The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-06-06

the air Of one who knows that
she has the best Of the posi-
tion--and, without waiting
for an invitation, only vouchsa6ng a
grim How dye dos' sat down beside
the fire.
1T is bitterly cold" she said, looking
round leisurely.
1t is indeed. This winter has been q
very severe one" answered Elaine,
gently.
Colonel Severn stood erect, disdaining
even an appearance OF friendliness, ready
at a moments notice TO do battle on his
lady loves behalf.
There was a short silence; then Mrs.
Priolo spoke again
~ have come to look after my own
interests"
"Idon't think there Is any one anxious
to dstraud you" CALCULATED Severn,
sharply
She turned with q jerk and faced him.
I" am not so sure OF that. A lawyer
has been here and fresh will made,
hear; but am not at all put out by that"
No one answered, and she went on,
vehemently
Last time we discussed matters you
had the advantage, colonel. You made
me sign confession OF what had done
In the matter Of that arsenic. Have you
that paper safe n
/" It II at my lawyers"
And Ii not worth the ink It was writ
ten with. There is not soul in England
for whose opinion care now that Mr..
Bowyer is dead. You can make what
use you please Of 1t, Colonel Severn;
and shall observe the same freedom OF
action as regards the knowledge that I
possess.n
You will do as you please, Of course,"
said Severn, quietly.
You think" she went on, malicious
", that, because will has been exc
cuted in your favor, you are mistress Of
the situation but we shall see."
am quite sure" said Elaine, her
sweet clear tones sounding in pleasant
contrast TO the others angry shrillness,
that Mr.. Bowyer will not have for
gotten the faithful service Of so many
years. y
choose, !" answered the woman imperti-
nently but you can't get rid of the
fact that l am his sister-in-l law, the only
connection he had In the world
Elaine did not reply; and Colonel
Severn also maintained silence, Juggling
at his long mustache with an air OF being
bored thEt the housekeeper found in
finitely CALLING.
Z You take the matter with a high
hand" she cried; but you may find
yourself In the wrong box after all.
Perhaps you are not aware that criminals
forfeit all right Of property When l
tell all can, I'd like to know what good
Mr.. B1wyer's money will do either OF
you then
Colonel Severn stepped forward hasti-
ly and placed a protecting arm round
Elaine's waist.
To whom do you refer under that
insulting name p he asked haughtily.
ITO Elaine Warrington, who muir
dered her sister nearly three years ago
at Sydney"
/" Pshaw! You know as well as | do
the utter absurdity Of that accusation"
II she is innocent, she will have to
prove 1t "--doggedly.
That she can easily do. The real
murderer has confessed; she holds the
confession In her hand" "
The housekeeper stared at the paper
blankIy, the conviction coming slowly to
her that the value OF her secret knowl-
edge was indeed gone.
Then am as liberty to tell the law
yers all know z" she observed pleas
antly, rising from her seat as she spoke.
g Oh, no, no, nor" burst from Elaine's
white lips; and the colonel FASTENED to
explain.
Miss Warrington is not speaking for
her own sake, but another's- II she Is
accused, she will be forced in self-defense
to give up the name of the real murderer"
''And that she does not wish to do 2"
--shrewdlS.
"And that she does not wish to do"
g | would give anything not to do it,"
cried Elaine, impulsively.
Anything in reason, supplemented
Colonel Severn, with warning pressure
on her arm.
But Mrs. Priolo saw that she might
still make capital Of her knowledge
Y" You wish to buy my silence p she
said, quietly.
Hyou are willing to sell it."
s That would depend on the terms
offered"
What would you consider a fair.
price r. asked Colonel Severn, unable to
keen an accent Of scorn from mis- voice,