The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-11-16

per, and by th15 time ne Was mae'eF VI "'i
those arts.
After he had Withdrawn, Flora few TO
her mother, who, believing in Cleveland,
shared her happiness, and they sat TO-
pether long time, hand clasped in hand,
looking out upon the garden, dimly seen
by soft light of the stars, the daughter
blessing her mother, her friends, every
BODY, and the mother thanking God; both
minplinp their hearts, their dreams, their
kisses, and their tears-happier, poor
women, than is permitted long to human
beings under the heavens.
The marriage took place the ensuing
month. Senator Elliston was present, and
when he returned to Washington this
time he was accompanied bv his wife.
At the earnest request of his brides
parents, Eugene took up his residence
with them, and Warren Leland still had
q suite of apartments in the same stately
and commodious manion.
His political campaign had now opened,
and he was very busy, visiting Roxbury
or some other town in the Congressional
district every day; but in order to be
near Mrs. Denton, and particularly NIL.
dred Lester. in whom-must we confess ltt
he was beginning to feel rapidly grow
ing interest, he spent most OF his nights
in New York.
Finding presently that he could not at
tend to all his correspondence alone, he
began to look about him for private sec
retary, and soon one presented himself
and was promptly engaged.
It was-Oscar Slyme!
The extraordinary session Of Congress
that commanded the presence OF Senator
Elliston in Washington WAS still drag
ging its weary length along.
Cora endured it for some time, and
then, informing her husband that it was
necessary for her to visit New York,
promptly returned TO that city.
A few days later Oscar Slyme threw up
his situation and followed her.
The next day after HE arrival ne was
installed as Warren Leland's private Sec
retary.
he came early in the morning, aftef
breakfast, pissed the day in Wsrren's
private room, and often dined with them,
If he had work to finish in the evening.
Instinctively, Flora disliked him from
the first.
His name is bad one to begin with, y
she said. u,
Yes" rejoined her mother; 'but the
man himself is q good enough creature.
except that I somewhat dislike his cat
like style uf looking at one"
Il don't ike him. reiterated Flora.
HE has such peculiar pride, or perhaps
should say insufferable vanity. But his
great fault, in my eyes, is the scofhng
Tone he adopts when the subject is relig-
ion or morals
Eugene entered the room In time to
catch his wife's list remark. He said
nothing at the time; but that day, while
they were dining, Slyme allowed himself
to indulge in rather violent TRADE OF
this description. 1t was doubtless con-
trary to ali good taste.
My dear Slyme, said Eugene, quietly
and yet IRONICALLY, Ito me, and perhaps
Mr.. Leland. these pleasantries Of yours
are indifferent; but pray remember that,
while you are strong-mlnded man, my
wife is O weak.minded woman; and
strength, you know, should respect weak
ness"
Oscar Slyme first grew white, then red,
and finally green. He arose, bowed
awkar aly, and Immediately afterward left
the taS!e.
The moment he was gone, Flora said
to her brother.
You may think me indiscreet, but
pray let me ask you question. How can
you confide all your affairs and all youI
secrets to man VINO processes 10 nave no
principles?"
Warren laughed.
"Oh, he talks thus out Of bravado." he
answered. He thinks to make himself
more interesting in your eyes by these
Mephistophelean airs. At bottom he is a
good fellow.
But" objected Flora, "he has faith in
nothing"
Not in much, I believe. Yet he would
not deceive me. He is an honorable
man."
Flora opened her eyes wide at this.
We'll, said her brother, with an amused
look, what is the matter, Flo?"
What is this honor you speak of"
Let me ask you, sis, he replied.
Great hesvens!" she cried, blushing
deeply, Il know but little Of it, but II
seems to me- that honor separated from
morality is no great thing; and morality
without religion is nothing. They ell
constitute chain. Bonor hangs to the
last link, like q flower; but If the chain
be broken, honor falls with the rest"
Her husband, who heretofore had re-
mained silent, looked at her with strange
--as, as though he were not only con-
founded but disouieted bv her philoso-
ply. Then he gave deep sigh, and ris.
ing, said:
VERY neat, that defnition-very neat.
1Yes, by Jove!" exclaimed her brother,
Il didn't know Flo had SO much in her!"
That night, at the opera, Eugene was
very attent We to his wife. Cora accom-
panied them; and at parting, Flora begged
her to call for her next day in passing to
Broadway and Twenty third street, on q
shopping expedition, for this magnid-
cent woman was her idol, and she loved
to be with her. .......-
On their return home Eugene remained
silent, contrary 10 his custom.
Suddenly he said, brusquely:
Flora, are you going out shopping
with Mrs. Elliston to- o-morrow?"
"Yes."
But You see her often, it seems to me
morning and evening. You are always
with her,"
"Heavensl do 1t to be agreeable to you.
Is not Mrs. Elliston good associate?"
Excellent; only in general I do not
admire female friendships. But I did
wrong to speak to You on this subject.
You have wit and discretion enough to
preserve the proper limits.
For some time after her marriage
Flora was quite happy. but gradually she
became less so; for the first enthusiasm
and first illusions Of marriage could not
for long deceive spirit as quick and
acute as hers.
A young girl who marries is easily dc.
ceived by the show of an affection OF
which she is the object.