The Washington herald., 1906-10-12

English prejudices9 Alb, believe me-
Frank-that girl, tell YOU
''Katherin, be silent.
The countess stamped her foot.
will speak. but there. after all. IL is need
less. why should I speak OF her? Here
are YOU and I alone together" She ap-
preached him in one long sweeping stride
and put her hands upon his shoulders;
you have been so cold lately. Frank
so distant. II is not that girl, ! shall
not believe that for you have not seen
her until to-day. IL must be this cursed
English climate. But ], Frank-lo0k at
me-
He caught her by the wrists, but she
maintained her hold.
Look me in the eyes; tell me what
YOU see there, dear one"
Cressingham vainly attempted 10 push
her from him; he was near choking.
"Katherin he muttered hoarsely,
think, think!'
L have thought" she answered, smil-
ing strangely. her bosom heaving with a
sudden gust OF passion. i have thought
and thought, but nothing alters me. You
are mine. and I am yours. for my love Is
absolute. Frank. do you undetstand?'
You are mad he cried.
White-faced and desperate. lie thrust
her fiercely from him and fell back. Sha
stood with parted lips, with sobbing
breasts, gazing at him, Il speechless but
marvelously perfect picture. unable i'm
mediately to believe, TO realize, he had
rebuffed her
Cressingham stared az the floor, a
statue Of misery and complete detection.
He felt that besides madame's he was
the center Of another WOman's conjec-
lures; he knew that Miss Elliott must
have heard all, perhaps had seen all, for
twice had the curtains slightly moved.
With all his soul he longed that moment
for freedom to disclose himself, to let
this siren see how utterly her power was
gone. But he was oath-bound, and more
over. behind another door lurked the
Count Won Oeltien, spy upon him and
guardian of his trust He had still a duty
TO perform. and TO carry out that duty
it now became his task 20 damn him
SELF in the eyes of the woman he loved,
since did he finally disdain the countess
all hope Of tricking her was gone.
Madame watched him, her brain
thrOnged with fevered thoughts and ago
nized suspicious. II was true, then. he
loved this English girl and dared TO be
true 70 heri And yet. and yet. Perhaps
he was jealous, perhaps he had learned
some Of her WeIl-hidden secrets. No: i'm
{ y
Formerly he had, not seemed such an
Antony Was it her wild abandon that
he feared? She was on the verge of
tears, Strangling a hysterical sob, she
drew herself erect. slowly, slowly. al
ways staring at him.
Frank she gasped at last.
He raised his eyes 90 hers, his mind at
last resolved. It was necessary to play
a part and sacrifice himself.
''WeHr he answered, grufly and
rudely
What do you mean?"
Il am not the fool you think me, that
is all.
She caught her breath, and cried: "Ex-
plain" one hand pressed tightly 10 her
heart
He answered her with brutal pIainness
speaking the first words that occurred 90
him.
1t is you who should explain; you visit
me and pretend TO love me. but you have
another lover who visits you
Madame sighed deeply and breathed
again. her mind at ease. after all. he
is only jealous. she told herself. And
then she thought sharply. asking herself
many questions. This jealousy must have
a cause lie could not be jealous of the
men usually about her: he must have
seen something 10 arouse his suspicious
Perhaps he had seen-ah, that was it,
She smiled the wonderful, subtle smile
with which she had known how 10 win
TO her so many hearts, and murmured:
Are you jealous, dear one? Then Of
whom"
You best know that
"Ah. Frank, you need not be. I love
none but yoU,'
Liar
Still she smiled.
Frank, dear you are wrong: really
you are wrong. I think I know what YOU
mean; You saw me last Thursday
night"
Cressingham seized upon the chance:
YES last Thursday night. madame. Lit
tie did you dream that 1 was by"
You saw me bid farewell to a man at
my own door; was that wrong Of me?"
1T was late"
Morning. madameu
Even so. Frank, dear. presently you
viii 90 on your knees TO me and ask me
to forgive you; and Il"
and you. madame2"
''Will not forgive you, dear, unless you
trust me now"
He folded his arms biting his lips to
force himself tc keep up the cursed com
edy. Il cannot"
Then ask me what you wish"
Who was the MANI"
Madame, facing him. always smiling
that strange, mysterious smile caught
up her cloak from the chair beside her
and threw it on her shoulders. then her
wrap while Cressingham stood idle. stiff.
and still
The man"-madame glided slowly 70
the outer dOor-''was my own father.
She paused.
Cressingham uttered queer. choking
cry, so great was his surprise. Your
father"
Il have said It."
Cressingham threw out his hands. 'T
don't believe you!' he said brutaIly.
Madame stilI smiled I love vou.
Frank. but DO not try me too far
shall go now No: don't come near me.
your touch would burn. I am almost hat
ing you. Remember. you have called me
liar-twice. Tomorrow, come to me with
your apology. Perhaps I shall forgive.
She gave a great sob. 'Ah. Frank. how
could you-how could you dare insult me
SO?'