The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-10-26
NOW. 1eland mad within himself more

Now, Leland had within himself more
resources than most men to conquer the
blue devils; but in these early hours of
his experience in country life, deprived Of
his cllb, his horses, and bis French cook;
banished from ali his old haunts and
habits, he began to feel terribly the
weight Of time. 1t therefore approached
delicious sensatio for him to suddenly
hear that regularly recurring beat upon
the road, which to his trained ear an
nounced the approach of several riding
horses.
Next moment he saw advancing up the
somber avenue and turning into his own
grounds, three lovely females on horse
back, one of whom was a mere girl in
poiut of years.
Though quite amazed at this charming
spectacle, Leland remembered his duty
as q gentleman, and descended the steps
of the veranda. But the ladies, at sight
of him, appeared equally surprised as
himself, suddenly drew rein, and con-
ferred hastily together.
Then recovering, they continued their
course, taking the private carriage way
to a road in the renr, and disappeared in
the direction of lovely lake. q promi-
nent feature in the neighboring land
scape.
AS they passed the corner of the house,
Leland bowed low, and they returned his
salutation by slight inclination; but he
WAS quite sure, in spite Of the wells that
foated from their riding-hats, that he
recognized the lovely singers and the
young pianist.
After a moment he called to Seth Grid
aGridley," he said, pointing to the csr-
riage way, is this public road?"
1T certainly is not public road, Mr..
Leland, replied Seth.
Then what do those ladies mean by
using it?"
Bless me! Mr.. Leland, it is so long
since your grandfather's death, and since
any of the family have lived here! These
ladies mean no harm by passing through
your grounds; and sometimes they even
stop at the house while my wife gives
them fresh milk. Shall tell them that
this displeases you, sir2"
"Displesses me! Why the deuce do
YOU suppose it displeases me? Ionly asked
information. And now, who are the
ladies?"
"Oh. sir. they are verv nice ladies. in
deed! Mrs. Denton. het daughter Edith,
and their friend Miss Mildred"
Mrs. Denton-eh2 And her husband,
Mr.. Denton, does he never ride out with
them?"
Great Scottl no, sir. He never rides
with them" And grim Seth Gridley
smiled dry smile
why not, prav?"
"Why notf He has been among the
dead this ten years, as, nc doubt, you
very well know"
Granting that know it, friend Grid
ley, wish it distinctly understood that
these ladies are not to be interfered with.
You comprehend"
Gridley seemed pleased that he was not
to be the bearer of so disagreeable mes
sage; and Leland suddenly conceived
that his stay at Roxbury would not only
be prolonged indefinitely but at the same
time be very agreeable.
Thinking thus. he directed his steps
toward the residence of Nathan Melcalf,
of which, at last. from Seth, he had OBJ
tanned correct information.
He took the same road as the preceding
evening, passed the Quaint old dwelling
that he believed held Mrs. Denton and
her lovely friend, glanced his eye at the
great oak that had served him for an OBJ
servatory, and about half mile farther
on discovered the somewhat imposing
house he sought.
He swung open the gate, sauntered'up
the well-kept path, and reached the
broad veranda, which was shaded by
climbing vines and rose bushes.
lTo BE CONTINUED