The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-06-23
CHAPTER X.
The Price She Paid.

CHAPTER X.
The Price She Paid.
Enid Leslie was carried down to
Weir Cottage as in q dream. She was
scarcely conscious of anything say a
curious feeling of peace and comfort
as her hand was clasped by Dorothy's
husband.
"Weir Cottage must give you some
roses" he said, warmly, as he shook
her hand. you are not looking too
strong, is she, my d%arling?"
"She is looking very charming,
Dorothy replied, with a faint smile.
A small pang of envy shot through
Ends heart as she saw the mans ten
der care and great love written on
his frank, handsome c~ountenance.
How blessed must Dorothy be to have
such a treasure, a store of love as was
now hers! And yet Enid could not
dismiss the thought, as she gazed at
her cousin from a distance, that there
was something altogether opposed to
happiness written on Dorothy's beau
tiful face.
Gervais drew his wife's small hand
through his arm
How grand you are tonight, my
darling!" he said, lightly. "Is this
gorgeous apparel in honor Of Miss
Leslie?"
Dorothy forced a smile to her lips.
II I'm tired, Gervais," she said, quiz
city, $50 I put on a teagown for COM
fort. I am glad you like it,"
Like it; Of course! How could I
help doing that? But will it be warm
enough on the river? Remember
how chilly it gets now"
81 don't think I can attempt the
river tonight, my darling!" she an
swered, hurriedly; "the heat, or
something, has knocked me up. I
want you to take Enid without me.
I will sit and rest till you come back,
and then"-there was just a little
catch in her breath-"then I think I
shall be better, and we can have some
music"
Gervais looked at her %anxiously.
you do look pale, dearest. All, I
was foolish to let you go up to town;
you would have been far better down
here. The river can do without us
for once; we will sit and talk to you
while you rest"
But want Enid to co." Dorothy
said, trying to prevent her eagerness
and Impotence from creeping into
her voice; "she will enjoy it,"
To the end of her life Enid always
remembered that first experience of
hers on the river. The moon was
risen when they started, though its
rays were not fully developed. Ger
vais led the girl down to the boat
house, where his launch and other
aquatic property were kept, and in a
few moments Enid was comfortably
installed on the dainty cushions, with
a rug about her and the steering
cords given her, with full instructions
how to use them.
1--WE shall go along quietly" said
the earl, as he sat down and took the
oars. II want you to enjoy the seen
cry thoroughly"
Enid made no answer. She felt as
If she were in some strange dream or
fairy story as they began to glide
through the silent waters on which,
as the twilight %deepened, the silver
rays of the moon were reflected.
Dorothy waited until the clang of
the gate told her they were gone, then
she jumped up hurriedly from the
chair where Gervais had lain her so
tenderly and made her so comforta-
BILE, pushed away the cushions, kicked
the collie aside that was crouched by
her, and going quickly upstairs she
went to her room. Her first thought
was to look for Virginie; she had
made her plans we'll, and. had given
the maid permission to go with one
Of this other servants to a town near
where there was some sort of water
procession in honor Of the annual
regatta. She listened eagerly and
found the coast clear-Virginie was
gone; then drawing her skirts close
about her, she threw on a long cloak
and hood, and grasping a small pack
ct tight in her hand, stole down stairs
and out into the garden.
The place she had named was not
far. and was out of the beaten track;
and there, pale to the lips and as cold
as death, Dorothy pushed her way.
She was early, but Laxon was there
before her, seated on the stile smok-
ing his well-blackened pipe.
"Good-evenin'," he said, not. NOV
ing either himself or his pipe as she
approached him hurriedly.
What have you got to propose?'
she asked in hard, curt tones.
He glanced at her set face.
well you see, I've been a-thinkin'
of everything over. We're both in q
nasty mess, there's no denyin' that,
81 We oughter share and share alike
What do you mean" the girl
asked, still in the same cold way.
We'll, I mean this"-he knocked
out the ashes of his pipe against the
wooden post Of the stile-"you're the
mother of my child. / know it DOM
sound pretty"-as she shuddered sud
denly-"but it's true. Now, never
thelcss. I'm a poor mai and you're q
rich woman, and
In other words, you wish me tc