The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-11-06

sand francs; that IS to say, honor, for
tune and security,in in place of shame, want
and death"
"Oh, father, what do you say2 Every
body knows that you are an honorable
man. What is this failure2"
'My child, it is the most frightful
calamity that can befall man. Remem-
Der that the house was founded by the
grandfather of my father more than a hun
dred years ago. that the honor of the
house is proverbial on the exchanges. I
assure you I would sooner die than have
our name dishonored."
For minute Emma remained in sus-
pense. Grave and death-like in look,
she balanced her love for Ferdand and
her filial affection.
NJ. Ferald, seeing that she hesitated,
fell on his knees, distracted.
Vanquished, she slowly spoke these
words, which could scarcely find utter
ance:
''Father, I will obey you"
Then hastily retiring to her room, she
passed the night in sitting her sobs that
she might not be heard.
The next day she wrote to Fernand,
Withdrawing from the engagement, not
daring to tell him of the terrible secret
of her father, but informing him of her
approaching and inevitable marriage.
Ferdinand in despair wrote in extrava-
CANT terms, beseeching and threatening
BY turns the one whom he loved. He
sought a personal interview but she
would not receive him.
Nine. Girard, who had been made a
confident by her son, called in his behalf
on NJ. Ferald, but met with refusal
which left no hope.
One morning the young girl found
note at her window. 1t contained but
two lines:
I will kill myself, I assure you, the hour
you are married. FERNAND.
Emma did everything to forget this
love, so violent and to which her heart
had yielded so willingly, but she was
obliged to look often at the anxious and
careworn face of her father, to renew her
courage for supporting the presence of
Morizot, who had commenced his court
ship and called regularly every day.
He was an attractive bachelor, cheer
full, courtly and good hearted. Having
known her from her childhood, the love
he now felt grew out of his former ten
derness as an elder brother.
The poor child cndeavored to hide her
grief, and he mistook her downcast and
resigned looks for timidity.
Finally the day for the marriage was
fixed, and Emma put on the engagement
ring, which she took off as soon as she
was alone. Everybody was congratulate
ing and envying her, for NJ. Morizot was
a fine match; but the poor girl answered
only BY faint smile. She did not even
look in the mirror when she tried on the
white marriage dress, that wonderful and
triumphant robe which all young girls
anticipate in their dreams.
One evening, when for the first time
her betrothed had touched her hair with
q kiss: she drew back quickly, uttering
cry and repelling him with her hands.
1t had not occurredt to her that her prom
ise to be Morizot's wife gave him the
right to kiss her. AS she threw herself
back impulsively he tried to sustain her,
but she withdrew from his arms.
"What is the matter, Emma2 Speak
to me. One would think you were afraid.
What have I donel I, who love you so
tenderly, my dear Emma"
He took her hands and carried them to
his lips, kissing them passionately.
II do not wish vol to kiss me-" ex-
claimed the young gir. with vehemence..
"Ah! Emma, you do not love me-"
eyes 1 do. love you very much.
You have always been very kind to me-"
'sYou like me as an old friend, but
that is not love. excite your aversion.
But why did you decide to be my wife"
81 will be your wife. It is neces-
sary."
My dear little friend, I do not COM
prehend you. Come here, near to me.
I will rot touch the tips of your little fin
gers. Have confidence in me. Remem-
Der that you have always confded to me
your secrets. Your father must have told
you that my only desire is to make you
happy. have esteemed him very much
during many long years. l know that
he is at present seriously embarrassed.
1t will give me pleasure to be his part.
ner. We will form but one family, hav-
ing the same interests and affections.
These are my sincere sentiments"
"Oh, how unhappy am, cried the
girl.
Morizot regarded her eyes intently.
He scrutinized that brow, knit with
anguish, and broke out sadly:
"Ah! now understand it. It is to
save your father that you consent"
Not daring to say yes her head fell dis
consolately.
"Poor fool that I was to think that
you loved me. For some months your
eyes were so bright, your voice SO sweet,
that I thought I believed that your
heart responded to mine"
He remained thoughtful for a moment,
then said pleasantly:
'sIf you do not love me yet, you will
owe me some day. Do you not think