The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-06-24

1t becomes necessary at this penSr rac
90 baoL briefly to sAe moment that Gwen
doline had been left standing at AuEst
Joan's gate, after the landau containing
Boncourt had been driven away.
1t had hardly disappeared in the grow
ing dusk before the young lady was re-
Joined by her father, and at the same time
the widow came out.agaln to the gate, &C
eompanied by her two sons.
Mr. Alworth acquitted himself better
than his daughter had hoped for in max
ing his ackzo wledgmenss for Aunt Joan 8
hospitable kindness, and then Gwendo-
line asked him whom it was that he had
stopped to saeak to on tie road.
1T was Mr.. Croak-aye, MIR. Croak him.
self" said Nj. Alworth, not without some
eagerness -&h, Gwenny, he seems really
contrite for what has oecurred-wants
his proposition to remain open-is willing
to forgive and forget, whenever you shall
zee fit to reconsider"
Gwendol1ne burst into laugh, the
better to abstaiR flom an aEgrier inter-
ruption, and was thankful that the thick
ening twilight was doubtless Eoncealing
the blush Of notification that she felt
mantling her checks.
Never another word upon that subject,
you dear, good, tiresome papa, or you
and I must quarrel furiously," she cried.
And how would such state Of affairs
suit Aunt Joan, who is to be our land
lady hereafter, or either Peter and Paul
here, who are to be our fellow boarders?
Run into the cottage now. and I will give
you q piece Of good news--a fragrant
piece of news, that shall give you all
the beautiful flowers you can pluck or
smell, for, perhaps, many days to come!"
Yes, come right in, for there is a
storm in the air., said Aunt Joan, open
ing the gate. You will find your
rooms ready for You. Paul and Peter
have slowed away all your effects, and
Christie thoroughly aired the rooms yes
terday."
But there was another interruption, as
Gwendoline and the others were passing
into the gar den.
At that moment man hesitatingly ap-
preached, crossing the road from the
loose foot-stones of the opposite cliff, in
which he might have been lurking unper-
ceived and on the watch for some little
time.
"W:il you make allowances, sir, for a
strangers stranger at least for many
years, though once familiar with this
neighbour hood-who has thought that he
knew your face?" said the man, address
ing himself to Mr.. Alwcrth with deep
respect. DO I err, sir in supposing
that you are Mr.. Thomas Alworth,
once of the firm Of Alworth, Marlowe i
Coz"
The old gentleman looked at his in
terlocutor q little snspiciously, but
could only make out in the twilight
an inoffensive- looking, rather seedily
dressed man, who carried stout walk
ing-stick.
'Ah, yes, sir; you are correct in your
supposition. sir" he replied, with sort
of poor stiffness of manner that he was
fond of assuming occasionally. Since
you appear to know my name, sir, perhaps
you will favor me with yours?"
There would be no favor in divulgine
1t at present, and it might be of little con-
sequence to you, said the stranger, sadly.
I was rather mournfully attracted to you
just now, sir, Ly percerving the change
that seems to have taken place in your
circumstances. When was last in these
parts, many years ago, I remember that
you resided in yonder elegant villa, up
IQeI6 III tuC GILL b, duu uUN--
-Ha! and now there is n change appar-
ent, TO be sure, but what is that TO you,
sir?" snapped out Mr.. Alworth, peerishly.
Father, I am sure You mistake this
PERSONS motive in addressing you," said
Gwendoline, quieting her fathers bad
humor by her customary gesture, as she
stepped forward. His words and man
ner are not sucn as would imply wish to
be disagreeable."
Indeed they are not, miss, and no
such desire could animate me" said the
man, with some emotion. IF misfortune
has come upon your worthy father, who
VIC ever deserving of esteem and pros.
49,, - - s-N,-~~ ~ - 80. t-S
peiiLy, nose can uop.ole 4. more man
do"
MY father has been the reverse of fort
unate for many years, sir. said Gwendo-
line, simply He was compelled to re-
move from Jasmine Lodge when 1 was
but an infant. Since then We have occu-
pied garret rooms in Mr.. Marlowe's until
this evening, when we were dispossessed
Mr.. Marlowe having dismissed my
father from his employment two or three
days before. and are Low gladly avail
ing ourselves of the hospitable shelter
afforded us so opportunely by the noble
hearted proprielress of this pretty cot
tage." ~
Great heavens! can this be so2' ex-
claimed the stranger, stepping back a
pace or two, and evidently much aSitated.
Miss Alworth MIR. Alworth --yout
wrongs shall lie righted, your misfor-
tunes shall have an end, and that right
speedily! I can sly no more now.
Heaven have you both in its keeping!"
And, with these words falling from his
lips, he hurried away into the dusk, TAX
ing the road leading up through the
cliffs, and mutteriug half-frantically to
himself-for the reader will already have
OWNED that this was Jasper Marlowe-
NV fault-my fault Heavensl how the
consequences OF my sinful weakness are
recoiling upon my head"
Il hope you are satisfied, Gwenny,"
was Mr.. Alworth's querulous complaint,
as he accompanied the rest into the cot
tage. Il couldn't see the necessity Of
giving that inquisitive fellow all those
particulars.
Nor was there any harm, I am sure,
father, since he seel.ed SO kindly dis
posed" was Gwendolines cheerful reply.
They were then conducted upstairs by
the good widow, who introduced them,
with good deal Of housewifely pride,
into the rooms she had provided for their
accommo odation. They proved to be con-
nected with each other, were extremely
tidy, with the window of one looking out
oSer the road, and that of tho other upon
the ocean, whose gray sands crept up to
''ra rear of tie little kitchen garden. but
f.w rcccs 4 ION the lCuse.
Gwendoiil e expressed Eer grateful
satisfaction for everything, and kissed
Aunt Joan with a simplicity of thankful
ness that was more eloquent thnn any.
thing she could say; VII 10 even Mr.. AL