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

y
money cannot 60 together, Miss Rog-
ers, but if you tell me to tear up this
deed" His voice sank, his large
and strong frame trembled.
The artist saw it and trembled. too.
Would she be proof against such pas
sion? Would his own love or even
this great amount Of money serve to
blind her to the noble and elevated
qualities Of this man? Yes, for the
confusion which oyerwhelms her is
not that of appreciation. and when she
speaks it is with a sob Of fear and de-
probation.
"Ohn' she cries, ''in what position
you have placed me!'
The hand which held hers softly
opened.
NO." was the kindly rejoiEder. "a
word from me will summon back MI.
Walden. I expected to have to utter
it. only wished to be perfectly frank
with you, and to make one attempt ia
gain the happiness which it is every
mans right to enjoy. I have not ben
Gifted by my effort, but I hope have
not lost your esteem"
"Oh, no." she cried, breaking down,
IF I only felt-as-as--'
II understand" he assured her
DO not distress yourself. See! have
summoned the lawyer; he is coming
back"
And almost before her tears were
dry OF her trembling ceased NJ. Wal
den was in the room. and the papers
were duly signed and the Signorina
Valdi, who a moment before owned
nothing save what was contained in
her small trunk. stood up before these
three men the undisputed possessor Of
millions.
Then, indeed, marked change
passed over her. From impressing the
beholder with her delicacy she seemed
suddenly to have acquired breadth and
height. Even her beauty took on dig
nifty and her step character She was
not less admirable thus, but she lost
some CT the touching grace which had
won her the love of these two strong
hearts.
+ The artist, who was watching her
with bated breath, now came forward
with his congratulations. She received
him with smile that seemed to tell
her hearts story. but the next moment
certain air Of coquettish independ'
ence took the place Of her first eager
delight, and the sight made him with
draw again and take his stand by Mr..
| Degraw.
Hilary! Who will tell Hilary?' the
signorina now cried. "a sight Of her
dear face might persuade me that this
is not all q dream"
Instantly, the Cleveland gentleman.
with rare tact and generosity, declared
that he would go for Miss Aspinwall,
and taking the lawyer by the arm
drew him out, leaving the field to his
rival.
The artist at once sprang forward.
and clasped the new-made beiress by
the hand
"SisIorinaw he exclaimed. zone word
before your prosperity is known to
the world. love you; you know that.
and I have already laid my heart at
your feet. But you were not the mis-
tress of millions then. and knew no
more than Of the good fortune which
awaited you. So do not feel that I
hold you as bound to me in the slight
est degree, because Of any expression
of regard that may have escaped you.
Love that might have moved you then
may not move you now, and though l
prize You always, and ever the same,
whether you be rich or whether you
be poor, feel that it is only honorable
in ne to await reply to my suit until
you have become accustomed TO your
wealth, and learned the necessities of
your new position. If in six months
from ROW you still remember the art
ist, Hamilton Degraw-"
"Ahw she interrupted, with mai
vette chalmingly in keeping with her
hlushes, II cannot wait six months.
| have no home, no adviser, no protector.
I should make q thousand mistakes.
Besides, why not be altogether happy
since fate has given Us tie opportu-
nifty"
Was it possible? What man could
resist such IN appeal? He gazed upon
her with rapture, he covered he:
hands with kisses; he all but took her
in his arms, but did not accept tie
troth she proffered him.
II cannot" he cried. "It would be
like taking advantage Of your inexpe-
rience. Wait three months, darling,
and if then--"
The entrance Of Miss Aspinwall in.
terrIptcd him. He drew back, hut his
face betrayed JOY which the noble
woman who entered could not mistake
Pardon me-" she exclaimed, and
would have withdrawn, but the sig.
norma held out her arms.
"No," she whispered, "since Mr.. De-
graw refuses to take me in his charge
l must look to you for that guidance
which my new difficulties imperatively
demand. See here, Hilary and she
placed before her the documents which
had made such change in her posi-
ton.
CHAPTER NNXI