The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1900-07-25

Afterward we disagreed upon every
thing that we happened to discuss. We
had discussed good many things.
Anyhow" contcnded Maud, "he
doesn't know much about anything
else-except, perhaps, chess and bill
liards."
He rows we'll and dances splen-
didly.'
IF he did things as we'll as he thinks
he does" said Maud scornfully. You
will admit that ..y situation was en-
barrassing.
"You are rather hard on him. Maud,
I think" So did l! Wont you ad-
nit that he has any good points?"
"Oh-hc can talk! He's very anus
ing when he comes out of his shell. I
rather like to talk to him myself" In
deed! But 1 don't believe he ever
kissed a girl in his life" Hasn't he!
"Unless"-she laughed mischievously-
"it's you.'
You are ridiculous" protested Vera.
"He wouldn't dream Of such q thing"
Obviously Miss Vera understood me
no better than other antiquities.
Perhaps he-why don't you leave off
sQuabbling with him?" n
He won't let me. He generally be-
gins by asking whether am ready for
our usual quarrel"
why don't you say 'no""
Because he ought to say it." re-
solved that he should. ~,
Then you will find him deadly dull"
IL don't think should"
"Whatever would you talk about?"
"Oh-the usual things" .rs
my dear We, he couldn't! I just
fancy him whispering soft nothings in
your ear Maud laughed. Personally.
didn't see anything to laugh at.
And you blushing and looking down."
Don't be so silly
"While he imprinted chaste sa-
Lutte"
1t is time to dress for dinner" said
Vera, frlgidly. She walked toward the
door. tae
He has q ginger mustache," said.
Maud, as 4 parting shot. This remark
was absolutely untrue; it is golden al
most. -, -
"He has notw Vera departed.
Maud hummed a queer little tune to
herself for minute. Then she sighed
twice-presumably once-I fear for
me! Then she went out also. After a
prudent interval followed.
At dinner Vera and 1 were neigh
bors. l avoided antiquities, and told
her amusing stories, just to hear her
laugh. She looks very pretty when she
laughs. She also looks very pretty
when she doesn't.
After dinner our host, who is proud
of his scenery, suggested that we
should 90 and see the moon rise over
Tall Hill. L managed to escort Vera
and to lose the others.
Shall we have our usual quarrel:"
she asked, when we had perched our
selves upon 4 big stile at the foot Of
the hill.
NO. I replied; Il don't want to
quarrel, please"
Don't you?" she said brightly.
Aren't you afraid we shall be dull:"
Not in the least. but if you are"
"Oh, no! We can talk about-let me
sec" /.
The usual things" I suggested.
She looked swiftly at me and gave a
little start. l took hold Of her arm.
II thought you were falling" I ex-
planned. Perhaps it would be safer if
I-held you" She didn't seem to mind,
So I gathered her arm comfortably in
mine. ..
~ can't imagine you talking usual
things you know" she said, with an
uncertain little laugh.
Everybody says usual things il
the moonlight" l explained. See, il
is Just rising over the HILL
We sat q few minutes in silence
Watching the yellow rim appearing
and the pale light streaming down the
fields, dotted here and there with tall
trees.
1T is very. very beautiful" she said
softly. 1T makes one feel good. / am
so glad you didn't want to quarrel to-
night"
Or any other night. I have been
going to tell you so for long time
She laughed.
How strange! Do you know. have
been wanting TO say tie same thing TO
you"
1T was right that the overture should
come from me-" She started and
glanced at ne again. The moonlight
lit up her pretty. thoughtful face and
glinted il her golden hair. The pret-
test effect of the moonrise is invisible
to YOU" told her.
Il think" she said smilingly. fts
incest effect is that it has made two
uuarralsomc people" She hesitated
for the word.
Good friends:" She nodded. "One
Of them is very glad"
So she said almost inaudibly, "is
The other
do YOU know. little Miss Vera,
dreadrully rs we quarreled. J liked YOU
ali the time. Only l thought that you
disiked me so much"
"Oh. no. she cried quickly. I'm
deed l didn't"
"TLat." | said, was the odd thing
about it,