The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-08-19
CHAPTER xiv.
RAcHEL's CONFESSION

slept.
CHAPTER XIV.
RAcHEL's CONFESSION
Brian at first was content to lie Still
and watch Margaret, but as he grew
stronger he would ask her to sing or
talk to him, and then would she tell him
again and again Of the bitter regret and
1emorse which had filed those three
long miserable weeks 49,
sHow cruel was" he whispered. I
did not know what / was saying.
could never reproach you. You have
done more for me than I can ever speak
of. Always my true, loyal wife. Al
vays making sacrifices for me. 1t was
Cuch dear, tender heart that longed
for lust tender spot in it. :,
a very proud heart" she corrected
gently.
"Only sometimes. And had it been
thousand times more proud should for
ret it all in the joy Of possessing 1t at
last"
You have possessed it all the time.
she confessed, burying her face from his
Glance. 1T has been yours since we
were together at S'conset, Brian: l did
not realize it myself, but now know,
and am glad Of the suffering that taught
me-"
"Ah, darling, that I have been SO
blind. When you married me I
thought"
"Yes, Brian, 30 did think. My sense
of Justice felt outraged by uncle Ste
phen's will, and persuaded myself
that was marrying you to make amends
for that, and all the while my love Tor
you was pleading so much more elo-
auently than my love Of justice. have
kept it back so long l wish you to know
all the truth now"
His eyes filled with an inexpressible
Joy, as he lovingly stroked her bowed
head.
"Rachel has made her confession at
last" he said, softly. and Jacob would
willingly live over his sufferings again
for the pleasure of hearing such sweet
words. He is very happy now, for ne
feels that this is his true wedding day,
and his life lies before him.
August was nearly gone, and he was
only able to sit in his chair and allow
her to wait upon him.
They we're together so one morning
when a messenger arrived from The
Cedars with note for Margaret. she
read it hastily, and, with a radiant lace
and the words Il am so glad, handed
it to Brian.
Good news" he said, taking it from
her hand and reading the words aloud:
Another Bertie came somewhat un-
expectedly with the sun this morning.
Alice hopes you will pay your immedi-
ate respects to his lordship.
-BERTIE, SR."
1Bertie is evidently in the fifth heaven
of delight" commented Brian. Garry
nv congratulations Margaret. 1 sup
pose you are going"
Margaret, of course, fell in love with
the tiny bit Of humanity, and fully
agreed with Alice that Cuthbert Barton
iunior was a very fine-looking young
man. She even fancied she discovered
a likeness to BERTHE, though not G par
ticularly striking one, as she told Brian
afterward.
September came in very cool and the
inyirorating air seemed to infuse new
life into Brian veins.
You will not be able to impose upon
me much longer" he said to Margaret,
one morning. I'll be strong enough TO
rebel against your tyranny soon.
LAS soon as you like, Brian" she an
swered, looking up from the roses she
had placed on the table beside him. i
think I've played nurse long enough.
If you do not get we'll very soon you
will grow so fat and lazy that I'll never
be able to get you out Of that chair.
He looked up into the face, which
had never seemed more sweet and low
able, and catching her hand held it a
prisoner within his own.
Never mind" he said, wait until !
am out of this for good. Then l mean
to take my dear little nurse in hand
and make her fat and lazy, too.
want to see some roses in her white
cheeks.
Il don't think you will ever be able to
coax them there, Brian. 1t is not their
element, but the nurse feels that she
desires some petting and coddl:ng; she
has given you SO much. What can she
do for YOU now' Read?"
"No, my dear; talk. am a great
trial, am l not?"
4Oh, YES, a dreadful trial, she re-
turned with a half smile. But" she
added softly, Il could never do without
my trial.
He caught her hand as she uttered the
last words and drew her unres!stlngly
TO his knee.
Then came a sharp and unexpe ted
interruption, in Berries voice:
Hello, there! l don't want to dis.
turb such interesting proceedings, but
! woLld like to know how soon the public
may br admitted. Such "ivilities--
You are extremely impudcnt, cried
Margaret, starting TO her feet with q
i brilliant blush. IF you do not learn
better manners I shall drop your ac-
| quaintancc.
Please don't, ma am, 1need your pro-
] lection sadly. My respected father has
| Just sent me from his presence with a
| parting injunction to visit certain
Gentleman who is credited with warm
| Quarters. ] preferred coming here
| And. by the way, Brian, I've been com
| missioned to inform you that you have
been 1nduTging your Iaziness long
| enough, and, therefore, you are expect
! ed to pay your respects at The Cedars
tonight.
"'Tell Margaret to come and bring her
husband along were the words OF my
] venerable father. SO, Margaret, please
4 ~ RI