The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-07-28
CHAPTER XX.
The Captain Leaves.

and Enid could see that the young
mans face was fixed and rather dis
agreeable, and before she had time to
think more, he was pouring out VOWS
of love, and finished by asking her ta
be his wife.
She stood very silent till he had
finished, and then coldly and politely
refused his offer.
But I don't understand you!" ex-
claimed Roger Leicester, angrily.
Could his ears have heard Alright?
Il thought I made it clear. I thank
you for your offer, Captain Leicester,
but I must beg to refuse it."
Son what grounds, Miss Leslie?"
Surely you do not need me to go
further into the question. I am dis
tressed you have asked me, Captain
Leicester; I dislike giving pain, but
{ must refuse"
And 1 won't take your REFUSAL"
The young man exclaimed, beside him.
self with injured pride and disap-
pointment. You must be my wife,
Enid"
MUST" She drew herself up with
3 gesture of indignation, then draw
Ing back a little, she said, quickly, II
must request you to leave me, Cap
tain Leicester; I prefer to be alone"
The young man glared at her for a
few seconds, then with a smothered
exclamation strobe forward, caught
her suddenly in his arms and kissed
her several times.
Enid uttered a cry, and as he re-
leased her and went hurriedly away,
she sunk down on the ground and
burst into tears just as some one else,
who had been walking up the avenue,
hearing her cry, jumped on to the
sidewalk and saw her thus plunged
in her distress.
Miss Leslie! Good heavens!
What has happened? Are you hurt?"
IGervais bent down and lifted/the
girl to her feet.
Enid was weeping bitterly.
How dare he! How dare he!"
she said, thinking only of the insult
and not realizing anything else.
Some one has insulted you; who
1t it," the earl said, gravely, standing
beside her and conscious that a
strange mixture of tenderness and
anger was struggling in his heart.
Enid grew a little calmer and dried
her eyes with trembling hands.
1T is nothing, Lord Derriman," she
murmured family. go
GervaiS waited a mement.
II am afraid l can't accept that
statement. I think I am like Darius
of old, who refused to take a false
hood, even from the lips of a weeping
woman"
She answered him quickly.
you are right spoke falsely; it
was something that made me cry,
= Lord Derriman. But-but let it pass,
please. 1 was foolish and unnerved
at first; now-"
Now you have handed the affair
to my keeping, and leave me to settle
it," he ended very quietly. "Now,
what has happened?"
r. Enid hesitated a moment before
she spoke, then putting Out he: hand,
she said with a tiny tremor in her
voice:
II can not thank you enough, Lord
Derriman, for your kindness. Be-
lieve me, IL am grateful, but I can
not tell you the cause of my tears.
IL have very good sol l am
only sorry that you should have been
here just now"
u will not press the matter fur
Their, since it gives you pain, Miss Les
lie. l will only tell you that you need
fear no mor insults from the gentle
man who was with you just now"
Enid started and colored deeply.
Then you-you saw"
He smiled, drew her hand through
his arm, and led her slowly up the
ven
II have this very moment caught
sight of Captain Leicester leaving the
path and going up to the house, and
so l conjecture l have found the man
[ seek. We will say nothing of this,
Miss Leslie; let it be a little secret;
but if there is a spark Of manliness
or honor in that cub I will rouse it,"
Enid stood still and looked up at
him hurriedly. her face looking deli
cate and lovely in her agitation.
Please, Lord Derriman, do not
say"
Your name shall not be men
toned" he said, divining her thoughts
easily; "rest assured" And then they
walked in silence up to the front en-
trance and there separated.
AS they sat down to dinner, how
ever, Dulcie Lowe, who was tired and
cross, made a discovery.
Captain Leicester is late again.
We ought to institute a fine, Lord
Derriman."
Gervais looked down at her from
The head of the table.
Il dent thin; l. viii be needed,
Miss Lowe, as Leicester has left u.s."
Left u.s." exclaimed Lady Lowe
and Dulcie in the same breath.
Yes. Got a wire from Sir George
this afternoon, 50 ne had to so quick
iy. He had no time to say good-hy
10 any one"
=