Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-08-17
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al. myself do so. 1t is charming"
But why?"
with regard for my peace of mind. You
ora really too good, assure you. Here
comes the rain.
Large drops of rain commenced to fall
IN the flowers, The grass and the walks.
The day was passing, and the sudden
shower bent down the bcughs Of the trees.
awe must 90 in," said the lady; "this
begins to get serious.
Fortunately the summer-house was
close at hand; there were openings ontwo
sides. but the structure was large and the
roof tight.
drrest nlace she could find, and her COM
panion followed her.
The storm, iu the meantime, increased
in violence. The rain fell in torrents
inundating the soil around the frail
structure. The lightning flashed inces-
sanity. Every now and then great
branch of the neighboring tree scraped
the roof, detaching pieces, which te.l
heavily to the ground.
@I find this very beautiful, said Cora,
presently.
II also" said Eugene, raising his eyes
to the roof, but l do not know II we are
safe here" =.
"If you fear, you had better co." said
Cora, quickly.
Il fear for YOU"
"You are too good, assure YOU"
She took off her hat and commenced
brushing it with her glove, to remove the
drops of rain which had fallen upon 1t.
L L ,l,o rrr1 Hc
her uncoved head and cast on Eugene one
of those searching looks which prepare
man for an impor ant question.
My friend" she said, "if you were
suro that one of these beautiful flashes OF
lightning would kill you in ten minutes,
what would you dor
why, natu ally" he replied, L should
make you my adieux.
"How?"
He looked her in the face in terror.
do you know" he said, there are
times when am tempted to think You
are n devil?"
HTrulyl We'll. there are times when
am tempted 10 think so myself-for IN
stance. at this moment DO you know
what l should wish? Iwsh could con-
troll tie lightning, and in two seconds you
would cease to exist.
"For what reason2"
Because I remember there was man
to whom l offered my love, and who re-
fused it, and this man still lives. And
this dispeases me little-a great deal
passion1telyl"
Are YOU serious?" he asked gravely
She commenced laughing.
Il hope you did not think so. am
/ folyn n
/ bad taste, l admit. But seriously now,
Eugene, what is your opinion of me?
What kind OF q woman am II"
Il fear | cannot answer you.
SAh, well, am not so very bad; indeed,
I am a good woman one who loves you
well-with little rancor, but not much,
and who wishes you all sorts of prosperity
in this world and the next: Aren't you
clad? Do not answer me; it might en-
barrass YOU, and it is useless
She left her shelter, and turne l her
face towards the lowering sky.
"The storm is over, she said. Lot us
go in" -,
She then perceived that the ground out
side of the summer-house was trans
formed into lake of null and water.
"What shall 1 do?" she said, looking at
! Aer l&nJ DOOIS l. ueu Oul I'LL 3 ~ A@NSOHS'
added:
will you get me n boat?"
Eugene himself recoiled ON placing
his foot in the mud and waite.
"If YOU will wait little" he said, Il
shall be able 10 find YOU some heavy
boots or rubbers, 30 matter what"
1T will be much easier" she said,
abruptly "for you 10 carr me to the side
| xrif fiY,p fn
mans reply, she commenced tucklng up
her skirts carefully, and when she had
finished, said: Il am really"
He looked at her with as onishment,
and thought for moment she was jest
ing: but soon saw she was perfectly Sc
rious.
"Of what are you afraji?" she asked.
Il am not at all afraid, he answered.
DO you think some one will see usf
They cannot.
Il don't care if they do.
"Is it that you are not strong enough?'
Great Scott 1 should think l was.
lie took her in his arms as in cradle,
while she held up hor dress with both bel
hands. He then left the summer house
and moved across the garden with bis
strange burden.
He was Obliged to be very careful not to
slip on the wet earth, and this abso bed
him during the first few steps; but wher
he found his footing more sure, be felt G
natural curiosity TO observe the counte-
uince of the lady.
Her uncovered head rested q little one
side on the arm with which he held her
Her lips were slightly plrted with half
wicked smile that showed her fire wb tC
teeth. The same expression of ungov-
ernable malice burned in her dark eyes
which she riveted for some seconds OIL
those of Eugene with penetration, ther
suddenly yelled them under tie fringe o.
her dark lashes. This glance sent {
thrill like lightning to his very marrow
do you wish TO drive mo mad?" ht
murmured.
"Wbo knows2" she replied.
The same moment she disc ngaged her
self from his arms, and placing her foo
on the ground, ran up the yerauda steps
They reached the back drawing-leon
without exchanging word.
Just as Eugene was about to Withdraw
Cora turned to him and i'd:
BE sure that at heart am very good
really"
twithstanding this soft assertion
Eugene left the house in decidedly nm
comfortable state of mind Indeed, ht
carried away the most painful impression
of the scenes of that afternoon.
fro BE CONTINUED