The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-10-29
CHAPTER XXI.
CONTINUED.

CHAPTER XXI.
CONTINUED.
Nov, what does she mean, or what
does she want?" exclaimed Stanley.
''Thsre 10 Q menace in this which I
San partly guess at, remembering that
She is, BY this time, deep in Celestine's
sonfidence. But what Ii this particu-
lar information in regard to my fam
tlyP Well, I suppose the easiest way
10 answer that in not to keep her wait
ing; for I may need all tho information
I can pick up in regard to my English
family"
He read tho letter carefully . SEQ
ond time, in order to impress it upon
bis memory, and then, having torn it
Into fragments, he was presently on
his way TO call on Olive Gaye.
$50 good Of You to come at once, l."
said Miss Gaye. 81 felt sure it would
shock You less to hear Of your beresve-
ment from an old friend Of tho family
than to have it come on you
with the abruptness Of mere tele-
graphic news from England, particu-
larly a. you did not even know Of their
illness. Poor Lord Appleby! There
has long been NO hope, nor for tho
dear child, either; but the boy died
farss, and within IN hour the father.
Nv news comes in the form Of cable
dispatch, and, therefore, I have NO
particulars; but. without doubt, Lord
Appleby's death was accelerated by
khe death Of his heir aud only child"
A slight exclamation escaped the
Lips Of the Hon. Clarence Stanley, but
he instantly rspressed al signs Of
smotion and, slowly sinking into the
chair indicated by his hostess when
be 6rst entered the room. he said:
'sDo you mean, Miss Gaye, that my
brother and his little son are both
dead?"
'.Lord Appleby and his son are
dead" returned Olive, with special
emphasis.
hIndsedp exclaimed Clarence. 81
am shocked, truly, but shall not
pretend to any great grief. We have
been long parted, You know, Miss
Gage"
"Oh, yes, indeedp assented Olive.
"And, since you know the affairs of
ny family % well, Of course you know
chat I was never in sympathy with
them, nor they with me-"
II quite understand that" said
Olive.
'sMsy I inquire from whom you have
received your information, Miss
Gaye,"
:The dispatch is from dear old Tod
ilskins, Mr.. Stanley" replied Olive,
with wicked smile. ''Dear old Tod
dlekins, whom you have 30 entirely
forgotten. Il would quite break her
heart to know this, for she simply
sdored Clarence Stanley. II was she
sho showed me the picture I told you
#, You know, and the old darling has
actually lent ii to me-"
She turned to an album on the table
snd took from IL Q photograph which
vas lying loose within the leaves.
ST find il is not nearly 20 good q
likeness Of you a. ] thought; indeed,
II you will pardon the compliment, It
doesn't do you justice. You are very
much handsomer; but I'm afraid yoa
sre Q sad dsceiyer. Mr.. Stanley. See.
COW, here is written by the beloved
land Of that Clarence whom she
sdored: TO his dearly loved friend,
Milicent Fairfax. and you cruelty de-
slared that You didn't remember her
indeed your manner implied that
you were unconscious Of her exist
snce."
She held the picture close to her
lace for Q moment, then her keen,
bright, penetrating eyes looked over
the top Of il ct the face Of her COM
panion that Was now very pale, but
net and defiant, and she only liked
him the better for that look, as she
thought:
eyes, he will fight, and with me to
back him We shall win, for We shall
both fight"
"It 10 long time ago, Miss Gaye, /"
he said, seeing that she waited for m
answer, "and I have poor memory,
sometimes.
"Yes, 90 / have observed" said
Olive, ''and yet-poor Celestine! She
remembers You SO well; it was too
cruel"
Her listener started violently; but
he wouldn't yield yet.
'Confound the womsnw he thought.
'.How much does she know? And is
u knowledge or suspicion? What is
her game? ! must know before I
commit myself"
'.Celestine?" he repeated. REALLY.
Miss Gsye, youhave the advantage Of
me-"
EYES, indeed" laughed Olive, II
think ! have, Mr.. Carlos Mendoza. /"
The man before her cowered-in.
stinctively his glance wavered, and
he looked about as il for
some means Of escape; but
the next moment he pulled himself
together"-Olive saw and admired the
mental effort-and then he said, in
cold incisive tones:
Perhaps it would be better If We
understood each other, without any
further sencing, Miss Gsye; and il
We are going to row in the same boat
let us pull in the same direction"
Olive gave laugh, full Of delighted
appreciation.
"You are man after my own heart,
Carlos" she said, land like enough