The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-07
REMARKABLE CASE OF BLACKMA|L|NG Susceptible Man And FIirta-
 tiouS Beauty HELPS IN BIG SCHEME How the Dressmaker Figured in the Momentous ansaction-MispIaced Letter Helps to Get Payment
 of Just Debt.
HELPS IN BIG SCHEME

Nat N<ASSPNiohoii5 ACSllNt ONtInlbul Nlitl Jacques awoke. As his servant moved noiselessly about the room, arranging the toilet apparatus and attending to the cracking fire, his masters thoughts were wandering back to last nights supper, and to his Irritation with Bertrade Dal- bert, carried on, too, under the very nose of her unsuspecting husband. For their interest in one another, which had now lasted a month was undoubtedly some what spiced for Jacques by the pleasure of annoying a husband who, coarse. low bred, ,Aand miserly, was also stupidy jeal- ous.
 Not that there was any real vice in the simple Jacques. His amorousness, though exuberant, was of a perfectly harmless species. His love-making had never been known to extend beyond the languishing look or the squeeze of the hand, out of which small pleasures this susceptible 'lady-klller" obtained his supremest sat isfaetlon.
 Self-Satisfied Reflections.
 "Bertrade herself is simply ideal" said Jacques to himself ITO think of the money I have spent on other women without getting in return even the illusion that one is loved. How often have my sentimental fancies been abruptly shocked by some sordid question of money; how often have l been dashed from romance down to reality by some hint or request, direct or indirect. for money or moneys worth. I was always asking if 1t was myself or my bank book they were In love with. Now, with Bertrade, It's just the other way. No question of interest or calculation In her love for me. Why, ever since I've known her. it's been prec- tous difficult to get her to accept even the most trifling present
 Her house is most comfortable a per feet cuisine and a most excellent cellar. And then how well she dresses Every week I've seen her almost she's had a new frock. Last night her dress was sim ply marvel. Hand-painted mousseine de soie made over net, with lace motifs sewn with diamonds. What Prigal, her dressmaker, must have charged for it! His prices are enormous, as I know. I've had to pay one or two of his little bills, and can imagine what that artists pro- duction must have cost. And yet"-here Jacques turned over complacently in his bed-'I have all the advantage of 1t with out care or a worry. nothing to do but the pleasant task of making love to her"
 At this point his hand fell on the little tray of letters which his servant had put on the bed. large blue envelope attract ed his intention. He opened 1t and read:
 April 20. 1909.
 "Sir-I have found in the pocket of a fur coat, which Madame Dalbert has sent to be altered, letter from you to her. In order that you may identify it. I need only to say that it contains the following phrase:
 :. How can l ever forget the happy mo- ments which we have passed together? Le me know the exact date when your husband next leaves town
 ..I am sorry have rApourea n S,,oI, step, but Madame Dalbert owes me COCO francs, and | cannot get settle ment. If, therefore, yUu have not sent me the money in full by o'clock tomor- row, I shall be compelled. with much re- gret, to put the letter into Monsieur Dal- bert's hands.
 ''I am, sir, with the profoundest respect, yours obediently,
 ALFRED PR1GAL"
 Sixty thousand francs, The deuce, thought Jacques. The amount was pre- posterous; besides it was a clear attempt at blackmail and he ought to resist 1t. But the urgency was great the letter only tco capable Of c damaging interpre- tation. The money must be paid some how tomorrow. How on earth could Ser trade have been so careless as to leave his letter in her packet? She who boasted of her caution and prudence who said she always burnt all letters. Possibly it was some try-on of Prigaps. How was he, Jacques, to be sure that the money was really owing? Jacques hurriedly dressed and drove off to Madame Dai- bert's. On sending up his card with q request to see her for a few minutes on matter of importance he was shown up to her boudor.
 Tell me frankly he said do you, or do you not owe Prigal 60,000 francsg'
 Pardon me- was ,ae naughty reply, what right have you to inquire into affairs?"
 Pray, don't be angry. I know your proper pride and independence and yet, as your friend, I am compelled to press you for an answer"
 But even admitting that I've contracted such a debt don't see.'
 He held out Prigal's letter. She read IL and with cry fell into q chair and moaned:
 I'm lost, An, the wretch, the coward"
 Then it's true? This man has you in his power?''
 "lt's Too Terrible"
 Absolutely. I've been a fool. I was so anxious to please you. and you did seem to appreciate my clothes. I or dered things recklessly. Now Prigal has found your letter and holds it like q knife at my throat. It's almost the only letter you wrote to me. I was so fond of reading it. and one day 1 put it in my pocket to read 1t during my drive in the Bois. I left it in my coat pocket. and as sleeves are now worn much wider than when l bought the coat. my maid sent it to be altered without first consulting me. Oh, I know the man only too well. He's not one to make empty threats. He'll have his pound of flesh. If he's not paid he will do as he says. It's too, too terri ble"
 Come, come" he said, don't des- pair yet. As l am the cause of"
 T positively forbid you" cried Der trade. Do you understand? won't have you pay my debts. I've not sunk so low as that" .itr
 "Then your husband will have the letter. Think of the scandal. I needn't say I can't lay my hand at once on such a sum, but I hope to be able to make some arrangement"
 Well, be 1t so. But it's the great est proof I can give of my attach ment. And you'll let me pay you back"
 But Jacques was already on his way to Prigal His idea was to offer him his check for about half the amount. all he had at his bankers. Even that was a high price to pay for his whistle. But, then, to be loved for himself alone. Oh, what priceless delight!
 The Dressmaker Adamant.
 But Prigal wouldn't listen to the offer; he smiled ironically.
 My dear sir he said, don't waste your time bargaining. Your letter Is well worth what I am asking. Monsieur Dal- bert would willingly give me half as much again. The opportunity of getting