The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-08-12

there can be no other explanation. Fool
| dolt, idiot, that have been! The paper
is doubtless by this time in Jasper Mar.
loves hands! My power over the banker
is at an end"
"She WAS not less wild than he. will
not describe the fury that possessed them
both for tho time, but will pass on to the
succeeding calm-cold, resolved and
deadly-in which they fully decided to
come here at once, to seek your presence
secretly, and to compel you to an oath to
fulfill your marriage contract, or to take
your life. She was as reckless and des.
perate as he. I was almost paralyzed
with what I heard. They had already
started on their errand before Mrs. Beane
dragged me away.
Come she whispered. ;we must
hurry on bofore them and warn the young
man to keep out of their way. l know
them both; they can be tigers when they
| choose
I'VE ran at the top of our speed, but
before We got quite into the road my
companions breath and strength failed
her. She begged me to speed on alone,
| saying that she would follow.
I did so. I had hardly got out into
the road, when voices in alteration
caused me to look back. There was just
enough light for me to see that Boncourt
and his sister had overtaken the old
woman. and that she seemed endeavor-
ing to detain them. Then Boncourt
On ashed out an oath, and saw him fell
the poor creature to the ground with his
fist. Ho-Tifed as I was at the bastard
deed, dared not pause for more than
that instant. I continued my course,
running like the wind. Thank heaven
for my familiarity with the grounds here.
I knew the front gate would be locked,
necessitatine my calling out the servants,
which I did not feel willing to do.
Il ran around the lane. and came in
by q small gate noar the stables. I saw
your father and Mr.. Croak through the
rear Office window, with several persons.
So, instead Of entering by the street
door, I slipped in by the side entrance,
unperceived, and taking the precaution
to bolt the door behind me. Even If
Boncourt should steal into the garden by
the same way I did he cannot make his
way up here without making his purpose
known. At any other time should not
have dared to come stealthily to your
room, as I have done. But no other
choice was left me, and saw by the light
from this window that you must be up
here. All heaven be thanked that am
here in time!"
So hurriedly had SIZE spoke that her
words, in the actual recital, occupied less
time than the reading.
Yes; and thank Heaven that have
been saved by you, of all others in the
world!" cried Noel, fervently. 'Oh,
Gwendoline, Gwendolinel my first, my
last, my only love! Nay; do not look
shocked, or turn away! Heavensi did
you but guess the suffering that my folly,
my weakness, nv infatuation have cost
me! Here is what I was writing as you
came in, to snatch me from the assassins
bullet. Read it-you must read-I i'm
plore, insist"
He snatched up the written sheets with
trembling eagerness, and forced them
into her hands. His manner was more
irresistible, more piteously beseeching,
than even his words. She could not
choose but read what he had written.
-Ah, how You must have suffered!
What @ terrible womanl What o plot
within plot!" she murmured, ns she
went on: and then, as SIZE drew to the
close: What! and can this be true? And
you have really, truly loved me, and only
me, all along?"
'Oh, Gwendoline! can you doubt it?"
he cried, opening his arms to her. Can
you love me in return?"
Under less excitement she might have
drawn back: but she herself had suffered
SO long IN secret-her own love had been
SO great, 30 long stifed-the relief, the
compensation seemed so heavenly-every-
thing conspired to melt her, to carry her
away.
Noel, my love, my darlipg!"
They rushed into each others arms.
@Oh, this isl undeserved, this is bliss
too noble. too divine!" he exclaimed,
straining her to his breast. Perish my
fathers anger, perish Adele's treach-
cry, perish her brothers vengeance-come
disinheritance, poverty, and contumely.
thou at least art mine-Gwendoline-my
love, my bride, my wife forever and for
ever?"
At that instant harsh, mocking
laugh burst into the room from the win
dow, toward which Noel's back was turned.
Gwendoline uttered shrek.
See, he is there, the murderer she
exclaimed, tearing herself away, and
pointing to the window; and then she
threw herself between him and his threat
ening death.
Boncourt had climbed to the balcony
by means of the ivy-vines, and was peer
ing in upon them, revolver in hand.
sGood!" he exclaimed. Die both, then,
at one stroke! Twill be a fitting offering
to my sisters insulted honor!'
And his weapon was leveled, his finger
upon the trigger.
fro RE cnNTINrEDl