The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-05-26

flush on her fair cheeks, and a throb
of exultant pride and relief in what
passed for heart. She was quite
alone, for Virginie, like Enid, had at
last given way, although the maid had
not done one-quarter for her mistress
what Enid had done, and, being
alone, Dorothy was free to look as she
pleased.
What luck" she said to herself.
Gall mine! Money can command
everything, and I will want nothing!
All! the relief, the delight after these
four horrible days! May l never ex-
perience any like them again."
Simmonds interrupted her thoughts
by knocking at the door and giving
Lady Derriman's message.
Dorothy clasped her two hands and
stood erect, the color deepened on
her cheeks, the light glowing in her
eyes. This, indeed, was the climax to
her triumph.
"He has sent her." she whispered.
"Gervais has sent her. Enid told me
he spoke of his mother when he asked
for me this morning."
She stood for an instant, then
stepped to the mirror.
II must not go down with these
red cheeks. She will expect to see
me in tears. I must wait a few min
utes."
She went to the door and sent a
message back to ask Lady Derriman
if she would mind coming upstairs in
five minutes.
II will ring the bell, Simmonds,
when I want her to come"
The older woman entered gently,
and drew the girl for one instant to
her arms without speaking, then as
she felt Dorothy tremble, she led her
back to a chair, and sat down her.
self, gently stroking the small white
hand she held.
my poor child" she murmured,
touched inexpressibly by this appar
ent silent suffering; and then in her
sweet, tender way, she tried to con-
sole Dorothy, speaking of the comfort
that comes to all true believers, little
thinking that every word was received
with restlessness and almost con-
temptuous WEAKNESS.
But Dorothy was sincere in one
thing-she earnestly desired the
friendship of Lady Derriman, and she
would have listened to the sermon, as
she termed it, twice over for the sake
of ingratiating herself with Gervais'
mother, and so drawing herself neal.
er to him.
After Lady Derriman had spoken
all she could to soothe the girl, she
bent and kissed Dorothy.
"And now I have one thing to pro-
pose, dear, and that Is that you come
and stay with me a while. I know
how terribly all the surroundings of
your home will jar on you for a
time, and so I ask you to give me the
pleasure of your company; it is need
less to add we shall be quite alone;
or, If it would please you better, we
might go elsewhere-to the seaside,
Scotland, the Continent, anywhere"
Dorothy clasped Lady Derriman's
hand.
eyes, yes!" she cried, hurriedly
and eagerly. II should like that best.
I long to get away; this place chokes
me; it Is so hot and so miserable"
There was nc installing the gen.
%uineness of this cry.
very we'll; we will decide tonight,
for If you are able, Dorothy, I mean
to carry you back with me to Brom-
ley. Your maid can follow with your
clothes, aud Miss Leslie will come
with you, Of"
"Oh! Enid Is going to stay with
her mothers relations for a time"
said Dorothy, glibly. She had no wish
for her poor cousins company. Enid
had served her purpose once, but she
was necessary no more-at least not
just at this moment.
Then, another time, when she
comes back" Lady Derriman OBJ
served, she must pay us a visit.
Now, Dorothy, do you feel able to go
with me, or would you rather wait
and come later with your maid?"
Dorothy only hesitated for one mo-
melt.
II will come later, dear Lady Der
riman," she said, and broke out into
soft words of gratitude for all the
kindness the older woman had given
her, and then Lady Derriman rose
and took her leave.
To be Continued.