The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-02-03

.Oh!" she cried, enraptured, 1T will be
heavenly: When shall We set of. To-
morrow"
I nodded, smiling. we'll pleased at the
transformation these few words had
wrought in her. Would time ever change,
or custom stale, her infinite variety?'
Another reference to Cleopatra! Why
was ] continually drawing parallels be.
tween George and Egypt's beauteous
QUEEN?
We can leave here by the earliest
train" she went on rapidly. In passing
through London we can engage courier,
and-1et me sea- French maid. I know
where to apply. All, what happy time
I mean to have! shall not even take
Edna. This time I will be free!"
She broke off suddenly, her eyes flleo
with tears. Poor mother" she said.
throwing herself into my arms. Il will
make you good wife, Jack, E" she whis-
pered fervently.
my delightful darling! As though
ever for q moment doubted i'll"
Of those weeks spent abroad will
not-I cannot-write in full. Never pre-
viously had been, what I may term, so
recklessly happy; never since have telt
80 free from care.
We remained only few days-a week
at most-in one place. George revelled
in the life Of movement and perpetual
change. She was happy. I believe now
it must have been her happiness that re.
fected itself in me.
The third week in January we passed
through London, dismissing courier and
malo; and late one night We reached oul
North Country home. How vividly re.
call the impressions Of that night, the
first moments Of my entering Langdale
Grange!
The warmth, the lights, the mellow
coloring, the atmosphere OF truly English
comfort that pervaded the old Grange de-
lighted me. Besides, the place was mine.
Surely it was not an objectionable pride
that caused me to rejoice in the sense OF
possession.
My wife had been very still and silent
during the latter part Of the journey. ]
turned to her now, and out of the fullness
Of my heart I spoke. To her who was to
be the presiding genius Of this home, ]
pictured our future life Of love, Of mutual
confidence, Of quiet country pleasures
an idyllic life, it seemed to me.
But broke off suddenly in the midst
of my rhapsody, for felt her shiyer. Hel
face had psled and wore an impassive
look; apparently she had not heard my
words.
my dearest George, what is it? What
has come over you?" asked anxiously.
Don't notice me, she said, petulantly.
There is nothing the matter that I can
explain. Only-I must see Edna Lydton
at once-at once!"
Cut to the heart by her lack of sympa-
thy, I rose and rang the bell. Request
Miss Lynton to come here, said to the
servant who appeared, and in few sec
onds Edna came.
She looked inquiringly at both Of us;
frightened, startled expression crossed heI
face as her eyes and Georges met. My
wife ran to her, took her hand, and bend
ing forward whispered in her ear, kissing
her warmly. Then turning round to me;
1T is late, Jack" she said. You will,
! lam sure, excuse me. I want to be with
Edna. Goodnight"
Amazement and anger for the moment
struck me dumb. My next impulse was
to protest fercely against this extraordi.
nary proceeding on my wife's part, but
ultimately pride came to my aid.
Speeches. I strode to the door and
held it open, and waited while Edna ap.
pesred to be demonstrating in low tone
with my wife. It was useless, however,
and both passed out together. As they
did 80, Georgie's looks were averted, but
I knew that Edna raised those soft i'm.
ploring eyes of hers to mine. I would
not meet their gaze, but took out my
watch. 1t was past midnight.
I did not see my wife again till luncheon
time next day.
fro BE CONTINUED