The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-02-25
CHAPTER II.
Continued.


CHAPTER IL
Continued.
Luke Hammond's pale right hand
slid into his bosom, and there was
murderous intent In his eye when Kate
sprang between.
James, NO violence! Mr.. Hammond
~ call you uncle nc more-is 1t pos
Sible that your hand Ia now grasping
q concealed weapons?
Hammond seemed to wither In the
scornful are Of Hates rebuking glance.
and his hand fell to his side as II sud-
denly paralyzed.
Let James Greene leave this house"
said he, hoarsely.
First let me tell o u."'said James.
"that I was acquainted with this lady
many months before I repaired your
desk. Ours is no sudden love. but the
growth Of time. I knew her father.
and he befriended me much. I have
not stolen into this house to win Miss
Elgin's love. She has honored me IN
giving me her love without solicitation
on my part. and I have returned that
love honorably and from my soul. ]
loved her and she loved me long before
either Of US recognized q mutual anec-
ton. You have ~insinuated that ! have
sought her hand for the fortune It
may hold. You do not know me. Mr..
Hammond. Were she a. poor as she
an rich-and for her sake. thank heaven
she ID not-I would love her a. much
a. I do now. ! do not acknowledge
your right to stand between Us, for she
IN in her eighteenth year. and has wis
dom to guide her In the choice Of q
husband. I do not ask You to consent
to our marriage; your opposition 10 .
mere shadow to me and to her. ! leave
Jon. but tell you I intend to make
Miss Catherine Elgin my wife % noon
~ she shall name the day"
AND that win be when you may ap-
point, James," said Kate. boldly.
mot 90 fast. young lady" said Ham.
mond. by the conditions Of your
fathers win you cannot marry without
my consent and keep possession OF the
estate"
Then I WIN marry without either"
replied the aigh-spirited girl. 1T will
be q relief to me to escape from your
presence. and from those dismal night.
noises"
THAT reminds me-" said James, ITO
tell MI. Hammond that he has played
anything but an honorable part in I'LL
ing Miss Elgin's mind with q ridiculous
belief in ghosts and haunted houses"
do you, James Greene. leave this
house this instant, or I win summon
those who shall soon throw you into
the street." said Hammond, savagely.
There 10 not power enough In this
house to force me out" said James.
"and should you summon the police l
would take refuge In the eastern wing
Of the iouse-the haunted part. Mr..
Hammond"
Luke Hammond started slightly. but
made NO remark. while James slowly
moved into the hall with Kate.
.Good night. my love-" said James.
exchanging o kiss at the vestibule.
'.Since your uncle carries 90 high q
head I will fathom his mystery. though
I violate one Of the rules Of my life.
which reads, Let every man mind his
own business Still. I cannot presume
80 ask you to wed me. and so cause
you to lose your fortune. I have never
heard of the will Of which he speaks.
An think your father made no will"
Luke Hammond-do not call him
my uncle" replied Kate-"says he dis.
covered the viii a few days ago. and
that he IL preparing to have 1t proved
In court"
you know, dear Kate. I am depend
ent upon my industry for my support"
said James. land 1t viii be very wrong
I'm me to induce you to wed poverty"
Health. honesty and industry are
not poverty. dear James," said Kate.
pressing bis hand. "You have them, 80
have I. I am ready to be yours. rich
OK poor"
You are an angel. Katy" exclaimed
James, as he gazed into her bright
brown eyes. II have heard 30 much
Of Luke Hammond's sharp dealings,
both as q broker and q lawyer. for he
has been an attorney-that I begin to
suspect that he Is d~ecelving you about
the will. But at any rate we are de.
termined to marry, rich or poor. and
90 here 10 q kiss for goodnight. II
you walk out tomorrow evening at
seven I will meet you, and we will
appoint q place and time for our wed.
ding"
The lovers parted. and Kate returned
to face her en-aged uncle. while james
Greene hurried to his home.
He lived alone. for SO far as he knew
ne had no kindred. When Kate re.
entered the parlor she found Luke
Hammond pacing to and fro. and NUT.
terinS curses upon James Greene.
Kate had no desire to quarrel. and as
abe feared Hammond's violent tem.
per. she turned to 60 to her room,
when he cried ont:
"Stay. Catherine Elgin! I have
something to shy to you"
Speak b q gentleman should. and
use q gentler tone. Mr.. Hammond. II
you desire me to listen to you" said
Kate.
.Ha! your champions love has made
you bold. Miss Elgin." sneered Ham
mond. folding his arms. and gazing OIL
her with q stare meant to abash.