The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-04-13
CHAPTER VIII.
THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE.


was much admired. An accomplished
woman, and q kindly disposition,
it was no wonder that she was
much sought after; but when added to
these gifts it was also discovered that
she possessed twenty thousand year In
her own right, she became the catch OF
the season, and many were the attemps
made by hard-up scions of noble houses
to secure her hand in marriage.
But alas, for the contrary dlsposltlon
of womankind, she would have none OF
the gilded youth, but fixed her affections
on Myles Desmond, poor Irish gentle
m an, with nothing to recommend him but
a handsome face, q clever brain, and
yitry tongue. In vain Lord Calllston
asked her to be mis- wife; she coolly re-
fused him, telling the astonished noble
man that neither his morals nor his man
ners were to her liking, and informed Sir
Rupert that she intended to marry MyleS
Desmond.
The bsronet was furious at this decla-
ration, and as May was under age and
could not marry without her guardians
consent, he forbid Myles the house, and
ordered his ward not to speak to him.
But see how the duplicity Of love can Cir
cumvent the waschfulness of guardians.
Nav and Myles met secretly in the park,
at Garden parties, and at balls, whenever
thew chose. and 30 cleverly did they man
age their meetings that Sir Rupert never
for q moment suspected the truth. he
wanted his ward to marry Cslliston, but
when that tickle young man ran OF with
Lady Balscombe he changed his tune
altogether, and had May been clever
enough to have taken advantage Of his
dismay, he would doubtless have con-
sented to her union with Myles, despite
the disadvantages Of the match.
At this time Of the year there were
comparatively few people in town who
knew her; nevertheless, for the sake OF
safety, she dressed herself plainly in
dark dress and wore thick veil which
concealed her face. Thus disguised she
had no fear of being recognized, and ar
rived at the rendezvous about i've min
utes past three o'clock. There she found
Myles waiting for her, and they walked
together into the park, feeling perfectly
secure from interruption or detection.
But thoy did not know that they we're
being shadowed by small ragged boy
who was apparently playing idly about
them.
Dowker, recognizing Myles, pointed
him out to Flip and departed at once, lest
he should be seen by Desmond; 80 when
Flip saw May join the young Irishman he
knew it was the couple whose conversation
he was there to overhear, and followed
them promptly.
Myles and Miss Penfold walked short
distance into the park and then seated
themselves for while-two ordinary
looking figures, not calculated to attract
much notice: for, the day being cold, Myles
was mufled up in large ulster, and Mays
dress, as previously noticed, was not con-
spicuous.
Flip sat down on the grass Mt the back
of them, apparently engaged in spelling
out dirty newspaper, but IN reality
drinking in every word the lovers ut
tered.
They we're continuing a conversation
begun when they first met.
Does this man suspect your" said May,
evidently referring to Dowker.
I'm afraid so" he replied, gloomily,
4and cannot open my mouth to defend
myself"
"Why?"
Because my only defense would be an
explanation of the events of that night,
and cannot explain"
why not?"
He remained silent. at which the girl
turned pale.
"Is there any reason-styong reasonT"
YES" =.
rs tha: reason-a woman?"
Myles bowed his head.
Mis- Penfold grew shade paler and
laughed bitterly.
"A pleasant reason to give me, she
said, with a sneer. Il have given up all
else for your sake, because / thought
you loved me, and you-you-talk Of an
other woman to me"
This is nonsense" he answered, i'm
patiently. There is no love in the case;
it simply involves the breaking of a
promise given to woman, and you
would be the last to ask me to DO that.
Can you not believe in my honor?"
May looked at him doubtfully.
Can I believe in any mans honor?
she replied, sadly.
That depends who the man is, an
swered My[es quietly. 1T is simply Q
case Of Lovelace over again:
Iwould not love thee, dear, so much,
Loved not honor more,
It is absurd -quixotic y ridiculous to
talk about honor in these days, l grant
you, but unfortunately inherit loyal
blood, and-well. must ask you to trust
me till can speak"
And you will speak7"
Yes, if it comes to the worst, he re-
piled, with slight shiver.
The girl gave him her hand. which he
took and pressed slightly, SO thus mutely
they made up their quarrel.
All the foregoing conversation about
honor was Greek to Flip, who, after some
cogitation, came to the conclusion it Was
q scene out of the play. But now they
began to talk on q subject more suited to
his comprehension.
May" said Myles, II want you to tell
me all that Lady Balscombe did on-on
that night"
The night when she eloped?"
YES"
Let me see," said May, knitting her
| pretty brows. I'VE went to ball-to Lady
kerstoke's."
AT what timer"
Between nine and ten."
And what time did you leave?"
Very early-about half past ten; IN
fact. we were there only few moments.
| Lady Balscombe said she had headache
and went home. You know our house is
only few doors away. expect she only
went there to avert suspicion as to her
elopement."
What happened when she came home!
There was woman waiting to see her
| in her boudoir."