The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-07-10
4 Nooel.

was Gregory BensonhurSt upon the
pier. He was her friend-Alecia'
friend; he had cenSured John Win
throp as strongly as she, and he was
q man. She would ask him if she
were wicked to .harbor this harsh
judgment of the man, and if he said
she was, should sht not try to over
come it, because he was Alecias
friend and Harold's friend-and hers?
II have been very patient" he said,
steadily. II would not go to you even
once during your weeks at home. I
wished to have you here in this quiet
life first after your years away. 1t
has seemed a long, long time to me,
Beatrice. But how we'll you are look
ing"
That was all. He did not even wait
for her reply, as though he knew her
hearts throbbing stifled utterance, or
as though her silence were sweetest.
He turned to the others about her,
greeting them in his old, easy, lazily
good -humored fashion, laughing, ban
dying light words Of pleasant gossip
with the girls and with Lane Leland;
attentive to see that Mrs. Field was
assisted upon the pier, questioning II
she We're fatigued; offering her his
arm to the hotel, as though Beatrice
in her bright beauty were no more to
him than any pretty woman!
Nnette and Clara, of course, crowd
ed about them; Harry Dillingham; and
Charlie Brown and George Priestly-
all the old friends Light words ard
laughter. pretty assurances of affec-
ton and 4 shower OF questions as to
the latest fashion in Paris for bon
nets and gossip.
You would endure the worst OF
showers that ever fell over the island
to possess the bonnet with which I
fell in love with. Clara said Alicia.
smiling, as Miss Clara snuggled her
hand under her friends arm and
turned with her up the pier, Ninctte
upon her left and the others of the
group scattered about them. THE
very dearest bit OF lace and feathers
that even the queen Of Paris fashions
could devise. Wait until you see it,
my dear!'
Then you brought it with you, Mrs.
Graham?"
"Of course l brought it with me-"
answered Alecia, not adding that it
was intended for this little lover Of
bonnets. Il would not dare waLen
your curiosity without being able to
satisfy it, Miss Clara! 1 wish you had
been with us last winter. We had
most delightful time. We met several
old friends In Paris, too, and made
many new ones. Paris is the conServ-
atory of friendships, you know"
Exotic, many Of them, though"
said Marion, quietly. Forced, more
than our American friendships, Miss
Clara. Cultivated for us rather than
by us. and showing to best advantage
by gaslight. l grew somewhat weary
of Paris toward the last"
But that is only Marion's way"
cried Cora, Mortified, her black eyes
alife turned upon Harry Dillingham;.
Fields eyes We're more worthy of ad-
miration than any other woman's,
"It's fashionable to grow fatigued
with everything, you know, and Ma
rion must profess it, too; but it isn't
true. She simply could not be tired of
Paris-no one could unless he were
blind and deaf. Even then / believe
that the lights and music and gayety
would creep in through the other
senses. You can't be dull in Paris. l
love itr'
Harry Dillingham; laughed, amused.
This vivacious woman was deliciously
refreshing after the rather quiet days
upon the sands. Her brilliant eyes
were brighter than the sparkles Of the
water under the moonlight, he thought,
and better worth the watching. Her
voice was light and sweet with sun
shine in it.
The others laughed also, knowing
Miss Cora's passion for gayety and
admiration.
The life of Paris suits you, Miss"
Dillingham; said, interestedly. You
will find the island pretty dull after
such life. l fear we shall not be able
to detain you with us long with so lit
tie to interest you"
But one doesntwant too much life,
Mr.. Dillingham; she replied, bright
ly. "One must run away and hide for
a time or one would grow deadly
wearying."
They paused in q group on the
piazza, as the proprietor came out to.
welcome them, and then they sought