The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1902-12-31


any longer. l would not have him send
hothouse flowers to Susan, and lavish
like attentions on Miss Morrison at
one and the same time. We would in
augurate a new system with the new
year.
You opened and read this letter." I
asked slowly, possibly with some sever
ity, when you knew it was lot writ
ten to your
She flushed deeply, and look of
panied indignation swept over her face.
"Why, Tom! What do you take me
for? Of course not! thought it was
for me, or l would never have broken
the seal Of the horrid thing! It's aw-
full" added Sue, clasping her hands
with a gesture of despair.
whats in it%' l asked bluntly.
"You must read it, Tom, to under
stand and help me out. Louise will
never, never forgive me, and she will
never, never believe that did not open
her hateful letter out of mean curl
osity.''
"Of that you may be very sure, my
dear child" said.
This was not magnanimous, but l
was seriously annoyed at the absurd
imbroglio into which four people were
being plunged by Cameron's folly. For
the life of me l could not understand
how any man in his senses could fail
to appreciate that little girls immense
superiority over Louise Morrison, that
unreliable, small souled young woman,
whose vanity was as all pervading as
her astuteness two hideous traits.
The letter was-well, a glance suficed
to inform me that it contained the
usual rhapsodies and idiocies.
''It was in the first pages of the
book" explained she tearfully, land so
you see, Tom, that was sent to me; so.
without noticing the address, opened
and read the nonsensical thing. DO
you know, Tom, dear" continued Sue,
and in spite of her mortified distress
two lovely dimples crept in the corners
of her mouth, 1T was by mere acci-
dent I noticed Louise's name on the
envelope. 1t fell on the floor with the
address uppermost."
"Well, child" l said, call you have
to do is either to notify Cameron of the
accident, and let him try his hand at
an effusive epistle to his ladylove, or
inclose this thing just as it is to Miss
Morrison and write her an honest ex-
PLANTATION Of your error. TO my mind.
the first would be the safer plan Of the
two. 1t would be little awkward for
you both, and will delay the extremely
ready acceptance that is waiting for
him, which is pity, as, if I under
stood his extremely involved sentences,
he is hoping. / believe the fellow wrote
'pining,' or some such word, this very
afternoon. Wants to start out on the
new year with a CARLOAD Of illusions
and fantastic anticipations Of coming
happiness. Happiness, with Louise
Morrison!' l added sardonically.
"Why, l venture to predict, on next
New Years he will be looking around
for method to escape"
I poked the fire viciously, for I was
sorely grieved to note the pain way
down in the depths of Sues gray eyes.
and purposely spoke roughly Of the
absurd affair. The little girl must
needs grow accustomed to the situa-
ton. The sooner the better.
"Tll send a note to him right of,
then. Tom," Sue said hurriedly. 1T
will be my New Years greeting to
him." and she laughed brightly.
But my ear could detect jangle in
the sweet notes.
what ounces men are" solilo-
quized internally, and from the van
tage ground Of my old bachelorhood l
looked with supreme contempt on the
blanders and misapprehensions l could
note in the matrimonial ventures Of my
friends and acquaintances, by which
they so very determinately brought un-
told sorrows upon themselves.
Serves 'em right" added mentally.
Harris. take this note around to Mr..
Cameron and bring the answer" | di-
rected to the butler. who had answered
the bell. You'll be apt to find him
in.'
Silence fell between US when the
door had closed and lit cigar.
well, little one," l. said finally, Its
about time to dress for dinner. By the
bye, put small box from Tiffany Oh
your plate"
You are q dear old boy" she said,
putting her arms around my neck.
drew her down by my side and kept
smoking, while she leaned her head
confdingly and sorrowfully on my
shoulder, A carriage dashed up to the
house and l heard pause and the hall
door slam.
"3Ir. Cameron" announced Harris.
As Sue had started up and was sit
ting in shadow, Herbert Cameron evil
dently failed to perceive me.
did you believe it possible" he said
agitatedly and in q pleading voice,
leaning forward with outstretched
arms, that could write such letter
to any one but you? TO any one but
the dearest and loveliest woman