The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-04-15
CHAPTER IL
GXENDOLINE

GwENDoL1NE-
The new conner was Miss Winford, the
bankers housekeeper, who had been In
his serrice for many years. She was
tall, thin woman of about forty-fxe, who
had undergone frightful Disagreement by
the smallpox.
Mr.. Alworth did not exhibit any sur.
prise ct seeing her, though the sudden
ness of her appearance might have been
suggestive to another of her having been
somewhere spying, OF eavesdropping; and
he only smiled feebly when she extended
ner hand, saying, in tone of genuine
good feeling: II hope you are feeling In
Spirits to-day, Mr.. Alworth."
"Ah, Miss Winford, I don't see why
should complain, with this privilege left
to me" replied the old man; and then, as
though forgetting all about her, he ex-
tended his hands toward the plants,
partly closed his eyes, and drew In o
long sort Of ecstatic breath.
Then, q seTving-woman CHANGING to
come out of the dining-room. to speak
with the housekeeper, he started out Of
his reverie and moved away
While ascending to his apartments he
heard the street door open and the sound
Of cheerful voices.
He turned and looked down, to see two
gentlemen and prettily dressed woman
standing at the open doorway.
You had better come come right In
with Noel, Adele, the old man heard one
Of the gentlemen say.
Not at once, Alphonse, came the re-
ply, in clear, rich voice. I am nervous,
and you will want to see Mr.. Marlowe
first, without US. I will be with Noel in
the garden
Mr.. Alworth waited 20 hear no more,
but hastened his ascent. He continued
it so precipitately that he was out OF
breath when he reached the top of the
| second flight, and hesitatingly entered o
neatly furnished attic room, with single
dormer window making deep and broad
embrasure in the front wall, which, by
reason of the roof, made q steep slant
| almost from the center Of the ceiling to
the edge of the flooring. Seated in this
embrasure, with some sewing in her lap,
was very beautiful fair haired young
girl, of about nineteen, who locked up
with charming smile Of welcome as the
old man entered.
But this vanished at the first glimpse
of his woe-begone face, and the next
instant she was at his side as he sank
QeSpOQQeQlly lutO CudiTs
What is it, father"
We're beggared, Gwen-ruined!" was
the husky reply.
so; but collect your thoughts, father,
and tell me about it. Tell me every
thing"
He did so, reserving only what had
passed with reference to Noel and MIR.
Croak in connection with herself.
Our misfortunes are upon US, Gwen!"
he complained in conclusion. Hence
forth we can only wander away and beg,
sturve, die together! Oh, the falsenesa
Of men!'
Then an impotent fury possessed him.
he inreiphed against Mr.. Marlowe, bis
own misfo,tunes, and the world at large
in a weak, puelite way. -.
Hush, father! don't 60 on in this
way," said the daughter, gently smooth
ing his forehead, as she might have done
TO troubled child. Hush, dear, and lot
me think.
You have never tod me the whole
story Of the forgery" she at length said,
as though thinking aloud.
why should you know it," he groaned.
1T is q miserable tale-a grief
mystery!"
Nevertheless, you shall tell it all to me
| presently" said she. suddenly springing
up. and suatching O broad-brimIhed gar
den-hat from its nail. And remember.
dear, do YOU he very sure TO remain right
here till come back.
But wait, Gwenny! where are you
poing?" he cried, as sEe reached and
openSI the door. What ure you going 10
do?"
Il am going to see Noel" was he.
hopeful reply. "TIe shall intercede fol
YOU, and YOU shall keep your place in the
| bank" And then she disappeared.
But stop, Gwen, stop! You don't un'
| derstand-I haven't told you all.
He hnstened to tie door, but by that
time size had darted down the stairs and
was off.
a plague on it," mnttered her father,
going irresolutely TO the window. Why
| did I not tell her what Marlowe said
about Noel and her? She can do me no
GOOD, aud she will say something or otheI
10 him that she will be sorry for. Be-
sides, there is that foreign woman down
there, whom Gwenny should not meet. "
As for Gwendoline, having taken her
, resolution, she was only inte Mt upon see.
ing Noel Mar.owe, whose voice she had
heard singing the fragment of an ai- in
,the garden Just below. In the light mus
hin dress that she ore. swinging her hat
from it's ribbons, like basket. IN one
hand, md witt a portion OF ner abundant
,oft fuir hair futtering in pretty rlnslets
! lown her neck and back, she made most
charming figure as she sped down stalrs'
suit of the house by side door, and then
,ut across the lights and shadows, and IN
among tie irregular shrubl cries or the
I'D garden.
Noel WAS about two years her senior.
md there had, perhaps until recently,
oeen that familiarity between them which
comes oftwo young persons having grown
mo together from their earliest childhood.
Indeed. Mr.. Marlowe had pretend q
RECOGNITION OF caste distin ction which he
lid not feel in speaking of the Young
persons' relative positions. and certain II
ts that Gwendoline had ever thought her
self quite as good as Noel, in spite OF mel
ponnilessness.
She now heard his voice again, and
presently saw his head behind the cur
taining vines Of little summer mouse
near the southern wall; when she at once
ran toward him, calling out: Noel, Noel
have something very important wan
TO say to you"
At the entrance to the summer house
however, she stood suddenly still. sur
prised and confused. ~,
There was lady seated in there viii
Noel-a very beautiful lady, who retaino'
her self-possession thoroughly, thoug
the young man nad suddenly rlsen. VIII
q confusion as great as Gwendoline.s.
Pardon mel" sad the latter, making
movement TO retire.
Pray, do not go, now that you haV
come" said the Young mans companion