The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-12-03
CHAPTER XIII.
Continued.


Continued.
Once or twice In our upward pro-
gress toward the house did we turn to
look at the scene below, which was as
beautiful az mind can conceive. The
top terrace reached, we fingered for
several minutes. and expressed my
admiration without reserve.
81 am always much gratifed. ! am
sure, when an Engl.shman admires
American scenery" said Mrs. Van
Rensselaer,. "Some parts Of your
Thames, think. are very charming
and peaceful. but none 90 bold as this.
Ny friend. Mr.. Dennis O'Connor. has
brought an English gentleman with
him to-day, who had great desire to
zee the river from this point, whose
praise IL as unqualified as yours" and
the speaker pointed with her fan to
the lower veranda. where sat Mr.. Den
mis- O'Connor and Mr.. Evan Price. the
latter puffing q cigarette and watching
us with intense interest.
This little incident, which not many
hours before would have greatly dis
turbed me. added to my qualification.
Now. I thought. win demonstrate to
my rival that his suit II hopeless, and
compel him to retire from the field.
Connie" I whispered, my own lit
lie wife that II to be. do you see who
o sitting there"
EYES. DEAR" she answered softly.
aHe win find an opportunity to talk
with you to-day. I am sure. You viii
know what to tell him"
.'Trust me-" said my faithful Con-
stance. returning the pressure Of my
hand.
~ will," I responded.
Never shall forget the delights Of
that long autumnal day. 1t Is true l
was sometimes obliged to surrender
my Constance ID her friends. but for
the most part I contrived to keep her
10 myself. and was surprised to OBJ
serve that beyond formal bow Of
recognition when we first entered the
house Mr.. Evan Price ignored rs both.
suspected that that transformed
cleric was reservlng what he had to
say until he perceived an entirely IA.
vorable opportunity. and acquainted
Constance with my suspicion. who
agreed with me. These remarks were
made ia the blue drawing room, where
fhe greater number Of Mrs. Van Renss-
elaer's guests had assembled just as
evening was closing In.
'If you leave the drawing room BY
the door," said Constance. "and re-
turn again at once by the veranda,
you can sit at that small table at the
back Of that bamboo screen. From
where Mr.. Price Is now sitting he can
see your departure but not your return.
II he comes to me you will hear our
conversation and can reappear to in
terrupt It at any moment you please.
Give me this opportunity, dear Ernest.
% set your mind at rest once for ever
as to whether care anything for Mr..
Price or not"
my dearest Connie" I exclaimed
fervently. II don't doubt your faith.
fulness the least In the world; nothing
you can say or do can increase my per-
feet trust In you. But I win do as you
suggest"
And the next minute I rose from my
seat and walked away. To carry out
the plan proposed by Miss Marsh oe-
cupied more time than we supposed 1t
would. In the frst place. It was neces.
sary for me to pass along three sides
Of the Rensselaer, mansion, which was
Of great extent, in Itself the work Of at
least hye minutes, but I failed to ac-
comrllsh Il In less than double that
time In consequence Of meeting my
aunt and Mrs. Van Rensselaer,. who
detained me with questions. However.
escaped from these ladies as soon as
I decently could, and re-entering the
drawing room from the veranda took
up my position as arranged. Mr.. Evan
Price was already ut the side Of my
Constance. The expression Of his face
betrayed the earnestness Of his pur.
pose. and he spoke SO low that. though
I was less than three feet distant from
him. 1t was with some difficulty that
could make out all he said.
II cannot conceive why 1t is," he was
saying. "that you should refuse to ac-
eept this ring. The stone is beauti-
full one; I selected 1t with great care
myself. and drew the design for the
mounting Of II. The mere acceptance
of the ring will not imply that you are
I'm any way engaged to me. You will
only confer upon me favor for which
shall always remain grateful. Let US
agree that the gift signifies nothing;
only accept II. / beg OF you"
Il really cannot accept It. told
you I could not before you had It
made" answered Constance firmly.
"why has this change come over
you? he asked.
mo change has come over me-" re-
plied Constance warmly. "Au I ever
was to you. that I am now"
81 think You were more kindly dis
posed toward me when we were fellow
passengers on the Etruria. and I am
sure you did not avoid me so carefully
before the advent Of that English cOun-
try boy as you have done since"
MY recollection does not agree with
lours, Mr.. Price. II It Ii your pleasure
% construe ordinary American cour.
tesy into the sort Of kindness TO which
you attach special meaning. I am not
responsible for that. I regret, but can