The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-07-08
CHAPTER NIv-Continued.

arrived.
Relieved at the intelligence, yet feel
ing the impossihility Of meeting him IL
her then, state OF mind, she determines
TO feiSn a headache. Indeed her I'M
iasination was not geatly exercised fo'
this end as a dol pain in her temples
gave reality to her excuse.
II Brian had known the Donen1 Oh nel
arrival she would not have escaped 80
easily, but he was in the library Ut tae
time, and Margaret was thus enapieo 70
reach the welcome seclusion OF her oWp
room, from which safe retreat she u.s.
tened for any chance sound that m1gh1
reach her ears
Nanny had assured her that Brian had
been made comfortable, and she also
coniided that he looked paler than usual
and had been asking every five minutes
II Margaret had returned
. The old refrain thought Margaret,
with a sigh. He can spend days away
from me without regret, but II leave
him minute here he complains
Nanny was sent with the message
that Margaret was indisposed, and
hoped he would excuse her for tonight.
She returned with a few lines that
Brian had soribbled On the fy-leaf OF q
hook .J""r.-~.--.e - -r>~"- '-''
Dear Margaret, they began, Il am
80 sorry you are not we'll. Let me
come up and sit with you promise 10
be very quiet, and my presence caRp4!
hurt yoa. I miss you so much. 1t 1s
dull down here, with only my thoughts
for company. Ny miserable thoughts.
Let me see you, if only for five minutes,
Margaset I am eating my dinner all
alone.
AL alone! Poor Brian!
Let him see her, if only for FIVE min
utes." 4 simple request, easily grant,
ed, and vet even five minutes was more
than she could bear tonight. And SO
she answered the note. She thanked
him for his sympathy. Her illness was
nothing more than q headache, for
which quiet was the best medicine.
She could not see him tonight, though
she was sorry be was lonely. She
bad eaten her dinner alone for two
weeks.
! And Brian read these written words,
but he could not read between the lines.
CHAPTER XIV.
uIRaARRr p1sCovKRs HER NEED OF CHANGE
Margaret could not make her headache
serve her another day without aroustng g
suspicion, SO she was forced to come h
breakfast next morning, where sha
found Brian before her. BE greeted bel
with warmth that expressed variety
OF emotions, while she endeavored Il
show no change in her manner toward
him.
I hope the headache has quite gone,'
he said, taking his cup Of coffee from het
hand.
yes, entirely she answered; Il feel
quite well this morning" =.
Her appearance belied her words, and
80 Brian thought as he regarded heI
rather intently from his end Of the ia,
BILE. Then q constrained silence fell
between them. Margaret searched hei
mind for some remark. She found moth
ing but the question which she regret.
ted ss soon as it had passed her lips.
Did you enjoy YOURSELF"
A change passed over his face, and be
answered with an embarrassed air:
Perhaps you wouldn't call it enjoy.
ment, Margaret. I don't know. Some.
times wish could think and act like
you do. I would at least be spared the
misery Of regret, and I daresay would
be happier S''---
p-sIndeed sou would" she inteposed,
quickly. Not to think and act as do
precisely. I do not mean that, Of course,
because I could never set myself up as
an example; but if you would only
be different. If you would not do the
things which bring regret.
That is easily said, Margaret.
should be perfect If that were the case.
am unfortunate in the possession Of a
discontented nature. and it can't be well
helped now. I believe people are born
to certain things, and I am born to
nothing. There's Wilson. was talk.
ing to him the other day. He's good
fellow, but q crank in his way. I call
him a natural doctor. Takes to it like
duck to water, and is in his element
when he's tending lot Of sick, dirty
children. OF course people admire
those things; call him noble, unselfsh,
and all that. Well, I do, too. Yet
can't do what he does. I'm Of different
caliber, I suppose. Some time ago he
told me he could get me in hospital!
1t was a splendid opening, no doubt!
and any number OF fellows were hungry
for it. So I told him I'd be charitable
and let some other poor devil have it.
He couldn't understand my refusal.
Why? Because his ideas and habits
are different from mine. I am sorry il
Is so."
And I am sorry you have thrown
away 80 many advantages, Brian. 1t is
really shame. I can have no patience
with you"
Brian was silent under this outburst
Margaret's ideas might be right in the
abstract, but he had no desire to prac'
tically apply them to himself.
You blame me for a very common
falling" ne said after moment. There
are any number Of men in New York to:
day who have no business OF any kin q,
They are well-to-do, of course, and they
find plenty to fill their time. Here
however, 1t is different. There are no di'
versions, and one
Must 90 to the city to seek them. !
understand" said Margaret. Under
the circumstances it is surprising
that you honor Elmwood at all. Why
not take up your residence in New York;
He regarded her with more than sur.
prise.
Would you wish such an arrange"
ment'" he asked, with mucn warmth
Are you so ready and anxious to be rit
of me? How would you like the neigh.
borhood to discuss our affairs, and
Margaret laughed bitterly. The
neighborhool has already discussed then
to its hearts content. Be sure Of that
] don't believe can be hurt moro thar
have been on that point. As to get
ting rid Of you, you talk without reason
or sense, Brian. There'd be 10 getting
rid Of you, even if regarded you in the
light OF milestone around my neck
which 1 don 't-quite. Now, I've beer
3biDkinp a great deal and I hayo de.