The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-03-13
CHAPTER XXXIV.
The Return.

The Return.
The three ladies were again sitting
in the drawing room in Seymour street
together. 1t was the Monday morn
ing. Colonel Wright had telegraphed
several times from Vienna and other
town; on the homeward journey. The
most important item in those mes
sages had been that, despite medical
advice, VINEYARD Mistley insisted up
on coming home at once, n they
might be expected at IL o'clock on
the Monday morning.
It was after IL row. The ladies
we're working with a calmness which
was perhaps slightly o%verdone. Adon-
is slept peacefully beside Mrs. Mist
ley's chair, upon q corner OF her
dress.
These Continental trains are in
variably late" observed Mrs. Wright,
glancing at the clock upon the man
telpiece.
Eyes," was Mrs. Mistley's cheerful
reply; 1--WE can hardly expect them
yet. Colonel Wright did wisely, 1
think, in suggesting that none of US
should go to the station. There will
be noise and fuss enough without
my being there to agitate Win, and
make him pretend that he is stronger
than he really is. 1t is much better
that Charlie should meet them"
Where Charlie is" suggested Mrs.
Wright, in a low tone, there will be
no fuss. He possesses a happy facul-
ty Of doing the right thing at the
right moment, without appearing to
know that he is doing it."
"Yes," said Charley's mother
vaguely. She was about to say some
thing more, but checked herself sud-
denly; and spreading her work out
before her she proceeded to smooth it
out with deft fingers, patting it here
and there, and tugging it cornerwise.
While thus occupied, she spoke again,
without looking up, in a light con-
versational tone.
do you know" she said, II can
not quite realize that Win is i'll. What
ailments he has had have always
come when he was away from me. I
cannot picture to myself how he will
take it; he has always been so well
and hearty"
According to papa's telegram, he
is hearty STILL" said Lera, gayly, as
she carefully selected a thread of silk
from a parti-colored tangle. HE
telegraphed Spirits high which
sounds like a meteorological report"
II think Wins spirits are proof
against a good DEAL" replied Mrs.
Mistley, with a glance toward Lena.
1t was G mere passing peep, but the
little lady saw enough to convince
her that the needle stood a very poor
chance of being threaded just then.
At this moment the sound of ap-
preaching wheels broke upon them
all. The vehicle audibly stopped at
the door, and Adonis looked up
sharply. Lena was still striving to
get the silk somewhere near the eye
Of the needle.
Mrs. Mistley laid aside her work.
She tried to do it as calmly and
quietly as she could, but there was
something dramatic even in her in
tense self-possession. She drew in a
long, uneven breath, ard rose from
her seat, looking toward the door.
Already there were footsteps Town
stairs in the hall. Then came a little
laugh of one voice only, and Adonis
literally shrieked at the sound OF it.
Like a battering ram he sprung at
the door, endeavoring to seize the
handle in his strong teeth. He fell
back and threw himself against the
door again. Then Mrs. Mistley
opened the door.
On the threshold stood VINEYARD.
The colonel's arm was round him,
and he had one hand on the old trav-
eler's shoulder, for he could not
stand alone.
Mrs. Mistley stood on tiptoe with
an almost girlish grace, and Win
yards free arm went round her. No
one spoke a word.
Then Mrs. Wright anne forward
and assisted him to a chair. AS he
sunk into it she stopped and kissed
him. do not be too kind to me-"
he said, smiling. II am rather weak,
and kindness has been known to kill
people, I believe"
He looked up to shake hands with
Lena, and she saw that there were
tears in his eyes. Adonis was stand
ing on his hind legs, with his fore
paws resting on the arm of the low
chair. His faithful eyes were lumin-
Gus with love, and he whined con-
tinually with his square chin up
raised.
At this moment Charlie entered the