The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-12-09
CHAPTER IX.-Continued.


captain had a hurnedly matured plan,
which in due season would take him
away from his companions and permit
him to be near his idol at all times.
He was fortunate in finding Lea
alone, and she, having just returned
from horse back ride, was looking
more beautiful than ever, II that were
possible.
Captain Fox, like all men Of strong
impulses and great executive ability,
came directly to the point, yet he ap-
preached the subject Of his love in such
q way as not to shock her by the sud-
nRenness OF his declaration.
Under such ciroums tances, since the
very first hour when English civilization
required that the young lady's affec-
tions were as essential as the consent
of the parents, it had been the nearly
inyariable habit Of the fair one to con-
Tess surprise, and to VOW that the honor
done was wholly unexpected. This is
always the case where the young lady
has made up her mind to say no, and
she usually says 1t in a way to plaster
the wound she Is making.
No woman can look with other than
sympathy on the eligible mar whose offer
OF marriage she refuses.
But Leg Hedges, while not rude in
her refusal was certainly brusque.
49, must believe what you say, Cap
{ tain Fox, and I presume I should feel
Z honored by your offer. certainly should
be unworthy the esteem Of any true man
r. ! trifed with his feelings. While
treating you with the courtesy due an
officer in the service Of our gracious
rAdy the Queen, I have done nothing
that you could construe into any en-
couragement Of the suit which must
decline"
But why-why do you refuse me?" he
asked, the sanguine hue OF his cheeks
turning to purple.
IF you cannot guess I cannot ex7
plain, she replied, with a dignity that
chilled him.
1t means that you love some one
3lse."
why should it? But that you may
be undeceived on that point, let me as.
sure you that you are the first man that
ever spoke to me Of love and marriage.
You should remember that. I have
known you but short time, and that,
no matter how favorable the impression
you may have made among US so far is,
q common prudence would forbid my
pledging what have not-love-to a
man whom did not know two weeks
ago."
You are right, Miss Hedges, and
am to blame" said the captain, his old
manner coming back But you must
excuse me in the light Of these facts. A
letter, just received by post from the
Governor OF New York, orders me to
that city. It is possible may be sent
to fight pirate, one Captain Kidd, who
is now reported destroying our com.
merce in the West Indies. sail to-
morrow night or early next morning,
and I wanted to take with me one mem
ory to sustain me amid the perils and
dreariness Of my cruise-a tie that
would draw me back here"
Where you and your officers, replied
Lea, will always find hearty welcome
awaiting you" -
Thanks for your words; they do not
leave me hopeless, said the captain, his
eyes taking on their old expression OF
reck ess vivacity.
He adroitly changed the topic, and
after talking for nearly an hour, without
once going back to the subject with
which he first started, he left, promising
to see her again before he took his de-
parture.
Although Lea Hedges bore herself sc
calmly and bravely in the presence OF
her sailor suitor, she did not retain her
fine self-possession and excellent spir-
its after he left her.
She went to her own room, and after
changing her riding dress she threw
herself on the bed, and, burying her
face in her hands. 30 remained till her
mother came to call her to supper.
Like the dutiful daughter she was,
Lea made up her mind to tell her par
ents of Capt. Fox's offer that night;
and she might have done it at the sup
per table had not Valentine Dayton and
Ellen Condit been there.
She did tell them that Captain Fox
had received an order by courier, from
the Governor of the province, command
iEg him to take his ship to New York.
And then Lieut.. Dayton told her that
Ralph Denham mad received an Older
from the same authority to report in
person, and that he would start to-
morrow or next day.
But he does not take the ship?"
asked Lea, eagerly.
NO, he leaves US all here," replied
Valentine.
But Ralph will return again." saiG
Lea, the expression on her beautiful
face telling her anxiety in the answer.
Il suppose so," said Valentine, who
was much devoted to his friend and
commander, for without Capt. Denham
the Sea Hawk is very ordinary ship,
indeed"
"And with him?" queried Ellen, who
was very fond OF her adopted brother.
And with him she is the best ship Of
her tonnage afioat."
In the midst OF the conversation, and
much to the delight of the Doctor AMI
Mrs. Hedges, both Of whom loved Ralph
Denham as dearly as they did theil
u,phew, Valentine Dayton, the gentle
man under discussion was announced
and entered the room.
Ralph confirmed the report Of his de-
parture, said he hoped to be back very
soon, and then asked Lea if she would
take walk with him along the shore.
It was not unusual for the Captain !,
ask the same question, to which she in-
variably gave an affirmative reply; but
as he asked it now there was that in his
manner which she had never noticed be-
fore. And, though Ralph Denham was
30 entirely different man from Cap
tain Fox, there was something about
him at the moment that reminded her Of
the latter when he was about to make
his startling, unexpected proposal.
She put on her hat and light cloak,
and, taking his arm, they went down
the road and through the woods, where,
as little girl, she had often gathered
nuts, while Ralph, then q sturdy boy,
,ont 4bau, to tho earth from his ,iGdy