The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-07-12
CHAPTER XII.

halph PreScOCU uXeQ niS eyeS Peue~
tratingly upon his hostess, as he en-
phasized the name he had spoken.
Something sinister in their expression
caused Ruth to start slightly. With
masterly control Of the role she had as
sumed, however, she said simply:
Proceed, sir.
you know this man. You have been
seeking to find him.
How dare you interfere in my af-
fairs"
~Because-I know you"
That was the climax. The words
were simple, but they comprised vol
ume in expression and significance.
you know me?" faltered the dis
guised girl.
yes, Ruth Elliott, know you"
H The mask was down. He had expected
q scene-agitation, Mysteries. He was
mistaken. Only a flutter Of the false
hair, a slight contraction Of the muscles
about the eyes, and Ruth looked up
steadily.
yes, Ralph Prescott, you have pene-
trated my secret, but I warn you am
NO longer the timid girl who shrank at
= vain threats"
Indeed" sneered the nettled Pres
colt.
But the wife OF man for whose sake
. I have stceled my heart to surprises,
sorrow, and pain. You know me. What
OF it? My story will show nothing Grim
inal in my being here disguised-rather
merit, necessity"
Il know all your story, all your plot
~ Nngs, all your hopes"
Il doubt it.
And I come to warn you, to aid you,
4, Ruth" and the schemer's accents grew
tender. We we're friends once. We
must be again"
- -Must!"
= Yes; for If you ever needed friend, a
ID counselor, it is now. You believe me
.. sordid, heartless, selfish. 1t is not so.
For your sake I come here-for yours
/. alone. You have been, you are being.
wretchedly, w;ckedly deceived. Your
q husband"
"Stop!"
The imperious mandate rang forth
clear as clarion note.
AS Ruth rose Indignantly to her feet,
her eyes flashing, her voice vibrating
with firmness, the craven covered.
Il will speak" he muttered, doggedly.
say you are being deceived"
BY my husband?"
by the man you believe = be your
husband"
do you dare insult me by doubting?"
His honesty, his fidelity? Yes, Ruth
Elliott, l do not come with idle words.
ering proofs!"
-Proofs!" uttered the girl, scornfully.
Yes"
"Of what?"
~Of the fact that you are not, and
never were, Paul Dalton's wife. He is a
scoundrel, thief, q bigamist. Read! -
His words daZed Ruth. The paper he
had suddenly extended startled her, for
her eyes read on it's exterior the indorse-
ment copy" and the further words,
certificate Of marriage Of Paul Dalton
and Isabel Dandy"
He Was married before. his first wife
ts alive. He was thief then, he is o
thief now. The clergyman who gave
me that document will swear to him
Ruth-Ruth-it has been too muon LOT
her!"
No need to urge further CONVICTION.
The last blow had told. :,
With moan, Ruth Elliott tottereo ano
fell in a dead swoon.
L
triumphant. He lifted her to couch.
He applied flask Of spirits TO hef
nostrils.
He grew alarmed at the icy coidness
OF her brow, at the marble whiteness OF
her hands.
If it has killed her!" he painted. No,
no, it is bat shock butt must get
help-some nelghbor, some woman. The
worst is over, she knows, she believes.
Henceforth, it is plane-sailing.
He hurried from the room, intent on
summoning help.
He rang at the doorbell Of the next
house, briefly informing the woman liv-
ing there that Mrs. Easton, the nurse,
had been taken suddenly ill, ard accom-
panied by her, returned to the SICK
room.
For an hour the woman worked on the
inanimate Ruth, startled at recogniz-
ing her, divested Of her disguise.
II can't understand it, MIR. Prescott, !"
she said. Il fear her condition is dan
serous." -------.-