The Washington herald., 1912-10-20
CHAPTER VII.

Love her." he ragged Then sudden
ly his voice changed. Il did love her
and trusted her implicitly" Hi,
hands opened and shut convulsively and
his head sank until his chin almost
rested on his breast.
Your presence here looks like it."
exclaimed the other. with bitter scorn.
Why how did YOU know she was here
unless you had her shadowed, Loved
her and trusted her, Why. man. you
didn', even know she existed until an
other man wanted her.
Admission threw back his head as his
rage swept back over him.
You admit you wanted her." he
cried
Yes" Collingwood's teeth clicked
on the word and he drew himself up.
And much good may the admission do
you! | wanted her and | fought for
her with every weapon ] dared employ.
What sort OF a hgh: have YOU made for
her own pure sell that had kept her
sweet. 1t was ,ha, pure self ! wanted
but I've lost her
the uncomfortable workings of his fea-
lures and the unshcd tears in his eyes
Over against the piano. her face buried
in her arms. Peggy was weeping softly.
IF YOU have any instincts of gen
tleman. you've won her." snarlcd Ad-
maSton
What do YOU mean?" demanded Col
linSwo1d harshlv. as he faced his ac-
cuser again.
Your methods have not been over
nice-to betray your friend-to win the
love of his wife
That's a lie" broke in Collingwood.
fercely. u don't defend myself, but
don't you dare say word against her!
We've were very old friends Eyes
and voice dropped suddenly. Il loved
hcr-and believed she loved me. but
she didn't. She loves vou-you" Ad-
maston gave a short. nasty laugh.
"A pretty love- he sneered. I've
done with it and with her.
Peggy turned quickly and moved to-
ward him with uncertain steps.
"George-for Gods sake she beg
ged piteously.
You mean to cast her off-to break
her spirit" cried Colingwood. wildly.
NO, No. You don't know what you
are saving. man. You've no right
That is for the court to decide" de-
clared her husband in a hard. bitter
voice.
The COURT gasped Peggy. in a ter
riied whisper. No. George. Not that.
I've done nothing-nothing to forfeit
your love"
Stop And Peggy shrank from his,
eyes. You don't realize how much I
know ! saw letter at the House of
Commons yesterday before i O'Clock.
That letter told me everything you in
tended to do-cverything. in fact. your
have done, That letter brought me
over here after you. | sent detective
TO Boulognc to meet your
That man." gasped Peggy. in ter
rified whisper.
Yes: sent him. He followed you
to this hotel He was here last night:
he is here now He has just given me
his report. and it leaves no doubt as
to your guilt
Peggy half smothcred scream Of
horror My guilt! No. No. George
it isn't true" she cried passionately. 1T
is not true. l don't care what you have
done-wfat letters and reports YOU
have received-I am your wife! | did
not love you at first-you knew that.
l told you all, But now
You blind foolw Collingwood'a
voice grated in. Rage and pity and con-
tempt had made it almost a whine.
Don't you see what you are doing?
You're playing my game-not your own.
I've tried to win her and have treated
YOU pretty badly. but l don't want to
win her now! Don't YOU see. man. if
you call in the court to break her wings
you'll only drive her to me?"
The half-crazed husband came back
at him with savage snarl. "Yes, and
you don't sem particularly anxious to-
60 through with itp'
(To BE CONTINUED NEXT sUNDAYJ