The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-02-14

1dClOtlS lOOheu btlIh,
retired to her room, drowned in tears;
Charley stalked about the woods, pre-
tending to shoot partridges and squir-
rels. and avoided the ~step-paternal
presence as much as possible,
! Oh George, what shall l do?" said
Mrs. Beverley-which was the lady>s
new ~name-ready to cry.
Don't mind 'em. my dear" said her
husband, with 4 great, rolling laugh.
They're only children; they'll grow
wiser as they grow older"
But the squire's determined good
humor aggravated his stepchildren
more than any amount of positive OPP
position would have done. and they
made no effort 10 conceal their feel
tngs.
81 never. never can call that fat
man father" said Mile.
MY dear, he doesn't want you to-"
said Mrs. Beverley.
81 can't endure the sight Of him"
poited. Mile. And Charley. says ex-
actIy the same thing"
Charley is a disobedient. ungratetul
SON" sobbed Mrs. Beverley.
But here Mr.. Beverly himself came
to the rescue.
Young people" said he, "I don't
object to your making yourselves as
miserable rs you like, but you mustn't
torment your mother. III have none of
this!"
NF:.I;a loe4 az ti,,a IN n n -rvinf thiS
revolutionary speech straight to her
brother.
Very WELL. said Charley, coolly;
swell accept the challenge"
ETH not submit to his tyranny said
Millie. give got a plan"
so have t. said Charley, "lots Of
Fem: only they don't seem to work
when 1 try to get them into practice"
Give been writing to Louise Vane'"
said Mile.
'tWho the dickens is Louise Vane?"
ooh. Charley" with q shocked look,
syou must know! Louise Vane-my
daatest friend-the only person in all,
the world who thoroughly understands
me-"
1T seems TO ME as if l had heard the
name before. now you mention 1t"
said Charley, rumpling up his brown,
curly hair. But why should You write
ito her?-and what has it to with our
affairs"
"She sympatilizes so thoroughly with
me-" said Millie. "She considers sec
ond marriages as sinful as 10. And
she has asked me to come to her, n
stay as long as I please. And there is
q nice hotel in the village. Charley:
and her father is very hoSpitable. And
there is a fine supply OF trout, and de-
aightful shooting. Louise writes, and
plenty of agreeable society"
Not a bad idea" said Charley, re-
aectively.
, So that very night the young people
deserted the shadow of the roof that
sheltered their hated stepfather, leav-
ing the orthodox letter on the tradi'
aional pincushion.
l"Oh. George! what shall We do?"
cried Mrs. Beverley, turning pale when
she comprehended that her children
were gone.
Give 'em their heads" said her hus-
} band, composedly drinking his coffee.
"Nevcr drive young colts with too tight
a rein. They'll be glad to come back
in Six weeks OF less
But it's such a fuss about nothing"
said Mrs. Beverly, half laughing. half
crying.
That's the beauty Of it, said her
husband. That's precisely what they
enjoy" and the jolly old fellow shook
with laughter.
j Louise Vane received her former
schoolmate with efusion.
Her father, a stately, ~middle-aged
gentleman, spoke a few kindly words
Of welcome.
.'Oh, dear said Mile, when she
was alone with her friend, II do hope
we shall not disturb Mr.. Tane."
Nothing disturbs papa" said Louise.
SHE will never think of noticing such
chits as we are. Every old maid and
widow in the village has tried to marry
nlU ever SlllCe pun luduilla uieu.
How dare they" said indignant
hiillie. 81 think the Legislature ought
to pass a law against second marriages.
They are wicked, sinful; an outrage on
civilizations"
"Of course they are" said Louise.
"But don't worry. darling. Remember
that YOU are with ME now
And the two callow young doves
J futtered into EACH others arms. with
renewed VOWS of eternal friendship.
Three months of happiness at Vane
Lodge followed. Mile and Louise
read their favorite authors together,
and worked hideous screens and i'm
possible portieres in crewels.
And all this time neither she nor
Charley wrote a line to Mrs. Beverley.
II am afraid they have discarded
me-" said the poor lady. Il fear that
Hhey never mean to forgive me- she
added, with a deep sigh.
My dear, don't be a goose! said
ber husband. You don't regret our
marriage. do you?"