The Washington herald., 1908-03-28

castle. In his younger days he had been
essentially ladies' man. but the closed
page in his history had surely been suf-
nclent 10 sour him against the other sex
The world, had il but known the truth.
would not have wondered at Sam Stat
mans hatred of society. and more espe-
cially the feminine element OF H. But,
IKE many another man. he was misjudg-
eu because he was compelled to conceal
the truth, and was condemned unjustly
because II was not permitted 20 him to
make self-defense.
How many men-and women, too-live
their lives in social ostracism, and per-
haps disgrace, because for family or
other reasons they are unable 10 exhibit
20 the world the truth. Many a man. and
many a woman. who read these lines are
as grossly misjudged by their fellows as
was Samuel Statham, the millionaire who
was a pauper, the man who lived that
sad and lonely life in his Park lane man
sion, daily gathering gold until he be-
came crushed beneath the weight Of its
awful responsibility. bis sole aim and re-
taxation being the mixing with the sub
merged workers of the city, and relieving
them by secret philanthropy.
The sinner assumes the cloak Of piety,
while too often the denounced and ma
ligned suffer in silence. 1t was so in
Samuel Statham's case; il is SO in more
than one case which has come under my
own personal observation during the in
quiries I made before writing this pres
ent narrative of East and West
The old millionaire was surprised at
the girls admission that what the doc
tors daughter had told her was a confess
sion He realized how, in face Of the
fact that her brother loved Maud Petro.
witch, il was not likely that she woulI
betray her. Sun, his curiosity was ex-
cited. The girl before him knew the truth
of the ex-minister's strange disappearance
knew, most probably, his whereabouts.
Was the confession made TO you by
the doctors daughter OF such a private
nature that you really cannot divulge Il
TO me-? he asked her, appealingiy. Re
member, l am not seeking TO probe the
secrets Of a young girls life. Miss ROlfe
On the contrary, ] am anxious-most
anxious-to clear up what is at present a
most mysterious and unaccountable oc-
currence- Dr. Petrovitch disappeared
from London just at a moment when his
presence here was. in his own interests.
as well as in mine, most required. I need
not go into the details" he went on. fix
ing her with his sunken eyes. 1t il
sufficient 10 explain to you that he and
had certain secret negotiations. lie
came here on many occasions, always in
secret-at about this hour. He preferred
20 visit me in that manner. because of
the spies who always haunted him and
who reported all his dolngs 10 Belgrade"
L was not aware that you were on
friendly terms Marion remarked. Maud
never told me that her father visited
you.
Because she was in ignorance" STAT
ham replied. The doctor was a dip
lomatist. remember and could keep
secret. even from his own daughter.
From what I've told you. you can surely
gather how extremely anxious 1 am to
know the truth
Marion was silent She realized TO the
full that financial interests of the mil
lionaire were al stake-that her statement
might save huge losses II she betrayed
Maud and told this man the truth He
was her friend and benefactor. To him
both she and Charlie owed everything. I
Without him they would be compelled 70 [
face the world. she friendless and prac-
tcally penniless- The penalty of her
silence he had already indicated By re-
framing from assisting her, he could to-
morrow cast her out of her employment ]
discredited and disgrsced!
What would Max think? What would
he believe?
If she remained silent she would pre-
serve Maud's honor and Charles peace
Of mind. He was devoted TO the sweet
faced, half-foreign girl with the stray
little wisp Of hair across her brow. Yet
II he knew what she had told him he
would hate her-he must hate her. All,
the mere thought Of it drove her 10
frenzy Of despair.
She set her teeth, and. with her face
pale as death, she rose slowly 10 go. Her
brows were knit. her countenance deter
mined.
Come what might. she would be loyal to
her friend. Charlie should never know
the truth. Rather than that she would
sacrifice herself-sacriflce her love for
Max Barclay, which was to her the
sweetest and most treasured sentiment
in all the world.
I have asked you TO assist me, Miss
Rolfe," the old man said in a low. i'm
pressive voice, leaning his arm upon the
edge OF his writing table and bending
toward her. Surely when you know all
that it means TO me, you will not refuse?'
i refuse 20 betray my friend" was her
firm response, her face white to the ips.
You may act as you think proper, Mr.
oNdlidIl lOu may allow my 1rlenQS 70
think Ill Of me; you may stand aside and
see me cast tomorrow at a moments
notice out Of Cunnington's employ be-
cause Of my absence tonight, but my
lips are closed regarding the confession
made to me in confidence. In anything
else l am ready 10 serve you. You have
asked me 70 go upon n journey in your
interests-in a motor car that is awaiting
me. This 1 am willing and anxious to do. |
You are my benefactor, and it is my duty
10 do what you wish.
1T is your duty. Miss Rolfe, TO tell me
what 1 desire 10 know"
No. she cried, facing him boldly. /
her bright eyes flashing dehantly upon !
him. 1t is not my duty 20 betray my
10 you
Very well" he answered, with a smile
upon his thin lips 1T is getting late.
They may be wondering at Cunnington's. |
l viii see you 10 the door
And the expression upon his face show |
ed her. alas. too plainly that for her there
was no future.
The present was already dead. the fu-
ture-?
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW.