The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-02-27
CHAPTER VII.

ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR
"Iexpect to hear a good deal about
Colonel Accrington before old age makes
me deaf" graciously observed her grace
the Duchess of CariSbrooke to that faic
queen of mode, Mrs. Dellamere, on the
occasion of garden party held at her
villa in Stafford a few weeks after the
Crecy Festival "Ee is such sad dog,
they tell me, real vaurien," pursued
the dowager; "but what Of that? an at
tache must be all things to all men, and
he is born diplomatist. can see that
he intends to carry that borough over
young Arden's head-he had better re-
turn from his wanderings II he means
to represent Stafford. That would be
hard hit against the monastic Inchcape,
for he has set his. heart upon Edgar's
election. Well, to the victor belong the
spoils-I care not which wins!"
Mrs. Dellamere, who was supporting
the tottering steps Of her hostess
through the bright parterres Of autumn
flowers, crowded with brilliant guests,
drank in this eulogy Of her old-time
lover with q proudly swelling heart;
her tread grew statelier, her glance
swept around the gay scene more conf.
IDENTIFY. Alas, for woman's too constant
heart!
The Duchess villa was q mere doll
house, as befitted her lone and lorn con-
dition of widowhood, she said; but it
was surrounded by fine old gardens, the
pride of Stafford, and there she was fond
of holding grand reviews of the beauty
and fashion of the neighborhood. To-
day all our friends had assembled-the
CrecyS, DellamereS, mother and daugh-
ter-and not until they were some time
there, and no escape possible without
scene, did Colonel Accrington saunter In
among them on the arm Of his uncle and
present host, Rear Admiral Archerfield,
with his admirer Lucius Leicester In
close attendance.
Mrs. Crecy's pleasure was gone: the
wrath of wronged Engelonde 1nchcape
ever stood between her and Richard
Accrington; but as she only suspected
him, and had no proof against him. Sha
had not even opened her mind to her
husband, who accordingly ran to greet
their old acquaintance with beaming
cordiality. Auberon Crecy and Love-
day Dellamere, who had been engrossed
with their gay companions in some OF
the amusements provided. became aware
of his presence by o subtle magnetism
the moment he approached, and fol-
lowed his every movement with reluc-
tant consciousness.
Colonel Accrington affects me singu-
larly." whispered Auberon in LoVeday's
dainty soa-sheil ear. "what do you think
Of hin?"
Il don't know what, but I think q
great deal about him. and I don't know
why" returned she. with an impatient
little frown.. "Nobody ought to have so
much power over others, it is danger
Gus gift"
Auteron gazed earnestly upon the
fairy creature, so art!ess and SO igno-
rant, and said, imperiously:
"Beautifui littlo leopards arc not
proper objects for girls romantic
drcams-I won't have you going within
reach OF his velvet-sheathed claws"
"The only way to prevent it is to be
more fascinating YOURSELF" said Love-
Gay, moving away with g challenging
smile.
Meanwhile the Duchess was pursuing
her conversation with Mrs. Dellamere
with her usual malice prepenso
ado you know why nave taken up
Richard Accrington?"
Il dare not conjecture, If 1t Is not
from amiable courtesy to stranger"
replied Mrs. Dellamere, placidly.
"Ha, ha! l don't do things Tor moth
ing. / have Mcrrion Rae staying with
me this summer; she wants Auberon
Crecy. but intend him for-hem-for
somebody else. Mcrrion Rac's fine
girl, good blood, beauty, no money-she
shall have Richard Accrington, che"
She looked round at Mrs. Dclamere's
startled face, but caught nothing moro
interesting than that first twitch Of sup
pressed anguish, succeeded by COM
placent brow.
can excellent match, should say, 1"
observed she, with all the cpngealing
| grace Of finished manner; 1let US hope
the lady will prove docie."
"No fear or that, once Auberon
Crccy's booked for the other girl, !"
chuckled the ancient cynic. II hear
Accrington IS buying that fine old place
Sheldralk Castle, near Archertelds
barracks. Twas in the family genera
tions ago, you know, and was squandered
away by clever scoundrel just like
Dick. I'm going to have him restore 1T,
furnish 1t splendidly, and take his wife
| home He shall have tAe Rae, she's the
| handsomest thing of the season-every-
body's daughters excepted, Of course!'