The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-06-20

f0rgetful Of his errand in this new oc-
casion for solicitude which had sud
denly dawned upon him, What has
happened? What have you been doing
to yourself?" he asked roughly, in the
brusQue, unceremOnious tone one uses
IN inquiring concerning ones own.
I was less strong than I had thought
myself. The day had been a hard one.
[ felt my limbs becoming mere tren-
bling traitors; even the arm that sup
ported me against the mantel shook
under my weight. I had not prepared
myself for his sympathy or considera-
ton. I should not have blenched be-
meath his scorn or anger. 1 motioned
him to a chair, and sank into one my
self.
Nothing" I replied, desperately
Strengthening the voice that sounded
Sc feeble Nothing; I am we'll, but
very tired. Please tell me your errand
at once. have had a hard day, and
must have some rest before night. You
have come, of course, with some OBJ
ject I am sure you would not have
disrcgarded my wishes else. 1t is
What?"
But he paid no heed to my request
that he should make known the pur-
pose o& his visit, nor did he respond
to my invitation to be seated. He still
stood, looking at me with that shock
ed, startled gaze, and I could not re-
strain my eyes from rising to meet his
searching glance. I had thought 1
hated and was grown Indifferent to
him, but ah!-I found it good to look
upon him, even with resentment.
What is it?'' he asked again, pres
emily, With stronger insistence. Paul
Inc what has changed you so? Not /
surely not II"
laughed a sore, heart-siclz little
laugh.
"You-and some others I answered,
and could say no more for a moment,
as a miserable sob came rising into
my throat, choking my free utterance
After all, even with the hope of Lisa's
conpanionship, I was desperately
wretched. 1 was sad Bo-peep, crying
Cor the vanished Illusions that had
strayed from the keeping Of my mag
ination. And alas! there was no voice
10 reassure me as to their return with
il the fold.
They We're gone forever, those pretty
L,
the p'Ib!ic, vas its honored lady as
well; that the worldwide renown my
talents had gained was accompanied
~ equal esteem for my virtue and
character: shat the actress, whatever
her rank in her profession, who kept
her life pure anal unsullied was capa-
bic OF holding her reputation above re-
proach in the eyes of men. 1 had ac-
CURED the knowledge that, however
discreet and ciTcumspect she may be,
the actress is the lawful property of
scandal. Calumny possesses over her
fame the right Of eminent domain,
and tha privilege Of centuries is net
to De denied by individuals.
Richard Quintard's face darkened.
81, and some others" he repeated.
81 understand. 1t is to beg your for
giyeness for her visit that 1 come here
now. And that villain Picot! Put him
into my hands, and he shall no longer
prey upon you. There is law which
concerns blacknailers. Let me see that
it reaches him.
I made q gesture Of contempt as 1
leapt my head YEARLY upon the soft,
padded chair.
HE does not trouble me-" I said. He
has 10 power over me, nor ever had.
That is another Of your unjust suspi-
cionG. The only hold he has upon me
he is himself unconscious off,
An expression Of pcrpleXity came
into the glance that was bent upon me.
mo power! But-pardon me- the
Eccret az your daughters existence
you yourself oorrcborated it in your
letter'to mes
I started forward in my chair, my
!assitude forgotten in this sudden rec
ignition Of how the cur / had be-
friended had sought to bite my hand.
"Ahr' l cried; $50 he imposed that
story upon you, out Of revenge doubt
jesx, Cor he does not love me over
much, I know. He told you that l have
q daughter Of whose existence I am
ashamed; that I have her hidden safely
away In a convent; and that pay we'll
TO maintain secrecy concerning her.
And you. naturally, as I am an act
yees. believed Kim without confirmation
or proof. You would not have accept
ed ouch & tale without better authority
had the matter concerned woman OF