The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-12-07


critical meditatl on of q new crime-a
mask which he was preparing in advance.
What was to be done? What kind OF o
life was it possible to live in common
under the weight of such thoughts? What
present-whnt future?
These thoughts bewildered them.
Next day Eugene could not fail remark
ING the sin ngular change in their counten-
ances in his presence; but be thought
thew had suspected he had been to call
ON Cora, and 30 we're offended.
He smiled at this, for as result OF his
reflections durin the night he had deter
mined to break off forever his intrigue
with Cora Elliston. -
For this rupture, which he had made it
q point of honor not 10 provoke: Cora haa
herself furnishsdshim sufficient pre-
text. The criminal thought she had con-
fded 10 him was, he knew, only feint to
test him, but it was enough to Justify his
abandonment of her. AS to the violent
and menacing words she had used, be
held them Of little value, though at times
the remembrance of them troubled MIN.
New rtheless, for long time be mad not
felt his heart 80 light.
Inls wlcKeo tie proKen, 1t seemed as
though he had re- umed, with his liberty,
his youth and virtue.
He walked and played part of the day
with his child. Just as night fell, clear
and pure, he proposed to Flora an ex-
cursion in the woods. He spoke to her
of view which had struck him shortly
before on such night, and which would
please, he said, her romantic taste.
He would not permit himself to De
surprised at the disinrlination she mani
tested, the disquietude which her face
indicated, or at the rapid glance she ex-
changed with her mother.
The same thought, and that most
fearful one, entered the minds OF both
these unfortunate women at the same
moment Of time.
They we're still under the impression
Of the shock which had 30 weakened
their nerves, and Eugene's sudden prop
osition, so contrary to his usual habits,
the hour-the night and the solitary
walk-had suddenly awakened in their
brains the sinister images which Phebe:
Craven had laid there.
Flora, however, with an air OF resolu-
ton the circumstances did not seem en-
titled to demand, prepared Immediately
to 20 out, then followed her husband
from the house, leaving her child in
charge OF her mOtner.
Thev had only to cross the Gar
find themselves on the edge or the wooas
which almost touched the dwelling, and
which stretched to some distance beyond.
Eugene's Intention in seeking this In
terview Was to confde to his wife the de-
cis've determination he had taken OF
delivering up to her. absolutely and
without reserve, his heart and life, and
to enjoy with her his first taste OF true
happiness.
which Flo replied to the affectionate
gnyety of his language, he redoubled his
efforts to bring their conversation to q
tone of more intimacy aud confidence.
While stopping at intervals to point out
to her some effects of light and shadow in
their walk, he asked what visitor she had
seen Yesterday. She namedtw or three;
then lowering her voice against her will
mentioned Phebe Craven.
THAT one,"' said Eugene, you had bet
ter not have seen. no longer recognize
her" -..,-.......4 ...s5 -.... ..
sWhy?" asked she, timidfy.
Because she is bad woman. When
We ara a little more intimate with each
other, YOU and I, shall edify you on her
character. shall tell you all-all, un-
derstapd.
There was SO much Of goodness in the
accent with which he pronounced these
words that Flo felt her heart half COM
fort. d.
The phantom disappeared, little by lit
tie, from her mind, and she commenced
to saw to herself that she had been the
snort of bad dream and OF true mad
ness, when singular change in her hus-
bands face renewed all her terrors.
Eugene, in his turn, had become ab-
sent and visibly preoccupied with some
grave care. He spoke with an effort;
made half replies, meditated. then
stopped quicklyto look around him, like
frightened child. y. 49,
There was an extraordinary similarity
in tho thoughts which occupied them
both. At the moment when lora was
tremblinp for fear near her husband, he
was trembling for her.
He thought they were being followed;
he thought he heard in the thicket the
cracking of branches, rattling OF the
leaves, and final y the sound OF stealthy
steps.
These noises always ceased on his stor-
ping, and then commenced again the
moment he resumed his walk. tie
thought, a moment later. he saw the
shadow of man pass rapidly among the
underbrush behind them.
Finally he had NO doubt that they were
dogged-but by whom2'
The repeated menaces of Cora Elliston
against Flora's life-the passionate and
unbridled character Of this woman, soon
presented itself to his mind, and suggest.
ed this mysterious pursuit, and awakened
these frightful suspicious.
fro BE r"NT1NUED.l