The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1910-06-01

but somehow I can't seem to dispose
of her. You see, she is Mildred's
aunt, too"
Then, BERTHE, are you and Mildred
cousins?"
mo. You see, it is a rather COM
plicated business. Mildred's mother
married twice; and the first one was
named Schuyler. When she married
Mr.. Smythe she chung to the Schuy-
Ter also, as being more ~aristocratic,
and joined them with a hyphen after
No. 2 died-many years ago."
Then Aunt Harriet"
"Is the sister of Mrs. Schuyler
Smythe's first husband and no real
relation to Mildred, bue she is B" :
ties mothers sister. See?"
Don't" l begged. 1T is alto
gether too complicated for me.
Who is 'Julie?'"
why she is Julie Schuyler-niece
of No. 1 and also niece of Aunt Har-
riet. She lives with the Schuyler
Smythes, and I wish she'd marry
Casey"
Just then we both looked at our
watches and simultaneously emem-
bered important engagements. So we
parted, but a little later, as I breath
lessly assembled Mrs. Joseph Robin
sons brownstone steps, I sighted
Starr coming around the corner.
Even as I entered one house, he
touched the electric button next door,
a curtain moved slightly, and I saw
a CLINT of golden hair at Mrs. Schuy-
ler-Smythe's window.
found Nancy at the tea table, as
I had expected, with Casey beside
her, which I had not expected. I
had left him luxuriously sprawled
on the couch in our living-room.
Casey was f1uently agreeable, and
Nancy was responsive. I intended
to be dignifed and distantly disap-
proving, but fear I was merely sullen.
I knew I sat and glowered like an
angry boy, and the little imps Of
mischief that laughed at me through
Nancy's eyes Knocked numerically.
I shall always feel grateful to
Aunt Josephine, although I am quite
sure nothing was further from her
thoughts than obliging me. Never
theless, when she sailed impressively
into the room, greeting Casey cor
daily and bestowing a slight nod
on me, she did me an inestimable
service. For Casey was obliged to
go forward and respond politely, and
while he was dong it Nancy turned
and looked at me. AS she looked
the laughter faded from. her eyes.
and I saw the dawning of another
light. 1t was something greatly
longed for, yet not really expected,
and I watched it incredulous, trem-
ulous, excited, and doubling if it
could indeed be true.
Nancy" I whispered. Nancy"
She said nothing, and I bent closer,
oblivious to everything.
IT thought you didn't care"
Red lips curved suddenly and dim
pies were in evidence.
Men are so foolish" said Nancy
Welles.
I will not dwell upon the days that
followed-days when I was entirely
too self-engrossed to remember Casey
and his matrimonial prospects, or
anything else. The world contained
two people, and I was n Of them
that was quite enough for me.
There were stolen interviews, long
walks in the winter twilight, anxious
consultations as to ways and means,
and finally a decision. We spoke Of
it in whispers even to each other.
It was a pity, for Nancy had always
wanted twelve bridesmaids ard a
white satin train three yards long,
but there seemed no other way to
circumvent Aunt Josephine. 1t was
to be the Little Church Around the
Corner.
I admit to a creepy sensation about
my spine when I allowed myself to
think calmly. I had heard that love
alone was not enough for the average
woman, and how else was I to sup
port a wife? But then 1 was not
going to marry the average woman;
I was going to marry Nancy, and
that made all the difference in the
world.
cat DUSK" said Nancy, because
Aunt Josephine always takes a nap
before dinner. 1t will be easiest
then"
tn he CoDtjnned