The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1920-06-10
A GRIPPING
ROMANCE
Ry OTILLIA F. PFEiFFER

Copyright. 1890. western Newspaper Onion'
"Codaling. my dear-that is the sys-
tenn we are to employ with Cousin
Rsylston. The men all like It."
rs he really couSin? inquired
Prudence Blake of her sister. spin
ter like herself. though ten years her
senior.
"WeIl. maybe third or fourth. re-
moved, but he hasn't many Of near Kim
and 1t Is probably because OF Our re-
ationship, distant though 1t may be-
that be has chosen our home to re-
eruit his health in."
why, is he an invald?" questioned
The seemingly artless Prudence.
mo, but he has been victim OF the
prevailing grip epidemic and his doc
sor said few weeks convalescence
away from business cares was neces
sary."
"Yes, we must be helpful and kind
b. the sick and weak" sighed Pru-
denee pathetically.
"Yeu mean we must seize all golden
opportunities" reported Dorcas tartly.
vsluing the simpering platitudes OF
Her sister at their true worth. cousin
Rssiston 10 q man Of means, COM
paratively young man. and-who
knows?" And Dorcas prepared to put
her coddling system into practical
operation, and Prudence hunted up
der most captivating ribbons and laces.
Ward Roylston heaved sigh Of relief
anticipatingly Of coveted peace and
rest as he reached the isolated town
Of Clyde.
"You do not look very well, Cousin
were the first encouraging words OF
Dorcas. ''Our brother Ezra has just
received his medical diploma and he
win call to look you over"
"Why. I am not sick" said Roylston.
~We never know in Q case like
yours" observed Dorcas In a dolorous
tone. They say the after effects are
sometimes very severe. But you will
have at hand faithful nurses"
Royfston made a wry face. unob-
served by his oficious relatives, when
he sat down to his first meal. He was
hungry as an OK. but cream toast, thin
cruel and q single poached egg were
preffered him.
Brother is very strict as to the
alimeatary regime" droned Dcrcas
Prudence be sure that Cousin Royl-
ston's room is ventilated just right and
4 warming pan pressed between the
sheets before he retires." And then
came Brother Ezra, cadaverous
young man who gloomily kept his eye
on Royiston as though he was analyz-
ing him with view to protracted medi-
cal treatment
u shall send over some medicine in
the morning." ne announced sepul.
chrsify, "a few gargles and lotions,
and he left a phial of pellets which
Royfston promptly tossed out Of the
window when he reached his room.
In the morning there arrived a pack
age Of eounter-irritants, lotions and
the hike. and all that day the sisters
watched Roylston with an assiduity
and vehemence that nearly drove him
wild. To cap the climax, after dark
Dorcas solemnly rendered little
package.
"A blister Brother Ezra sent" she
explained. Drastic he says, but
sure to prove beneficial. Prudence and
I will sit up to night. Cousin Roylston,
and you must promptly call US II you
feel any bad symptoms. The after ef.
feets Of the fatal grip must be warded
s6. you know"
Grip" muttered Roylston. as he
reached his room. "Of all the busy.
bodies. The only grip I am interested
In he this" and he opened his single
piece Of baggage and proceeded to
pack It. "I'll make my escape before
they poison me, II have to jump
from the window"
That was just what Roylston had to
DO an hour later. Gazing thence he
observed the reflection Of light in a
lower room. He. could not leave the
house that way. without apprizing his
jaflers. He dropped his grip from the
window. followed with the aid Of q
trellis and made tracks speedily.
Roylston turned from the house and
town. His idea was to seek the first
safe shelter that presented. At the
end Of fve-mile tramp, wearied and
forlorn. turning bend in the road he
came upon horse and wagon at a
standstill. A shapely. golden-haired
girl was mending the broken harness,
muslcally upbraiding and then petting
the steed, who had attempted to run
away.
Rcylston came chivalrously forward
. and assisted her In getting things to
rights, casually explaining his quest
for. some settlement or roadside inn.
The nearest town Is ten miles dis
tant." his bright, sensible new friend
told him, ''but we live q little further
. on. Father will be waiting up. for