Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-29

QTeCt III any Otner you HhSc.
THE fortune shall receive with Gabr1eile
will be all need-that and the pardon; ror
seek no court position, favor or 1nnuence.
Send me the written assurance OF the
pardon, and by the time the messenger can
return hither, I may be ready to set out
GERARD DE COBALT"
by the God above us all. what callous
infamyP exclaimed Gerard. passionateiy,
stirred to the depths by the letter, whose
full meaning he we'll understood. But II
was otherwise with Gabrielle, VINO saw ~
in 1t no more than an attempt 10 siahoel
him; and she mistook his burning Wor9s
for indignation at the effort to ruin MIN III
'Infamy indeed,'r she said Warmly.
would that knew the author OF SO we
a SANDER. If I thought for moment tha'
Denys-"
mo, no, Gabrielle. Don't even speak
such a thought cried Lucette 49,,
IT had forgotten him." said Gerard.
will help bear him into the mouse. we
will deal with this afterwards, Gabrielle.
Except to find the villain who forged
the letter, there is no more 10 90 III IL, ~,
Gerard. They little know me VINO think
I could be moved by so contemplate ne ::
I could ask your pardon for having read IL
to the end-could almost be vexed with you,
indeed, for having caused me TO read IL.
Shall tear 1t nOw?''
He was bending over Denys and looked
ND quickly mo, will keep 1t, and some
one some day will pay a heavy reckoning,
he answered as he took It, Ihen WIN t Lu-
sette's help he lifted Denys and LOOK MIN
irto the house. Gabrielle was IoiioWihS'
when the duke said hurriedly to de Pro-
bale:
go and detain her on the terrace. must
speak with her; but first will think space
l am on the rack"
He had been profoundly moved by the
scene and was intensely agitated. he hao
let the letter be read without lntertereIces,I =.
involving though it did, both de FropalIe
and himself-in the belief that the reveal
ton of Gerard's baseness would change ner
feelings; and the mistaken confidence sne
had shown in Gerards honor was 70 ms
jealousy as biting acid to an open Wouh9 A.
With a bitterness beyond words 10 oe
scribe and far too CALLING for his selnsn
soul to endure, he saw now that IN causing
Gerard to be brought to MorvaiX LOT ms
own purpose with Gabrielle he had put
plunged a sword into his own heart. Inc
Villain had played his part so well That ne
had won her love, and the Wouno pufHeu
and stabbed and maddened MIN WIN pam.
1t was a treacherouS betrayal, nothlng
else Pretending to keep the letter OF ms
pledge, Gerard had broken the spirit ana
should be trusted no more. The paroon oi
the murder at Cambria should be Wlthheid
unless-and his eyes cleaned dangerously
at a fresh thought, and he smiled Win d
cunning pleasure.
Gabrielle loved this de Cobalt, ana inc
love would put a weapon in his hands pow
erful enough to break her to his purpose.
His new resolve was quick to take shape.
She should be his wife, and the price OF her
consent should be her new lovers HE. Inc
old scheme should be laid away: and with
# would go at a stroke all need for de Co
balt's services. His next move was soon
decided, and he stepped out and joined
Gabrielle and her uncle
upon you so suddenly, because the reason
for it is your own welfare" he began,
speaking deliberately.
az trust your lordship does not deem an
fo~, eli iyocr
replied Gabrielle, courteously, but wonder
ing at his manner
This is no ordinary visit of courtesy,
mademoiselle; and iflthe manner of 1t Is
unusual and displeasing,' as it may well be,
the purpose will, l hope, prove Its excuse.
We have been close observers OF the scene
which has just occurred here-as M. de
Probable has perhaps told you But de
Probable had done nothing of the KIND, ana
he started in some dismay at the words.
His start was lost by Gabrielle, however, in
her intense surprise.
observers, my lord! I fear I do not I'M
derstand," she replied with dignity.
'Yet my words explain my meaning. Very
evil intelligence has reached me concerning
this NJ de Cobalt; and in my zeal for your
welfare l came this morning to confer with
M. de Probable; and we arranged the scene
that this mans character might be tested
openly"
II should prefer''that NJ. de Cobalt be
present, my lord."t Gabrielle took fire in
Stantly, and she maze no attempt TO dis
guise her Indignation.
ut is not necessary His presence or alb
sence is matter of no concern. What you
have heard of him today and read in that
letter of his is true"
do you mean, she began hastily,
then checked herself and said proudly:
But will not deign to ask a question.
Your lordshp must be entirely in error I
have unbounded faith in M. de Cobalt's
honor. 1t is matter your lordship must
excuse my declining to discuss" The duke
frowned. but depressed his anger.
Il can understand your feelings he said
calmly. would that the man were worthy
of it! I honor you for this attitude, and
would gladly spare you the pain which the
truth must cause for you; but it must be
told, mademoiselle."
Gabrielle would not answer and the duke
turned to de Probable.
You will tell your niece, monsieur that
that letter was written to you by M de Co.
bait himself, in reply to others from you to
him.
II think that you and had better discuss
this further" said de Probable, in a desper-
ate Shift at the new position.
1T is my wish, monsieur" replied the
duke coldly, with glance of menace
Even my uncle himself will not shake
my confidence in M. de Cobalt, although he
may change my feelings toward himself"
declared Gabrielle firmly
m. de Probable said the duke
Il know not your intentions" he an
swered. in fever of disquiet II scarcely
heard what the letter contained. and-and
before 1 can say so much fought to see if
to examine it," He stumbled and hesita tod
over the words.
DO l understand NJ. lie Baron. that YOU
give me the lie?" and the cold. cutting
words were accompanied by a look that 70
enc could misunderstood
God forfend: but l wash my hands of
the whole affair."" he cried with gesture
of profound agitation and sigh ''It is
true. Gabrielle. The letter was written by
Gerard to me some time since. 1t is one of
several that have passed between u.s."
II do not believe it," and Gabrielle drew
herself up in proud reputation of the fur
Their attack upon the man she loved and
trusted
ION my honor it is So mademoiselle " de-
clared the duke. "And now | must make
my confession of the part have PLAYED in
this. 1t is no humor of mine to seek others
forgiveness, but for what l have done in all
this distressful error. l do beg yours. 1t
was at my instance that this de Cobalt was
brought to MorvaiX.''
Then do 1 thank you. my lord. and. be-
lieve me. / see nothing in the act which
calls for forgiveness" nterposed GABRIEL.
swiftly, as he paused. He took no notice of
the interruption: he was too deeply en-
crossed in thinking how to put his case
most plausibly.
I'VE did not know the evil history of this
man." continued the duke in the same
quiet. deliberate tone "or he would never
have been brought shere. I have but learned
h ~, he loot fnsrx-l