Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-09-18

~" herself alone ia the street
Wv she walked along mechan-
ically. stunned by what
had just occurred. Her heart seemed
70 be pressed down by a weight. and
her breath came painfully through her
contracted throat She could not be
hsve that what she had gone through
was real the thing was SO mon
Strous, so utterly inconceivable. her
husband. Joe, for love OF whom she
had given up life Of ease. for whom
abe had borne cbeerfully the trials OF
poverty. In whom she had placed Der
entire faith. this man, % whom she
had yielded herself trustngly, In
whom, up % that hour, she had be-
nsved as the soul Of honor, had stood
exposed as g thief and a liar.
To save himself from the impending
punishment OF his dishonesty he was
willing 10 trade the honor 81 his wife
TO maintain himself 10 the material
ease that his thievfng had brought
them for a few brief weeks be wanted
her 20 prostitute herself for money
had entreated and threatened IN bis
efforts 90 force her 20 do this thing.
And she, driven 90 desperation. had JET
him arrange q rendezvous for her With
Captain Williams 70 the latter's rooms
She stopped and leaned against
wall for support A violent trembling
had seized her. and the street lights
were whirling about Der.
MY Godr she gToaned what shall
I do2 What shall I dor
The ct Of faintness passed OF. and
she was able 20 collect her thoughts
and consider the best course Of action
When she had undertaken 20 call or
Captain Williams az that hour Il was
with 20 thought Of lending herself C
her husbands hideous plan. IN 8
vague, hopeless way she had resolved
o beg mercy for him, 70 see ~ there
was not sog1e manner e. which atone
mcnt and restitution could be made.
Now she was AFRAID. II she went 70
him, how could she approach him
what could she sayG What would he
think Of her coming 20 his rooms, at
night toof He would think, and under
the circumstances naturally think. only
one thing. And she would be complete
" n the power Of this colossus. this
ogre whom she secretly feared and de-
tested. who so often had leered bis
unweicome admiration OF Der when she
was powerless 90 resent IL
Her impulse was 20 turn from the
ordeal and ~ from her husband. leav-
11g him 20 tie fate be merited- She
could so 20 her mothers home and
await her return from the theater. She
would az least ind a refuge there. Bot
n the morning would come the public
exposure and disgrace. No: she must
make the EFFORT whatever the cost,
whatever the sacrifice.
Ten minutes later she was knockine
AZ Captain Williams apartment
The door swung open, and the cap
tain stood before her.
Come riZht in, Mrs. Brooks" he IN.
vtted. ", been waiting FOR you"
Il was delayed a little" she said
tmidly.
Your husband telephoned that you
were comiuE"
Yes know"
The words came falteringly, and she
stood. knowing not what 20 say or
what 20 do.
did you meet SMITH" he inquired.
smith ?"
Your friend Jimsy. BE Just lert-
~No. WhyT"
Must have passed you IN the ele-
vator II does not matter. Won't you
SIT DOWN"
She took the chair he advanced for
her close 20 the table.
You must excuse the looks OF these
quarters" De went on. Il am IN OLD
bachelor you know. and nv Jap valet