Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-09-04
CHAPTER XVIII.
PREPARING FOR AN ORDEAL.


The next day after the conference be-
tween Cora Elliston and the private Sec
retary, in the library, they met again;
and directly afterward Slyme started for
Roxbury.
On his return he reported that he had
arranged everything to the best OF his
ability; that Warren Leland had not yet
made his appearance at the Metcalfs';
that his own house was nearly, If not
quite, completed; but, SO far as he could
learn, the young man had not yet taken
up his abode there.
He might, he said, give up the idea and
not live there at all; or even if he did, he
might not form the acquaintance of any
of the Mstcalf family; but should he do
so, he, Slyme, would be informed at
once, and then Mildred would be sum-
marily removed, as they had agreed in the
morning.
"Why do you say he may give up the
idea of living in Roxbury after all?"
''There is some talk of his leasing the
place to wealthy party, who, now that
it is reftted, is very anxious to get pos
session Of it.
'.Do you believe there is anything in
it2"
''I don't know"
"You had better go to Roxbury again
before this week is out, !" said Cora, after
a moments thought.
81 think it would be good plan my
self, !" rejoined the secretary.
But the very next day he received q
telegram from the Senator, calling him,
peremptorily, to Washington, and he was
obliged to leave that same evening.
AS he passed down the broad staircase
| he glanced back, and saw Eugene Clevs-
land entering Cora Elliston's boudoir.
He CRASHED his teeth with rage, and
went away with murder in his heart.
Days and weeks passed. and still the
Senator'S wife fingered in New York.
It was almost six weeks after Slyme's
departure. It was nearly six o'clock in
the afternoon and Cora awaited Eugene.
who was to come after leaving the pub
fishing house down town.
There was sudden knock at one Of the
doors of her room, which communicated
with her husbands apartment.
1t was the Senator himself, who had
unexpectedly returned from Washington.
She remarked with surprise, and even
| with fear, that his countenance was
strangely agitated.
"YOu hele, Sherwood?" she exclaimed.
hat is the matter with you? Are You
| ili?"
EMO" /" replied the Senator, .snot at ali.
"Your return is sudden and unexpect-
cd, Y she said. s
'tNo doubt"
He placed himself before her, and
| looked at her some moments before
speaking again, his eyes rolling in theil
orbits. Hs
Coral" he said at last, with painful
smile, Il must own to YOU my folly.
have not lived since yesterday--I have
received such singular latter. Would
you like to see it?'
IF you please" she replied.
He took letter from his pocket an6
gave IL to her. The writing was evident.
" carefully disguised, and it was mo-
signed.
An anonymous letter. said Cora
1 whose eyebrows were slightly raised, with
an expression Of disdain; then she com
nenced reading the. missive, which wa
as follows:
"a true friend, Senator, feels indignan
at seeing vour confidence snd your trusl
abused. You are deceived by those whom
vol love most.
IA man upon whom you have heapes
favors. and q woman who owes every thint
| to yon, are unitad BY secret intimac'
which outrages you. They ere impatisn