The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-04-22
The Big House in
the Square.
By John X. Legs.

BY John X. Legs.
II SAT in my bath chair at the corner
of the square alone. for I had sent
my man to despatch a telegram.
and It was pleasanter for me to
wait in that quiet spot than In the busy
thoroughfare. 1t was warm day.
Most Of the houses In the square
were shut. their owners not yet re-
turned from the country. hut one very
large house was evidently inhabited.
II tilled the centre Of the block facing
the square ON my right. I was wonder
ing what Il could be. for the dwelling
seemed too large for private dwelling
house. when my attention was attract
ed by young man.
He came nearer and nearer to me.
touching every fourth iron upright of
the railing as he went. and then when
be had reached the corner. without no.
ticing me In the least. he turned round
and retraced his steps. still touching
the raillngs. But II seemed to me that
he did not lay his hand on the same
upriShts that he had touched before.
Whit oe1all be the young mans rea-
a IN this extraordinary
h. md just as
ls ! called to him.
He gave q little guilty start as II
ewnre for the first time that he had
heen observed. and hesltated rs II he
had made up his mind to walk away.
"Don't Co." I said. and my voice
reached him easily In the quiet autumn
ais. "You see I can't do you any harm.
only want to speak to you for mo-
ment." ,r'
He left the railings and came up to
my chair, and then saw that he was
really very nice looking boz with m
open, pleasant face that just now was
slightly flushed. ia
@Teil me why you touched every
fourth epright In the ratings as you
passed along Just noww
The young mans cheek flushed with
shame and annoyance. and he replied
rather sharply. ~ can't conceive. sir.
how that 10 any business Of yours!
"yon are perfectly entitled to make
me. that answer.r said I with smile.
etand. 10 tell the truth. quite expected
that you wonld. But as you see. am
an invalid. and being unable to 60
about as you. can little things are apt
20 acquire an unnatural importance In
my eyes. Ny curiosity has been
reused. and II You can see your way to
gratifying It I should really feel obliged
10 You. Besides. you know you prom
ssed to do me favor"
.'Oh. we'll" said the youngster in an
ofi-hand way and with toss Of his
shoulders that ! thought became him
vastly. III you care to know. the fact
b I was seeking FOR mark on the rail-
ings--a signal"
"Yes"
aYou see that big house opposite? 1t
% girls school. and one OF the young
ladies there"
He stopped and hesitated for word.
blushins furionsiy.
"with whom you are In lover
s'I suppose you would call II that. She
a yery III. and I daren't 20 to ask how
she is. They wouldn't tell me IL did"
-But why?'
Because she Is a ward In Chancery.
and they have got IN Injunction"
against you? Upon my word. my
young man. you are beginning early"
"Don't make fun of me. please. sir. I
can't stand Il. and I might say some
thing that would not be respectful. and
De horribly sorry for 1t afterwards"
I. aI assure you am not laughing at
you nor thinking Of such n thing" said
I. And % looked into the lads inse.
nnous face I wished I could have had
such q bay to call me father. But
don't undsrstand yet about the signal"
/ added.
@It was Carrie Embleton. one Of the
little girls. who promised that II Win
ME was better she would make sticky
smear On one & the raiilngs. but I
haven't been abis TO find It. And I am
afraid she will not get better: she may
die. and shall never see her again"
"aow would 1t do II I were to 80 to
the house and ask for herr
@Oh. sir. II you would! And do you
thinkI might 90 with your
I pondered for a moment. and just
then Ienlkina my man. came round the
corner Of the street. That gave me an
idea.
Suppose you take my mans place
and wheel me up to the house," said.
'aThen ycu win have to help ME up the
steps. for ] can't walk by myself. ard
Z can make the excuse that want to
have you within call to bring you into
the sltting ROOM II you are not afraid
Of being recognized that might do"
'f don't think Mrs. Melrose would
recognize me coming as your servant.
and if she did It wouldn't much matter.
she could only turn me oU,." As he
spoke be laid hia hand on the long han
Ole OK the chair.
despatched Jenkins on another er
rand and the young man wheeled me
up to the big house. On the way I