The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-06-10
CHAPTER XI.

Bertie's hope was realized. No undue
exhibition of temper on the part of his
father had cut short his visit, and though
several weeks had passed, he was appar-
entity fixture at The Cedars for an in
definite period.
He made the most of his opportunity
for enjoying Alice's society, and the.
Colonel smiled grimly at his maturing
plans. :
But he was not Of vacillating char
acter, and as time went on, and matters
had not reached definite settlement,
he began to consider the advisability Of
some action on his part.
With this idea in view he came rather
unexpectedly on BERTHE and Alice in the
sitting-room one morning.
He regarded them fixedly for mo-
ment, and with look Of grim determin-
alton. and in words which fell with the
force Of bombshell on the ears Of his
surprised listeners, he exclaimed:
What under heaven are you two mop
ing in here for? Confound me, if un-,
derstand such nonsense. For heavens
sake, BERTHE, have spunk enough to ask
the girl to be your wife. When l was
counting your mother I said-plague
take that girl if she hasn't run away.
This comes of your everlasting fo3ing.:
May the Lord give me patience with
such young ninnies! Where's she gomez"
ri find her, sir, volunteered BERTHE,
borrowing his fathers determination or
face and voice.
He left the room with alacrity, and
passing down the long hall looked into
L,,t W. tn hn
seen. An open door leading into the
garden suggested her possible mode OF
escape, and Immediately he followed
the narrow path which led to summer
house. A few rapid steps brought him
up to the crouching figure.
Alice" he called, with new gentle,
ness in his tones. /;
I'll never forgive uncle, never!" she
exclaimed, with her face still buried in.
her hands, and her voice limiting rather
strongly Of tears.
Poor father, I don't think he de-
serves your ill-will. Look up, Alice, T
have something to tell you.
"Bertie, if you don't leave me I'll hate
you"
1T Is very we'll to say that while your
face is covered, my dear, but fortunately
l know you don't mean it. Ny bird has
been so coquettish and Knocked me with
so many sweet songs, that l am glad to
see her Gagged at last. Now, as she per-
sistently refuses to unclose her eyes to
the beauty Of my countenance. shall
proceed to take matters in my own
hands"
This threat he promptly carried out.
Disregarding her resistance, he lifted
her blushing face until he could look
into her dropping eyes. Then, appar-
emily satisfied with his long, intent
gaze, he drew her closer to him, and
kissed her unresisting lips with grave
tenderness.
Alice, 1 was right; you do like me a
little"
A half hour later, Alice suggested the
advisability Of returning to the Colonel.
Bertie acquiesced reluctantly.
Come in" called the old gentleman,
as they hesitated at the door.
How many miles did you have to
travel to find Alice? You've been gone
lust thirty-flve minutes, but I'll forgive
YOU. Think you've gotten ahead of the
old man, eh? Wouldn't have wife Of
my choosing? Oh, no. Wanted an OLD
mare TO your liking. Humph! You
empty pate, you've got the very girl 1
picked out for you. Think l have taste,
'eh? Well, she'll lead you dance. She
got the DEVILS own temper, and you're
about her equal, sir"
Il am your son, was the imperturoa-
BILE reply.
Yes, yes. Nobody'd think it, though.
You'll never have your fathers sense,
boy. Come here, you little coquette,
and kiss your uncle. And, BERTHE, 7 VI
scamp, if you don't give her everything