The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-05-02

for she treated him in no wise different
from the other gentlemen.
Jack Spofford and the foreigner enjoy
ed themselves without restraint Their
admiration for Miss Lyon was un-
bounded
Walter, who at first was in morose
hunor and anticipated to find the even
ing tedious in the extreme, felt strange
change come over him as the time rap
idly passed away. He did not spare the
wine, as was his custom, and this may
have had something to do with his SEN
sations. He gradually arrived at the
conclusion that Miss Lyon was q most
charming woman, and began to think
that Ralph's taste was not bad after all
If the presence of lady did not re-
strain Waiter from making the intimate
acquaintance Of the bottle, neither did
Count Hohenfels nor Jack think 1t nec-
esSary to apply the curb to their appe-
titeS. They were both accustomed to
the society of theatrical ladies, and knew
that most OF them allowed their male
acquaintance Q considerable latitude Of
department. The fact was that Miss
Lyon herself was not saverse to the joys
flowing from an indulgence in the noble
juice of the grape, andso 1t came about
that when the dessert was served, the
only member who DID not show the in
ausnce of claret and champagne was
Ralph. IN
Naturally, under these conditions, the
conversation, which had been lively from
the beginning, gradually BECAME almost
boisterous, and reached the utmost limit
of what is allowed in theipreseDce OF
women. Ralph alone did not parHcdp pate
in the loud mirth, and evidently wished
that the whole affair was over.
He did not all like the conduct Of his
fancee. Could she, after al, be no bet.
ter than he was told other actresses
were, given to sensual pleasures, without
stability and the power Of feeling deep
and lasting affection?
He would not entertain the terrible
thought for an instant Butbe was re-
solved to speak to Miss Lyon about the
matter in the morning.
Why did she talk 80 much to Walter?
True, he had by his silence given her Lit.
tie encouragement to address her con-
versation to him, yet she might be lit.
tie more considerate.
His brothers behavior, however, made
the Doctor simply indignant. Walters
face was flushed with the effects OF the
wine, he talked very much and rapidly,
and every word was addressed to Miss
Lyon. He endeavored to pay her one
compliment after the other. but he had
not the knack of delicate fsttery, and
his compliments were invariably Of a
rather coarse character. Nevertheless,
they evidently pleased the lady to whom
they were addressed.
Ralph had given her credit for better
taste.
Walter Warrtngham grew bolder and
bolder as he became more intoxicated.
He repeatedly seized Miss Lyons hand
and pressed it with unnecessary warmth
She withdrew it. but not with the repel-
ling energy that she might have en-
p!oyed, Ralph thought. He felt the
blood rush to his cheekn and was angry
at himself for it. He looked angrily at
his brother, but Walter did not notice it;
There can be 70 doubt about 1.-THE
young Doctor was Jealous.
The German nobleman and Jack Spof-
ford, after vainly attempting to make
the conversation general, had retired to
a corner of the table, and were eagerly
devoting themselves to the study Of the
contents of the bottles. The younger
Mr.. Warringham monopolized the con-
versation of Miss Lyon. The German
delivered lecture on the qualities Of
good Rhine wine, to which Jack listened
attentively, though he had already
passed the stage in which he could still
comprehend all that was said to him.
Miss Lyon was more vlvacious than
ever. Not with single word or the
slightest glance did she indicate her con.
sciousness Of the presence OF her future
husband.
She listened to the gross batteries OF
Walter Warringham.
The little supper party was not as
pleasant an affair as it ought to have
been.
Ralph sat in ominous silence. His
eyes wandered from Walter to Miss
Lyon and from Miss Lyon to Walter
The flush had left his face, and he was
very pale now. He rapidly drained sew.
eral glasses of champagne, and now, fo1
the first time in the evening, the infu.
ence of wine became perceptible in him
as in the others. His jealousy grew to
madness.
Walter at last lost all sense Of deli
cacy and propriety. Forgetful that she
was the intended bride Of his brother,
forgetful of the very presence Of Ralph
and the other gentlemen, he made an
attempt to kiss the handsome actress.
Up jumped Ralph with the. lightning
like quickness Of the tiger, and bis right
hand dealt q blow on his brothers cheek.
A curse escaped from Walters sur
prised lips. His hands involuntarily
clutched bottle that stood before him,
and he would have hurled it at Ralph,
but the Count interfered and held his
hand.
Miss Lyon rose from her seat. At the
instant when she saw Ralph Jump up, II
flashed through her mind what risks she
was taking. She was in danger Of
alternating her lover. That would
never do.
Now she took Ralph's arm and he led
her from the room.
Jack Spofford sat in his chair and
looked on with an expression Of utter
inability to comprehend what was going
on. It was ludicrous in the extreme, but
nobody had an eye for it.
When the Doctor and Miss Lyon had
gone, the Count succeeded in queting
Walter. But the latter and Mr.. Spofford
were very intoxicated. They were easily
persuaded to take rooms at the hotel.
Count Won Hobenfels went home alone
and wondered what the outcome of the
quarrel between the brothers would be
CHAPTER v.
A MARRIAGE.
When DR.. Warringham rose on ths