Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-28


 but bitterly his fife with her; IL nau 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. 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 more masculine note; most women who go to school in Washington acquire it. She had come to Richmond with the full intention of 1 seeing Mrs. Brookin, forcing a settle ment 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 to 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 gigantic | en UeIprlSe a1OOt. Sle ldO put to nSlSC upon settlement in advance and to threaten; but the pressure upon Ray mond should come from his mother. 1 She therefore determined to carry out her original intention, call on that lady, and have a plain talk. Her sur- prise was complete when at the mo- ment that decision was reached the card of Mrs. Rrookin was brought to her room-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 to look in every stance-two peri ods 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:
 "I perceive, madam, that your mourning has reacr ed the second pe- 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 a cabinet t meeting of the day before. Mrs. Brookin 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 son in the war1 depart ment who is in great danger, and his iudiscretion has endangered you and our whole system-'
 er!-speak lower, for Gods sake!"
 He has grossly deceived and wronged a 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 8 glass of water.
 "Where is she-this Louise2" 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 { sudden panic. But only few moment ts was she absolutely helpless. Habit ano the calm face before her restored he1 presence of mind.
 "What is it we can do for this woma IF who has been so badly treated? Sh' has no cause to doubt me. Tell mt how l may serve her" Her voice wa: calm and insinuatingly conciliatory.
 ''She demands a public marriage madam. Until this year she has be lieved herself less than the legal wifi. of Raymond Holbin, though God know she never intended to be less than tha She was his wife abroad, openly ac knowledged as such, and now she has proof of that absolute, undoubt ed proof of the highest character affidavits of acquaintances, registers letters addressed to her in his owI handwriting and photographs. Al this mass of evidence is properly cer tifed to in duplicate, and she has on' copy of each in>the hands of her law yers in Washington and one copy here Madam, your son has lived with thi woman as his acknowledged wife, ant I am assured that under Virginia lav she is his wife and would inherit hi estate.'
 ''Ah! She wishes money?"
 "No. She wishes to have her chill restored.'
 Her child? Raymond's child?"
 'Alas, madam, one word answer you-yes!"
 He has not told me this" said tn mother. Ut is all that he had left t tell: his life has been a great, pain frl disappointment to me-"
 Ut is likely that he has not told yo
 other things. He is preparing fo r transmission inform ton which h thinks is good for avast sum of money
 and there is the trouble, for l believe
 as you sit before me, madam, thai having given me his sacred promise his sworn promise to send it by Louise joln her later and right ali her wrong: , he is really planning to desert he , again. And in that event, madam, h
 would leave a desperate woman be hind"
 What could such woman do then , Who would believe her-a self-cor l fesSo6