The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-08-13
~ MRS. NINA LAWSON.
CHAPTER XIII.
K Tale Of Two Continents.

CHAPTER XIII.
But Jeannette's murderous schema
was not success.
In her anxiety to get rid OF her
troublesome little tramp" she had
given her a double dose, and it would
not remain in the stomach sufficient
length of time to. take the desired
effect. But for whole long month
Lenora was not able to leave her bed.
Oh, what moments of awful agony
Ray Bristol spent during the first two
weeks of Lenora's sickness, for he ex-
pected every moment that they would
tell him that she was dead.
His mother would not allow him to
60 to the blue rooms during that time.
How thin and pale she had grown
from her worry and watch! The latter
part of the third week after that ter
ible day, Mrs. Bristol found Ray sit
ting in the library with his arms rest
ing on the table, while his face was
buried in the deep circle they formed.
MY boy, what ails you of late? You
have grown so pale and thin. Come,
tell me all, Ray; you know I love to
bear your burdens as well as share
your joys"
Che gently laid her hand upon his
shoulder, but as Ray raised his head
snd looked up into her face she shrank
back, for it did not seem possible that
this could be her Ray, her only boy.
His face was 80 thin, pale, and hag-
gard-looking; his eyes were fearless,
but in their deep, dark depths sad,
lonely, INDISPENSABLE expression rested
As he looked up at his mother, she
feod tn, plea for pity in his face.
my precious boy, tell me all; I
know you are suffering, and do not
hesitate to tell me-"
The tender, loving mother kissed the
white, noble forehead as the hot, throb-
bing temples rested on her bosom.
Cant you guess, mother, or do you
know all ard do not want to speak yet?"
"You know I am not good at guess
ing, Rsy; but be frank. Is it our little
hird?"
@Yes, it is she. I do not know how
you feel about it, and I cannot help my
own feelings, but I love her better than
/ do my own life. If she cannot he
mine, do not care to live. I am con-
vinced that she is as pure and innocent
ss babe, but for somo reason or other
Jeannette does not think 80. I would
give my right hand to know that
strange mystery which surrounds that
beautiful girl; she seems so far above
me. in her beauty and purity. Oh. I
wish I could describe to you, mother,
the sweet comfort and pleasure it gives
me just to be near her. Life will be a
burden without her for my wife"
my dear boy, my heart aches for
you; but I know that you are old
enough and man enough to do what is
right. But are you sure that she loves
you? Perhaps you have given your
heart and happiness to one who could
not love you"
"Oh, mother, would stake my life
that she loves me, and no one else!
Didn't she call for me when she was
unconscious?"
ayes, Ray, she called for no one else
but you and lady friend of hers that
abe calls Gertana. But there is some
thing strange about it all. She would
call for you, and then say, Don't, don't
let him come, for he can't love me Is l
do him! I must get up and 60 away
from here-away, away off-for he
;.,src. e =. ccean be more than kind friend
TO ME!
.Gerte.na, you will take me away,
won't you? You can see how love
him! 1, poor, homeless, friendless,
and penniless girl!
"'Oh, he can't care for such as me !!
Good-by, Ray! must go, 60 far
away, and never see you any morep
"She would strctoh out her hands as
II reaching for you, Ray, and then she
would hide her little face in the pill
lows and ory as if her heart would
break. It was all very trying for me,
my dear boy, for I love you both so
As Mrs. Bristol ceased speaking, Ray
looked up into her face, through the
tears that had at last come to his hot,
2everish eyes.
II told you, mother, that she loves
me, and only too well do I remember
the time she gave her heart to me.
Oh, how bravely she fought for herself!
but God intended us for each other,
and can no more help loving her than
I do the light Of day!"
God Lless you, my boy. I told her
onos that I would never ask her again
- :su me- anything about her past life,
bat if it will relieve you any. Ray, !
will retract that and ask her to tell me
ell she remembers. I can believe every
word she says"
Eyes, indeed you can, for she would
not stoop to tell ia."
"Very we'll, then, Ray; I will do all
that can, and when I have succeeded
Twill let you know ALL"
"Yes, but do not ask her now, wait
nntil she is stronger. When can see
her? It seems sometimes chat I can
not wait moment longer, but must 60
TO her."
@You may see her, Ray, as soon IS
she is able TO sit up, but not before
then"
.And how long will that be, pray9"