The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-11-27
"Babs" "A Passing From Trlb-
ulation to Happiness.

II believe he was-once. See here
my initial is e. the same as yours
Will you accept this brush" and she
handed her one of her ivory trio, and
Ella impulsively kissed her. What
ever her first slight awe Of her statu
csQue cousin, it was brushed away
| now.
At Iunch-and how Babs hated hash
and it's flabby bits Of saturated toast
the Major was talkative and spry
slancing kcenly at his niece from time
to time. She had brought few pres
cnts for the family, 4 pair of earrings
for her aunt, and she handed him q
cigar case.
Il am sorry I do not smoke cigars
Babs," he said, "but shall value your
present all the same
Something had evidently rufled Mrs
Gilden, for she said aloud, icily:
"No, dear, half a dozen packs OF
cards would be more in your line.
and Babs wondered If she had been al
lowed a peep at the skeleton in the
family cupboard.
"I have just had a letter from my
brother handed me by q namesakc OF
ours, a very distant cousin, introducing
him. I have asked him to dinner to-
night" .....
"Does he come from the West In
dies, uncle" came eagerly from Babs.
Eyes, he can tell us all about poor
Talbot"
"Poor father is really ruined, then?'
"Irretrievably, I fear"
"Then goodbye to our occasional
checks" thought Mrs. Gilden, signing
heavily and crcaking.
To put it mildly, Mrs. Gilden's recep
ton was not a crowded function, fol
no one but Mr.. Royce called. How this
handsome, refined man came to find
himself in this third rate makeshift
kind Of society was marvel to Babs
Guy Royce sometimes wondered vague
ly himself what brought him there
He, 4 lonely man, who made few
friends, had met the trio at an unfash
ionable watering place, and Ella
amused him. When he entered the
room, a smile upon his lips for the
adoring Ella, and was introduced tc
Babs, his manners for moment de-
serted him. All the artist in the man
all the intense love Of the beautiful
awoke in him; he had instinctively
taken her hand and looked into hel
dark eyes. Sensitive and proud as was
the girl she did not resent the glance
for it was an almost reverential look
Guy Royce, like most men in his pro
fession, worshiped beauty, and in Babs
he thought he had found its very in
carnation.
Conversation languished, and Ella
was Inclined to pout; Mrs. Gilden, too
grudgel the admiration Babs had
evolved, when suddenly bright idea
struck the artist.
"AIrs. GilGen," he said, and his was 8
wonderfully persuasive voice, "will
vor all come round and have tea at my
studio Ny 'Prosperine' goes off to
Paris tomorrow"
II cannot, of course, get away, but
If Mrs. Grafton will play propriety
there's no reason why the girls should
not" and the girls darted off for theil
hats.
Guy proved 4 most courteous host
and showed them everything. Babs
was specially attracted by an old
fashioned carved oak cabinet contain
ing china.
"None of these specimens are really
valuable" said Guy, deprecatingly
"but to me they arc very precious, and
have history"
Thank you for your hospitality, Mr.
Royce" said Babs, in her smooth, even
tone. You have taught me more in
the last two hours than have learned
i as many years"
"Why, Ella, I do believe you have
been trying not to cry. My dear girl
what is the matter?" and then, as q
happy thought, the schoolgirl remedy
for grief suddenly presented itself to
her mind.
"Come and gorge ices, Ella!'