Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Uncle Terry I ...Bf... CHARLES CLARK MUNN Copyright, 1000, by Ln A 8hep*rd "I ahull dislike to go, after all," she said at last, "but perhaps It Is best. I Bhall be homesick for a spell, but then I Khali have you." Then she rose anil like a big baby crept Into her brother's lap, and, tucking her sunny head under his ehln, whispered: "Oh, If you were never going to be married, Bertie, I would lenvo .It nil and try to be contented. I could come up here every summer, could I not?" Th<m she added disconsolately: "But you will get married soon. Your beau tiful island girl will not keep you waiting so long." "No Hwoothoort und no wife shall ever lessen my lovu for you, Alice, who have been my playmate, my com panion and my confidant all my life." When they had discussed the pro posed step In all its bearings for a half hour Albert said: "Come, now, sis, sing a little for me. 1 am hungry to hear you once more." She compiled willingly, and, as the plqunnt voice of Alice Vnge trilled the list from "Lily Dale" to "Suwanee River" and back to "Bonny Eloise" and "ratter of the Ralu," Albert lari ly puffed his pipe and lived over his boyhood days. When the concert was ended he ex claimed: "I will look around before Christmas and seo what kind of a Out can lie found, and then when your school closes you must come down and visit me and see how you like Boston." "Oh, that will be just delightful, only you must promise not to tell the Nosons that 1 am coming." "But If they find It out Blanch and Frank would feel bitterly hurt," he replied. "Remember, they did you the honor of coming up here to visit you, and Blanch has said to me several times that she hoped you would visit her this winter." "I should love to," replied Alice, hes itating, "but?well, I will tell you what wo can do?we will wait until the dny before 1 am to return, and then we can call there one eveuiug. They need not know how long I have boen ln Bos ton." When morning and departure came Albert said: "I will do as you wish, sweet sister, and unless some of the Nasons should meet us at a theater I imagine It will work all right, only it is a little rough on Frank." CHAPTER XXXVIII. |IIE proposed change did not seem to disturb Aunt Susau much, although Alice noticed that shu was more quiet than ever and avoided that subject. "I'm ready an* wlllln' to go If you think best," she said, "an* I'll do my best as long as I can. I hain't got long to stay, an' if I see you two hap py I'm content." Two weeks before Christmas came a cordial letter from Blanch reminding Alice of her promise to visit her dur ing the holidays and insisting that she do so now. With it was Inclosed an equally cordial but brief noto of invita tion from Mrs. Nason. Allco replied to both ln due form and with profuse thanks, also stating thot she had prom ised her brother she would visit him during her vacation, and hoped to have one or two evenings with them at that time. Alice inclosed both notes to her broth er and told him he had best inform tho Nasons of her Intended visit ln a matter of fact way. "But," sho added, "do not let on that you know they have invited me to visit them. We will do Just as wo talked?go there and spend one or two evenings, or perhaps I may meot them at a theater, which Would be much better." By return mall came his assurance of obedience and a sizable check. "Use It all, my dear sis," he wrote, "and for your own needs, too. I do not want you to fool ashamed of your gowns when you come to Boston." "Bless his dear heart," said Aljoe whon she read tho letter, "what aCtUo that Island girl will got in himl"' When Christmas came and she kissed Aunt Susan goodby, sho was near giving up the trip altogether. It may have been the end face of her aunt chat brought the irresolution, or a feeling that moetlng Frank would reawaken the little heartache sho hod for five months been trying to conquer. When she reached Boston she was met by her brother. "I have not told Frank," Albert ex claimed, "and shall not let them know you are here until wo call. - I want you to myself for a few days, because after Frank knows you nro here I nm sure to be ono too many most of tho time." "Not on his account, you'll not be," replied Alice with a snap. What a gallant escort that brother was, and what a change from the dull monotony of her home life thoso days were to Alice. They visited art galleries mornings, and devoted the afternoons and even ings (o theaters; then usually a tets a-tete supper at a cozy place where the best was to he had, and a little chat in his or her room before retiring. It was during ono of these brief visits that she noticed somo of the pictures that hung in his room. "Who painted that shipwreck sceneV" she asked, looking at one. "It Is a gem, and those poor sailors cling ing to tho ice covered rigging are enough to make one shiver. And those awful waves, too, are simply terrify ing. And what a pretty scene Is this wild tangle of rocks with a girl leaning on one and looking out on tho ocean where the sun is setting or rising," she continued as she viewed the noxt one. Then as she exomined it n llttlo closer she added, "Who is E. T.T" Albert, made no answer, ngd she passed to a third ono showing n little rippled cove with the ocean beyond and a girl seated ln the shade of a small spruce tree. "Why, this Is by E. T. too," she ex claimed. And turning to her brother she repeated, "Who Is E. T. V" "Well," he answered, "I will tnko you down to the Island some time and Introduce you to her. She will be glad to meet my sister, you may be cer tain." Then the brief history of this girl, as her brother had told It, came to her. "So that was the wreck she floated ashore from, was It, Bert? And con she point like that? Why, I am as tonished: And who Is the girl leaning on tho rock? What an exquisitely molded figure and what n pretty posel Who Is she?" "That Is your possible sister In law," answered Albeit, with a touch of pride, J^tnd tho pictures were dono by her from sketches I first made myself. They are t rue to 11 f e so far as all de Ulla go, only t railed to catcb her ex pressive face In tbe one that shows n front view of her." "So that was the way you wooed your Island goddess, was MY" observed Alice, with a roguish look. "Made her pose for a sketch while you said sweet things to her. Have you a picture of her?" "No, I am sorry to say I have not. Remember, sho has been hidden on.an island nil her lifo, and I doubt If aho over had n picture taken." ? "And when will you take me to seo her? I am so anxious to meet this fairy of the shore who has stolen my brother's heart. Can't wo go down there before I return home?" "We can," ho added, "but L think we'd better wait until spring." The next day he informell hor he had secured a box at a theater for that evening and had invited the Nasons to Join them. "I thought It would relievo your mind a little, Alice," he added, "to meet your bogy on neutral ground." Mrs. Mason was a long way from be ing tho baughty specter Alice hud con jured up. Tbat a country schoolinn'nm was proud enough to dlscourago her son's attentions because of tbe differ ence in their positions awakened her curiosity. "I sbauld like to meet MIbb Page," sho said to Blanch when the latter had nsked if sho might invite her to visit them. "A girl that shows the spirit she does is certainly worth cul tivating." When Alice's cool but polite note reached Mrs. Nnson she was piqued to even a greater degree of curiosity, and when Albert's courteous letter invit ing "Mrs. Nason and family to share a box at tho theater for the purpose of meeting my sister" was received sho returned a cordial acceptance by bear er. To Alice tho proposed meeting was a Bource of dread, and when the car riage called for Albert and herself she was In an excited state of mind. They | had barely taken their seats In the box | when the usher knocked, and Blanch, followed by the rest of the family, en tered. Tliat young lady greeted Alle? with an effusive kiss, and the next in stant she found herself shaking hands with a rotund and gray haired lady of dignified bearing, but of kind and courteous manner. An introduction to Kdltb followed, and then Frank ac knowledged he polite "How do you do, Mr. Nason?" with his very best bow. Mrs. Nason began chatting with Alice in the pleasantest way and with seemingly cordial interest in all sho Bald, while Blanch kept quiet nnd Edith devoted herself to Albert. It was after the second curtain when Mrs. Nason said: "I must insist that you divide your visit with us, Miss Page, and allow us to return a little of yonr hospitality. Of course I under stand tbat your brother conies flrBt, and rightly, too, but we must claim a part of your time." "I had promised myself one or two evenings at your home," Alice an swered quietly, "but I do not feol that I might to desert Bertto more than that." Then, for the first rime, Blanch put in her little word: "Now, do not offer your brother as an excuse. I have been anticipating your promised visit for a long time, and no brother is go tug to rob me of lt. I shall come around tomorrow forenoon, and if you nro not ready to go back with me, bag ond baggage, I will Just take your baggage, ond then you will have to come." "I do not see why you cannot seo your brother and visit with him Just as well nt our house," mit in Mr*. Nason. "He is always welcome there." Alice turned to her brother, remark ing, "It is nice of you to Insist, and I nm more than grateful, but it must bo us he says." Then she added prettily, "He In my papa and mamma now, nnd tbe cook and captain bold and mate of the Nancy brig as well." "I will stir up a mutiny on tbe Nancy brig If be does not consent," laughed Blanch; "so there Is an end to that, and you must be ready at 10 tomorrow." _ CHAPTER XXXIX. If yy'lLANCH hnd koDt hor threat C I m I and literally taken possession ^iLrt| of her new friend and ln I?tE^fli stalled her In the guest room of the Nnson residence. To be taken in hand, ns it were, by a cultured nnd wealthy young lndy, nnd to have n liv eried nnd obsequious conchman on duty to convey them anywhere and every where was n new experience. It wns not long ere Alice began to feel her self quite at home In tbe Nason family and co notice that Mrs. Nason treated her in a motherly wny. "I see thnt you nre fond of your lit tle charges," she said, ?fter Alice had described her school ond some of tho peculiarities of her pupils who wore outgrown roundabouts or cnllco pina fores, "nnd I suppose they grow fond of you ns well." "I try to make them," replied Alice, "nnd I Ond that 1? the easiest way to govern them. I seldom have to punish any one. In a wny, children nre like grown people, nnd n little tact ond n few words said in the right Avoy are more potent than fear of punishment." "And do you not find life In so small a ploee rather monotonous?" nsked Mrs. Nnson. "Oh, yes," replied Alice, "It Is not much like city life. It is delightful to have theaters and the excitement of social duties, as I Imagine you hove nil the time, nnd yet I nm not sure I should like lt. I fancy once in nwhlle I should sigh for n shady spot In the woods In summer where I could rend a book or henr the birds sing. It is only in winter that I should like to live in the city." Alice's stay In Boston passed rnpldly until only two days were left, when Blanch said to her, "I have invited n few of my friends here to meet you to night, nnd I want you to sing for me." "Oh, please do not nsk that," replied Alice hastily. "I do not sing well enough." "But you sing in church, nnd that is much harder." "Thnt is nothing," answered Alice, smiling. "Not one in ten of those country people know one note from an other. Here all your friends hear the finest operatic singers, nnd I would cut a sorry figure in contrast." "But you will sing Just once to plonse me, won't you?" pleaded Blanch. "I will not promise. I will seo how many are here and bow my courngo holds out." When that evening came Blanch waited until Allco had become some what acquainted with the little gather ing and tho reserve hnd worn away, when she went to her and, putting one arm around her waist, whispered, "Come, now, dear, Just ono little song; only one to please me." At first Alice thought to refuse, but her pride came to the rescue, and the feeling that sho would show her friend tbat she wns not a timid country girl gave her the needed courage, and Bbe arose and stepped across the room to the grand piano that stood in one corner. Her checks were flushed, and a defiant our] was on_her Jlps^and_ then without n moment's hesitation sho Booted, herself and saug "Tho Last Hose of Summer." She had sung It many, many times he fore, and every trill and exquisite quiv er of its pathos was an fumlUnv to her as tho miiBlc of the brook where she bad played In childhood. She sang as she never had before, and to an au dience that listened entranced. When the last sweet note bad passed her red lips, she nroso quickly and returned to her sent. Two little tears stolo out of Mrs. Nason's eyes, to bo quickly brush ed away with a priceless bit of Ince. Sweet Alice, tho motherless litt I?- coun try girl, had from that moment enter ed the heart of Mrs. Noson. When the applause had subsided. It was Frank that next pleaded. "Won't you sing oue for me now, Miss Page?" he asked. "I bought the song I wanted today." And, going to the plauo, ho unrolled and spread upon the music rack?"Ben Bolt!" "But I ouly consented to sing once for Blanch," Alice replied, "and there aro others here who I am suro can do much bettor." "Oome, please," ho s^ld coaxingly, "Just this ono for me." And once more Alice touched tho keys. Back to a simply furnished parlor in Sandgate, with its lamp on tho piano and open flro burning brightly as it hod one year ago, went two of that company in thought, and maybe others there, whose youth had beca among oouutry scenes, were carrier! back to them by the singer's voice and sow a byway schoolhouse "and a shad ed nook by a running brook" in fancy, or perhaps a little white stone la some grass grown corner, where, "obscure and alone," lay a boyhood's sweet heart! All the pathos of our lost youth trilled in the volco of Alice Pago ns she sang that old, old song. Not one lu that little audience but was enthralled by the winsome witchery of her volco and for the moment was young again in thought and feeling. When the guests had departed Mrs. Nason turned to Alice and, taking her face In her hands, exclaimed, "I want to kiss tho Hps that havo brought tears to my eyes tonight." The last evening of her visit she de cided to spend with her brother, and when sho came to bid adieu to her hostess that much dreaded haughty mother hod resolved herself into n chnrjuing lady. "It Is odd, Bertie," she said to her brother that evening when they were alone together, "how different people seem when ono comes to know theni From one or two things which you have said and an admission that Frank made a year ago 1 felt I should be suro to hate his mother, and now I think she is perfectly lovely." "So sho Is to those she likes," an swered Albert. "You carried her heart by storm last evening as well as the ?est of the company, I never heard you sing so well." "I am glad I didn't break down, any way," she replied, "for when 1 touched Urn piano my heart seemed In my mouth." For an hour they discussed the Na sons, while Albert noticed his sister avoided any mention of Trank, and then he said: "Well, sis, which of the laces we have looked at do you think best engage, and when will you be ready to move?" Alice pursed her Hps and looked at the shipwreck scene near her as If it contained a revelation. "I am not so sure," she answered finally, "that wo should make tho change at present. If I were certain your beautiful waif of the sea would adhere to her filial resolution, it would be different. If you secure this legacy for her that you told me about and sho donates It to those old people,asyou say she Intends to, the next thing will bo an Invitation to my dear brother's wed ding. That Is one reason why I hesi tate to make this change. Another Is that I do not think it would bo good for Aunt Susan. She says she Is will ing, but when she hns left all the as sociations of her life behind she will Just sit and grieve her poor old heart away in silence." "My dear sister, hove you consid ered Frank in your calculations?" Alice's blue eyes assumed an ex pression like unto n pansy and her face the placidity of a mill pond as she answered, "I hod quite forgotten his existence!" CHAPTER XI>. |ITEN on tho morning of her departure from Boston Alice "stood beside the train ex changing tho usual goodby words with her brother, she was sur prised at being Joined by Blanch and Frank. The former brought her a basket of lunch, sent with her mother's compliments, and the latter an elabo rote bouquet of flowers. "I want to kiss you goodby," said Blonch, and when the two hod em braced, Alice kissed her brother and took her seat. No one apparently no ticed that Frank was not on the pint form when the train started, and when It was well under way Alice was as tonished to see him enter the? cur. "You will not object to my company home, will you?" ho asked. "I thought you might be lonesome, and as I have not hod a chaneo to talk to you sinco you come to Boston I decided to go up with you. I can eomo bock on the night troln, or If you prefer to rldo nlono I can get off at the next station." "Oh, no; I oin very glad of your company," she replied, "and it was good of you to think of It. It Is n long ride, and I have hod such n nice time I should have been disconsolate. You did not know," sho added orchly, "that one reason I come to Boston was to look nt fiats. Bert wants us to coino here and keep house for him?Aunt Susan and mo." "And are you going to do it? I hopo so, for that would give mc a chance to take you to tho theaters." "No, the plan Is off for the present," she answered. "Not but that I would like to, but we think It Is not best for Aunt Husan." For nn hour they trundled nlong through the snow clad country, cunt tlng comroonplnecs, and then Alice said, "Did you meet tho Island girl last summer that you told mc Bert had fallen In love with?" "Only once. Bert invited her nnd the old lndy on board the Gypsy nnd Introduced them. They remained only long enough to look the yacht over. I left thnt day." "Whnt did yon think of this girl?" naked Allco hastily. "Tell mo what she looks like." "Sho hns n beautiful figure nnd eyes like yours, which you know oro what I admire, only they are not so full of mischief. They hove n faraway look thot mnkes you think her thoughts nro n thousand miles away." "How was flfio dressedV" "Oh, I haven't the least Idco," wns the answer. "She might havo worn cnllco for nil I COtlld tell. The only thing I enn remember Is that her dress was tight fitting and very plain." Alice smiled. "Those faraway eyes must hnvo en tranced you, your description Is so lucid," ehe replied sarcastically. "How long did Bert stay there after you onmo ty vn y ?" ("Only a few days. I never asked him. I told lilni to keep and use the Gypsy as long as he wanted, and then I cut stick for Blanch and -Sandgato." Ho seemed to dwell upon the little outing, and Alice, noticing this, f.mglit shy of the subject, "Well, how do you like my haughty mother now," he asked, "if that is a fair (lucstlonJP "I think she Is the most gracofully charming hostess I ever met. and you ought to be proud of her. You con veyed a wrong Impression of hor to me the lirst time I met you." "I am sorry If I did," replied Krank. "I did not mean to. Mother fell In love with you the night you sang, and I knew she would. That Is why I al most begged you to slug." When the hills of Sandgale were visible he said, "1 have an hour before the returning train an,' just lime enough to see you safely home." Alice looked at him with surprise. "And that Is your Idea of my hospi tality," she exclaimed, "to Id you go away like that? The morning train Is the earliest one you can escape on, and 11? 1 am not good enough company for you this evening, you can go and call on Abby Miles." What a surprised and glad old lady Aunt Susan was when the two stepped oft' the train. "Don't mind me. Aunt Susan," Krank said with easy familiarity. "I am not a visitor, I am a big brother escorting a lotto sister home." How kindly that wrinkled face beamed on him behind her spectacles while he insisted that she stand by and let him unharness and see to the horse as she directed. And how will ingly he carried baskets of wood In and started the parlor lire. "I did not know you could make yourself so useful," Alice observed. When supper was over he asked her nil manner of questions about her school, when she meant to open It again, how the old miller was, what had become of the boat, how the mill pond looked In winter, and had she been there since the day she gathered lilies. "Always back to that spot," she thought. When ho asked her to sing "The I,nst Kose of Summer*' she exclaimed with a pretty pont: "I do not want to slug thai, it reminds me how scared 1 was when I sang it last." "But you brought tears Into most of our eyes that night." "Do you want to weep again':" she asked archly, looking up at him and smiling. "If you say you do, I will sing It." "No," he answered, and then hesitat ing a moment added: "I do not feel that way tonight. I may when train time conies tomorrow." Her eyes fell, and rising quickly, like a scared bird anxious to escape, turned iiway. nut a strong hand clasped one of hers, and then she heard him say: "Am I to go away tomorrow happy or mis erable? You know what I came up here to ask. You know what 1 have worked and Studied and waited for nil the long year since lirst I saw you and for whom 1 have tried to become a Useful man In the world Instead of an Idler. It was to win you and to ask this that I came here today." Then she felt an arm clasp her waist and a voice that trembled a little say: "Answer me, sweet A?ce, Is It yes or no?" And then he felt her supple form yield a trifle, and as he gathered her close In his arms her proud head touched bla shoulder. CHAPTER XLI. HE winter had pnflsed and March returned when one morning Albert received a bulky envelope bearing the Stockholm postmark and containing numerous legal papers and a lengthy letter. He did not notice Frank when he came in or even hear his greeting, and well might Albert bo keenly ab sorbed In those documents, for they made him the emissary privileged to lay at the feet of the girl he loved?n fortune! No more need she devote herself to her foster parents, no more need Undo Terry putter over lobster traps In rain or shine, or good, patient Aunt Llssy bake, wash and mend, year in and year out. Here was more thnu they could spend In all the years that wero left them, and what a charming privilege It would be to him to place in her loving hand the means to make glad ami bless those kindly people who had cared for her as their own, and What a sweet door of hope It opened for html Then, for the first time, he noticed Prank watching him with smiling In terest. "Well," remarked that cheerful young man, "I'm glad to see you emerge from your trance and return to earth again. I've said good morning twice and watched you for hnlf nn hour nnd you didn't even know I was In the room." When Prank had perused the most Interesting of the documents he gave a low whistle and said: "Now, methtnks, somebody will bo taking a wedding trip to the Land of the Midnight Sun in the near future. I congratulate you, my dear boy, and you can have the Gypsy when you nro ready." Then he ndded shyly, "May be it can be arranged so there can be four In the party." Tho next morning Albert, bearing the legal evidence of Telly's heritage and with buoyant iieort, left for Kouth port. Lato In tho afternoon the little boat bearing him as sole passonger halted at the head of the. Island, nnd he saw tho smiling face and muflled form of Uncle Terry standing on tho wharf alone. "Bless yer heart, Mr. Pago," exclaim ed Undo Terry, grasping both of Al bert's hands In his, "but the sight o' ye Is good fer sore eyes." "And how are Aunt Llssy and Tel ly?" responded Albert, smlilng Into tho glowing face of the old man. "Oh, they're purty mlddlin', an' they'll be powerful glad to see ye, too. It's been n long time sinco ye left us." How vividly came to Albert every detail of his last parting from Telly, framed as she was In a background of scarlet and brown foliage! He could see her as he lost snw hor, standing With bowed bead nnd tonr wet fnce, nnd feel n tinge of the keen pnln thnt pulled at Ids own heartstrings then. He could almost hear the sad rustle of the autumn winds lu tho dry leaves that had added a pathos to their part ing. And now only a few miles separated thorn I But the way was long and Uncle Terry's old horse slow, and the road lu tho hollows a quagmire of half frozen mud. Qono were all tke lenves of tho scrub onks, and beneath tho thickets of spruce still remnined a white pnll of snow. A hnlf gnlo wns blowing over tho island, nnd when they linlted in front of Undo Terry's home tho booming of the giant billows filled tho night air, nnd by the gleam of tho lighthouse rnys Albert could sec the ?Rlfty tosMoVhlgh over the point rocks. ~?Go right in," said Uncle Terry, "an' don't stop ter knock; ye'U And tho wiimnln folks right glad tcr sco ye, nn' I'll take koor o' the hong." With Tolly it hnd been a long, dreary winter. Her only consolation had been the few lottors from the only man who hnd ever uttered a word of love to her, and how eagerly they had been rcud ngaln and again. At times, when the cold desolation of winter wad at Its WOl'shponly maidenly renorve hnd kept her from writing him thnt her loneliness and heart hunger were more than she could bear. Sue had no inkling of his coming, niul when Undo Terry bade him enter tho house she wns alone in the sitting rooni laying the table, while Aunt Llssy was In the kitchen cooking sup per. She heard the click of tho front door latch and, stepping Into the little hall us the door slowly opened, she met the man who for live long mouths bad never been absent from her thoughts. A glad cry escaped her, nnd then? When Aunt Ussy came In and greeted Albert, If she noticed Tolly's red face and neck no one was the wiser. When Uncle Terry came in, and After Telly, as usual, had brought his house coat and slippers, what n happy little party wns seated at the table. What If the ocean surges thundered so near and at times tossed their angry tears against the windows! Inside were light, and warmth, and love, and trust, and all that is holiest In human emotions. After supper Uncle Terry nnd Albert smoked and talked, nnd when tho evening was two-thirds pnst, Albert said: "Now, my good friends, I have n little surprise in storo for you." Drawing from nn inside pocket a bulky envelope, and crossing the room to where Telly sat, be hnnded It to her with the remark; "I havo the honor nnd exquisite pleasure of presenting to you, Miss Etelka Peterson, sole surviving heiress and descendant of one IOrlc Peterson of Stockholm, your paternal grandfa ther, those legal documents certifying to your inheritance of about $1.10,000, beside.? various pieces of real estate as yet unnpprnised." The effect of this announcement upon the three listeners was not exactly what Albert had anticipated. They seemed dazed, and Telly, holding tho big envelope gingerly, as If it might bite her, stnred at Albert. Aunt Llssy wns the first to speak, and "Good Lord a-inassy!" came from her In an awed whisper. "Thank God. little girlie, you've got vor dues at last!" was Undo Terry's remark, nnd then, ns the probable end of Tolly's life with them cast Its shad ow athwart his vision, ho bowed his face upon his hands nnd ndded, "I k no wed it 'ud come nn' we'd lose ye, soon or late." Tor an instant Telly looked nt Undo Terry, and then she thrust the envel ope Into his hands and clasped his arm. "1 won't take It, father!" she ex claimed. "Not one penny of It! It's all yours, nnd I'll never leave you so long as you live!" Then she began to "^fcnr ain't no cause fer worry In' 'bout thnt ylt, glrllo," ho answered, placing one band on her bowed head, "an* no need for ye to leave us 'thout ye mind to. We want yo nllus, long os we kin keep ye, mnke sure." Then, noting the dumfounded look on Albert's face, ho ndded, "Ye mustn't mind Telly's ways, Tiir. Pago; it's upset her a "little nil1 tunde her hlsterlky. She don't quite understand ylt what It nil means. She nln't i>v?iv.h used tor hnvln' n fortln dropped In her Inp." And then, rising, lio ndded, "We'd best go to bed now, iilssy, nn' niebbe Mr. Page, beln' a lawyer, enn 'splnln matters to Telly." When they bad left the room Albert ] seated himself on the sofa beside Telly nnd snld: "I am a trlllo pu/zled and a little disappointed, Telly, at the wny you feel about this luherltnnee. It Is rightfully yours und will enable von to do much for the future comfort of those who are devoted to you. I had hoped also it would relievo your feel ing of obligation n Utile." "No money enn do that." she answer ed quickly, "nnd all this won't bo worth to father the care he has grown accustomed to from me." "Hut won't this money do more for him than you can, Telly? Is there any need of Ills remaining here to putter over lobster traps and drive a wagon, rain or shineV He Is geltlhg too old for that, anyway. Why not build a home for them in Hosten, or, belter still, share ours there?" A Hush came over Telly's face. "We haven't a home lhei'0 yet," she answered, turning her face away. "Hut we will have, darling, and as soon as you consent I shall hegln to make it ready. 1 want you, darling, and I want a home. Life to me with you burled hen- is only desolation, and how much so to you the past live mouths can only tell. 1 know how you feel toward these good people, and your care for them shall lie my care." Telly hid her face behind her hands, und as she yielded a little to his clasp he whispered: "Do not say 'no' again, Telly! j Do not rob yourself and me of love and homo and happiness any longer! Make what plans for thorn you wish. Do as you will with your heritage. All 1 plead for is you." AS he paused, holding her close while he waited for her answer, only listening love heard It whispered. And outside the billows that years before tossed her ashore and had woven their monotone of sadness Into her life still tolled their requiem, hut she heard them not. she had entered the enchanted castle of illusions. CHAP it.u xi.ii. HEN June had again clad ftnndgntc's hills and village witli green and spangled its meadows with daisies there occurred two events of snored import to four young people. 'I ii.' flrsl was a wedding In the \il loge church whore the sweel voice of Alice Page had oft been heard and when* now as a bride she walked tim idly to the altar. Her pupils, aided by their parents, had turned the church Into a bower of green, brightened by every flower that grew in Held or garden. Even the old mill pond contributed its share, and the altar was white witli lilies. Al most every resident of I he town w as present, ami the aged miller sat in one corner and watched with wistful eyes. The Nnson family, with Aunt Susan nnd Albert, shared the front pew. Two weeks Inter occurred the other event, when the Oypsy steamed in?') the Cape harbor and a select party became the guests of honor at I'nele Terry's home. Long tables, decked with flowers and loaded w ith (ho best Aunt Llssy could propure, stood under the trees in front. The litllo porch wit8 a bower of fern? and clusters of red bunch berries, and every man, woman ami child (bat dwelt on tho island was there. Then, after Albert and Telly hud baited in the fern covered porcli to uttor the simple but sacred words that bound them for life, the gladsome party gathered and made merry at the tables. The sun was low in the west ere Telly kissed the tear wet faces of Uncle Terry and Aunt Ussy and the Gypsy sailed away. Kar to seaward tho purple Hue of coming night was slowly creeping in, and side by side on tho little knoll where stood a low white headstone those two sat and watched her pass out of their lives. When only the wide ocean was visible and the lino of shadow bad crept up to tho wave washed rocks beneath them, Uncle Terry arose. "We'd best go in, Llssy," lie said. And she saw that she must lead him, for he was blinded with tears. TUR EN1>. An Ape of 17HH. The human ape of the Hippodrome is not without Its parallel In former days. An eighteenth century chronicle tells us that in 1738 "a most uncommon creature was brought from Carol Ina. It was a female, whoso height was about four feet and in every part formed like a woman except the bend, which nearly resembled an ape. She walked upright and sat down to her food and fed herself as a human crea ture. It was supposed to be the female of the creature which is called chim panzee, or the mock man." A charm ing touch Is . ded In the remark, "Sho expressed great respect for a boy who was on board the ship with her and seemed very unhappy at his absence." ?London Globe. Any "Old Laundry" can do the linen the * 'shiny" way but it takes the Laurens to give the perfect DOMESTIC FINISH Now that the Domestic Finish is the most stylish the Laun dry that does it the best ought to be your Laundry. Why Not TRY US? Your next bundle sent us and you'll be delighted with the finish.. Laurens Steam Laundry, Laurens, South Carolina Chamberlain's Stomach and Liver Tablets Better than a Doctor's Prescription. Mr. J. W. Turner, of Trulmrt, Va., says that Chamberlain's Stomach and Liver Tablets have done him more good than anything he could get from the doctor. If any physician in this country was able to compound medicine that would produce such gratifying results in cases of stomach trouble, biliousness or constipation, his whole time would be used in preparing this one medicine. For sale by Laurens Drug Co. and Dr. B. F. Posey. 44-4t "Turn Drugery Into Pastime" USE THE Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Number 9 The lightest running machine ill the world. The Simplest Sewing Machine made. The easiest to manage and least liable to get out of old"". Cannot start ill the wrong direc tion, and is the only lock stitch machine so made. The only machine that has a needle that cannot be set the wrong way. Docs not oil the work. The thread does not come in contact with oiled parts, which is not true of other machines. Our salesman shall be pleased to call and show you more fully. A postal card will bring him with a machine to you at once, CHAS. OAKLEY, Salesman Box 91. Laurens, S. C. 45 - Lit_ N. li. Dial. a. C. Toon. DIAL <& TODD, Attorneys and Coun sellors at Law. Enterprise Hoik and Todd OHico Build Ing. L a u It en s , S. C. W. B. KNIQHT, Attorney at Law. Strict attention to all business entrusted, Ollice hours '.) a. m. to ? p. in. Office second floor Simmons' Block. Simpson, Cooper & Babb, Attorneys at Law. Will practice in all State Courts. Prompt attention given to all business. THE HUB THE HUB THE TRADE EVENT OF THE MONTH A Ten Days Bargain Sale -OF SUMMER STAPLES We find that some of our Summer lines are a good deal larger than they ought to be and we feel that we had better CUT Prices on them now, and sell them than hold to regular prices and keep them. Therefore we will hold, opening Saturday, June 24th, and continuing for Ten Days a Rousing Reduction Sale which every lady in town and county will find it well worth while to visit. Prices will be heavily cut in every line, the principal features offered being Summer Fabrics of Every Kind including all our White and CoK ed Lawns, Organdies, Batistes, Mercerized Waistings, Etc. Millinery of Every Kind Ready-to-wear Hats greatly reduced, and Hats made-to-order during the sale at much less than usual. Ladies' and Childrens' Oxfords. Our very large and complete line of Oxfords, all styles and sizes, will go in this sale at 25 per cent reduction from regular prices. Could any offerings be more timely, or chime in better with the needs of the Season? Visit the sale and see for yourself. Lot Figured Batiste, all desirable patterns, ol ~ worth 10c, 12'c and 15c. This sale 0,jt. Lot Yard-wide Percals, desirable Patterns f\ o fast colors, worth 10c, 12Jc, yours for ?UO Lot White Stripe Madras, lovely quality 4 f\ wort 15 cents. This sale ? I U Lot Fancy Ginghams, worth 7 cents and f \ gr Scents. Reduced to ?UO White Persian Lawn, worth 20 cts. This 4 c sale .?WD 20 pcs Brown Dress Linen, the 15c, kind. 4 f\ This sale . ? IU Special values in India Linon, 10 cents to # ? ? Lot Colored Lawn, worth 6 cents. This fk a sale -U4 Ladies' Blucher and Oxford Ties, Vici and Patent Leather, regular price $2.50. 4 r%o This sale 4>I.VO Lot Cambric Embroideries and Insertions, the biggest values of the season 5 cents and 10 cents. Don't forget the date sale begins, Saturday, June 24th. The Hub. The Hub.