The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-12-20
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SECRET OF THE MINIATURE.

THE SECRET OF THE MINIATURE.
. When Polly Hamilton reached her
home after the opera on the night that
was to be memorable in her life she
felt that she was very happy girl.
No words of love, nothing that could
have been called declaration on the
one hand or an acceptance on the
other, had passed between her and
Clarence Stanley, but she knew that
she aoved him, and she felt that she
need never again doubt his love for her.
The only thought that troubled her
was that "Rita! Dear, darling Rita!"
would not be equally happy in this
knowledge.
"And, oh, I do hope that I didn't
seem cross and heartless towards her.
Imust see her for minute before I
can sleep tonight, and she must know
chat I love her now and always the
same as ever" she thought, as she
hurried toward her own room, pausing
q moment at the door leading into
that of Dolores.
"Come in,'' said an eager voice,
when she tapped on the door; aud en-
tering, she was met by Dolores, who
came toward her with outstretched
= arms.
Thanks, Maruia, for coming in to
say Goodnight I couldn't have
slept if you hadn't. I have been 80
vexed to think I might have wounded
you"
.'You couldn't have wounded me on
purpose, Rita And do you think I
would have allowed myself to feel hurt
go long as l knew that? Besides, it
is all mistake-a mere, unreasonable
fancy on your part, dear. Clarence is
all that is fine and noble; and when
you know him better, I am sure you
will think so, too"
'.I'm sure hope 80, Maruja; and I
have been taking myself to task all
che evening for allowing myself to
seem harsh and unjust toward any
one whom you care for. Since you
love him, he must be good and worthy.
You could not throw your hearts best
love away on-a bad man.
"Oh, as to that, Rita, I have no
Judgment about men; always remem-
ber that, my dear; but this isn't mat
ter of Judgment. I love Clarence and
he loves me; and, as you say, that is
proof enough that he is worthy. And
he is 80 interested in you, Rita; we
talked about you all the evening. His
mothers father was directly descended
\ from branch of the Mendoza family,
eud his name was Raphael Felix Men
doza Stanhope. I don't know how
clarence remembers oil his relations,
theke are so many Of them. And now,
If it \turns out that you are faro
cousin. he will have one more to re.
membeS. Oh, Rita, dear. do let us
set do X for reading that wonderful
manuscript of yours; and let Clar-
ence be present on that occasion, will
you2"
Dolores ST heank instinctively from
this propositiSn, and she answered
coldly:
IT hardly think I can do that. The
story is singularNon and the ances'
tor whose exploits it celebrates was
BY no means person to be proud of.
I don't mind talking over my family
affairs with you, Maruja; but with 6
stranger! You must see how different
that would be-"
eBut if he isn't stranger-at least,
in that sense?' If Clarence really, on
7 his mothers side, belongs to the
Mendoza family? And I feel sure II
is the same branch of the family, fol
there are legends of Indian ancestors
among these English Mendozas. too,
ind L am getting wildly excited. about
Ibis story. Now, when will You let
ms have the reading OF it, Lorita9"
..Soon." said Dolores, with play.