The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-10-21
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Anna Katharine Gresn Author ia. IF sEhs Ss sor''f''
COPYRIGHT, ,seo BY Rosrhr seNRrEs SONS. 4

a woman never mistakes, as he said:
II have a letter Of introduction to
you from friend whose name you will
at once recognize"
And he handed her short note writ
ten by one of her most trusted asso.
ciates.
will that suffice to make my pres
ence welcome, even if I should bore
you with personal question or two"
Bore her! 1t did not seem as if he
could ever bore her. She smiled and
two exquisite dimples came into view.
The sight appeared to increase his ad-
miration. He took a seat somewhat
nearer her side.
miss Rogers" he began, II have
come upon an important errand. 1 am
looking, in behalf Of friend, for
young person suitably qualified to take
in charge and teach two motherless
children. I know you have home"
she had raised one hand in mute depre-
cation-"but the offer which I am
ready to make you is one so generous
that scarcely think you will hesitate
after hearing all its particulars. A
journey to Europe"
Her face lighted up.
"a nursery maid under you; consid-
Grafton, kindness and love from the
children's aunt, with whom you are ex-
pected to travel, and, lastly, money
enough"
"Pleaser The small hand went up
again. Il think had rather not hear.
1 have wanted change, have wanted
travel, need money, and 1 adore chill
dren, but 1 have an invalid mother,
and 1 cannot leave her even to procure
the added means her almost helpless
condition demands. Let US talk OF
something else, for there is no use in
talking of this. She would die without
my goodnight kiss"
It was not the girl herself who told
this story, though she corroborates it
| in it's general details. 1t was an aunt,
who sat, during the whole interview,
in the adjoining room, seemingly at
work, but in reality giving full atten-
ton to all that passed before her. 1t
will, therefore, be understood that
give the aunt's opinion when say that
this young girl never looked sweeter
or more engaging than she did when
uttering these last few words. The
gentleman showed that he appreciated
her charms, for his eyes kindlcd and
his manner became eager.
II have heard the most fattering re-
marks concerning your goodness and
devotion to your mother" he warmly
observed. THAT is one reason why
have come to you upon this especial
errand. I am glad to be assured that
my informant understated the truth
rather than exaggerated it. If only
possessed the right should say: The
blessing of God falls upon the true, the
pure and the virtuous,' and promise to
grant you all your wishes, even to the
satisfaction of your widest dreams"
"You are extravagant. You do not
realize all that this means to q young
girl"
perhaps not, but it would amuse me
to find out. What is the first thing
you would ask for?'
She laughed, she dimpled, she looked
lovely.
What sort Of play is this?" she
cried. "Tell my wishes, and to q stran-
ger? o no; not even if he were the
wizard he would have to be to grant
them"
The gentleman smiled.
II am wizard" he declared. "Test
me and see."
Really"
Really"
"You tempt me-" sle cried.
He continued to smile, but said moth
ing.
shall I ask for something" she in
quired.
II entreat you"
Every WE'LL" and her face grew sud-
denly demure in its mock gravity. "I-
I want the world"
Today" he asked.
"0h, yes, to-day; I am not used to
waiting"
He laughed again, tl,en gravely
shook his head.
1T is too much. I fear"
She interrupted him with mocking
pout, not out Of keeping with her arch
and innocent face.
do not fear" she cried. Health,
freedom and wealth will satisfy me.
Health for my mother and"-a shadow
fell over her mirthfulness-"and for
myself"
He started.
Are you not well?" he asked.
"Oh. yes" she answered, with q sud-
! den clearing up Of her countenance. II
was only thinking"-and she stopped.
She never alluded to her infrmity.
Ee did not appear to notice the, deep
meaning in all tlis. Her face was
fresh, her manner sparkling, and as
long as she sat still her form was the
image Of symmetry and grace. He pro-
| ceeded with his banter and soon, to
their mutual surprise, they were cor
versing as Familiarity as if they had
been friends for years.
The aunt. who admired the gentle
| man, and mad an unbounded confidence
in her niece, listened. but did not fol-
low their talk too closely. She was
soon startled into attention. however,
not by what they said, but by the sud-
den silence which had fallen between
them, and looking up she saw that her
niece. anxious to show a book or pic