The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-12-13

she fitted out and in the state-room OF
her aunt, who seemed i'll and restless.
DR.. Elfenstein had not sought an intro
duction, as he knew the admiration ne
involuntarily felt, while she remained
unknown, might ripen into a warmer
feeling upon closer friendship.
Providence, however, had planned
differently, and had decided that these
two should be, at least, friendly.
One rough and stormy day was draw
Ing to close, when leaving the damp
atmosphere of the deck, where he had
passed couple of hours watching the
ieaden sky and the storm.lashed waves,
together with sca-gulls that SKINNED
over their surface, DR.. Elfenstein, in
passing TO his state-room, was startled
by low cry of dismay coming from the
room of Mrs. Nevergail, followed imme-
diately by the pale, frightened face OF
her niece, who, on seeing him so near,
exclaimed:
"Oh, sir, something dreadful is the
matter with my aunt. Do you think
there is a physician on board?"
u am one myself. My name is Ellen
stein, Of New York. Shall see her?"
"If you will be so kind"
Stepping inside, our young friend ad-
vanced Immediately to the berth, where
no found Mrs. Nevergail in fainting
condition, caused by extreme exhaus-
ton.
With the greatest sympathy, the Doc
tor instantly comprehended the situa-
ton, and turning quickly to his own state
room, reappeared with his small med
icine wallet, and at once app3ed proper
restoratives, which fortunately had the
desired effect, and soon the young girls
fears were calmed, and she had the
pleasure of again seeing her aunt COM
Portable for the time.
"You- aunt is better now, and think
immediate danger has passed. But l
will not deceive you; her case is beyond
human skill to cure"
u know it, Doctor, and she also is well
aware OF her condition. My uncle died
in New York few months ago, and in
taking care of him she contracted the
cold that has ended in consumption. Our
family physician, DR.. Munsey-perhaps
you know him as you also are from New
York-thought she might live to reach
the only relatives we have on earth, re-
siding in Liverpool and vicinity. She
was eager to return to her native land,
in order that I might not be left entirely
alone after she is taken away. Do you
think, Doctor, that she will survive until
our passage is madc""
II trust so. Good nursing often ac-
complishes moro than medicines. We
will do all VIC can, and perhaps the good
Lord will favor US with his blessing"
u pray that he may. 1t would be ter.
rible to have her die at sea, and all
alone with hcr, not a single friend near
to aid me-"
@Allow me to correct you, Miss Never
gail, for you see know your name. You
have one, surely, if you will allow me 70
be such to you. Anything / can do,
either as physician or friend, rest as'
sured shall be done"
"Thank you, / shall accept your
proffered advice and friendship grateful.
". The thought that I have one kind
friend on board this steamer, in this
emergency, is the greatest comfort.
"Our state-rooms are fortunately near
each other, so any time, by night or day,
that can be of service, do not hesitate
to inform me-" said the Doctor, as he
left the narrow quarters II will stop
IL again, in one hour, to see how she ap-
pears on waking"
One afternoon as Earle was stan ding
upon deck looking out upon the vast
ocean, he became Conscious That q light
step had approached and halted quite
near.
1t was Miss Neyergail.
While hcsitating TO consider whether
his presence would be acceptable to her,
an exclamation of terror startled him,
and glancing toward the spot where she
stood, he saw that she was striving to
steady herself, being dizzy from sudden
lurch of the steamer.
Springng to her side, le instantly
offered his arm, saying, Us she gratefully
accepted it:
"Allow me to assist you to more quiet
place, where motion will not be SO per-
oeptible."
Thank you," returned the young girl,
II suppose ought not to venture upon
deck alone, unused as I am to the sea-,
but ! am so completely fascinated by al
this restless scene. Aunt is sleeping"
II never look upon scene like this,
said Earle, thoughtfully, "without feel.
ing my own littleness, when compared to
the all-ruling hand that holds the billows
in its grasp, and rules the winds and
storms. BUTT seems quite calm again.
Will you not join me in promenade?
The fresh sea-breeze will do you good
after your confinement TO the sick-room
Of your invalid aunt"
Placing her hand once moro upon his
arm, the two turned and quietly paced
the deck, while an earnest and interest
ing conversation ensucd, which occupied
them for another half hour.
DR.. Elfenstein found his young COM
paaion an Intelligent and brilliant con-
versaLionalist. Where she was not an
awkward pause could ensuc, and tho
fascination OF her cultivated manners
imperceptibly we've feeling of intense
admiration around his heart, of which he
was ignorant, until too late 10 avert
what. had he realized the mischief it
would bring 10 future feelings, he would
have made it duty et once to supDrsss.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Co.,