The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-07


 have to be brought down from the dizzy heights to which emotion had carried them. and placed on the level ground of practical common sense. She realized that she had yet to complete the work that she had begun, to justify 1t by some definite act when would ensure a successful issue She had set great forces in motion. It was her duty to see that they moved the life of the wo- man before her to some ultimate goal of happiness. Laura. dear" she said gently, let us talk this matter over calmly. It Is a crisis in your life. have no inter ests of my own to consider. l mere ly want you to do what is best for your own happiness. and will help you to do it"
 She took the girl by the arm and led her to a sofa. where they sat down side by side. The sudden burst of hap piness had died from Lauras face. She looked white and tired. She was calm now that the agony of the situation was over. The storm had passed, and the sea. strewn with wreckage. was still
 For awhile they sat in silence. nei- ther of them willing to start conyer- sation which, shorn of all sentiment. would bring with it q soruid and un savory atmosphere. Leonore, as might have been expected. was the hrst t"' speak. The whole matter had long ago been threshed out in her mind.
 We must talk calmly of this. she began, "and the less we talk of It, the better for both of us.s We need not ois cuss the mans conduct We have 10 deal with the facts as they are Now what do you wish me to do? what oo you intend to do yourselfT
 \ intend to leave him." Laura replied in a hard voice. ITO leave him at once, this very day. I should like to leave before he returns. do not wish to see nm again
 "That would not be just either to yourself or to him. The worst crirnin- al has a right to defend himself before final judgment Is passed on him.
 There is no defence. said Laura coldly. There might be extenuating circumstances. but the one real fact would remain
 oTt is possible." continued Leonors, that am not speaking the truth. You know nothing about me. Suppose that were a mere adventures, lylnG to serve her own purposesT
 T know that you have spoken tue truth"
 Leonore smiled. That is kind sem timent.' she replied, but 1t is not 1us- flee; it is not the sort of justice nan would require. think, however pam full the interview may be to you' thas you ought to see him..
 s'Very well, 1 will see him. It Will at least give me an opportunity of-oh! how I have longed to be free. and yet what A price to pay for freedom! anu she buried her face in her hands.
 "The sting of it win pass away, I,eonore replleo. The freedom VIII re- main. But are you quite, quite sure that vou wish to be free? Is there noth- ing that might make 1t your duty to wait till--till you can be legally mar ried to William Tankerlane" 'There Is nothing, Laura replied with flaming cheeks and averled neao- She understood a dan impulse moved her to fling her arms round her companions neck ana kiss her. 4, q am glad" she repeated, flor dl- vorce would create a scandal, and IL | would mean more than mere oiVorce- | It would mean a prosecution Tor pls- amy. and that would be terrible AS | if ia we can all three go our separate ways. and the world will be none the wiser. and William Tankerlane will | mass out of both our lives. l nave | no wish to be free. l shall never mar | ry again. I have my art 10 AlVe TOT | It is enough. as much as any woman can want in her life. Let William Tankerlane be judged and punished by | his God"
 Laura rose suddenly to her feet with white face and blazing eyes. God will judge him." she cried | hercely. flor this, and for more than this. more than I can tell you, Leonore. I sold myself to him. cannot explain, but I was forced to do it. sold my self to him. but I little thought that l had sold my honour. Go, Leonore; for | heavens sake leave me. Let me be alone. I cannot endure your presence moment longer. I must be alone or I shall go mad"
 Leonore rose from the sofa and laid her hand on the girls arm. Beside the flaming beauty of Laura's impas- | stoned face she seemed ugly and insig- nificant. Yet there was much strength of will and intellect in those large dark eyes.
 Laura she said softly. you must be calm and brave. Your nature is | too noble to concern itself with re- venge, which, after all, is one of the most paltry of human passions. l, too' have much to avenge. But have con- quered my feelings of resentment long ago. You must only think of the prac- tical side of the matter. You have long and useful life before you. You must only think of how you can use it to the best advantage.
 "Wordsm cried Laura hercely. Moth ing but words. DO you thlhE an made of stone, that l can forget that 1 can forgive, that-oh, Leonore, for heavens sake leave me or don't know what will come from my lips"
 Good bye, dear" sad Leonore, Kiss ing her gently on the cheek. When you have seen youi-wnen you have seen Tankeriane, come round to me [ will put you up for the night We can then talk over your plans for the future. Good bye till then"
 Laura did not reply, but stared fix- edIy before her with a hard look in her e|es.
 Laura" repeated the actress firmly you must not let this come between us. You must not let this worthless man affect our friendship"
 T am just beginning to realize things" replied Laura slowly, just be- ginning to see how terrible 1t all is, how horrible 1t is for you to kiss me-