The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-07-15

the heavy drays passing over the
cob5lestones; the lighter rumble OF
carriages, and the long line of pedes-
trians, made up an ever moving, ever
changing panorama Of human life,
hope and ambition, upon which she
gazed with feelings that brought her
own loneliness and isolation more
keenly before her.
How was she to fill the long hours
that must pass before dinner?" she
asked herself. Should she 60 through
the stores and see the beautiful things
the shop windows displayed SO tempt
ingly?"
That was not interesting when one
had no companions to exchange op1n-
Ions with. The crowds wearied her,
too. She felt so utterly alone amidst
the busy throngs, where friendly
glance seldom, If ever, greeted her. Az
home it was so different; there she
could see familiar face In every
passer-by.
No, she would not go out to-day, she
decided at last. She would stay at
home and read and try to emulate the
contentment Of spirit which prompted
Norah under all circumstances to sing
eheerily over her work. Yet 1t was
bright day to spend indoors. The
sun, which always seemed to her preju-
diced fancy to shine through ayellower,
thicker atmosphere, lay warm and
golden on the house tops opposite. II
5empted her with its cheeriness. But,
pshaw! where was the pleasure In walking
sedately over the hard pavements? How
could that compare with delightful
gallop over the hills at home?
All, those glorious rides! Why couldn t
these tall walls crumble away? Why
couldn't the paved streets, this horrid
noise and din by the touch Of some
farry's hand give place to the familiar
hills and fields? Not for long; only for
one day-just one day. How che would
use every hour Of that day! ,
She would have her usual ride on
Mollie's sleek back. They would can
ter away through the cool, still morn
ing. She would feel the invigorating
air against her cheek, and the glad
sense of fresh, new life tingling In her
veins. She would 60 to The Cedars and
talk with Alice and the Colonel, and
laugh over Nells ridiculous nonsense,
and feel 80 happy. She would run in to
kiss the children as they pressed their
little faces against the rectory window,
and she would find time for few min,
utes with Mrs. Martin to ask her how
her rheumatism was, and hear II the
old man had been out since his sickness.
All, there was so much she would do II
she could be at home to-day.
Nanny came in to remove the break
fast things, and she asked twice for the
orders for luncheon and dinner before
Margaret heard her.
Indeed, don't know" she said, al
last, trying to fix her mind on these
household details. You and Norah ex.
ercise your ingenuity to-day. I'd par.
ticularly like a nice dinner, as MIR.
Leigh will bring friend home with
him. Men must be fed, you know. even
if the world goes to pieces. 1t is theii
|. failing to think more Of their dinners
than anything else, and we have to
humor it. So you and Norah must do
your BEST"
Quite late in the afternoon Margaret
rather suddenly decided that she could
stand the house no longer. So, prepar'
ing herself for walk, she was soon
upon the street.
When she arrived home it was nearly
dinner time, and secretly upbraidine
herself for staying out so late, she be-
gan to dress as quickly as possible.
Il should be dreadfully sorry If DR..
Wilson should come and I not ready to
receive him." she confided to her reflec-
tion in the mirror. Il shouldn't know
how to excuse myself. Well, it is rather
late, and If they have come I cannot
help it.. ."
When she entered the parlor five
minutes afterwards she found, not Brian,
but a tall, fne-looking man who arose
at her approach, with an air OF chi1-
airy perfectly in accord with the noble
face.
That face impressed Margaret at once.
Not so much with its beauty Of feature
and expression as with it's firmness OF
character, its strength Of intellect, and
the ennobling influence which high en-.
deavor and strong purpose had left
upon it. Instinctively she felt quick
ening Of her sympathies and feelings,
an indefinite attraction toward this man,
whose very appearance compelled heI
admiration.
During her scarcely perceptible pause
in the doorway, the stranger, with q
swift but critical glance, had taken in the
sweet face and girlish form. Then he
started forward with the half question
half assertion:
Mrs. Leigh I am not mistaken.
She held out her hand with smile oi
welcome.
mo, you are not mistaken, she said
with the easy, gracious manner tina,
made her personality so winning. y
am Mrs. Leigh, and you are DR.. Will
son, know. I am very glad to meet
YOU, and doubly glad to welcome you tc
my home, because really cannot fee
that you are stranger, but rather ar
old friend whom I have heard Of and
talked Of so often,
Her words gratifled him very much.
You honor me too highly" he an
swered, pressing the hand she Offered
him. ITO be numbered among youl
friends is a privilege I esteem mos
deeply. Brian and I have beer
friends Of such long standing that tht
pleasure I feel Of meeting his wife is
twofold."
I'm afraid you find his wife very re-
miss, put in Margaret, flushing bright
ly, and seating herself in the chair ht
placed for her. She must really asl
your pardon for not being at home wher
you arrived. Her only excuse is yer!
whimsical disposition, which took he
out so late that she could not get bac
at a reasonable time.
She is fully excused" rejoined vii
son, meeting her smiling glance. w
got here about ten minutes ago, an
Brian left me to make himself NOR
presentable, he said. I was admirin
some OF your curios when you came IN
I knew you at once. Bertie's descrip