The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-05-14
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|-zk JOHN WINTHROP'S DEFEAT,
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JEAN KATE LUDLUMA
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attentive to see that Mrs. Field was
assisted upon the pier. questioning II
she were fatigued; Offering her his
arm to the hotel. as though Beatrice
in her bright beauty were no more to
him than any pretty woman!
Ninette and Clara, Of course. crowd
ed about them: Harry Dillingham; and
Charlie Brown and George Priesty-
all the old friends. Light words and
laughter. pretty assurances Of adec-
ton and q 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. Clnra!' said Alecia.
smiling. as Miss Clara snuggled her
hand under her friends arm and
turned with her up the pier. NInette
upon her left and the others Of the
group scattered about them. 1.-THE
very dearest bit Of lace and feathers
that even the queen Of Paris fashions
could devise! Wait until you see 1t,
my dear"
Then you brought 1t with you. Mrs.
Graham:"
"Of course brought It with me-"
answered Alicia, not adding that 1t
was intended for this little lover Of
bonnets. II would not dare waken
your curiosity without being able to
satisfy 1t, Miss Clara! I wish you had
been with US last winter. We had q
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. I grew somewhat weary
Of Paris toward the last"
But that Is only Marion's way"
cried Cora. horrified, her black eyes
alife turned upon Harry Dillingham;.
Fields eyes were more worthy Of ad.
miration than any other woman's.
"It's fashionable to grow fatigued
with everything. you know, and Mn.
rion must profess 1t. 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 I believe
that the lights and music and gayety
would creep in through the other
senses. You can't be dull In Paris. I
love it!'
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 sparEles Of the
water under the moonlight, he thought.
and better worth the watching. Her
voice was light and sweet with sun.
shine In 1t.
The others laughed also, knowing
Miss Cora's passion for gayety and
admiration.
The life Of Paris suits you, Miss" I"
Dillingham; said, interestedly. You
will find the island pretty dull after
such life. I fear we shall not be able
to detain you with US long with SO lit
tie to interest you"
But one doesn't want too much life.
Mr.. Dillingham;" she replied, bright.
ly. "One must run away and hide for
O time or one would grow deadly
wearying."
They paused In q group on the
piazza. IS the proprietor came out to
welcome them, and then they sought
their rooms. or wandered out upon
the sands until the dinner hour.
Alecia. after arranging her hair and
making q few other necessary altera-
tons in her toilet, Joined Miss Gather
wood and Leland for q promenade for
one glimpse Of the surf and ocean be-
fore the sunset faded.
They were laughing lightly, tread.
ing down the echoes along the worn
planks. a touch Of the ocean breeze in
their faces and voices. and. as they
came out into the pavilion In the
broader lights. Bess pressed her soft
fingers warningly down upon her low
er's arm, seeing and recognizing the
group Of three upon one Of the seats
just beyond them.
But there was no need for the pallor
to strike her sweet face or the startled
eyes TO turn for guidance upon Lane
Leland. for calmly and proudly Alecia
stood beside them. the lights In her
hair and face. no shadow in the level.
lifted eyes. no trembling on the curved
red lips as she met full in her own the
sudden light Of surprise reused In the
gray eyes Of John Winthrop. rising as
he recognized her; some strange quiv-
er In his face, yet standing erect and
still waiting her words. one hand
upon the back of the bench. where his
mother sat. the other involuntarily
clenched at his side. unconscious that
the steely eyes Of Jessica Gray were
upon him.
CHAPTER XVI.