The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-03-26

those at the Surf Hotel who had
known the Grahams even SO slightly
as to be upon only speaking acquaint.
ance.
The magnificent house on the ave.
nue. was closed ami the shades drawn
down. no sign Of life about 1t as Miss
Catherwood and Leland assembled the
steps. aot even at first receiving an
answer to their ring.
Perhaps they have gone ay."
said Bess, n pucker Of perplex. be-
tween her brows. IF they hav ast
everything, Lane. Of course this love
~ house must go. too. 1t just makes
me wish to cry, it is 50 wicked
Her lover would not allow even the
ghost of a smile to stir his lips. thousi
he was inwardly pondering the strange
freaks Of women-especially this wom-
an-who could be at once so childish
and so womanly; variably. in truth as
the winds of heaven. But he was
growing wise. this lover Of hers. and
made no reply to her charming speech;
and presently they were admitted Into
the silent house. and Alecia came
down to greet them. pal: exceedingly.
but very beautiful.
"You are SO beautiful always and 80
brave. dear, dear Mrs. Graham" muir.
INJURED spoiled Miss Bcss. with her
two hands holding the slender hand
extended to her in welcome. while the
violet eyes met the black eyes tender
". II could not stay away. And we
are 60 sorry. all Of us. about this. And
the girls sent their love. and they
cried-some Of them: and ! don't know
how to tell you that l am SO sorry,
sorry. sorry! What are you. any way.
Mrs. Graham, that nothing spoils you
or makes you cross"
Alecia smiled down into the black
eyes of this warm-hearted friend. She
drew her with her down upon q sofa
near Lane Leland. that he should be
included Mt once In the conversation.
1T Is wonderfully kind Of you ALL"
she said. Ito think Of my husband and
me at ,nis time. 1t is an anxious time.
Of course. You would scarcely recog.
nize my husband; he Is SO worried
about not being able to meet his lia.
bilities tnat he frets himself thin. But
he Is SO thoughtful Of me always"
she added. swiftly. lest they should
wrong him fer an instant. "and thinks
more Of my comfort than Of any.
thing"
He'd be !ust horrid II he didn't"
murmured Miss Bess, emphatically.
with q soft pat on the hand she held.
Il don't believe. even q bear would
bite you. dear Mrs. Graham"
And. after ALL" said Bess, comfort.
ingly. there Is your own fortune, Mrs.
Graham. 1t isn't as though you had
nothing left. You have more money
than l even now"
Not q muscle Of Alec.a's face
changed to betray her. Her hands
were steady under the soft fingers
upon them. and her voice even when
she spoke.
1T is sweet Of you to be SO thought.
full" she said. II only 1t all were
over! I dread this time more than
later. We will leave the house at
once. 1t Is no longer ours. and We
could not remain longer than neceS-
sary to maS. other arrangements.
Afterward I think we shall leave the
city. 1t Will be best to 60 away. you
know. My husband has been under
such severe trials that he will need
the change"
And you" queried Miss Gather.
wood. softly. You must think Of
yourself sometimes. Mrs. Graham"
A slow color deepened in Mrs. Ora.
hams fac,.
"As every one thinks Of me-" she
said. land for me. what need Is there
for me to think Of myself. Miss Cath
erwood? And among those friends
who do think Of US Is Mr.. Bensonhurst.
He is untiring in his efforts to cheer
Harold and to keep him from any un-
pleasantness in his power. l will
frankly acknowledge my failing and
say that did not believe there was
so much good in him. Mr.. Leland
~ fellow couldn't help being the
best he knew how for you and your
husband, you know" said Leland. i'm
pulsively. Still. there Is more in
Gregory Bensonhurst than one would
believe until one knows him. I know
him. He is solid right through. II lie
is somewhat given to taking life easy.
Mrs. Graham"
YES" said Alicia. gravely. I'VE
have fou-d him true indeed, Mr.. Le-
land"
And by and by Lane Leland took his
leave; but Miss Catberwood remained
with her friend ut her request.
Go be continuedJ
General Chaffee's Little Daughter.