The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-09-28

delightful"
Then come and tell ma where the new
| plants and statues should be placed.
With pleasure, if you really wish it.
of course l do. Come Tomorrow
| come to luncheon at two.
Very we'll" and bidding her good
| evening, he descended to the library.
lie had hardly seated himself when his
/ uncle entered.
1Ah, there You are?" he exclaimed, CON-
ing briskly forward. "Eh, well?"
Very we'll, indeed, uncle-much better
than I had expected"
-Ycu have seen her, then?'
Yes. certainly"
And what did she say to your
Not much; but she was charming"
Seriously, you did not remark any.
thing?"
Il remarked only that she was very
lovely and very kind"
That as a matter of course. But
what want to know is-in plain words:
Do you think she loves me little?'
-Assuredly. after her way as much as
she can love, for sho has naturally very
cold disposition.
1Ah, as to that it doesn't much matter;
all demand is not to be disagreeable to
her."
You are very far from being that, Sir. I"
you think sop Well, you give me great
pleasure. Now you may 60, if you please;
but come back SOMEONE often. Stayi
We are going to give a grand party,
ball, or something of the kind. It's nee
essary. my friends say. wish You would
come"
I should be glad to do SO; but you for.
forget; ! am in mourning"
-Ah, true; but you might come and
keep me company in the snuggery. ]
never dance, and soon tire of the crowd
in the parlors.
We'll, can see no harm in that"
quite the contrary, I should think.
You will come, thon?"
Yes; and tomorrow have promised
Mrs. Elliston to run into luncheon,
and give her some ndvice about certain
changes she desires to make in the gar
den."
'Ah, do; I shall take it as favor, as l
am obliged to be away, and she always
mopes when left alone"
He is going to be away and she at home
alone, mused Eugen. i wonder if that
is the reason she was so anxious should
come" And he left the house in very
thoughtful mood.
However, at two the next day he was
promptly on hand, and few minutes
later was summoned to the dining
During luncheon little out of the COM
monplace was said, one or more servants
being always present. But as they rose
from the table Cora asked:
will you 60 into the garden with me,
now?"
He bowed, and she led the way through
q side door.
As they reached the walk she turned
and said:
LET US 90 to the summer house. want,
in the first place, to get your advice about
that"
i don't see it, he replied, looking about
him.
4Of course not. 1t is concealed by the
trees and that arbor yonder."
-Ah, that is it." And they started down
the walk together.
What are you thinking Off" asked Cora
abrubtly, after moments silence.
Nothing. Only watching the coming
storm"
Are you becoming poetical, my friend?'
There is no necessity for becoming, fol
I already am infinitely 10"
Il do not think SO. Will you stayt
dinner2"
Thanks, I can not. I must return te
the store"
THAT is unfortunate. There is so much
! want you to do for me-"
Il am very sorry; but there are certain
matters that ! must attend to for the
frm."
Nevertheless, it is unfortunate"
Cannot Sly-Slyme help you?"
He cannot do everything, you know"
by the way, / do not like your Slyme.
Nor I, either. And do not call him my
Slyme, if you please"
How came my uncle to engage hin?"
He was recommended to him at the
same time by an old friend as free |
thinksT, and by another as very religious !
man."
sWhhat nonsense!"
Nevertheless, said Cora, "he is intel.
ligent and witty, and writes fine hand.
That l9st is an advantage
How? What Of me9'
DO you also WI ts q good hahd2'
Il will show you whenever yen wish.
"Ah! and will You write to me?"
It is dificult to imagine just the tone In
which Cora said all this.
II will write you either prose or verse,
as YOU wish" Eugene answered.
"Ah! you know how to compose verses?"
When I am inspired"
And when are you inspired!
Generally in the morning.
1T IS afternoon now. That is not COM
plimentary TO me-"
But you had no desire to inspire me-
think"
why not, then? I should be happy
and proud to do so. Do you know what ]
should like to put there?" And she
stopped before beautiful fountain,
Il do not know"
"You cannot even guess? would like
to put an artificial rock there, with
marble nymph resting upon it..
Why not q natural rock? In your place
I should put natural one:
THAT is an idea, said Co12, and walk-
ing on they passed the fountain.
SBut it really thunders. l admire thun.
der in place like this. Do your"
-Why?"
Because should not hear it,
You have no imagination
L have; but I smother it."
Very possible. have suspected you
Of hiding your merits, and particularly
from me-"
why should I conceal my merits from
you2"
I myself do SO. ltis charming
But why?"
For charity-not to dazzle me, and
with regard for my peace of mind. You