Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-10-16
CHAPTER xxx.
THE REPTILE TURNS TO STING.

THE REPTILE TURNS TO STING.
When Flora Cleveland returned to New
York and her home she there experienced
the painful impressions of the past, and
the somber preoccupation of the future;
but she brought there with her, although
in fragile form, q most powerful con-
solation-her first born child.
Assailed by grief, and even menaced by
new emotions, she was obliged to re-
nounced the nursing of her Ii tie one;
but nevertheless she never left him, for
she was jealous even of his nurse. She
at least wished to be loved by him.
She loved him with an infinite passion.
She loved him because he was her own
son and of her blood.
He was the price of her misfortune-of
her pain.
She loved him because he was her only
hope of human happiness hereafter.
She loved him because he was as beau
tiful as the day. And it was true he was
so; for he resembled his father-and she
loved him also on that account.
l3S She tried to concentrate her heart and
all her thoughts on this dear creature, ant
at first she thought she had succeeded.
She was surprised at herself. at her own
| tranquility, when she saw Cora Elliston;
| in advance, all the sadness which her new
existence could contain.
But when she had lost the kind of tor
por into which excessive suffering had
/ plunged her--when her maternal sensa-
| tions were little quieted by custom
her woman's heart recovered itself In the
! mothers
She could not prevent herself from re-
| newing her passionate. interest in her
graceful though terrible husband.
Mrs. Leland did not return to the city
| with her daughter, but remained in Rox-
bury, with her husband
Flora wrote her quite often, however,
and told her everything that was taking
place. For this wise young woman, ma
tured by misfortune, observed every
thing, saw everything, and exaggerated
nothing.
She touched, in her letters, on the
most delicate points in the household,
and even on her husbands secret
thoughts, with accurate justice,
Eugene, as yet, was not at all converted,
nor near being so; but it would be belly
ing human nature to attribute to his
heart, or that Of any other human being,
supernatural impassibility.
If the dark and implacable theories
which Eugene Cleveland had lately made
the law of his existence, could triumph
absolutely, this would be true.
j The trials he had passed through did
not reform him, they only staggered him.
He did not pursue his path with the
same firmness; he strayed fro his pro-
gramme.
he pitied one Of his victims, and, as
one wrong always entails another, after
plying his wife, he came near loving his
child. :.
These two weaknesses had glided into
his petrified soul, as into marble fount,
and there took root-two imperceptlble
roots, however.
The child scarcely occupied him more
than few moments every day.
He thought of him, however, and
would return home little earlier than
usual each day than was his habit, Sc
creetly attracted by the smile of that
fresh face.
The mother was for him something more
: Her sufferings, her youthful heroism, had
touched him. She became in his eyer
somebody.
He discovered many merits in her. HI
perceived she was remarkably we'll In
formed for q woman. She understood
, half word, knew q great deal, ant
guessed at the remainder.
She had, in fine, that blending grac'
and solidity which gives to the conversa
tion of a woman OF cultured mind an in
comparable charm.
{ She was lovable creature, and it car
be understood that she might have man,
!, attractions, even for her husband.
Il Yet, though he had not for one instan
i the idea of sacrificing to her the passion
that ruled his life, it is certain, however
; that his wife pleased him as charminl
friend, which she truly was.
ITO BE coNTINUED.1
g AvrNr1 ;e a ,,ro ..f;oa hast haui1n nar1-