The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1884-07-06
CHAPTER ~.

Again INTO tn0 m0nOtOnOO pain. Win all 1tS
horrible realities. Except that there was now
now and heart-breaking Significance TO tho
solitude and loneliness Of the landscape. all
But as tho blood came back to her cheek. and
little By little her tinglins consciousness re.
turned. It seemed ~ II her life had been the
dream. and this last scene tho awakening
reality With eyes smarting with tho moist
ure Of shame. the scarlet blood ct times
dyeing her very neck and temples. she mufhed
her lowered crest In her shawl and bent over the
reins. Bit BY bit she recalled. In Poindextsr's
mysterious caution and strange allusions. the
corroboration OF her husbands shame and her
own disgrace. This was why she was brought
hither-the deserted wife. the abandoned CON-
Federated The mocking glitter OF the concave
vault above her secured BY tho incessant wind.
the cold stare Of tho shining pools beyond the
hard outlines OF the coast range. and the Jar
ring accompaniment Of her horses hoois and
rafting buggy wheels alternately goaded and
distracted her. She found herself repeating
Mol mol NOT with the logged reiteration Of
fever. She scarcely knew when or how she
reached the hacienda. She WINS only conscious
that she entered the patio: the dusty solitude
that had before filled her with unrest now
came to her like balm. A benumbinR peace
seemed to fall from tho crumbling walls-the
peace Of utter seclusion. isolation. oblivion.
death! Nevertheless. an hour later. whom the
Jingle Of spurs and bride were again heard in
tho road. she started to her feet with bent
brows and q kindling eye. and confronted Capt.
Poindexter in the corridor.
II would not have intruded upon you 40
soon again." he said Gravsly. but thought
might perhaps spare you repetition Of the
scene Of this morning. Hear me out. please"
N Wi hal
gesture. as she liftcd tho beautiful scorn OF her
eyes to his. II have Just heard that your
neighbor Don jose Santiorra Of Los Gatos. Is
on his way to this house. He once claimed this
land and hated your husband. who bought of
the rival claimant. whose grant was confirmed.
tell you this" he added. slightly flush
ing as Mrs. Tucker turned impatient
ly away. only to show you that
legally he has no rights. and you
need not see him unless you choose. could
not stop his coming without perhaps doing
you more harm than good: but when he does
come. my presence under this roof a. your
legal counsel will enable you to refer him to
me-" He stopped. She was pacing thu corrt-
dor with short. impatient steps. her arms
dropped and her hands casped rigldly before
her. Have your permission to stsy2'
She suddenly stopped In her walk. ap-
his. said:
do know all now-everythinef
He could only reply that she had not yet told
him what she had heard.
WELL" she said. scornfuly that my hus-
band has been cruelty imposed upon-impossd
upon by some wretched woman. who has made
him sacrinee his property. bis friends his
honor-everything but me-"
Everything but whom :" gasped Poindexter.
But Mel"
Poindextor gazed at tho sky. the air. the de-
serted corridor the stones OF the patio itself.
and then at the irexpicnb!e woman before
him. Then he said Gravely. Il think you know
everything"
Then II my husband ha. left mo all he
could-this property" ahe went on rapidly.
twisting her handkerchief between her fingers.
Il can do with 1t what like. can't I2'
You certainly can"
Then sell It," she said, with passionate
vehemsnce Sell tall! everythingl And
sell these" She darted into her bedroom. and
returned with the diamond rims she had torn
from her fingers and oars whom she entered the
house. Sell them for anything they'll bring
only sell them at once"
But for what ?" asked Poindexter. with de-
mure lips but twlnkling eyes.
ITO pay the debts that this-this-woman
has led him into; to return the money she has
stolen" she went on rapidly. TO keep him
from sharing her infsmyI Can't you under
stand?"
But. my dear madam" began Polndsxter.
even II this could be done-"
Don't toll me II 1t could 1T must be done.
Do you think could sleep under this roof.
propped up BY the timbers OF that ruined
tienda2 Do vou think could VICAR those din-
monds again. while that termagant shop woman
can say that her money bought them3 No. II
you are my husband's friend. you will do
this-for-for-his sake" She stopped looked
and interlocked her cold fingers before her. and
said hesitatingiy and mechanically. You
meant we'll. Captain Poindexter. In bringing
me hore knowi You must not think that
blame you for it-or for tho miserable result Of
1t that you have just witnessed. But II I have
gained anything by It. for Gods sake let me
reap 1t quickly. that may give It To these
people and goi have friend who can aid me
to get to my husband or TO my home In Ken
tuoky. where Spencer will yet find mo. know.
I want nothing moro" She stopped again.
With another woman the pause would
have been ono OF tears. But sho kept
her head above tho food that filled
her heart. and tho clear eyes fixed upon Poin-
dextor. albeit panied. were undimmed.
But this would require time" said Poin-
dexter. with smile Of compassionate explnna-
tion: you could not sell now. nobody would
buy You arc safe to hold this property while
In actual possession. but you IRE not strong
enough TO guarantee 1t to another. There may
still DO litigation; your husband has other
creditors than these people you have talked
with. But while nobody could Dust you-the
wife who would have the aympathies Of Judge
and ,ury-it might BIO a different case with
any one who derived title from you. Any
purchaser would know that YOU could not SELL
or. II you did. II would be ut ridiculous saeri-
nce."
She listened to him abstrantedly. walked to
the end Of the corridor. ressrned. and. without
looking up. said:
Il suppose you know herY
Il bog your pardon?'
This woman. You havo soon herr"
Never. to my knowledge"
And you are his friend? That's strange"
She raised her eyes to his. well. she con-
tIuued impatiently. who ia she and what Is