The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-09-21

up under the terrible affection.
The hour for the funeral arrived, and,
as was to be expected under the strange,
and even dreadful, as we'll as romantic
circumstances, the little cottage and
grounds about it, were filled with sympa-
thizing or curious friends and neighbors.
The lonely widow. who now deemed
herself childless, and the unhappy hus-
band, with few intimate friends, among
whom were Raymond Fielding, his sister
Meta, Mr.. Henley, and old William Raw.
ley, and his wife, Hannah, occupied a
little room by themselves during the serv.
ices.
In the crowded parlor. where the closed
coffin occupied a place IN front of the
mantel, Oscar Slyme had taken up his
post of observation.
He had selected the corner nearest the
head of the casket, from whence, without
running much risk of being observed
himself, he could see all that pas sed in the
room, as we'll as note through window
at his elbow all who entered or passed out
through the front door.
The assiduous secretary remained until
the services were over, and the funeral
cortege had started for the picturesque
cemetery on the hillside: then, feeling
confident he had learned all his mistress
train for New York.
4Ah!" murmured Cora, when he had
made his report, 1T is just as expected;
that Fielding girl was we'll enough to be
at the funeral. even if she was too i'll to
be at the wedding. I'm inclined to believe
that I shall find it necessary to remove
her also from my path"
Oscar Slyme was watching her face in
tently, and while he did not catch her
words, fully understood. from her looks
and tone, that something displeased her
greatly.
Il have told you something that you
would rather not have heard?" he said,
inquiringly.
She looked up hastily, and regarded him
attentively for moment.
Listen, my friend" she at length said.
1T does not please me that this working
eirl-this Meta Fielding. as you say she
is called, should be anything mere to my
husbands nephew than she is at this mo-
nent; and cannot you see that already
The and her precious brother are schem-
ng for the place made vacant, as they
,uppose, by the death of Mildred Les
err"
"Ah! 1t does look like it," assented
:be private secretary.
More than that, Cora went on, hasti-
y; unless something is done, and done
speedily, they will succeed; for being
more lonely than ever now. and full Of
grief, as undoubtedly he is,. naturally he
will turn to them for comfort and sym.
pathy; and loving him, as am sure she
does, it is very easy to see how it will oil
end; and it doesn't please me, Mr.. Slyme
Il repe .t-it doesn't please me at all.
The secretary looked at her curiously.
You must love or hate this man very
much, he said, with more than trace Of
suspicion in his tone.
Cora raised her beautiful eyes, and
threw upon him quick, searching
glance.
Have not already told yau," she
said, sharply, that he has mortally Of
Tended me-that 1 will never forgive him
never, if can prevent It, allow him
single moments happiness on this earth?"
and her looks and tone convinced the
Jealous secretary of her sincerity.
What wouldyou have me do?" he asked.
humbly enough.
She threw herself back into the chair
from which she had risen, and resting
her head upon her hand, said, after 8
moments hesitation:
Il don't know yet; let me think"
Then. as if speaking TO herself:
I'VE mustn't have the brother turned
out of the bank; that was bad move IN
Eupene's case. No: whatever is done now
nv hand must in no wise appear. Be.
sides, it would do him no good to throw
him out of his situation; the publisher
would give him better, as readily as he
did the other.
No, no; we must manage in some other
way; and suspicion-well, suspicion must
be directed toward some other source.
And there's another thing-Slyme, are
you listening?"
Yes, Mrs. Elliston."
We'll, YOU must find out if THAT is,
il We are in any way suspected of the plot
that ended in the young brides supposed
death; and if SO, you must find some way
to free US from the suspicion. I don't
choose to have it rest on me, at all
events"
Il don't think, ma'am. il can be done, !"
said the secretary, slowly. And now
with regard to the other matter; believe
have plan that will work, and which
I am sure will in no wise compromise
you"
Then let me hear it, by all means"
The secretary, in dif6dent and defer.
ential manner, drew his chair a little
nearer, and began to speak in low and
rapid tone.
As he continued the lady's face flushed,
and her eyes sparkled with excitement
and satisfaction.
YES, yes, Slyme," she was saying;
that will do most admirably. You are
indeed real treasure, and Il you carry
this through as successfully as you did
the other your reward"
And here she was interrupted by knock
on the library door.
"Come" she called, impatiently. and
footman entered with card on a silver
salver.
Cora glanced carelessly at the card,
anu then, as every vestlge OF color left
her face, gasped out rather than poke
the name of Eugene Cleveland!
"Cleveland!" echoed Slyme, in tone
of CONSERVATION. What can he want
here at this time? He must have come
directly from the depot.
4 don't know what be wants, I ain
sure" murmured the guilty woman,
thoug ghtfully; Il wish did,"
Shall you see him."
Il am trying to think what is best to do.
If I refuse most likely he will say l was
afraid. If see him But pshaw! l
will see him" And hastily recalling the
footman, who had discreetly retired, she
said:
SHOW the gentleman in here" Then,
turning to the Secretary: You 60 into