The Florida agriculturist., 1889-09-11

of relief and Joy that her brother was
safe. at least that she could save him by
the sacrifice $50 far as this man was con-
cerned) of her reputation as a pure
woman. By letting him continue to
suppose that it was an ordinary intrigue
in which she was engaged, and paying
him for his silence-for she OWNED that
it was for that purpose he had accosted
her-she could keep Percy's secret until
the time arrived when it might safely
be divulged. The sacrifice was perhaps
as arduous one as an honest woman
could be called upon to make; but there
was no hesitation in her mind as to
whether or not she should make it.
''I have heard that there were such
persons as you, but never saw one be-
FORE" she said. ''You are blackmailer,
are you not?'
There was something in her tone that
touched sore spot in him, callous and
degraded though he had become. To
see her beautiful face and angry eyes
gazing straight into his, and to feel that
her contempt for him was far too great
for her to make any attempt to express
it in words, was an experience that even
he found trying He remembered, with
pang of hopeless rage, that he might
have so lived as to have the right to
meet this lovely woman on terms of
social equality, and to win her respect
and perhaps her regard. AS it was, it
was impossible for one human being to
despise another more than she despised
him. And yet what right had she to
despise him if she were herself repre-
hensible before society? The thought
hardened him again.
81 see you are up to business as well as
to some other things" he said. 81 have
my living to make; you are paid for by
your husband and amuse yourself by de-
ceiving him. If he divorces you, you
may find out what it IL to make your
own way in the world; as long as your
good looks last no doubt it will be easy;
but after that you may be ready to take
few lessons from me. But meantime
intend to bleed you for what | want.
AS soon as you get tired of paying me |
shall go to the judge and you will go
to the devil. Is that plain?"
Eyes, understand you. You will
certainly earn your money" she re-
marked, with a smile that made him
grind his teeth. "Well, then, will pay
you for your silence Now, as to the
amount. Have you thought about that?"
"You will hand over five hudred dol
lars this evening. will let you know
when | want any more.
mo" she said decisively, ''I will not
give you five hundred dollars. That is
absurd
Either that. or your husband knows
all about your performances before he
goes to bed tonight.
very we'll. But recollect that by be-
traying me to him you will free me from
every restraint and scruple l suppose
you don't need to be told that am not
kindly disposed toward you. The pleas
ure of destroying you would compensate
me for the loss of social position you
speak of. While you are with my hus-
band l shall be with Inspector Byrnes.
promise you faithfully that you shall
suffer the utmost penalty of the law. and
after the law has done with you | will
take you in hand myself When that
time comes you will wish that the law
had kept you longer You will never
draw a breath that is not free from pain
and terror as long as you live, Look at
me, sir Don't you think mean what
say?"
The o1ietness of anger at white heat