Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-07-25
EHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
AFTER CLOUDS CLEAN OF SUNSHINE.
Eugene Cleveland, left alone in the
library, sat for some time plunged in
thought.
The whole scene that had so recently
passed had been more than a surprise to
him. Never, even for single moment,
had he so much as dreamed Of what was
really concealed in the apparently cold
heart Of that strangely beautiful lady.
She had gone away angry with him
frightfully angry. What would she do?
1t was in her power to work him in
finite harm. Would she use that power
against him? Could he doubt it?
But she loved him. All! he could not
help seeing and believing that-IOyed
him with an intensity that was truly
frightful-the very thought Of which
thrilled him, yet made him shUdder. And
loving him as she did, would she not re-
lent-WOuld she not even return to him?
Thinking thus, Eugene took a book, and
as he idly turned the leaves-waited. For
what?
An hour passed; there was another
slight sound just without the library door.
He felt q sudden palpitatiOn, and a secret
wish that it might prove to be Mrs. Ellis
ton.
It was his uncle who entered.
He advanced with measured stride,
looking very important, and touching Eu-
seat, on the shoulder
Then, somewhat impressiVely, ne said:
Well, young mani"
Well, sir.
What are you doing here noW?"
"Oh, L was just looking over this
work, holding up the volume he still re-
Reading, eli? UNI Well. sit down
there-sit down, say.
Eugene sank back into his easy chair,
while Mr.. EllistOn threw himself on the
sofa, and let one foot rest on the stool his
wife had so recently occupied at the
young mans fact.
We'll, well" he repeated, after a long
pause.
We'll, sir?" said Eugene, not very we'll
knowing what else to say.
What the deUce!" groWled the other
SIS that all you can think Of? 1 thought
you wanted me to give you, or, at least,
to loan you, hundred dollars.
Eugene started, changed color not a
/ little, and looked up at his uncle with
breathless interest.
Understand me, young man, said the
great man, very impressIvely. I've no
idea what you, who under the circum-
stances, are receiving a very liberal sal
airy. can possibly want Of hundred dol
lars, and I am not now going to stop to
inquire. Moreover, you are not to sup
pose its my regular habit to loan money
to every poor relative who may see mt to
/ make a demand upon my purse.
But, he added, after a pause, for
some reason that for the life of me
can't comprehend, my wife has conde-
! scended to take an interest in this matter,
and if you are not too consummately
proud to receive the sum as q gift from
her, why, it's at your disposal, that's all. ="
Eugene, who had once more started to
his feet, fairly gasped for breath and
was obliged to hold on to the table for
support. He made an effort to speak, but
for the life Of him could not utter a word.
Forty deVilsi" exclaimed his uncle,
gazing at him with undisguised astOnish-
ment. What in the world is the matter
with you? Is there anything so very
wonderful in a sOft-hearted woman s
taking pity on such one as you, and
Offering the assistance you crave?"
lifts so very unexpected, you see,
aHum. So that's it, Ell? Well" offer
J ing him hundred dollar bill, here's the
money, and / trust you viii prove very
grateful to Mrs. Elliston for this mark
/ mark of her favor
II cannot take the money, uncle, on
such terms, he said. All I asked of you
/ was that, personally, you would lend me
| the sum for a specified time. 1 do not
/ wish-5n fact, I cannot, accept 1t from 8
( woman-as gift.
Il sincerely trust, he added, quickly,
that you understand my feelings in the
matter. and viii fully appreciate the mo-
/ tlves that prompt me to decline Mrs. Ell
/ listens prOhered assistance.