The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-06-10

tonight
Il had hoped you might stay over fol
a few days"
at is urgent business that compelS
US to leave so hastily, MI. Lorry. OF
eli the cities in the world, I have mos
desired to see the capital Of your coun
try. Perhaps I may return some day
But do not let US detain you if you are
in hurry
He started, looked guilty, stammereo
something about baggage, said ne
would return in 4 moment, and rusheo
aimlessly away. his ears fiery.
I'm all kinds Of a FOOL he NUT
tered as he raced around the baggage
room and then back to where he had
left the two ladies' Mr.. Guggenslocker
had joined them, and they were prepar-
ing to depart. Miss Guggenslocker's
face expressed pleasure at seeing him.
eve thought you would never return,
50 long we're you gone" she cried gag
Il. He had been gone just two min
utes by the watch. The old gentleman
greeted Elm warmly, and Lorry asked
them to what hotel they We're going.
On being informed that they expected
70 spend the day ct the Ebbitt he vol
untecred to accompany them, saying
that he intended to breakfast there.
Quicker than q fash q glance unfath-
omable as it was brief passed between
the three, not quickly enough, however,
to escape his keen, watchful eyes, on
the alert since the beginning Of his ac'
quaintance with them, in conjunction
with his ears, to catch something that
might satisfy in measure his burning
curiosity. What WAS the meaning OF
that glance? 1t half angered him, for
in it he thought he could distinguish
annoyance, apprehension, dismay OF
something equally disquieting. Before
he could stiffen his long frame and
give vent to the dignified reconsidera.
ton that flew to his mind the young
lady dispelled all pain and dlspleasure,
sending him into raptures by saying:
"How good Of you! We shall be so
delighted to have you breakfast with
US, Mr.. Lorry, if it is convenient fo1
you. You can talk to us Of your Won
derful city. I am sure We cannot trou'
BILE you much longer
He expostulated gallantly and de-
HgLtedly and then hurried forth to call
q cab. AT o'clock he breakfasted with
them, his infatuation growing deeper
and stronger as he sat for the hour be-
Ieath the spell Of those eyes, the glort-
GUS face, the sweet, imperial air that
was a part Of her, strange and unaf.
fected. AS they were leaving the din.
ing room he asked if she would not
drive with him.
His ardent gallantry met with a sur.
prising rebuke. Her voice, moment
ago sweet and afable, changed Its
tone instantly to one so proud and ar'
rogant that he could scarcely believe
his ears.
Il shall be engaged during the entire
day, Mr.. Lorry," she said slowly, look
ing him fairly in the eyes with cruel
positiyeness. For q moment he dared
not speak.
sI have reason to feel thankful that
you are to be engaged" he said at last
calmly, without taking his eyes from
hers. II am forced to believe, much to
my regret, that I have offended when
I intended to please. You will pardon
my temerity."
There was no mistaking the resent
nent in his voice or the glitter in his
eyes. Impulsiyely her little hand was
stretched forth, falling upon bis arm,
while into her eyes came again the soft
glow and to her lips the most pathetic,
appealing smile, the forerunner Of a
pretty plea for forgiveness. The change
startled and puzzled him more than
ever. In one moment she was unrea-
sonably rude and imperious, In the
next gracious and imploring.
sForgive me-" she cried, the blue
eyes battling brayely against the steel
in the gray ones above. Il was so
uncivil! Perhaps I cannot make you
understand why spoke as did, but,
let me say, I richly deserved the re-
buke. Pray forgive me and forget that
I have been disagreeable. Do not ask
me to tell you why I was so rude to
you just low, but overlook my unkind
treatment Of your invitation. Please,
Mr.. Lorry, beg Of you'll beg for the
first time in my life. You have been
so good to me, be good to me still"
His wrath melted away like snow be-
fore the sunshine. How could he resist
such an appeal? 81 beg for the first
time in my life,' whirled in his brain.
What did she mean by that?
81 absclve the penitent," he said
gravely.
81 thank you. You are still my ideal
neutrality-suspicious., bold and gentle
I do not wonder that Americans can be
masterful men. And now thank you
for your invitation and ask you to let
me Withdraw my implied refusal. II
you will take me for the drive shall
be delighted and more than grateful" )"
''You make me happy again." he said
softly, as they drew near the elder
members of the party, who had paused
to wait for them. II shall ask your IN
Gle and aunt to accompany US"
"Uncle Caspar will be busy all day,
but I am sure my aunt will be charmed.
Aunt Yvonre, Mr. Lorry has asked us
to drive with him over the city, and I
have accepted for you. When are we
to start, Mr. Lorry?'
Mr.. and Mrs. Guggenslocker stared
in a bewildered sort Of manner at tnel1
niece. Then Aunt Yyonne turned Ques'
tioning eyes toward her husband, who
promptly bowed low before the tall
American and said:
"Your kind Offices shall never be Tor
gotten, sir. When are the ladies to be
ready?'
Lorry was weighing in his mind the
adyisability of asking them to dine IN
the evening with his mother, but rWo
objections presented themselves read