The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-12-04
THAT can be of small consequence

THAT can be of small consequence
to you"
Hum! I shouldn't liked to be
looked upon as an idiotic old woman.
AS to you-you are past praying for
Not past returning thanks for, I
hope" said Glynn, as he handed her
into the brougham, and told the
| coachman to drive to Easton Square
station. Arrived there, Lady Gethin
said she would not require the car
rage again, as Mr.. Glynn would see
her home; and as soon as they
reached the arrival platform they
took a cab and drove to within an
easy walking distance of Garston Ter
race.
II never was 80 far north BEFORE"
said Lady Gethin. How long has
this poor girl been shut up here?"
"She has been secluded altogether
for nearly nine or ten months"
Mice old woman calculated
Lady Gethin, as Mrs. Ritson, the
landlady, opened the door and
dropped a courtesy.
"Walk in, please" she said.
Lady Gethin Immediately took a
tour of inspection. Il don't know
how it is, but this doesn't look quite
like a lodging" she said, sitting down
suddenly. Il don't think that old
woman furnished this"
81 suspect you are on the lookout
for mysteries" Glynn began, when
Elsie came in, dressed in her Or
binary costume of black, with a nice
little scarf Of fine creamy lace round
her throat, and a bunch Of daffodils
beside 1t.
The excitement of seeing a stran-
ger had brought a little color to her
cheek, and as she stood still for a
moment of graceful hesitation,
Glynn's heart throLbed with tender
ness and pride, and he thought 1t
must puzzle Lady Gethin to find fault
with so fair a creature. He turned
to read her opinion in her counte-
nance. She was gazing at Elsie with
a curious expression Of startled sur
prise, almost of recognition, and
seemed too absorbed to remember
the ordinary o~bservances Of a first
Introduction.
81 have brought my aunt, Lady
Gethin, to see you, Miss Lambert"
said Glynn.
She is very kind to come" re-
turned Elsie.
"And I am very glad I came" said
Lady Gethin, rising and holding out
her hand, gravely but cordially. Mr..
Glynn's interest in your father and
yourself. has induced me to offer a
visit, even though not quite sure 1t
will be acceptable"
"Oh, yes! it is most acceptable"
cried Elsie, her eyes filling with tears,
and feeling strangely fascinated by
Lady Gethin's gaze.
Il am pleased to think So" said
Lady Gethin.
In a few minutes my father will
be ready to receive you, If you will
be so very good as to visit him-he
has been SO ill.,"
Eyes, certainly, 1 want to see him
very much. You do not look particu-
larly we'll yourself! too much conlne-
ment in a sick room, I suppose" A
pause and long searching look.
Il have gone out very little for
months"
(" Excuse me, my dear, you will
think me an intrusive old woman,
but what is your name? Elsie, Elsie!
that is quite strange to me. Do you
remember your mother at all?"
"No-that is, like a faint, far-away
dream"
What was her name?"
II think / was called after her. /
never speak about her, for my father
cannot bear it. HIS sorrow must
have been great"
Il suppose SOL suppose So"
thoughtfully. you will forgive my
ab%ruptness, / am not asking from idle
curiosity"
IL have nothing to forgive" Here
the tinkle of a bell was heard. my
father is ready; will you Gomez" said
Elsie, rising. She conducted them
into the drawing room, where Lam
bert sat in his easy chair.
Lady Gethin's quick eye noted ev-
erything. Lambert Frightened a lit
tie as he thanked her with simple
courtesy for her visit. Glynn saw
that she scrutinized him with pro-
found attention.
Glynn himself had various matters
TO speak of with Elsie.
M ~ ToD,A