The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-02-24

tish moods whichs at once invited and
repelled a lovers attentions. Those
around her could not determine.
Hilary, who was somewhat pale but
very sympathetic. did not enlighteD
her guests concerning this matter. She
was bent upon showing her regard to
the donor of the Delaney millions. per-
haps in secret remorse Oyer the grave
doubts with which she had hitherto
regarded him. She read the disap-
pointment which mingled with his re-
lief, and managed to infuse into her
bearing that gentle respect which IS
the surest balm for such wound as
that under which he secretly labored.
Yet no one could ever accuse Hilary OF
coquetry, however much he might at
tribute it to her less candid but more
fascinating friend.
But was Jenny Rogers coquette!
We, who have partially sounded her
nature and circumstances, do not think
Sc nor do her glances on this lmpor-
rant day betoken that she is playing
with the artist or even thinking too
much of her newly acquired wealth.
AS she sits in her old place on the
window seat. almost buried under the
flowers which have been thrown at her
feet by her merry companions. She
seems to us the embodiment Of wom-
anly sweetness and beauty. She
smiles. but who could not smile when
suddenly raised TO 4 kingdom? Yes.
and she utters mockeries at times. but
it is not in scorn of any true express
sion of feeling. but only in disdain Of
the nearly fulsome alulation With
which she is now and then addressed.
She is clad in 4 soft clingins robe Of
pare white silk without any other or
nament than the lace at her throat,
but she never looked more beautiful,
nor appeared more brilliant, aid to
one pair of eyes. at least, never seemed
more alive with love and feeling. These
eyes We're those Of Hilary. who. in the
10y she thus saw revealed before her
read the final words OF her own hope.
Another person perceived the signOr-
mas burning beauty, and resisted IT
as long as be could. but finally SUBJ
mirted to it's charms and passed quick
Iy to her side.
Come" lie entreated. I must lave
a few words with you before we enter
upon our three months Of separation.
Leave this crowd who have w0rshiped
you long enough. and if you must he
half covered with flowers we vii! walk
on the porch where the vines hang
thickest, and I will shake down rose
leaves enough to make a carpet for
your feet"
II care not for roses,' she said, and
stood up at his side, a rose herself.
But when they had withdrawn into
the porch it was not Of love he spoke,
nor was it flowers he offered her. He
had a fear to express and made haste
to utter it.
"Signorina," said he-''rardon me, /
will not call you by that name when l
can acquire the right to use deaTer--
you have never told me why you so
suddenly left the house in -- street."
Taken aback, for she had expected
different words from these. Miss Rog-
ers looked at him with searching and
slightly troubled eyes and murmurcl:
why do you ask ire that now? l
was not thinking OF anything like
that"
Because you are lost in the pleas
ures Of the present, while 1 am COLI
cerDcd with the dangers of the past.
Why did you fly from home in those
days; was.it because you feared Mon
1elli more than you trusted me-"
Her head; fell, she nodded a quick
yes. and then as ht still stood waiting
exclaimed
He was bad man I dared not
linger another day where he could
visit me. One glimpse of his t1ce had
been enough to thoroughly alarm! me.
I fled and buried myself in as obscure a
place as I could find. The Portuguese
accompanied me, but I soon came to
fear her ALSO You had sown the seed
of distrust in my heart, and ] grew 10
bc afraid of every one. SO / ran away
again and came here"
"Alone:"
"Alonc. I knew that Hilary Aspin-
wall had q country seat in this toWn,
and I hoped she would see and take
pity on me. You will not tell her that
1 calculated upon her friendship 10
such an extent, will your
"Oh, no." he answered, smiling. for
her look was quite piteous in its shame
and entreaty. But Miss Aspinwall
would understand. She IS so truly
womanly"
Il know, I know, but I have some
pride and l acted as if the meeting
were surprise"
Il see. Well, will keep your conf
dence, only you must tell ME one thing
more. Did you ever suspect that Mon-
tell was not really an Italian:'
To be continued.