The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-09-28
AS they were leaving the lawyers Office,


his uncle took his hand and said:
Eugene. my doar boy, ought to tell
you, for your conscience's sake, that Mrs
Elliston is aware that intended to rem.
der YOU this little service, and that she
approves of it. She has great deal OF
love and affection for sou, my dear fell
low; be sure Of that"
For moment Eugene was unable to
speak. At length he 'faltered out: But
does she know all. Does she know"
Yes" interrupted his uncle; she
knows all about it. I informed her that
did not intend to take any receipt for
whatever sum l might advance on your
account, and that no reclamation of 1t
should be made at any time On any &C.
count.
You are too good, sir"
Not at all. This, OF something like it,
is Whist ought to have done before. And
now good-dsy."
-Good-d day, sir, and many thanks.
BY the way, Eugene, your evenings
must be very lonely. Come up to the
house tonight"
Under the circumstances. Eugene re-
garded this invitation as in the nature of
a command, and therefore accepted it
promptly.
All the afternoon the thought that he
was to meet his uncle's wife so soon
again made him nervous. he had q
shrewd suspicion that it vas wholly
owing to her influence that he was now q
partner in the house of Norton & Co.,
and this suspicion tended to make him
still more nervous; so when evening came
1t was with q somewhat tagging step that
he approached the stately mansion, and
assembled to the broad platform before the
mansion doors.
He rang the bell, and stepped into the
vestibule. The hall porter almost i'm
medistely opened the inner door, and
showed him into the library.
His uncle was there, walking up and
down the room with nervous tread.
The moment he perceived the young
man entering:
-Ah, it is you!" he cried, darting an
eager glance upon him. by my faith,
your arrival is fortunate!"
How is that, sir?"
am called awsy-have to meet the
State Central Committee in less than
half an hour. Mrs. Elliston is not we'll;
I don't know what's the matter with her.
I am sorry to hear that she is not
well, -
81 know, I know, and you must see
her."
"But if she is ill"
.She is not confined to her bed, you
and your presence will do
her good. She needs some one to cheer
her up. You must go to her at once.
You owe her this mark of attention. And
-er-Eugene"
~Sir?"
IF you discover anything you must tell
me-"
But what should discover, sir2"
The deuce! How do I know? But you
understand women better than do, and
perhaps you can find out what's the mat
ter with her. Something s troubling her,
of that am certain, and would like to
known Just what it is. u"
What makes you think there is any
thing troubling her2"
From her actions. Then she is so re-
served toward me-so impenetrable.
II think Mrs. Elliston is naturally
cold" said Eugene.
Yes" responded his uncle, thought
fully. yes. and in some respects I-but,
really now, should you discover anything,
| rely on your communicating it to me.
And stop! when you have seen her do not
leave the house, but have the kindness
to return to this room. shall be back in
D couple of hours, sooner if possible.
You will oblioe me in this?'
Certainly, sir. When you return you
will find me here"
For my part I love her like fool!'
That is only right, SIR"
Hum! And what do you think of her9"
Eugene started.
AS I have already told you, sir" he at
ength said, Il think her very beautiful
lueenly, in fact, but naturally cold"
. That's it, that's it; and now 60 to her.
Where shall find her, sir?"
I'm her boudoir at the head of The |
tairs."
Eugene thought he knew the room, and |
.s his uncle left the house he assembled
be broad staircase leading to the second |
Arriving at what he supposed to be the !
ics. ic.,. door: he knocked.
Obtaining no answer he entered with.
,ut hesitation, lifted the curtain which
,ung in the doorway, and was lnmed!.
.tely arrested by q strange spectacle.
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