The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-09-09
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7777
Fly E A. FOOTE
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Observation-Disclosures
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to keep his sons in training.
Every instant Ted could spare from
his official duty was spent at The
Elms. his uncle'S place. His cousins.
Nell and Bob were in the swim of
Virginia society. and Ted found it
very hard sometimes to leave his per-
sonal pleasures for his only too clear
duty. And so on this day. when he
had had 4 moment to spare, he stood
on The Elms' veranda waiting for his
cousin Nell to come down. He had de-
cided to surprise her that day, and so
:: had kept silent when he heard his
name called twice from the stairs.
Then he heard footsteps. girls foot
steps, in the hall, and he stepped back
Into the shadow OF the door. and just
as she crossed the threshold sprang
forward and caught her in his arms.
admit 1 surprised you. Ncl!,' he
cried, as he kissed her lightly.
1.Yes," the girl admitted. quietly
s:you did surprise me, only, you see, l
. am not Ne'.
s'Not Nell:' he echoed.
! Then be stepped back. Before him
n was a young girl With rumpled brown
bair and laughing black eyes. She
has dressed in Neli's riding habit, but
Ne was Il girl Ted had never seen.
oh. I beg pardon" he began, but
interrupted him.
eh, I know what you're going to
You're awfully sorry. and it'll
1 in yIl q
er-rather mistake and-don't
think You'd better tell me your
p she added somewhat lamely.
moment Ted was himself again.
iris speech had given him time
gain his thoughts.
Miss--''
II "Hastings." she prompted.
''ThankS, Miss Hastings. l can never
tell you how sorry am for this. 1t
was an awfully awkward blunder.
and I hope you will excuse me. but
really" he added honestly, 81 didn't
know whom was kissing or I might
have been tempted to do it any way.
But, any way, I hope, as I said be-
fore. that you will excuse your humble
servant. ~ed Scott. Referencc-well,
I'm second lieutenant in the United
States Army
"Delighted to meet you. I'm sure.
Mr.. Scott. But don't let us be at all
foolish about it. and please don't tell
any one"
"Of course it shall be Just as you
say" was all Ted had time to say.
for just then Nell came down, and
seeing them standing there, said
quickly
"Oh, I'm so glad you weren't so
foolish as to have to be introduced
before you spoke. I forgot to tell
you. Ted. that Mildred was coming
Thanks. little cousin, but you see,
found out to my great JOY" said Ted.
"and I think we've been pretty we'll
introduced which Mildred Hast
ings blushed so red that Nell instant.
= ly changed the subject.
To Ted's great delight. after his
company had been dispersed. his un-
Gle had invited him to remain at The
&Elms to Nel's house party.
Strange to say. Mildred Hastings
kwas invited to stay also. Stranger
still was the fact that they were both
4 accepted.
It was the day that the guests were
to arrive. and Ted, as member Of
4 the family and Mildred. as an old
friend, were doing their best to help
things along. Ted. going to the barn
ito order the carriage for Bob and Nell
to 60 to the station to meet their
friends ran, just at the front door,
straight into Mildred's arms.
"Oh, Mr.. Scott she exclaimed,
"this door,
"See here" he interrupted. 'if you
call me Mr.. Scott again I'll 20 and
shoot myself or pass away from
shock. Anyhow. you'll never see me
again., Really and truly. Miss Hast
ings."
Such gay times as that party had.
Riding, skating and sleighing. Such
Jolly evenings. as they sat gathered
around an open fire.
It was not until the last week Of
their stay that Ted got Milly away
Il lue rest VI Tic LIE lltlo
asked her to walk with him. and she
had willingly accepted.
For some time they walked along in
\ silence, when Ted remarked:
ga penny for your thughts."
"They're worth more than that" she
replied carelessly.
"Will you give me guess?'
"Give you three, you'd never find
but"
Eou were thinking of the-the time
we first met
He spoke as if positive. She colored
and glanced at him quickly.
"How do you know?"
because I was thinking a;:out it
myself
She laughed.
"You certainly were foolish and i'm
pudent that day, weren't you, now"
"No," he replied, quietly. "Impu-
dent. perhaps, but not foolish. You
were beautiful and are-every one says
so, and-I guess you're more beautiful
to Inc than to any one else" lie added,
honestly.
'Foolish boy" she said softly.
eyes" he agreed, "very. very fool
ish, Mildred. I once had dream.
May tell it to you?"
@Why, yes" she said. evidently glad
IN change the subject. "Yes indeed" "