The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-05-25
CONTINUED.

come TO II since then. That which
had come men usually call the marks
Of dissipation; that which had fled
they had no name for.
He might have been genuinely IN.
dignant or playing a part, but he
gazed sternly a few moments only
upon the agitated woman. his black
eyes cleaning wickedly; then. with n
sheer and Slight gesture OF dismissal
turned away Taking from his pocket
case, he proceeded calmly to select
and light a cigarette, and walking un.
concernedly 10 the fireplace, tossed his
match into it. Standing with his back
towards her, he busted himself with a
hunting scene above the mantel. And
thus, presently the woman, ceasing
TO cry, found him. She casped her
hands upon her chair-arm convulsiye-
" and lifted her head.
With a few rapid motions She twist
ed the fallen hair into position and
arose 30 her feet.
when you have finished with the
picture" she said, "listen to me-"
Startled he whirled and faced her
Her figure was now erect and head
mifted. The tenderness was gone from
her eyes. Wide open, they seemed TO
measure and threaten him. He came
slowly forward, the sneerunpon his face
You gave me your promise TO re-
main in London until ] returned" he
said, "and you have broken it,
And you! you told me that you
were here 10 wind up some estate
4
~. You had no idea Of returning.
You intended TO desert me. You liedi
Where Is my child, sirP" The mans
face flushed and grew deathly pale.
lie took two quick steps forward and
hesitated. 1T is useless Raymond, 10
try TO brighten me. You were born a
coward and / was not. Look to your
self She drew from her bosom
letter and extended II towards him.
IL found this after your departure;
it is from your mother" His assumed
Indifference vanished. Furious, he
suatched the letter from ner and
raised his arm.
"Wretchi"
Take care" she said, coldly, slowly
Withdrawing her hand. you are deal
ing with "A desperate woman. You are
welcome TO your letter. know il by
heart. In il ! am called by a vile
name-and you are told that a bride
and fortune await you al home You
came" lie was silent. You do not
deny IT," she added. With a slight
gesture he turned away and seated
himself
There is no need 10 deny IL now"
khe said. "Sit down. Louise" She
y waited a moment, and, moving chair
few feet away, seated herself, facing
him
I'VE have both made mistakes" he
said, coolly, preparing to light an
other cigarette, 'and ] an willing 70
admit that in all the matters between
us have been equally 70 blame, but"
he added between puifs as he smoked,
YOU have q fun share 10 settle for
yourself it Is. however too late %
discuss the beginn.rg 81 tA.- e.a-
ton We must consider its eaD3 'or,
as YOU evidently surmised, the time
10 end il has come" She made no re-
Ply but waited for him to continue,
her clear gray eyes riyeted upon ms.
"You have not believed me, but il is
true. nevertheless, that | am entirely
dependent upon my mother. My lit
tie property has long since disap-
peared with yours; she holds the whip
hand. Ever since her second mar
rage she has intended me for young
girl, her stepdaughter, in fact"
"You have known this all along"
"Yes; and while the child was grow
ing up she has tolerated this life OF
mine. Now she proposes TO end II.
The question is, How may you and /
settle ito"
81 seei"
"You are practical enough 10 under
stand that / am helpless. II ! should
refuse the old lady, | could not live
"a hours without work; nor could
YOU. II yield, as | must, you will
be provided for-with little-Nanon.'
4nc woman gaspeo ana pressed beg
hand 20 ner throat, but sith des-
perate effort she controlled herself.
Where is she2"
He hesitated while he studied the
blue smoke curling up from the ciga-
rette. Shaking Oft the ashes, he said,
at length;
81 have her in good hands" Their
eyes met.
"And you mean for me TO under
stand. l suppose, that you viii retain
possession OF her until ! assent 10
your plans?" Again he was silent for
a moment.
Eyes. that is about the way the mat
ter stands" There was long and
painful pause, during which the WON
an seemed TO struggle with some pow
erful emotion. She arose and APP
preached him. one hand in the bosom
of her dress, the other clasped until
her nails sank in the flesh.
"You told me that you-to try and
get-your mother interested-in her
grandchild." Her voice was strained
and barely audible.