The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-06-09
CHAPTER Iv.-Continued.


that time the pangs of hunger-if peo-
pie 30 far forget themselves as to in
duIge in such vulgar things-have been
satisfied, and the enlivening effects OF
iudiciously chosen wines begin to be
felt. NV vis-a-7is seemed to forget all
about the peerage until the roast, game,
salad, ETC., had disappeared. Then, the
conversation having become brisker,
she turned to me and asked if ! knew
the gentleman seated next to Agnes.
She referred to our President, and l
saye her his name and such other de-
tails regarding him as were OF interest.
He seems very much struck with
Miss Upton" remarked the old lady
deprecatingly. AS our President was
nothing more than cultivated Ameri-
can he did not appear to be an eligible
parti in the eyes Of the AnglomaEiac at
20, no,"I exclaimed thoughtlessly.
He is simply making study OF her.
why, is he an aruist-or a doctor?'
she asked, in surprise.
Her question brought me to my senses.
looked about me and began to feel as
though l was a conspirator, member
of cabal which might well employ the
ponisrd and the drug. To my eyes
the scene took on the colors Of romance.
We were seated in the old Italian ban
uuet hall. tSncs was the pride OF an
ancient Roman house. Her father,
naughty lord, had offended the members
OF our secret council, and, in the guise
of friendship, we partook Of his hospi-
tality only to work his ruin. When the
hour should come one of US would slay
the lord, others would seize the girl and
before the startled hous ehold could re-
cover from it's dismay we would be far
beyond the walls of the Eternal City
and riding for our lives. ! awoke from
my reverie to find that the ladies had
left the room. Agnes had been ab-
Quoted, but in modern and ceremonius
way.
Barnes came over to my side of the
rsble and lighted cigar.
How are you? You look bored"
Il am. And you?"
Rather! Been talking to girl who
once had love affair and wants an
other. Am worn out.
He slipped liqueur, and looked at me
languidly. .
THAT was fair" I returned. THE
girl was talking to man who once had
love affair-and wants another.
Barnes smiled. Pretty good, old
man. If you weren't member Of the
club, however, I'd call you out and
have shot at you. I consider you
dangerous rival. You really seem to
have the inside track"
Nonsense. If you make girl your
friend she will never love you. III this
maiden prize sweepstakes for all ages,
my boy, think I'd put my money on
Barnes-'Apollo' Barnes, as he is
known to fame"
And lose it. Here comes the winner"
Fernshaw joined us.
The old man seems to be getting
solid at headquarters, he remarked,
putting cigarette.
Barnes and followed his gaze and
saw that he referred to the President.
who was drinking brandy with Mr..
Upton.
What do you mean to imply?" I
asked, suspiciously.
That the President has lost his moss
covered heart to Agnes.
This was too disrepectful to pass un-
noticed, and spoke rather hotly.
You are unjust and undlgp1hed,
Fernshaw. The President has been
your firmest ally from the very start.
You owe him great deal Your insane
jealousy is driving you mad.
Perhaps it is," he said, gloomily.
But what are you all here for? Since
! made my rash confession to the club
! have not had the slightest chance to
see Agnes. First it was Barnes, then
you, then Chapman, and tonight the
President monopolizes her attention. I
really don't think it's fair to me. There
are still four members Of the club who
have not met the Uptons. When are
they to be introduced?"
He moved away, and Barnes and I
looked at each other gloomily.
He doesn't know what took place at
the last meeting" said Barnes. Some
body ought to tell him."
"Yes-that's 80. You have tact. Sup
pose you break the news to him..
No. He doesn't like me. Do 1t
yourself"
We'll, we'll toss up for it. Agreed?
Heads-I tell him; tails-you. There it
goes, tails. Permit me to wish you
luck. Be very gentle with him. Barnes.
His temper is not as quiet as it used to
be-"
Barnes frowned, but had no chance to
protest, as Mr.. Upton at that moment
led the way to the drawing-room.
The rain poured down in torrents on
the night on which the club met, but by
10 o'clock every member was present.
Fernshaw, silent and morose, had come
to the conclusion, evidently, that he
must LOOK after his own interests.
There was rebellion in his eyes, and he
hardly deigned to bow to the brethren.
Barnes, Chapman and myself sat to-
gether in a sympathetic group. We
were rivals, it is true, but were too
broad minded to sulk in each others
presence. And then, we had agreed to
abide by the president decree, and the
magnitude OF the stake drew US to-
gether like sheep who dread the storm.
What did Fernshaw say?" I whispered
to Barnes.
He was very ugly at first, but after
a long argument l convinced him that
we had acted as honorable men should.
I pointed out to him that it " as natural
that we should all fall in love with
Miss Upton-that by so doing we COM
plimented his own good taste. fur
ther argued that he was as much bound
to obey the President as we were. and
that he stood as good chance OF win
ming Agnes in this way as though we
were all working against each other Sc
cretly. But look at the President.
Did YOU ever PEE him so pale and
nervous?"
It was true, our worthy leader was
not himself, and his face had
strangely haggard appearance. AS he
seated himself in front OF US and called
the meeting to order his voice trembled
and his hand shook as he toyed with a