The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-05-08
CHAPTER XVIII.
VI SHALL NOT FAIL YOU.n


That very afternoon, in spite Of Mrs
Dellamere's most anxious precautions,
Col. Accrington succeeded in obtaining
an interview with LovCday: and one
without witnesses.
So determined had he been to catch
the young lady alone that there is little
doubt that he had availed himself of the
services of spies, else how could he have
guessed that she was sauntering by her.
self in part Of her mothers grounds
far enough from the house to suit his
purpose perfectly?
Loveday had just parted from Auberon
at the Pavilion gate, and, too happy to
90 in at once, she had extended her stroll
until she found herself at the back WALL
where the sun shone warmly, and the
lime trees shut out the chill autumn
wind.
Here she paced to and fro for half
hour or 60, enjoying the warmth, the
solitude, and her radiant thoughts; and
little dreaming of the dark, iuscrutable
face which soon approached among the
trees, and watched her covetously.
She held toy pet-dog in her muff, its
pretty little snow-white head peering
out all ready to respond to its mistress
whispered condolences; her first suspicion
of an intruder was caused by the tiny
creatures suddenly quivering-eared
alertness and eager excitement She
looked round to see Colonel Accrington
approaching her, hat in hand, an ex-
preston of iron resolution on his unwel-
come face.
Now Loveday had learned enough
1nuar nf hat
day Of adventure, to turn all her gentle
heart to stone as far as he was concerned;
the day Of his magnetic power over her
was gone.
Edgar Arden, dreading the machina-
tions of such an unscrupulous man, had
ut length decided to arm the innocent
girl against his insidious influence, with
knowledge Of his true character; he
had therefore written simple state
ment that Colonel Accrington deserved
no regard from her or any honorable
person, as he was even at his present
time guilty of a wrong toward Lord
Incncape which he could repair, yet
would not.
Edgar forwarded this brief note to
Mrs. Dellamere, inviting her to make use
Of it on her daughters behalf as she saw
fit, but requesting the ladies to confine
the knowledge he had given them to
themselves.
Mrs. De!lamere had handed the note
to Loveday that very morning, for the
first time uttering all her own distrust
and indignation against the too diplo-
matte attache.
4, Imagine then the emotions Of timid,
girlish Loveday, when all at once her
terrible lover faced her In that lonely
place!
He was silent brooding bitterly over
the dismay and displeasure he read in
her eyes, and waiting for her first words
to show him how to manage the con-
ference.
She soon collected herself, indignation
giving her courage, and said, coldly,
II must bid you good-morning, sir; I
am on my way home" and would
have left him with formal bow, but he
placed himself at her side, saying,
firmly:
"M1ss Dellamere, I am forced to in
trude upon you thus or never see you
alone; forgive me, then; my despairing
love is stronger than /"
She stopped at that, crmsouing, in
duu ohpSnSo AS hi' euNoSiIJ'
@How dare you persist in speaking to
me upon that subiect?" cried she; you
know we'll that THAT Mr.. Crecy-"
"Have been tied to each other by your
respective parents-yes,M Miss Dellanere,
! know that" retorted Accrington, ois.
dainfully. "But have your own hearts
sealed the compact? How !org is it
since Auberon Creyy's affection for Ills
life. long playmate was that of brother?
A week ago he saw only Lady Merrion
Rae through loves golden glamour: and
you-what need have you Of half a
heart, while mine-a mans hearts,
bound to you by an eternal love?"
Il am satisfied with Auberon's, and
have no desire to exchange it for yours, I"
said the young girl, proudly.
"Ah, no, sweet soul; you little know
your own needs" exclaimed the Colon el
In the low fervent tones he had so often
Bubjugated proud spirits with before.
~lt-is no crude. boyish liking which will
satisfy nature like yours; no dreaming
mystic can long retain your warm young
living love!
"Give yourself to me; ! am strong and
patient, and to win is life-to lose, death
a 100 ! can teach You how to love me,