New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-11-16

through TO the end, please -
He did So his horror increasing the full significance
Of the description grew upon him. Hernia had SEEN
had read this! They talking about her and about
him! He could not understand.
"You said that Miss-Miss Chaoners name had
been newfoundland NINE he said slowly. There
is no name mentioned here. The identity OF the
people
"Your names have been mentioned, Mr.. Markham
in nv presence The story back of this vile clipping IS
on the Inns of every gossip in town. Where it originated
Heaven only knows; but facts given, and dates,
which make it ugly in the extreme. | thought 1t best
that YOU should know and sent for you TO assure you
that had no knowledge about the play and Its possible
reference TO anyone.
aThe plav," he asked quietly "was written by
Madame Tcherny'
She nodded. her ewes regarding him soberly. "What
shall do Mr. Markham? If there is some basis OF truth
in the reports hear have been grossly imposed upon
and whatever the facts they have done great wrong
both to you and Hernia. Unfortunately she has lett
New York and don't know where TO find her. She
left town. | am informed the day after the play was
given | wish she hadn't. 1t makes things awkward
for me- have the best intentions in the world; but
she ties nv hands by silence what can do;'
Markham had risen and pacing the floor slowly,
his head bent. all his thoughts Of Hernia. Olgas
cruelty stunned him. She had promised not to speak.
Had She spoken other than in this ingenious drama; Or
was il De Foignv? His fists clenched and his jaws
worked forward lie fOlnSily 1t IloI' iiSIN WOO
thing tangible man, not woman, to deal with lie
turned and stood beside the tea table, struggling tor the
control Of his voice
"Who has told this story, Mrs Hammond he asked
at last.
She shrugged her capacous shoulders and settled her
head forward in his direction. "Franky, don Know
Thank God I'm not in any way responsible for that part
Of this misfortune! I only know that Olga Tcherny
wrote the play As 70 her motives in doing am at
= loss But if thought she used my house, violated my
hospitality at the expense Of Of my guests, to serve
some private end would" The good lady grew red
in the face and then controlling herself for a moment,
81 would find some Of getting her the punishment
She deserved Hernia Chaloner there, she went
on quickly "Her appearance marked. She looked
III and lett the house before supper You invited
too Mr. Markham if YOU will remember; but would
not come | confess I'm at my wits ends will not
question you. All | ask is your advice
Markham raised his head and looked her IN the eyes
for q full moment She much distressed at her po-
ston and the fricndncss Of her look al that could
be- desired He hesitatcd a moment, weighing his duty
with his inclination What the best for Hernia
How, could he serve her, How build buwark 10 dixie
the food Of scandal that threatened her in her fight
AEe2 Obviously that wouldn't do; for Mrs Hammond
believed in him. And the story had gone too far was
too daboc in its accuracy, FOR fiat denial without ex-
PLANTATION. The truth,
HIS hostess still regarded him patiently. He searched
IL her with his eyes. his gaze finally falling.
az one is guiltlcss, one does not fear the truth
he muttcred slowly nor does virtue fear he; but
ha-truth will damn even the innocent, Mrs Ham
mond."
There is some basis then, for the stories they
,ellng,~ she asked kindly.
INV Eps have been sealed. I'm not sure that |
have the right to open them now; but ! will
don, think could pay YOU a higher compliment than
toy trusting Miss Challoncrs fate entirely into Your