The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-08-31

for, as you care for that brother and
sister.
"Oh, love me-loNs me, Eugene. and
! you shall want for nothing while you live.
I will pour gold into your lap as freely as
you would give water to the thirsty. Dc
you hear me, d rling?"
A strange, mixed feeling soon took
| posses sion of him.
He was fearfully fascinated and drawn
toward her; and yet the thought that this
woman would buy his love, and pay for
it in dollars and cents, repelled him.
And then, all at once, sweet, trusting,
child-like face arose before him.
Il can make no such bargain with you, "
he said. in a tone Of decision. NV atfec-
tlons have long been engaged elsewhere,
and it is no part of my character to prove
false where I have sworn to prove true. y
The lady started to her feet.
You dare to taunt me with desire to
wrong my husband? You?" she exclaimed
fercely.
Il spoke only for myself" he rejoined.
In conciliatory tone.
No matter; you spurn me and the love
I have felt for you since the first moment
my eyes beheld your face" she cried,
even more wildly.
Il do not spurn you, and 1 have no
wish to offend you, was his earnest reply.
But think it right 10 tell you that
what you propose can never be.
Il care not" she almost Kissed between
her beautiful teeth, you shall rue this
pight-aye, rue it bitterly, to the last day
of your life." And before he could frame
another sentence she was gone, and he
was once more alone in the library.
CHAPTER IL.
AFTER LIQUIDS A CLEAN OF SUNSHINE.
Eugene Cleveland, left alone in the
library, sat for some time plunged in
thought.
The whole scene that had 30 recently
passed had been more than surprise to
him. Never, even for q single moment,
had he 80 much as dreamed Of what was
really concealed in the apparently cold
heart of that strangely beautiful lady.
She had gone away angry with him
frightfully angry. What would she do?
It was in Ier power to work him in
finite harm. Would she use that power
against him? Could he doubt it?
But she loved him. Ahl he could not
help seeing and believing thas-loved
him with ON intensity that was truly
frightful-the very thought Of which
thrilled him, yet made him shudder. And
loving him as she did, would she not re-
lent-would she not even return to him?
Thinking thus, Eugene took book, and
as he idly turned the leaves-weited. For
what?
An hour passed; there was another
slight sound Just without the Library door.
He felt sudden pa pitation, and secret
wish that it might prove to be Mrs. Ellis
ton.
1t was his uncle who entered.
He advanced with measured stride,
looking very important. and touching Eu-
gene, who had quickly arisen from his
seat, on the shoulder.
Then, somewh It impressively, he said:
We'll, young mani"
We'll, sir.
what are ysu doing here now?"
oh, ! was just looking over this
work, holding up the volume he still re-
tanned il his hand.
Reading, eh? UNI Well, sit down
there at down, 1 say"
EupGne sank back into his easy chair,
while Mr.. Elliston threw himself on the
sofa, aad let one toot rest on the stool his
wife had so recently occupied at the
young mans fact.
We'll, WE'LL" he repeated, after long
pause.
Well, sir2' said Eugene, not very we'll
knowing what else to say.
What the deuce!" growled the other.
SIS that all you can think Of? l thought
you wanted me to give you, or, at least,
to loan you. hundred dollars.
Eugene started, changed color not
little, and looked up at his uncle with
breathless interest.
Understand me, young man. said the
great man, very impressively. I've no
idea what you, who under the circum-
stances, are receiving very liberal sal
ary, can possibly want Of hundred dol
lars, and I am not now going to stop to
inquire. Moreover, you are not 10 sup
pose it's my regular habit to loan money
to every roor rel tive who may see fit to
make demand Upon my pu.se.
But" he added, after a pause, for
some reason that for the life Of me
can't comprehend, my wife has condo
scended TO take IN interest in this matter,
and If you are not too consummately
proud to receive the sum as gift from
her, v by, it's at your disposal, that's all.
Eugene, who had once more started to
his feet, fairly gasred for breath, and
was obliged to hold on to the table fol
support. he made an effort to speak, but
for the life of him cou d not utter word.
Forty devils!P exclaimed his uncle.
gazing at him with undisguised astonish.
ment. What in the world is the matter
with you? Is there anything SO very
wonderful in soft-hea-rt"d woman'e
taking pity on such a one as you, and
nPering the assistance you crave?"
"l-I-it's 80 very unexpected, you sec.
s:s."
Hum. So that's it, eh9 WE'LL" offer.
ing him hundred dollar bill, here's the
money, and I trust you will prove very
grateful to Mrs. Elliston for this mark
mark of her favo.."
II cannot take the money, uncle, on
such terms" he said. AL asked OF you
was that, personally, you would lend me
the sum for specified time. do not
wish-in fact, I cannot, accept it from
woman-as gift.
Il sincerels trust" he added. quickly,
that you understand my feelings In the
matter, and will fully appreciate the mo-
tives that prompt me to decline Mrs. Ell
liston's protfeIed assistance.
What, you beggar!" cried his unsIe
when he was able 10 spenk. TOO proud
to receive a present from my wlfef 1
should think, then. it was about time You
no longer accepted her hospitality.
Il was about to wish you good-even-
ing and to withdraw" said Eugene,
mildly.
The sooner you're out of the house the
better, glowled the other.
The young man, with not the most
agreeable sensations in the world, said