The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-05-26
A TANGLE OF HEARTS.
The President of a Bachelors Club Falls a
Victim to Love.
WRITTEN BY E. S. VAN ZILE.

portant matter that has come before
the club for months. In my opinion
Fernshaw's condition should awaken
pity, not gibes. 1t is our duty, as our
oath asserts, to defend and guide a
brother who catches the disease called
love. The youngest member OF the
club-unarmed by youth and weakened
by perfect health-has been able to
make no stand against this fatal fever.
Frankly he states his condition. Do
not mock him. There is not o man
among US who is safe. White hair and
weight of years are no certain antNote
to the poison which keeps the world in
it's present disturbed state. Excuse
this speerh, but my heart goes out to
Fernshav, and want you all TO rrea'
him fairly"
Apollo" Barnes arose: Mr.. President
and brethren, the words Of our leader
are full of wisdom. We are sorry for
Fernshaw, but do we not well know
that he will not take advice? Who ever
heard of o lover who listened to the
counsel OF his friends? And, as under
stand it, this club is not formed to dis
courage q man from following the die
tates of his heart, but to defend him
from hasty acts Of folly. Fernshaw is
in love. We cannot help that. But it
is our solemn duty to prove that the
object of his choice is worthy to mate
with a member Of the club. The case
as it stands now presents some inter-
esting aspects. The point to be deter.
mined is whether Fernshaw would
stand fair chance OF happiness # he
married Miss Upton. 1t will be neces-
sary for the club to investigate the case
in detail. Personally l have an impress
sion that Miss Upton would make q
good wife, but that the stepmother and
Mr.. Upton would form q combinat
destructive 10 Fernshaw's peace.
Barnes atdown and there was silence
for a moment Fernshaw was putting
cigarettes nervously, and watched him
musingly. His face was peculiarly
handsome, as delicate in outline as
woman S, but with certain manly firm
ness about the mouth. His hair curled
slightly and gave him the appearance OF
a poet-one more likely to write Don
Juan" than Paradise Lost
Il move, Mr.. President said DR..
Chapman, that the Chair appoint
committee Of three to investigate Fern
shaw's case and report at the next meet
ing of the club"
Second the notion" said I.
Gentlemen. you have heard the mo.
ton. Are there any remarks?"
Fernshaw arose. He was still very
pale, and his hand trembled slightly.
Brethren, I appreciate your kindness,
he faltered, but, really, is it necessary
to have so large committee? l might
introduce the President to the UptoIs,
and he could report to you. There is
really no reason why three of you
should be put to so much inconven.
ience."
felt sorry for the boy, but realized
clearly that he was blind to his highest
interests.
A committee Of three would be much
more likely to reach conclusion oI
some value to Fernshaw than our Presi-
dent-a good-natured, easy going fell
low, not fitted for prying into the Sc
crets OF society. With these thoughts
in my mind arose:
MIR. President, there Is not men,
Der of this club who has not warm
affection for Brother Fernshaw. AS an
old man, long past the sentimental age,
beg leave to request our young COM
rade to withdraw his remarks. He may
safely trust q committee Of his friends
to protect his highest interests. real
ize that it is hard for him to place this
affair in the hands of a syndicate, but
in following this course he simply con-
forms to the custom OF the times.
Again, if the matter is taken charge o.
by our president, it will beget large
amount of work which will prove a
burden to one pair of shoulders. Brother
Fernshaw must know that three heads
are better than one, and that thorough
of his affaire de cpur is
not possible unless he conforms to
Brother Chapman's motion"
Fernshaw again arose: L withdraw
nv words" he remarked. There is
nothing more to be said on my side OF
the question. I did not zee at the mo-
ment that selfishness was at the basis
of my proposal Mr.. President. / agree
to place this affair in the hands OF your
committee. l know that my happiness
will he safe in their care"
A slight murmur Of applause arose as
y
SELF The President lighted fresh ci-
gar and sat silent for time. At length
he said
You have spoken we'll, Fernshaw.
There is no doubt that your interests
will be advanced if you place confidence
in the club. l would suggest that one
member Of the committee devote him
self 10 Miss Upton, another to her step
mother, and third to her father. Does
that arrangement please you:'
"Eminently," answered Fernshaw.
Very WE'LL" said the President. Il
will select the committee before we ad-
journ.
Business of minor importance then
came up, and fo- time the Fernshaw
affair was laid aside. Just before we
parted for the night, however, the Pres
ident announced his committee, name
ly: Dr. Chapman, apollo" Barnes.
and myself Barnes was to devote him
self to Miss Upon, DR.. Chapman to the
step-mother, while Mr.. Upton was al
lotted to my care.
Fernshaw and I walked home to-
gether. He was nervous and talkative
and l realized that he was far from
pleased with the nights work.
! wish Barnes had not been as
cribed to Agnes" were his last words,
and 1 could not chide him for ths
suspicion implied therein. For Barnes
was a very handsome man and ex-
sremely attractive to women.
CHAPTER III.
It was at ball at Delmonico's that