The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-02-10

ia, ENNhMkM -,H.. AK DUSK, Out 1 lecoS
k IGN@4S Aknized instantly hi
sSA; broad s1sst sa5S;ar1S shSaiders, s.9t IL!
had not seen him since my marriage
day, and was determined he should mo-
pass noe, though it almost appeared hi
meant to do 80.
Good evening, Doctor!" I called out
refining up my horse; you should have
thing like sport!"
.I'd plenty of that kind Of thing once
in India, he said. My day is over. But
Tn glad to find you're enjoying life. How
is Mrs. Dudley?"
Quite we'll, thanks, I answered; "she
finds the country rather dull, that's all.
The fact is, we knocked about too much
abroad. She is feeling the reaction"
Then she is not quite well?" He put
the question, it seemed, little an1-
iously.
Her health is perfect" replied. III
is only what say. But come and see US,
Gascoigne. wish you would. Will you
dine with us-say Tomorrow"
You wish it, I presume, otherwise you
would not name day."
He spoke slowly, as though pondering
over the matter.
OF course I do"
-And-Mrs. Dudley?"
All at once it flashed upon me that
George had said she hated this man. /
was, however, becoming used to my WIFE g
very forcible forms of expression; already
some of them had proved meaningless;
therefore, after moments hesitation, !
said:
Twill tell my wife have seen you, Doc
tor. You may expect note from her to-
sThanks," he said very heartily. 4I'll
accept your joint invitation with great
pleasure"
After this rode home, meditating deep
"; all recollection of the days sport van
ished. thought only of Dr.. Gascoigne.
I thought how, from the first hour OF
making his acquaintance, he had intert
ested and puzzled me. There was some
occult power in him that had compelled
me to regard him as no ordinary mortal;
and now, on meeting him again, felt O
kind of presentiment that somehow he
was going to be mixed up with my life.'
The idea was not altogether new to me; it
was merely the renewal Of family re-
ceived previous impression, with more
intensity.
On reaching the Grange dismounted in
the stable-yard, and, entering by side
door, made my way directly to the music
room, where George usually took her S
O'Clock tes.
.->she was singing-the first time for
weeks. Before could open the door she
ceased and male voice took up the air
"A voice not unknown to me-one that
carried my memory back some years. /
entered the room, for the moment unper-
ceived.
The man who was singing to my wife's
accompaniment stood by the piano. He
was . little man, looking younger than
his age, with light hair, parted down the
middle, and long, fair, curled mustache,
There was more Of the dandy about him,
and time had added blase air, but not
to be easily mistaken was my old acquaint-
ance, Charlie Hawks.
-Ha! Here's our sportsman, here's our
country Squire, the boss Of the Grange,
he exclaimed, shaking my hand as though
he would shake it off. Thanks, thanks,
Q ole fler, he continued, hardly waiting to
hear my words Of welcome. Surprised
to see me, eh? Returning from run
down in Scotland. Never thought Of
you till the train neared Waxhsm Sta
ton. Then-by Jove! quite an inspira-
tion, wasn't it?-I sprang onto the plat
form, hauled out my baggage. and drove
here. Sent in my card. Old friend Of
husbands. Good that? See?"
Il sent to the station for Mr.. Hawks
things, and assured him you would wish
him to stay" said George, her eyes spark
ling with fun and merriment.
You've got as much go in you as ever,
Hawks-"I was beginning.
More, my dear fler, more. But don't
talk Of go to man who's just come, and
wants to stay couple of days. I've
crossed the Herring Pond since last saw
you. Jack. Got my ideas expanded, picked
Not few Yankeeisms, Charlie, sug-
gested.
why, certainly"
His twang was inimitsble. and set both
George and me laughing Meanwhile
drank the tea my wife poured out for me,
then went upstairs to dress.
We were quite merry trio at the round
table, drawn near the fireplace in the large
dining-hsll. Charlie told travellers tales
with gusto, listened, and George seem
cd amused. 1t was not until my wife left
the dinner-table that I recollected my
tDIOmlb6 " tuo DOClOE- Will o NORe Va
apology to my guest followed her from
the room.
George" said I, coming up with her as
she was entering the MUSHROOM, Il want
you to write note to Gascoigne. Will
you, dear?"
Sho turned with q suddenness thai
startled me:
ITO Dr.. Gascoigne7 Why?" she asked,
excitedly.
Because saw him to-day, and asked
him to dine with us tomorrow. want
YOU to indorse the invitation"
He did not say he would come, thenf'
she inquired, with some apparent anx'
iety.
4 told him You would most likely write
10 him this evening"
You wish him to come, Jack?"
%, YES, of COURSE" ! answered. looking
at her in surprise, ana wondering why she
should put such question: 49,,
She crossed over TO table on Wh!ct
we're writing materials and sat down be-
fore it. felt puzzled by her manner
and stood Watching her as she dipped I