The Irish standard., 1901-10-12

desired. and l shall not let it go
through the usual channel. 1t is the
chance of my life. have facts that NO
other human being could have accumu-
lated. facts of vital Importance. Ny
God, Louise! \ million dollars is
small price,"
"Give them to me-" she said; 81 will
deliver them upon one condition"
zone condition? Name it,
'"rhe price shall be paid to me-" Hol-
bin stood in deep thought.
"No," he said, as if dismissing some
mental argument, sit is too dangerous
a mission for any woman. Capture
would mean for you certain death.''
"My child!" she said, simply; and
then: 81 shall find way to get
through
"Then make the trip safely, and
swear to you will surrender the child
and come to you, too"
ooh, Raymond, promises, promises!
1t would be inhuman to deceive me
now"
"You will control the future if you
deliver my information and collect the
price," She knew him we'll enough to
understand that this logic with him
was conclusive.
''Then fgo," she said, "but how?"
81 shall prepare way" said Holbin.
But when he was gone Louise, free
from the influence of his personality,
began to feel all her suspicion and dis
|
but bitterly his life with her; it had
been succession of deceptions and ut
terly selfish. She asked herself over
and over what recourse would she
have if 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. Thespirit which had sustained
her during the past year returned,
and she felt herself full of fight. Ex-
perience had given her better control
nf her nerves; her life, when away
from Holbin, carried n more masculine
note; most women who go to school in
Washington acquire it. She had come
10 Richmond with the full intention of
seeing Mrs. Brookin, forcing settle
nent of her claims upon Raymond, and
securing her child. Of success as to
the latter she felt assured; the other
was doubtful. In the hour after her
last interview with Raymond it came
10 her as an inspiration that she now
had a weapon in her hand that would
beat down any guard, pierce any ar
nor; for he had admitted his connec-
tion with the enemy and had a gigantic
enterprise afoot. She had but to insist
upon a settlement in advance and to
threaten; but the 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. Brookin was brought to
her room-complete, because not only
was the visit of this lady most as
touishing thing, but upon that card
was a sign for which she was instruct
ed to 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 to
register under it. 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
riod." The visitor moved her chair
close and made a statement, carefully
worded, of considerable length, and
this Louise was required to repeat over
and over until its main points were
fixed in mind. It related to cabinet
meeting of the day before. Mrs.
Broolzin then offered 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 his
indiscretion has endangered you and
our whole system"
LoWer!-speak lower, Tor COOS
sakel"
HE has grossly deceived and
wronged a woman named Louise, and
has been rash enough to let her into
his and your secrets"
Mrs. Brool1in was almost unable to
articulate; the other handed her a
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 to a
sudden panic. But only few moments
was she absolutely helpless. Habit and
the calm face before her restored her
presence of mind.
[,ro BE Continued