The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-12-06
CHAPTER II.
MR.. LEON RAPPELYE.

ried out, and passing through the wait
ing-room to the street beyond, were soon
lost in the gloom.
One, however, fingered at the door.
looking apparently Tor some expected
person or conveyance.
He was, as could easily be seen, a
stranger in the place.
He had scarcely q moment to walt,
however, when private coachman ap-
preached, whip in hand, and accosted
him.
u have been sent to meet gentleman
from New York named Elfenstein. Are
you the one?"
u am."
@Then please follow me-"
The young man was soon seated ID
handsome closed carriage, while the
driver also mounted to his box, and they
Immediately started off at papid pace.
Street after street was traversAd, until
finally they turned into the extensive
grounds Of an elegant residence.
The house before which they stopped
was large and imposing in appearance,
but still had dark and gloomy aspect.
No light was visible at any OF the: win
dows.
AS the young man stepped across the
piazza, the large doors were Instantly
opened by colored waiter, who motloned
him to enter and proceeded to assist in
removing his overcoat and wet over
shoes.
@How is Mr.. Rappelye tonight"
asked the visitor.
s'Bout as usual, massa. Pears like
he must die, he is always so badly OH Tor
breff."
aCan see him?"
ayes, sab, just as soon as you las
something to eat. Some dinner is wait
ing, and de nuss says you am to eat it
immejertly, den come up to his room. l
will show you. derfore, to de dining
room fust."
avery well," replied the stranger,
YEARLY; u am ready"
Crossing the marble floor OF the long
hall, he was ushered into a room ele-
gantly appointed. The bright CRATE fire
cast cheerful glow around, while the
velvet carpet scarcely gave back foot
fall.
The table was laid for one, and very
soon q sumptuous dinner was served, OF
which he alone partook.
Leaving the stranger to enjoy his soil
tary meal, we will precede him to the
story above, and to the presence OF the
invalid, whose urgent telegraphic dis
patch had brought him to the place:
The second story back room was large
and commodious, opening into room
beyond, where every luxury abounded,
for the comfort of the master.
Yet In the midst of ali this splendor,
sickness had stalked, ever reaching
forth his poisoned tongue to blight and
wither the owner of 1t all.
"Has he Gomez"
These words issued from the pale lips
of the sufferer, who was half sitting, half
reclining upon the bed.
"Has DIR. Elfenstein come? I thought
heard the carriage"
"You did, and he is here" returned
the nurse and housekeeper. II thought
it best to have him take dinner before
you saw him. presume you have much
to say and would prefer not to be inter
rupted. He will be with you in a few
moments now"
The invalid sighed. Then, seeing him
greatly pressed for breath, "You seem to
suffer so much, had you not better post
pone seeing him until morning?" said
the nurse.
aOh, no. may be worse then.
Asthma is so hard to conquer. / will
not defer my business. Has my lawyer
Gomez"
"Not yet"
'"He should be here. The cuckoo
clock has sounded half-past eight some
time since"
ayes, it is quarter to nine now. But
the door-bell rings. I think that is he. !"
"Sct that stand with writing materials
close by my bed, then 60 down and show
both gentlemen to this room; after which
YOU can leave US to ourselves until you
hear me ring"
Making herself known, the nurse m
troduced Earle to Mr.. Gray, then led the
way to the sick mans presence.
"Here is Mr.. Gray, Mr.. Rappelye, and
this is your expected friend, DR.. Ellen
stcin."
Reaching forth thin, white hand, the
old man smiled fecoly, and between
struggling breaths managed to say:
"I am very glad to see yon."
Taking the emaciated hand in both
his, Earle ElfenSteln pressed II tenderly,
and in a low tone, full Of feeling, re-
spondcd:
81 AIN glad I could come to you, but
sorry, very sorry, to see you so ILL.,"
"You must wonder why summoned
you, an entire stranger, to my side in
this unceremonious way, but ! have i'm
portant business to transact. Talking is
such an cXcrtion, my lawyer, Mr.. Gray.
must explain for me my wishes, and why
l sent for you."
These words were uttered at intervals,
for his short breathing prevented long
sentences, and gently releasing his hand
Elfenstein took the seat close beside the
bed, while Mr.. Gray seated himself in a
business-like way beside the table.
CHAPTER III.
MR RAPPELYES PROPOSAL.