The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-04-03
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PLEASURES OF THE CHASE.


THE PLEASURES OF THE CHASE.
The Sporting Gazette Of Stafford ad-
vertised the meet of the hounds at
Dormant few weeks afterwards.
Hal Crecy, being Master Of the Fox
Hunt for his county, and an ardent
sportsman, was in his glory, and pre-
sided over the hunt breakfast, taken at
daybreak in his hospitable hall, with the
jolliest air imaginable
Quite party were staying in the
house, and many came from distant
points of the borough; not only mascu-
limo huntsmen graced the board, but
many dainty drawing-room queen was
there, transformed into daShing Diana,
in busness-like habits and hunting caps,
their beauty shining out all the fairer
for the severity of their costumes
Merrion Rae was splendid to-day in
her Lincoln green, heavily frogged
across the elegant bust in military style,
with her darkling glances and rich, red,
laughing mouth; Auberon was by her
side, clear-eyed and radiant, as usual,
and frankly amused with all her bril-
liant sallicS.
Lcveday was not present; she would
join the company as they passed the
Pavilion; she always went to the hunt
under Squire Crecy's special care, and
skinned along by his side like spirit
ualized shadow wherever he led.
Accrington was not present either;
he had never intruded into Dormant
again; but he was the theme of conver-
sation now, and every one seemed to
have something interesting to say about
him.
He was determined to be q power In
Stafford, said the gentlemen; there was
no doubt about it, he meant to stand for
the next election, he was setting every
thing in trim; and with his wealth and
push, his popularity and finesse, Edgar
Arden was like to find him a tough an
tagonist. Could Inchcape know how
hard he was working? He ought to
summon his heir home to look after his
interests; it would be an ugly disap-
pointment to Inchcape if Arden was to
lose the election.
Meanwhile the ladies were discussing
the magnifcence of Sheldrak Castle.
which Colonel Accrington had pur-
chased and was now fitting up for
immediate Occupation. They thought
lie only wanted wife now to be perfect
"a lady wife, who would play the host
esS successfully, and use her influence
on the right side always-that was what
Colonel Accrington must get at once.
And then some one sent a whisper
rcund, which blanched Mrs. Crecy's
cheek when it came to her, and she en-
phatically contradicted it.
@Oh, it's true, assure you, whatever
Mrs Dellamere may give out" insisted
lady, laughing; nobody could see the
look in his eyes when they rest upon
her, and not discover that the attaches
inscrutable heart was taken captive at
once. And he is furnishing q boudoir
with peach blossom color; he has had it
frescoed with nympbs and cupids sport.
ing among the flowers-a love poem in
paint; what does that portend?"
"a wife, perhaps, yet not that wife,"
returned Mrs. Crecy, anXiously. :
"Peach-blossom ana goIden hair, ana
every nymph Loveday." whispered
the gossip, with great zeSt; for 1t was
generally guessed that Mrs Crecy and
Mrs. Dellamere would have been well
pleased to see their children marry.
AS Mrs Crecy turned away she met
the earnest eyes Of Auberon fixed Ques-
tioningly on her; he saw her trouble,
and longed to learn the cause. An idea
occurred to her; she would confde this
miserable rumor to Auberon, and con-
fess her knowledge Of Accrington's 8
baseneSs.
Auberon might save Loveday II she
was in danger.
A few moments afterward the party
broke up and scattered to their horses
Mrs. Crecy beckoned her son to follow
her to her own room, and there, in a
| few hasty yet Succinct words, she made
him comprehend the character of Ac-
crington, and Loveday'S peril, should
he really be trying to win her.
u felt that he was basel" cried Au-
bcroa; "at the touch of his hand the
| blood in my veins seemed to shrink
backward, and in the glance of his eye,
however bland or smiling, an inScrutable
spirit lurked behind the smile. Yet
Loveday likes him
Mrs. Crccy was silent; fain would she
have read his mind about that sweet
girl whom she had always pictured as
her future daughter: but she would not
ask a confidence which was not volun'
teered; and Auberon pondered silently.
HHe will be at the hunt to-day, hear,
said he, at last. 81 shall do my best fol
little Loveday, mother. How Is it THAI
Loveday can care for him? Is thore no
saving instinct, then, for pure women?"
at must be mistake" faltered Mrs.
Crecy, with quivering lips; "save her,
Auberon. oh, my boy. save her! you
can"
He started, and flashed keen glance
at her; the suggestion seemed to come
upon him like an e'ectric shock. Soon q
faint, very sweet smilo crcpt about the
corners Of his mouth, and his eyes
Shone.
u wonder if I really can?" said he,
dreamily; II would like to know"
A long bugle call sounded the sum-
mons for the start.
Mother and son kissed each other
tenderly. and he bounded down stairs
and out among the animated company
What fine sight it was!
Beautiful equestriennes and their cav
alters, mounted on fiery horses, thun-
dered along the avenue, followed by the
dogs and their keepers; it was early yet;
splendid hunting weather, for faint
south WIND blew and the sky was cloudy,
and as they streamed over the clean
shaven champaign lawn outside the
| Dormant gates, satisfaction was visible