The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1895-11-22
tered "Confound it!" and hurried

genealogy will appreciate Reginald
Van Swelium's thoughts and his posi-
ton. There is no older nor prouder
family on all Manhattan Island than
the Van Swcliums. Three of the name
were members OF the Governor S Coun-
Gil in the early days of New Amster-
dam. They had possessed many 1ne
cabbage patches on the outskirts of
the settlement which still remain in
the blood of the family. Twenty story
buildings rear their ugly heads where
once the good Van Swellums dug, hoed
and weeded when not busy with the
affairs of State. Reginald Van Swell
lum was not the brainiest of his line,
fact of which ne was perfectly aware.
In consequence of this knowledge he
wisely refrnined from entering any
business or profession, not wishing to
imperil tie fruits of his ancestors
industry. He was not energetic, and
not being energetic, did not care tor
society. 1t bored him. 1t was easier
to read about it, comfortably settled
in an easy chair before bright, cosy
fire, with pipe in his mouth. His
mother was a widow, who lived quiet
life between her old house on lower
Fifth avenue and her comfortable
place up the Hudson. To have her son
safely and properly settled was her
sole care. She had chosen for him
Angelica Billions. To be sure, Miss
Billions's family on her fathers side
was not all that could be desired, but
then there was money. and that covers
q multitude of sins. The only draw
back to the match was Reginald. But
doubtless he, too, would have sue
cnmbed if it had not been for the
clumsy Italian on the elevated train
who discovered to him more charm
ing prospect in life.
Van Swellum's sensibilities were
shocked by his ideals connection with
the Ruination Dyeing Company. He
felt that his blood called upon him to
forget, and for tho next few weeks he
busted himself with the work Of for
getting Us he mad never busled himself
1T anything before. Fe would fix his
favorito armchair before the fireplace,
in which the logs crackled right mer-
rlly, and with pipe in his mouth
would cpicavor to lose himself ~
some stirring novel. BY and by the
book falls ftum his hand and he is
gazing absertly into the cloud Of grey
smoke curling up from the bowl.
What is that in the depths OF the
thick whirling cloud? A blue curtain.
Van Swellum leans forward and gGZes
intcntly. Black letters arc forming
there. Now they stand out clearly
and boldiy-A Fatal Love. A smile
of content spreads over his counte'
nance, fer nov the blue veil is lifting
and 2 Sreyet face beams on him from
tL loud. He starts. The smile
ees lover tine fair face with its
}aepe Il rich hair more letters are
crow He reads: The Euination
Dyeins @mpany.
..Geo4!| he called. His man ap.
ne Lrsdthat new grey spring suit in
a. bag for me. No. Just the trous-
ers They'll do"
George looked surprised.
YOU'D better let ne attend to what
you want, sir. / can help you"
Il wish you could, my dear man;
but you can't"
A few minutes late he was hurrying
along Sixth avenue. He came to
halt in front OF tho shop and looked
in. She was behind the desk. He
hcsitated moment; then entered res
olutely and threw his bag upon the
counter. She hurried to wait on him,
and, as their eyes met, started. She