Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-11-23

MAT you prefer 10 see your brothers
name held up as a byword for Eu-
ropes contempt? You disdaln 10 think
1t possible that my charge be true.
Then what have you 20 fear? There
is no one who can more surely identify
your brothers writing than yourself.
Which will you choose2 II is for you
20 say. VIII you consent to see these
papers now, or am I 10 sell them TO
the embassies OF Russia or Austria ?"
The two women measured each
other IN long silence. ] watched the
duel from the open window where I
stood Madame de WARMERS threat
was a terrible one. II was the fierce
pleading OF a desperate and unscrupu-
lous adventures striving frantically to
move the lofty trust OF a sister in a
brothers rectitude and honor l had
faith IN the courage and nobility OF
soul Of Helena. ! believed that she
would face shame and unhappiness
with calm resolution. But I could not
wonder that Madame de WARMERS
menace made her hesitate.
The slow seconds passed. aud stlll
they faced each other in silence. That
long silence seemed to me ominous. I
suffered with Helena in the anguish OF
her decision.
To yield would be 20 doubt But ~
she refused 20 yield. 10 doubt And II
this woman spoke the truth. and made
good her threat For herself she
would endure everything rather than
compromise with this betrayer OF
mems honor. But there was the
mother 70 be thought Of
She had decided She raised her
hands slowly in a gesture that pathet-
ically showed her submission. Madame
de WARMER had conquered-so far.
do not think I doubt because !
consent" She turned 70 where I stood
"But n this woman is sincere. and be-
lieves that these proofs exist. others
viii believe IL too. There IS no for
gerry so clever that ] should not de-
tect it. My brothers handwriting was
peculiar. His honor must not be ques-
toned because Of clever trick. Come.
viii see those papers"
Madame de WARMER Elided across
the bare room and struck the heavy
door OF the little chamber she had
already pointed out TO me as contain
ing the safe. To my surprise the door
had not been locked. It opened pom
derousIy. and I saw the CLEAN Of the
safe She stood az the doorway and
beckoned 20 Helena.
Come. madam. or are you afraid 60
trust yourself in the room alone with
me-"
Has Mr.. Haddon already seen these
papers that he is not TO Gomez"
MT Haddon has seen copies Of the
original papers I'm the safe" returned
Madame De WARMER In triumph. HE
was so convinced OF your brothers
guilt that he destroyed these copies.
You Will not be surprised then n re-
fuse 10 trust him with the precious
originals"
attempted no expostulation. I
knew the uselessness of that. aud we
had agreed that Helena was TO decide
for herself I had faith enough in
her not 90 doubt her ultimate decision.
I Will see these papers with you
alone" said Helena quietly.
And You viii give me your word OF
honor that you will not follow the ex-
ample OF Mr.. Haddon in attempting to
destroy them?"
My word OF honor" cried Helena
with bitterness. Would you believe
that II you think my brother guilty Of
dishon0r2"
Il should believe IT," answered Ma
dame de VarnIer
Then I give IL 10 you"
She walked TO the room with a firm
step. passing me where I stood.
BE brave" I whispered. BE on
your guard. Refuse TO believe that
your brother IS guilty. no matter what
specious proofs this woman may show
you. II is simply impossible that he
be guilty"
why do you say that?" Her eyes
were very wistful.
Because" l looked at her steadily.
Il know how impossible 1t would be
for the sister"
your faith strengthens mine" She
entered the room. passing by Madame
de WARMER at the threshold.
"Au revoir. NJ. Coward" the woman
cried tauntingly. and the key turned
In the door.