Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-07-20
CHAPTER IL.

AFTER CLOUDS a GLbAh We oNNShANL'
Eugene Cleveland, left alone in the
library, sat for some time plunged in
thought.
The whole scene that had so recently
nassed had been more than a surprise TO
him. Never, oven for single moment
had he SO much as dreamed Of what w
really concealed in thee apparently cold
heart of that strangely beautiful lady.
She had gone away angry with him
friphtfully angry What would she do?
It was in Ler power 10 work him in
finite harm. Would $40 use that power
against him? Could he doubt it?
But she loved him. Ali he could not
help seeing and believing that-loyed
him with an intensity that was truly
friehtful-the very thought of which
thrilled him, yet made him shudder. And
loving him as she did, would SIZE not le-
lent0would she not even return to him!
Thinking thus, Eugene took book, and
as he idlv turned tie leayes-waitod. For
what?
An hour passed; there was another
slipbt sound lust without the libr ry door.
He felt sudden pN' pitation, and secret
wish that it might prove to be Mrs. Ellis
ton.
1t was his uncle who entered.
He advanced with measured stride,
looking very important, and touching Eu-
GENE, Who had quickly arisen from his
scat. on the shoulder.
Then, somewh It ilnplossively, he said:
well, young mani"
Well sir. .,
What are you doing here now?
"Oh, l was just looking over this
worl, " holding up the volume lie still re-
tanned in his hand.
Reading, ell? UNI Well, sit down
there-sit down, | say.
Eugene sank back into his easy chair,
while Mr.. Elliston threw himself on the
sofa. and let one foot rest on the stool his
wife had so recently occupied at the
Young mans fact.
well, well" he repeated, after long
well, sir?" said Eugene, not very well
4 knowing what else to say.
What the deuce!" growled the other.
OIs that all YOU can think of? | thought
Won wanted me to give you, or, at least,
to loan you, a hundred dollars.
Eugene started, changed color not q
little. and looked up at his uncle with
breathless interest.
Understand me, young man, said the
great man, very impressively. I've no
idea what YOU, who under the circum-
stances. are receiving a very liberal sal
ary. can possibly want of hundred dol
lars, and | am not now going to stop to
inunire. Moreover, you are not to sup
nose its my regular habit to loan money
70 every poor relative who may see fit 10
make demand upon my purse.
But" he added, after a pause, fo1
some reason that for the life Of me
cant comprehend, my wife has conde-
scended 10 take IN interest in this matter,
and if YOU are not too consummately
proud to receive the sum as gift from
her. why. it's at your disposal, that's all.
Eugene, who had once more started to
his feet, fairly gasped for breath, and
was obliged to hold Oh to tho table foI
support. He made an effort % speak, but
for the life of him cou not utter word.
Forty devils!' exclaimed his uncle
gazing at him with undisguised stonish b.
ment. What III the world is the matter
with YOU? Is there anything so very
wonderful in a soft hearted woman s
taking pity on such one as you, and
Offering the assistance you crave"
"l-I-it's 80 very unexpected, you see,
sir.
Hum. SO that's it, eh? Well" offer
ing him hundred dollar bill, here's the
morey, and I trust you will prove very
grateful to Mrs Elliston for this mark
mark of her favor"
II cannot take the money, uncle, on
such terms, he said. ALI asked of you
was that, personally, you would lend ne
the sum for specified time. do not
wish-in fact, l cannot, accept it FROM a
woman-as gift.
Il sincerel, trust" he aided, quickly
that you understand my feelings in the
matter, and viii fu ly appreciate the mo-
tiyes that prompt me to decline Mrs. e.
liston's nrnifered asSistance.n