The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-04-22

tunate enough to have SpenJ q summer
beneath the inspiration Of its life-giving
air, it's charming, unconventional fea-
lures afford theme for never ending
praise.
Margaret chanced to hear OF this odd
bit of creation, and longing for some
thing out Of the ordinary run, decided
to try it's unconventional freedom, not
withstanding the season and Miss Hill
toms advice. She had&ot been very we'll
during the winter, and the doctor, dis
covering a general breaking down, had
prescribed change Of scene and air as
the most effective medicine.
Margaret cheerfully agreed with him,
and very gladly availed herself Of this
opportunity to escape for time the un-
pleasant notoriety which her late in
heritance had given her, and the more
than friendly overtures Of polite
Cornelias. with ambitious, matrimonial
hopes for their respective jewels.
She did not realize Miss Hilton's fear
by regretting her selection Of S'conset.
She found it both novel and delightful.
Its unique features amply atoned for
its dullness, and with much to fill her
days she could not complain of mo-
notony.
There were pleasant walks along we'll
kept roads or across the moors, whose
swelling undulations Of rich coloring
were scarcely less impressive than the
ocean itself. OF the sea she could never
tire. Whatever its mood, the broad ex-
panse of lonely waters appealed 10 her
with fascination which only its lovers
understand.
The old houses, many OF which had
heard the storms Of two centuries and
gave ample evidence Of the fact, con-
tributed another element Of variety.
How many delightful hours she had
spent in their cozy interiors, climbing
shaky ladders doing duty for steps, to
bump her head against the rafters OF
funny little attics, hunting out the bits
OF furniture which looked so ridiculously
large in comparison with the rooms they
occupied, or sitting in the tall, spindle
legged chairs before the broad Fireplace
watching the burning logs and listening
to tales Of danger and adventure upon
the sea.
She loved nothing better than to pore
over the log books and follow in imagi-
nation the whaling expeditions Of other
and more prosperous days.
And the old captains, in whose odd
ways and quaint sayings she took such
amused interest, were always happy to
spin their yarns for such appreciative
ears.
Thus she speedily grew in public IA
vor. She helped Aunt Maria to make
bread and bake beans, and ate her full
share Of them afterward. She delighted
old Captain Baxter by pretending to be.
Ieve his unconscionable tales, and she
produced such an impression on Captain
Morris that he gallantly and un-
blushingly declared she was the kind OF
girl he liked.
, She was really and thoroughly enjoy
ing hersef. Yet, Notwithstanding, Mi g
Hilton, wh2se preconceived notions
write doleful letters, in which sympathy
for Margaret in her suppo ;ed dreary
surroundings was largely PREDOMINANT.
Rea ling one Of these commiserating
notes On the beach one afternoon, Mar
garet could not refrain from smiling as
She compared her actual surroundings
with those pictured by the writer.
The day was exceptionally, fine, clear
and warm, the bright sun and soft winds
seeming to hold the promise Of early
summer. The sea. so often Wild upon
this dangerous coas5, was unusually
calm, and the waves rolled in with Ian.
guild rhythmic unison, q quivering sweep
Of blue waters, breaking into curl O!
foam upon the high, broad beach.
From the bold bluff looking out upon
the restless ocean to the wave-washed
horizon rose the little village, marve!
OF quaint, picturesque b,auty, with its
much-shingled cottages Of curious de.
sign tnl still more curious architecture.
Beyond lay broad eXpanse Of moor,
rising into range OF low-lying hills,
and further still the distant sparkle Of
the sea. Over all cloudless S'consat
sky, and the promise of a glorious sun.
set. Lying at full length on the beach,
Margaret enjoyed the calm serenity Of
the scene about her.
But she wa not left long in undis.
turbed quiet. The current of her
thoughts was rather rudely diverted
from Miss Hilton and her letter to the
spectacle of her hat sailing gracefully
up the beach under the impulse Of a
gust raised for the occasion.
With an exclamation more forcible
than elegant. she sprang to her feet and
FASTENED in pursuit, until she was
brought to a breathless standstill by q
very audible "Hello!"
And the next second head, followed
Immediately by the body Of q young
icil hnh RI
one Of the numerous dories lining the
beach.
"Oh!" cried Margaret, somewhat star
tied and wondering whether the sudden
apparition had fallen from the clouds or
ascended from the sand.
Il beg your pardon" remarked this
very much alive apparition, surprised in
his turn, and displaying a remarkable
activity in getting Oh his feet. I've
been asleep. Didn't know soul was
around. Hope I haven't frightened
YOU"
"oh, no! you are not very formidable,
only"
You didn't expect to see me, he put
in with q quizzical light in the laughing
brown eyes, which Margaret found
strangely familiar.
II dare say he thinks I'm overcome
with delight, was her inward comment,
accompanied with some slight resent
ment, feeling soon dispelled by another
glance in the frank, handsome face.
lie is certainly good-iooking| she
told herself, as result OF this brief
scrutiny. Il wonder how under heavt n
he found his way here. I must find out.
\ strangers are real curiosities at thj5