The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-12-14
THE WHITE CAT
By CELETT BURGESS
Author of ~vivettep sister Of Destiny &c
Copyright he
By CELETT BURGESS

'I've already told the doctor that we're
engaged" I said.
You told the doctorr she exclaimed
How could your
/ repeated cur conversation in tile lane
Her momentary resentment at me died
away at hearing the Doctors own an
nouncement
Then perhaps Edna is in love with
him, after all That would account for
much. and excuse everything. perhaps 4"
She drew a sigh OF relief at the thought
of this palliation.
Il don't think she is, but she might be
willing TO marry him to get her freedom, -
offered.
But then. If Edna is in love, 1 have
still less right to let you propose to me-
Why. Just think of Tits incredfblei II
they're engaged
They're not engaged. Tn sure"
1T makes no difference-she may care
for him more than you think. It's fear
ful! ! can't talk about it!'
But she can't marry him! We must
prevent that Think OF the horror of that
possibility
/ had small need 90 appeal to her
Imagination Her mind was already
whirling with the possibilities of such a
! situation. She stared at me. dazed
I speechless, her eyes filled with terror
Then she collapsed and fell into my
arms.
"oh. Chester. what shall I do? Take
care OF me! I'm so frightened
you must listen to me, joy I said
Il love you so that my heart will break
| II you don't consent and let me help YOU
You must be my wife. and then We can
defy them and night ii out together"
| She started up with a new thought
/ "Oh. hasn't Edna a right 10 her love,
| too? Won't it be as bad for her, pos
SHY, II l consent? How can / force her
10 suffer that! How can I bear to think
of your being with her while I'm wan
| dering. lost. eclipsed? Oh, don't you see
how shockingiy impossible the whole
thing is? We can neither of US dare TO
love We have no right even to think of
it, How can you suggest 1t? It's IN
thinkablel'
But you love meg' / asked
She offered me her lips for the first
time, and clung to me. trembling.
Then nothing is Impossible. Wen wait
a while and see But at least, so far as
| the doctor is concerned, ] can't afford TO
/ be stultified. You'll not repudiate my an
nouneement You'll admit il TO him, If he
| asks? / must have that weapon against
| him.
She turned II over in her mind. 'Pll not
] deny it." she said, finally. but you must
not consider II a promise. It's simply
| too CHASTITY TO think Of
/ had gained that much at any rate. and
| though my heart sank at the thought Of
the possibilities our words had pictured,
| / still hoped 10 be inspired TO some sue
| oessful plan for attack and defense.
| knew that Joy loved me-that was every
thing. 1t made me holder and more con-
hdent So put the horrors from me and
thought only Of our love
| She turned suddenly toward me and
said: What would you do for me- Ches-
| teri
Anything. except give you upr'
Remember the White Cat" she said.
would you do what she asked the prince
TO dor
What do you mean2"
She spoke deliberately. Conceive. If you
can. our being beaten In the end. Conceive
that Edna might marry the dOctor-and
then think of me"
I'm prevent that said. through my
teeth
| You may not be able 10 prevent it. ex-
: cept in one way
l understood IF I ever believe tina!
| that is the only way 10 prevent it'll
| promise TO help YOU
Il may be able 10 do it alone; of course
/ shall try. But If l haven't the means,
the opportunity, you must promise TO help
me find them"
Il promsel' / repeated.
She tossed her head back with her old
/ gesture
Then l said; Joy. all this is unneceS-
sary; though I've promised. If you'll only
marry me nOw-if yOu'll even consent to an
engagement-it will enable me to defy
the doctor and prevent his coming here. -
"Oh l cannot, ] cannot she cried.
You know why as well as T. It's TO
awful! ] love you-that must be enough
/ for the present"