The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-11-30
CHAPTER xxx.

Mildred Lester and her devoted friend
and constant companion, Clara Denton,
did not spend all their time in New
York. Scarcely q week passed during
which they did not visit Clsra's home in
Roxbury, for day, at least, and often
times when they returned to the city,
Edith Denton, who was rapidly develop
ing into lovely young woman, would
accompany them.
= The great specialist was assiduous in
his attentions on Mildred. and almost at
every visit emphatically declared that the
time was now close at hand when all
that she had ever lost would be restored
to her.
Thus far the past had come back to her
gradually, but in the doctors opinion
the complete restoration Of her faculties
would be instantaneous, and probably
brought about by some great and sudden
shock.
Warren Leland, who had now attained
the object of his ambition and was q
member Of Congress, was indefatiGable
in his attentions to the two ladies.
Whether they were in New York or Rox-
bury, he too was there, and at last the
devoted Clara had the desire of her soul
pratifed, his affections were wholly trans
ferred to Mildred, and abruptly, one even
ing, he asked her to be his wife, and was
accepted.
Strange as it may seem, while he yet
retained the warmest regard for Clara
Denton, he almost idolized Mildred-felt
For her q love, q passion, which even the
beautiful and royal Clara had never in
spired, and he could not bear to be absent
from her side even for day. -.
Under these circumstances he urged
that the marriage should take place with
the least possible delay. and after some
deliteration an early day was set, and
preparations for the interesting event
were begun in earnest.
And now Edith became very impor-
tant parsonage Her services were re-
ouired by her mother and Mildred from
early uawn uII latest eve. EVERYBODY
called upon her fo- assistance. She be-
came female Mercury, and uer face was
soon as we'll known in the great dry goods
establishments as those of the proprietors
themselves.
More than once in her excursions she
had met q lovely young lady, several
wears her senior, but with the sweetest
yet sadest face, she thought she had ever
seen.
One day, in Marcey's she ssw this lady
in conversation with the physician who
attended Mildred, and at once intimated
to him that she should like an introduc-
ton.
He responded promptly.
Miss Fielding" he said, permit me to
make you acquainted with my charming
young friend, Miss Edith Denton. Miss
Denton, this is Miss Fielding. She will
tell you presently that her name ls Meta
Fielding. I am really pleased, young
ladies, that through me you two should
become known to each other.
mo more pleased than am, exclaimed
Edith, heartily. Il have wanted to make
her acquaintance ever since first saw
her, and am glad you were the medium
through which my desire has been
gratiied.
so you really wanted to know me,
dear?" asked Meta, in pleased tone.
Yes, indeed, I did," answered Edith
smphatically.
And wc7 most anxious 70 make your
acquaintance. Your face pleased me SO
much"
They talked for some time together,
and before they parted Edith had prom
ised to pay Meta visit the very next
day.
Of course, when she reached home,
Edith was full of her new friend, and
could talk of nothing else.
, Meta Fielding!" repeated Mildred,
with troubled look. Meta Fielding!
Surely have heard that name before.
When and where, dear2" asked Clara,
eagerly. Was it in the old times, before
your sickness2"
Yes, yes, it was before that, when
/" and then she stopped, with be-
wildered expression on her face.
A little later Ware Leland called,
and Clara at once asked him if he knew
lady named Fielding.
Meta Fielding" supplemented Edith;
and che lives on West Forty-seventh
direct.
"a single lady. suppose?" he said.
Yes, and young"
'N-no," said Warren, slowly. Il don't
think have the pleasure Of the young
lady's acquaintance.
She has brother namod Ray, and
he's in bank down town" Edith ex-
p.ained.
"Ah! that puts different face on the
matter altos ether" said Leland. 7
know Ray Fielding very we'll. He is now
assist" mt cashier in the Atlantic National
Bank, of which nv father was President.
Are YOU sure he's her brother2"