Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-08-17

But on the street they separated, Mr..
Elliston and Eugene going 10 the Office
Of the formers lawyer, where, soon after,
thev we're Joined by Mr.. Norton and his
attorney.
It was past noon when Mr.. Elliston left
them. and when Eugere again entered
the doors of the publishing house, he did
50 partner, owning a one-fourth inter-
est in the business for which his uncle
had paid S37,5OO, and the firm name
henceforth was TO be John Norton d Co.
For one moment, at the end OF the
transaction, Eugene's peace OF nina was
somewhat disturbed.
AS thev were leaving the lawyers ONCE,
his uncle took his hand and SAID:
Eugene, my dear boy, l ought TO tell
Won. for YOUR conscence's sake, that Mrs.
Elliston is aware that intended to rem
der YOU this little service, and that she
approves of it. She has o great deal OF
love and affection for you, my dear tel-
low; be sure of that"
For moment Eugene was unable to
speak. At length he faltered out: But
does she know ALL Does she know"
"Yes," interrupted his uncle; "she
knows all about it. informed her that
| did not intend to take any receipt fol
whatever sum / might advance on your
account. and that no reclamation of il
should be made at any time on any ac'
count.
you are too good, sir"
Not at all. This, or something like 1t,
is what ought to have done before. And
now good-day."
Good day, sir, and M ny thanks.
"By the way, Eugene, your evenings
must be very lonely. Come up to the
house tonight"
Under the circumstances, Eugene re-
garded this invitation as in the nature OF
a command, and therefore accepted 1t
promptly.
All the afternoon the thought that he
was to meet his uncles wife SO soon
again made him nervous. He had
shrewd suspicion that it was wholly
owing to her influence that he was now
partner in the house of Norton Co.,
and this suspicion tended to make him
ill more nervous; so when evening came
it was with somewhat tagging step that
he approached the stately mansion, and
assembled to the broad platform before the
mansion doors.
He rang the bell, and stepped into the
vestibule. The hall porter almost I'm,
mediately opened the inner door, and
showed him into the library.
His uncle was there, walking up and
down the room with nervous tread.
The moment he perceived the young
man entering
"Ah. it is you!" he cried, darting an
eager glance upon HIM. by my faith,
yoar arrival is fortuuate!
How is that, sir?"
"I am called away-have to meet the
State Central Committee in less than
half an hour Mrs. Elli'ton is rot well;
don't know what's the matter with her.
Il am sorry to hear that she is not
we'll; /"
"I know, 1 know, and you must see
her"
"But if she is ill"
~She is rot confined to her bed, you
understand, and your presence wall do
her good She needs some one to cheer
her up. You must so to her at once:
You owe her this mark Of attention. And
-er-Eugene!"
"Sir?"
"If YOU discover anything you must tell
me-"
But what should l discover, sir?"
"The deuce! How do 1 know? But you
understand women better than | do, and
perhaps you can find out what's the mat
ter with her. Something troubling her;
of that am certain, and l would like to
known Just what it is. ="
What makes you think there is any
thing troubling her?'
"From her actions. Then she is so re-
served toward me- so impenerab'e."
"I think Mrs. Elliston is naturally
cold" said Eugene.
yes" responded his uncle, thought
fully. @Yes, and in some respects but,
really now, should you discover anything,
rely on your communicating 1t to me.
And stop! when you have seen her do not
leave the house, but have the kindness
to return to this room. l shall be back II
a couple of hours, sooner if possible
You will obliQe me in this?'
Certainly, sir. When you return you
will find me here.
For my part l love her like fool"
THAT is only right, sir" o.,
Hum! And what do you think OF herr
Eugene started.
AS have already told you, sir, he at
lenrth said. Il think her very beautiful
oueeulv. in fact, but naturally cold.
"That's it, that's it; and now 90 to her.
Where shall 1 find her, sir?"
an her boudoir at the head OF the
stairs.
Eugene thought he knew the room, and
as his uncle left the house he ascended
the broad staircase lending to the second
floor.
Arriving at what he supposed to be the
~;obt door he knocked
Obtaining noanswer he entered win
out hesi alton, lifted the curtain which
hung in the doorway, and Was immed.-
ately arrested by a strange spectacle.