The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-12-11
CHAPTER XVI.

When Miss Bostal, at the end of t. :
proceedings, turned to Nell and told
her to get up and come home, sh'
found that the girl had tainted.
George Claris, who had not heen
near his niece during the inquest but
Lhad stood in a corner by himself with
folded arms watching the proceedings
with a heavy frown. came forward
sullenly at Miss Bostal's imperjous ges-
ture.
Look, look. Mr.. Claris, don't you
see the poor child has fainted?' cE!ed
she. astonshed at his apathy.
Eyes, see," replied he. shortly. with
a cool nod.
"Poor little thing! The horror has
been too much for her! Poor )itle
thingw went on the lady, as she quick
" unfastened Nell's cloak and ]oosened
the front of her gown. "a glass OF
water, some one, please. And don't
crowd around her; let her have all the
air we can"
When the girl came tG herself, as
she did in a very few minutese, thanks
to the ministrations Of Miss Bostal.
she was led away to the dog cart,
which was waiting outside.
Take great care of her." said Miss
Bostal, solicitously, as Nell was hoist
ed in, very pale and lifeless and miser-
able. "And if you will take my advice,
you will send her off to her aunt in
London by the first train tomorrow
morning"
George Claris. who had remained
taciturn, sullen, and on the whole rath-
er neglectful Of his niece, frowned as
he threw a quick glance ct her.
"Oh, she's all right" he said, with
gruffness most unusual with him in
speaking of his darling Nell. She only
wants the fresh air to bring her 10.
How are you going to get back, Miss
Bostal? Can't I give you 4 lift? We
will make room for you"
He looked up at Nell. expecting her
to echo his words, and to make room
for her friend; but the girl never
moved.
Her uncle looked angry, but Miss
Theodore smiled indulgently.
Leave her alone" she whispered.
"Shes not herself yet. This wretched
business has been too much for her,"
why should it be too much for her
more than for anybody else?" asked
tho innl-ooDor formally
Nell turned with a start. and her
eyes were full of horror as she met
those of her uncle. Miss Theodore
pulled him, impatiently by the arm.
Men have no sympathy she said
reproachfully. my father is just the
same. You don't make any allowance
for woman's nerves. And yet. if we
don't have nerves. you complain that
we are mannish and unlovable. oh,
Mr.. Claris, I didn't think it of you! l
didn't, indeed. I've often thought that
your gentleness to Nell was a pattern
to be copied by other men in their
treatment Of ladies'
The excitement of the day had rem
dered Miss Bostal much more loqua-
cious and condescending' than was
usual with her. Her father, who had
not been in court, came up at this mo-
lnent. and, with nod to George Claris
and cold salutation to Nell, drew
Miss Theodore away.
The old gentleman looked cold and
was decidedly cross.
Come away! Come along" said he.
Mrs. Landsdowne will give us a Lift
On her way home. l don't know what
you want to go hanging about The
place for 4 minute longer than you
need. I should think you were glad
to get this gruesome affair done with.
Come along"
And Miss Theodore dutifully allowed
him to lead her away.
To he Continued.