The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1910-07-06

w.
marked. calm reflection has con-
! WINGED me that there is really nothing
to worry about. My niece has eloped,
as she herself informed me. The
deed is done, and l am powerless to
prevent ii. 1t is not unnatural that
she did not tell me where she was
going-I believe that is customary in
honeymoons."
Aunt Josephine pronounced the last
word as though it represented an
abyss of degradation.
But" I hazarded, would you not
like to know where she is and with
whom she VENT"
I no longer have any interest in
her movements. She deceived me
and forfeited my love. AS to her ac-
complice-well, she deceived me
there also, for ! thought certainly it
was Mr.. Casey. Of course you were
out of the question"
l felt a burning desire to convince
Aunt Josephine of her mistake; but
restrained myself, for l saw she had
more to say.
MY brother she remarked, "ar-
rived last night. He has a clear and
logical mind and looks at the matter
from a common-sense. viewpoint, al
though in my opinion it hardly bears
! calm discussion. He says that when
Nancy needs money we will certainly
hear from her. and expects therefore
to meet his new son-in-law at no dis
tant date. When he does--'
"Well?" I inquired, as she paused
significantly. This was a subject in
which ! was indeed interested.
When he does, Mr.. Leigh, I should
not care to be in that young mans
shoes"
With this succinct statement Mrs.
Robinson rose, and looked at me in
SO pointed a manner that I had no
choice but to rise also and bring
the interview to a close.
While ! was hunting for an appro-
pirate speech of farewell, and not
finding it, footsteps we're audible in
the hall, accompanied by a murmur
of voices. 1t seemed as though the
butler were eXpostulating with some
one, but finally capitulated, for he
flung open the door and cast an apol-.
ogetic glance at his mistress as he
announced:
Mrs. 'Schuyler-Smythe."
Instantly Mrs. Robinson stiffened.
Her nostrils dilated, and she threw
back her head with the manner Of one
who accepts a challenge.
Mrs. Schuyler-Smythe swept for
ward, and although l had never met
her 1 had no difficulty in recognizing
the Well Fed Crow from Starts de-
scription. Theinterview promised to
be interesting, and perhaps enlight-
ening also, for it was easy to judge
from the name of both ladies that
they were old and sworn enemies.
Nevertheless, it was not for this rea-
son l stood rooted to the spot and
gazed at them with fascinated horror.
following Mrs. Schuyler-Smythe was
a graceful, girlish figure, with a coil
of rudy hair that turned to gold
where the sun from the window
touched it. A figure that looked at
me with disappearing violet eyes-I
might more properly say looked
through me-" il ! wished to be literal.
A figure that I had reason to recog-
nize and remember, yet it was some
minutes before l could believe it was
indeed Julia Smith who stood before
me. Julia Smith-at liberty and
about the last person I desired to
meet. I was not sure whether or not
she recognized me, and moved further
into the shadow.
Mrs. Schuyler-Smythe was speak
ing.
Madam, I beg to apologize for this
intrusion"
Don't mention It," returned Mrs.
Robinson. You must have had some
good reason for coming"
Il understand" said Mrs. Smythe,
that We are companions in misfor-
tune"
Il am not aware" said Mrs. Robin
son, "of any misfortune having oc-
Cured to me-"
The Well Fed Grow paused uncer-
tainly.
why, I thought" she said-"I
thought-at least, l was informed
your niece, you know. Servants will
gossip"
Il do not talk to my servants"
said Mrs. Robinson, and scored one.
Julia Smith vas looking at me now
calmly considering me with her vio-
let eyes-and the very marrow of my
bones dreaded her first remark. 1t
was not, however, addressed to me.
Aunt Caroline" she said, you
have not yet told Mrs. Robinson why
we came"
Pray be seated" said Mrs. Robin
son, with the manner of one perform
ing IN obnoxious duty.
Mrs. Schuyler-Smythe crossed two
plump hands in her lap and heaved a
profound sigh.
you are aware" she said. that we
are plunged into deep distress owing
to the disappearance of my sister-in-
law, Miss Harriet Schuyler. No
lo,,ht 49,, ~Doxl - -, +l1 -a-1,