The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-09-03

The young woman turned to the
clock with 4 little start OF surprise
1t was only 4.3O. hut she quietly put
on her hat and with murmured good
night left the room.
Abel listened to the departing rustic
Of her skirts with thoughtful expires
sion. There was sensible girl. a girl
who never grated on his feelings. n
girl who asked no useless questions
She had reached IN age Of discretion
II Jim was determined to marry a poor
girl. why could not he have taken one
like Emma Morris:
Abel opened 4 heavy envelope and
drew forth folded paper.
Jim never was confidential with
me-" he Srumbled. Perhaps l didn't
invite his confidence. don't know
Now he has dlsobtyed my direct com.
mand. That can't be overlooked.
When he told me about this girl. said
wait How long:' lie asked. Until
you reach years of discretion cried,
and turned away. Jim Ia twenty four
Twenty-fOur. And married at TWEEN.
ty-one! Yes. and :an away. too! But
1t was different with me. My father
had nothing TO give me. I was quite
independent. He was glad to have me
shift for myself. Jim's father is n
rich man. Jim's father has given him
pounds where my father begrudged
me pennies. Jim owes me clial Obetli.
ence. He has disobeycd me to his
bitter cost"
He unfolde,l the paper that he had
taken from the envelope and ran his
keen. gray eye down the closely writ.
ten lines.
"He has given up his father for q
pretty face" he murmured.
"Let him stand by the consequences.
Who Is she: Who is she? 1t matters
not. No doubt they trapped him into
this marriage. 4 rich mans son. they
chuckled. But they'll find they're
fooled. Father he said. I am to he
married tomorrow night. Will you
come with me to the weddingT
turned on my heel. Then I looked
back. You know the price you may
pay? I cried. Yes. father he said.
with his head high up: I know. Good.
0y. and God bless you He asked a
blessing ON me! fla. ha. ha! That's
too ricn! But he'll get evil for good
this time. I'll cut him OF with a shill.
Ing. Let him sup on herbs for while
Thatll take the veneer from loves
young dream. I'll draw up a new will
at home tonight and have II witnessed
before I sleep. And 10 let him know
what his foolish fancy has cost him. III
wrihc him n ietter-a letter he cau
show to s;s new relatives. That's the
thing-the letter.
He bent down with his head upon
his hand and his eyes upon the paper
A rustic Of skirts in the doorway drew
his attention. He did not look up. II
was way he had.
"Ah. Miss Norris he said. "back
aeainy
He had quite forgotten that he had
sent her home.
The young girl in the doorway die
not answer. Her bright eyes were fixed
upon the old man. She expected hin
to look mp. II he had done so he would
have seen a charming vision. She wa.
q very pretty glrl-tlainty and nea,
from the crown Of her new hat to thu
tips Of her new shoes But he did MOI
look up.
Just In time" he added: 81 want tt
dictate letter before you CO."
He paused. and the young girl. as Il
seized with sudden fancy. quietly
stepped into the room aud seated her
self at the typewriter.
You have been with Us 80 long. Mis-,
Norris" the old man continued. ..tha
We view you as a confidential agent
Besides. this will I've public property
very soon. am going to write to my
son. Last night he married an un
known girl against my wishes. I IN
going to tell him that l wash M,
hands OF him and his: that tonight
change my will. cutting him OF witt
a single shilling. Are you ready?"
The girl at the typewriter gave :h,
instrument a preliminary click or two
James Mitchell" began the old man
"as you have seen fit to disobey me. (,
cast my fatherly wishes in my teeth.
desire you to know that l have u,
wish to hold further communicate,
with You. While cherish the impres
sion that you We're lured Into this I'm
happy marriage"
The typewriter stopped.
Unhappy marriage" the old maj
repeated, and the clicking recon-
menced. "yet I cannot accept as m,
excuse for your undutifui conduct. To
night I change my will. and you ma.
rest assured that your name will b
passed over with the smallest possitl
financial consideration. I prefer (
have you understand this here an
cow. 1t will prevent you and you
new friends from cherishing any falls
hopes. This Is all have to say and n
reply will be expected.
ABEL MITCHELL"
The young girl drew the sheet fror
the machine and. bringing It forwart
laid II on the old mans desk. Abt
glanced 1t through.
"A beautiful copy" he said. and kn
his brows.
The girl at the end Of the desk e,
top.lod har hand