The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-05-26
CHAPTER i.

Gentlemen, one OF the oretnren ashs
leave to make confession.
We looked at our President in sur
prise. Many months had passed since
we heard these portentous words. ihey
were welcome, too. for the club OF late
had been growing rather dull, and all OF
MS seemed determined to remain bache-
iors.
There were nine Of US, young New
Workers, who had formed what might
be called an offensive and defensive So
cial alliance. We met every two weeks
at each others apartments, and went
through an established order of busi-
ness over our wine and cigars. Our
fraternal tonds compelled US to protect
each other from the wiles Of the gentler
sex. VIC were not misogynists, by any
means, but were sworn to defend one
another from hasty and undesirable
marriages. We were thus obliged to be
frank and outspoken at our meetings,
and our President, a confrms d old
bachelor Of middle age, had become an
expert in drawing from an unwilling
member the deepest secrets OF his
heart.
As I said, our gatherings had been for
some time unenlivened by anything sen.
satiopal, and when the President re-
marked one evening that one Of the
brethren had confession to make we
all reflled our glasses, lighted fresh
cigars, and prepared for an enjoyable
discussion.
The youngest member Of the club,
handsome fellow not long out Of college,
stood up, looking rather pale, and bowed
to the President.
q am the victim of woman he
stated, employing the phrase prescribed
by our Book Of Forms.
you are in love?" the President re-
turned.
Il am" answered Fernshaw.
May heaven protect you, chorused
the club.
Fernshaw then reseated himself
smiled nervously and looked around
anxiously at our stern, uncompromising
faces 1t is not an easy task to ac-
knowledge q loss Of heart to eight
hardened men.
You say" continued the President,
still following the form ordained for
this emergency, that you are in love.
Upon what symptoms do you base your
diagnosis" The founder of the club
had been a physician, and our ritual
was suggestive, in places, of his profess
sion.
-Sleeplessness, inability to concen-
trate my mind on business. loss of ap-
petite, constant dwelling on the words
and appearance Of my inamorata- It's
q clear case, Mr.. President. I've fought
against it, but-but-I'm gone coon"
mo slang, Mr.. Fernshaw,' said the
President, sternly. This is serious
affair. You are the youngest member
of this club. You have been with US
only few months, but in that time you
have become a favorite. 1t pains me
greatly to learn that you have not
shown more fir mness in this matter"
Mr.. President, said, rising, 1T may
be that Brother Fernshaw deceives
himself. Would it not be we'll for DR..
Chapman" (ex-President and founder OF
the club) Ito question the victim more
closely. At Fernshaw's age bilious
ness is often mistaken for love.
Your suggestion is a good one," an
swered the President. Doctor, will you
kindly examine Mr.. Fernshaw?"
Dr.. Chapman. a bachelor Of thirty
five, placed his cigar on q table and
solemnly approached Fernshaw. He
felt the young mans pulse, looked at
his tongue, asked him few questions
In a low voice. then returned to his
seat.
Case Of love-" remarked the Doctor
sententiously.
Fernshaw colored violently, while a
sigh Of despair arose from the club.
Brother Fernshaw," said the Presi-
dent, Il regret to find my worst fears
corroborated by Brother Chapman. 1t
will now be necessary for you to state
the lady's name. your opinion as to her
feeling towards you, and such other de-
tails as will enable the club to take In
telligent action"
Fernshaw again arose, leaned against
table, and continued his confession.
There was something sublimely heroic
In his calmness.
"fier name" ne said, lis Agnes Up
ton. I have known her for two years.
Her father is wealthy man who has
been twice married. Miss Upton's
mother Is dead, and she is not fond OF
her step-mother; Agnes is handsome
girl, dark. impassioned, but thorough
gentlewoman In her self control. Her
mother left her large fortune. don't
know what she thinks OF me; sometimes
she is cordial, sometimes cold. One
day / think she loves me, and the next
! resolve never to see her again. I have
never told her that l love her.
Have you rival-or rivals?" asked
the President, taking notes.
Il don't know, but think have. She
receives great deal OF attention. At a
german last week she did not favor me
once, and flirted with a dozen fellows
all night long. It was after that that
the symptoms have described began to
unfit me for work."
Fernshaw sat down hastily, as though
his emotions had become too strong for
him.
Brethren" said the President,
gravely, Il really do not like the looks
of this affair. The permanent happi-
ness Of Brother Fernshaw may hinge
upon our deliberations. Are there any
remarks?"
Brother Barnes, the Apollo Of the
club, arose. Mr.. President. l have
not the pleasure Of knowing Miss Up
ton, but there is one fact which compels
Brother Fernshaw to tear this growing
passion from his heart. A motner-iu-
law is bad enough, but a step-mother-
in.law would be fatal.
"The point seems well taken" ruled
the President. making a note OF 1t.
Have you considered this feature OF
the case, Brother Fern shaw"
Yes; it is upon this very thing that /
base my hopes. I think Agnes would
rather marry me than live longer with
Mrs. Upton"
Infatuated boy, cant you see an
Inch beyond your nose:' mutterei Dr.
Chairman surlilV