The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-10-09
p III.
Old

OLD scores
Madame Davilliers' was a very
pleasant household. Of course, it had
not the ease and freedom that reigns
il, an English home, at least for
young people. A%ntoinette and her
friend were treated with the kind of
a~ffectionate indulgence suited to in
fants Of tender years, but watched
also and guarded with the care due
to creatures of the same immature
age.
To Lambert and his daughter mad
anne extended a wide indulgence
Americans, you know" in an ex-
planatory tone, was always her COM
ment on any eccentricity of theirs.
She was exceedingly anxious to settle
Elsie judiciously, as she felt con-
WINGED she would have a goodly
dover, and deeply regretted that she
had not a son old enough to demand
the charming mademoiselle in mar
rage. Lambert, however, showed
himself reluctant to accept any of her
suggestions. and she therefore con
Guided that he had other plans in
view -.
Elsie Lambert was very happy with
Antoinette. They practiced duets to-
gether, and traced patterns, and Elsie
read aloud to her friend when she
was at work, or repeated to her the
stories and poems she had lately
read in English, on Glynn's recon-
mendation. Elsie was the master
spirit of the twor though Antoinette
was by far the bravest and most self
possessed in society.
I But amid her contentment Elsie
was conscious Of an extraordinary
want-a> void which nothing sufllced
to fill; it was the want Of those quiet
conversations with Glynn, each Of
which awoke new ideas, new aspira-
lions, new life. He called as he had
promised, and was received most
graciously by Madame Davilliers in
her salon. Both girls were present.
Glynn, however, knew we'll he must
not, speak more than a few civil words
to them, and even his inquiries for
Lambert he felt bound to utter in
French. But Elsie's expressive eyes
told him much. They said frankly
and%innocently, II wish 1 could talk
to you. Iwish i dare speak as usual.
This is all rather tiresome." And he
longed u%nutterably to take her out
for a long ramble in the bois, her
arm through his own, her sweet, can
did face uplifted to his, that she
might better comprehend the mean
ing of his words; but he must not
think of such things. He ought to be
thankful, especially thankful, that
her feelings toward him were SO calm
and friendly. If he were to read any
thing of tenderness, of passion, in
those lovely blue eyes of hers, why,
chaos would be come again. For
to call Lambert father-in-law would
be chaotici
How is M. Vincent?" asked Mad
anne DavilIiers, asEGlynn rose to take
leave one afternoon; "he has not pre-
septed himself lately. He is a most
interesting man, and quite French in
his knowledge of life and character!
I shall beg him to give himself the
trouble of dining with IS on Wednes-
day next, and I hope that you, too,
monsieur, will do us the pleasure of
joining our little party. Wednesday
Is the anniversary of our wedding
day, and Mr.. Davilliers proposes to
make a little fete in it's honor. If
fine we shall dine at the Grand Cas-
cade' at six o'clock; we hope our good
friend Monsieur Lambert will return
in time for our reunion"
"It is also the anniversary Of Lodi,
and the Grand Cascade will be illumi-
nated," cried Antoinette. 1T will be
superb"
Eyes, do come, it will be charm
ing" said Elsie. . -
II need no persuasion" replied
Glynn. II shall be but too happy to
join your party, madame"