The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-07-14

my very Aie; WlllouI hcr, eAlsteuce - VIII
ueless.
"Bianca?" cxclaimcI du Pres. els it
Blanca you Iove?'
alt is responded DE- SAvyny.
For a moment th":e WIS silence; each
Sc emed oppressed by tn, sense CT impcnd-
ing evil.
And you:" at length munmured de Sa.
vigny.
81 also love Ei,nc;s Marrclli," said du
Pres.
"Our oath 2" RESPONDED lis listener.
Gas in the past. We will be true to our
VOWS" continued dc Pres. Listen, dc Sa-
vigny, this rivalry must not weaken our
friendship Blanca alone shall dscide.''
$50 he it," respond j Savigny, "but it is
Just to say that have already heard saif.
cient from Blanca this evening to believe
in the certainty Of being loved by her.
"On my part, bcieve You to be deceiv-
ed" said du Pres, ";nld you compel me to
acknowledge that have faith that l am
her choice"
81 doubt" replied SAvisny.
"Listcn, then, and | will tell you, that
you may judge fo- yourself"
"No, listen to Lie, and you will perceive
that you are in erroI.'
"Well, we are mutually confident" ex-
claimed du Pres; "but of one thing am
certain. Blanca intends to announce to one
Of us our triumph over the other"
cas- to me, AIN resolved never to resign
in your favor" responded de Savigny, hot
". "I love Blanca MaTrelli, and she must
be mine
"Nevcr while live to dispute her love-"
eve will Sec WAS the firm answer.
"Then, du Pres, we are, 1 suppose, to
forswear our opg-tried friendship, and be
f,ithless to our oIth!'
"Do you still desire to respect that oath?'
replied du Pres.
"Yes"' exclaimed de Savisny, "and 1
here demand that our agreement be carried
out
SHOULD the g,,me prove favorable to me,
will you retire without any ill-feeling TO-
ward me, and make no further attempt to
win Dianca!'
Il VIII
"rhcn let us 20. Tie game will decide"
The recall of the oath, which had with so
potent Il charm bounl them for so many
years, seemed to awaken the sentiment
which, for the moment. governed by the
s1cll Of more mighty passion, had seemed
to sleep.
At length they found themselves seated
in the card room. Five or six persons
stood near watching the game, surprised
ut the strange, determined expression on
the face Of each, marking the set resolve,
which honor bade them keep inviolate.
Pale and earnest, du Pres and de Sa-
vigny handled the cards, playing each in
turn with delibvg2tion throughout. Great
,irops Of pt'srir"tioM stood out upon their
brcws. st length the last throw was
reached. by sone ",ils:f;rnce both threw q
ten Of diamonds.
Neither has gained exclaimed one of
the look"rs-on. / IKE another puck and
re-commrncc."
"No," replied du Pics. "such tension
to the mind could Tot he endured twice" {"
With these words he rose brusquely and
took bis departure, followed by de Sa-
vigny.
eve must decide" said the latter, as
they reached the hall.
Eyes, and at once,' responded du Pres.
Even while he spoke he turned toward the
garden. As they crossed the terrace the
sound of a hurried otstep attracted their
attention, and turning, they saw Dubois,
who had witnessed their game and followed
them, fearing trouble.
"Moved by some terrible motive" ex-
claimed Dubois, "you propose project
which am determined shall not be accom-
plished. You cannot refuse my prayer,
for, III memory of the old friendship which
has so long united Us, implorc you.'
"I'his is no idle sacrifice you demand" !"
responded de Stvigny.
MAY it not he 4 quarrel, the motive OF
which exists alone in your imagination"
eff such be your opinion you are inca.
pable Of appreci,,ting n serious passion" !"
, said du Pres.
cit may be so, my friends" resumed
Dubois, sailing; "bnt onmy honor, I swear
tins duel Shall not take place now and
here' Tomorrow, after calm thought, If
such plan he still desired by both, l my
self will be your seconl. Now, are you sat-
lsf!ed! Tonight, as host, and in common