The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-10-16
By MRS. ALEXANDER.


Vincent's approach.
"You have not granted me a waltz
yet, Miss Lambert; may 1 have the
next?" said the American.
Il am engaged for the next"
Indeed! to Mr.. Glynn? He has
been so highly favored that 1 think
he might permit a change Of part
ners, as I am obliged to leave almost
Immediately, and shall not e you
| again for some time"
Il have less be%nevolence than you
credit me WITH said Glynn Taught
lily. Il am not disposed to forego an
iota of my temporary right"
What would your father say to
your desertion of your old friend for
a new acquaintance" asked Vincent
with an unpleasant laugh.
To Glynn's surprise, Elsie made a
| slight movement as if to withdraw
her arm. Glynn held it tightly
against his side.
II have not deserted you, Mr.. Vim
cent" she said quietly, as if recover
ing uSl ulSI lupus W ASo'S iJ"",
"for I was not engaged to you"
perhaps not; we will discuss that
point when We meet next" returned
Vincent with insolent assurance. He
made a sort of defiant bow and
turned away.
Come and sit down in the ante
room," said Glynn, lit is cool and
quiet; that brute has disturbed you"
Miss Lambert silently accepted the
suggestion, and as a new dance pro-
ceeded they were soon alone.
"For heavens sake tell me what
it is that enables that fellow to an
noy you?" said Glynn earnestly;
you said you would tell me-"
II never liked him, but latterly /
perceive that he has some curious
influence over my father, who has
even asked me to be civil to him.
Perhaps 1 ought not to tell you this,
but my father trusts you, and IL
believe you are loyal. I am still I'M
easy about my father. He is so rest
less, and I imagine he is always more
restless when he has been with Mr..
Vincent. l sometimes think that my
father has had a hard, sad life,
though he tries to forget his troubles,
and I want to make up to him for the
past. He loves me so much that I
must do everything for him, and be
with him always"
THE young cannot always promise
for their future, and he would be
happiest knowing you were happy"
But 1 should not; he deserves all
l can do, and it would hurt me, oh!
cruelty, to think he ever wanted any
thing when I was not there to give it
to him." The sweet, soft lips quiv-
cred with feeling as she spoke.
This is aEheart worth winning"
thought Glynn, as he gazed on her
pensive, downcast face.
II wish he would tell you some
thing about MT. Vincent before you
CO." continued Elsie. II feel op-
pressed with a sense of indefnable
mischief"
Before I go?" repeated Glynn.
How do you know 1 am going?"
Il heard my father say you were
going, and Of course you will not stay
in Paris"
Il cannot tear myself from it," said
Glynn, with passionate emphasis.
"Why?" asked Elsie, looking up
surprised, then meeting his gaze, a
vivid blush passed over her cheek,
fading away quickly.
"Why?" he exclaimed. MAY I
come and tell you why? tomorrow
will you hear my explanation, with
kindness, with patience?"
All" she returned, shrinking
slightly, cit is late-Madame Davil-
Tiers will be looking for me-"
But, Elsie, may I come-will you
hear me-"
YES" she said, very grayely and
softly, you may come"
Madame Davilliers was ready 10
leave the ball, and observed that the
dear child, meaning Elsie, looked
quite tired.
Glynn accompanied them to the
door, wrapping Elsie's cloak round
her carefully.
Tomorrow" he whispered, press
ing her arm to his side. She looked
up-a serious, searching look.
you puzzle me-" she said.
How? but you will tell me how
and why! When may I come TO-
morrow"
"In the afternoon"
Bidding goodnight to young lie
Clerc, who was returning to the ball
room. Glynn lit his cigar, and walked
slowly down the Rue de Rivoli. 1t
was a heavy, intensely dark night;
but he was too much excited to feel
atmospheric influences. In his own
mind he had passed the Rubicon; and
his request to Elsie for an interview
on the morrow had, he considered,
pledged him to offer his future life
for her acceptance. Would she ac-
cept it? He was too deeply and truly
in love to make sure of the impress
sion he had created himself, too much
in earnest not to be humble. Elsie
had been startled, touched; but it
did not follow that she loved him.
However she decided, he was glad he
had spoken as he did. She must
know what his intended explanation
meant; would she have promised to
hear it if she were not disposed to
hear it favorably? If!-what rap
ture of anticipation shivered through
him at the possibilities thus suggest
ed. The first faint streaks of day.
light were stealing across the eastern