The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-03-26
CHAPTER VI.
(Continued.)


Earle, creditor. had, perhaps. never In
their lives had more sincere or ear
nest desire. than then. In wishing this
woman away. Palmer Earle. stern.
strong. unyielding business man. hold
Ing against this woman's husband the
heaviest weight Of debt: Palmer Earle.
indomitable In action between his
counsel and Graham's counsel; Palmer
Earle, up to that moment thoroughly
convinced that he was just and honor
able to the utmost letter Of honor and
Justice; Palmer Earle. before this
small, proud. beautiful woman. with
her level eyes and steady lips. felt that
it might be he was sterner than he
need be. and unyielding where yielding
might be wiser! He was not soft
hearted: he would have been the first
to scorn such an insinuation; and he
was not to be moved from his business
level Of honor. But. apart from soft
ness Of heart or trace Of sentiment he
could not meet the quiet eyes Of Alecia
Graham and feel Mt ease. He le:ned
his head upon his hand. his elbow upon
the desk. and sat In silence for a mo-
ment; whether relentins or waiting for
his counsel to speak, how could she
know?
John winthrop. counsel against this
woman's husband. looking at the case
from all sides with justice. rs he tried
70 do. having already decided. could
not be moved It would merely be re-
lcnting because Of the woman. and
that he would never admit. He would
have been glad to send her away with
q lighter heart. and again bring upon
her face that transfisuring smile that
made even that room something the
better, but he would not do 1t. for he
felt convinced perfectly Convinced
that he was right. and judging for his
CLIENT would be guilty Of dishonor
should he decide against him.
Perhaps-but this he would not ut
ter. even to mis- own heart-perhaps.
because he was % moved by her beau
y and purity and pride Of womanhood
he would not yield to her pleading.
No woman had ever SO moved him. He
admired beauty, as every man must.
who is not thoroughly Indifferent to
what Ii good and high, but he held q
woman's constancy and viii a rather
week-not to be relied upon.
He had expected tears and entrea-
ties. and was prepared to meet them;
and had not been called upon to meet
them; and his heart struggled with his
strong win hercely before Alecia-Har-
old Graham's wife.
But he would not yield.
Palmer Earle lifted his head pres
emily, AZ he did 20 meeting Alecia's
eyes. and turned to his counsel. He
placed implicit reliance upon John
winthrop's judgment and justice.
I'VE have done everything that IL
possible, Mr.. Winthrop? Are you quite
assured there il NO means Of compro-
missing the matter? No allowance Of
time? No adjustment Of a reasonable
Der cent? I desire to be entirely just
to every one. and would be specially
glad to grant any request Of Mrs.
Graham's. I have known her husband
slightly socially. and had long business
relations with him, and have found
him honorable until this failure came
without notice or warning. II you can
suggest any way out Of the difficulty I
shall be glad to accede to it. even at q
loss to myself"
Still John Winthrop would not yield.
II have considered the matter care
fully and without prejudice" he said.
quietly, but with new sternness in his
voice. as though he would repel any
further pleading on the part Of this
woman. AS you soy. desire to be
iust ut all times. Your claim against
Mrs. Graham's husband Is exceedingly
heavy. and rs yet but slight portion
has been met. Mr.. Graham placed
everything. he says. in the hands Of his
creditors to meet liabilities. But Of
this am not quite convinced. A man
should honorably give up oil that he
possesses at such q time, and his wife
should make such effort also. You will
pardon me. Mrs. Graham. II my words
sound harsh. but your diamonds and
your fortune. I understand"
Alecia's proud head was lifted with
q trifle more pride. and her eyes famed
into his, q deep red spot glowing in
each cheek. Otherwise she was per.
fectly calm.
my diamonds" she said. and her
voice was no longer sweet or gentle.
but cut like Ice upon her listeners
my diamonds are mine. Mr.. Winthrop.
Why should 1 yield them up?'
But II remains to be proved whether
or not Mr.. Graham purchased them
prior to his financial embarrassment.
Mrs. Graham. II he did not"
MY jewels We're every one bought
for me before my husbands financial
embarrassments. Mr.. winthrop" in
terrupted the steady voice. Therefore
they are mine. am not held respon-
sible for my husbands liabilities. And
what then? II my husbands credit
ors will not be lenient. should his wife
give up her possessions and leave him
absolutely no way out Of difficulties,
and 10 opportunity to retrieve losses:
I. tcc. though merely woman. and
though I know nothing Of business,
would be utterly just ]. too. have con.
s.dered this matter carefully and with.
- prejudice. Mr.. Winthrop. and ar:
decided as 70 action. Is this the hes;
chat ron can sav IN me- Mr Carle.'