The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-07-22

clouded as it has sometimes been, and
I remember all, or nearly all, have
done in this house. At times dull ne
my madness l have been entirely sane,
and so great was my misery in being
sane, that l have prayed to be mad
again. But never have been in my
clear mind more than few moments
at time; and for many months have
never been utterly mad. I have al
ways believed that l should see my
children again. May God forgive Inc
for all the evil l have done. as ] for
give you, my children. l have done
and thought much evil. but was mad,
or half mad. My daughter, place your
hand in my bosom, there is a weight
there"
Nancy Harker obeyed. and drew out
the little sack of golden coin.
"Sink it! bury it! cast it away" said
the dying woman. "How loved il in
my madness! There's the price of a
human life in it! Oh, scatter it to the
winds! Roland, my son."
But Hammond felt weak, sick and
faint. and hurried away to his library.
His face wore an appalled, and CHASTITY
look, as he departed. but there was no
tear in his eye, no repentance in his
soul. He regretted-nothing more.
HE has gone," moaned Fan, turning
her weeping eyes upon Nancy, who
knelt near her. "Ah, I loved my hus.
band too much to gain tn. love of my
children. Have you children, Nellie?"
"Yes, my mother, one son." said
Nancy.
card has he-has Roland children?'
"Yes, my mother, one son." replied
Nancy.
Il would ask many questions" said
the dying woman. Il would talk much
with you, my daughter. But death is
near me. But oh, my child, tell me,
have you known me to be your pool
mother very long?"
mo, my mother" said Nancy. 1--WE
have suspected it only short time. ]
wrote my fathers name on the floor,
and you recognized it."
II remember now. tainted. Look
at my Scared and distorted face. See
the ravages Of that awful disease, the
smallpox. No wonder you did not sus.
pect sooner. But stay, I remember
something more. That sick man in
the red room-that young maiden in
the other-who are they? You do not
answer. What deed of crime are you
doing, my daughter?'
Nancy made no reply. Sorry fo1
what she had done she was. but sor.
row is not repentance. She had pur.
pose to accomplish, and what that pur.
pose was the reader shall soon learn.
Farewell, my daughter, and may
God forgive you. May you repent and
reform ere you die. And now to Thy
mercy, Father Of all mercy, commend
my SOUL"
= Old Fan, as We have called Ellen
Elizabeth Dunn, never spoke again
She fell asleep, and in that sleep he1
tortured spirit passed away from earth
forever.
Nancy covered the body with sheet,
and stole away to the library. She
found Luke drinking brandy, and look.
ing very wild.
"She is dead" said Nancy. coldly.
ut is WELL" said Luke. "And now
you must perform the duties she per.
formed for q time"
"Are you not sorry, Luke:"
"Of course I am, Nancy" said he.
II am puzzled how to manage about
the burial. Trouble there-trouble
ahead"
And that was his sorrow!
"Now, Nancy, go to Catharine Elgin.
Daniel must have his sleep. I must
think"
Nancy left him sitting at his desk
his eyes hard, keen and cruel, and
every feature growing stiff in iron re.
solve. His race was nearly run.