The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-08-05
CHAPTER xxx.

MARGARET SEES SOhE sUNLlGdi.
"I think the clouds must be rolling
BY" Margaret said to herself one
morning.
Brian had just told her Of his talk
with Wilson, and Of the latter's promise
to help him in every possible way. And
as if this was not enough there was her
long delightful letter from Miss Hilton,
and the promise it held, that this dear
old friend would he with her so soon.
Only short visit-five or six days at
most-yet the prospect Of even that
made her so happy that she could
scarcely speak Of it to Brian. The
happy moment arrived at last, when she
looked into the dear brown eyes and
kissed the smooth cheek, which was
still so round and rosy. She could only
let her tears fall, and feel how sweet it
was to lean once more upon that true
and tender love.
1t is 30 nice to have you, 30 very
nice to have you," she cried. in glad
tones, as she divested Miss Hilton Of
bonnet and wraps, and made her take
the great arm chair. so like the old
times. I am going to sit on this low
stool by you and stroke your hand just
as I used to do. Do you remember how
you used to like me to stroke your
hand. All, I have missed those times,
Miss Hilton. You cannot guess how I
have missed them, even at Elmwood;
but here thousand times more"
What delightful little home you
have" answered Miss Hilton, allowing
her eyes to travel about the room in an
effort not to see the expression Of pain
which had accompanied Margaret's 8
words. Il am charmed.
Are you? I am 30 glad. I think it
rather nice, too, though at first it did
seem rather small. Now have become
accustomed to it, and we are doing
nicely Norah and Nanny are both with
me. They both like New York better
than do. 1 fear am lacking in appre-
citation, but No, I'll not tell you
any more of that. have really made
great many friends here. I find the
people very nice and pleasant.
Il am pleased to hear it. Margaret. 1
never doubted your faculty for winning
love. You are happy, too, hope"
Margaret continued to stroke the
hand that rested on hers, but she found
it impossible to raise her eyes, and the
earnest question only won an evasive
answer:
~ am contented now"
Miss Hilton was keen observer, and
Margaret's reply did not satisfy her,
but She answered with apparent readl-
uess:
Il am glad for even that much. ]
lear YOU have not trusted me implicitly.
I think there has been some heartache,
pr your letters were not true barometers
pf your feelings. Some were very hope.
tul; others despondent. Often feared
you were breaking down, and then
wished to borrow wings and come to
you.
"Ah, if you only had," faltered Mar.
garet, burying her head in Miss Hilton, s
Ian. You were so kind to want TO 90
SO. It has been hpartache, so much
heartache, I could not tell you. 1t was
TOO bitter to put OH paper. Yet knew
you would read between the lines, that
| you would see and understand. And /
| lett sure of your sympathy-always so
sure of that. If all had fallen from me
believed I should still have you.
Sometimes r was tempted 10 ask you IL
come Just for q little while. Their
I reflected you might flno 1t hare
or impossible, and 30 I always put the
wlsh aside
Your letters would have brought me
Margaret. Absence has not lessenec
my loYe for you. I want you to fee
that 1t 1s always with you, though
may be far away. I was very mucl
surprised when you told me you were
leaving Elmwood. I felt that Briar
was at the bottom Of your reason, aDt
I begged heaven to bless my brave
girl. l am SO happy to hear of Brian'i
Improvement. Industry is certainly 1
concession for him.
Il always hoped for something bet
ter" Margaret returned, wondering VIII,
she should make her words apologetlc
Then, besides, he is my husband, ant
there is less question Of personal feel
ing than of wifely duty. There's dut,
again. l am growing to detest th
word. l. Oh, Miss Hilton, you ar
tired. How thoughtless / am. In M.
selflshness I've quite forgotten what
Journey you've had. Come; you shal
70 right to your room. Then l shal
bring you cup of tea, and you mus
rest until Brian comes. He will be de
lighted to see you.
When Brian returned that night h
found Miss Hilton installed in his par
ticular chair.
Don't be Jealous" laughed Mar
garct, after the warm greetings wer
over. Il gave Miss Hilton your chal
because she is visitor, and must EMO,
all the privileges.
"On the principle Of The poor, yo'
have always with you, I suppose.
| .o I;rhtlx, w,