The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-12-14

AT that instant Eugene Cleveland
bounded through the window tha opened
on the veranda and stood in the midst OF
the astonished company.
He had seen Slyme and Cora enter
the house, and from place OF espionage
had seen and heard all that had trans
pired.
The knowledge that Mildred still lived
had been shock, but its effect had lost
much of its weight. so great was the men
tai excitement under which he was Ia
boring.
Il know ALL" he went on, speaking
rapidly. almost incoherently. i have
sinned beyond all thought, all hope. OF
pardon, but I am not the cold blooded,
heartless wretch that woman would make
NE appear to be.
This man Slyme acted for her, and I
have written evidence to prove it. Con-
vinced that my Mildred was no more,
fell victim to her wiles, and We un-
til lately continued in her tolls. I urge
it not in mitigation of my grlevous Of
fenses, but at last am free from her
thralldom, and cannot do Jess than ac-
KNOWLEDGE my disgrace and ruin" -
AS Eugene Cleveland uttered these
words, the face of Cora Elliston lost
everything of fascinating beauty and
took on an EXPIRE ssion that would have
done credit to an incarnate tend. -
1T is you who have brought me to this,
she raved. turning upon Flora. You
came between us-took from me all that
ever valued in this life, his love; but
You shall not live to enjoy your triumph.
As she finished speaking she drew
from the folds of her dressa small gold
plated revolver, which she leveled at her
fair and innocent rival.
No one was near enough to arrest her
murderous hand, and Flora Clevelands
doom seemed sealed.
But with the quickness Of a cat Eugene
sprang forward and covered with his
own body that Of the woman whom ne
now loved better than his own life.
There was o report. q wreath OF smoke,
and the two fell to the floor together.
Without an ipstant's delay the desper:.
ate woman recocked the revolver ana
placed it over her treacherous, guileful
heart.
A second report, fall, a brief struggle,
q parting groan, and she bod entered the
precincts Of another world.
A scene of indescribable dismay ensued.
Flora was found unharmed, but her
husband had received the bullet IN his
breast and Was apparently In dying
condition.
Before losing consciousness, he
seemed to believe that his death was at
hand, and begged and received the full
pardon of the wife he had so cruelty
wronged.
sGood-by, said be to Mildred. Il see
where your affections are placed. Prom.
ise me that You will marry Warren and
be happy"
The UNEXPECTED often happens In real
life, and why not in fiction?
Eugene Cleveland did not die. For
long time his life was despaired Of, but
the careful watching of devoted Flora
brought him back to life and ultimate
health and strength.
The existing complication was sad
and trying one, but 1t was not without
remedy. =.
Mildred felt that she had no claim
upon the husband from whom the beauti-
ful siren had parted her, and as she was
derotedly attached to Warren Leland, she
procured legal separation from Eugene,
and shortly afterward married the hus-
band Of her choice.
As for the truly repentant Eugene and
his faithful Flora, they were remarked
and constitute happy, loving pair, whom
not all the sirens on earth can put asun-
der.
Warren never again saw Welch, the old
rag-picker, who disappeared from the
country with his daughter and her chill
dren, but he learned that the old man
was an uncle of the wronged wife Of Ho-
bert Brownell.
MIR. Metcalf is hale and hearty in his
years, and Clara Denton happy in his
love and that Of her charming and prom
Using daughter, Edith. .
Oscar Slyme escaped punishment at
the hands Of the law, but he never after.
wards prospered, and within year died
miserably in New York lodging house:
Thus after q storm Of passion and
wrong doing has come peace, content and
happiness. 49,.
Thank God that for sin there remains.
even in this lower world. place for re-
pentapce and reformation.
Thank God that virtue and purity still
exist to counteract and bring to naught
the follies and sins engendered by un-
bridled passions.