The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-09-28
why. natu' ally" he replied, Il should

why. natu' ally" he replied, Il should
make you my adieux.
How"
He looked her in the face in terror.
DO you know" he said there are
times when l am tempted to think you
are devil?"
Truly! Well, there are times when
am tempted to think so myself-for in
stance, at this moment. Do you know
what l should wish? I wish could con-
troll the lightning, and in two seconds you
would cease to exist.
For what reason?"
Because I remember there was man
to whom offered my love, and who re-
fused it, and this man still lives. And
this displeases me little-a great deal
passionately!'
Are you serious?" he asked gravely.
She commenced laughing.
i hope you did not think SO. am
not so wicked. 1t was a joke, and in
bad taste, I admit. But seriously now,
Eugene, what is your opinion of me?
What kind of o woman am II"
Il fear ! cannot answer you.
~Ah, well, / am not 80 very bad; indeed,
am good woman-ope who loves you
well-with little rancor. but not much.
ana who wishes you Gil sorts OF prosperity
in this world and the next. Aren't You
glad? Do not answer me; it might en-
barrass you, and it is useless"
She left her shelter, and turned her
face towards the lowering sky.
The storm is over" she said. Let US
60 in"
She then perceived that the ground out
side of the summer-house was trans
formed into lake of mud and water.
What shall do?" she said, looking at
her light boots. Then turning to Eugene,
added:
will you get me a boat?"
Eugene himself recoiled from placing
his foot in the mud and water.
If you will wait little, he said, 7
shall be able TO find you some heavy
boots or rubbers, no matter what.
1T will be much easier" she said,
abruptly, for you to carry me to the side
door," and without waiting for the young
mans reply, she commenced tucklng up
her skirts carefully, and when she had
finished, said: Il am ready"
He looked at her with astonishment,
and thouoht for q moment skc was last
Ing; but soon saw she was PEREZ. ~
rious.
"Of what are you afraid?" she asked.
Il am not at all afraid" he answered.
DO you think some one will see us2
They cannot"
Il don't care if they do"
rs it that you are not strong enough3"
Great Scott! l should think I was"
He took her in his arms ss in cradle,
while she held up her dress with both her
hands. He then left the summer-house
and moved sc7oss the garden with his
strange burden.
He was Obliged to be very careful not to
slip on the wet earth, and this absorbed
him during the first few steps; but when
he found his footing more sure. he felt
natural curiosity to observe the counte-
Aance of the lndy.
Her uncovered head rested little one
side on the arm with which he held her.
Her lips we're slightly parted with half
wicked smile that showed her fine white
teeth. The same expression of ungov-
ernable malice burned in her dark eyes,
which she riveted for some seconds on
those Of Eugene with penetration, then |
suddenly yelled them under the fringe of |
her dark 1ashes. This glance sent q |
thrill like lightning to his very marrow.
DO you wish to drive me mad?" he |
nurmured.
Who knows?" she replied.
The same moment she disengaged her |
self from his arms. and. placing her foot !
On the ground, ran up the verands steps.
They reached the back drawing room
without exchanging word.
Just as Eugene was about to withdraw
Cora turned to him and said:
BE sure that at heart am very good,
really"
notwithstanding this soft assertion
Eugene left the house in decidedly un-
state of mind Indeed, he !
carried away the most painful impression
Of the scenes of that afternoon.
fro BE CONTINUED