The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-01-20

Yes. But I have begun to doubt 1t, or
| would not have come here to meet you
now. I came to tell you that-on Satur-
day. entered the sitting-room to bring
something I had forgotten, and saw
saw-you understand"
What do you mean? Why do you
speak of this?" I asked, making an insane
attempt to laugh.
because what I saw should not have
been, unless"
Edna"
Don't. Please don't make it more diff
i 6cult for me. Oh, the pain of 1.-THE
pain Of it. I was about to say-when You
stopped-that what I saw should not
have been unless-unless there is more
between you and Miss Hargreave than"
kept silence. For some seconds we
walked on thus. I was in q false position.
I could not defend myself without con-
Tossing the truth, and that I must not do.
please answer me-" at length she
pleaded. DO you wish to marry herr"
You are right-as you always are. 1t
| should not have been unless
But YOU will not ask her yet? You
would not-could not-be SO rashl A
few days acquaintance only! She is 30
beautiful. I can imagine q man admir-
ing her immensely. But you must take
time to make quite sure you love her and
she is-worthy Of your love. Promise
you will take time-only promise you
will take time!"
And this from Edna Lynton, who, six
years before, had coldly, heartlessly.
| after encouraging my love, refused it!
Women are indeed strange beings, whom
We moor men strive in vain, sometimes,
to understand.
why do you exact this promise from
me?" I asked, gently, and stood still. We
had reached the lodge gates, as 1 saw by
the faint glimmer Of the lamps above
them. Am I to believe that at last you
care whether I am happy or miserable?"
Believe what you like; but wait"
And with her hand on mine, standing
out there in the fog and darkness of that
cold November night, I promised what
she asked-that I would do nothing
rsshly, that I would take time to consider
things, and wait. Her face I couldnot see,
but her hand trembled, and I know she
was strangely moved. We separated
within the gates. There was q sob in
her voice as she said goodnight.
7 walked very slowly up the avenue
after this. What did she meanP Why
| should she concern herself III my affairs?
Was it possible she knew anything
apainst-No, no! That was entirely
out of the question to be thought Of.
George Hargreave was all the world to
me-my love, my ideal, my incompatible
/ uueen! 7 almost wished this encounter
with Edna had not taken place..
It revived a past which was best-far
best-forgotten. Even now, when I
believed the old love not only dead but
supplanted, the mere sound Of her voice,
the touch of her hand, her apparently
newly awakened interest in. my welfare,
brought back a host Of old memories, OF
tender recollections, that -.
But pshaw! Why waste time to write OF
them? They all vanished like mists be-
fore the SUI when I saw Georgle-.When
she came forward to meet me In the
splendor Of her magnificent beauty.
We were alone. I took her In my arms,
and, giving myself over to the force OF q
passion that overwhelmed every. other
feeling, I swore to her I loved her as
never woman had been loved.
Some days went by. One evening. on
my return from town George inquired
archly, You must be growing tired OF be-
ing my lover. How much longer DO you
think you can play the part-a week." i.
Till I become your husband, too,
George. I am afraid. however, that will
scarcely be-in o week" I answered, with
SIGH.
IT am not so sure Of that. she said,
with playful mock occurrences. But
here comes mother. / will leave you
for O few minutes together while she e1-
plains"
George disappeared beneath the por-
there as her mother entered.
ITO BE CONTINUED