The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-08
She turned round on him with . look

She turned round on him with . look of terror.
 You do not mean it," she faltered: i: you could nos be so vile. You swore on the Bible. you swore to keep si- lence"
 "Ay. 50 long e you agreed to live with me. I think those were the very words
 She came a step towards him with piteous entreaty in her eyes.
 You could not so dfshonor yourself" she said, in trembling voice, after what has happened. after I have paid such price for your silence"
 He looked at her face. and for the first time during their interview felt the sense of real power. This woman was still in his grasp, and he could crush her. Yet even this pleasant thought was shadowed by the knowl- edge that his hold over her was due to her love for another man. He was si- lent. wondering to what heights or he roic sacrifice her love for John Shil would carry her brave soul 34
 After all have suffered" she con- tinued. Look at me now. You know tc what depths of shame you have thrust me down. I have given myself to save him. and you speak as though oh, Heavens, I will kill myself if you tell what you knowu will kill myself"
 
 marriage to John Shil--ah. that is what is in your mind. Do you think I can not read it? But I would rather see you dead than the wife of that man.
 His wifeT she cried bitterly. DO you think that could ever be the wife of any man--now, and least of al the wife of a man honor--and love-"
 John ShiPs life is in my hands," he said thoughtfully. If you leave me. you release me from my oath. I am at It. berty to tell what Iknow.'
 You would not do it, she cried, clasping her hands together in an ago. ny of fear; you could not--after what has happened
 q don't, say that shall do so. but that I am at liberty to do so. have been released from my oath. I have not made up my mind what to do."
 Promise me--beforc I go. that you will be silent"
 T shall promise nothing" Tankerlane replied coldly. save this--that. if you remain with me as my wife will be si- lent"
 Tt is impossible. I will not sell my self. There are limits to the sacri- flee a woman can make--even for the man she loves"
 That is the only promise can make. Laura. I would consider the matter calmly. if I were you. You have every thing 10 gam ny uolnB ds l Wteh, w. 'erything to lose by leaving me"
 She came close to him, with clenched hands and face white with fear and anger.
 T will lose everything she said hoarsely; but if any harm comes to John Shil----" She left the sentence unfinished. Tn her blind wrath she could form no definite threat, no clear scheme of retaliation. She only know that she would fight for the man she loved. Tankerlane laughed.
 T am not afraid of you, Laura" he replied.
 She turned away from him, and. cros- sing to the door, unlocked 1t. Then she looked back at the man who had ruined her life.
 "A few months ago." she said slowly. T was a young and innocent girl was incapable of doing harm to anyone You have sown the seeds of evil in my nature. Perhaps one of these days you will reap the harvest you have sown.
 She opened the door, closed 1t be- hind her. and William Tankeriane' was alone. The battle was over, and he hao failed to achieve a victory.
 He had used every weapon at his dis posal, and they had all broken in his hand