The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-07-04

II heard MIN say ne was going TO near
Vittoria with you-it was impossible for
me to go with him so early in the week
was sure he was at the theater."
Livingston's mind was made up before
she concluded. He resolved to lie. If
The truth had to be told, Beauchampe
himself should tell it. He would not.
at was planned to go to the theater,
Out"
What was it that deferred him?
Her clear eyes seemed to be reading
his soul. She did not move finger; she
simply looked in his eyes, waiting until
be answered. .r' ''i
Livingston coughed. He could not lie
TO this woman. TO do so would be sac.
rilege. He essayed speech again, this
time more successfully.
awe were at the theater, but at the
end of the first act, which was very
short, we came out, were separated in
the crowd at the entrance, and Nh.
Beauchampe has not shown up since. I"
Livingston began airily, intending to
finish with laugh, but an exclamation
from the young lady changed the current
of his thoughts
HLeslie! Something has happened
something very serious. feel it am
sure of it" -
She clasped her hands and paced the
floor twice, then faced her :visito:. 1t
was plain that she was striving to con-
troll herself. aThat was hours ago, Mr..
Livingston; have you come direct from
the theater?"
Livingston stammered something about
time consumed looking for Beauchampe,
then said, forcing smile:
~ dare say we are giving ourselves a
world of uneasiness for no cause. He
will be here doubtless in little while. ~
Her searching eyes we're riveted upon
his again.
She laid hand lightly on his arm, so
lightly he scarcely felt it, yet he trem.
bled at the touch.
"Mr. Livingston, you are keeping
something back from me. How can
you? Who has better right to know
than his sister? We two are all alone. !"
Her manner more than her words con.
victed him. Yet he could not summon
sufficient courage to tell her all. All?
She should never know the truth now,
if he could prevent It,
II will not deceive you, Miss Beau
champe. came here hoping to find
your brother. However, it is possible
he is enjoying himself at this moment
with some friend-a student companion,
foreigner, or brother American"
THAT is not like Leslie at ALL" said
Miss Beauchampe. "He is incapable OF
such rudeness he would have returned
to you in company with this friend first
of all No, no! know something has
happened to Leslie. Why, see! it "a
long after eleven. The theater must De
closed I know something has happened.
because"
Here flood of tears checked her
speech. When she controlled herself
sufficiently to resume speech she added:
II was going to say ! dread something
terrible, because my brother has never
been out after nine o'clock since I came
to the city-not once. He was so par
ticular in this respect-he is the very
best brother in the world, Mr.. Living
ston-that he cautioned me when he
went out not to be uneasy if he should
be out till twelve"
As she uttered this rapidly between
binding tears, Livingston experienced
a sickening sensation. Could it be pos
sible that wretch such as Beauchampe
must be, If Simmons discoveries were
any guide, existed.
He could not, would not, believe it.
The longer, he looked upon this ,beauti-
full girl in tears, the stronger his faith
in his friend grew.
No man living in or breathing the
same atmosphere that this girl breathed
could be guilty Of the crimes laid at
door.
"Miss Beauchampe," he said, in tone
designed to reassure her, ~ will not deny
there is something unusual in this mat
ter, but it is possible something has pre-.
vented your brother from returning to
me or coming home" (
f. aYou cannot; it is impossible for you
or any one to comprehend the half ]
feel We are all the world to each other
If anything should happen Leslie,
think it would kill me, Mr.. Livingston.
I have no doubt it would be the same
with him if anything happened me-"
She was walking across the floor rap
idly now, sobbing convulsively.
Livingston was inexpressibly shocked
and grieved.
All his sympathies were aroused. But,
man.like, he stood dumb. He could not
choose words; words seemed such ,paltry
things in the presence Of the.girl's grief.
@Miss Beauchampe, will you listen to
me one moment-iust moment"
She turned her swimming eyes upon
him, clenching her intertwined fingers
resolutely.
@Just a moment I will give you my
solemn promise that I shall not close my
eyes until l learn what has become OF
your brother. We were firm-I hope
true-friends Rest assured, all that
can be thought of will be done-that is
providing your fears are verified. am,
fortunately, in position that will ell
able me to do much in an emergency.
My connection with the press and
large acquaintance in police circles vii
help me. Rely upon me-"
Miss Beahchampe reached out hand,
bowling her beautiful head, like and vel
wholly unlike her brothers. Living
ston pressed her hand fervently, walked
to the door, turned, looked at the silent
figure standing there motionless in the
middle Of the room, q picture that time
has not effaced from his memory to this
day, then softly closed the door behind
him aud FASTENED away.
CHAPTER ~.
THE MURDER.