The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-10-13
L denends Oh cir-umsiances."

"It depends on circumstances"
circumstances" might NEAR any
thing. Mrs. Winstanley felt qr.te
hopeful.
Il do not wish to be unduly in.
auisitive." she laughed, but one
likes to hear what ones friends are
doing. I am still very uncertain in
my own mind where Victoria and
will 60"
She paused. It was as we'll to give
him opportunities for making sug-
gestions if he wished to.
Apparently he did not.
"Of course, Scotland is very pleas
ant next MONTH hear your place
is perfectly lovely. l suppose most
people will move north at first, but
for myself I feel the cold so I shall
soon be in a hurry to get south
again"
Lord Scarsleigh only caressed his
mustache and watched Victoria.
Mrs. Winstanley wished desperate
" she could think OF some
excuse for leaving the room.
."Your daughter s-er-very fond
of needlework?" he remarked while
she Illuminated.
"She's devoted to it."
The opportunity being given for
airing Victoria's womanly virtues
Mrs. Winstanley did not hesitate to
make the most Of it.
Victoria is a most sweet, domestl-
Gated girl altogether" she purred'
fond of quiet, feminine occupations
| She does not care for rough, outdoor
| sports like so many young women OF
the present day; a needle and piano,
or book, are her chief delights"
Victoria hardly recognized herself
from this description, but remained
dutifully silent.
"I like. a lady to be able to sew
Lord Scarsleigh remarked, rising
Good afternoon"
"How abrupt he is and how SLOW"
| sighed Mrs. Winstanley ats he had
gone.
Victoria, on the contrary, felt ex-
tremely cheerful. 1t was only 3
o'clock. She flew upstairs, put on her
hat, whistled for a taxicab, and had
a second tea with Mary Lester and.
incidentally, her brother.
Next morning there was a note
from Lord Scarsleigh asking If they
would give him the pleasure of shar-
ing his box at the opera.
Mrs. Winstanley was rapturous.
cit will be almost equivalent to a
public announcement"
Make Adele do your hair very
nicely, mummie, and do be careful
about your complexion" was Vic
toria's sage advice.
Mrs. Winstanley was visibly ex.
cited after they: reached home again
"He has asked if he may call to-
morrow morning; a morning call al
ways means business"
Victoria was very much interested,
too.
"He Is coming between twelve and
one-he must mean to propose"
Mrs. Winstanley's voice positively
trembled with triumph.
"You darling! I'm so glad. A
coronet and plenty of money are real
ly very desirable possessions"
Darling girl"
When Lord Scarsleigh arrived at
II o'clock she was walking at the
further end of the park with Freddy
Lester. She returned home at lunch
con time.
what is the meaning of this, Vic
troia?" her mother gasped. where
have you been?"
"Why, you haven't been anxious,
have you, mummie? I knew you
would like me out of the way this
morning. 1 met a friend and we had
a lovely time together"
Victoria was getting a little reck-
less.
But I thought. my love, that you
quite understood you would be
wanted at home. Lord Scarsleigh
has been waiting nearly two hours
and is in a hurry"
81 really do think you are a very
lucky woman. I'm pleased, mummie,
though I shall hate sharing you. with
any one else. Perhaps now you are
both so happy I may as we'll tell you
of my own happiness. I am engaged
to Freddy Lester, and if you don't
mind, mummie, we think it would be
very nice to have a double wedding"
Five minutes later Lord S%carsleigh
left the house in a violent hurry.
while Mrs. Winstanley collapsed
painting on to the sofa.-The Taller