The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-11-30


immovable in front of the windows Of the
Elliston mansion and then plunged again
into the darkness.
The following week Eugene Cleveland
was at his club one evening, playing
whist with the Senator. He remarked
that his uncle was not playing his usual
game, and saw also imprinted on his fea-
cures painful preoccupatlon.
Are YOU in pain, uncle?" said he, after
they had finished their game.
No! mol" said the Senator; ! am only
annoyed-a tiresome affair between two
of NV tenants up the Hudson. sent
Johnson-my head coachman, you know.
and good fellow-up there this morning
| to inquire into it"
The Senator made few steps, then re-
turned to Eugene and took him aside:
My young friend" he said, deceived
you lust now; I have something on my
| mind-something very serious. am, to
tell the truth, very unhappy,
What is the matter?" asked Eugene,
whose heart sank.
i shall tell YOU that probably to-mor-
row. Come, in any case, to see me to-
morrow morning, won't you?"
Yes, certainly"
"Thanls. Now I shall 60, for I am
| really not well.
He squeezed his hand more Affection
stely than usual. -,
Goodnight, my dear boy" he added,
| and turned around brusquely to hide the
tears which suddenly filled his eyes.
Eugene experienced Tor some moments
lively disquietude, but the friendly and
tender sdieus Of the Senator reassured
him that it did not relate to him. Still
- opA Of
fected by the sad emotion of the old man.
Was it not strange? If there was one
man in the world whom he loved, or to
whom he would have devoted himself, it
was this one whom he had morally
wronged
He had, however, good reason to be uR-
easy, and was wrong in reassuring him
self: for the Senator, in the course OF
that evening, had been informed OF the
treschery Of his wife; at least, he had
been prepared for it. Only he was still
ignorant of the name of her accomplice.
The one who informed him was afraid
OIL encounJerlng rne Dina ana obstinate
faith Of the Senator, had he named Eu.
gene.
It was probable, also, after what had
already occurred, that had he again pro-
nounced that name, the Senator would
have repulsed the suspicion as mon.
strous impossibility, regretting. even the
thought ..
Eugene remained until midnight at the
club and then walked to the Elliston
mansion. He was introduced into the
house with the customary precautions,
and this time we shall TO low him there.
On account of his poor health and rest.
lessness, the Senator usually occupied 8
room by himself. In trayersing the gar
den, Eugene saw the soft light Of the
night-lamp burning behind the blinds.
Cora awaited him at the door Of her
boudoir, which opened on CIRCULAR
passage at an elevation OF q few feet.
He kissed her hand, and told her in
few words Of the Senator's sadness. .
She replied she had been very uneasy
about his health for some days. This
explanation seemed natural to Eugene.
and he followed Cora through the dark
and silent rooms.
She held in her hand small por able
lamp, the feeble light Of which threw on
her delicate features strange pallor. As.
they passed on the rustling of her dress
was the only sound which betrayed her
light movement
She stopped from time to time-all
shivering-as If to better taste the dra-
matte solemnity which surrounded them
turned her blonde head little to look
at Eugene, then cast on him her inspiring
smile, placed her hand on her heart, a. if
to say. i am fearful" and continued to
proceed.
They reached her chamber, where dim
gas Jet family illumined the somber mng-
nifcence. the sculptured wainscotings,
and the heavy draperies.
The fame on the hearth, which flick
cred up at intervals, threw bright CLEAN
on the beautiful italian statuary which
formed the chief decorations of this
sumptuous apartment.
DO you love me tonight, Eugene'"
softly asked Cora. -.
DO you doubt me, Cora? Do you
doubt me2 Then I swear it," replied
Eugene with warmth and energy, as he
kneeled at the feet Of the fascinating
creature. ..
The sound Of his voice had scarcely
died away when the door suddenly
opened before them. ...
The Senator entered
Cora and Eugene instantly rose to their
feet, and, standing side by side, motion.
less. gszed upon him.
The Senator paused near the door.
AS he saw them Q shudder passed over
his frame, aud his face assumed livid
pallor.
ITO BE CONTINUED