The state herald., 1917-11-09

succeed him? Who will issue from
the coming struggle as the dominant
figure Of Mexicoi Who but that mill
tary genius who checks the Yankee
hordes and saves the fatherland7
am he. Fate points the path Of glory
and I am her man of destiny. You
see, then. what bring you-power,
position, riches. Richest Caramba !
Wait until my hands are In the treas
ury. I will load you with gold and
jewels and will make you the rich
est woman in the world. Sonora, l
offer you dominion. offer you the
presidents palace and Chapultepec.
And with all that, l offer you such
passionate love as no woman Of history
ever possessed"
He paused, spent BY the force Of his
own intensity; 1t was plain that he ex-
pected an immediate surrender.
Alaire's lips parted in the faintest
Of nocking smileA. you have great
confidence In yourself" she said.
Eyes. know myself a. no one
knows me-"
"Why do you think I care for your
Longorio's eyes opened. His ex.
preston plainly showed that he could
not imagine any woman In her senses
falling to adore him.
Don't you take much for granted? :"
Alalre insisted.
The Mexican shook his head. Then
his face lightened. "Ahi Now I see.
Your modesty forbids you to acknowl.
edge your love-is that III Well. I know
that you admire me. for can see II.
All women admire me. and they all
end BY loving me-" His chest arched
imperceptibly; with q slender finger
he delicately smoothed his black eye
brows. Alaire felt q wild impulse to
laugh, but was glad she had subdued
II when he continued. II am impetuous,
but impetuosity has made me what I
am. I act, and then mold fate to suit
my own ends. Opportunity has de-
livered to me my hearts desire. and I
will not be cheated out Of It. Among
the men I brought with me to La
Feria is q priest. He IL dirty. for I
caught him as he was fleeing toward
the border; but he IL q priest, and he
will marry us tonight"
Alaire managed to gasp. "Surely you
are not In earnest"
"Indeed ami That 10 why I insist.
ed that you dine with me this evening.
cannot waste more time here. for
necessity calls me away. You shall 20
as my wife"
"Do you think would remarry on
the very day nnd myself q widowf''
The world will never know"
you dare to say thati" Her tone
was one of disgust. Of nnality. II won
der how have listened to 20 much. II
is horrible"
"You are still Q little hysterical. and
you exaggerate. II I had more time.
! could afford to walt" He ogled her
with his luminous gaze. II would let
you play with me to your hearts con.
tent and exercise your power until you
tired and were ready to surrender"
Alaire raised her head proudly. her
nostrils dilated. her eyes ablaze with
hostility. This Is very humilating.
but you force me to tell you that hate
you"
Longorio was incredulous rather
than offended. He drew himself up to
his full height and smiled, saying:
''rhat is impossible" Then, ignoring
her impatiencc: 'Come! You cannot
deceive me. The priest Is waiting"
When Alaire spoke next, II was with
an expression and with tone OF such
loathing that his yellow face paled,
"Your concelt IL insuiferable." she
brenthed.
After a brief struggle with himself.
the Mexican cried. hoarsely: II will
Aot be refused. You wish me to tame
you. chr Good! You have found your
master. Make your choice then,
Which shall 1t be. surrender or-com.
pulsionY'
"Sol You have been lying. a I
thought. Compulsioni Now the real
Longorio speaks"
He flung up his hands as II to ward
on her fury. "Noi Have not made
myself clearf shall embrace you
only with the arms Of q husband, for
this Ii not the passion Of moment,
but Of lifetime. and I have myself to
consider. The wife Of Mcxico's next
president must be above reproach |;
there must be no scandal. no secrets
hidden away for enemies to unearth.
She must stand before the people a.
a perfect woman: she must lend pres.
tigc to his name. When speak Of
compulsion. then. ! mean the right Of
a husband"
Alsire uttered an exclamation Of dis.
gust and turned awny. but he inter.
ccpted her. saying: "You cannot hold
me at bny. It Ia destiny. You shnli be
mine tonight. Think a momcnti We
are alone In the heart Of n country
lacking In every law but mine. Your
friends do not know where you nrc.
nnd. even n they knew. they could not
Il