The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-08-16

Iy@MSSA Il Being intent OF
MTSEN his morning du
ties, he put it in his waistcoat pocket
without further thought, for he was q
busy man, the editor of great daily
paper. The small portion of his time
which was not spent in the sanctum Of
his Office was devoted to his snug
rooms in large apartment house; il
was there that he gained what little
rest and pleasure his busy life afford.
ed him. John Ainsworth was in every
sense of the word man of culture
and refinement, with very little fond
ness for society. In fact, he had stu.
diously avoided the other residents OF
the house, and, perhaps, it was for
that reason that he scorned the ele-
vator, preferring to bound up the
marble stairs to his cosy rooms on
the third floor. This habit greatly
amused his young brother, Elliott,
who shared his home and any other
comforts that the gods or John pro-
vided. Elliott was happy-go-lucky
artist, whose profession had not as
yet brought him an income.
When John entered the pretty sit
ting room that evening, he found his
brother putting the finishing touches
to what he was pleased to call an
''ideal head"
"Hello! Jack. I've been waiting
ages for you. Shall we dine at the
Albemarle tonight"
"Why, no. I am going to the
Writer'S Club, 80 you must look out
for yourself this evening""
"Well, all right, only look at this 9
moment before you dress. Don't you
think there is something sweet in the
sxpression?'
John walked to the easel and
glanced csrelessly at the sketch, rath.
er bored 10 be forced to spend time
on one of Elliott's many daubs. But
for once his attention was arrested.
something in the light brown eyes ap.
pealed to him, and as he studied the
face it seemed more and more to be-
,eech his friendliness, at least. The
waving, chestnut hair, the delicately
moulded brow, the sweet, thin lips,
and the dsintiness of contour all
united in completing beautiful face.
"Elliott, you rascal, you have
stolen this! BY Jove, it's the best you
have done!"
Elliott could not conceal his salts.
faction at his brothers honest praise,
for who was 80 dear to him as sober
old John?
"Thank you, Jack, and to tell you
the truth, it's a face I've seen and
dreamed about, but painted entirely
Gom memory"
"Where did you see her? If you
have really portrayed some living
girl she must indeed he beauty!"
Elliott seemed we'll pleased that an
answer was not expected. He put up
his paints and brushes and the editor
and his friend prepared for the even
ing, one going to his club and the
other sauntering off to a favorite cafe
to eat, smoke and dream about the
subject of his sketch.
The next morning when John put
his hand in his pocket for his Car fare,
heran against something unusual, and
pulling it out recognized the little gold.
en- cross. He looked at it carefully
and saw the inscription "Muriei'
upon it. When he raised his head,
he blushed to see the light brown eyes
of Elliott's sketch watching him de.
murely, even appealingly, it seemed
to him-yes, it must be she, the same
brow, the waving hair, the dainty lips
and best of all, the wonderful eyes!
For some reason he felt much dis
concerted and hastily replaced the
cross in his pocket, sinking behind hi
newspaper, though furtively glancine
across the aisle only to find the haze
eyes still fastened upon him.
Now, John Ainsworth had reached
the sober age of thirty-fve and if any
one had told him that pair OF haze
eyes would set his heart to beating
like steam pump or cause crimson
hue to suffuse his manly face he wouli
have secuted at the idea. But tha
was Just what was going on this yer,
morning, and as the sensation was 81
new and so alarming the only idea tha
came to him was flight. So takin!
one more look at the girlish figure, h'
made his way to the door Of the ca
and dropped Of. only to regret it, n
In moment he was overcome to dis
cover that he haG voluntarily given N
the only chance OF finding out who sh
was or where she was going, for h
was suddenly aware OF an intense IN
terest in her whereabouts. Followln
his first impulse, he started at llvel
pace to pursue the car, but stoppe
shortly when he heard q familiar volc
calling:
"Hold on there, Jack, old man
What's the rush? Is there q fire
are you after SCOOP"
"Well, you here? I managed to g
off at the wrong corner and though
to regain the car" John smile