The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-01-24
Dr.Elf6nstGilsMisslol
. 4 Remarkable Romance.
BIZ EMILY THORNTON.
CHAPTER xIv.-Continued.

CHAPTER xIv.-Continuod.
Sir Reginald was very unpleasant
nick person.
OF fiery disposition, he would rnte
soundly any person who did not instantly
acquiesce to his opinions.
This failing, together with his rough
and ungentlemanly words, often brought
tears'into the eyes Of Ethel, who was en-
tirely unused to such harshness.
Often she would question her own
heart, whether it was her duty to re-
main and bear the many petty trials that
daily arose to meet her.
Then she would remember the promise
given her aunt, and would try to Danish
each unpleasant scene from her mind,
BY striving to think of some way in
which to lead his thoughts into purer
and better channel.
Unjust have been sent here for some
especial purpose in the providence OF
God, and it may be that 1t was to be ip-
strumental In saving the soul OF this
Door man. But how Gan I obtain the
least influence over him, when he is 80
eccentric and unapproachable. The
only way that seems at all feasible will
be to introduce some religious reading,
and perhaps now and then drop some
thoughtful and holy sentiment. But be
Is 50 rank an unbeliever, and SO utterly
profane, fear every effort in his behalf
will prove failure"
That afternoon she found an oppor-
.tunity to put in force one Of her good
resolutions.
Sir Reginald had asked her to read the
daily newspaper.
This she had done, and after a tedious
hour spent in that manner, she took q
Bible from the table near by and with
out word commenced reading the four
teenth chapter Of St. John.
aLet not your heart be troubled; ye
believe in God, believe also in me.
"In my Fathers house are many man
sions; If it were not 80, would. have
told you. 60 to prepare a place for
you.
"And il go and prepare a place for
you, l will come again, and receive you
unto myself; that where ! am, there ye
may be also."
Thus far had she progressed in her
conscientious effort to bring something
holy to bear upon the sufferers mind,
when suddenly the book was snatched
from her hand, and hurled across the
room, while in a tone of thunder, and
with wicked oaths, he bade her,
"Stop that canting. hypocritical work,
and never dare read from that old book
of fables again in my presence. 1t is
bad enough to lie here suffering, without
having religion thrust in my way at
every turn"
"But, Sir Reginald" pleaded the
shocked girl with a trembling voice, "a
few words from Gods own book, has
often proved source of great comfort
to Christians, upon a bed Of pain
"Oh, yes! know ali you wish to say,
but tell you, once for ALL it won't COM
fort me, for l am no Christian. do not
believe in that folly, and ! won't have ii
around"
With a sigh Of weary resignation,
Ethel crossed the room, and picking uI
the volume she loved SO well from the
floor, she tenderly smoothed its rumpleo
leaves, and restored it TO its place on the
table.
@Stop!" be roared, as it left her hand.
II said would not have it aroundi
warn you it shall not even remain il
this room. Garry it instantly away, and
never let me hear a word regarding it, o.
its contents, from you again"
Reluctantly obeying the bold, impious
command, Ethel carried the sacred book
10 her own apartment, and again re.
sumed her task Of reading long political
articles and descriptions Of races ano
events that had occurred in the fashion
able world, while her soul was yearnine
TO give to the wicked master Of this
strange old Hall the true bread Of life.
In one of Dr. Elfenstcin's visits, hi
had been presented. with o quantity o.
exceedingly choice flowers, by grateful
patient, and suddenly remembering the
dismal life Ethel Nevergail was leading
he resolved to divide them with her.
Driving then, first to his own home be
fore seeking the Hall, he selected tht
most beautiful, and forming them into {
graceful bouquet, drove into the rambl'
with them in his hand
Belle was in the drawing-room, ant
saw him leap from the gig, with his flora
prize, SO stepped quickly from the win
dow that reached to the floor, in order Il
attract his attention, supposing, IN he
extreme vanity, that he would Instant.
present them 10 herself.
But, to her deep chagrin, he merel.
made a few passing observations auc
walked on, carrying the coveted flowers
with him.
Biting her lips in keen veXation. she
muttered as she retreated 10 the ROOM
she had left:
~ will stay here and watch for his re
turn. Something seems to tel! me tina
those flowers are for that odious Ethe
Neyergail. If they are"
She did not finish her sentence audlbly
but the ominous look in her eyes told O
bitter feelings that would seek som'
petty revenge.
Ethel was passing through the uppe
hall to her room, when DR.. ElfensteiI
ran lightly up, and as he pronounced he