Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-04-16
CHAPTER II.
An Indiscreet Letter.

gernon H. Carraby. NJ. p. who sat debating
his favorte photographer had rendered exceed
insly familiar, at any rate among his con-
Mrs. Carraby, who had entered fulfilled
in an even greater degree these characteristics
hold
Il should like to speak to you for moment. Al
gernon," his wife announced.
Mr.. Carraby noticed for the first time that
carrying letter in her hand. He turned at to
his secretary.
'Haskwer." he said, kindly return in 10 minutes"
The young quilted the Mrs Carraby
advanced few steps further toward her husband.
treme of fashion. Her quiet her skin
little pale, and her eyebrows little light Never
theless, she was quite famous beauty. Men all
admired her without any reservations The best sort
of women rather mistrusted her.
rs that letter, Mabel?" her husband asked,
eagerness which he seemed to be making effort
to conceal.
She nodded slowly. He held out his hand. but she
did not at part with It.
"Algernon." said quietly "you that
al very scrupulous. e both of success
"a certain sort of success-and we have both of
been content pay the price You have spent great
deal of money and you have succeeded very well in
iced. Somehow or other feel today as though
spending more than money"
He laughed little uncomfortably
my dear Mabel" he protested. you are not going
to back out your
M" replied. at not think that I shall back
out There is nothing in the whole world want so
much to have you Cabinet Minister If there nal
been any other way"
rupted 80 julien Portel lives should
Knows that he is clever He has the ear of the Prime
Minister, and he hates me. My only chance is mis-
retirement.
Mrs. Carraby looked at the letter.
Well" she said. 81 have played your game for
you. have even to the extent Of being talked
about with julien Portel"
ct. .5afhyorocdqv. ab shrdlu shrdu shr culdcmfwyp
Her husband moved uneasly in his chair
That will all blow directly he declared. Be
Sides Tiff things go our way. we shant see mucn
OF Portel. Give the letter"
Still she hestated. curious that throughout
the slow evolution of this scheme to break a mans
never hesitated Until this moment Always it had
been fixed in her mind that AlgernOn was to be
Cabinet Minister; she to be the wife of Cabinet
Minister. That there any other things greater
in life than the qualification of reasonable an am
She looked at her husband and she him with
new eyes, seemed suddenly little person.
culver in her very unexpected sensation
deed. There difference in the breed. 1t came
wandering, she swung the letter idly between her
thumb and forehnger, whether she would have been
different woman If she had had different manner CT
husband
THE letter. he repeated.
She laid it calmly the desk before him.
"Of course" she said coldly, "if you find the
tents affectionate you must remember that in
way responsible This was your scheme have done
my best"
The mans fingers trembled slightly as he broke
seal.
Naturally" he agreed pausing instant and
I would have put such idea into your head"
She laughed. characteristic laugh 1t was. quite
cold, quite mirthless, apparently quite meaningless
Carraby turned back the letter, tore the
veope spread it before them. He read 1t out
aloud in q sing-song voice.
Downing street. Tuesday.
My Dearest Mabel:
had your sweet little note an hour ago. OF course
I was disappointed about luncheon, always
however, almost reconciles
The looked at his wife.
Promise" he repeated hoarsely. What does he
Go on" she said with unchanged expression. "see
If what you want is there"
The continued to read:
going to ask you very great favor, Mabel
Lutte freedom. write you matters connected with
my office is different. 1 know very well how deep
your interest in politics really is, and 1t
has always been one my greatest pleasures. when
with you, talk things and hear your point Of
once found your advice useful 1t is your
ing which makes companionship always pleas
ure to me and rely upon that when beg you not
to ask me write you again Of matters to which
really right to allude You do not mind this
dear? And having read you little lecture will
answer your question Yes the Cabinet Council
exactly your surmse. With great difficulty 1
all terrified of this war DOGGY. For once I
had my own way. Our answer to this latest demand
Nothing of this o be known for at least week
I sorry your husband is such bear. Perhaps
on Monday we may meet at Cardington HouseF
Please destroy this letter at once.
Ever affectionately yours
The mans eyes, as read, grew brighter.
it enough?" the asked
"It is more than enough"
Slowly he replaced envelope and thrust
1t into the breast pocket of his coat
what are you going do with t?" she inquired.
'I have made my plans he answered. II know
actiy how to make the best and most dignihed use
o
He rose to his feet. Something in his wife's
preston seemed to disturb him: He walked few
steps toward the door and back again
Mabel" said, ARE you glad?"
Naturally I glad" she replied.
You have regrets?'
Again laughed
.Regrets?" she echoed What they? One
doesn't about such things nowadays"
They stood quite still in the center of that
handsome apartment. They almost alien figures
in the world which they moved-Carraby the rank
est OF newcomers carried into political life by his
wife's ambitions, his sef-amassed fortune and
o. subtle cunning very common substitute for
brains; Mrs Carraby, whom had been plastered
expensive Questionable education although
she able perhaps efectually to conceal her
an-.- - X-nrIL fc tra