The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-05-22
CHAPTER VI.
(Continuel.)

res; GcSlTe, than then, IN wishing this
woman away. Palmer Earle, stern,
strong, unyieldiDg business man, hold
Ing against this woman's husband the
heaviest weight o. debt; Palmer Earle,
iCGon:tcble in action between his
cC;;Tr2l and Graham's counsel; Palmer
Earle up to that moment thoroughly
coHy!rced that ne 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
1t night be he was sterner than he
neeG be. and unyielding where yielding
might be wiser! He was not soft
hearted; he would have been the first
10 scorn such an insiruation; 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 1T ease. He leaned
his head upon his hand, his elbow upon
the desk, and sat in silence for a mo-
ment; whether relenting or waiting for
his counsel to speak, how could she
know?
Jonn Winthrop, counsel against this
vOran's husband, looking at the case
from all sides with justice, as he tried
10 do, having already decided, could
not be moved. 1t would merely be re-
lenting because of the woman, and
that ne would never admit. He would
have been glad to send her away with
a lighter heart. and again bring upon
her face that transfguring smile that
made even that room something the
better. but he would not do it, for he
felt convinced perfectly convinced
that lie was right, and judging for his
client. would be guilty Of dishonor
should he decide against him.
PcThaps-but this he would not Ut
ter. even to mis- own heart-perhaps,
because he was SO moved by her beau
ty and purity and pride Of womanhood
lie 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 is good and high, but he held al
woman's constarcy and will as rather
weak-aot 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 will fiercely before Alecia-Har-
old Graham's wife.
But he would not yield.
Palmer Earle lifted his head pres
emily, as he did so meeting Alecia's
eyes, and turned to his counsel. He
placed implicit reliance upon John
Winthrop's Judgment and justice.
We have dore everything that is
possible, Mr. Winthrop? Are you quite
assured there is no means Of compro-
missing the matter? No allowance OF
time? No adjustment Of reasonable
per cent? 1 desire to be entirely just
10 every one, and would be specially
glad TO grant any request Of Mrs.
Graham'S. l 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. If you can
suggest any way out Of the difficulty
shall be glad to accede to 1t, even at q
loss to myself"
Still John Winthrop would not yield.
y 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 say, I desire to be.
lust at all times. Your claim against
Mrs. Graham's husband is exceedingly
heavy, and as yet but Slight portion
has been met. Mr.. .7raham placed
everything, he says, in the hands OF his
creditors to meet liabilities. But CT
this am not quite convinced. A man
should horcrably give up all that he
possesses At such time, and his Vie
should make such effort also. You Will
pardon me. Mrs. Graham, If my words
sound harsh, but your diamonds ard
Your fortune, understand"
.Alec:a'S proud head was lifted With
ur.fe more pride, and her eyes famed
into his, a deep red spot glowing IN
each cheek. Otherwise size 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.
Il