The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-07


 | she could, his good name. and all this to the tune of a good many thousands of pounds. well. he ought theneeforth to speak of her with respect, Certain ly to her relatiUesi" Leonard,s curios- ity was aroused; he wished for future purposes to know exactly where and how he stood In the matter. so he ven- tured on another question.
 What did say or do that put you of doing the thing yourself?"
 -'I had intended to avoid, if possible, giving any reason. But since you have, with your masculine directness, put the question to me. I shall answer 1t frank ly: It was because you manifested. several times. In a manner there was no mistaking, both by words and deeds. an intention of lewying blackmaH on me by using your knowledge of my ri- diculous unmaidenly act No one can despise, or depIore, or condemn that act more than do; so that rather than yield q single point to you, I am, if necessary, ready to face the odtum which the public knowledge of 1t might produce. What I had intended to do for you by that act has now been done That 1t was done by my aunt on my be- half, and not by me matters to you no more than 1t did to your creditors. who, when they received the money, made no complaint of injury to their feelings on that account.
 Now, when you think the whole matter over In quietness, you will. Knowing that am ready at any time to face If necessary the unpleasant pub iicity, be able to estimate what dam- age you would do to yourself by any expose. It seems to me that you would come out of 1t pretty badly all round That. however, is not my affair; 1t en- tirely rests with yourself. think know how women would regard 1t. 1 dare say you best know how men would look at 1t; and at you"
 Leonard knew already how the only man who knew of 1t had taken 1t. and the knowledge did not reassure himl
 "You jade! You internal. devilish, cruel. smooth -tongued Jade" He stood up as he spoke. She stood up too. and stood watching him with her hand on the gong. After pause of couple of seconds she said gravely:
 "One other thing should wish to say, and mean 1t. Understand me clearly, that I mean it1' Her appear ance left no doubt as to that even if her words or the tone in which they were spoken. left any doubt. Her great black eyes blazed, but with q cold glare, like moonlight over snow field. You must not come again into my grounds wishout my special perfnis- sion in each case. I shall not allow my liberty to be taken away, or re- stricted, by you. If there be need at any time to come to the house, come in ceremonious fashion. by the avenues which are used by others. If you are. hunting, and the hunt comes over or near my grounds. you can have the same freedom as the others so long as you do not abuse 1t. You see, have thought the matter over, and have ar ranged for the contingencies of neigh borly life. You can always speak to me in public, or socially, In the most friendly manner; as I shall hope to be able to speak to you. But you must never transgress the ordinary rules of decorum. If you do. I shall have to take, for my own protection, another course know you nowi I am will Ing to blot out the past; but 1t must be the wh ole past that Is wiped outi' She stood facing him; and as he looked at her clear-cut aquiline face, | her steady eyes, her resolute mouth, her carriage, masterly in its sef-pos- | sessed pofse, he saw that there was no | further hope for him. There was no | love and no fear.
 "You devil!" he missed.
 She struck the gong; her aunt en- tered the room.
 "oh. Is that you, Auntie? MT. Eve rard has finished his business with mel" Then to the servant, who had entered after Miss Rowly: "Mr. Everard would like his car riage. By the way" she added turn ! ing to him in a friendly way as an af- | terthought, will you not stay, MT. Ev- | erard. and take lunch with us? My aunt has been rather moping lately; am sure your presence would cheer her up." I
 "Yes, do stay, MT. Everard!" added Miss Rowly placidly. Tt would make | a pleasant hour for us all. Leonard, with a great effort, said with conventional politeness:
 Thanks, awfully! But I promised my father to be home for lunch?' and he withdrew to the door which the ser want held open.
 He went out filled with anger and despair. and, sad for him. with fierce. overmastering desire--Iove he called 1t flor the clever. proud. imperious beau ty who had so outmatched and crushed him.
 That beautiful red head. which he had at first so despised, was henceforth to blaze in his dreams.