The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-06-02
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
A week passed by, and the committee
had accomplished a large amount OF
work. Barnes, Chapman and myself
had proved acceptable to the Uptons.
ana we nad peen taken into the family
as old friends. Fernshaw grew more
and moro disturbed, and was always on
the verge of an outbreak. Agnes
seemed to maintain perfect poise and
showed no preference toward any one
of US.
Matters were in this condition when
the club met, two weeks after the com
mittee had been appointed. The gath
ering took place at my rooms, and,
moved by an inexplicable impulse,
had prepared a handsomer entertain
ment than was customary. We met at
10 o'clock. After we had partaken Of
salads, birds and few bottles o. Roed-
erer, we were ready for business, but
Fernshaw had not eappeared. AS he
was in the habit of being punctual, it
was evident he had temporarily de-
serted US.
Nothing of interest took place until
the president called for reports of com
mittees." DR.. Chapman arose and said
that the committee in the Fernshaw
affair begged leave to report progress.
That won't do" exclaimed Barnes,
rising excitedly. Then, as if suddenly
remembering the words of the Book Of
Forms, no folded his arms and solemnly
remarked, Il am the victim OF a
woman.
There was an awful silence in the
room for q moment. Tragedy was in
the air and our president turned pale.
You are in love-, he managed to re-
turn at length.
Il am" answered Barnes.
May Heaven protect you, murmured
the club, fervently.
Her name?" exclaimed the President,
Bternly.
Agnes Upton, said Barnes.
An earthquake could not have created
greater CONSERVATION than resulted
from his words. I felt the blood rush
to nv face, for I realized that I might
have to follow the example set by the
clubs Apollo" Before I could arise,
however, DR.. Chapman was on his feet.
Il am the victim Of a woman." he
said.
You are in love-" whispered the
President, as though he were gazing at
ghost. - s c,on., oo,o-
moniously.
May Heaven protect you, muttered
the club, perfunctorily.
Her name?" queried the President,
ominously.
Agnes Upton.
as this joker" cried the President,
In anger. What do you mean?"
1 sprang to my feet, folded my arms,
and looked calmly at the President.
Il am the victim OF woman" l said.
whats this?" The Presidents voice
rang out in tones that stirred the hang
incs and made the fire flicker in the
crate. Are you all mad? Has Agnes
Upton bewitchad you-for l suppose
YOU, too, are her slave?"
bowed low IN answer and sat down.
No one spoke for some time. Not a
man in the room dared to move. 1t was
a great relief to see the President take
a cigar from his pocket and hastily
light it. His hair seemed to have
grown whittier in the last ten minutes
and his good -natured face wore an eX-
preston Of mingled disgust and per-
plexity.
I'm glad Brother Fernshsw is not
here" he managed to remark after q
time. We all said amen" to this in our
hearts.
Move the report OF the committee be
accepted" said one of the brethren
presently.
what do you mean?" asked the Pres
ident. The committee has reported
altogether too much progress. 1t must
be discharged at once. l have never
been so thoroughly nonplused in the
whole course OF my career. was an
annoyed at Fernshaw for falling in love,
and here l find three men Of wildly diff
ferent tastes vino have succumbed to
the same influence which destroyed the
peace OF our youngest brother. 1t is
very evident that the present status Of
this affair threatens the very existence
of our club. Four OF our brethren are
now in love with the same woman. -Four
Of US, fortunately majority, still re-
main free from the witchery Of Agn es
Upton. But what shall do? 1t is my
duty to protect Fernshaw and ] da!e
not expose any more Of the brethren to
the fatal influence Of this woman. Some
action must be taken at once. really
don't know what course to follow"
Barnes arose. Il would suggest, he
said, that you yourself, Mr.. President
take the place OF our committee OF three
AS YOU say, four of the brethren now
love Agnes Upton. But We are still
loyal to the club and will gladly abide
by your decree. 1t would give me great
! pleasure to make your task as easy as
ii can be. May not present you to the
Npptons:"
81 Thought I caught the CLEAN of NAL.
yitSSi the 1Apollo's' handsome eyes, bu
my Nerves we're too much shaken fol
sBe soppose the suggestion he hat
made. After all, perhaps 1t was best X
place the iAatter in one mans hands
Wewere h0nhd by our oath to obey thu
command 0f aQnr President in all affair
of theNheHrtS2Qd ! realized that he wa
a man who wonst act Justly in a case o
this kind ~
Your propositiph 10 acceptable to me
Brother Barles, II syaid, the President
after pondering fhesulxgestion in silence
for time. "1f thereSis no objection
from the club, viii disAh Aharge the pres
ent committee on the Eernshaw cas-,
and appoint myself -. .thsirS place. Blu
what am to do2 The question at pres
ent before us is very different from tn
one which came up at OUT last A1eetin &
Then it was for US to decide Wlkethe
Fernshaw would be happy IL hc msxriet
Miss Upton. Now am called nponS {,
saw which one OF four men has the besS
right to sue for Miss I'pton's hand.
really feel that the responsibility ID toe
great for one man to discharge" G