The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-06-08

of Rockham, about three miles away
and that the day was a perfect one
Roy appeared to catch at the idea, and
Guy was hopeful.
Guy felt just a tri1e mean at the
thought of spying on Miss Lyttlcton
in order to discover which way she
went for a walk, but he did it, and
was rewarded by seeing her alone OH
the cliffs.
This is a fortunate meeting. Miss
Lyttleton". he declared, raising his
hat. Suppose we go to the base of
that cliff. There is a pretty nook Wis
ible from here, and it would form a
pleasant afternoon excursion. Don't
you think so?'
Grace Lyttlcton murm"red that it
might be so. but she was afraid to un-
dertake any climbing on account of
the fatigue.
1T is really very good Of you to take
so much trouble to make my stay
agreeable. Mr.. MAXWELL" she said
charmingly, "but I fear that it is a
thankless task for you"
She looked at him with a strange X
preston. which he interrupted favor
ably. He stretched out his hand to
take hers.
"I'm going to Rookham tomorrow or
the next day. Mr.. Maxwell" said a
well-known voice behind him.
Guy nearly uttered a rude cxclama-
ton, but he smothered it and resigned
himself to wait for another opportun-
ity. a.,
The evening alone remained, and
Guy vowed that. by hook or by crook,
he would have his answer then. There
was a ball that evening. so he would
certainly get Grace alone at one por-
ton of the entertainment. Roy would
be in bed; that was one thing to be
thankful for, and old Lyttleton was
nobody.
He secured three or four dances,
carefully selected by himself for con-
venient times, and felt certain of vic
tory.
"She knows what to expect" he
murmured several times. shes shy
and restrained. which is a good sign
When his first dance with her was
over he tried to lead her away to the
conservatory, but her next partner
claimed her.
The second dance was before the in
terval, so he was safe from the intru-
sion of the next partner. Without
asking her he led her away to a quiet
spot; she appeared reluctant, but he
paid no heed. If he lost this
chance"
"Miss Lyttleton-Grace! 1 must tell
you" he began, losing no time in pre-
liminaries. II cannot"
Il say, it's ]ate for me to be up, sis.
and dad is cross! Do you think Mr..
MAXWELL. Oh, that is Mr.. Max
wcll!!'
Roy looked as if he had said too
much. Guy was on the point of tell
ing him to clear off. when Grace spoke.
I'm afraid father will be cross, Roy,
but I must take the blame. III go and
find him and explain. You will ex-
cuse me, won't you. Mr.. Maxwell?'
She was gone before he had time to
realize the fact. He gazed sternly at
Roy; if he could get that young rascal
out of the way there would still be a
chance after one Of the other dances.
Roy" said Maxwell. impressively,
Il want to have a quiet talk with your
sister, and you come in every time.
See here, I'll give you this half crown
if you'll go to bed-go anywhere-and
leave us"
l.. Roy's face lighted up and his arm
began to stretch itself in the direction
Of the piece of silver; then his face
grew sombre and he shook his head.
THAT will be ~treachery,' he eX-
planned. "Grace told me this morning
that she expected you would try to
say something to her if you were with
her alone, and she didn't want YOU to.
SO she gave me a shilling to keep near
her all day so you shouldn't lave the
chance, and l agreed. I'll stick to the
bargain, even if l lose by it!'
Mexwell pa!ed.
Did she tell you why she didn't
wish me to speak to her?' he asked,
as an idea crossed his mind.
Yes" admitted the boy. "She said
she didn't want to hurt your feelings
by saying something you wouldn't like,
SO it would be better to prevent YOU
from saying anything to her. Girls
are funny. aren't they"
Roy" said Maxwell after a pause,
II understand now. I'll give you this
half crown on condition that you say
nothing whatever about this chat
we've had"
"Done!!' said the boy, and the money
changed hands.
$50 that's my answer" groaned Max
we'll. as he made his way to his room.
Yet it was kindly On her part to wish
to spare me a refusal. 4 refusal!
Hin! That must be pretty uncomfort-
able for a MAJ to hear when he OK
poets to be accepted! Yes, it was a
strange way for doing it, but 4 well
meaning way. Now l understand her
apparently shy glances. I'm off BY the
earliest train tomorrow. I wonder if
she is in love and whom she loves:'
The question was answered six
weeks later by the announcements in
the newspapers of the engagement Of
Miss Grace Lyttleton and Mr.. Digby
Grant, the rising young barrister.-
Satnrdny EYnninm GaZnttn