The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-14

clements or success. But 1t Is the un- expected that often happens. and even the strongest line of attack may have some weak points. The interview. moreover. was bound to be unpleasant. for she had no intention of concealing from Tankerlane what she thought of his conduct.
 He arrived. punctual almost to the minute. and bowed gravely as he enter ed the room. That was his only saiuta- ton. and Leonore did not even return this scant courtesy. She merely point ed to a seat. and settled herself in an armchair. She noticed that the man had aged considerably since she had last seen himfin Paris and that there were signs of suffering on his hard features.
 well, Leonore." ke said. after an awkward pause. what is it you have to say to meT'
 T have good deal to say" she re- piled, and some of 1t will leave an unpleasant Taste in my mouth"
 Do you want to claim your rights as my wife? he asked with sheer. T am in a better position now than when married you"
 Please relieve your mind on that score" she answered coldly, T would not live with you for all the gold in the world. But I have come to the , made in our relations to each other. I propose to get a divorce from you. and I shall, of course obtain it in America. the country where we were married.r
 Sir William Tankeriane looked keen ly at his wife's face, as though anxious to discover her motive for this sudden from her features.
 "Generoua puoYna n ha saiA sr q sarcastic voice May I ask what has moved you to pity for my iotfr
 T will tell you" she replied. T don't care red cent what happens to you, and would rather you were miserable than happy. But the happi- ness of my friend, Laura Vane. is very dear to me. I wish you to marry her"
 Unfortunately she does not wish to marry me-" he answered dryly. Tand she has taken the greatest possible trouble to hide herself from me. I have not seen or heard of her since she left me in Paris, though have search ed high and low for her"
 T saw her few days ago." Leonere replied, and she Is willing to marry
 William Tankerlans leant forward suddenly in his chair. and e hungry look came into his eyes.
 Is this true" he cried. Cor are you foeling me?"
 Tt is perfectly true" Leonore re- piled. When have fixed up terms I will take you to her"
 Why has she changed her >mindgp' he asked suspiciousIy. Has absence made the heart grew fonderf" And then he laughed bitterly He had not forgotten the scene in Paris, when he had last pleaded with Laura Vane.
 Her feelings towards you have not changed" said Leonore q will not deceive you on that point She still loathes the very mention of your name"
 "Ah. she is starylngr" he exclaimed eagerly. Her spirit is broken. She longs for comfort. for luxury, for fine clothes and jewels, and all that wealth can purchase. She dare not 10 back to her father; she dare net so to John Shii, She has been forced to come back to me. It Is not flattering to me, but am glad--I will welcome her with open arms I will forgive her; will
 'No," replied Leonore grayely "She has faced poverty and misery without flinehtng. But something else has come Into her life--a great joy--a great sorrow-and It Is because this has come into her life that she Is willing to marry you"
 v. Attlsn AnhhsFlhne lookeq at heF with parted lips and staring eyes.
 T do not understand" he falterea. What do you mean?" Then he rose to his feet with 8 cry. and hi face was flushed and his eyes sparkIed.
 Do you mean" he cried, "that Laura ---that I--oh Heaven. had not thought of thisi It is a Itel'
 Tt Is the truth" said Leonore auiet- " you have 2 son, born five months fu fnr ..H.4T as Laura is willing to merry you. She IS going to sacrifice herself to save her child from shame. And that ts Why have sent for you. and that is why am going to cut the rope that still holds us together"
 senW Wuttersd TankeFlane. and his hard-lined face was lit up with Joy, But he had the decency to give no ptteraace to his thoughts. He re- membered he was in the presenee Of name.
 Yes" said Leonore coldly. .:and you have every reason to be glad. Laura would never have consented to marry you if it had not been for this"
 Yet she did not tell me-" he cried hastily; she did not write to me. She was hard and stubborn even in the face of this. The child was born five months ago, and 1t is only today that you-there is something In this I do not understand. How she must have sufferedl How she must have suf- feredw.>
 Yes" replied Leonore, "and she would still be suffering in silence if I had not persuaded her to do the right thing-if had not put the whole situ- ation clearly to her-but there, I have done my part. It remains for you to do yours"
 Take me to her at once," he ex- claimed. ''dive me her address"
 "Be calm" Leonore said, with a ghost arranged between you and me before bring you to the woman you love, or take any steps to give you your freedom"
 Tankerlane looked inquiringly at her face, and then he laughed.
 "Oh! the price?" he said cheerfuIly. T see. Well, how much do you want? am rich man now, Leonore, and you can open your mouth wide"
 T am very well of myself, thank you" she replied. T earn quite a lot of money. I want something else from you--something perhaps that you won't care to give But you've got to give it, if you want to marry Lau-
 Well, what is it?" he asked abrupt ly.
 During the last few months" she replied q have seen a good deal of a certain MT. John Shil."
 "oh, have you" he exclaimed and then he looked keenly at her face. But her eyes were fixed on the ground, and there was nothing to be learned 1 nf Gao