Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-09-24

ter stands" There was a long and
painful pause, during which the wom-
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.
YES" said he, 81 think 1 did tell
you that"
"Well?"
81 liedl I took her only to control
you. My mother has never seen her:
and" he continued, slowly, never
will, If L can prevent it."
"Inhuman wretch!" The exclama-
ton was little more than gasp.
From your standpoint-yes."
"Ah," she whispered, "the infamyI
the infamy of it'll" She hesitated
moment, turned, and, gliding to the
door with movement of incredible
swiftness, locked It and placed the
key in her pocket. "Now," she said,
returning towards him, her face trans
figured by the intensity of her ex-
citement, snow, Raymond Holbin,
what is the settlement you propose ?"
He retained his position, half smile
upon his face.
You will have no trouble for the
future" he said; you belong to the.
tragic stage"
"You trifle sir. The settlement
the settlement"
Il propose to marry my mothers
stepdaughter." he said, quietly. "Her
father is on his last legs, and he will
bequeath to her all of his property
upon the condition that she accepts
me as her husband on or before her
twenty-frst birthday. From this
money l propose to provide literally
for you and your child, with the I'M
Outstanding that you are to remain
abroad. The fact is. may run over
to see you occasionally, Louise-after
all, you are the only woman 1 ever
cared for. This lily bride awaiting me
IN out of my class entirely-high-
flown, romantic and inexperienced.
Imagine me with such a woman,
Louise
He laughed lightly. Really, if you
are In search of revenge for fancied
injuries, you will get it when you pic
ture me in my new role"
"And by this marriage" said the
woman, standing over him, ''you place
1T beyond your power to marry me,
as you have promised during all these
years-you abandon your child to a
life of Indebtedness" Her breath
came hard and trembling.
She need never know-no one need
know. And where ignorance is bliss
1t is folly to 6e otherwise
let me hear it ALL" she said; "let
me know the alternative. If I 90 to
this mother or to this lily bride. as
you call her, and tell her OF my child
and my wrongs. what then?''
My mother would have the serv-
ants put you out of the house, and my
bride would probably have me put
out. But it would not avail you any,
thing-nor her. Under the will NV
mother would still be the heir. The
bride would lose her fortune and her
bridegroom, and you-would lose your
child"
"That is au?" she asked-"there Is
nothing more?"
Nothing"
Her mood seemed to change. "Win
you favor me with cigarette?"
He laughed, evidently relieved.
"Why, certainly! Getting into YOUR
old habits? Fact is, Louise, that is
the only natural thing 1 have heard
from you since I entered. Come, now.
light up and be sensible. You know
what ] think OF YOU All will work
out right, and, as the stories say, we
may be happy YETI"
She lit her cigarette by his, and,
leaning against the center table, took
one or two whirs, letting the smoke
escape slowly from between her curry
ing lips.
"There is one fatal defect in your
plan she said. at length.
"Yes? What is that?"
"Nou-do not leave-the mother a
chance. You forget that am mother
as well as a woman"
81 do not understand"
"You will, though. Either wav. as
you put il to me- my chid's life is for
ever blasted; there is the defect" He
looked somewhat curiously up in her
face. The smoke was now coming
from her lips in rapid puffs; she cast
aside the cigarette. "Ishall not assent"
The words were mere whisper. She
continued, with growing emotion:
Raymond, l have been your slave;
that is ended now. From this moment,
If you live, you shall obey mel"
eff l livel"
eff you live! Do you suppose that I
am to stand by and see my child's life
destroyed by you! have listened to
your excuses; have temporized, hop
ing against hope that you would make
good your promises; l have accepted
your explanation for my child's sake |
and to-day know you have lived a lie
through it all; that you had not then,
nor ever have had. any intention to |
make me your wife. The time has come
for me to act. Sit here by this table |
and address note to the clerk of the !