The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-01-24
to tie matter, he had explained his
views to Ethel before Belle had entered,

to tie matter, he had explained his
views to Ethel before Belle had entered,
and was just saying:
"Do you think you could find Mr.. Per
kins for me and attend to this important
work, Miss Nevergail?"
81 do. understand your wishes per-
fectly now; so if you can direct me there,
I will 60 at once"
aYou had better not go around the
road. as the walk would be full mile
and half, but go from the rear of the
Hall and take short cut through the
fields. There will only be couple OF
bars to lower, and the path is direct and
plain"
aThen l will start at once"
ut will only take you until about S
o'clock to 20 and return. Please be as
quick as possible in getting back, as
shall need you by that time. You un-
derstand, I wish you to hurry. I never
like person to loiter when send them
upon an errand.
u will certainly return as quickly as
possible" returned Ethel, as she left the
room to prepare for her walk.
This, as said, was Bellies opportunity.
Seeking Robert at once, therefore, she
Informed him of the errand Ethel had to
transact for Sir Reginald, and his strict
Injunction that she should hasten back
to his side.
aHe told her the whole work could be
accomplished by five o'clock. Now,
Robert, I think 1t would provoke him
greatly If she were detained until seven.
Can you not Intercept her on her return,
and manage to keep her away?"
ayes, indeed. It will be splendid fun.
will do It. II cannot keep her in any
other way ! will force her into phaeton
and take her off upon.s ride"
"Do; then will inform his lordship
that she was seen riding with some
strange young man."
"Ha, ha! good; and II she says it was
this chap, will deny it in full"
@And I will come in to prove an alibi.
Where will you meet her?"
sJust the other side of the Perkins
wood. / will have horse and phaeton
waiting on this side. There is a wood
mans road there that leads to the main
road; we can take that, and have jolly
long ride. But shall have fuss to get
her into the vehicle, expect; however,
/ shall manage it some way, never fear"
Laughing gayly over the fun in pros
pect, the two separated to put IN force
the mischief they had brewed.
Poor Ethel left the house without q
suspicion of what awaited her; glad, In
fact, that she could thus enjoy q stroll
after the confinement of that close, hard
day.
The way was perfectly direct, but she
saw at once that it was lonely, though
very beautiful.
Crossing several fields, she at length
entered quite dense wood, but small
path had been cut directly through, and
the whole way was wild and full OF in
terest-
The atmosphere was made delicious
with a woody, spicy fragrance from
mints and woodland treasures Of all va
rieties, and the whole combination was
30 new to her experience that she really
enjoyed every step Of tho long walk.
Arrived at the place she sought she
found Mr.. Perkins at home, and soon ex-
planned the cause of her visit, and trans
acted the business with which she had
been intrusted.
This completed, she turned her face
homeward.
Ali went well with her until she ap-
prQached the woods;
At the entrance she found, on consult
ing her watch, that it was quarter past
four.
u shall reach the Hall just about FIVE, "
she thought, "and so please Sir Reginald.
would not have liked being late, after
what he said"
Suddenly she was startled by sound
at her side, then, to her surprise and
chagrin, Robert Glendenning stepped
directly in her path.
my dear Miss Nevergail, this is de-
lightfn meeting in q delightful place.
Where may your curiosity have taken
you to?"
"My curiosity, Mr.. Glendenning, took
me nowhere. I have merely been to
transact q matter of business for Sir
Reginald, and am now On my way home.
Being in q hurry, / would be glad to
pass on"
"Not so fast, not so fast, my pretty
girl (don't shudder so-you know you are
pre:ty); surely you will linger awhile in
this romantic place, now that you have
some one to enjoy the beauties Of the
wood with you?"
"No, Mr. Glendenning, was the dig
nifed reply; ~ cannot linger a moment
Sir Reginald desired my immediate re-
turn, and l cannot keep him waiting"
"Nevcrtheless, my sweet creature, he
will wait: for you cannot return just
now, as intend for once to fully enjoy
your society,""
So saying, the bold young man at
tempted to take her hand, to draw it
under his arm.
Snatching it instantly away, Ethel
fixed on him stern look, and ordered
him to stand aside.
Not needing her in the least, he impu-
dently slipped his arm around her waist,
exclaiming:
"Perhaps you would like this way Of
walking better. 1t makes no difference
to me-"
Shaking of his arm, Ethel pushed him
aside Indignantly, then with rapid steps
praoco1 npuor9