Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-05-13


Agnes forced itself upon him, and he sanl
back into his seat. He lookedyupon new
made grave, placed-a pot of yiolets at it
head, and on the way home ordered costly
stone to be placed upon tho grave. A fort
night afterward, he announced his intention
to depart in few days. The evening before
his departure he was surprised by the visit o
a little dwarf to his room, who beckoned hin
to follow him. Filled with curiosity, he
obeyed, and the dwarf took him at once te
his den. Here he whispered to him of the
fa,sehood Of Abilene. He told him that.Agne;
still lived.: IA. N
"Swear that you speak the truth" cried
Clifton. ,ra
The dwarf opened the tin box, and plac.
ing his hand upon the skull, said, swear
it.n
Where is she? eagerly asked Clifton.
"That cannot tell,'' replied the dwarf
81 only know that young girl was brought
to this place iusensible, on the night of the
burning of the Hotel Grande. At first
thought you were both dead, but'she recov-
cred, first, and Abilene, telling her that you
were dead, sent her away, broken-hearted.
She will probably tell you that 1 am dwarf,
but was your only physician, during your
unconscious hours"
"This is strangeI must seek Abilene,
and obtain a confession from, her., and
thanking the old. man for his kiDd informa-
ton, he threw him handful Of gold. The
dwarf gathered it up, and as Clifton left the
apartment he muttered. '' 80
This is not the first handful of gold I
have taken for revenge, he tossed it into the
box with the skull, and laughed as it jim
gled upon the box and against the sides of the
box.
Clifton went slowly tho garden where
he had seen Abilene ing lew moments
previous to leaving his room with the dwarf.
She was still there, aud ne asked her Tor a
few moments conversation.
Meanwhile the afiianced Of the beautiful
Italian had come to the street door of the
chateau, and the dwarf had admitted him.
Leading hin to side door: he pointed to the
garden, where Clifton was leading Abilene
10 seat in vine covered grotto. With set
teeth, the Count stole to the outside Of the
grotto, who're he could hear the conversation
between his aiiianced and the stranger. j; The
first words he heard were these:
=" If you have sent Agnes away, Abilene,
ignorant of my life, and presence here, you
ought in Justice, to inform me where she is
now"
II cannot do that. In all probability she
has returned to the United States. She is
lost.to you at all events. Forget her. and
accept my love. She could never dream OF
loving you as do. Her nature is too cold,
100 weak She is but child of seventeen,
| am woman Of twenty-five. She is no
mate for your intellectual mind. She could
not understand the depth OF your love, should
you devote your life to her memory. Take
me with you, Clifton; dear, dear, Clifton ;
| shall die if you leave me here" Abilene an
swered.
The slender hands were clasped convulsive-
ly, and the. beautiful face white with emo
ton. Clifton gently disengaged his hand
from the clasp, with which she seized it, as
he arose 10 his feet, and said, gently:
"Athene you have befriended me when
was i'll, and in danger. For that | can for
give and respect you. But cannot love you,
| am truly sorry that YOU have entertained
this unfortunate passion. 1t grieves me more
than can tell. Yet pity is not love, and |
feel only pitt for you. Will you help me to
find A5nes?"
Athlene's face grew even ralcr than b.fore,
as she replied in strangely altered voice
"Help you to find Agnes Merton, that you
may give 10 her the love for which l would
peril my soul! Never! TIE hate Of IN Ital.
ian woman is stronger than her love, and her
l5rs is stronger than life, Or death, Or the
grave; hate you now | will haunt your
life with my presence. Twill hover near you,
appearing when you least expect me. will
,hwart your dearest wishes. | will seek Ag-
nes Merton, and make her vile thing that
you would scorn to.notice. You shall meet
her again: but not until l have prepared her
for the meeting. A woman's hate can ac-
anything. Go to your cold, barren
land! Forget the wild love of passionate It
ally! Forget that you have been the idol Of
the heart Of one Of lis proudest daughters l
will bring memory to you"
The angry woman looked the pnrsonifca-
ton of some demon OF angry love. Her white,
fai- arm was extended, and she printed sec m.
fully across the Intervening space, as if she
could already see the home 70 which size had
ordered Clifton. SIC
lie was pale, but spoke kindly. Abilene,
I am sorry 10 part with you in this mood"
She deigncd him no answer, aud he slowly
returned to the. house. No sooner was he out
of hearing, than the dark-iaced man, con-
cealed in the shruboery came forth. He
seized Abilene by the waist and Missed be.
tween his set teeth:
"Beautilul fend l know all. How can o
Monill stoop to. confess love 10 q base born
American. dog ?-To sue for his notice ?-And
my betrothed bride. scorn you, will not
stoop to- take your life, now that you have de-
scendcd to that And he flung her rudcly
from him.
I" Clifton Seymour is as high born as your
self. and one of Gods noblemen. You arc
nc; 6. to be his slave. Never hope to see me
again, will have7no more tofo with you,
retorted Abilene.
"Iam of the same mind" he growlcd, as
he turned to depart. -,
Abilene remained in the grotto, until she
had somewhat calmed her excited feelings
then arose, and hasteneA to her room, wpere
she remained until morning. When she a@okc
it was broad day. She hastily made her tol-
let, and went to the room occupied by Clifton.
She raped twice, but received no answer.
Opening the door, she found that the room
had not been occupied during, the night. On
tue marble table lay o folded paper. 1t con-
tanned large sum Of money, and note say,
ing, briefly, that Clifton Seymour had resolved
to remain no longer under the roof where bis
presence had wrought SO much misery
Beggedof Abilene to accept the money, Gs
slight recompensc for her trouble, aud asked
her, as she loved him, to tell him of Agnes,
by letter to his hotel, which he designated,
and where he would remain three days, await
ing her answer, -.
She Immediately enclosed tue money in an
envelope, directed it to his address, and cal
u. l,.-,,f y a,Iob,J hin, nth If hid