herself up against me, the little
rebel! and saying she would not do this
and would not do that, ETC., etc. and
now you talk of leaving me! What does
it all mean2 That is what I would like
to know"
The Captain, who had been looking at
the floor, with his arms upon his knees,
in an attitude of corporal recklcssncss
and mental detection very unlike his
usual grave, strong, soldicrly bearing,
glanced up at this.
''I can explain that which may seem
.1.,,,..o -, ,,,, on-p oo,1,,ct Mre Frnl-