The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-05-06
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Oh HAPTER Nv.
LOVE VERSUS MONEY.

were entirely forgotten, a letter written
soon after his coming to S'conset having
satisfied his sense Of obligation.
Evidently S'conset had developed new
charms for him since the day he had
found it's dullness 30 oppressive that
sleep seemed the only reasonable or
possible occupation.
And Margaret, having awakened him
to new view Of the place, was prac-
tically realizing that constant hanging
on she had once reprobated 80 strongly.
She did not encourage him, neither did
she repulse him. She did not seek his
company, nor did she show by the
slightest action that it was distasteful
to her.
Her attitude was one Of uncertain ex.
pectancy.
She spent many hours with him on
the beach. She walked with him in the
delightful spring weather, gathering
health and spirits from the glad sun and
invigorating air.
She had taken him through many OF
the cottages, and her enthusiasm had
awakened his dormant interest. She
had. shown him the way to the light
house. and together they had climbed
the great winding stairway, gazed i'm.
pressively upon the wonderful lamp, and
looked down from the great height upon
the undulating moors, lying like q
checkered map before them; upon the
hills fading in the mist Of distance, and
the glorious breath Of restless waters
surging over the rips and dashing them
selves in fury at the feet Of the bluff.
She had pointed out the silvery waters
OF Sesachaca. set like a jewel in the
moorland's breast, and only separated
from the ocean by narrow belt Of sand
hills. And afterward they had climbed
to the top Of Tom Nevers, verdant
bluff standing boldly out against the
western sky, and sloping to the waters
roaring at its feet.
On this bold promontory they had
watched the sun quench his fires in the
sea and trail his trembling lights across
the hills. And through the lingering
beauty Of the after-glow they had gone
home along the lonely and deserted
shore.
The hours Of such oompanionship
could not be forgotten.
Too late Brian realized this. In all
the time they had been together he had
tried in vain to fathom Margaret's feel.
1uRS ulul, UuI uOdSlOO ehili % q
physiognomist had failed in her case.
Her strength Of character, courageous
spirit, and ever ready sympathy made
her charming and refreshing contrast
to the conventional women he had hith.
erto met, but they did not constitute the
sole reason for his pleasure in her COM
pany.
Il never felt 80 bad about leaving
place before, he said to her one day.
Il believe could stay here year un-
der present circumstances.
Il could stay here forever" was her
earnest and impulsive reply.
But at last the day came when she
felt she must leave. She had written to
tell Miss Hilton OF her intention, and
with the feeling that she must make the
most Of her last hours, she had gone
down to the beach, where the fishermen
were just bringing in the days harvest.
She was standing by the dories, watching
the huge fish with sort Of fascinated
gaze, when Brian joined ker in his usual
unceremonious fashion.
1T seems to be an age since saw you
last" he declared, utterly ignoring the
fact that he had been with her the day
before. Shall we walk down the beach?
The air is glorious"
She nodded in the affirmative, and
they moved away together.
Why don't you say something?" he
asked, after the silence had lasted some
minutes.
Il don't feel in talking humor," she
answered, conscious Of disagreeable
desire TO quarrel with some person or
thing.
Il think you might try. I have the
blues frightfully. I wish you'd cheer
me-"
TRY one Of your own prescriptions.
she suggested. The blues are physi-
cal condition, they tell US. You'll have
an opportunity to vindicate the diploma
you've lugged around so long. just
see those boats coming in on the break
ers. Aren't they graceful? I wish I
were fisherman.
What an idea. How could you man
age to live here?"
How? Why, as they do, Of course.
with the sight Of the sea ever before
me; the music Of the breakers always
In my ears; in close and constant COM
munion with the very sublimity of ma
tCre How can their lives be either
hopeless or uninteresting? Though, to
q person Of your energetic tempera-
ment, I dare say, they would be tire
some"
Il have notion you intend that for
sarcasm" he returned, good-naturedly.
How am to take you?"
NO way, please; l am not to be takep
just now"
There, you snap me up. You have
oil
times you are all sweetness, and at 9TH
ers you fly at me and lecture me most
anmercifully. Still I like to be with
you"
Much obliged, I'm'sure; but I didn't
come here to amuse you.
Evidently in bad humor, thought
Brian, noting the sharp tone.
Il believe you've missed your voca-
ton" he said aloud. You were intended
for one of the Yankee school ma ans we
read about. How you would have lect-
ured the unfortunate little chaps. And
your husband, poor man"
Pray spare your pity. Such indefinite
objects don't need it. There are too
many real living ones upon whom it
might be expended with advantage. You
remind me of those very generous peo-
pie who run around collecting subscrip-
tions for the heather while hundreds OF
poor Christians are Starving around
them. I don't like such discriminating g
charity"
Well, I haven't been collecting any
subscriptions. and I'm mighty poor
Christian in the bargain, so you needn' t
blind me with that sand you are digging
up so ferociously.