The Dolores star., 1909-10-29

you did not think me to Be my hus-
bands conddante. and that you felt
yourself secure. your ignominy buried
with him."
Ankony arose and held open the
door into the inner once.
Il must insist upon discussing this
matter in private" he protested hotly.
in voice that quavered.
Mrs. Dimes sat still. an imperative
hand held out detaininsly to US. "The
time 10 past for that" she told him:
II you had sought me out long ago
1t might have been very different
But understand that I mean to make
no public disclosures II you accede
to my demand. 1t remains with you
to decide whether or not the very un.
pleasant facts 60 forth"
He continued to stand across the
room from her. his hand still upon
the door. He did not reply. and I
could feel. rather than see, that he
was terribly shaken. Mrs. Dimes
turned her chair till she faced him.
THAT We may come to an under.
standing at once. think should tell
you in the beginning that know that
whom you were my husbands agent
some years ago you hypothecated Sc
curities that were his-not yours.
You were hard pushed then. and he
knew II to be the crucial period Of
your whole business career; SO he
waited. believing that his confidence
in you had not been entirely misplaced
and that when you could you would
make good the amount you had
stolen. But you did not. And after
two years. whom you had become am
ply able to do 20, and did not, he real
lied that you hsA grown secure in the
belief that your peculation was not
discovered, and that you were without
even the semblance of honor. He ad-
mitted this with singular reluctancs.
Mr.. Ankony. for think you know that
he trusted you as not many men trust
their fellows"
She paused, her eyes ON his face.
His msttered reply was not coherent,
and she went. ON at once:
when he saw you at last as you
really were, he determined to prose-
cute you: but there came his last long
illness and his death. and afterward
my heart had softened little to you
and had not the mind beside to put
shame and sorrow upon your mother.
so did nothing. But when heard
the amazing news that you had pro-
posed to marry . girl like Barbara
Hemingway. l came back to America
TO tell you that you must give her up
or the delayed prosecution will begin
at once"
Then he spoke. You understand
what this is you ask Of me?" he said
thickly.
Perfectly" she nodded. and her
tone was less unkindly. "If l did not
know Just how sweet and lovely and
full Of grace and innocence she is. I
might perhaps have stayed away and
left you to your wooing."
There was long silence.
You demand large interest, Mrs.
Dines," he said.
Accumulated interest IL always
large" she retorted. But do not
wish to humiliate you any more than
10 necessary. You must. of course.
bring to an immediate end this unfor-
tunate engagement believe you
were to have been married at noon,
were you not?" She glanced at the
clock. You have not much time.
Some part Of the truth Miss Hem
ingray must know. But you may make
your own explanation aside from that.
only exact that she shall be made to
understand that whatever sense Of
obligation she may have entertained
for you is dissipated."
Ankony colored painfully and made
no reply.
Il shall not intrude upon you fur
ther", she said; but desire you to
understand that am prepared TO do
all that I say will do in case you
do not yield to my stipulation. l have
with me the papers which leave no
room for doubt as to your guilt Shall
] give them to Mr.. Twining, as your
attorney"
Il am the attorney Of the company
of which Mr. Ankony is the president.
madam" said; but in no case"
"It is not worth while,' Ankony in
terrupted.
Mrs. Dimes bowed. my own attor-
uey, MT. Lean, nnS eAnmiHcu inc Po-
pers. and he will tell you
"If he has not already done So"
Miss. Winstanley ventured, a. her one
little shot.
"That l am able to carry out my
plans" Mrs. Dimes finished. But
think you will see the wisdom in fol-
lowing the less aggressive course"
You leave me no choice In the mat
ter" he said bitterly. II am the un-
der dog in the tight"
The under dog II often to blame
for the fight" she said, tersely.
She approached the door. and I
held It open for her.
DO you sail alone by the Deutsch-
Land, Mr.. Ankony? she asked, turning
He smiled grimly.
Il shall sail alone" he said.