The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-04-15
A W0MAN'S
INFLUENCE,
CHAPTEn L
MARiARET.

CHAPTEn
MAPiAREr.
On the afternoon OF day early IN
April two ladies were driving along
Level country road.
One was evidently stranger to the
place and it's surroundings, for she OBJ
served the scenery with curious inter-
est, and frequently questioned her COM
paniop about the persons and residences
they passed. The other, who drove the
handsome bays with an unmistakaoie
air Of proprietorship, was an old resi-
dent.
Size had found her way to this small
but pretentious town some years before,
and, building handsome home, hao
since devoted her energies, supple
mented by the magical influence OF
money, to gaining an entree into its ex.
elusive society.
Both were deep in conversation. when
a turn in the road brought them face to
face with young girl riding.
Mrs. Downs was in the act OF check
ing her horses, but the newcomer, as
though quite unconscious Of any such
intention, nodded indifferently and
rode on.
-The proud piece" commented the
slighted lady, endeavoring to hide hel
cbagrin.
who is she?" questioned her CON-
papion, glancing after the rider with
some curiosity.
Miss Leigh. You remember ]
pointed her home out few moments
ago.
"Ah! Then she's the heiress?"
"Yes, an heirness now, though year
ago she was poorer than her own cook.
! never could tolerate her, but man
age to keep up a show OF friendship.
She'll be one of the leaders Of society
here when she gets rid OF her mourn
ing"
The speaker concluded this remark
with very visible frown. She was
forcibly reminded Of her own doubtful
position and her inability to disregard
any person or thing that could con-
tribute to her social advancement.
Annexation was indeel o burning
question with her. and while she found
her dollars an important ally, her lack
of a presentable grandfather was decid-
edly drawback in the furtherance OF
her ambitious aspirations.
A graceful rider and quite pretty
girl" remarked her companion, break
ing in upon these unpleasant refiec-
tions. Where did she get her money!"
From her uncle. The case is alto
gether peculiar. 1t seems that her
father was disinherited for marrying
contrary to his fathers wishes, and her
uncle, being the only other child, came
in for all the property. A fortunate
thing for him, as you say, though, ap-
parently, he had some scruples about
enjoying his good fortune, for his father
was scarcely buried before he began to
search for his brother.
Yes, he found him dying, believe, in
some obscure California town. Miss
Leigh came to Elmwood. That was
five years ago, and now she has inherit.
ed all Of her uncle's money. He died
last October, and his son-"
Ills son! You don't tell me he has a
SON"
HE certainly has. am not surprised
at your astonishment. 1t seems almost
impossible that father could enrich
niece at the expense of. q son, yet that
Is what Mr.. Leigh has done.
THE young man gets something, OF
course. Two thousand year, believe.
A small sum in comparison with the
whole"
"A very unusual case. Perhaps he
intends the young people to marry
Perhaps, but as they have never seen
each other, the result is scarcely prob
able. The son has been in Europe for
the last five years. He was considered
quite Wild I am told, and he and his
father quarreled frequently. No doubt,
that fact had come connection with tho
terms OF the VIII, but, think there was
undue influence somewhere
With this broad accusation the subject
was allowed TO drop. Meanwhile the
object of these remarks was pursuing
her way homeward.
Mrs. Downs companion had called
her pretty, but the we'd scarcely did
her justice.
Her face, while lacking perfection Of
feature, was singularly winning and at
itractive. If the mouth were a trile
broad, the full red lips with their ex-
preston, half pleading, half imperious,
made ample compensation. If the nose
deviated from the straight and perfect
line, the fault was forgotten in the clear
contour of the beautifully nodded brow,
the liquid depths Of the clear gray eyes,
and the sweet personality beaming from
the expressive countenance. :,
Absorbed in thought of an unpleasant
character, as evidenced by her very per-
ceptible frown, she rode on, quite lost to
her surroundings, until her horse,
through force of habit, rather than the
guiding hand Of his mistress, turned
Into broad elm-lined avenue, and she
looked up in some surprise to find her.
self at home.
Ten minutes later she had divested
herself Of her riding habit, and made
her way to her sitting-room. A bright,
cheerful apartment whose tasteful fur
nishing revealed something Of the indi-
viduality Of it's owner. :;
i was sure I should find you here,
she said. approaching the old lady es-
tablished before the glowing fire, and
laying her cool hand against the warm,
smooth cheek. I'm afraid I shall have
to assert some authority. You should
be enjoying this delightful weather,
Miss Hilton"
Il dare say should, was the agree
able reply, but you see I'm lazy, my
dear. I've had a nice nap. Did YOU
ride alone, Margaret"
Yes. except Tor my thoughts. l had
whole hest Of them for company.
Really, I'm as cross as bear.
Il am sorry 10 hear it. What have
you been thinking Of"
-Oh, everything. Papa, grandfather,
snd-yes, and this hateful money"
Hateful, Margaret? Then you don't
h Il t.. = Il