The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-07-29
CHAPTER XVIII.
A LINK FROM THE OLD LIFE.

more significant and Of more genera
| interest than those in a great CITY
where the identity Of the individual IS
| lost in the great labyrinth OF humanity
and Margaret. whose affection absence
had only Increased, took keen dellght
in hearing not only Of the friends she
had left but of even the slightest occur
rence about Elmwood and its surround
incs and. in return, BERTHE wanted to
hear about herself,
This city air has not brought the
roses to your cheeks. he said. i hope
Won haven't developed such fondness
for it that you will be sorry to come
back to US.
Never, Berthe; my mind can never
even imagine such possibility. In the
first place, don't like New York, IL
actually hate it, though shouldn't tell
anyone but you; and, IN the second
place, I love Elmwood dearly. Then
there are things enjoy there which l
cannot have here; my rides, for one
thing. Occasionally I have ride in
the park, but it isn't the same as at
home. Here one must 60 at certain
gait. and people ride awkwardly, too,
l think. I suppose it is the fashionable
way, but it isn't half so graceful, to see
them pounding their saddles, one might
saw. 1t really tries me to look at them.
The park is beautiful, though: New
York may we'll be proud Of it. l have
been around a great deal. Brian takes
me everywhere, and usually enjoy the
places we visit.
And Brian?" questioned BERTHE, meet
ing her eye.
Her head dropped slightly. BERTHE
saw the action. He left his chair and
came to her.
Tell me, Margaret" he said, placing
his hand upon her shoulder, it isn't SO
hard for you to answer" ~,
NO." she replied In low voice, 1t
should not be so hard now. My heart
has ached, oh, 30 terribly, and l have
been hopeless and despairing, because l
was alone-so helplcssly alone. All, /
know what you would say. have
friends. Yes, such true. friends. Do
YOU think I ever doubted them, BERTHE?
But you can understand that there are
sorrows which none can share. Lately
I have been more encouraged. He has
left me so little, but last night he was
later than usual, and tonight ne is
not here-at ALL"
Her head dropped still lower and his
hand fell until it rested on hers Win
a gentle, reassuring sympathy In lts
touch.
All may be right" he said with an
effort at consolation.
Perhaps" she answered. I can only
hope, and if it should not be, the disap,
po:ntment will be so bitter. Last night
he did not seem perfectly himself. ]
tried to believe imagined it, but am
afraid I showed something in my ao-
tions. I tried 50 hard, too-so hard not
to let him see" -.
why should you have tried?" cried
Bertie, pressing his lips hard. Why
should you consider him? You have
feelings, too. Must they always be
outraged"
Margaret raised her eyes at this
strong expression Of his thoughts.
Il think women can't consider their
| feelings, Bertie," she returned, with
sigh. 1T seems to me that, no matter
how hard or how bitter 1t may be, they
can never get beyond the range OF duty.
| think we grow to be hypocrites in
way. We are so often obliged to hide
our hearts. know have often smiled
nv brightest when my eyes were burn
| ing with tears held back. suppose
the baptism Of sorrow must touch us
all, and l only hope that it may wash
out all that should not be in my lie,
, and make me braver and stronger for
what is to come. Are you Leaving me,
| BERTHE? I'm afraid you find me very
! doleful."
Il leave you, Margaret, to find him.
| I cannot bear to sit here and hear you
talk and There; I'll act like baby
next. Margaret, you are dear, brave
| girl. Long ago, when
Before you thought I should grow
into such sedate young woman, in
terrupted Margaret, hastily. I'VE used
| to fight gloriously in those days, didn'
we? Uncle fanoied I should always be
a tomboy. Iwonder if ne would recog-
nize me now"
She finished with sigh, and the light
words had held such deep meaning that
Bertie found it hard to meet the eyes
she raised so bravely to his.
so long ago?" he said, half absently.
Not quite six years since first saw
you. I remember the day so perfectly.
You were just home from college, and
YOU had two cats tied together by the
tails. I thought you such cruel boy.
Well, you want 10 20? l shall see you
again, sha' 1? You are like breath
from Elmwood, BERTHE.
You will see me again, and soon,
Margaret. Now look me in the face
and promise me that the day shall never
come when you will cease to regard me
as brother. There; goodnight; your
tears pain me. God forgive Brian;
cannot"
Once upon the street BERTHE walked
along, absorbed in thought. This brief
visit to Margaret had entirely unnerved
him, ana se e.ered wholly incapable OF
any practical decision. When he ar
rived in front Of the Hoffman House he
ran across Wilson, and feeling rather
glad of this chance encounter he greeted
him warmly.
This is really the first moment I
could call my own to-day" declared
Wilson, taking a cigar nom the case
BERTHE offered him. where is your
destinations"
Il was just trying to decide" was
Margaret, and l haven't recovered from
lne SHOCh leI dppedIauCe gave lie Set.
l never saw her look more wretched and
i'll, though l am inclined to think the
cause is not entirely physical"
NO. Other influences at work. How
die you leave herr"
Alone, was the sententious reply.
Alone" repeated Wilson. Then,
Brian-?"
is off disgracing himself, responded
Bertie with much anger. He ought to
| be thrashed.