Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-08-24
CHAPTER XIV.

IN MORrS OF BLOOD
Eugene did not attempt to IeJoin hef'
and it seemed to him that she also Volt
ell him. quarter of an hour later nc
left his uncle's house
He returned Immediately home.
A light VS. burning in his chamber.
When he saw himself i'll the glass IN
pass .ng his face terrified him. his eA-
citing scene had shaken his neryes~
He could no longer control hlmseI'
He saw clearly that Cora, having de-
termined on her course, would go 10 any
length TO carry out her pnrpose.
The fact i self did not surprise hlm'
Woman is more exalted than man III ele-
yation of morals. There is no virtue, no
devotion, no heroism in which she does
not surpass him; but on Q impelled 10 the
verge of the aby IS, she falls faster tban
man. This is a'tribntnble TO TWO cause S;
she has more passion, and she mas ho
For truly honor is a reality and must
not be moderated. Honor is noble,
delicate, and salutary habit. 1t eieF"tes
manly qualities. 1t is the pradery oil
man. 1t is sometimes a force, and always
q grace But to think that honor IS all
sufficient; that in the fee of great IN
terests. great passions, treat trials ID
life. it is support and infallible defense;
that it can enforce the precepts which
come from on High-in fact, that II can
replace God-this is to commit terrible
mistake.
It is to expose ones self in fatal mo-
ment 10 the loss Of ones self-esteem, and
10 fail all at once and forever into that
dismal ocean of bitterness, whee Eugene
Cleveland at that instant was struggling
in despair, like a drowing man III the
darness of midnight.
The next evening at G o'clock he was at
his unc.e's house Mr.. Elliston was IN
Washington. He found Cora at home,
surrounded by all her regal luxury. She
was looking a little pae and fatigued'
She received him with her usual cold
ness and self possession.
Good evening", she said. How are
you?"
Not very we'll, replied Eugene.
What is the natter"
Il fancy that you know.
She opened her large eyes wide With
surprise, but did not reply.
Il entreat you, Cora" continued Eu-
gene. smiling, mo more music; the cur
tain is raised, and the drama has com
menced.
"Ah, let us see that"
DO you love me, as you once told me
YOU did?" he went on, or were you sim
ply acting, to try me, last evening? Cal
You, or will you tell me?"
Il certainly could, Lut do not wish t
do So"
Il had thought you more frank.
"I have my hours
well. then" said Eugene, IT you
hours of frankness have passed. min
have commenced"
"That would be compensation, she re
piled.
And 1 will prove it to you" continues
Eugene.
"I shall make fete of it," said Cora
throwing herself into an easy chair, lik
one who was making herself comfortabl
to enjoy an agreeable converS tlon..
Il love you, Cora, and as you wish I
be loved. / love you devotedly and unit
THAT is we'll" said the lady softly.
But" he continued, in hoarse an
constrained tone, lin loving you, in tell
ing you of it, in trying to make you shar
nv love, basely violate the obligation
of honor which you know of, and other
YOU know not Of. l put away from m
lender memories, both sweet and sad.
is crime, as you have said I do nc
try to extenuate my offenSe. / see it,
Judge it. and 1 accept it. I break the las
moral tie at is left me. l the rank
of men of honor, and leave also the rank
of humanity. 1 have nothing human LEI
except my love; nothing cred but yol
but nv crime eleyates itself by its vel
magnitude.
ITo BE CONTINUED