The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-11-12
CHAPTER NX.
Cnnttnuod

Continued.
My cheeks tingled with Indignation
which I did not dare to express. !
followed my uncle down the stairs.
Thoroughly vexed and panied as
was to hear my dear father 30 pitiless-
" disparaged by his brother. was
not at all surprised at uncle Sans
bitterness. Circumstances seemed to
chow that my father and i had both
fsllen victims to the clumsy fraud OF
an ignorant old man. But the situa-
don had now become hopeful II
uncle Sans theory was correct. as 1
hoped and believed 1t might prove to
be. reconciliation Of the brothers was
not only possible but highly probable.
my uncle's recent declaration to the
contrary Notwithstanding.
As soon az he entered the brilliant
" lighted dining room uncle Sam as-
sumed his airiest manner. IN NO way
Indicating the serious thoughts which
had occupied his mind q minute or SO
before. All the company, except Mr..
Rosenberg. had departed; and my
aunt and Miss Marsh, who were
dressed for dinner. appeared very
charming In white silk robes trimmed
with old lace. each lady wearing
girdle from which depended q superb
fan ornamented with feathers and
diamonds.
I shall. not attempt to describe either
the apartment or the decking Of the
table, being well assured Of my In
ability to do 90. Suffice Il to say that
both were az artistic and luxurious
N the best artists In those things at
the end Of the nineteenth century can
provide for men Of lavish expenditure.
A soon as dinner was over, We ad-
iourned to the drawing room, with
the exception Of uncle Sam. who be-
took himself to the roof to smoke.
saying that he would prefer TO be
alone as he had q troubled matter to
unravel, and could not accomplish his
purpose without consuming three
cigars. 1T ID now" said he. giancing
at his watch, "a few minutes past
nine. and I may not see you again be-
fore morning. 10 goodnight and pleas
ant dreams"
Dear old uncle Sam! How well !
knew the subject on which he intended
10 exercise his thoughts. and how ar
IDENTIFY hoped renewal OF his friend
ship with ay father would result from
his deliberations!
Whether her womanly instincts had
perceived the attraction which her
sister had for me, and her kindliness
Of heart prompted her to gratify me.
or that II 20 befell Of accident ! know
not; but to my great satisfaction, on
returning to the drawing room my
aunt at once entered Into conversation
with Mr. Rosenberg. leaving Miss
Marsh and me to pass our time as
best we could.
What an evening was that! Why.
Was almost happy and really believe
I should have been quite 30 but for
the shadow Of the estrangement be-
tween the two brothers whose lives
were bound up with mine.
The conversation Of lovers, 30 de-
lightful to the parties Immediately
concerned, 10 notably uninteresting
10 everybody else: and It Is not my
intention to bring upon myself that
ridicule which men past the amorous
phase Of their career 50 mercilessly
and inconsistently mete out to their
fellows engaged In 1t by recording
In this place my conversation with
Constance Marsh on that memorable
occasion. Suffice 1t to say that In
telling the tale Of the seQuins, which
I selzed this opportunity to relate. I
greatly excited her sympathy. Ny
long silence was forgiven as soon as
its cause was understood and It was
clear to me that had established my
self In her favor more firmly than
aser.
II understand you viii be from home
al tomorrow" observed.
"Yes," replied Miss Marsh. II am
going to Tarrytown. Mrs. Van Rens-
selaer has Just returned from Europe.
and Ia to give Q big reception"
where ID Tarrytown, and who Is
Mrs. Van Rensselaer, I inquired.
''Tarrytown IN q beautiful village
on the Hudson, about twenty-five miles
from here. Mrs. Van Rensselaer, Ia
the widow Of Martin Van Rensselaer,.
the railroad king. Everybody has
heard Of old Martin Van Rensselaer,.
who died two years ago worth afty
million dollars"
"Yes, ] think I have read something
about him somewhere" l said. Tell
me, Connie dear. viii the Rev. Mr..
Price be tkere?"
II don't know, I'm sure. ] hope
not" replied Miss Marsh.
II am quite unable to express my de.
light that your entertain such q hope.
May / beg you will increase 1t by tell
ing me why you hope he ymay not be
thereY'
Because he Is q tease. and monopo.
iises my time when he has the oppor.
tnnity to do TO-" confessed Miss
Marsh.
IF the Rev. Mr.. Price were to ask
you 10 become his wife, what would
you say?"
"The came as ] have sid before
"What! has he asked 20 70 marry
him."
"Dear me. yes. Lots Of times"
"And what has been your answer?'
mo"