The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1907-12-26


friend" | protested quietly.
But you are at the chateau" She
spoke the woi DIS obstinately That
fact was, in her eyes. an unanswerabls
argument
Yes; and know that Captain
Forbes is detained there; I know that
he has just signaled to you that fact
and has asked you TO get help And
now l want you 10 leave che matter
in my hands. demand that as my
right Il is a task have set myself.
Once You said to me that should
save life for the life that was lost
through me-"
You have already mado that repS
ration Mr. Haddon." she said almost
humbly. Fate has punished me that
l should have judged you 80 hastily
and so wrongly"
mo, moi" spoke in fierce remon-
STRANGE VIII you never be just 70
me? That was an accident, tell
you"
Il do not like you ,ess that you say
So"
II was hopeless 20 make her under
stand now. l should have confessed
my cowardioe sooner n wished 70 he
believed. She had judged "a at Lu
oerne. And this judgment caused me
much the greater pain.
| Listen" | drew her 90 a garden
seat. "A life for a life--that Is what
you said. But II. instead OF life. II
were mans honor that could save
If II were the honor OF your
brother7"
Her lips trembled. She leaned to-
ward me in her appeal
oh you would crush ne with the
weight of my gratitude. Save my
brothers honor. and, and"
Il should then stand equal with
other men in your respectf"
Yes" she said family, her eyes
bright with unshed tears we need
friend so much now. We are in
such deep distress because Of my poor
brother. Evidently you know OF his
disgrace" Shame blanched her cheek.
Il know something OF IT," SAID
with sympathy. Tell me. Miss Brett.
do not bear a marked resemblance
to your brotherg"
AT first sight II is startling" she
cried eagerly. When my mother and
/ saw you at Lucerne we thought you
we're he. When we learned that you
were with Mr.. Willoughby al the time
OF his death. you can understand how
bitterly we resented our disappoint-
ment Forgive me II / am Sgain sus
picious. but that ! should ind YOU
the guest Of Madame de Varnier now.
at this time"
III am to help you. you must trust
me-
Il viii. I do
"ImplicitlyY-
Yes"
Even though circumstances seem
utterly against me? Even though Z
may seem friend OF Madame de Var
nier-to be in league with her agains.
your"
She hesitated "She Is a dangerous
woman. II my poor brother has fallen
a victim to her horrible beauty"
Il shall be on my guard" I replied
lightly. smiling at her fierce resent
ment
"But you will continue TO he her
guest. Is that wise? How can you ef.
feet the release OF Captain Forbes II
you remain at the chateau"
How can l learn the truth concern
ing your brother. how can I do my ut
most 10 save his honor 81 II be not YET
too late), unless refaain at the cha
teau-yes. unless I am on apparent
good terms with Madame de varnler?"
You are testing my belief in you 70
the utmost, Mr.. Haddon. suppose
you smooth the suspicious OF your
hostess as readily as you do mine"
She spoke bitterly And II she found
It difficult to trust me now. how much
more dificult when she learned. not
the whole truth, but a damning half
truth.
"Ah, you are wavering already IN
the trust you have promised TO give
me. Great God you think that Il is .
pleasant task | have set myself? To
smile on this woman. TO play the hypO-
critic, TO spy on her when I am her
] guest ludl may uOb utIs CodA heI
into telling the trlth, that l may en-
trap her accomplice and herself at the
right moment? Miss Brett. 1 would
wash my hands of this ugly business
II | had not sworn 20 endure every
ignominy and risk OF being misunder.
stood not only by a man like Captain
Forbes by by yourself. | tell you that
have not a clear field 10 carry out
my plans-if fail. or am bafied By
some well-meaning intruder. am a
disgraced man. No one win believe
my defence-not even you. ! may
even be dragged TO prison as a com
mon felon."
She placed both her hands in mine.
Forgive me. My anxiety is so
great. do trust you. Return to
Madame de WARMER. Mr. Haddon. 1
shall try to be patient. But Captain
Forbes. am | TO do nothing TO help
him?"
Until this evening. no. You see.