The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-08-11
CHAPTER XIII.
Continued.

beautiful as mind can conceive. The
TOP terrace reached, we fingered for
several minutes, and 1 expressed my
admiration without reserve.
Il am always much gratifed, I am
sure, when an Englishman admires
American scenery" said Mrs. Van
Rensselaer,. "Sone parts Of your
Thar es, I think, are very charming
and peaceful. but none so bold as this.
NV friend. Mr.. Dennis O'Connor, has
brought an English gentleman with
him to-day. who had a great desire to
see the river from this point. whose
praise is as unqualified as yours" and
the speaker pointed with her fan to
the lower veranda, where sat Mr.. Den
mis- O'Connor and Mr.. Evan Price. the
latter putting a cigarette and watching
us with intense interest.
This little incident, which not many
hours before would have greatly dis
turbed me. added to my qualification.
Now, thought, will demonstrate to
my rival that his suit is hopeless. and
compel him to retire from the field.
Connie" 1 whispered. my own lit
tie wife that is to be, do you see who
is sitting there?'
Eyes. dear" she answered softly.
"He will find an opportunity to talk
with you to-day, l am sure. You will
know what to tell him?"
Trust me-" said my faithful Con-
stance, returning the pressure of my
hand.
Il WILL" responded.
Never shall l forget the delights of
that long autumnal day. 1t is true l
was sometimes obliged to surrender
my Constance to her friends, but for
the most part 1 contrived to keep her
to nyself. and was surprised to OBJ
serve that beyond a formal bow of
recognition when We first entered the
house Mr.. Evan Price ignored us both.
l suspected that that transformed
cleric was reserving what he had to
say until he perceived an entirely fa-
yorable opportunity, and acquainted
Constance with my suspicion, who
agreed with me. These remarks were
made in the blue drawing room, where
the greater number Of Mrs. Van Renss-
elaer's guests had assembled just as
evening was closing in.
IF you leave the drawing room by
the door," said Constance. "and re-
turn again at once by the veranda,
You can sit at that small table at the
back of that bamboo screen. From
where Mr.. Price is now sitting he can
see your departure but no. your return.
If he comes to me you will hear our
conversation and can reappear to in
terTunt it at any moment you please
Give me this opportunity. dear Ernest.
to set your mind at rest once for ever
as 10 whether 1 care anything for Mr..
Price or not"
My dearest Connie" I exclaimed
fervently. Il don't doubt your faith
fulness the least in the world; nothing
you can say or do can increase my per-
feet trust in you. But will do as you
suggest"
And the next minute rose from my
seat and walked away. To carry out
the plan proposed by Miss Marsh oc-
cupied more time than we supposed it
would. In the first place, 1t was neces-
sary for me to pass along three sides
OF the Rensselaer, mansion, which was
of great extent, in itself the work of at
least five minutes, but failed to ac-
complish it in less than double that
time in consequence of meeting my
aunt and Mrs. Van Rensselaer,, who
detained me with questions. However,
1 escaped from these ladies as soon as
I decertly could, and re-entering the
drawing room from the veranda took
Up my position as arranged. Mr. Evan
Price was already at the side of my
Constance. The expression of his face
betrayed the earnestness of his pur-
pose. and he spoke so low that. though
was less than three feet distant from
him, it was with some difficulty that 1
could make out all he said.
~ cannot conceive why it is," he was
saying. that you should refuse to ac-
cept this ring The stone is a beauti-
full one; selected it with great care
myself. and drew the design for the
mounting of it. The mere acceptance
Of the ring will not imply that you are
in any way engaged TO me. You will
cnlT confer upon me favor for which
I shall always remain grateful. Let us
agree that the gift signifies nothing;
only accept it. beg of you"
II really cannot accept it. I told
you could not before you had 1t
made answered Constance firmly.
why las this change come over
you:" ne asked.
NO change has come over me-" re-
piled Constance warmly. "All I ever
was TO you. that 1 am now"
i think you Were more kindly dis
posed toward me when we We're fellow
passengers on the Etruria, and l am
sure you did not avoid me so carefully
before the advent Of that English coun-