The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-02-27

love. he threw himself at her side, and,
! lounging forward where he could watch
every fitting expression Of her face, re-
marked in a confidential tone:
"How old is that affair between you
and me, ma BELIEF"
sVery DID," said she, calmly; $50 old
that have forgotten the details"
"What unworldly innocents we were
In those days." breathed he, with tender
amusement. aAt least I was, for you
we're very wise, even then, | remember,
and did not in the least believe IN love
among the roses'-on cottage wall"
Chilled and humiliated by this perSf-
flage, Mrs. Dellamere found no reply.
"And how I persisted in claiming as
my own this beautiful hand" taking 1t
delicately in his fnger-tips), though l
mad not so much as q diamond ring to
deck its loveliness! And how cried
after my fair cold Lady Moon, quite un-
able to give up gracefully to the beati-
tudes she had scared to! But now," he
went on, intent on torturing her into
submission; snow 1 fully perceive your
wisdom. Had we married then, when
your whole dover was beauty and mine
true love. how obscure our existence
might have beenl To be sure we might
have been happy and pure-but what
primitive condition to live I'M"
sRather crude for our embryo diplo-
mattel" laughed she-and what anguish
thrilled in her laughter! II don't in the
least believe you could have done IL In
deed know that affair." as you justly
name it, was but an amusing episode In
pour life. Something as ephemeral as
that grand passion of which you raved
in certain grassy lane between Mrs
Dellamere's Pavilion and Inchape Fosse,
FIVE years ago."
In her agony she had turned at last,
and she knew where to strike. His face
darkened, there was ferocity as we'll as
sudden quivering pain in it, and flame
Of quick hate leaped out OF her in his
flashing glance.
aThat was brief alteration, soon re-
pointed Of" said he, bitterly, "a momen'
tary madness which q more fortunate
first love would have made impossible.
That, too, I lay to your account, sweet
lady. Ah! what do you not owe me by
way Of reparation."
he hung over her, marking the effect
of these stings as she shrank and paed,
exerting her social training to conceal
her pain; and his eye sparkled with
malicious Joy.
sEh bien! We have 'strayed far from
your election which Is not political
Suppose we return to that subject?"
sVery good, and very apropos OF the
reparation you owe me-" laughed he.
@But it is a prayer have to make; and
you are the divinity must pray to-"
: She would have vehemently declined
the part, but she dared not show him
the power he had to torture her.
proceed, then. but do not ask amiss,"
said she, family.
He fastened his bright cruel eyes upon
hers threateningly, as IL he would dare
her to resist his will, aud began with
" mock .solemnity:
aFair goddess, hear my prayers ]
want happy home"
@You shall have It'll you make It"
replied she, forcing herself to respond
TO his trihing humor.
II want loyal supporter"
aBe you loyal"
81 want wife,"
To this she only bowed.
@Fair goddess, I desire her at your
hands,
She gazed at him as If petrifed.
Dare she believe hor ears? No, no!
this mans heart was indurated, he
could mock at and insult that beautiful
love which had been theirs when their
spirits were pure; he was only trying
his power over her. hoping to betray her
into some seff-rovelation 1T which he
would laugh. @Fair goddess, havo you
forgotten your role?" he insinuated, his
gaze morcilessly probing hor.
proceed, proceed" faltcrcd she, pass
ing her pcrfumed handkerchief across
her lips as II to cover an arch smile, but
holding 1t there to hido their quivering
pain.
aDo you grant my petittonP"
"Truly you have great faith in the
efficacy of prayer, sir devotee! How
shall promise you q wife whose name
I know not?"
sDare I name her?" almost whispered
he, seizIng her trembling hand and
crushing it in his own, all unconscious
of his violence. "Laura, Laura! what
amends you owe mel"
Palo as death she returned his fierce
compelling gaze. What was he about to
say?
aOnce more my happiness is in your
hands-and now am no love-sick lad
to be crushed by cruel woman's nay.
To you 1 owe desolate life. with all its
pitiful deviations In search of the felic-
10y of which you once robbed me. This
ss tho reparation you owe me-to give
me now, late though 1t be, the home and
happiness with the woman Of my choice
which You should have given mo then
7 demand It of you; 1t Is my right
fro ne coErISUED.I