The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-11-11

CHAPTER v-Ccntinued.
While the dancing was In progress
Captain Fox found an occasion to draw
Frenauld to one side, when, without
attracting attention, he whispered:
Il say, Frenauld, want you to have
. care."
Il don't understand" replied Fren-
suld, not at all surprised at the mysteri-
GUS manner Of his commander, with
which he had become very familiar.
Il mean you must not step on Den
hams toes.
"On Denham's toes2"
yes; some one OF these girls must be
nearer to him than all the Others"
His sweetheart, Captain"
"Yes!"
If you can point her out among all
these beauties, said Frenauld, nodding
at the many pretty girls now drawn up
on one side for a contra dance, of
course I shall take care not to offend
the gentleman by showing too much at
tention to the lady.
1T is one Of the two, and / have been
puzzling my brain and exhausting my
observation to find out if Miss Hedges
or Miss Condit is the favored one"
, Miss Condit is his adopted sister,
Captain"
so long as he knows she is not his
sister by the blood, their relationship
will be an incentive rather than a bar to
love-" said Capt. Fox, shaking his yell
low head as if still puzsling his brain
over the strange question he had pro-
posed to himself.
: 1T really looks to me-" responded
Frenauld, "as if that dark-eyed, dash
Ing Miss Hedges were the favored one.
I'll swear to it that she has bestowed
score Of kindly glances on him tonight
80 one on any OF the rest OF US.
; The unexpected appearance OF the
two yotng ladies under discussion put
an end to the conversation.
, 1Ah. Capt. Fox," said Lea Hedges,
you have grown weary already Of the
dance, though 1t lacks an hour OF mlo-
night"
sAnd Mr.. Frenauld quite forgot that
7 was to have been his partner in this
set" laughed pretty Ellen Condit, blush
lug in the most becoming way at what
she imagined to be her own audacity in
addressing the swarthy young officer in
this way.
II was about to seek you" replied
Frenauld quickly. Il should never for
give myself if let this opportunity
pass"
He gave her his arm, bowed to the
Captain and Lea Hedges, and led Ellen
to the center OF the room, where the
young people were going through the
stately figures Of Sir Roger de Coverly.
; Alone with Lea Hedges, and Captain
Fox came back to the salutation with
lol tnA
Weary Of the dance, Miss Hedges,
he said, with quick, bold glance OF al.
1niration that brought a heightened
color to her glowing cheeks; 1T is not
that, but I am SO bewildered by my
surroundings, SO happy to be among
the ladies and gentlemen of my own
country again, that l forgot what l
should do to give expression to my de-
light. We sailors are apt to err on
points Of etiquette, and the ladies, in
sympathetic admiration Of our advant-
ages, always look over our ships and
see the hearts behind them"
I'VE are anxious that our guests
should enjoy themselves, as these our
older friends are doing" said Lea, wav-
ing a graceful arm in the direction OF
the officers Of the Sea Hawk, who were
now drawn up in row, as IL on parade,
but at the same time we are most anx-
ious that they shall all enjoy them
selves in the way that to them is most
pleasant.
@Ah, you have there given in one SEN
tence they key to all true hospitality,
though I did not need your kind words
to be assured that it was to be found
here. And now, to carry out my wish
,rln 70 or c
1t too cool?"
Capt. Fox turned to the window, by
which they were standing, and drawing
the heavy curtains further back so that
both could look out, he pointed to the
bay now cleaning like a silver mirror
In the moonlight and continued
The land is beautiful, but it Is most
beautiful where the water flashes in its
front like an eye, or reflects its outlines
as if it held them in its heart"
Il doubt not, Captain" replied Lea,
archly, but you write sonnets at times
or match rhymes in your idle moments
with your officers. But we shall stroll
down to the beach; it is not far and the
air is not too cool.
reappeared with scarlet scarf thrown
hanced her loveliness as proper frame
brings out the beauty Of a picture.
She took the Captains arm, and they
walked out through the garden and felt
on their faces the soft wind laden with
the odor of apple blossoms and swee'
violets.
The regular beating Of dancing feet
the rise and fall of the music. the mur.
80
of sea shells. all forbade conversation,
They walked to the sea shore, where
Lea sat down on the gunwale OF
stranded boat, against which the Cap
tain leaned
All" he sighed, since my earliest
memory l have tried to fancy what
heaven is like, but without success;
hereafter shall have no difficulty; ]
shall only have to recall this night.
Il am glad you like this place, said
Lea, her eyes on the water, and the
moonlight showing the frank expression
of her face. 1T is to me the most
beautiful place in the world; but per-
haps that is because know no other
land"
Nor Go you need to-" replied the
Captain, with well affected rapture. 1T
has been my good fortune, or my cruel
fate, call it what you will, to see every
land under the sun where men dwell,
but though my acquaintance with your
beautiful island is brief, must confess
the pleasure Of being here is only
,clouded by the thought that l may at
any moment be called to leave"
is this your first visit to America,
Captain" she asked.