The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-11-06

men. But not u OF them was able to
present even a creditable counterfeit
Of love Though some Of them could
counterfeit almost anything else. from
good breeding to the national cur
rency) until Mr.. Alden entered the
lists. That's hardly fair to him: be
was sincere. but mistaken"
yet | didn't have at all the feeling
that | have now" she continued. 1T
was only tina: last day that | became
enraged. mostly NJ myself. II is since
| have come here. since ! have known
you. the most womanly Of Gods crea.
lures. that ! lave had some r COM
prehension of my own lack. some hon
est sorrow for it,"
.Only since you have been here
said Elsie. How remarkable! But.
Brenda, it is sweet Of you to talk this
way to me. and | am so glad, so very
glad! How long have you known DR..
Kendall?"
What a queer question:" said Bren-
da. About W. years. but we haven't
met a dozen times. BY the way. he Is
going to be married"
He is going TO be married. e1claim'
ed Elsie. ITO whom?"
81 don't know" Brenda replied.
From something he said the other
day. | judge there's a difficulty. don't
know the lady's name"
We'll" said Elsie. letting her head
sink back on the pillow as one relieved.
you will when it happens"
IF you mean that he cares anything
for me, you are quite mistaken" said
Brenda. His manner when he Is in
this room should show that. | am
nothing-a piece Of furniture. Do you
know, 1t has inspired me with some
thing like ieSlousy-jealousy merely OF
the difference between you and me.
which is the theme we started with
"I'n show you what DR.. Kendall
thinks of that difference" said Elsie.
wait till he comes in here again. I'll
suggest that you're going away. and
then you watch him. He'll know that
I'm going to stay till I'm carted away.
But watch him."
You must not do it." said Brenda.
But Elsie insisted that she should, and
they were still having a cheerful little
quarrel about it when they were inter
rupted by Kendall's familiar rap.
The doctor entered. looking very seri-
u but his brow cleared at the sight
of Elsie.
Upon my word" he said. approach
ing the bed, you are the miracle OF our
species"
Il am so WELL" replied Elsie. that
Brenda is thinking of DESERVING me-"
Kendall had been holding Elsie's
hand. He dropped it and slowly
Strengthened his tall figure till he stood
erect. The dead white mice seemed 10
be dancing before his eyes.
You can't mean it," he said. and his
face was blush gray as he thought or
the certain inference that Elmendorf
would draw from Brenda's departure
at this time. Brenda he began, u
truly beg your pardon
THAT is my name" she said. land
shall always answer when you speak
it"
~ tbauk you from my heart" said
be. "And-Brenda. you mustn't go
not now. / can't explain. | was taken
unaware and may have said too much
already. Upon my soul. don't know
what | have said. But don't leave us
now
In his excitement his voice broke in a
queer little sob.
~ had no idea." said Brenda, that
my presence was so important"
81 can't think Of anything earthly
that is more important than your pres
ence here" he said. with such impress
i've earneStneSs as would have carried
conviction to any woman'S heart.
":rhis must seem strange to you. this
sudden outburst, but | I'm nervous,
overstrained You must pardon me. l
cannot tell you all / mean
go on" said Elsie. Don't mind
me-"
And she put her fingers into her ears.
Then for the first time Kendall com
pretended the prepoSterous construc.
ton of which his words were suscepti-
bic. His face suddenly blazed with col
or.
"We-we really need you." he STAN
mered, both of us. Tell me that you
will stay"
81 had no intention Of going" said
Brenda in a strange and stifed voice.
ut was only Elsie's joke"
Thank heavenw exclaimed Kendall,
and he took both of Brenda's hands. 81