Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-11-16

through 20 the end, please.
He did 50, 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-AIiss Chaloners name had
been mentioned-and mine, he said slowly. There
is no name mentioned here. The identity of the
people
"Your names have been mentioned, MIR. Markham,
in my presence The story back of this vile clipping
the lips of every gossip in town Where it originated
Heaven only knows; but facts given and dates,
which make 1t ugly in the extreme. | thought It best
that YOU should know and sent for YOU assure YOU
that had knowledge about the play and its possible
reference anyone
"1'he play" he asked quietly "was written by
Madame Tcherny3
shall do Mr. Markham If there is basis of truth
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 left
New York. and don't know where to find her. She
left town. l am informed, the day after the play
given. | wish she hadn't. 1t makes things awkward
for have the best intentions IN the world; but if
she ties my hands by silence what can doo7
Markham had risen and pacing the floor slowly,
his head bent, all his thoughts of Hernia Ogas
cruelty stunned him. She had promised not to speak.
Had she spoken other than in this ingenious drama? Or
it De Foigny? His fists clenched and his jaws
worked forward. De Folligny-a man! Here was some
thing tangible man, not woman to deal with He
turned and stood beside the tea table struggling for 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 "Franklv, don't know.
Thank God m not in responsible for that part
of this misfortunel | only know that Olga Tcherny
the play. As to her motives in doing am at
loss. But if | thought she used my house. violated my
hospitality the expense of of my guests,
some private end would The good lady grew red
in the face and then controlling herself for a moment,
q" would find some of getting her the punishment
she deserved Hernia Chaoner there, she went
quickly. "Her appearance was marked. She looked
ILL., and left 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 full moment. She much distressed at her po-
sition and the endness of her look all that could
be desired. he hesitated moment weighing his duty
with his inclination What was the best for Hernia?
How could he serve herr How build bulwark to dixie
the flood of scandal that threatened her in her fght2
Alie2 Obviously that wouldn do; for Mrs Hammond
believed in him. And the story had gone too far was
diabolc in its accuracy, for fiat denial without
PLANTATION. The TRUTH
HIS hostess still regarded him patiently. He searched
her with his eyes, his gaze finally falling.
"If is gliltless, does not fear the TRUTH
he muttered slowly NOR does virtue fear lie; but
half-truth will damn even the innocent Mrs Ham
mond."
There is some basis then for the stories they are
telng?' she asked kindly.
MY lips have been sealed. I'm not that l
have the right to open them now; but | will. |
don't think could pay you higher compliment than
by trusting Miss Challoners fate entirely your
hands.
Mrs. Hammond, now keeny interested smiled at him
encouraglngly. Thanks, Mr.. Markham. I'm not
old that have forgotten how to be human.
He o1arc t,a
You know-Herma- Chaloner very well, Mrs.
Ha1annnnd2"