The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-05-13

apartment.
His hesitating steps had, however,
been heard. There was movement in
the room "a cry Of Dear Brian!" and
he found himself holding Miss Hilton's
hand, and gazing, with mingled pleas
ure and surprise, in the gentle, kindly
face.
Come right in" she said brightly.
This Is our sitting-room, but you are
not debarred entrance. It is such
pleasure to see you again, you poor boy"
1T is almost like home coming" he
rejoined In q low voice, following her
into the cozily furnished room. Il
scarcely expected my welcome from your
hands. Who am to thank for that
pleasure?"
Margaret. Poor child, she is all
alone, and needs some older friend and
adviser"
Naturally. suppose she is well?"
Yes, quite we'll. Her health Is
usually good. Still I think che has
never recovered from our late bereave-
ment. It was a sad event for you, also,
Brian"
The old lady spoke feelingly, and her
words brought an expression Of pain to
Brian's face.
Poor father" he said, after'a second.
Il hope he did not think me quite un-
grateful or unfeeling. 1t will be one Of
my lasting regrets that I could not be
with him before the end. was travel
ing at the time, you see, and your mes.
sage announcing his illness reached me
with that announcing his death.
sJic i1lpacc JunC worry GnH6nO nllf IN
Miss Hilton. None Of US realized II
until few hours before the last. He
spoke Of you most .affectionately, she
continued, bending more closely over
her knitting. Il am sure he felt that
only circumstances kept you from him."
And yet" began Brian, as the old
lady paused. ,v
sumed. Il do not think the terms OF
| his will argued any want Of affection
for YOU. I cannot enter into his reasons,
vet I believe he thought he was acting
for the best. Margaret has never rec.
onciled herself to the condition OF
things"
"I suppose it is only balancing OF
the scales" he said, rather gloom;ly.
Il do not question my cousins right
to portion of the money, but
He paused, either unwilling or un-
able to complete his sentence.
II think it will turn out for the best"
remarked Miss Hilton. with CHEEKY GER
tainty. Money is nice to have, ac-
knowledge, but most Of our great men
began their lives without it; and, by the
way, in my pleasure at seeing you
have quite forgotten Margaret's mes
sage. She is feeling unusually tired to-
day, and hopes you will excuse her un-
til dinner time"
Certainly" he responded, readily.
appreciating the feeling which had
prompted his cousins remaining in the
BACKGROUND until she should partly
realize his changed condition. But un-'
til dinner time will allow my curiosity
full play. From all accounts she is a
paragon. An unpleasant fact to me, as
I shall appear to disadvantage by con-
| trast. fear she has started out with a.
| bad opinion Of me"
Then give her reason to change. She
| has ideas and convictions Of her own,
but she is just and recognizes merit
where it exists.
Brian appeared dubious.
ideas and convictions" he repeated.
II guessed as much from her letters to
! me. think there is something in the
name which gives determination OF
| character. I daresay she has made
great many friends here"
aYes, she has a winning personality,
which never fails her. Colonel Barton
you remember him Of course-is espe-
cially fond OF her. And the poor people
would 60 through fire and water to serve
| her."
"A Saint Elizabeth" put in Brian,
meditatively. There are drawbacks to
such character. Is she very prim and
partcular?"
Miss Hilton laughed merrily as a
vision Of Margaret rose before her:
"Wait until you see her, and then tell
me your opinion. suppose you are
quite tired out with travelling, and in
tend to settle down to more quiet ex-
istence:"
You think I've played the Wandering
Jew long enough?" he questioned.
We'll, Miss Hilton, bohemian life has
it's drawbacks, certainly, but it is
blessed with advantages also. 1t de-
velops the mind, broadens ones views,
and brings new ideas into being. We
realize that home is very small corner
OF the world, after all. 1t is practical
education"
"Ah, Brian, you are at your old tricks
again. You can always find arguments
in favor of what you like"
Brian laughed. Il think we can all
do that, Miss Hilton. Now tell me the
news. The Lady Teazles ore not all
| dood T cnnnoSe2"
Unfortunately, no; they appear to
thrive on this air. l really don't know
OF much particular news, though. Peo-
pie get married, babies are born, and
people die. That is about all they
seem to do around here. OF course you
have not forgotten Col. Barton. His
temper is as peppery as ever, think.
His niece is living with him. She Is
rather pretty girl, though poor, im-
agine.
"Bertie is studying law with an old
friend in New York. I shouldn't be at
all surprised to hear Of an engagement
between Alice and him one Of these fine
days, though that is merely supposition
on my part. Mary Lewis All, here
is Margaret"
Brian looked up quickly at theee
words. A slim, girlish figure stood in
the doorway. and as his glance fell upon
!t his eager expectancy gave way te
consternation. He found his eyee
meeting those Of Margaret Smith.
Incapable Of speech, he could only
stare upon the seeming apparttion, while
Miss Hilton gazed helplessly from bis
disturbed face to Margaret's cold, i'm
penetrable one.