The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-10-05
CHAPTER XIV.
IN WORDS OF BLOOD.

IN WORDS OF BLOOD.
Eugene did not attempt to rejoin her,
and it seemed to him that she also avoid
ed him. A quarter of an hour later he
left his uncle's house.
He returned Immediately home.
A light WIS burning in his chamber.
When he saw himself in the glass IN
passing, his face terrified him. This e1-
xting scene had shaken his nerves.
He could no longer control himself.
Ee saw clearly that Cora, having de-
krmined on her course, would go to any
length to carry out her purpose.
The fact itself did not surprise him.
Woman is more exalted than man IN eie-
vation of morals. There is no virtue, no
devotion, no heroism in which she does
not surpass him; but once impelled to the
verge OF. the abyss. she falls faster than
man. This is attributable to two causes;
she has more passion, and she has no
honor.
For truly honor is a reality and must
not be moderated. Honor is noble,
delicate, and salutary habit. 1t elevates
manly qualities. 1t is the prudery Of
man. It is sometimes force, and always
a grace. But to think that honor is all
sufficient; that in the face Of great in
terests. great passions, great trials IN
life, it is support and infallible defense;
that it can enforce the precepts which
come from on High-in fact, that it can
replace God-this is to commit q terrible
mistake.
It is to expose ones self in fatal mo-
ment to the loss of ones self-esteem, and
to fall all al once and forever into that
dismal ocean of bitterness, where Eugene
OF nj ctr
in despair, like drowing man In the
darness of midnight.
The next evening at o'clock he was at
his unc!e's house. Mr.. Elliston was IN
Washington. He found Cora at home,
surrounded by all her regal luxury. She
was looking little pale and fatigued.
She received him with her usual cold
ness and se's-possession.
you?"
Not very WE'LL" replied Eugene.
What is ths matter"
I fancy th, you know"
She opened her large eyes wide with
surprise, but did not reply.
Il entreat you. Cora, continued Eu-
gene, smiling, mo more music; the cur
tain is raised, and the drama has COM
menced."
"Ah, let US see that!"
DO you love me, as you once told me
you did?" he went on, "or were you SIM
ply acting. to try me. last evening? Can
you, or will you tell me?"
Il certainly could, but do not wish to
do So"
Il had thought you more frank"
Il have my hours"
We'll, then," said Eugene, If your
hours of frankness have passed. mine
have commenced"
That would be compensation, she re-
piled.
And I will prove it to you, continued
Eugene.
Il shall make fete of it," said Cora,
throwing herself into an easy chair, like
one who was making herself comfortable
to enjoy an agreeable convers .tion.
Il love you, Cora, and as you wish to
be loved. 1 love you devotediy and unto
death, enough to kill myself, or-you!"
That is we'll" said the lady softly.
But" he continued, in a hoarse and
constrained tone, in loving You, in tell
ing You of it, in trying to make you share
my love. I basely violate the obligations
of honor which you know Of, and others
you know not of. I put away from me
tender memories, both sweet and sad. 1t
is crime, as you have said. do not
try to extenuate my offense. I see it, I
Judge it, and accept it. break the last
moral tie tat is left me. leave the ranks
of men of honor. and leave also the ranks
of humanity. I have nothing human left
except my love; nothing sacred but you;
but my crime elevates itself by its very
magnitude.
ITo De CONTINUED