The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-06-04

world cher pure namel tnan to remain
in the presence of that evil man, as
Lenora was then compelled to do.
Fortunately for her, fate had ordained
that she should remain in that un-
wholesome atmosphere but little
longer.
Gertana knew nothing of the plans
that were being laid to separate her for
ever, perhaps, from the fair prisoner
that she had become so fondly at
tached to.
Securely and closely were the threads
being drawn and woven about the
pretty cottage and it's master that
would change the course Of life entirely
for the two fair inmates.
Gertana had ordered dresses from
Paris for herself and Lenora, the cot
tage was being decorated with the rich
est flowers and tapestry that could be
found.
Nothing was forgotten and nothing
could be more beautiful than the rooms
and halls of the cottage on the evening
of the party.
AS Lenora and Gertana were being
dressed closed carriage was hastily
driven up at the gate and Sylvester
Noll lightly sprang from it and entered
the house.
He called his servant and found that
he had but just time to dress before the
company would arrive.
Captain Hetes and lady, Hon. Willis
Dove and daughter were the first to
arrive, and Gertana and Sylvester were
ready to receive them.
It was but q short time until the
rooms we're filled with rich perfumes
and fine splendor.
As We. no one had seen Lenora, and
few OF the young gentlemen began to
cast anxious glances at the different
doors in hopes that it might be the fair
cousin that they had heard so much
about. Even the ladies appeared q
little uneasy and anxious at times,
Lenora was coming, but oh, how she
dreaded to 60 down stairs no one ever
knew. Had it not been for her prom
Use to Gertana she would have flung
herself out OF the window and taken the
consequences.
ooh, Father, why am I thus perse-
cuted? Why could not have died IN
infancy, and then I would not have
been compelled to face this, that is
more than death"
With clenched hands and firmly set
/ teeth she left her room and went down
stairs; the hall door was open and she
could see the twinkling stars IN the
dark heavens.
"Ah! Dare I free myself and flee
from this hated place? The door is
open again and no one is near. Oh,
why am T so tempted and my weary
soul so tossed about? Were it not for
my promise, my word of honor, I should
90 and be at rest soon."
She had stepped to the door; ono
tiny foot was placed on the second step
and her hands were tightly pressed to
her heart, as if to check it's heavy beat
ing.
The cool breeze tossed about the
gold, silken eurls and played about the
white, soft, bare arms and shoulders.
As she stood there SO sorely tempted,
the library door was opened and Ger
tana came into the hall
She saw Lenora standing in the door,
looking 30 strangely out in the dusk,
and fearing the temptation was most
too great, she gently LAID her nand' on
the little white arm.
"Lenora, I hope you will keep your
word. T have all the confidence in the
world in you" -.
The tempted but true" one turned
round with quick start, but when she
saw that it was Gertana, looking SO
radiant in her cream brocade velvet
and diamonds, she smiled a sweet
pleasing smile of welcome.
"Ah, Gertana, tits you! But you
cannot imagine what a great tempta-
tion it was for me to break my word.
Had I not considered it my honor, I
ehould have improved the golden OPP
portunity and would have soon been at
rest forever"
II trust you, Lenora. Come with
re now into the parlor, for they are
all anxious to see you. Try to appear
pleasant and pleased"
ut will be so hard, Gertana."
II know it, but, try for my sake"
ct will nv dear. faithful friend"