The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-06-03

no; the effect upon him, upon me, was
none the less miserable, none the less
fatal, in the end. Curse her! curse herl
And yet you think the revenge l took
upon her was extravagant, cruel, un-
iustifable. Man, man, look upon my
face!"
And she wildly pushed back the still
luxuriant hair from her temples, and
thrust forward her psssion-torn features
under his gaze.
why is it wrinkled and aged before its
time? Why is there no longer lirger-
ing trace of the good looks that were
once all-sufhcient for him, when, as Bon
courts valet, he was all that was kind
and good, until she flashed in between,
with her laughing eyes and mocking lips?
Ha! YOU can guess the cause. No, no;
be earned his punishment. and he got it.
though shs alone was responsible, re.
pent me of nothing; the crushing dis
grace is all-that, and tho groaning hor-
ror of those prison-haunted, galloWs.
skadowed recollections!"
He had made nc effort 10 restrain this
furious outburst, feeling that it must eI.
haust itself, and that no restraining ef-
fort would avail against it. He had
listened, with bowed head, IN silence,
and not without commiseration. 1t was
only when she paused ut last, painting
and trembling, and leaned against the
gate, with eyes and face lusterless and
blanched once more, that be thought it
worth while to look up again and resume.
You are so ll-governed; you should
have let me finish what 1 was going to
say," said he, mildly. Il merely wished
to show you, first, that you are really in
no wise indebted to your former master
as you imagine, and as he would have
you believe. In any case, with or with
sooner or later have been accorded the
new trial, which resulted in your ac-
quittal.
This I learned from Mr. Hartwell,
whom I had to consult in pursuance Of
my tracing your whereabouts. He is a
noble gentleman, and the presiding off,
Ger of Prisoners Aid Society that is
constantly extending its humane efforts
in behalf Of the miserably circumstanced
and the unfriended. Croak merely saw
you in prison, CHANGED to think OF the
error under which you had been convict
cd, and brought the case to Mr.. Hart.
wells notice.
"His object is apparent. 1t obtained
for him, gratuitously, servant, q slave,
q lifetime'a drudge, whom he could over
work, kick. cuff, md anathematize at
pleasure, in the chuckling consciousness
that she would, nevertheless, continue
to regard him rs her rescuer, her guardian,
her benefactor.
Il never thought of this before" mur-
INJURED Mrs. Beane, with Just a glimmer-
ing of the fame look. 1t must be So"
1T is 80, assure you. And as for his
being able to thrust You back into your
former ignominy-back under the gal
lows shadow, from out of which he pre-
tends to have so mysteriously snatched
you-it is too preposterous for even q
child's consideration. No one can bd
tried on a charge of which m acquittal
has been recorded in court. Your choice
of language indicates an intelligence In
advance Of your position in life; I am
Rstonished that you should have been
SO absurdly impressed with phantom
fears
Il am not without education, sir, I was
a child's governess in my early woman.
hood" said Mrs. Besne, with touch Of
pride, and it was evident that her COM
pan on's ingenious words we're having the
effect for which they were intended.
MY master shall no longer treat me as
he has been in tho habit Of doing. But
this is not what you were intending to
talk to me about. Ha! I remember. You
proposed for me to make certain amends
to forego my long revenge" -.
Il proposed that you should hold
yourself IN readiness TO DO so, at my
7
competence-a suficiency that would
enable you to seek repose and ease in dis
tant parts, where your history would be
unknown"
II remember. I remember; but, as I
said before, sir, have not decided
yet"
Listen. may indefinitely defer my
demand for this service at your hands. I
suddenly find that Boncourt is playing
me false; I would, moreover, thoroughly
assure myself that there is some deserv-
Ing for the benefit would have conferred
SBut I must have my contemplated
boon at hand, in readiness for either be-
stowal or retention, as the case may be.
must know whether can certainly de-
pend upon your c0-6PsI0ri0n, anu that
without the least possible delay"
And my promised reward?"
1T shall be yours within month,
whether 1 decide to make use Of yc>, OF
tot, il only am assured OF your willing
hess"
well, am still undecided, m uttered
Mrs. Beane, hesitating. !
will it be safe for ne to come hsre at
dusk for your final answer"
1T will not he safe. Either my master
or Mr.. Wormer is always at homa then"
You have told me that you sometimes
20 abroad after dusk. Can you then
bring me my answer to my lodgings?
have two rooms over the butchers, at the
lower end ofthe stfeat." -
Yes, I will come" said Mrs. Beane,
after long pause.
Then 1 Shall expect You. But be sure
that Wormer does not suspect and track
you"
This terminating the interview, Jasper
slipped out of the gate and sauntered
iwaJ,
CHAPTER XVIII.
AT JASMINE LODGE.
On the following day, which was Tues
day, c.me off the entertainment which
Boncourt and his sister had arranged for
Noel MarloHe and his friends.
It partook of the nature Of fete CHAM
petre. :,
Jasmine Lodge was admirably fitted
for an entertainment of this sort. Tbs
grounds were we'll Kept, we'll shaded,
with glorious outlook upon the open
sea in front, and affor lag picturesque
view back through the cliffs into the
broken country ct the rear, and there
we're beautifully shaded lawns, inter-
spersed with strawberries and parterres at
either end Of the house.
Luncheon was laid at two o'clock, in
open air, and the numerous guests were