Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-06-26

And the settlementT she asked.
Pike nodded.
'The settlement also-everythingr
Ethel came from the side OF the ter
race. followed by Horace. who seemed
60 be arguing with her.
"Of course never worried. you
know" said Almeric. But l fancy II
will be weight OF the poor govern
or's mind. I'll wire him at Naples. for
he'll be glad to know about that bally
convict chap-the arrangement you
made with him. you know"
"Almeric. I think It's noble TO be
brave In trouble but Ethel began,
and Pike smiled behind HIS hand Al
merle looked at her I'm establishment
Il say. you know. you've really got
mer'
Il mean that | admire you for your
pluck. for your seeming unconcern
under disgrace. but
"Disgraced! Why. who's disgracedg
Not even the governor. as see I'll
You got that chap called of. didn't
your"
Whom do you meanT' she asked
wonderment In her voice.
Why. that convict chap. Didn't
you send him away? You bought him
on so he wouldn't talk. didn't you
gave him money not TO bother usY'
She whirled or him like a storm.
Why. heaven pity you'll Do you
think thatT" she cried.
Almeric was taken aback.
"oh-what! He wouldn't agteeP
oh. say. that will be a pill for the
gOvernOr-he'll be worried. you know"
Ethel went close 10 him
Don't you see that you've got TO
worry a little about yourself: that
you've got to begin 20 do something
worthy that will obllterate this
shame7 To work-to work.
what possible need will there be
for that7 Why, there's the settle
ment"-
settlement cried Ethel. aghast
you talk OF settlement nowY"
Don't you see? Inc only objection
was the settlement and Mr.. Pixies
given his consent to that"
He's consented 10 that?" she asked.
with his own lips. Didn't your" Al
merle asked Pike.
81 did" said the lawyer quietly.
She recoiled from the group.
Yesterday. when / wanted some
thing ! thought OF value, he refused to
let me buy It. Today, when 1 know
that name is less than nothing. he bids
me give my fortune for it. What man.
ner OF man is this?"
AlmerIc slapped his leg.
81 don't see that the situation Is
changed. / don't stick out for the pre-
else amount the governor said. II 1t
ought TO be less because OF last night
why, we won't haggle over a few
thousands"
With a cry OF rage and despair
Ethel turned on him.
This is the final word OF my humil-
iationl | felt that you were In shame,
and because OF that / was ready TO
keep my word-to stand by you and
help you make yourself into a man.
Now you ask me to pay you for the
privilege. / am released / am free!
am not that mans property to give
away
Lady Creech turned to Almeric.
This is beyond everything Give me
your arm. Almeric. We Will GO"
Most extraordinary girl Beyond
everything. isn't sheT'
Together they went into the hotel,
and Pike watched them with somber
eyes. Horace quietly slipped Off
through the arbor. Ethel turned to
Pike violently.
"What have you 10 say to meT she
demanded. What explanations have
you 10 makeI"
None" he answered.
Because you don't care what think
Of you. You were willing to give me
up TO these people. TO let me romanti-
che about honor and duty, about my
efforts to make that creature a man,
and you knew all the time IL was only
the money they were afterw
Il shouldn't wonder" he replied.
Didn't you know that would hor-
rify me? Didn't you see that your
consenting. leaving me free to give II
TO them. would release mer'
IL shouldn't be surprised"
You mean you've been saving me