Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1921-04-23


there is cXpiation in a great love, and
cxculpation in Sclf-Sacriiicc. Jcd'S
soul is gone beyond redemption.
dare not think of Mr. Sidney nor Of
myself But Jed is 81 gross sinner.
She was by nature and wish an I'M
emotional, untheatric lady, but she
was dramatic IN her seriousness. Then
she said:
81 should like TO have you for a
SON"
was much emharrassed-the more
so when she kissed me. To conceal
some disConCerting emotions | laughed
awkwardly and went on about my
business. was TO go blindfolded into
the intriCaCicS of the StrangeSt situa-
tons | ever encountered.
With early October beautiful days
came and brought tranquility. Life
Is full of zeSt in October. the rich,
rare month of the year; physical
senses are made more sensitive. Hart
| ley house blaZed out in autumn splen-
DOR What had -Scon -. - Z r. - fore
was now gl0rified.
| could have hours, but not complete
/ days of happiness. ! could use my
common sense part of the time, hut
/ ISObpl broke II down ut other times
/ Occasionally | thought her willfuf and
tried to believe that she amused her
self by playing the devil with the only
man available but when came to my
senses. ! knew | was fool
All she did was to associate frankly
and friendlily with the only available
man. and if she liked to be with me,
1t was compliment did not see that
/ deserved.
With the return to nOrmality, with
Jed back and immediate alarms quiet
ed. our family routine was re-eStab-
liShed. Dinner. which had been less
the SOciable occasion that II might
have been, because of Jed's malevolent
superserviceability. became pleasant
event.
Heretofore Jed had made II a point
TO restrict and embarrass our attempts
at easy conversation. Now he withdrew
and left us to ourselves.
II was owing to this extraordinarily
favorable disposition that /. coming to
dinner one evening in a sullen mood,
had opportunity to take up subject
which concerned me.
Mrs. Sidney" I said when Jed had
placed the Coffee-tray beside her and
had retired, II must ask you to release
me from the absurd position | am in. >
"What position. John2' asked the
kindly lady.
81 am engaged to Isobel," | said.
(Which is torment and trial
said ISobel
: ut is" | replied with warmth. at Is
trial and torment from which wish
| release. | do not want To he hcdgeC
in by the abSurditios of this arrange
; ment."
/ "John, my boy" said Mrs. Sidney
"whHts happened to you?"
Nothing, but I'm confused I'd fee
better If ISobcl and | were not on thi,
: prepoStcrouS footing"
! "Eut there was a reason" Mrs. Sid
1 ney suggested mildly. "nnd il still
exists. ana We relied upon you, John
: We don't want 10 make you unhappy
but you dol't care for ISohcl That's :,
70 apparent. and il helps Us so much"
P Il don't care whether ne cares fo
= me or not said ISobcl suddenly. Wv
! are going to remain engaged Get you
precise mind reconciled to the fact
r John. While YOU are i'm this house. Vol
: and are engaged to be married"
+ "Isobel :" her mother exclaimed.
I'm going To have the freedom tina
p this man John brings me rs my be
trothcd." said ISohel. Both of you cal
; reconcile yourselves to that. John
you are victim, You are engaged f
z me. and | know you are unhappy
n Mother, you see me do things becaus
q l am engaged to John Well. | inten
= to remain engaged and To do things
l. and love YOU both"
I And. by George, she danced IN an
kissed her mother and kissed me.