Evening star., 1909-01-24

Now tell me the whole solemn truth. You
say my father was here with you before |
Gamer"
Yes"
Does he know that you know"
1t was to see me about it that he came
Did he make some effort to induce you not
to publish these facts."
Naturally" --.
What was the effort1'
He argued with me-
Is that all?'
He threatened retaliation"
Is that all?"
Il think he even pleaded"
And is that all -
YES" said Gormly. telling her his first lie,
telling it bravely. audaciously. even looking
her straight in the eye without blenching.
Mr.. Gormly," returned the woman, what
ever he is, my father is not fool
His worst enemy would not SO describe
him
He knew you were not a man to be moved
by threats entreaties. You have demon
strated that you can be- in this campaign at
least. iron hard. infexible, immutable. And
there is no argument any mortal man could use
that could induce you to hold your hand.
Isn't that true?'
IL am afraid So"
What then did he propose to influence you?"
Great God!' cried Gormly. 81 have told
you all that l will tell you. all that you have
right to know! Suffice it to say that he did
not move me-"
Do you love me very much. Mr.. Gormly?"
Love you! You know do. Why do you
"A half-houf before my father saw you, l
gave him your letter to me-"
He took that letter with him He said he
wanted to see you about it Mr., Gormly. ask
you. Implore you, ad Jure you, did my father
offer me to buy your silence!
Gormly stared at her in CHASTITY horror. 1t
was bad enough to be compelled to reveal her
fathers moral. political. and financial turpi-
tude; but to reveal him as one who had en-
deavored to save himself at the expense of his
daughter was more than he had bargained for.
You don't answer" said Miss Haldane.
mol"
"Stopl You are on oath now, by your honor
as gentleman, by your belief in God, by your
faith in womankind by your love for me! l
want the TRUTH Indeed, it is almost unneces-
sary for you to speak. Your silence, every
thing. confirms me in that belief. Did my
father say that he would induce me to marry
you, if you would keep silent about this? Oh,
don't take refuge in silence! Think for me a
moment. In all your great scheme for human
ity, give one thought to this one woman she
laid her hand on her breast again that you
say you love. You can't leave me in this ter
A man who would do what he has done would
not hesitate at that But | must know, and
must have your anSwer!
And can't tell you.
iOu can!
Well l will not, then! | have told you
enough. ANYTHING else you must get from
other people
A ND SO you refuse mes" said the girl stand
ing up. Look at mel" She stretched
her hands out and stood boldly, magnifcently,
defantly, before him. You refuse me!
Many men have wooed me: many men would
have made me their wife. | did not love you.
don't love you; but l might have learned.
You might have had me. You say l the
dearest desire of your heart. A little silence.
paper torn in two, momentary forgetfulness.
and / should have been yours" She picked
the paper up from the table as she spoke and
held it before her. :" could tear it up in a
moment. Think what you might have had.'
She stepped slowly round the table and APP
preached him. She came nearer to him. He
stared at her fixedly without moving. She was
by his side now. She laid her hand his
shoulder. Me" she said, ''f for this, and you
refused!
He nodded.
What are you made Off" she cried.
don't know" gasped the man hoarsely.
" 1 was fool!
'Will you take me now" she interposed
swiftly. "and suppress this? If say that
will marry you tomorrow, will you keep this
a secret forever?"
Great Cod" whispered the man, chow you
tempt mel
'Will you do it, Answerl'
"No'" thundered Gormly L WON'T"