The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-11-28

not the true inner thinking man,
who ambition was fortunately tenn
pered with a whole-hearted sense OF
patriotism rarely met with in these
s~elf-seeking times.
When VINEYARD arrived at the door
of Colonel Wright's house in Seymour
street, the postman was just turning
away from it, having dropped a let
ter into the box and given his recog-
nized RAP. Thus Jarvis, tie old SOL
dier-servant, saw the shadow of a
visitor upon the ground glass OF the
door when he INT for the letters,
and did not wait for a second knock.
The old warrior knew who this
brown-faced stranger was at once,
and stepped back, holding the door
wide open.
Lena was singing in a small room
Immediately opposite the entrance
and the door of this room was wide
open. The old soldiers movements
we're quick and noiseless, as a SOL
dier's movements should be; u
WinyardI: was quicker, and, with a
touch Of his hand, he stopped Jarvis
from goingforward to announce him.
wait a moment" he whispered.
Lena sung on unconsciously. She
had heard the postman's knock, and
recognized it, but was not expecting
any particular letter, and therefore
ass -o+ sotarrrnf hpr Gong
The two men stood outside the
door and listened in silence-the old
soldier-whose fighting days were
done, and the young man, whose
time was vet to come. One-a
sturdy, powerful figure, very straight,
with a peculiarly fiat back ana
square, honest face; the other some
what taller, of lighter build, lean ana
wiry, active as a cat. They could
lust see Lena's shoulder. and the
play Of her white hand and wrist
Occasionally, as she swayed a little
10 one side with the rhythm OF her
music, they caught sight or ner
dainty head, with the soft, dry hair
drawn we'll up and clustering down
again.
When the last note of the accom-
paniment had died away, Lena swung
rather suddenly round upon the mu-
sic-stool. and found herself face to
face with VINEYARD. He was standing
with his overcoat still upon his ARM
and It first Lena thought that II was
Charles Mistley. So quick was her
movement that she. caught VINEYARD
looking We luxury he rarely in
dulged in.
Instantly Lena rose, and although
she blushed, she smiled with perfect
self-possessioE.
"Mr. Mistley,' she said. extending
her hand, II rever heard - come
in"
Then they shook hands, and Jar
Wis vanished with Vineyards coat.
II am afraid" said Mistley, lock-
ing a ;trife guilty, that I have been
standing outside since the end of the
first verse"
Lena gave a little laugh, which
was not quite free from emDarrass-
ment.
THAT was rather mean,' she said.
II am afraid it was impertinent'"
said VINEYARD, quickly, now that l
come to think of it: but at the mo-
ment I hardly thought of what was
doing. You see. I came in with the
letters, and then, as soon as I stepped
inside the door, I heard-you sing
ing. I am afraid I prevented the man
from interrupting you. You must
make some allowance for a Wanderer
whose manners have suffered, Miss
Wright. You see, I have not heard
ANYTHING ike that for three years,
and 1 could" not resist hearing 1t all.
Do you think IShould have said
.Ahem!' or bang CELIA into
the stand, so ass 1pow that
some one "a *
mo doubt 49, that
would ha,, scourse
n nursue: E matter
much, 2 suppt listen
to people pr$ 20 &C
tual harm III Ptalrs
~ tho drav;kSs sctive
mothers are - sSslng'
and Charliei
Lena stoK ana
led the way eeniy
struck her Y same