The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-06-15

trust returning. She reviewed calmly
but bitterly his life with her; IL had
been succession Of receptions and ut
terly selfish. She asked herself over
and over what recourse would she
have II he should slip away and leave
her in Richmond, and gradually. as she
considered his manner, she became
convinced that he intended nothing
more or less so far as she was con-
cerned. The spirit which had sustained
her during the past year returned.
and she felt herself full OF fight. Ex-
perience had given her better control
of her nerves; her life, when away
from Holbin, carried a more masculine
note; most women who go 20 school in
Washington acquire IL. She had come
TO Richmond with the full intention Of
seeing Mrs. Brookin, forcing a settle
ment OF her claims upon Raymond. and
securing her child. OF success as 10
the latter she felt assured; the other
was doubtful. In the hour after her
last interview with Raymond il came
10 her as an inspiration that she now
had a weapon in her hand that would
u'HA WV dHl khhiof Hiti1t
NOR; for he had admitted his connec-
ton with the enemy and had gigantic
enterprise afoot. She had but 10 insist
upon a sett>iment in advance and 10
q resten; but tie pressure upon Ray
mond should come from his mother,
She therefore determined TO carry out
her original intention, call on that
lady, and have plain talk. Her sur.
prise was complete when at the mo-
ment that decision was reached the
card OF Mrs. Brool1in was brought to
her complete, because not only
was the visit of this lady a most as
touishing thing, but upon that card
was a sign for which she was instruct
ed 20 look in every instance-two peri
DDS following the name. The meaning
of the two periods was that the visitor
had a message to be sent by word Of
mouth only and that she might be
trusted.
BY what means the visitor knew OF
her Louise was not Informed; but she
had been given name and directed 10
register under il, and she readily
guessed. She at once said, after the
formal greetings were over:
II perceive. madam, that your
mourning has reached the second pc
Rod" The visitor moved her chair
close and made statement, carefully
worded. Of considerable length, and
this Louise was required TO repeat over
and over until is main points were
fixed in mind II related 10 a cabinet
meeting Of the day before. Mrs.
nrookin then offered a few comments
upon the weather and the unfortunate
war and would have arisen. but Louise
detained her. She said, bending over
her:
You have a son in the war depart
ment who IS in great danger and h's
inciscretion has endangered yon auG
our whole system
Lower! speal, lower, for God
sake!"
lie has grossly deceived and
wrongod woman named Louise, and
has been rash enough to let her into
his and your secrets.'
Mrs. Brookin was almost unable TO
articulate; the other handed her 3
glass Of water.
where is she--this Louise?" she
asked then.
Madam, she stands before you. "
Louise had then and there part Of
her revenge; the elder woman, in spite
Of all her experience, gave way 10 q
sudden panic. But only few moments
was she absolutely helpless Habit and
the calm face before her restored her
presence of mind.
"What is il we can do for this woman
who has been so badly treated? She
has no cause TO doubt me, Tell me
how | may serve her" Her voice was
calm and insinuatingly conciliatory.
''She demands a public marriage,
madam. Cptil this year she has be-
lieved herself less than the legal wife
of Raymond Holbin, though God knows
she never intended 20 be less than that.
She was his wife abroad, openly ac-
knowledged as such, and now she has
proof OF that fact-absolute, undoubt-
ed proof Of the highest character
aifidayits Of acquaintance, registers,
letters addressed TO her in his own
handwriting and photographs. All
this mass Of evidence is properly GER
titled 10 in duplicate, and she has one
copy Of each in the hands Of her law
yers in Washington and one copy here.
Madam, your son has lived with this
woman as his acknowledged wife. and
am assured that under Virginia law
She Is his wife and would inherit his
estate"
"Ah She wishes money!"
"No. She wishes TO have her child
restored"
"Her chid2 Raymond's child2"
"Alas, madam. one word answers
you-yes."
"He has not told me this" said the
mother "It is all that he had left 10
tell; his life has been a great, pain
full disappointment 10 me-"
1T is likely that he has not told you
other things He is preparing fer
transmission information which he
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