The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-08-05
smile. = hsTs been hearing some

a smile. = have been hearing some
good accounts Of you"
Il know who to thank for that, re-
turned Brian, with q grateful glance at
Margaret. How long have you been
here discussing me?"
Il have been here since early this al
ternoon, but we discussed other SUD-
jects besides you, sir. Margaret has
been telling me budget OF news, and L
have been admiring this delightful nt-
tie home.
All Margaret's taste, was Brian s re-
ply. Il tell you, Miss Hilton, she Is"
Won you come to dinner, please"
interrupted Margaret at this point
You'll find that much more interest.
ing sub. ect for discussion"
When Brian returned home next even
Ing he found Miss Hilton alone.
I'VE have spent the afternoon in
shopp. .ng," she explained, and the ex-
perience proved too much for Mar
garet, 30 l sent her away to rest before
dinner. She will be in presently, and
meantime you must put up with my
company. .
Il am not displeased at the prospect,
he responded, lightly, though an anx-
ious expression settled over his lace:
Il am becoming seriously worried
about Margaret" he added, more grave
ly. Don't YOU think she is looking
rather ill?" ;,
"She doesn't seem particularly well.
fear she finds this spring weather
irving. Her case is not dincult to
diagnose, however, and the meolclne
g E1ynnnn6
The old lady gave Brian searching
look as she gave expression to this opln,,
ion. He bore it without fiinchlng and
answered with scarcely amoments hes
ltation:
You are light. I have thought the
same. She shall 60 to Elmwood as soon
as possible. -,
Miss Hilton shook her head, with
thoughtful gravity.
That won't do, Brian. Such half
way method would be as effective as
taking only one part Of seidlitz. You
must see this in its proper light, my
dear boy. Margaret should not make
ell the sacrifices.
"She shall make no more" was the
impulsive answer. Il see it all now.
When she goes to Elmwood 60 with
her,"
ITO stay, hope. Otherwise"
yes, Miss Hilton, to stay. have
been sufficiently neglectful and brutal:
Now have turned over new leaf, aud
I am determined that my future shall
be worthy Of her husband. 1 have
much to make up"
Now I recognize the real Brian, an
swered Miss Hilton, with smiling eyes.
Il have always been confident that ne
would show himself some day. l am
very glad to see him."
IF he lives at all, returned Brian,
with unusual feeling, 1T is 20 Mar
caret's credit. Her trust gave him life,
and her influence led him on. AS YOU
cannot understand the depths to which
had sunk, neither can you realize to
what extent she has proved my saliva
tion. Had her pature been less noble,
less generous, kss pure than it is, L
could not love her as l do, and-here
she is to hear me say SO.
And to thank you for such sweet
words, aided Margaret. Brian, have
you been home very long? l thought
I should ne here before you came, but
my eyes would not stay open, and the
time went so fast.
IF YOU are rested sha'n't regret 1t,
returned Brian, drawing her unresist-
ingly to the chair beside him. Il am
pla1. those refractory eyes compelled
your obedience, even though they de.
prived me Of your company. In your
absence Miss Hilton has made. herself
vastly entertaining. We nave peen e1.
changing ideas. See how she llies back
in my chair, which she takes without
the least compunction, and smiles at
something 1 have told her. wonder il il
1t won't make you smile, too. We Will
try the experiment after dinner"
But after dinner Wilson made his ap-
pearance, and Margaret forgot all else
In her effort that he and Miss Hilton
should have ample opportunity to sec
and admire each other.
ITo BE CONTINUED.