The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-09-21
BETRAYED;
A DARK MARRIAGE
MORN.
A Romance of LoUe, Intrigue ana
Crime.
BY MRS. ALICE P. CARRISTON.
CHAPTER yII.-(Continued).

CHAPTER yII.-(Continued).
The intellectual superiority of Ellis.
ton, refined and insolent as it was, aided
TO blind Slyme, showing him evil which
was not only prosperous but was also
radiant in grace and prestige. For these
reasons he most profoundly admired his
employer-admired, initiated. and hated
him!
The magnificent Elliston protested for
him and for his solemn airs an utter con-
tempt, which he did not always take the
trouble to conceal; and Slyme's limbs
trembled when some burning sarcasm fell
from such q lofty height on the old
would of his vanity-that wound which
was ever sore within him.
What he hated most in his employer
was his easy and insolent triumph-his
immense and unmerited fortune-all
those enjoyments which life yielded,
without pain, without toll, without con-
science peacefully tasted.
But what he hated above all, was that
this man had thus obta ming these things,
while he, Oscar Slyme, had vainly striven
for them.
There was yet one thing more; he had
looked upon the Young wife Of the for
tunate man whose bread he ate. and seen
that she was wondrously. surprisingly
lovely, and, like all who had ever come
within the magic circle Of her baneful
influence, he had speedily succumbed to
her powers-aye, the time quickly came
when he loved her with fierce and mad
dening passion, when he would gladly
have run any risk, committed any crime,
to win q single smile of approval from
her beautiful lips.
Of course Cora was not slow to see and
understand the power she had game d
over the secretary, and that one word
from her would make him her willing
slave; but for a time she treated him
coollyseven contemptuously.
But when she wanted an instrument
wherewith to reach the heart OF the man
who had calmly and deliberately sighted
her protfered love, here was one ready to
her hand, and she scrupled not to make
use Of it.
Take seat, Mr.. Slyme," said the
lady, hastily throwing the paper on the
floor, and tell me where in the world you
have been ever since last evening""
Il have, to the best of my poor ability,
Mrs. Elliston," responded the secretary,
quietly seating himself, been carrying
out your plans and instructions.
But, pray, what has kept you so long2
The girl is dead-at least so the paper
states"
"Ah! to be sure the papers say SO, and,
thanks to rapidly conceived plan Of
my own, which I must say carried out
most admirably. her husband thinks so,
too; and now it only rests with you to
say whether or no he shall ever be unde-
ceived."
, Landing your wonderful abilities
again. I see. Slyme; that's particularly
bad habit Of yours. But no matter-what
do YOU mean2 How does it rest with mep
Please explain yourself. Tell the whole
story, and begin at the beginning, if you
please"
Slyme flushed painfully at the rebuke
be had received, and, moving uneaslly in
his chair, he commenced his story, speak
ing in low and rapid tone, his eyes the
while wandering about the partially
lighted room. and never for more than a
moment at time resting on the lady's
face.