The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-11-02

would regret very mucn TO 1855 It; would
you therefore be so kind as to aid me?"
But how can II" replied Mrs. Denton.
i never interfere in politics, and that is
precisely what you ask me-.
Nevertheless, I pray you not to oppose
me-"
Why should oppose you?"
Great heavens, madam! you have a
right to be severe. My youth was little
dissipated. My reputation. in some re-
spects, is not overgood; I doubt not you
have heard SO, and cannot but fear 1t
has inspired YOU with some dislike for
me-"
MT. Leland, we live very retired here.
We know nothing of what passes in New
York II We did, this would not prevent
my assisting you, if knew how, for I
think that serious and elevated labors
ordinary habits."
1T is truly delicious thing" thought
the young man, to mystify 30 spiritual q
person.
Mrs. Denton, he continued, with his
quiet grace, Il join in your hopes, but
as you deign to encourage my ambition,
/ believe shall succeed in obtaining your
fathers support. You know him we'll.
What shall I do to conciliste him2 What
course shall I adopt? Because, cannot
do without his assistance. Were / to re-
nounce that, I should be compelled to
renounce my projects.
1T is truly difficult, said Clara, with .
reflective air, very difficult.
rs it not, madam"
There was in the voice Of Leland sucn
confidence and submission that Clara
Denton was quite touched, and even the
very devil himself would have been
charmed in the very depths OF hell.
Let me reflect on this little, she
said, and she placed her elbows on the
table, leaned her head on her hands, her
fingers, like fan, half shading her eyes,
while sparks of fire from her rings gilt
tered in the sunshine, and her ivory nslld
gently stroked her smooth brow.
Warren Leland continued to regard hei
with the same submissive and candid Air.
We'll, SIR" che said at last, smiling.
Il think you can do nothing better thar
keep on
BY persevering in the same system you
have already adopted with my father!
Say nothing to him for the present. Beg
Mr.. Sweetland, also, to be silent. Wait
quietly until intimacy, time, and your
own good qualities have sufficiently pre-
pared my father for your nomination. MY
role is very simple. I cannot, at this
moment. aid you without betraying You:
MY assistance would only injure you until
q change in the aspect OF affairs. foa
must conciliate him"
You overpower me-, said Leland; in
taking you for my conhdante in my am
bitious projects I committed blunder
and an impertinence which slight con-
tempt from You has mildly punished:
But speaking seriously, Mrs Denton, l
thank you with all my heart. feared to
find in you pow erful enemy, and ind
in you strong neutral, almost an ally.
4Oh, altogether an ally, however Be-
cret," responded Clara, laughing. am
glad tu be useful to you; as l like Mr..
Sweetland very much, I am happy to en-
ter into his views. .AhI There are Mil
dred and Edith, they are coming this way,
I think"
@Apropos, who is Miss Mildred LesterG
There is something peculiar about her;
but she is exceedingly beautiful, and she
interests me very much.
@Ah, she interests you! Well, I must
tell you ner StOry-sO Iar as IL is huo"a
to NE; indeed, for reasons of my own,
have had it in my mind to do 30 for some
days.'
Il shall be charmed to hear it.
You shall; but not to-day, see, they're
coming. Heavens! What's that?"
It was sudden rustllng IN the neoge
close behind them that startled her.
"A listener! A spy!" exclaimed Le-
land, springine forward and dividing the
bedge with his hands.
The next instant he uttered an excla-
nation Of astonishment.
His rapid action had revealed the
crouching form of an old man, with a
gray beard, dark flashing eyes, and firm,
white teeth.
The rag-pickerl". he cried. and q sem
sation of dread took possession Of him.