The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-02-17

friend, Mr.. Hawks, is desirous
of carving away with him some impress
sions of Northshire. He says the ma
tiyes have no characteristics save their
sburr.' Can you suggest any, Dudley"
could not, and said SO simply.
Mrs. Armstrong; tales Of her ances-
tors would suit you splendidly. Mr..
Hawks, said George. Their character
istics appear to have been murder and
robbery. Most of them were hanged fol-
cattle stealing. She boasts of it. She
saws also thst Northshire never could be
CONQUERED. William the Norman had to
leave it out Of his Doomsday Book"
Fact. Mrs. Dudley?" asked Charlie.
1T is history"
Down it goes then"
Il witnessed little scene to-day that
NAV interest you," said Gascoigne, ad-
dressing himself principally to Charlie.
Il was coming through pit village. A
big, burly fellow-North- Countrymen
are usually so described, you know-was
lounging with his back against wall.
His hands we're thrust deep into his
pockets; he was tipsy; there was the hap
piest smile imaginable upon his face. A
woman-I presume his WITHDRAWING a
Young child, went and talked to him. !
was not near enough to hear, but the PAN
tomime amused me. 1t seemed she was
asking him to 90 home, but her words ap-
parently had no effect. Presently she
stamped her foot, talking more and more
excitedly; ne neither moved nor spoke
he only smiled. Next she slapped his
face; once, twice,
Still smiling in slow, lazy, half-con-
temptuous way, he drew one hand from
his pocket to put her from him. In SO
doing, he somehow touched the child.
The woman, reused to fury, deposited
the baby on the muddy road and rushed
at him. She snstched off his hat. pulled
it to pieces with her hands, and, not con-
tent with that, she tore it with her teeth
then flung it down and danced upon it
At length, suddenly pausing, she looked
at her lord and master. He had not
moved. His hands were in his pockets
and he still smiled. Then she picked ur
the child and left him. Two policemen
we're looking on. They seemed to enjoy
the sight as much as I did. Mr.. Hawks
that was Northsire man."
Thanks, Doctor" said Charlie, I'll
take him for q type"
And much Ii this vein the conversation
continued to flow, though joined little
In 1t, and Edna less.
We remained very short time ct table
after the ladies left us and, in crossing
the hall to join them in the drawing. room
fingered behind Gascoigne and Hawks
was in no haste to find myself agair
in Edna's presence. I felt guilty, almos
as though my wretched secret were writ
ten on my face.
When did 60 into the drawing room
George WAS singing, Gascoigne stand.
ing by her, his back toward me. Hawks
beckoned me to the far side of the room,
where Edna and he were sitting. Ednt
was telling him tales of the rebellion Of
As, of Diltson and the Derwentwaters.
sat down and listened, silent and spell
: bound, to the soft voice of the charmer
Meanwhile George had ceased singing
and remained at the piano with Gas
coigne.
After time the Doctor came and helt
out his hand:
Goodnight, Dudley" said he. Nv.
got to walk back, so it's time set off.
In vain urged him to stay. even sug
gesting smoke for 'auld lang syne.
But he was proof against temptation; SO
Charlie and wsnt with him to the hall
door.
Come and see US again soon," said I.
Whenever you ask me-" he answered
readily, and, with hearty" Goodnight,
departed.
I told Hawks he would find the where
withal for smoke and drink in the
library, where would join him immedi-
stely. It was my intention return to the
drawing-room. The door was closed,
though not fastened; pushed it open q
little way, but did not enter. I saw and
heard enough without.
Near the piano, where had last seer
ner gay and smiling, was my wife; but shs
leaned over it now IN detected attitude.
her face hidden in her hands. Edna's
hand was on her shoulder; she was speak
ing to her in low, earnest manner.
aYou won't tell him, Edna? On your
honor promise you won't tellsJack?" cried
George. looking up suddenly.
Il would rather cut off my right hand,
Edna exclaimed vehemently.
She turned toward me as she spoke,
and, instinctively stunning to be caught
eaves-dropping. retreated.
Seen gnosr. LOOK precious like 1t:
said Hawks facetiously, as lfung myself
into chair in the library.
-Confound everything!" I exclaimed
'Amen,' calculated Charley, With an