The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-04-24
had wrought such q revolution In his
natnra as only the afflicted know

had wrought such q revolution In his
nature as only the afflicted know
The spring OF his mind was broken; no
longer could he hope or love or trust at
will. The cruel whisper of g sad ex-
perience was ever at his ear reminding
him that he had been betrayed
Edgar saw that, although Lady Inch
cape's story had moved him to the
depths OF his heart she had not yet
gained the victory; proof was needed
lie counted the hours to Sircombe's ar
rival.
He remained for some time with the
Earl, and his whole talk was Of Sleat-
ma -Vrecken. Lord Inchcape listened
like one spell bound, saying little, but
never suffering the subject to be
changed.
Ulva was spoken of, but as child,
for her father had not seen her for two
years, and manlike, pictured her as he
had last seen her, without taking note
of time. Edgar guarded the sweet
secret of his own love loyalty; for he
was too highminded to utter his hopes
to Lord Inchcape at time when he was
sSuinR him under such deeD obligations
await" he thought, proudly; Hwhen
he is happily reunited to his beautiful
young wife, he may give me Ulva Of his
own free will, but this 10 not the time to
crave such favor"
That afternoon Edgar rode over to
Co!onsl Accrington's new purchase,
Castle Skeldraik. He was astonished at
the evidences Of unbounded wealth
which met him at every turn; he recog-
nized the strength Of his opponent more
fully, and his hopes Of compromise
sank.
A candidate with so much money at
command, could afford to laugh at his
forbearance-truly, it seemed as II he
could get on without it.
But he pushed forward with . grim
resolution to stand to his guns
Enquiring for the Colonel, he was in
formed by the gentlemanly footmsn
that his master was in his library, en-
gagged with his agent
"But he will see you, Mr.. Arden"
prophesied Hardy reverentially. @Just
step in here ono moment while I send
in" And he led the singular visitor into
superbly designed and arranged re-
ception room, and backed out, bursting
with curiosity as to the secret OF this
visit OF the rival candidate.
In very few minutes
ton himself appeared, calm, courteous
and inScrutable, and greeted Mr.. Arden
without Offering his hand (Which he per-
haps feared might be reiected).
Edgar Arden and Richard Accrington
had met several times in the course OF
their lives, but in such fashion that they
had never chanced to make each others
personal acquaintance; they knew all
about each other, and possessed many
mutual friends.
The present meeting was, therefore
easy and dignified; and the Colonel made
his political opponent very welcome to
his own house, referring with graceful
raillery to the professional rivalry be-
tween them.
aYou find me up to the eyes In elec-
tioneering business, and quite resolved to
rout the enemy" said he, laughing; "of
If that be impossible, as dare say 1t Is,
to give him hard fight for his victory
u am quite sure | should find Col. Ac-
crington foeman worthy OF my steel, II
I intended to dispute the field with
him." replied Edgar; and his tone and
steady gaze convinced Accrington that
eOueGuluB very pelsoudi iuuooo "os
coming. He resented the young mans
cold manner, and writbed consciously
under his condemning gaze. What! was
every young jackanapes who chose to
sit in Judgment upon him, and treat him
to mystifcations in this high-and-mighty
style?
"You don't intend to give in without
tussle sure?" drawled he, putting on his
delicately insolent manner
"Oh, don't do that, Arden; I should
have no pleasure in the affair if you al
low me to walk over the course in dreary
solitude. But, perhaps have misunder'
stood you: Inchcape hasn't failed you,
has hep I supposed Of course that you
had his support, and, I confess, rather
dreaded your power Speak out, sir,
don't be afraid; you have come to ask
me to do something or other, can set
that"
: II have, indeed" said Edgar briefly,
II have come to as you, as a gentleman
and a soldier, to do an act Of justice ia.
one who has suffered wrongfully for five
years."
rro RE cONTINrEDl