Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-09-04

This, she said, after a moments ST.
Ience, becomes really interesting You
said something about leaving me forever;
but you intend IN no event, to leave this
evening, I SUPPOSED"
NO. said Eugene.
Very we'll, she replied, bowling her
head in sign of dismissal, without offer
ing her hand; we shall see each other
/ again.
But when?"
AT an early day
he thought, Notwithstanding the past,
she required time for reflection, a little
terrified doubtless by the monster she
evoked; he gravely saluted her and de-
parted.
The next day, and on the three sue
ceeding ones, he vainly presented himself
at her door
Mrs. ElIistOn was dining out or dress
ing.
It was for Eugene a whole century of
torture. One thought which often dis
quoted him, revisited him with double
pOignancy. Cora did not love him. She
only wished to revenge herself for the
past, and after disgracing would laugh at
him. She had made him sign the con-
tract, and then escaped him. In the
midst of these fortunes of his pride, his
passion, instead of weakening, Increased.
The fifth day after their interview he
did not go to her house. He hoped to
meet her in the evening at the residence
of a mutual friend, on Madison avenue,
where he usually saw her every Thursday.
This friend, Mrs. Louisa Morgan. was
connection of his mothers family, and
from his ear lest boyhOod had been very
kind to Eugene. She was a widow and
no longer young, but being wealthy, she
had no difficulty In rendering herself and
her home attractive.
She had no taste or inclination for re-
Hgion, but affected great liking for lit
erature and art, and every week received
many distinguished authors and artists,
who piqued themselves on being free
thinkers
Cora Elliston had permitted herself to
be introduced by her husband. because
she knew Eugene frequented the house.
On this particular evening the gather
ing was small Eugene had only arrived
a few moments, when he had the salts
faction Of seeing his uncle, who had re-
turned from Washington, and Mrs. Ellis
ton enter.
She TRANQUILITY expressed to him her re-
greet at not having been at home the pre-
ceding day, but it was impossibletO hope
for more decided explanation in a circle
so small and under the vigilant eyes of
certain ladies present.
Eugene Yainly Intercepted her face.
It was as beautiful and cold as usual.
His anxiety Increased; he would have
given his life at that moment for her to
say one word of love.
Mrs. Morgan liked the play of wit as
she had but little herself.
They played at her house such little
games as were then fashionable. Those
little games are not always innocent, as
We shall see.
They had distributed pencils, pens, and
little packages of paper-some of the
players sitting around large tables and
some in separate chairs-and scratched
mysteriOusly, in turn, questions and an
swers.
During this time Mr. Elliston played
whist with an elderly lady for partner.
Cora did not usually take part in these
games which fatigued her.
Eugene was therefore astOnished to see
her accept the pencil and paper offered
her
This singularity awakened his attention
and put him on his guard
He himself joined in the game, contrary
to his usual custom, and even took charge
OF the basket to collect the small notes as
they were written.
An hour passed without any special in
cident.
The treasures of wit were dispensed.
The most delicate and unexpected ques-
tiOns-such as What is lover" do YOU
think that friendship can exist between
the seEes?" Is it sWeeter to love or be
lOved?" succeeded each other with CORE
spending replies.
All at once Cora gave a slight scream,
and they saw drop Of blood trickle down
her forehead.
She commenced laughing, and showed
her little gold pencil-ca5e, which had pen
at one end, with which she had scratched
her forehead in her abstraction.
The attention of Eugene was redoubled
from this moment-the more so from a
rapid and significant glance from Cora,
which seemed to warn him of an ap-
preaching event.
She was sitting little in shadow in
one corner, in order to mediate more at
ease on questions and answers.
An instant later Eugene was passing
around the room collecting notes.
She deposited one in the basket, Slip
ing another into his hand with the cat
Ee dexterity of her sex.
In the midst of these papers, which
each person. amused himself with read
ing, Eugene found nc difficulty in retain
ing without remark the clandestine note
1t was written in red ink, a little pale,
but very legible, and contained these
words:
Il belong, soul, body, honor, riches, to
my best beloved, Eugene Cleveland, from
this moment and forever.
Written and signed with the pure
blood Of my veins this 18th November,
I88-. CORA ELLIsToN."
All the blood Of Eugene Cleveland
surged to his brain, a cloud came over
his eyes, he rested his hand on the mar
BILE table, then suddenly his face was COW
cred with a moral paleness. These symp-
toms did not arise from remorse or fear;
his passion OYershsdOwed all. He felt
bOundless Joy. He saw the world at his
feet.
CHAPTER XIV.
TIE PRIVATE SECRETARY REPORTS.
But what of that paragon of excellence,
honor and integrity-to say nothing Of