Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-12-19

fIDHf TO clear her mind OF the
Gs&&V strange. intricate network OF
intrigue. insinuatiOn and suggestion
which Millar had woven there She
thought she was rid OF his sinister in
6uence until her fingers wrote in ODE
dience TO his will the letter which she
would have given anything TO have
left unwritten.
When she looked up Millar was put
, ting the letter in his pocket, ana mis-
face wore the evil, cynical smile.
81 wrote il, yet l am ashamed OF
what I have written" she faltered.
speaking with difficulty. Il tried to
resist-yes. l debut my hands, my
pen. followed your words. You are
very strange man"
Il Will deliver the letter to Karl"
Milar repeated slowly.
You know / did not mean Il. You
know l did not want TO write IT," Olga
said
"A woman does not always write
what she wants." Mnar said lightly.
but she always wants what she
writes"
The letter was not for him; it was
TOT me- OlEa insisted
She arose and her hand was extend
ed imploringly. begging Millar TO re
turn the missive 10 her. when Herman
entered. The house had grown still.
The music was hushed: the guests
were gone. only Millar. spirit OF evil
incarnation Of the devil. remained.
This is good OF you TO stay behind
and entertain the hostess" Herman
said cordially.
Mime Hoffmanns conversation has
been SO entertaining that I quite for
got the time" Mnlar said. looking at
his watch. by Jovel Ii "a late.
must 20 Immediately"
Wont you have some cognac before
you 20 out? The night Is cold" Her
man urged.
NO, I thank you. have an impOr.
tant engagement In the morning. and
1t is now too late. Madame. 1 must bid
you good night l have really spent
a very pleasant evening"
Millar started toward the door. Olga
uttered a half suppressed cry. and he
turned inquiringly.
Il left a letter lying here on the
table. Did you perhaps pick il upf'
she asked nervously
She was almost weeping and spoke
in half hysterical tone. Millar. with
out changing countenance. drew the
letter from his pocket
Perhaps this is IT," he said holding
IL up. If it is of interest 20 your hus-
band
He made "A movement as IL 20 hand
it 10 Herman Fear clutched at Olga's
heart. and she cried quickly.
NO. no; it was not that Ii was
nothing"
She forced herself to laugh Mnlar
bowed with impressive politeness and
left the room. Herman bowed the
strange guest ont and then noticed for
the drst time Olga's WEAKNESS and H..
treSs.
You look tired. dear" be said ten
derby. 1T has been a long even
ing"
Yes am tired" she said sadly.
Her cheeks were flushed and her
eyes bright As she stood leaning
against the table Herman thought her
prettier than he had ever seen her be
fore. He went up TO her. took her
huhNS IN MS ana kissed her.
You seem excited. too he said. 'Tt
makes you prettier. and I like it. my
dear, sweet. darling wife"
Olga shrank from his caress So OBJ
viously that Herman was hurt She
withdrew her hands
please don't" she said. Il am av-
fully nervous"
Your cheeks are burning dear" he
said. touching them.
Don't. Herman. / wish TO be alone
for a few minutes, TO rest all alone.
Please leave me here"
Very well; it shall be as you wish
Herman replied, adding as he left the
room. But it would be better II you
went to sleep"
a servant entered. and Olga signed
10 him TO extinguish the lights In n
few moments she was alone in semi
Darkness. the room being partially
lighted by the reflected light from the
garden lamps. As she sat there the
tai. sinister figure OF AIillar in his fur
oyercoat and his top hat passed the
window.
1T would be better II 1 went tn
sleep. olga repeated TO herself slowly.
Just then the shadow OF MiIlar as he
passed In front OF one OF the garden
lamps was thrown against the white
wall OF the room. and she could hear
distinctly his cynical chuckIe With a
cry OF horror she raised herself to her
full height put out her hands 10 ward
on the evil spell and shrieked:
$40. no. nor
Then she sank fainting on the door.
For a moment the shadow fingered
above her and faded.
ITO BE CONTTAyTrEn