Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-02-20
After long pause, Stanley raised his head


and in low, hollow voice asked
"What is it that you wish, or purpose to d.
in this matterP"
Leroy Immediately came back from tn
window and resumed his seat.
"Why, that's just what l want to tall
about" he replied. "Iam glad that you hav
come to the point at last. Of course yo'
have penetration enough to discover that
have purpose-I can't become aware ofsucl
an important fact as this one we are talking
about, and not expect to make some use
the knowledge. I couldn't be expected t.
keep such secret for love, could /? I'm to-
much man of the world for that"
"Stop beating about the bush" said Stan
ley, striking his hand on the table, "and tel
me at once what you want"
"Oh I must make haste, must /? ? We'll
it's natural you shouldn't like to be kept ii
suspense" said Leroy, in soothing tone
which irritated Stanley's already tortured
mind almost beyond endurance. "Brieay
then, Mr.. Stanley, you must agree to pay mi
a certain sum, and I'll agree, honor bright
not to breathe word to anybody Of you
family affairs"
"How much is it that you want?" asked
Stanley.
"Ten thousand dollars" was the prompt re
ply. "Pay me that down, cash, or give MT
your note for the same, and I'll not trouble
you any farther"
"It is utterly impossible" said Stanley. 81
have not so much in the world"
Leroy looked at him for a moment, ane
gave long, low whistle.
"You don't expect me to believe that,
suppose" he quietly remarked.
"Believeit or not" said Stanley, "such ii
the fact of the case. A short time ago
might have agreed to your demand, but
have lost heavily lately by a bank failure, ane
am comparatively poor man."
"Dear, dearw said Leroy shaking his head
"What a singular thing it is, that a man ii
sure to have been unfortunate and lost money
just before his creditors or some other trou
blesome people come to him for some It's
great pity, but something must be done tt
remedy the matter"
81 cannot give you what you ask" sale
Stanley. "That is positive"
"What can you give me, then ?" asked LIE
roy.
II can give you four thousand" said Stan
ley, "and not a dollar more"
"You are jesting," said Leroy, coolly. "Try
it again, Mr.. Stanley"
"Not dollar more" repeated Stanley.
"Don't you value your reputation at more
than four thousand dollars" asked Leroy.
"Don't talk to me of my reputation, sir,
said Stanley, 6ercely. "You have nothing te
do with that"
"You may find that have good deal tt
do with it" said Leroy, "if you don't agree
to my terms. How would you like me to pro
claim to the world that you, the travelled anc
polished Mr.. Stanley, the fashionable gentle
man and man Of honor, had married second
wife while the first one was still alive? 1:
bigamy considered polite social custom, Mr.
Stanley? You have more knowledge Of the
ways of society than have"
"It was, at least, an unintentional crime in
my case" said Stanley, who appeared toe
wretched to heed the others insolence, "fol
until the last six months, I had no knowledge
of-of her being alive. Where she sprung
from, God only knows. sometimes think
she must be fend in human shape, sent tc
torment me and make my life hell"
"There was great mistake somewhere,
said Leroy, shaking his head, "and very un
lucky one, for you. Does the other know
about it ?"
"What other" asked Stanley.
II allude to the second-your present &C
knowledged wife"
"Do not name her to me-" said Stanley
covering his face again, with sort of groan
"My poor Lucyp he muttered to himself
"What will become of her2"
"Ah !" said Leroy. "You should think Of
her. The exposure would be dreadful on hen
account. No sacrifice that you could make
ought to be considered too great, to shield he'
from the knowledge of such catastrophe >
Stanley writhed at that moment he felt a
more sincere affection for Lucy than he had
ever done before, and shuddered at the
thought of the evil that he had brought upon
one so young, 50 innocent and so unprotected
He spoke truly when he told Leroy that he
could not agree to his demand He had lost
heavily of late, and did not know at present
how he could raise so large sum as that
which he was now required to pay as the
price of secrecy.
1t was torture to him to be in the power Of
this man, who he felt sure would not hesitate
to employ the most INSCRIPTIONS means to &C.
complish his end.
He could not yet determine on what course
he should pursue, and was anxious to gain
time for deliberation.
After considering for a while, he said to
Leroy
"You must allow me time to think over
this matter; I can make no arrangement at
the present moment. Come back tomorrow
and I will give you an answer"
"Well," said Leroy after moments
thought, "that's only fair. 1 don't wonder at
your feeling little unsettled in regard to the
matter; it's pretty puzzling fix, I should
think for any one to be in. What time shall
1 come back?"
At this same hour-or stay-a little later
Say six o'clock that will suit me better"
"At your pleasure" said Leroy as he rose