The Virginia enterprise., 1908-10-30
IKLzED lin ~ SAF =

said to be due to fit of temporary
insanity, surprised and shocked all
who knew him.
"UnfOrtunately matters between my
sister and him had reached stage
where she had written several letters
breathing undying love and devotion
in every line, and these missives fell
into the hands of Horace We're who,
as next of kin, became possessed
of the dead mans effects. Shortly af-
ter Stratton's demise there came to
light several incidents of his career
that satisfied me Blanche had had a
merciful escape from her contemplate
ed union, and the proofs of his in
fanny were such that she was COM
PEELED to agree with me. Luckily, as
we thought, their love affair had been
conducted with the utmost secrecy
on both sides, so that Blanche was en-
abled to take her usual place in So
ciety as though nothing had occurred
to disturb the peaceful current of her
life. Several months later she met
with Monsieur d'Largental, and their
acquaintance grew from mutual es-
TEEN into love and in due course of
time their engagement was announced.
It was then that We're brought the let
ters written to his dead cousin into
play, and by threatening to expose
the story Of her former passion for
Thomas Stratton extorted sums of
money from her at different times
The death of wealthy relative left
Blanche in possession Of a small for
tune which for while enabled her to
satisfy Vere's demands. At last. her
funds being exhausted. she was forced
to apply to me for a loan In this
way l became aware of her trouble
and fastened to seek the advice of
wiser heads than mine'
would it not be we'll for your Sis
ter to confess all and trust to the
generosity of her future husband?"
queried the chief.
Nine. Rigault made an impatient
gesture of dissent.
IF you knew Monsieur d'Largental
you would never suggest such a pro-
ceeding," she exclaimed. "Although
passionately fond of Blanche and re-
garding her as the type of all that is
pure and beautiful in womankind,
dare not think of the effect an exhi-
bition of her letters to a former lover
would produce upon him. The very
intensity of his affection would be an
element of danger in the face of
such a revelation. Even if he forgave
my sister he would never regain the
confidence he once placed in her. And
love too frequently ends in tragedy
when distrust or jealousy appears
"Your reasoning is acute, as usual"
assented the chief. "Plainly then we
must endeavor to bring about the
restoration Of these letters to your sis
ter. or their destruction"
Were l a man." declared Nine.
Rigault passionately, Il would insult
the wretch, force him into a duel and
slay him with my own hand"
Il believe you" said NJ Claude, not
ing with admiration the fires that
| famed in the speakers dark eyes. Il
regret that my official position is a
serious stumbling block in the way of
resorting to an appeal to arms; other
wise my sword would gladly be
placed at your service. But after all,
to kill this scoundrel would be an un-
availing revenge with the compromis-
ing epistles still in existence. No, we
must seek for safer path. The fact
that NJ. We're is an Englishman adds
to the complications of the case, for
being to certain extent under the
protection of the British ambassador
his arrest on any charge would pro-
woke the publicity we are anxious to
avoid. However, you can assure your
sister that her friends have rallied to
her support, and trust me, Madame, we
shall find some way to checkmate our
opponent"
| Il have gained new courage, NJ.
Claude said the little lady as she
rose to go. "The test of battle is yet
to come, but with your aid Il have
bright hopes Of victory"
The chief rose and held the door
open while, his charming visitor made
her exit. He watched the slender fig
ure until it vanished with a parting
wave of the hand, and then summoned
one of his men. - - 80,
IN. SERGE said the head of the pre-
lecture, 4 am about to give you an