The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-04-30
CHAPTER XIII.
FACE IN TIE, CROWD.

Miss Jessica Gray, John Winthrop's
ward. was left an orphan with a fair
fortune In money and beauty at If
teen. For three years she had been af-
fectionately cared for in the pleasant
Quaker homestead among the Berk-
shire Hills, growing In character. per-
haps, too much after the manner Of
the Wild aowers theresa many flow-
ere. 80 many weeds crowded together
indiscriminately. The lurking fire un-
der the indifference Of her manner
might some day burn that which
should awaken 1t.
In the quiet home among the New
England Berkshires with gentle Mrs.
Winthrop for companion. her ferccr
nature slept. Occasionally she reused
and frightened. surprising even her
self with her brilliance; but these rare
occasions were only when John Win
throp was at home. Still she did not
pause to analyze this change In her
self any more than she would have
analysed O change more marked in
any other. She was too .indolent to
question the causes. Of life. Life itself
was good; rather stupid at times, too
animal like. but worth living.
So that II was not until that morn
ing OF the adventure In front of the
~Belle Jardiniere" that .Jessica Grey
was reused to be more than passion
ate woman unnwakened. She had new.
er before been conscious of the heart
that tinged her blood to the brilliant.
intense degree of Beatrice Field. But
fhlG morning the smouldering fire In
her blood began to lift and glow. per-
haps heralding-who knows-.a crater.
ors outbreaking like the destroying
&res OF Aetna or Nesuxius.
II beg your pardon. Jack" she said.
smoothly. the waking demon lurking
iR the darkening eyes. hut sumetimes
am more lonely among these hurry.
ing crowds than under the trees at
dear old 'Cedarhnrst' There ones
stupidity was not SO markedly .appar'
ent a. 1t is here"
Her guardian Was kindly attentive
at once. He fulfilled his duty TO the
letter to this girl, NJ In al else of his
Life.
-You do well to remind me. Jessica. =
he said. putting aside bis Own thoughts
for the time. "Yon have been In
Europe for two years now. and II .you
are stin lonely. you should have told
me sooner. We return 10 America
next week. but until then. Fou shall
have an opportunity Of making friend,
here. I have Introductory letters t.
many persons. l will call npon then
to-day. No time like the present. yol
know. Jessica," he added. smiling. Hi,
smile was always good to see. Now
IL quickened TO a brighter glow tha:
demon spark in Jessica's eyes. -Art
you must promise me. mother. never
again to attempt shopping wiibou
eompanionship. Even your wonderful
Bon Marche' or the Belle Jardipiere
or those shops Of The Louvre Ini=bl
prove snares for you. shall neve,
fee1 secure about FSn. unless one O,
M 10 with you"
II promise thee" &aid Mrs. Win
throp. smiling. always pleased at lii
evident affection and care. Il will no
again venture alone. John."
Some one anyway. to guard you.'
added Johp, kindly.
But. thee" the lurking devil hat
crept into Jesslca's slew. soft voice
though she toyed indolpntly With ths
spoon balanced upon her coffee-cup
her eyes from under their lashes oil
his face. But. then. there was the
beautiful young lady. you know
Jack. Her speech was something like
the speech Of o heroine In novel
when the hero is In question. How
ipsolent she must be to have uttered