The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-07-10

"But, Miss Granville-Violet," and
he pressed the hand which rested on
the piano, "surely you know-you
must know that love yout"
Hush! You forget who I am. Don't
be so foolish as to dream Of marrying
n penniless girl. Remember Miss Hay
ward will be of age tomorrow, and
she will then have complete control
over an immense fortune-a fortune
which will be more than sufficient to
enable you to fulfill your loftiest am
bitiOnS."
"violet darling, beg Of you not to
mention her name to me again. 1t is
quite impossible that she could ever
be my wife. What do care for her
wealth or her possessions? One word
from you would make me a Thousand
times happier than all the riches in the
world"
Don't make rash promises. you sill
ly boy. Of course you will marry Miss
Hayward, and I shall be one Of the
first to congratulate you on your en-
gagement."
"If you care so very little" he said.
bitterly, "at least do not mock my
feelings. I assure you I cannot mar
ry Miss Hayward, and intend writ
ing to my father this very evening to
acquaint him of the fact
Promise me-" she said. earnestly,
"that you will not write to Colonel
Beresford for two or three days more
"Of course. since you wish 1t, l can
not refuse. but do not imagine for one
single moment that there is the slight
est chance I shall ever change my
mind"
Frank Beresford was seated before
his bedroom fire, gazing vacantly into
the bright flames. and indulging in the
bitterest and most gloomy Thoughts.
He was to leave Northwood Manor the
next morning, but where to turn his
steps he knew not. He dare not so
back to Oakfeld Park and meet his
father, whose dearest hopes he had
so keenly disappointed by refusing 10
marry the heiress; and yet-oh! bitter
est thought of all!-the woman Tor
whose sake he was willing to sacrl-
fee everything treated him with cold
indifference.
The young mans serious reflections
were suddenly interrupted by knock
Mt the bedroom door. and the butler
announced that Miss Hayward wished
to speak to him for a few minutes IN
the library. By no means relishlng the
idea of tete-a-tete with the mistress
of Northwood in his present frame OF
mind, he slowly made his way down.
stairs. When he opened the library
door a radiant figure, sparkling with
diamonds, advanced to meet him.
"Violet, dearest" he exclaimed, I'M
pulsively, "this is indeed a pleasant
surprise. 1 expected to see Miss Hay
ward here. but 1 suppose there was
some mistake"
"There was no mistake" she replied,
and there was an amused look in her
beautiful dark eyes. 81 am the woman
whom you so often declared you hat
ed, whose very name was the subject
Of your ridiculc, and whose hand and
fortune you spurned with contempt
in one word. am Jemima-Anne-
Hayward" and she pronounced each
syllable slowly and distinctly.
What? You?" he exclaimed In
credulously. "Then, who Is the lady
whom 1 have always believed to be
the heiress?"
"She is my companion, Violet Gran
ville-we simply exchanged places.
Forgive the deception, Frank-it was
only a little trick Of mine. You see"-
and there was a ring Of triumph IN
her voice-"I was determined that my
husband should love me for myself
and not for my money"
Darling, can it be really true?' and
he drew her tenderly toward him.
s'Did not tell you that should be
the first to congratulate you on your
engagement to Miss Hayward?" and
she laughed gaily.
"You little mink! Who would imag-
inc YOU could ever deceive me so cruel
Iy! But you must let me call you
Violet. 1t has become so familiar now
that I could scarcely change it."
"Oh, you may call me anything you
like" she answered, her face beaming
with love ard happiness, "for after
all, dearest. what's in q name:-
Woman's Life.