The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-03-04

Truly 1ONeu d uau 40 ICS -, =,
pang of a sister. No, Blanche, like the
eyeless fish of the black waters OF some
subterranean lake, the glory OF tne sun
shine is lost upon you! love you Still,
dear Blanche. I always shall love you,
but you're not the woman l stand in
need of just at present. Many thanks
for the suggestion, but l never carry
copper coin in my portemonnale.
LETTER NO. Z.
SAME TO SANE.
Well, dear Blanche, it's all settled,
and settled, believe, by gracious and
all-wise Providence; which takes far
more interest in the affairs of this world
than such scoffers as you are would fain
admit. Now that it is all history. III
play the historian and give you plain
recital without word or comment. You
no doubt remember my telling you OF
the genuine friendship which sprang up
between Casimir and Rene. The more
they saw Of each other the more they
liked each other, and would you believe
it, was often obliged to send servant
the second time to call them when l was
waiting for their escort, so fond did they
become of each others society. One
morning, to my great surprise, Casimir
didn't make his appearance, although
the post brought both OF US letters.
When say both of US mean that there
was a letter for Rene. too, as he and
Casimir were to 60 hunting that after
noon.
The day was chilly, and there was a
fire burning on the hearth. Rene was
standing leaning Un the mantel when
the servant handed him Casimir's s let
ter. I took no note Of him I was so
eagerly deciphering my letter from
Casimir, who, by the way, writes awful
scrawls. The letter was very tender.
A sudden business engagement had
interfered to prevent his coming. II
was full OF those sweet nothings which
a woman so loves to get from the man
who is dear to her. wanted to press
it to nv lips, but I was ashamed-no,
unwilling TO hurt Rene's feelings SC
needlessly. But suddenly, as glanced
at him, 1 was startled by the change
that had taken place in his face. 1t was
as if his old ailment had come back
upon him, and I thought it had. He
was deathly pale, and his hands trem-
bled as he tore up Casimir's letter and
threw it into tho fire.
"Rene!" I exclaimed, springng. to-
ward him, you're i'll. Let me call one
Of the servants.
"No, no, cousin, he stammered; "its
absolutely nothing. I'll be better IN q
moment. Come to think, I'll 60 and
take some OF my medicine and join you
later"
The moment the door closed behind
him q strange chill came over me.
stepped toward the fire. There lay
Casimir's note, only half burned. An
irresistible impulse prompted me to
stoop and pick it up. What remained
uncharred read as follows:
"Old Chappie: You and-cruel indeed
intended to-sweetheart, but can't re-
fuse you-keep seat-beside the divine
Goiia.'
AsIread the words the cold perspira-
ton started out on my brow, my limbs
bent under me; came near falling. .
Great heavens, ] whispered, can /,
be possible that Casimir is decoyina
Rene to Paris? Oh, no, that would be
too terrible; it must be that in his haste
he has put the wrong letter in the en-
velope addressed to Rene"
Rene now made his appearance quite
himself again. I thrust the remnants
of the letter into my pocket and VIZ
went out for a ride. Once in the opeI
air his gayety and good humor came
hack to him. Once or twice l turned
the conversation to Casimir's failure Il
1.oo, bic an0aoemPnt
@Oh, cousin" said he, its OF no i'm
portance; we shall have him W-mor-
row"
After dinner we all strolled out on
the terrace, but after half an hour or SO
mamma and aunt complained Of the dew
and went in. Rene end 1 were LEI,
alone. The night was wonderously
beautiful. We talked OF many things
In stopping to pick up my fan his face
came so close to mine that l felt the
warmth of his breath on my cheek. Ou1
hands touched. 1t seemed as if the
world was slipping away beneath me-
that terrible letter burned upon my in.
ward sight in letters of fire. clung te
Rene's hand as if I were drowning and
it were held out to me.
Rene whispered, Rene, you re-
join your regiment next week; we may
never see each other again. Have you
nothing to say to mc?"
Yes, yes. cousin" he replied, speak.
ing with great difficulty. "Casimir viii
make you very happy. God bless yor
both" And springing up, he seized me
by the hand and dragged me toward the
house.
The next morning mamma came te
my room before I was dressed. She
was greatly agitated.
My darling" she fairly gasped, y
have sent messenger to NJ. de Vile
long requesting him to discontinue his
visits"
Discontinue his visits?" exclaimed
in mock surprise.
Yes, my child" she continued, e.
have positive evidence that he attended
a dinner given at the Cafe Anglais las
night to that infamous Gio.a.
LETTER NO. 8.
cAs1n1K TO RBFk CThree months later
DEAR REM: It WIS the best THING
for me to do. I felt that Adrienne love'
YOU better than me, and knew that yo'
were more worthy Of her. aod bles
YOU, dear boy. I shall get we'll OF tn
hurt when I hear how happy you DOT
are.
THE END.
Copyright. 1881.