The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-01-31
CHAPTER XVI.
A NARROW ESCAPE.

The next afternoon Ethel felt that she
could safely start to the village to make
a few purchases for herself, as at the
lunch table Robert had told Lady Con-
stance he should leave homeat two that
afternoon to visit young friend, and
should remain awAy until noon the next
day.
Longing, Is she did, for another hours
freedom from the sick ROOM, she inward
" rejoced at the tidings, and with a
lighter heart than usual, passed down
the ramble and through the Dorter's gate.
As she had not ventured beyond the
grounds of the Hall since her arrival,
except on this afternoon before, she did
not know in which direction the places
of business lay; therefore, seeing Sandy
Staples, the lodge-keeper's son, just be-
yond the place, she stopped and in
ouired of him.
"Oh, yes; / can tell you, certainly.
Go straight forward, pass DR.. Elfen-
STEMS cottage, when you will come to
grove of willows; pass that, and then
the railroad track; and about one quar-
ter of a mile beyond you will see row
of houses; that is the commencement OF
the real village proper, and there you
will find several stores"
Thanking the boy, Ethel opened once
more her parasol, for the afternoon was
warm and sultry, and followed the path
pointed out.
When she reached the cottage her
eyes wandered over its small flower
bordered garden, its pretty vine-covered
porch and open windows, with their
bowed blinds, just revealing the dainty,
cool-looking lace curtains within, that
waved back and forth. gently in the
faintest of all breezes.
"How differently DR.. Elfenstein i'm
presses me, with his manly bearing, his
open countenance. and kindly eyes, even
though his manners are reserved and
quiet from that vain, egotistical Robert
Glendenning, she thought.
81 cannot understand exactly why de-
test that person so thoroughly, nor why
l admire the yo ing physician so much.
One thing, perhaps, influences me; al
ways loved usefulness in man; DR..
Elfenstein labors for the welfare of 9th
ers; young Glendenning is an idle spend
thrift, living merely to crafty the pleas
ures of his own handsome self. One,
constantly doing good, the other-I
should Judge by his looks and acts
evilly disposed, and reckless in all his
ways"
While thus thinking, she passed the
willow grove and the railroad track, and
soon reached the stores, where the pur-
chases were made to her entire SatiSfac-
ton.
Then she retraced her steps, walking
slowly, in order more fully to enjoy a
cooler breeze that was springng up; but
as she neared the railroad she quickened
her steps, for she knew that a train was
nearly due.
Soon the place was reached, and in
stepping over it to her horror She found
the heel of her shoe fastened tightly IN
one of the frogs.
With desperate haste she strove to
loosen it; in vain! Every struggle only
made it, as it seemed, more firmly
wedged.
Hark! what was that runbling?
With pallid lips and trembling form
she heard a distant whistle Gell OF the
swiftly coming train.
In despair, she stopped to unbotton
the shoe; but it was new one, and
therefore hard to manage, while her
treD bling fingers sought to undo the
fastening, but she found them powerless
to accomplish the task.
On, on came the engine.
She could feel the rails vibrate with
their motion, and still her foot was fast,
and she could not move.
Then, one wild Shrek Of terror rang
ont upon the air, and even before it died
away mans feet came running TO the
spot.
aBe calm! I will save you! Do no,
struggle-stand perfectly still" said q
voice in her ear.
On came the cars: even then they
could be seen in the distance.
One moment more anG she would be
under the fearful wheels: but a strong
hand caught the foot. wrenched open
the buttons, then, as the hot breath OF
the engine was almost upon her, she was
drawn from the perilous position, and
knew no more.
When she opened her eyes she was ly-
ing on the green grass, short distance
from the spot, while her head reclined
upon some gentleman's shoulder, and
the same person was gently tanning her
with folded newspaper.
! .nnlrinr oh ha