The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-05-28

pressive dark eyes. Gertana knew
that some long-sought victory had been
won. She then and there mentally
decided to solve the mystery, If posi-
BILE, which, she was now convinced,
surrounded the beautiful little prisoner.
She waited there few moments in
breathless silence, when, thanks to the
bright sunshine in the room. she saw
Noll hastily take from deep inside
pocket a large roll of old yellow
papers and lock them in q drawer Of
his desk.
Gertana's face flushed with the
thought of her great discovery.
"Oh, gracious heaven! You this day
have provided me with more means to
nave revenge upon that heartless man.
Some unaccountable power tells me
those papers are in some way connected
with Lenora.
"Ah! 7 shall know the contents of
those papers before they leave this
house. have vowed to protect Lenora
from this pitiless soul-persecutor. And
now, Sylvester Noll, beware; you have
crushed my spirit of love and turned it
to bitterest hatred!
"This day has placed another card
within my hands to thwart you in your
yillainous purpose.
She then returned to the dining-hall
to relieve the anxious Lenora.
"Is it really Mr.. Noll, Gertana? /
was so in hopes that it was some one
else."
"Yes. He is really in the library, and
is in fine spirits"
"Oh, dear me! I so much wish he
would stay away forever; for then, per-
haps, I might possibly be able to get
away from this hated place. Now, since
he has returned, it seems that 1 shall
never escape.
"Oh, the misery of it all! Death
would be more welcome than he!"
"Well, Lenora, Iwould not pay much
attention to him, for he certainlyis not
worthy it"
The beautiful prisoner looked up,
rather surprised, into Gertana's face.
This was the first time she had ever
said anything for or against Noll. -:
The sad little heart now leaped with
jov, as she realized that her friend was
no friend of her enemy.
II will try and do as you suggest,
but his presence is so hateful to me. /
wish I could get away again, and rather
than he should recapture me I would
throw myself in that muddy river OF
the lake"
Gertana shuddered at the thought OF
what might happen should Lenora es-
cape again.
1T must not be. Should she escape
again, Sylvester would dive to the bot
tom of the lake in order to find her, il
he thought she were there; and she
knows he would follow her, and in
order to get away from him l believe
she would do as she says.
"Ohl 1t must not be. Merciful Heav-
ems, deal Justice before such horrible
catastrophe should happen!
"No, Lenora, I would not advise you
to do that-it would be certain death
and to you, who are so young and fair,
there must be some happiness in this
world"
Death, death, welcome; or any
thing, rather than his hateful presence. "
Her pretty face was pinched and
pale with pain at the thought OF he1
foe so near.
Just then the door opened and Noll
entered.
"Ah, ladies, see you are surprised
sc see me back so soon-but-but the
fact is, I could not remain away longer
from such good society.
"Ha, ha! You're looking lovely to-day,
my beauty-your sickness only seems
to have increased your beauty. Well
in fact, it seems that neither of you
grieve very much over my absence, fol
you both are decidedly improved"
Ienora was, indeed, exceedingly at
tractive Just at that moment, for hel
proud handsome face was slightly
flushed with anger ut the words Noll
had said.
She simply greeted him with 6
"Good-afternoon, Mr.. Noll," in very
cold, unfriendly manner, and did not
say duOUn6T N~OIu uulluE lhC 1uASaCOA
Gertana and Sylvester talked little
upon indifferent subjects. As they left
the hall NoI said:
Ladies, can't we have little music
Ny ears tingle for song or two"
"Of course, if you desire it," replied
Gertana, but Lenora made no reply.
and only followed them into the parlor
Gertana took her place at the piano
but the little beauty did not take he1
place by the side of her friend, and
sing the sweet, pathetic songs as she
did in Noll's absence.
"Wont you relieve me, Lenora?"
Thanks, Gertana, I am not feeling
very we'll to-day. Please excuse me.
"All right. I know you are not very
strong yet"
Noll then suggested game of GRO
quet, to which both beauties mechani-
cally consented.
The day was exceedingly fine, and
Lenora enjoyed the game more than
she had anticipated.
1t was the first time she had been
out any length of time, and the fresh
air and exercise made her feel better
than she had for months.
The game lasted some time; finally
they returned to the house, but Noll