The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-05-12
THE MAN SHE LOVED !
By EFFIE ADELAIDE ROWLANDS.

ouQuCuls, az q ASSe
dreamy pleasure her work always
brought, the door of her room opened
abruptly and some one entered.
"Paugh! What a smell! Good
heavens! Enid, what are you doing?"
And Dorothy, still in her riding habit,
with her golden locks breaking loose
and straying from under her velvet
cap, sauntered up to the canvas.
Il am painting" said Enid hur-
riedly and with her heart beating
nervously. Her cousin had never
deigned to put her foot inside her
shabby domain before, and, reused so
roughly from her dreams, she was i'll
at ease.
"Painting!" echoed Dorothy Kneb-
we'll, with a light, sneering laugh.
well, and what do you daub, Ell?
Let me look!"
She put her gauntleted hand on
Ends shoulder and pushed the girl
aside. She stood for an instant quite
silent, then turned to the artist, who
stood with downcast face, her cheeks
just tinged with red.
who taught you?" she asked, alb
ruptly and sharply.
Mother" was Ends answer.
Dorothy Knebwell frowned. She
hated any n to do anything better
| than herself; and though her father
had spent hundreds of pounds on her
education, she could not have ap-
preached this painting in the very
smallest degree; then her face
| cleared, her vanity was touched.
"This is intended for me, I sup
pose?" she continued, pointing to the
girl.
Enid nodded her head and Dorothy
texamined the picture again.
~."You shall take a proper portrait.
I will give you a sitting. I don't
shipper like this creature does" she
observed, with a patronizing air.
Enid, without a word, went to the
corner and took from thence four or
five small pictures, turning them so
that her cousin might gaze upon the
presentment of her wi self.
"All mel" Dorothy said, lifting her
brows in surprise. Really, I am
quite fattered. Tell me, you funny
little Cinderella, why do you choose
me?"
Because you are beautiful" Enid
answered, quietly and gravely.
This was the reply Dorothy ex-
pected, and, accustomed as she was to
fattery and adulation of all kinds, 1t
gratified her, nevertheless, for she
felt it was sincere. She bent and just
laughingly touched Ends cheek with
her lips as she said, Thank you,
dear COUSIN" little needing that this
negligent caress sent a food Of heav-
emily delight through the veins Of the
girl who had hungered for some afec-
ton and sympathy all this long,
weary year.. Enid made no effort to
return the kiss; but Dorothy knew
that she had captured her cousin as
effectually as though she had flung
strong ropes round her and bound
her.
THE silly little fool will do all l
want" she unused, as she sat on the
foot Of the tiny bed. $50 much the
better. I shall want her very soon"
Enid, her heart still thrilling, put
back the picture silently; then in a
low voice she asked:
do you need anything, Cousin
D%orothy?"
do you think I should come up
all this way for nothing?" Dorothy
answered, shortly.
She was silent for awhile, while
Enid stood waiting. This cold, sharp
reply acted as a shock on her sensi-
tive nature, and SEN her back to her
usual timid, nervous condition.
Dorothy sat lost in thought for
awhile and apparently her thoughts
were varied and complex, judging
from the expression that fitted across
her face.
What gowns have you got?" she
asked, suddenly.
my best and the"
SHOW them to me-" commanded
Dorothy, imperiously.
Enid obediently produced her poor
wardrobe from the shelter of her
shabby box, and her cousin tossed
them aside.
rs that all? Papa ought to be
ashamed of himself to let the whole
county see his niece in such rags.
Give me that body, and after lunch
come to my room and ask for Vir-
ginie; she will have something ready
for you to wear by then. You must
be prepared to start with me by half
past foul at the latest
Where, where am l going, Cousin
Dorothy?" almost whispered Enid,
growing a shade paler.
You are going to a garden party
with me, and remember, you must
do all 1 tell you. Don't call me
cousin it is old-fashioned and
stupid; my name is Dorothy, so use
it."
But Uncle Robert?"
"My father will do as I like" Dor
othy replied, coldly. Don't make
any objections. but simply remember
all l have told you"
And leaving Enid plunged into a
state of wild confusion, mingled with
excitement, Miss Knebwell gathered
up her habit, and walked in her own
peculiar, graceful from the
room,
CHAPTER III.