The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-05-04

NE7SE ueaTl CdpdUle VI uhIteA
standing it, but it had no
effect on the man to whom 1t was ad-
dressed, and whose cold eyes were
fixed sternly upon that sweet, young
face, from which the harsh decree his
lips had spoken had driven the bright
color and happy smile that had made it
so fair to look upon.
II mean what l say, Mary; you must
give up all thoughts of marrying James
Eldridge. A man who has reached the
age Of twenty-three. and never laid up
a dollar, will be no sort of dependence
for family. I suppose he thinks a
marriage with you will place him be-
yond the necessity for work; but he is
greatly mistaken. ! have earned my
money too hardly to throw it away
upon such as he"
he does not seek my hand from mer-
cenary motives. With all his faults
and will not deny that he has such
he has the truest and tenderest heart
that ever beat. + shall never love an
other man as l love him. Bestow your
wealth on whom you will. but do not,
beseech you, make your only child
so utterly wretched"
Enough of this follyr' exclaimed
Mr.. Dane, harshly. You know what
my will concerning this matter is; and
it only remains for you to show wheth-
er you will continue to be the dutiful
daughter that you have hitherto BEEN
You can see James tonight, if you will,
but only to tell him what l tell you
now-that this must be your last inter-
view; that you can never be his wife.
Now go; l have more important matters
on hand than listening to the silly fan
cies of lovesick girl"
Mary arose from her seat and turned
toward the door: but her cheek was
pale, and there was a look in her dark
eyes, as they rested upon her fathers
face. that he Lad never seen there be-
fore.
81 will obey you, father, but remcm-
ber that you are booming me to q
lonely and joyless life. will give up
James at your bidding; but, as I can
never love, so will never marry any
other.''
1t was with very different feelings
from what she had anticipated that
Mary awaited the approach of her
lover. But the step of James was light
and buoyant, and be greeted her with
a proud and happy smile. With her it
was their last interview; with him it
was but the precursor Of many more,
as well as the happy day that would
make her his own altogether.
But he could not but notice her pale
cheek and troubled look.
What is the matter dearest? Why
do your eyes look into mine with that
mournful gaze? You surely do not
repent your promise. Let me hear
from those sweet lips again that you
love mer
81 love you. darlingw murmured the
fair girl, laying her cheek lovingly to
his, and speaking in tones, to which
the sorrow at her heart gave mourn
full and subduins tenderness.
1T is for the last time" she thought
as she yielded to his passionate en-.
brace in which she was folded. Then
with visible effort, she withdrew her.
self from his arms.
But ! can never be your wife
James"
Can never be my wife. Nary re-
peated the young man in tone OF
sorrowful establishment. What dc
you mean? You surely will not break
+ your solemn promise"'
You know it was conditional, James
depending on my fathers sanction.
did not dream that lie would withhold
it. But he has not only done this, but
forbidden me to see you again. Sc
This is our last meeting"
But be will relent, Mary" pleaded
James. HE Will not ruin the happi
ness of his only child
You do not know father. James
he will never relent: it is not in his na
ture to do this. 1t would be wrong
for me to hold out hopes than can never
be realized"
1t was in vain that the young maj
argued. pleaded. and even reproached
the gentle girl wept. but remained firm
in her resolution.
II will wait years for you. Mary
= he pleaded; "only hold out to me The
hope that shall not wait in vain'
Mary shook her head.
II will not be so selfish as 20 let yol
Waste your youth in fruitless waiting
60; make some happier woman still
more happy with your love. As for me
III this past. l shall never love another
IS have loved You; the lips that yol
+ Kiss tonight shall be held sacred from
he touch of ally other
And so they parted.
In the room overhead sat Oil old man
uniting over, with eSpltant heart. th'