The Mena weekly star., 1913-10-23

feat the great principles I stand for"
 You coward! You pitiful hypo- critical coward" she ragged. You haven't the manhood to stand by your own past. You'll let a woman pay your debts-and pay them with everything that makes her life worth living. In all these years I've felt that if a moment like this should ever come, l could rely on your honor. I've always believed you would at least what is the old phrase se?-'perjure yourself like a gentleman' It's easy enough to save yourself and call it a duty to the people. A coward can all ways find an excuse. Oh, could car ry it all through safely, even now, if only you were a man instead of block of stone"
 Tt is too late now for reproaches, |" he answered. For years I've been building up a fighting strength-wait- ing for the peoples chance of victory. And that chance has come If they lose, it shall not be because of their leader. T."
 "A woman's reputation is worth mere than any mere political victory"
 Then" he commanded, tell your father and husband so. They are pre- pairing to wreck a woman's life to save themselves. No code of honor stands in their way. They are out to win. To win at any price. And it is only fair that the filthy methods they use should come back on their own heads. If some one must be betrayed, why should it be the innocent? Why not the Woman who is-guilty?"
 'Matt!" she walled, her defense all swept away, in a breath, If you let my husband know-do you realize what it would mean? It would mean separation-a divorce-disgrace- everlasting disgrace! Am I to pay that price for your victory?"
 That is for you to decide. I simply warn you not to let your husband and father move against me on these lines That is all Good-by. I will come back later to see MT. Blake"
 "Wait!" she begged. There is one thing you can do-one thing you must do. 1t won't endanger your success My father and Mark and some other men are coming here for a conference I want you to meet them and to urge them not to use this horrible story
 Ut would be useless" he objected | though moved in spite of himself, by | her absolute brokenness. But I'll try I promise you. I'll try my best. And I will guard your secret as long as il can be guarded. Until there is nc other possible chance. Then-well this story must be stopped. That is all It is a waste of words for me tc say how sorry am to have made you so unhappy tonight. Good-by."
 He was entirely master of himselt now: cold, impersonal, phlegmatic. Nc one seeing him take his leave at the door of the Robertson suite woulE have guessed his brain contained a solitary thought beyond the possible winning of a move in his cherished political game.
 The moment Standish was gone Grace collapsed. She sank down be side the desk table, helpless to move or think Everything was in black vhirl. The hour which for years she had dreaded; for which she had SC long and so carefully prepared.
 She moved convulsively. The motion brought her hand in contact with the cold metal of the telephone on the table before her. And with the touch came inspiration. Catching up the in strument she unlocked the receiver.
 Miss Kelly" she called tremulously "Is that you? You know my voice. -I am alone here-Can you come please? At once. l must see you Oh, thank, you At once, please"
 She rose unsteadily to her feet as might a half-senseless pugilist who will not yet give up hopeless fight.
 Continued in next issue.)