Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1866-09-07

mon, without waiting to SEQ the result, I
rushed like mad on to the house. When I
reached this room my feelings overcarne
me- and had no strength to 70 to her.
iiortnnsc, this will kill me. | loved her
with my whole heart and soul---lovo her
'as few men love. I trusted her with nv
4appiness, it depended so entirely unou
her.
Ills agony overpowercdhm. Tho sight
!"f his suilerings was torture to IIortenso.
EShc saw how he loved Nathalie, how his
Happiness depended upon her, and what
agony he endured in tho thought that she
WAS false to him. Could sic do nothing ?
Was there no sacrifice in her power To re-
store peace TO tho heart she woull lio To
save from pain?
, n sudden light came into her face.
There WAS one way-she was resolved
Sho LETT the room ard went to Nalhalie's
room. Nathalie was lying on the sofa
half unsonscious, but when she heard ITor.
tense sbo threw herself on her knees before
her, ani in an agony Of remotsc and dcs-
pair, gasped out:
Victor, where is he? Will he-can he
ever forgive meg
liortense looked down at her with an
expressing of contempt. As this woman
had brought happiness to Victor, as long
as she had blessed him with her love. she
had loved her for his sake; but now, when
betrayed him, when she made him suffer.
sue loathed her. But she must save him.
Sho spoke in cold, constrained voice:
4 alono can restore peace and Happiness
TO this house, but remember do it for his
sake mot for yonrs. For you must act a
part-you must do'as dictate. You onco
destroyed my happiness, but you shall not
destroy bis. ID" You hear, you shall not.
Swear to me Tint you will do as dc.
sire.'
L 1swear!-anything, anything, to spare
him 7
'Ihen tell me tho hamc of your lover
was it not
M. sanclos,' said Nathalie, sinking in
shame upon the fluor.
Withohta word, Hortcnse left the room,
and went down to the library again. She
went very quietly up to Victor, and laying
her hand on his shoulder, said in low
tone:
Victor, have confession TO make ::
will you listen 10 me?'
Go on he said.
Victor, am tho gully ono. dccoiv-
ed you; but after 1 left you, I was over
come with remorse, 1 could not let Ma
lhal'e be sacrificed for nay fault, SO came
back to- tell you.'
lie looked up with mingled expression
OF surprise, JOY. hope, and fear.
you! Impossible, Hortense; I saw
him come from Nathalie's room.'
Yes; but she was not there. I heard
Nathalie coming to my room, and I hur-
riedIy told n. sanclos that he might cs-
cape in going through the room between
Nathalie's and mine into hers. and so bv
the window there
She could say no moro. lie looked at
her for moment and then said:
'Hortense, though you have taken a
great sorrow from me, you havo still caus-
ed great pain. I have always looked upon
you as dear sister. but now as you know,
it is impossible for Nathalie and you and 1
TO be together. You may trust me,
though; none shall ever know what has
NJ. Sanclos shall never enter
my house again..
She had mentioned the name Of San
clos on purpose, that Victor might forbid
him the house, and to keep him away from
Nathalie. "L -".'' a-' =. 81
You orc right in all you say, Victor
and understand you. I shall 20 home
.. ..s..s..,.. i.l..sit..,..
AS she ceased speaking tic door opened,
md Nathalie entered. a.. gas. ~ =.
Victor sprank toward her, and taking
up in his arms like a child. kissed ber over
again, imploring her pardon. When be
released her, she WAS going to throw her
self at his feet, ard"by imploring his for
g'veness, betTay al, With quick pres.
enae Of mind, she came to Nathalie and
said: 49,
Can you forgive me, Nathalie, as Victor
doesf ls't' ! :, Can youp pardon the trouble Ttas4
brought upon you 2 ltlfe "a, .as.fss9
Nashalie understood her md s
passionate ,barst iofstsafs. exol.sg