The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-04-02
CHAPTER VII.
(Cnn4innpill

COn1lnue0.)
80 the days went by, some Of them
dragging heavily. some all too swift,
through the remainder Of the summer;
and It was autumn weather before the
affairs Of Harold Graham were set
tied enough to admit Of his leaving the
city to open q new life in new field.
After Alecia's vain attempt to bring
about some adjustment Of the affair,
the case was tried. and she was closely
sxamined to discover. II possible,
whether or not there remained some
means whereby the creditor, Palmer
Earle. should receive his due. For
tour weary hours she was held In the
witness stand. For four interminable
hours these men argued to prove that
Harold Graham had not given up all
that be could and should to meet the
demands against him.
And what did they prove? That her
fortune was gone with her husbands
hat nothing was withheld save her
diamonds, and those her exclusive
property; and besides this nothing did
hey prove save how true and noble
8as Alecia, Harold Graham's wife.
though not q shadow OF softness or
yielding was granted her BY John
Winthrop, counsel for Palmer Earle;
rot q shadow Of turning. even when
- discovered that there remained no
fortune Of hers to be yielded to her
husbands creditors; even though he
knew that the handsome house upon
he avenue belonging to her was given
~ to meet, 30 far as 1t might, these
heavy demands.
Nothing moved him, for down In his
heart he was struggling to yield, and
sis win would not; for be believed It
weakness because Of q woman's face.
and would be ini:stice to his client
Alecia's mother and sisters were
upon the Continent at the time of her
husbands failure. and learned the
startling news through the columns Of
tho papers only. for Alecia kept any
mention Of 1t from her letters; and
they started for home 81 soon as Ar
engagements could be hurried; for In
her Home she was the sunshine as well
- In the world. and those nearest and
3earest would save her unpleasantness
sr harm. 10 far as lay In human DOW
q.
No word Of reproach was spoken OF
her husbands carelessness In this un-
fortunate investment that had lost a
prfneely fortune; no word was uttered
among them save perfect love and re-
Eret and encouragement. Harold Gra-
ham had too long been to them an
deal honorable man for them to ques-
tion his integrity. Mrs. Field insisted
apon their remaining at her house,
and admitted no denial when Harold
urged objections; and from the moth
sr to Beatrice. the youngest Of the
family. they all-Marion and Cora and
Frances-gaye only good cheer to this
eayorite sister and her husband.
II hate that lawyer Of Mr. Earle'sr'
Szied Beatrice. with flushing cheeks
md sparkling eyes. "He Is the only
sne who is 30 hard upon Harold. The
Dthers are willing to give him time to
retrieve himself. but this John Win
throp-rve got his name by heart, l
assure you, for I'll not forget him II
the time comes to remember-is like
sdamant, and urges Mr.. Earle to the
very last extremity. and Is 50 general
y hateful that I wish could tell him
shat ! think Of him. Maybe he isn't
ased to hearing the truth, but he'd
hear It thenr'
(which would utterly crush him, Of
sourse" said Marion, ironically.
Even IL 1t hasn't zone SO yet, for
net him just now and he still trod the
street like a veritable Prince Of the
stony Hearts, Miss Bee" said q
angling voice at the door. as the
sootman announced:
"Mr. Gregory Bensonhurst.