The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-15

Win nOto OF prlQe IN Qel llsluS toues,
SO be very careful, both of you, never to
say that any one serving John Lee, is
stinted in meat or drink"
If meat or milk disappears, said Ann
Bigger, nodding her head in mysterious
manner. there's wavs for them to go
without hands touching them. stranger
things are witnessed every hour In the
day."
Cease, Ann" her mistress said, and
thea the apprentice and maid disap-
peared.
When these two were alone Ann said:
The mistress tongue is sharp-set ever
since yesterday morning."
III not have it sharpened at my cost,
tho apprentice answered, shaking his
head. Then, catching Ann in his arms.
he was on the point Of kissing her when
she sprang from him.
There's masters STEP
John Lee entered the kitchen, and see
ing Ezra fumbling with pair OF bullet
molds he said, as he glanced at the
maid:
Il marvel Ann permits you to mako
your bullets inside the house. However,
there's DOOR light out Of doors now"
Then he smiled erimly and passed out.
When he was out Of sight and hearing
the maid and apprentice turned to each
other.
Now, sec what you have done, follow
ing me here," Ann said
Whereupon the apprentice slammed the
molds down and retorted:
We are not up to you women. You
can put good face on the worst Of things.
But why need We care, when, If you only
mind your ways, we'll be married some
day? You are ss good as promised to
me-"
There's many slip between the cup
and lip"
AYE, is there2 I'm none SO sure you
would suit me every way." Then the ap-
prentice walked out and slammed the
door after him.
Poor Ezra-he 10 20 thick. .witted,
said Ann Bigger, as she pursed her thin
lips and smiled. How I wonder what
Mistress Lee means. 1t is not often I
carry cake to Abigail. And she speaks
to me again-I'll say it is witches work.
An hour later John Lee re-entered his
house with grave face and preoccupied
manner, and, seeking his wife, immedi-
ately broached the matter that was on his
mind.
.Dorothes, has our Janet refused Giles
Ellis?"
Il do not know, John," Mistreus Lee
answered, calmly.
1T will not be we'll to trife with Giles,
now above all times. My brother Mar
tins folly may prove q serious matter,
and Giles could do me good service.
he wants our Janet to wife. He has the
favor Of men in high places and SUBJ
stantial means"
There are others equally well-to-do,"
said Dorothes Lee. Half dozen for
that matter. hope there may never be
need of his good Offices"
If we count those in favor in high
places, there are few can compare with
Giles Ellis" John Lee replied. Il passed
him within the hour, and there was that
in his manner do not understand.
came straight to ask you if you know
aught that has passed between Giles and
Janet"
Il know nothing-but do not like
Giles Ellis, nor never did"
rs he not industrious2 Has he not a
presentable figure? Is his family not as
good as any between Salem and Boston2"
Il have no objection to his people"
Dorothes replied.
rs he not sober, saving, fair-handed in
everything?"
His wife was silent.
What more would you have for our
Janet7"
Then his wife looked up at him and re-
piled: Il have never opposed your
wishes, but there was . time when all
these things would not-did not-satisfy
me, John, and Janet is very like her
mother"
Giles Ellis is nephew to Deputy Gov
ernor Danforth no less, and if the worst
happens my brother Martin here J ohm
Lee lowered his voice, and, leaning close
to his wife, added, with Q perceptible
tremor in his tones-@Giles Ellis may
save Martin from the gallows. This mis-
fortune of John Winslow's preys on me;
there are strange reports. ! am fear
ful-"
Then you are not like yourself, John
Lee," Dorothea answered. 1'Tis not like
you. And 'tis less like you to force our
Janet's wishes"
"Iwould not press her-far from it.
But surely you may speak to her and SEQ
she gives ear to Giles when he comes
again" >,
Dorothea.
1T cannot be"-John Lee paused.
Surely you do not prefer Proctor?
Where is Janet? I will speak to her."
L am here, father" Her parents turned.
Janet stood near the door. i have heard
all sou said"
Something in her manner told John
Lee she had met Giles Ellis.
You have spoken to Giles Ellis. Did
you speak him fair? 1 see you dld not.
Yet you knew my wishes"
Il could not help it, father" She
looked at him appealingly, but he pre-
vented her from speaking, as with up
lifted hand he said:
Have not been q good father to you?
And Just? I will not be unjust now.
We will tnke time to think-consider we'll
before Giles comes this way again.
But, father"
Peace, child. I say we will consider
this matter ,oell, and then We will know
our ground"
Father. cannot marry Giles Ellis"
Cannot" echoed John Lee, slowly,
Why not2"
Because hate and fear him" She
met his look now firmly.
John Lee turned from his vie to his
daughter, and from his daughter to his
wife, before he could find words to express
his amaZement.
What words are these-hate, feer?'
There was silence for time. Then
John Lee, who never did anything with
out celebrating, said, in the tone OF
parent soothing refractory and spoiled