The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-07-15
4 WOMAN'S
INFLUENCE,
~~~~~CN~:

AE-COnCIuueos
The Colonel met them at the dining
room door, and Nell, approaching rather
cautiously, gave him q haf-expectant.
half-questioning, glance.
Her fears were quite groundless. how.
ever, for as soon as he had seen Marga-
ret, and heard that she was going to
leave them so soon, he had no thought
for any one else.
II don't know how we shall do with
out you" he said, bending over her with
kindly affection. BERTHE told me you
were going, and I have been antcipat-
Ing my own loneliness. Have yoY
grown tired Of us so soon?" He took
her face between his hands and regarded
1t with gentleness in which variety
Of emotions found expression. You
are in hurry to leave US, Margaret
he added, sadly.
"Ah, no" she fastened to answer, as
her eyes grew dim and painful nush
overspread her cheeks.
The gentleman did not answer Tor 9
second, during which his face worked
with feeling and tender light filed his
aYou are a. trrve GIRL he said, rather
unsteadily, at last; "a true, brave girl.
Heaven will bless you as you deserve.
Don't let that scoundrel come near me;
might be tempted"
"You are so hard on him, Colonel
Don't"
Don't blame him, I suppose. Ah,
Margaret, you are like the rest OF your
sexSalways ready to defend the man
who breaks your heart. Well, well, I'll
not be hard, for your sake, but when l
think Never mind; we'll miss you,
child-every one Of Us. Don't quite for
get your old friends; you won't lind the
new ones half 80 true"
Again Margaret's eyes grew dim, and
she found herself incapable Of an an
swer.
Alice, noting her distress, broke In
with some light remarks, which Nell
took up, notwithstanding her uncle's 8
formidable presence, and discussed
volubly.
Under tbs respite Margaret regained
her self-possession, and began to speak
quite calmly.
No further allusion to her going away
was made during the meal, though each
one seemed quite talkative, Nell par:
ticularly airing her opinions freely, and
receiving no reproof for her temerity.
But when the time came to say good
BY, and Margaret was ready to go, the
Colonel, disregarding the hand she held
out to him, clasped her in his arms, and
tenderly, almost reverently, kissed her
brow.
Il knew it would be hard, she sobbed,
breaking down completely. Il knew
this would be the hardest Of all.
mo, it sha'n't be, Margaret" he said.
putting her gently from him. Il do not
wish to pain you, child, even for mo.
ment. But am very deeply moved to
see you 60 from Us under such circum-
stances. Your bravery and devotion
will have its reward-be sure OF that,
Remember me when you need sympathy
or advice, for would not be worthy the
name OF friend If could rot show my
affection in time OF adversely as well
as prosperity; and know that not even
your own father could be more anxious
to help you than am"
For many long days Margaret car,
ried In her heart the memory Of his kind
words and sympathetic voice.
AS she rode home through the winter
afternoon toward the chain Of beautiful
hills which shut in the quiet, peaceful
village, her fancy tinged with indescrib"
able melancholy every surrounding OBJ
ject, and the melancholy fingered long
after her eyes had ceased to look upon
the scene that had engendered it.