The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-01-17

cannot consent to the place being entered
after being so long sealed. AS 1t is, take
nv word for it and be satisfied. 1t is
merely vagary Of the brain, an optical
delusion, something better to be for
gotten.
DR.. Elfenstein said no more, but in
wardly resolved to pay surreptitious
visit there, if not O permitted one, as
this mystery he determined should be IN
raveled.
As he rose to leave, he happened to
glance toward the young girl opposite to
him, and saw her head bent low over the
book she held, while sad and panied
expression had floated over her speaking
face.
Bidding them good-morning. he rode
away, wondering 1why Miss Ne7ergaiI
should have seemed 80 deeply moved?"
After the reading had concluded, the
baronet said he would excuse her further
attendance upon him, therefore she
started out for ramble over the grounds.
She had not gone far before she re-
gretted having done so, as she was joined
q short distance from the house by Rob
ert Glendenning, q man she instinctively
dislked.
This afternoon he seemed particularly
disagreeable, as he fell into his usual
patronizing way, only embellishing 1t oy
gross and fulsome f1attery.
The truth was this young man was
great admirer OF q pretty face, and from
the first look into Ethel's speaking eyes,
and upon her rare beauty. he had ac-
knowledged that ne had never seen q
person that so exactly met the standard
of the beautiful he had raised in his soul.
But her proud bearing in his presence,
her shrinking from his approach, gave
such evidence of her dislike that he felt
irritated, and consequently determined
to annoy her in every way possible dur
ing her stay at the Hall, through spirit
Of teasing.
This fattery, he saw at once, was ut
terly distasteful, therefore persevered In
its use.
20 my dear Miss Nevergail, the fates
certainly have befriended me, this time!
To think that should have met thus
your beautiful self, just as you start on
ramble, is too fortunate for belief
Which direction shall be 60, for at once
constitute myself your devoted attend
ant?"
"Mr. Glendenning, you will excuse me,
If l decline your services. 1 came out
for q quiet walk by myself, and there
fore shall not certainly trespass upon
your time"
pardon me. my angel, my time is Of
no consequence at ali. must insist
upon accompanying you, as could never
allow so lovely lady to stroll around
without q protector.
"Sir," said Ethel, now really Icing
patience, "there is no danger certainly
to be met with in your uncle's grounds
But since you aver otherwise, I shall in
stantly return"
So saying, the young girl wheeled
about, and began rapidly to retrace her
steps.
aYou will do no such thing" was the
insolent reply, as Robert sprang to her
side, seized her hand, and drawing it
firmly under his arm, held it tight, and
thus drew her back to the walk. "When
propose walking with charming girl,
I usually do It..
whether your presence prove agree
able or no?"
aWhether my presence prove agreea-
BILE or no."
@Sir, release my hand. have no de-
sire to 60 further. I shall merely add
that your presence is disagreeable, and
your words of f1attery almost insulting"
Notwithstanding that, my dearest
girl"
II am neither your dearest girl nor
your angel and you have no right to
address me in that style. I am your
uncle's secretary and amanuensis, and
am here merely to carry out his wishes,
and work, not to be attended by you
in any way whatever" returned the
indignant Ethel, once more disengaging
her hand, and retreating toward the
house.
"Miss Nevergail, go, since you are so
determined, but remember, although you
decline my frienship, nothing you may
do will provoke my enmity, and before
many days you will spend hours in my
company voluntarily"
Ethel made no answer, and the next
moment re-entered the hall, leaving the
chagrined youth to his bitter reflections
ITo BE CONTINUED