The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-08-27

Raw as if she were walking on the
waves, far out in the lake. He had
zone as far as he could on the thin Ice
without breaking through. A deep
moan escaped his lips; there was but
one thing to do-to save her.and
'that:now would be almost miracle:
He must use lasso; the bundle
under his arm was long rope that he
had bought for friend and fortunately
had carried with him on the ice.
Quick as thought the bundle was
opened and the lasso made; he under
stood the trick perfectly, and was posi-
tive that if she did not fall through be-
fore he could throw it over her head
she would be saved. .,
Ray threw the loop, but before it
had gone more than half the distance
high wave rose and Lenora dlsap'
CHAPTER XXVL
AS that wave arose, it did not affect
the lasso whatever, for Ray had thrown
It high in order to avoid the waves. :,
The piece of ice that Lenora stood
On at that moment was somewhat
thicker than the rest, and one that
had Omitted across from the western
shore. >,
AS she rose on the next wave, the
lasso fell over her head and down on
her shoulders. Rays keen eye saw 1t,
and. as soon as it had fallen below the
delicate white throat, he drew it tight;
in O few moments she was saved, closely
pressed to her lovers bosom.
She was partially unconscious, as
Ray drew her across the ice and snow;
as soon as she was near, he drew OIL his
heavy overcoat and wrapped it around
her shivering little form.
"Thank God, she is savedP He
uuickly ran toward the shore over the
treacherous ice.
The warm overcoat and Rays tight
grasp on that frail little form produced
circulation of the chilled blood, and
Lenora soon recovered consciousness.
Bay had not removed his eyes from her
lace, and when she opened those great,
dreamy of her own, they met.
A smile played about her pale, cold
lips, that Ray knew so we'll; he kissed
those cold, quivering lips again and
again, until they were warm and scar
let like his own.
Lenora did not know where she was,
but in few moments Ray said:
"Why were you 80 cruel as to run
away from me in this manner and to
try to take your own pure ife2"
At the sound of his voice she seemed
10 waken from a sweet dream, and
struggled and tried to extricate herself
from his close embrace.
"Let me go-let me go INSTANTLY
Oh, why did you stop me, for I want to
die! All the world think me wicked,
and they call me murderess. I sup
pose you think the same and have
stopped me to have me arrested?'
Ray stopped and drew her even
closer to his bosom.
"No, no, my little darling. I have
come to save you, for know that you
IRE as innocent as little babe. Thank
God, my little love, I have the proof;
but tell me why did you try to drown
yourself tonight? Has some one
falsely accused you9"
eyes, yes; and it is all so terrible
that I would rather die than live.
Please let me CO."
"Let you go? Never-never while I
live. Tell me, do you love me9 Can
you love and will you be mine-be my
own sweet, little wife? love you
better than the light Of day, better
than my own life, and I cannot live
without you. Answer me, will you be
mine?"
Lenora's face was crimson, but in an
Instant it became as white as the snow
1T Rays feet.
"You do not answer me. Why are
you silent 30 long?"
ut would be impossible, MI. Bristol,
tor me to be your wife. You have not
thought of the matter sufficiently to
some to a wise conclusion or you would
never ask this"
HOh, for heavens sake, Lima, do not
torture me my more. Have I not en-
dured enough of this suspense since I
first saw you? You do not love me;
your heart is elsewhere"
"Can you not understand me, sir2
Can you not realize who you are vast
ing your life, your affections, upon?
Can you not realize that I am penni-
less, friendless, homeless, and some
times, I fancy, nameless girl? Can't
you see that am merely an outcast,
and that you are wronging yourself by
wishing me to be your wife ?"
Ito BE -coNTINuEpl