Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1909-11-05

thing you would most eagerly have
averted. II you thought would stand
by and see you marry Barbara Hem
ingray. knowing you to be the sort of
man you are, you greatly misjudge
me But am inclined to believe that
you did not think me to be my hus-
bands confidante. and that you felt
yourself secure. your ignominy buried
with him"
Ankony arose and held open the
door into the inner Office.
Il must insist upon discussing this
matter in private" he protested holly.
in voice that quavered.
Mrs. Dimes sat STILL an imperative
hand held out detainingly to us. The
time is past for that" she told him:
IF you had sought me out long ago
1t might have been very different
But understand that l mean to make
no public disclosures II you accede
10 my demand II remains with you
10 decide whether or not the very UNI
pleasant facts go forth"
He continued to stand across the
room from her. his hand still upon
the door. He did not reply. and
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
when you were my husbands agent
some years ago you bypothecated 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, when you had become am
ply able to do so, and did not, he real
lied that you had grown secure in the
belief that your peculation was not
discovered. and that you were without
even the semblance OF honor He adj
mitted this with singular reluctance.
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 muttered 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 q 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 a girl ike Barbara
Hemingway, | 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 ! did not
know just how sweet and lovely and
full Of grace and innocence she Is, |
might perhaps have stayed away and
left you to your wooing."
There was long silence.
You demand large interest, Mrs.
Dimes" he said
Accumulated interest is always
large" she retorted. But | do not
wish to humiliate you any more than
is necessary You must. of course,
bring to an immediate end this unfor-
tunate engagement--I 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 | say I will do In case you
do not yield to my stipulation | 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
1T is not worth while" Ankony in
terrupted.
Mrs. Dimes bowed MY own attor-
ney. Mr.. Dean. has examined the pa
pers, and he win tell you"
IF he has not already done SO"
Miss Winstanley ventured. as her one
little shot.
That ! am able to carry out my
plans Mrs. Dimes finished. But
think you viii see the wisdom in fol-
lowing the less aggressive course"
You leave me no choice in the mat
ter" he said bitterly. Il am the I'M
der dog In the fight"
The under dog is often TO blame