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


ent to them as o the voice of her hus-
band. or ANYTHING else about her.
This conduct only lnnameo the young
man the more. He found it almost i'm.
possible to keep the lovely siren out o1
his mind for moment, and so at length
for honor's sake-not only because she
self was. and had been for years, pledged
her more.
But although this stately lady had ap.
peared all along to be indifferent, Dhe
had not been slow to note the effects hel
wondrous charms had produced on he,
husbands handsome and agreeable
nephew. AS yet, however, she had made
no sign.
The evening came, and in due time
heart, ascended the broad steps leading to
his uncle's stately mansion. and rang
the bell.
He was admitted, and. being known to
the servant, was at once shown into the
drawing-room, where both MI. Elllston
and his wife we're seated.
After few moments of general con-
yersation, Eugene, with II somewhat en-
barrassed air. begged that he might see
his uncle alone on very urgent business.
Mr.. Elliston looked greatly annoyed;
but, nevertheless, arose and led the way
to the library.
Well" he said, in disagreesble tone,
as he seated himself in the most com.
Portable chair in the room, what is it nowY
Are you in trouble? I suppose 80, and
want some money to help you out, or you
wouldn't have come to me-"
You have guessed nearly right, my
dear sir, responded Eugene, looking up
quickly. Il am in trouble, and unless 1
before o'clock tomorrow morning, the
gravest consequences are likely TO en-
sue."
Il thought so. said the older man, in q
dry, hard, unfeeling tone; and this is
exactly whht have expected ever since
I helped you to the very desirable situa-
tion you now fill at the Atlantic National
Bank"
Then, after a moments pause:
You were brought up to life OF OK
travagance and ldleness. Your father,
when he was worth no more than three
hundred thousand, lived as though he
we're mi lionaire; and at last, losing ev-
erything by single venture in Wall
street, like the coward he was, blew out
his brains.
"No wonder, then, that you, his son, are
the man you are, and the more one does
for such as you, the n ore one may"
@Uncle!" exclaimed Eugene, with
flushed face snd flashing eyes.
There! there!" cried the other, hastily.
don't let US have scene here. I can't
let YOU have the money-in fact, have
none to throw away; so there's an end to
that. I've an important engagement with
the. governor, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel,
relative to the United States Senatorship,
for eight o'clock, and as it is near that
hour now, I must be going. But don't
disturb yourself, I beg.
IF you've nothing better to do, you can
amuse yourself with the books--a very
diverting pastime indeed, as well as in
structive;" and, bustling into the hall, he
seized his hat and cane and hurried from
the house.
But Eugene hardly noticed his with
drawal; he was almost stunned, SO bitter
was his disappointment on account Of his
friend.
And, seated there in great arm chair,
he looked fxedly before him, nor noticed
that the door had again opened and
closed, and that he was no longer alone.
It was the beautiful wife of the would
Ie Senator who had entered; and, after
she had almost reached the young mans
side, she stopped and looked curiously at
him.
Then, once more she advanced, md as
she drew near suddenly took his head be-
tween her hands, and, ra sing his face,
imprinted burning kiss upon his fever
:sh lips.
He started, and gazed up into her eyes
almost with look of terror, while
crimson blush mantled his cheek. And
as she regarded him with apeculiar smile,
he drew back little, hastily exclaiming:
What! who did you take me for? Did
- did you think was your husband?'
"Oh. NJ, :ndeed!' she laughed; Il am
scarcely likely to make such ludicrous
mistake as that. No, my friend, knew
perfectly we'll who it was kissed"
Then, after o moments silence, and
speaking in more serious tone:
Il know still more, Eugene; I know
that You are in trouble, and think can
help you"
searching look.
YES" she went on, Il believe I can
help you. Say, Eugene, do you lore mef"
and, taking one Of his hands in her own,
she seated herself upon o stool at his
feet, and looked up with a hungry
an almost famished-gaze into his face.
Love you?" he asked. strangely agi-
tated. Love you2"
yes. love me, as | long to be loved"
she said; "as-as 1 could love you"
You are beautiful. wondrously beauti-
full" he murmured, rapidly; "nnd there
are thousands much more worthy of your
regard than I; but IL believe could
love you very much if you would only
help my friend.
oh! and SO you want this money-this
hundred dollars-for friend?"
YES" rejoined Eu enc, quickly; and
if I am not able to give it to him before
s o'clock tomorrow morning. it will kill
his sster-as sweet girl, Mrs. Elllston,
as ever breathed."
The lady irownea.
What is she to your" she asked. alb
ruptly.
Nothing whatever swear it, " he said,
earnestly She is simply the sister Of
nv friend, and know ber to be good
and worthy girl-thet is all.
Cora Elliston raised herself little,
and, quickly drawing his face forward,
again pressed burning, passionate kiss
upon his lips.
'"Swear to love me as love you," she
viii pered, rapidly, eagerly, land you
shall take the money away with you this
very night"
But why should you care so much for
me-ysu, who eau command everything