The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-11-19

was nothing absolutely orig
inal In the occurrence; thou
sands had done identically the same
thing before In their time. and. In al
probability. thousands will emulate
their example years hence. But the
promise made on a liners deck, though
sacred at the time. was soon forgotten;
and 1--WE years elapsed without line
being exchanged between them. And
this was the mans fault
Charlie Montrose had bade lara
Hoste sdieu at Vera Cruz, when she
was but a girl Of sixteen. or rather
woman. as girls Of that age are ranked
out In Mexico; one natures early IN
Central America.
A year passed then Art had gradual
II blotted out the remembrance OF heI
Madonna-like face. True. he had kept
aye Of her letters unanswered. BY the
vay. which detailed to him her trust
ing love and progress In sculpture;
but they had lain on the mant!epiece
In his study till dust had begrimed
them and nearly obliterated the family
written words. Then four years
iapsed, and lara was almost forgotten
BY the man on whom fortune had
smiled. Therefore. 1t was somewhat
strange that Charlie Montrose dream,
sadly Of the past during an interval
at a ball given by Lady Belmont a'
Aer house in Park lane.
-why so glum, Mr.. Montrose?" she
aueried gayly. tapping him playfully
on the shoulder with her fan. You
have not done your duty by standing
out three dances! l must find you q
partnery'
MAY / have the pleasure. Lady Bel
mont?
"with me? Oh, I should be delight.
ed. only. alas. my program Is filed"
she replied. vivaciously. But VII
introduce you to Miss Vivian. You
know the great sculptorT
Surely not the Miss Vivian OF
Sleep renown"
THE came"
A light step behind him caused Mont
rose to turn round. A brunette was
coming toward hinl-a brunette whose
beauty, surprising even his ideals OF
feminine beauty so often depicted on
his canvases, caused the master.ards'
20 almost wonder as he gazed At the
marvellous regularity Of her finely
chiseled features. He rose. stretched
out his hand mechanically to pull back
the heavy portiere for her to pass into
the ballroom, when she stopped sud
denly, and, glancing swiftly up at the
handsome face Of the limner, said i'm
pulsively:
.Mr. Montrose. the great artist.
believer" He glanced straight into the
syer raised shyly to his. then replied
THAT - Lly name. As great artis,
I believe I am a fraud!' then added
modestly: II have been lucky. that IL
allr'
"You are modest" she said gently
81 hope you will excuse my presump
ton in speaking to you without a for
NAL introduction, but ! was very anx
sous to speak to you. only saw yor
once before to-night-at the Academy
you were pointed out to me-"
II am indeed honored by your re
membering my features" he said. po
litely. Then glancing steadily at bel
face, said, thoughtfully: But surel!
your face Is familiar? 1t is-ah. yes!
he cried bitterly. ~ know whom yol
resemble. You are much prettier. ye
90 stransely-strangely like a girl
once KNEW He sighed. as he let th'
portiere fall from his grasp.
"Indeed" The brown eyes opened
widely. 81 am pleased I resemble tha
iady-you-you were interested IN. I
is quite romantic. TO be included. l
even In SO slight degree. In a grea
mans hfew Montrose flushed duly.
II am afraid I was speaking m!
thoughts" he said. awkwardly. I"
apologize. l must have bored your
ION the contrary" she replied
brightly. Il am interested As I resem
bic this lady. will you not tell m
more about her? Or would II be indis
Greet on my part to p,offer such re
quest"
II am sorry to refuse" he replied
Klancing at her. 1T Is very difhcul
70 do so. but no man cares to recor'
q shabby action Of his own"
But, Mr.. Montrose." she murmuret
you have always been spoken OF j
the papers as the soul Of honor!
$50 much for the truth OF jourra
ISM" he said bitterly.
But, surely. Mr.. Montrose"-hc
voice trembled a lltt!e-"you hav
never broken you word Or" II
laughed harshly.
THAT Is ilentically what hav
doner he said. II broke q pleds
made six years ago. and now dare nc
redeem It,"
"Irdeed.' said the brunette. smilin
archly. "And why notY'
Because she would despise me now
he stopped short, blushing hotly as b
realized that he had committed hin
self. MAY I escort you to the bal
1oom?"
She blissfully ignored his question.
$50 you had asked her to MARI
you." she said. thoughtfully. "and the
grew tired Of her"
"You appear to he thought reader
exclaimed Montrose. almost savagel
SsYou are. however, correct. I did as
her 70 marry me. then We drifte