The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-06-04
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! JOHN WlNTHROP'S DEFEAT.
"A Nopsl.
JEAN KATE LUDLUM.
!. Ropxar BoxxE,'s soxf. 1851

dear Mrs. winthrop. ! nave heafu
cruel news Of q friend. that Is all, but
one cannot depend too much upon
ones friends. II we honored them
less we would be less wounded when
they fan"
She smiled again quite steadily and
turned away up the staircase, fortu.
nate In meeting no one on her way to
her room. For this thrust Of subtle
words was so sudden and keen that
she had no opportunity Of hiding how
much she was wounded. She would
conquer 1t presently alone in her room.
He should never guess how he had
wounded her.
And meanwhile Jessica Gray was
languidly strolling along the promen-
ade toward the pavilion with Mrs.
Winthrop and her SON, and was softly
murmuring. looking up to the tall
man beside her. that Pickering fame
in her eyes, what q charming woman
Mrs. Graham was. II only she were
not 50 harsh and unforgiving!
II could scarcely believe my hear
Ing" she said. softly, breathing sort
Of fascination, even upon this quiet
man. when she told me tonight that.
In spite Of all men say or think. her
husbands honor IL higher than yours.
Jack! What a strangely vindictive
family they must be. judging from
these two! would not care to call
either Of them my friend!'
Under her curled lashes she saw
that her words struck home, from the
pallor upon his face and the sudden
convulsive setting Of his lips. The
flame in her eyes was vivid. and he
should have been warned, but who
pauses to examine the arrow that
strikes?
'Thee must have misunderstood
Mrs. Graham. Jessica." said Mrs.
Winthrop. mildly. "Thee ts often
time too impulsive In thy judgments.
Mrs. Graham is my friend. Remem-
Der that in thy speaking Of her. my
dear. She knows that John Is thor.
oughly upright. and she is not one to
condemn any oct Of Justice. scarce
ly think that she could have said what
thee repeats"
"Well, I am sure Il Is nothing to
me-" said Jessica. carelessly. She
was satisfied with her shaft Of subtle
words. She knew perfectly well that
she had wounded her guardian. She
knew, too. that he loved this other
woman.
And presently John Winthrop left
them and no one saw him again that
night. And Alecia betrayed no sign
Of her struggle on the following day.
even joining a little sailing party In
the Banjo. because John Winthrop
was going, and she would have him
understand that his presence was
nothing to her.
II am almost afraid to venture" !"
said George Priestly. as they stood on
the pier watching him making prepar-
ations for their comfort. THAT thin
cloud over there In the northwest
looks like q suuall. 1t isn't a specially
nice thing. ladies, to be caught on the
bay at such time"
"Oh. but 1t simply couldn't storm.
you know" said Althea Dunraven.
persuasively. because wish to 60
80 much. Mr.. Priestly."
"very we'll" he said. smiling. II
will not 60 beyond quiet water. any
way. Miss Dunraven."
Danger gives spice to pleasure. Mr..
Priestly," said Beatrice. laughing.
She was bright and witty and reckless
of speech because Of the presence OF
her lover. He should not guess that
her heart was heavy. How stupid
life would be IL one could know the
end Of everything"
But do you truly think there Will
be storm?" Queried Althea. with puck.
ering brows.
Nonsense" said Miss Catherwood.
impolitely. Don't be absurd. Althea.
Do you imagine that that thin. streaky
cloud could do us harm? 1t Is just a
little bit of drift from some far-on
bank Of cloud. I am not afraid!
IF Miss Catherwood has no fear.
why should we. who profess to be
brave" asked Alecia. amused
ITO profess a belief does not always
signify its truth. Mrs. Graham" said
John Winthrop. coldly. He Joined the
sailing party upon impulse. when Jes-
sica positively affirmed that he would
not 60. I'VE may often be more cow
ardly than we show"
Then" said Alicia. calmly. dipping
her hand deep in the water as the
Banjo swung away from the pier and
caught a thread Of breeze and filled
away merrily. III 80. We prove that
we have conquered weakness. Mr..
Winthrop. To hide fear-or pain-!n
our own hearts makes Us the more
strong In character. 1t proves that
we have struggled-and conquered"
What was there in this woman that
drew his soul up TO the admiration NO
matter how fercely he set her away :!
He had II In his heart to leave the hotel
that morning after Jessica's subtle
words, but he scorned this as weak.
ness. Would he run from any woman!
Would he be worsted by pair OF
level violet eyes or smile or rose
leaf mouth? He, John Winthrop
hitherto unmoved, hitherto rather
scorning women save his mother.
| Nevertheless" he said coldly. EAR
open fight Is much more honorab!.
than u sly wound. such as Brutu.
gave. Mrs. Graham"
| .Yes " che said steadily. q strange