Waterbury Democrat., 1901-01-08
CHAPTER xx


 abled to move about the house and grounds with a cane. He had had the best nursing in the world and con sidering the great load which had been removed from his mind it is lit tie wonder that he did recover. The secret of the identity of his assailant was kept by Blanche, Father Surtees and the major from the other mem bers of the household. A report had become current that the attack was made by robber, whom Blanche and the major had met On the grounds, and who fired on them to make his escape. These three know ing ones thought it was likely Jeanne had given up her murderous plans, but for fear that she might cause fur ther trouble, Father Surtees was mak- ing strenuous efforts to find her that he might inform her that they knew of her marriage to Dugdale.
 One bright, sunny day Talley, who still lived at Lyndhurst, persuaded the major to go into the city with him to see the new bank, of which Talley was cashier and the major vice pres ident. They had both disposed of
 
 increase in value, and had invested part of their earnings in the stock of the new bank.
 The major was writing some letters in his office at the bank that after noon when the office boy announced a lady. And when the visitor entered, despite a long, heavy veil, Goddard recognized Jeanne. As the office boy withdrew she closed the door and stood with her hand on the handle.
 "I see you recognize me, Rowland, :" she began.
 "Yes, I recognize you," said the major, grown white with excitement. Wont you sit down?'
 Il have not come as an enemy, Row. 1and," she said, softly
 'Oh, you have not?'' he said.
 No; for l am completely in your power. I knew I was taking a big risk; but l could not have any peace of mind till l had seen you. I have met my husband, Henry Dugdale, and he said he had told Blanche about my first marriage. I know you can hand me over to the law as a bigamist, but I don't think you will do so, consider ing-considering your love for Blanche. My spell over you is broken, Rowland.'
 "4es, it is broken. Jeanne. I could look you in the face for thousand years and only wonder how"
 Don't say it," she broke in. "Let's part friends" -93..
 After you tried to kill her-poor child?' he asked. "Jeanne, I cannot forgive that"
 Il was out of my head" said Jeanne, pieadingly. q did not intend to shoot at her till l overheard you about to confess. That maddened me. I would not have shot at you even then. Ii you had not run between me and her, but 1 have sorely repented. You see l can repent, too, Rowland. You have, and l know there is a sort of light in your face that never was there before. Do try to pardon me, and let me go away and try to live a better life. I am, ,eso, so tired. of wrong-doing. It has never led me anywhere. Henry still loves me. and will take me back to Denver, where no one will ever associate my name with yours. He says our child is long ing for me. He sent me to you He wants to feel that we will not be troubled by your preferring charges against me. Will you do this?"
 "I shall be glad to, Jeanne" said the major, slowly. q want to tell Blanche that she need no longer be afraid of you. She is very nervous. Ever since that night she starts at the slightest sound. She seems to feel that her life is constantly in danger"
 Well, tell her we are going away tomorrow. I shall never come to New York again. My husband is good man, and he has suffered''
 Jeanne rose and held out her hand. "Good-by," she said. T am very sorry l wounded you. When I heard you were about to die, I came near killing myself. l would have done so if Henry had not saved me. He told me you were recovering"
 ''Good-by." The major gave her his hand. T think you had better draw your veil and go at once. TalIey is in the counting-roon, and might recog- nize you.'
 Half an hour later Blanche drove I'D to the bank in a cab. and remaineS~