Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-10-05
CHAPTER XVI.
THE REPTILE MOVES.

The Hon. Sherwood Elliston remained
in New York for some days. At the
formal request of his nephew, he called
upon his old friend Sidney Leland, and
demanded for Eugene his daughters
hand at the same time assuring the
banker that he charged himself with the
future of the young couple.
In secret, Floral Leland had long ad-
mired and of late had learned to love,
Eugene Cleveland. Her happiness, then,
when she heard her fathers announce
ment after dinuer that day, may be i'm
agined, but can hardly be described.
Indeed, it would be painful to dwell on
the joy she felt, and her only regret was
that Eugene had not come to her in per-
son to press his suit
But Eugene had not the heart to do so.
He remained at his counting-room all
the morning. and only called at the Le-
lands when he had learned that his over
ture was accepted.
Once having resolved on this mon5trous
actions, the worst part of which ne did
not himself know, he was determined TO
carry it through in the most correct man.
ner. and by this time he was master of all
those arts.
After he had withdrawn, Flora flew to
her mother, WHO, believing in Cleveland,
shared her happiness, and they sat to-
gether long time, hand clasped in hand,
looking out upon the garden, dimly seen
by the soft light of the stars, the daughter
blessing her mother, her friends, every
body. aud the mother thanking God; both
mingling their hearts, their dreams, their
kisses, and their tears-happier, poor
women, than is permitted lon5 to human
beings under the heavens.
The marriage took place the ensuing
month. Senator Elliston was present, and
when he returned to Washington this
time he was accompanied by his wife.
At the earnest request of his brides
parents, Eugene took up his residence
with them, and Warren Leland still had
a suite of apartments in the same stately
and commodious manion.
His polite i campaign had now opened,
and he Was very busy, visiting Rox6ury
or some other town in tho Congressional
district every day; but in order TO be
near Mrs Denton, and particular y Nj :
dred Lester in whom-must we confess it2
he was bel inning to feel a rapidly grow
ing interest, he spent most Of his nights
in New York.
Finding presently that he could not at
tend to all his corresr ondence alone, lie
beg Il 10 look about him for private Sec
retary, and soon oae presented himself
and was promptly engaged.
1t was s-Osclr Slyme!
The extraordinary session of CONGRESS
that commanded the presence of Senator
Elliston in Washington was still drag
ging its weary length along.
Cora endured it for some time, and
then, informing her husband that it was
necessary for her to visit New York,
promptly returned to that city.
A few days later Oscar Slyme threw up
his situation and followed her.
The next day after his arrival he was
installed as Warren Lelands private Sec
retary.
He lived in the same house with them.
He came early in the morning, after
breakfast, passed the day in Warren's
private room, and often dined with them,
IF he had work TO finish in the evening.
InstinctiYely, Flora disllked him flom
the first.
His name is bad one to begin with, !"
she said.
Eyes, reioined her mother; "but the
man himself is good enough creature,
except that 1 somewhat dislike his cat
like style Of looking at one.
Il don't like him." reiterated Flora.
"He has such peculiar pride, or perhaps
l should say insu fferable vanity. But his
great ult, in my eyes, is the scoffin3
tone he adopts when the subject is relig-
ion or morals.
Eugene entered the room in time to
catch his wife's st remark. He said
nothing at the time but that day, while
they were dining, Slyme allowed himself
to indulge in rather violent trade of
this description. 1t was doubtless con-
trary to all good taste.
My de SIyme, said Eugene, quietly
and yet IRONICALLY. ito me, and perhaps
Mr.. Leland, these pleasantries of ours
are Indifferent; but pray remember that,
while you are a strong-minded man, my
wife is weak minded woman; and
strength, you know, should respect weak
ness
Oscar Slyme first grew white, then red
and finally green. He arose, bowed
awkardlg, and Immediately afterward left
the table.
The moment he was gone, Flora said
to her brother.
You may think me indiscreet, but
YOU confde all your affairs and all your
secrets to man who processes to have no
prnciples?"
Warren laughed.
"Oh, he talks thus out of bravado, he
answered. He thinks to make himself
more interesting in your eyes by these
Mephistophelean airs. At bottom he is a
good fellow.
But. objected Flor, "he has faith in
nothing"
Not in much, believe. Yet he would
not deceive me. He is an honorable
man.
Flora opened her eyes wide at this.
We'll, said her brother, with an amused
look, what is the matter. Flo?"
What is this honor you speak of"
Let me ask you, sis, he replied.
@Great heavt ns!" she cried, blushing
deeply, Il know but little of it, but it
seems to me that honor separated from
morality is no great thin and morality
without religion is nothing. They all
constitute chain. Honor hangs to the
last link, like q flower; but if the chain
be broken, honor falls with the rest"
Her husband, who heretofore had re-
mained silent, looked at her with strange
eyes, as though he we're not only con-
founded but disquieted by her philoso-
ply. Then he gave deep sigh, and ris-
ing, said:
Very neat that defnition-very neat &"
"Yes, by Jove!" exclaimed her brother,
Il didn't know Flo had so much in her!"
That night, at the opera, Eugene was
very attent We to his wife. Cora accom-
panied them; and at parting, Flora beg ed
her to call for her next day in passing o
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