The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-05-20

he left the young girl solely to the stten-
tions of her legal neighbor, and set him
self to q general survey of the rest of the
company, and to specializing upon his
fathers designs in bringing it together,
so, my father has even placed poor old
Alworth on his right hand" he observed
in the course Of his reflections. What
Can this mean? And how cheered and
encouraged tho dear old book keeper
looks! Easy enough to understand this
much, at all events, He dreams of leni-
ency as the outcome of condescension.
And this reminds me of my promise to
intercede for him, at Gwendoline's re-
Quest. Does she deserve I should re-
member it, in view Of her present extra-
ordinary coliness toward me2 And is she
dissimulati1g, or really interested in the
twaddle Of this old ogre at her side? AS
live, she permits him to heap her plate,
and she is actually drinking wine with
him! However, how can it concern me?
The girl is free of heart and hand,
suppose, But I'm rather glad Adele is
not here; she would be sure to detect
something wrong in me-. What could
have induced my father to ask that vul-
gar cad, Wormer, to dinner? Not for the
special purpose of boring Boncou1t, I
hope. And yet the latter seems not to
get moments rest from the fellows in
terminsble buzzing."
The dinner was excellent, but only In
one instance might the general converse.
ton be said to contain anything of
special interest 10 the reader. This was
when Mr.. Marlowe, who had been mani
Testing a good deal of fictitious high
spirits from the beginning, observed the
unusual preeccupation of Miss Winford,
and called out pleasant demand as to its
cause.
Il cannot drive from my thoughts, sir,
she replied, with some embarrassment,
what you said about some one having
possibly entered the bank during the
night. Then strange discovery WAS
made shortly before dinner that may
have some connection with your sus-
picions."
-What could that have been?" asked
Marlowe, uneasily compelled against his
will to question further.
Strange hands have dug long, deep
hole in the back cellar, looking as though
it had been intended for grave. The
gardener discovered it while ago, IN
going down there after spade.
You astonish me! By strange hands
.you say2 This must be Investigated.
Could the hoIe have been dug last night?"
NO, sir. 1t must have been done to-
day during church hours. Cook was
down there just before getting ready for
service, and then there was no such hole
there"
More and more astonishing! I shall
consult with the police tomorrow
And th>e ir. Marlowe, without heed
ing the surprise occasionad others by this
information, had gone on industriously
with his dinner, and without venturine
further remarks.
After dinner, when most Of the gentle
men were smoking in the garden, Noel
MANAGE to obtain few words alone
with his father. whom he found in the
library.
The young man issued therefrom, look
ing not little disturbed, and chanced to
meet Miss Alworth as she was about as
cending the stairs.
Il am glad to be able to speak with you
alone, Gwen" said lie. -Ihsve just been
begging my father to retain Mfr. Alworth
in his position"
How kind of you!" said she, with an
eager look. What did he say?"
"He refuses my request, and tells me
that had better consult with old Crolk
if would learn anything of Your faith
er's prospects and yours. What can this
mean, Gwen?"
is it likely that I should know?" she
replied, with shrug of her pretty shoul-
ders and a sudden impenetrability of
countenance. Perhaps MIR. Croak can
inform you"
Then she tripped up the steps, leaving
him more disturbed.
At about the same time, Mr.. Wormer
sought out Mr.. Marlswe- to say, in q CON-
fdential tone:
My theory was cornect, depend on it.
Boncourt's the man! Your missing cousin
will soon turn up, and will bear any
amount OF shadowing."