The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-04-24

dinner. I'll get not 4 morsel if I am
too late"
Lane Leland smiled, in spite of his
anger. He was always either very
happy or very miserable with this
girl. He loitered beside her as they
walked up the pier, still carrying the
furled parasol, with its knot of broad
ribbon. They were the last OF the
idlers upon the pier, for it wanted but
a few minutes Of the dinner-hour, and
the light was revolving in the tower
out to westward, and only the ten
derness of twilight touched the sand
and sea and sky beyond that line of
sullen cloud. The world was so
peaceful, how could ones heart retain
tumult?
After dinner, will you go with me
to watch the moonrise upon the sands.
Miss Catherwood? l have something
that I wish to tell you-something that
l must say tonight said Lane. as
they paused at the foot of the stair
case.
A slight flush was upon his face.
Miss Catherwood knew quite well
what it was lie would say: and it
would be pleasant sto"y for her to
hear-shc knew that, too; but wicked
Miss Gather wood could not live with
out teasing even those whom she
loved, and she could not refrain 1rom
tormenting this man.
after dinner" How slow and soft
her voice was. and what charming
quicker came between the level Dlack
eyebrows! why. after dinner-let me
see-I am almost afraid that l nave
an engagement, Mr.. Leland; butt
will see and-let you know
He was, manlike, too blind to know
that this was her acceptance OF his IN
vitation. He was too angry to ask.
You are always unkind to me- he
protested, wrathfully.
Then why don't you leave me
alone?" demanded Miss Catherwood,
swiftly, her voice struck with sharp
ness born Of contrite tears.
And a rustic of skirts, the flash OF
a buff-and- blue gown, the click of light
boot heels upon the stairs, and Lane
Leland comprehended that he and
Miss CatherwOod had once more quar-
relied.
What is 4 fellow TO do:' he de-
manded of himself, with great fierce
ness. as he followed slowly up the
stairs to his room. ''She puts one
always at a disadvantage. If she
doesn't want to marry me. LET her
say so-when 1 ask her. haven't
asked her yet!'
He continued exceedingly wrathful
during his toilet; and went down to
dinner fully determined to have no
more TO do with such wicked CO.
!auette, but to fall in love directly with
Anita Grant!
The tables were as lively as usual
with bright eyes and wit and laughter,
mingled with the clatter of dishes and
the distant thunder Of the surf across
the sand-hills. For who among them
could believe that brilliant Alecia Gra-
ham and her handsome husband, live
liest of them all, hid wolf under their
cloak of pride, and would vanish out
of that gay world as 4 star that falls
with 4 flash of light into darkness and
oblivion. For not one Of them saw the
anxiety under light laughter The
cry of the ocean should be drowned in
gayety; the beat Of happy hearts
should defy the beat of breakers.
Moonlight was over the world; the
stars were steadfast; the sea a lake OF
molten silver breaking to gliStening
fragments along the sands. Time
enough to be terrified when the storm
should break!
I'VE will bear our sorrows, Harold"
Alecia said, slowly and bravely. as she
sat in a low chair by the open Win
dow of their room, some time later.
facing the ocean. Because trouble
has come to us, is no reason why we
should lay it upon others. Besides
she turned for moment from the ex-
quisite world without to smile upon
her husband. leaning back in his chair.
with his hands clasped behind his head
and his eyes seeing nothing before
him-"beside, it helps one wonderfully
to laugh when things go contrary.
feel great deal stronger for to-mor-
row, aft:r the music and happiness
down stairs. One is ashamed to be
d. gloomy, you know, when every one
else is bright, and so one has to polish