The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1900-01-25


match of them. ehectually kept them
al art except when under her autocratc
eye, when they played at cOrdiality in
self-defenSc.
But that quick eye Of Accrington'S
had noted the solitary rider long ago,
and she had not gone far when he came
lightly swinging over the cradie-hllls to
her side, with world Of gentle concil-
iation in his greeting.
She coud not help admiring his fine
appearance in the brilliant uniform or
the hunt. Us he managed his fiery hunter
with consummatc skill, controlling its
impatient efforts to break away and
ioin i'm the mad race over hedge and
ditch, with turn Of the firm right hand
on the reins, all the while seemingly
quite engrossed with the lady beside
him. Having drawn from her the reason
of her tagging behind, and condo!ed
with her on her disappointment, he
promised to stay by her until she had
Iound more desirable company.
"Or until you find your golden-tressod
Ariadne," retorted she, laughing and
blushing Superbly. for she entirely be-
lieved in what he had asserted concern
ing AuberonS preference for another
than l.oveday-for herself, she trcm-
blngiy hoped.
He looked sad and depressed.
II fear ! am not to have that happi-
MS; to-day" said lie. unless you, my
kind ally. help M to it. / see indica-
tionS of interference, probably by that
immortal. the CarisbrooEe. who has
long outlived the sympathes of hu-
manitv. ! believe Miss Dcllamere has
been specially placed under guardian
ship for the day. / can perceive no Other
reason for young Crecy's close attend
ance.
The insinuation dropped like honey
into Merrion'S hurt: she had wondered
somewhat shamedly that Auberon had
allowed her to fall behind alone.
That was the explanation, the good,
blupdering old duchess had in some man
ner contrived it that Loveday should be
placed in Aubcron's special charge, so
that .hccringtOn should BE- forced to as
sociate with herself Her proud heart
Swcllcd with wrath. she would not be
thrown at any mans feet so.
She was quite ready TO respond In the
right spirit when Accrington cntrcated
her to give him her aid in winning Love
day for his companion for short time
The idea of thruSting herself upon Au-
beron was humiiating, still she might
manage to lbcra:e l.oveday without
quite that, and at the worst, surely 1t
would not Ec nnmaidcnly 20 claim his
attention for little while, for Lovcdays
sake, and knowing that Aubcron loved
| herself.
She almost felt repaid for her consent,
when Acc:iEgton took her hand with
lingering pressure, looking down at her
with a deep glow in his eyes that showed
how moved he was.
The pair halted on the crest Of rocky
ridge which commando u view OF both
valleys.
The swift fight Of the fox had thinncd
off the throng until only the crack hunt
erS w,rc in sight, spreading far and
wid". eacn following as best he might
| the coursc Of the hounds, which Streamt
along the grass. land in tull view OF the
game, like the white trail OF plume
in hunting par!anc'.
pair Of riders divrrged from the
! course, and at 4 hail from Accrlngton
, came lightly amb ing toward them.
They all met on tn edge Of a wooded
! glade, and stopped.
Loveday was in high spirits, Au0eron
| quiet and rcSolUtc-IOoking.
! You won't be in at the death them"
said Merripn Rae. wOnderingly. 10 win
"thc brush" was v;ry desirable tri-
umph in her eyes. and Loyedays barb
was quite equal to il
Lovcday made comical grimace,
| whisper it low: I've never been in at
the death yet. and / don't mean t. be. u"
! said she The meet is picturesque,
the chase is glorious. and stirS up every
| heroic PARTICLE in the blood; but tho
| finish is so pitcous that it would make
| me cry. l loathe such sport as looking
on while painting, helpless little brute
! gives up its life TO 4 score OF enemies,
after running It's clevereSt. and an0rd-
| ing them hours Of cxhilarating pleasure.
| That is heresy, know" she added, look
down timidly under the ardf MT gaza OF
| Accrington, who had skilfu!ly edged in
; between her and the other two with
! meaning look for Mcrrion.
He answered suitably, handing Love
day his glass meanwhile TO view the
! field: and Merrion drew AuberOn's at
! tention entirely to herself. by drop
| ping her whip with an cjacula-
| ton of diSmay. AuberOn was on the
ground Immediately; he handed her the
eweled toy, and was about to mount
! again when she said. capriciously:
"Eon't l,t US follow the hunt any fur
ther, since Loyeday does not care for it;
] should like to tread on this ye!vety
moss with my own feet-your shoulder,
please" And lightly leaning one hand on
Auberon she lit like bird on the ground
by his side. and with word OF warning
to her horse, ran to the mosS-bank
nearest, and knclt before it in ccStaSic2s
Auberon glanced round to see how
Arrrinrton was emDlOyed. tccringtOn