The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-06-25

home was still hers. Her feelings were
then of the deepest sorrow, yet tinged
with little Joy.
"Does the letter explain anything
about my lady, madam"
This seemed to arouse Gertana from
the deep train of thought into which
she had fallen, and raising her eyes to
the nurses she replied, "1es," in such
strange, hollow, slddened voice that
it startled the lookers-on. They real
lied Immediately that something ter
rible had happened to cause 80 wonder
full and sudden change in the woman.
In some way the servants had heard
about the letter, and all had gathered
round she door to hear what was said.
eyes, there has something very
strange, indeed, happened. All of you
wait here until I return, and then l
will tell you what must be done"
She then went to the library, and
found that the papers had been taken;
that was part proof, yet she was not
satisfied, and went to the attic, where
she could easily see that some one had
been there, for there were few dishes,
pitcher of water, some bread and
cake left.
"Oh, heavens! it is true, only too
true, and what am to do, what can 1
do?"
She sank YEARLY upon an old chair
that stood by circular window, and
gazed longingly and sadly out upon
the bright, sparkling snow.
How long she remained there she
did not know, but she had come to a
conclusion what was best for her to do.
After this decision she went down.
stairs to relieve the anxious servants.
"A very unpleasant circumstance will
prevent your master from ever return
ing to this city. You are free to 60
where you please, for you will not be
needed here any longer. leave the
city this evening, perhaps never to re-
turn. You may now CO." And, as she
slightly bowed, they understood that
she no longer wanted them there.
In very short time each had gath
cred together his small possessions,
and soon left the house, all very indig-
nant, indeed, to thus be dismissed with
out any warning.
AS soon as they had gone Gertana
ordered Nilsson to pack the trunks,
while she attended to some business
matters.
After making all necessary arrange
ments, she made preparations to take
the late afternoon train for Jones'
borough, where Lenora's once happy
home was situated.
Gertana and her maid arrived at
Anna, the nearest station to Jones'
borough. It was about midnight be-
fore the train stopped to let them of,
and of course they were compelled to
20 to hotel until morning, when Ger
tana intended to drive out to the Rice
farmhouse.
The large fakes of snow had been
falling all night, but when morning
dawned the sun rose bright and clear
in cloudless sky, throwing his rays of
light over the smooth bed Of sparkling
whiteness.
About nine o'clock, a handsome
sleigh, with fiery jet-black horses,
waited outside the hotel door for
Madame Girindani.
She soon appeared, 1ooking-oh, 80
lovely, in this clear, frosty morning !
She now seemed free, like the happy,
blushing girl she was eight long years
ago.
The horses pranced down The long
road that led from Anna to Jones'
borough, while ths boughs of the ever
greens on eaGh side of the street we're
bending low with their sparkling bur-
den of snow.
As they rapidly descended the hill,
the sleigh bells jingling and the spirit
ed horses keeping time to their chime,
Gertana's countenance became more
radiant, and her eyes sparkled with
admiration of the beautiful landscape
stretching before them.
fro BE CONTINUED