The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-01-31
D.. .Elf6lsteil' Mission
4 Remarkable Romance.
BY EMILY THORNTON.
CHAPTER Xv.-Continued.

CHAPTER Xv.-Continued.
Not a word was spoken by either, al
though, to her dismay, Ethel found that
he kept perseveringly by her side.
AS they emerged from the woods,
Robert grasped her arm firmly with one
hand, while with the other he produced
from his pocket q pistol, which he in
stantly pointed at her.
"Now, Miss Nevergail," he said, "you
stand still and hear what ! have to say,
or take the consequences.
Then, seeing that she turned deadly
pale, he added, quickly:
II do not intend to harm you, II you
keep perfectly quiet, but do intend to
show YOU that I am master of the sltua-
ton at this time. You need not look
round for assistance, for assure you no
soul comes this way ut this hour"
~Robert Glendenning," at last issued
from the girls pale lips, "put up that
pistol instantly, and allow me to pursue
nv way unmoleSted. Sir Reginald re-
auires my presence Immediately"
$50 do l, and, what is more, intend
to have it, so he must wait. Do you see
that horse and Dhaeton behind those
trees? They arc there expressly to take
you riding. ] ask you, therefore, po-
1itely, will you favor me with your com
pany?"
mo, SIR"
HYes, sir, you mean. IF you do not
mean it, it makes no difference, as ride
with me you will. Go forward now at
once to that conveyance, and let me as
sist you in. ] assure you / will bring
you back to the Hall in good season.
Go on; I am determined you shall
obey mel"
These words he enforced by planting
the cold mouth of the weapon against
her forehead.
Now this pistol, though it looked
formidable, was not loaded, and he knew
It, but for the sake Of carrying hts point
heintended to fully frighten her into com
plying with his strange wish
But Ethel was brave girl, and though
pale, she never even Shuddered.
Fixing her eyes fearlessly on his, She
said in q firm, stern voice:
"If you think it manly or wise to shoot,
shoot away! But will not stir one step
toward that phaeton,"
Thrusting the pistol quickly in his
pocket, the young man sprang toward
her so suddenly that she could not de-
fend herself, and claspinS her slight
form tightly in his strong arms, he lifted
her at once to the waiting conveyance,
placed her in it, then leaping to he- side.
seized the reins and drove rapidly on,
while the poor girl was in almost faint
ing condition from displeasure and fright.
After few moments Of intense still
ness, broken only by the clatter OF the
horses hoofs, as he bounded on, Robert
turned to her with laughing triumph IN
his eyes, and exultingly exclaimed:
@You see, my charming young friend,
that when l say will do thing in
tend to de- it. Now decided this after
noon to have you for q companion on
little drive, and here you are, seated
cozily by my side, while we are dashing
away in grand style. Confess now, is not
this just splendd?"
~It is not Sir, think your conduct
nngentlemanly and cruei in the ex-
treme!"
aNot at all! assure you, regard you
rs the cruel one, when you declined to
favor me with your company. Why you
treat me so strangely is an enigma. You
ought to feel honored to be allowed to
ride with so weiI-known, wealthy and
kind-hearted q man"
ut is no honor, sir, but a deep insult,
to be thus forced to do what is disagree
able"
e. II suppose it would be very disagree
able also to have me kiss you"
"Sir!" was the indignant exclamation
that fell upon his ear.
@Well, disagreeable or not to you, it
would be extremely agreeable to me.
tell YOU candidly, would like to do it,
YOU are so sweet and beautiful, but ]
will refrain and deny myself that pleas
ure, if you keep perfectly quiet aud just
try to enjoy this ride while you have the
chance. II you do Motif you make the
least fuss, VOW will DO it,"
"You VOW you will kiss me, sir" quer-
led Ethel, looking stern!y in his laugh.
ing, saucy eyes as he spoke.
ayes! And you know me well enough
to believe mean what say. l see pis-
tolls make no impression upon your mind,
so will see what threatened kisses can
do. Let US understand each other, Miss
Nevergail. ] will not touch you. OF
make myself offensive in the least, If
you keep quiet and just enjoy this ride.
You may as well do so, for this horse
goes like lightning, and you could not
possibly escape, If you scream. as ! see
you are inclined to do, no one will hear
you, as this road is seldom used, and
there are no houses on it for miles. II you
do not wish to talk, ] will not teven speak,
but rest assured, if you make the least
movement, you shall instantly pay the
penalty by being kissed. Do you under
stand?"
Ethel made no reply. She realized
fully that the eccentric individua! beside
her had her in his power, therefore &C
knowledging tc herself that it was best
under TIE circumstances TO make no fur.
ther resistance, she sank back in hel
seat and remained silent and motionless.
Away they flew over the long anG
lonely road, passing brooks, ponds, trees,
rocks-indeed, everything but houses and
inhabitants.
During the whole drive not one word
more was spoken by either victor or van.
quished.
Ethel's face was deadly pale, however,
during the hour that ensued before the
head or the horse was turned 60me-
ward, while Roberts was illuminated by
. glow of intense satisfaction and tri.
umph.
When at length the shades of evening
began to gather, they once more nearec