The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-04-22

Il have it," she cried. after haV-
ing lain awake for two whole hours
plotting: I'll make him jealous!
Then she rolled over and went to
sleep in less than five minutes.
Now there was in the n%eighboT-
hood a certain Colonel who shovel
undisguised admiration for Mabel.
She went walks with the Colonel
and generally contrived to drop
across Jack; that young gentleman.
however. contrary to expectations,
showed the utmost unconcern; he
raised his hat and positively smiled
when he first met them-to Mabels
great disgust.
A week later the neighborhood was
surprised by the announcement that
Miss Harley and the Colonel were
engaged to be married. Now we
shall see," Mabel said to herself tri-
umphantly.
The next day Jack dropped in for
tea: Mabel met him with a smiling
countenance.
Il suppose you have heard the
news"
Yes" he replied, cheerfully. land
have taken this early opportunity OF
calling to congratulate you. lie
spoke so calmly, could it be posi-
BILE that he didn't care after all.
THE Colonel is a splendid fellow!
So handsome! Everybody is fond
of him-and though you perhaps
could have done better-well, it's
best to choose the one that we real
ly love"
Then Jack took his seat at the
table. and talked away to the older
couple, but the worst Of it was he
seemed unable to speak to Mabel
without bringing the Colonel's name
in every time; he seemed a good deal
more pleased about the arrangements
than Mabel herself. Why couldn't he
let the. subject drop?
And when is the marriage to take
! place, Mabel?"
Il don't know" She answered SO
shortly that both Mr.. and Mrs. Har-
ley turned to look at her.
Only Jack didn't notice, and went
on innocently:
Anyway, you'll invite me to the
wedding-I shall be back in town by
then. l expect. but you must write
and let me know"
Jack seemed to think it must be a
~1oo-,,,N - lTolo1 RI 1ynnn on h arm
ing upon this one subject. At last
she could bear it no longer, but rose
abruptly and left the room.
Jack returned home moody and
dissatisfied. He was not at all sure
of his ground, but he consoled him
self by the thought that if he had
betrayed his love, she would only
have treated him the same as the
rest of them-better that she should
never know.
The engagement with the Colonel
only lasted a fortnight, then the re-
port vas circulated owe the town
that the match was broken off. That
afternoon Jack made another call.
And how's the Colonel?" he
queried.
They were standing alone in the
garden together.
II don't know" she replied sui
! lenly. Haven't you heard that the
engagement has been broken OFF,"
Il I'M extremely sorry" cried
Jack. Gould I do anything to ex-
plain the Observation-Disclosures I
am sure it is only a misunderstand-
ing?"
No; it is quite irrevocable-I find
that 1 do not care for him-I love
| another"
There was a look in her eyes that
conquered Jack all in a moment. He
knew that he was a fool. He had
been forewarned what would happen
he went into the snare with his
eyes open-simply because he could
mt help it.
Mabel" he gasped. dare I hope
that l am the one?"
She looked at him unmoved, that
tickle smile still upon her lips. But,
you know. you did not intend to be
married until o were at least thiy-
tyr" she cried, wickedly.
Mabel" he cried, passionately, 81
have loved you all along" And he
was pouring into her ear the tale of
burning love.
So she had conquered, at last her
revenge was consummated!
Perhaps Jack saw something of tri-
umph in her eyes, for he broke off in
the midst of his appeal and cried
fiercely:
Il know that I am a fool to let you
know!-I was told that you had no
heart-you cannot love nor know
what love is! Well, you have heard
my tale and added another conquest
to your list! And now farewell for
ever!" He turned abruptly and left
her standing there.
"Jack-Jack! Come back to me-
I do love YOU"
And Jack turned to see her little
hands stretched out toward him,
while her wonderful beauty was en-
HANGED ten-fold by the soft light of
love that shone from her eyes.
"Ah!' she sighed, her lovely head
resting on his shoulder, and her arms
encircling his neck. Il did not know
what it was to be in love then-had
known l would never have led 9TH
ers on"
Then she put her arm through his
and thau uallnd hnnlz La. l