The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-07-21
CHAPTER NX.
Continued.

which l did not dare to express, l
followed my uncle down the stairs.
Thoroughly veXed and panied as l
was to hear my dear father so pitiless-
ly disparaged by his brother. was
not at all surprised at uncle Sans
bitterness. Circumstances seemed to
show that my father and had both
fallen victims to the clumsy fraud Of
an ignorant old man. But the Situa-
ton had now become hopeful. Ii
uncle Sans theory was correct. rs l
hoped and believed it might prove to
be, reconciliation OF the brothers was
not only possible but highly probable.
my uncle's recent declaration TO the
contrary Notwithstanding.
AS soon as he entered the brilliant
ly lighted dining room uncle Sam as
sumed his airiesI manner, in no way
Indicating the serious thoughts which
had occupied his mind minute or so
before. All the company, except Mr.
Rosenberg, had departed; and my
aunt and Miss Marsh, who were
dressed for dinner, appeared very
charming in white silk robes trimmed
with old lace, each lady wearing a
girdle from which depended superb
fan ornamented with feathers and
diamonds.
shall not attempt to describe either
the apartment or the decking of the
table, being we'll assured of my in
ability to do so. Suffice it to say that
both were as artistic and luxurious
as the best artists in those things at
the end of the nineteenth century can
provide for men Of lavish expenditure.
AS soon as dinner was over, We ad-
journed to the drawing room, with
the exception Of uncle Sam. who be-
took himself to the roof to smoke,
saying that he would prefer TO be
alone as he had a troubled matter to
unravel, and could not accomplish his
purpose without consuming three
cigars. ''It is uow," said he, glancing
at his watch. "a few minutes past
nine, and l may not see you again be-
fore morning, so goodnight and pleas
ant dreams"
Dear old uncle Sami How well
knew the subject on which he intended
to exercise his thoughts, and how ar
IDENTIFY l hoped a renewal of his friend
ship with my father would result from
bis deliberations.
Whether her womanly instincts had
perceived The attraction which her
sister had for me. and her kindlineSs
of heart prompted her to crafty Inc.
or that it so befell of accident l know
not; but to my great satisfaction, on
returning to the drawing room my
aunt at once entered into conversation
with Mr.. Rosenberg. leaving Miss
Marsh and me to pass our time as
best we could.
What an evening was that! Why.
was almost happy and really believe
I should have been quite so but for
the shadow of the estrangement be-
tween the two brothers whose lives
were bound up with mine.
The conversation Of lovers. so de-
iightful to the parties Immediately
concerned. is notably uninteresting
10 everybody else: and it is not my
intention to bring upon myself that
ridicule which men past the amorous
phase of their career so mercilessly
and iuconsistently i4ete out to their
fellows engaged in it by recording
in this place my conversation with
Constance Marsh on that memorable
occasion. Suffice it to say that in
ceiling the tale of the sequins, which
[ seized this opportunity to relate. /
greatly excited her sympathy. My
long silence was forgiven as soon as
its cause was understood and it was
clear to me that had established my
self in her favor more firmly than
ever.
Il understand you will be from home
all tomorrow" l observed.
Yes" replied Miss Marsh. Il am
going to Tarrytown. Mrs. Van Rens-
se!aer has just returned from Europe,
and is to give big reception"
"Where is Tarrytown. and who is
Mrs Van Rensselaer," l inquired.
'"Tarrytown is 4 beautiful village
on the Hudson, about twenty-five miles
from here. Mrs. Van Rensselaer, is
the widow of Martin Van Rensselaer,,
the railroad king. Everybody has
heard of old Martin Van Rensselaer,,
who died two years ago worth fifty
million dollars"
Eyes. think l have read something
about him somewhere" l said. Tell
Inc. Connie dear will the Rev. Mr..
Price be there"
81 don't know, I'm sure. hope
not" replied Miss Marsh
Il am quite unable to express my de-
light that your entertain such q hope.
May beg you will increase it by tell
ing me why you hope he may NOT be
thereT'
Because he is a tease. and m0nopO-
1!uas my fimo Whom ho has tho opDor-