The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-11-23
BETRAYED;
A DARK MARRIAGE
MORN.
A Romance of LoUe, intrigue and
Crime.
BY MRS. ALICE P. CHARLESTON.
CHAPTER XVII.

THE LIGHTNING's FLASH IN THE CLEAR SKI
Flora had closed her eyes to conceal
her tears. She opened them at the In.
slant Slyme seized her hand and called
her poor angel"
Seeing the man on his knees, she could
not comprehend it, and only exclaimed
simply: ,,,
Yes. am mad!" Slyme threw his hair
back with romantic gesture common TO
him and. he believed, to the poets. Yes,
I am mad with love and with pity, Tor l
see your sufferings, pure ana noole
victim!"
Flora only stared in blank astonish-
sRepose yourself with confidence" he
continued, "on heart that will be de-
voted 10 you until death-a heart INTO
which your tears now roll to it's most
sacred depths. ,
Flora did not wish her tears to roll to
such distance, so she dried them.
A man on his knees before the woman
he adores must appear to her either
sublime or ridiculous. Unfortunately
the attitude Of Slyme, at once theatrical
and awkward, did not seem sublime to
Flora. To her lively imagination it was
irresistibly ludicrous.
A bright CLEAN Ut amusement lllumlned
her charming countensncs; she bit her
lips to conceal it, but it shone out OF her
eyes nevertheless
One should never kneel unless sure OF
rising conaueror. Otherwise, like Slyme,
he exposes himself to be laughed at.
Rise, Mr.. Slyme, said Flora, eravely.
This book has evidently bewildered you.
Go and take some rest and We will forget
this; only you must never forget your
self again in this manner.
Slyme rose. He was lvid:
Mrs. Cleveland" he SAID, bitterly. the
love of q great heart can never be an
,offense. Mine at least would have been
sincere mine would have been faithful
mine would not have been an Infamous
snare!"
The emphasis Of these words displayed
90 evident an intention, the countensnc ce
of Flora changed Immediately. She
moved uneasily on the lounge.
What do you mean, Nh. Slyme2"
Nothing, ma'am, which you do not
know, I think, he replied meaningly.
you shall explain your meaning i'm
medlately to me, Sir !" she exclaimed; or
later, to my husband"
But your sadness, your tears" cried
the secretary, in q tone of admirable sim
csrity; these made me sure you were
not ignorant Of IT."
of what? How he hesitates Speak,
mani"
4 am not wretch! love you and pity
you;-that is ALL" and Slyme sighed
deeply.
And why do you pity me?"
She spoke haughtily; and though slyme
had never suspected this imperiousness
of manner or Of Language, he reflected
hurriedly on the point at which he had ar
rived. More sure than ever of success,
after moment he took from his pocket
folded letter.
It was the one with which he had pro-
vided himself to confirm Flora's sus-
picions, now awakened for the first time.
In profound silence he unfolded it and
handed it TO her. -,
A single glance recognized the writing,
for she had often exchanged notes Win
Cora.
Words of the most burning passion
terminated thus: -.
ALWAYS o little jealous of Flo; halt
vexed at having given her to you. For
she is pretty, and-but II I am beautiful,
am not, my beloved9 and above all, 1
adore you"
AZ the first word Flora became fear
fully pale. Finishing. she uttered fear
full groan, re-read the letter, and re-
turned it to Slyme, as if unconscious Of
what she was doing"
For few seconds she remained motion
less-petrifed-her eyes fixed on vacancy.
A world seemed rolling down and crush
ing her heart.
Suddenly she turned, passed with rapid
steps into her boudoir; and Slyme heard
the sound of opening and shutting draw
er9.
A moment after she reappeared with bat
and cloak, and crossed the boudoir with
the same strong and rapid step.
Slyme, terrihed to death, rushed to
stop her.
himself before her.
She waved him aside with an imperi-
GUS gesture Of her hand. He trembled
and obeyed, and she left the boudoir.
A moment later she was on the avenue,
going toward Broadway.
It was now near midnight; cold, damp
weather, with the rain falling in great
drops. The few pedestrians still on the
broad pavement turned to follow with
their eyes this majestic lady, whose gait
seemed hastened by some errand Of life
or death.
But in New York nothing is surpris-
ing, for people witness all manner OF
things there. Therefore, the strange ap-
pearanre of Flora did not excite any ex-
traordinary attention.
A few men smiled and nodded; others
threw few words of raille-y at her.
Bolh were UNDECIDED alike.
Rear hing Madison Square, she stopped
near the fountain. The sound of the
falling water eau ht her r. She leaned
against tree, and gazed into the sgitated
pool; then bowing her head, she sighed q
groaning sigh, and turned back:
Hurrying up Fifth avenue. che passed
her own door, and soon reached the Ellis
ton mansion.
Arrived there, the unfortunate child
knew not what to do, nor even why she
had come. She had some vague design,
as though to assure herself palpably OF
her misfortune: 10 touch it with her
nnger, or lerhaps 10 nnd some reason,
some preteyt to do BIT 1t.
She dropped down on the stone steps
and hid her face in both her hands, vainly
striving 10 think.
It was past midnight. The streets
we're deserted; shower of rain was fall
ing, and she was chilled to numbness.
A policeman passed by. He turned
and stared Mt the young woman, then
tookher roughly by the arm.
What are you doing here2" he asked,
brutally.
She looked up at him with wondering
eyes.