Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-07-03

Eugene uembled and graSped the arms or
the chair to still himself
Mrs. Ellistonl' he at length faltsred.
What, Eugene?" and there was
strange tone in her voice.
"Heayensl in fact-nothingl" he said;
for this is declarN.ion of-friendship,
hope; and, believe me, your friendship
is very precious TO me-.
She let go his arm, which she had
seized, and, in hoarse and angry voice,
said:
Il am not your friendl"
"What-what are you, then2"
his voice was almost calm, but he re-
coiled little, his head coming in contact
with the back of the chair.
The explosion. so long pent up, now
burst forth in earnest, and flood of words
poured forth from the beautiful woman's
lips with inexpressible impetuosity.
what l am know notl 1 no longer
know if l am myself-if / am dead or
alive-if am good or bRd-if / am
dreaming or waking.
20, Eugenel what wish, is that you
and may never leave this room again
that no one may ever enter here-that the
day may never rise again-that this night
may never fnish--that / should wish to
feel always-always-in my head, my
heart, my entire being-that which now
feel, near you-of you-for you'll
4 should wish to be stricken with some
sudden illness, without hope, in order to
be watched and wept for by you-cared
for, as you care for that brother and
sister
p "Oh, love me-love me, Eugene, and
you shall want for nothing while you live.
will pour gold into your lap as freely as
you would give water to the thirsty. Do
you hear me, d rling?"
A strange, mixed feeling soon took
possession of him.
He was fearfully fascinated and drawn
toward her; and yet the thought that this
woman would buy his love, and pay for
it in dollars and cents, repelled him.
And then, all at once, a sweet, trusting,
child like face arose before him.
Il can make no such bargain with you"
he said, in tone of decision. MY affec-
tions have long been engaged elsewhere,
and it is no part of my character to prove
false where have sworn to prove true"
The lady started to her feet.
You dare to taunt me with desire to
wrong my husbandP Your" she exclaimed,
fercely.
4 spoke only for myself" he rejoined,
in conciliatory tone.
No matter; you spurn me and the love
have felt for you since the first moment
my eyes beheld your face" she cried,
even more wildly.
Il do not spurn you, and have no
wish to offend you, was his earnest reply.
But I think it right to tell you that
what you propose can never be. ]"
II care not" she almost hissed between
her beautiful teeth, you shall rue this
night-aye, rue it bitterly, to the last day
of your life." And before he could frame
another sentence she was gone, and he
was once more alone in the library.
CHAPTER II.
AFTER CLOUDS CLEAN OF SUNSHINE.
Eugene Cleveland, left alone in the
library, sat for some time plunged in
thought.
The whole scene that had SO recently
passed had been more than surprise to
him. Never, even for single moment,
had he SO much as dreamed of what was
really concealed in the apparently cold
heart of that strangely beautiful lady.
She had gone away angry with him
fHghtfully angry. What would she doP
It was in her power to work him in
finite harm. Would she use that power
against him? Could he doubt it?
| But she loved him. All! he could not
help seeing and believing that-loved
him with an intensity that was truly
frightful-the very thought of which
thrilled him, yet made him shudder. And
loving him as she did, would she not re-
lent-would she not even return to him?
Thinking thus, Eugene took a book, and
as he idly turned the leaves-waited. For
what?
An hour passed; there was another
slight sound Just without the library door.
He felt sudden palpitation, and a secret
wish that it might prove to be Mrs. Ellis
| ton.
| It was his uncle who entered.
| He advanced with measured stride,
looking very important, and touching Eu-
gene, who had quickly arisen from his
seat, on the shoulder
Then, somewhat impressiyely, he said:
well, young mani"
well, sir.
@What are you doing here nowP"
| aOh, was just looking over this
work, holding up the volume he still re-
tanned in his hand.
Reading, eh? UNI Well, sit down
there-sit down, say"
| Eugene sank back into his easy chair
while Mr.. Elliston threw himself on the
sofa, and let one foot rest on the stool his
wife had SO recently occupied at the
young mans fact.
"Well, well," he repeated, after long
pause.
well, sir2" said Eugene, not very vel
knowing what else to say.
What the deucel" growled the other
SIS that all you can think Of? l though
you wanted me to give you, or, at least
to loan you, hundred dollars.
Eugene started, changed color not
little, and looked up at his uncle will
breathless interest.
Understand me, young man, said tn
great man, very impresslyely. I've NJ
idea what you, who under the circum
stances, are receiving very liberal sal
ary, can possibly want of hundred dol
lars, and I am not now going to stop t,
inquire. Moreover, you are not to sup
pose its my regular habit to loan none
to every poor relative who may see fit t
. make demand upon my purse.
But" he added, after pause, -fo
some reason that for the life of me
can't comprehend, my wife has conde
scended to take an interest in this mattel
and if yon are not too consummatel
proud to receive the sum as gift froI
her, why, it's at your disposal, that's all.
Eugene, who had once more started t
his feet, fairly gasped for breath, an
was obliged to hold on to, the table fo
support. He made an effort to speak, bu
for the life Of him could not utter wore
Forty devilsl" exclaimed his uncle
| 0azi,,o af him with undiapuiEed aHtonisf