The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-05-22
But Miss Bess did not see it in that

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That wouldn't do at all, Lane" she
protested, pokinS the sand busily into
tiny heap with the Toe OF one boot.
Il snail go TO her this very day. TIE
morning steamer he's gone, l know,
but Mr.. 2riestly will take me across
in the Banjo-that was her favori-c
boat, too, LaGe-and l shall remain
with Aunt Wright over night in tEQ
city. She will be glad to have ME,
in her loneliness. Poor, beautiful MIS-.
Graham
Ard who will so with you to the
city. Bess?"
The great eyes turned upon him
were the old saucy back eyes now.
"As though l am incapable Of trav.
cling alone" she said, scornfully. 'Il
| the nineteenth century, TOO! scarce.
! II think any bears will eat me, Sir
! Galahad.
Well" said her lover. with lovers
! foolish fOndneSs, you are sweet
enough to eat, Miss independence, ard
[ will not allow you to travel alone.
Pray. where is your chaperon:"
"Mrs. Ellis? She will remain here.
of course, to welcome ME upon my
return, like the prodigal daughter,
Blue Beard am going in at once to
dress. l only came out here to have
my little mourn before l started. and
you must follow me even here. Think
OF the whole long day OF my absence
and be very nice to me while am
here, Mr.. Lane"
Il shall think of nothing Of the
sort" he retorted coolly. Il am going
20 the city myself this morning to see
Graham. There Is room e-ough in the
Banjo for an extra passenger, and
Mrs. Ellis will give you into my
charge until l hand you over TO Mrs.
Graham. This blow upSp them Is
very heavy. Who would have thought
it of such 4 man? Solid as brick,
everybody said. But his wife has a
fortune in her own right, you know.
That is better ta..4I total loss
Ii was Alecia's wish that no one ex-
ceDt those obliged to know should
learn OF her lgsS OF fortune; and her
husband. seeing that it was a heart
wish, yielded TO her. So even their
most intimate frienG5 did not know
the extent of their reverSes.
Miss Catherwood was intrusted
with many messages cf sympathy from
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 ana the shades drawn
down, no sign of life about it as Miss
Catherwood and Leland ascended the
steps, not even at hrst receiving an
answer to their ring.
Perhaps they have gone away"
said Bess, a pucker of perpieXity be-
tween her brows. IF they have lost
everything, Lane. Of course this love-
~ house must so, too. 1t just makes
me wish to cry, it is so wicked
Her lover would not allow even the
ghost OF smile to stir his lips, though
he was inwardly pondering the strange
freaks f'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 Alicia came
down to greet them, pal2 exceedingly,
but very beautiful.
You are so beautiful always and so
brave. dear. dear Mrs. Graham! muir
INJURED spoiled Miss Bess, with her
two hands holding the slender hand
extended to her in welcome, while the
violet eyes met the black eyes tender
ly. Il could not stay away. And we
are so 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 crossT'
Alicia smiled down into the black
eyes Of this warm-hearted friend. She
drew her with her down upon sofa
near Lane Leland, that he should be
included at once in the conversation.
1t is wonderfully kind Of you all"
she said, ito think Of my husband and
me at tIls 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 liza