The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-11-11
CHAPTER Nv.
Continued.

mas eyes when Hamilton Degraw
spoke to her of God reappeared in
them at these words Of her generous
hearted friend. But she did not let it
become visible as she had before, but
turned her face away toward the wide
stretch of beautifully undulatinG coun-
try which lay before them.
Perhaps that is true" she assented,
but there was not so much trust as
fear in her tones. II am sure" she
went on in haste, cs if anxious to
cover up any momentary disappoint-
ment which might have been occa-
stoned by her manner. '"that If you
knew my position you would think l
needed q friend. I am not only with
out an adviser. but I am threatened
by danger"
81 know, know"
"You know?' .
ayes. You will pardon me, sig
norma, but"
Don't call me 'Signorina'; call me
Jenny That is my true name, and
/ should like to hear it from your
lips"
"You shall. I know, then, Jenny,
that you have reason for dread. That
because of this very name, you feel
that you have reason to fear. But
you will be safe here. No one shall
know that you possess this name,
which Just now seems to be the har-
binger Of persecution and peril. Sc
sides"
But I would rather not conceal the
fact that it is mine. There is a COW
ardice in doing so which is not agree
able to me. Perhaps, because l am
the victim of another cowardice which
cannot suppress. Since have failed
as a singer, the word 'signorina' gals
me almost beyond endurance. 1 hate
its very sound. and long to hear my
self called again by my childhood's
name. Do you think there is any
harm in yielding to this preference?
Would you mind introducing me to
your friends as Miss Rogers"
mot at all; why should I mind IT if
you do not? But 1t seems like giving
up your old hope entirely, and I, for
one, still think you will reap the hon
ors to which your voice entities you.
] have scheme"
"Oh, do not talk Of schemes, dear
Miss Aspinwall. Let US rest without
thought Of the morrow in this para
disc of sunshine and verdure. I have
never seen anything so delightful as
this place before. 1t is an experience
fo- me to be here; let me enjoy it and
forget, if can, that the world holds
any other riches, treasures or rewards.
The little bird sings sweetly; if were
free as he and had the earth and
heaven for my home, could. sing too.
] wish I were bird, how my throat
would swell! I can almost fancy in
this solitude that I am. Do you think
any one would hear if /"
"Oh, oh, do sing. Just an aria,
Jenny. Hark, the little fellow is urg-
ing you on. Surely you can rival his
notes."
The signorina smiled. An exquisite
color broke out on her cheeks, and she
looked so lovely that the noble woman
mt her side was filed with admiration.
Then without further words, and as If
dmpellcd by an inward enthusiasm she
could no longer resist, she opened her
dips and song issued forth. so pure, so
sweet and so enhancing. that, the little
bird who had previously filed the ST.
lence with his voice stopped in amaze
and bent his head to one side as II IN
enquiry as to the source OF such de-
lightful melody.
The spot occupied by the summer
house in the large and amply cult
waited grounds was somewhat removed
from the dwelling. Perched on slight
knoll II commanded q view of much OF
the country around, and for this rea-
son was n favorite spot Of resort for
Miss Aspinwall, who had an eye for
nil that was beautiful ard heart for
this especial scene beyond all. But it
had oIe drawback. But q few feet
away ran the fence which marked off
her property from that Of her next
neighbor, and as that neishbor took
boarders she never felt herself quite
safe in this place from intruding eyes.
Thus it was that, when the signor-
ina began to sing Miss AspinwaH let
her glances travel in the direction of
this fence and the winding walks be-
yond, but seeing no one gave her full
attention to the song which was being
fcaroled for her and the birds. 1t was
!melodous as heart could wish or taste
Lexact, and she was drinking in the
mellow notes with delight when sud-
denly, without warning, the soaring
notes trembied and fell, and glancing
in haste at her companion she behcld
her sitting petrified with amazement,
gazing into the neighborins garden.
Following her look she was herself
surprised to perceive q man standing
before them, returning gaze for gaze
and that with an intensity which
proved he had not been unmoved by
the song he had overheard. She
thought, at first glance. that she did
not know this man, but in another mo.
mept she recognized him for the art
ist who had interrupted her in her
work of strcwing flowers over the sig.
norma OH that memorable afternoon
OF her supposed death.
Instantly she showed as much feel,
ing as the woman at her side had done.
A beautiful flush rose on her cheek
and she stole side glance Mt the star.
tod cinrn.. nc If to GOO 1vhnthar har