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

chair. "Oh, am ill-illl" She seemed
about to fall, but her companion made
no movement to assist her. There is
Some-mistake!"she whispered. Some
awful-mistakei"
What are you talking about?" He
stood looking curiously upon her. She
turned suddenly, ran to him. and.
falling upon her knees, clasped her
arms about him, giving way at the
same time to paroxySm of hysteria
that swayed them both with its vio-
lence. He stooSed impatiently, broke
her clasp with violent effort, and
half pushed, half lifted her into the
chair. Burying her face in her hands.
che gave way to violent weeping while
he stood by.
The man was of medium height and
me figure, his faultless dress and his
every motion revealing the fashiona-
bic world. His face might have been
handsome at one time, but something
had fed from it, and something had
come to it since then. That which
mad come men usually call the marks
OF dissipation; that which had fed
they had no name for.
He might have been genuinely in
ognant OF playing a part, but he
gazed sternly few moments only
sRsa che sgitated woman, his black
eyes cleaning wickedly; then, with a
sheer and slight gesture of dismissal,
turned away. Taking from his pocket
case, he proceeded calmly to select
and Light cigarette, and walking I'M
concernedly to the fireplace, tossed his
match into it. Standing with his back
towards her, he busted himself with q
hunting scene above the mantel. And
thus, presently. the woman, ceasing
to cry, found him. She clasped her
hands upon her chair-arm convulsive-
ly and lifted her head.
With few rapid motions she twist
ed the fallen hair into position and
arose to 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
lifted. The tenderness was gone from
her eyes. Wide open, they seemed to
measure and threaten him. He came
slowly forward, the sneer upon his
face.
You gave me your promise TO re-
main in London until I returned" he
said, "and you have broken it."
"And you! you told me that You
were here TO wind up some estate
matters and would return immediate
ly. You had no idea of returning.
You intended to desert me. You liedl
Where is my child, sir?r The mans
face flushed and grew deathly pale.
He took two quick steps forward and
hesitated. at is useless, Raymond, TO
try to brighten me. You were born q
coward-and / was not. Look to YOUR
self" She drew from her bosom q
letter and extended II towards him.
u found this after your departure:
1t is from your mother" His assumed
indifference vanished. Furious, he
snatched the letter from her and
raised his arm.
"Wretchl"
"Take care" she said, coldly. slowly
withdrawing her hand. "You are deal
ing with desperate woman. You are
welcome to your letter. ! know IL 5y
heart. In 1t / am called by a vile
name-and you are told that a bride
and fortune await you at 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 to deny It now
he said. "Sit down, Louise" She
waited moment, and, moving a chair
n few feet away, seated herself, facing
him.
I'VE have both made mistakes" he
said, coolly, preparing to light an
other cigarette, and / am willing to.
admit that in all the matters between
us have been equally TO blame, but"
he added between puffs, as he smoked,
you have a fun share to settle for
yourself. 1t is, however, too late to
discuss the beginning of this associa-
ton. We must consider its end; for,
IS you evidently surmised, the time