In the grip of the law

Front matter

SON ES SSN

BE

Cas

Contents

A Hoary SINNER ©. : : WHo bip THE DEED ? : : Tun GREAT BuLiion RoBBERY

Tur Mystery oF Griwonp’s BUILDINGS .

Tur Story or A BANK-NOTE ForRGER Tue Fata Eero : ; 3

Letter I

“T trust you have now thought over what I asked of you at our last meeting. It is no use mincing matters; facts are facts, and cannot be gainsaid. I have been living in a fool’s paradise, but am awake. You cast a spell upon me, but it has passed away, and now Lam clothed andinmy right mind. Your decision, therefore, must be given immediately. Delay will be fatal to my interests, my projects, my hopes. I wait your answer by return of post.”’

Letter II. ~

“Do you wish to drive me mad? I pray you, on my knees, be merciful, and have some consideration forme. God knows I do not forget, and never shall forget, what we have been to each other. But the past is a wild, passionate dream, and now in my sober senses I stand aghast at my folly. You must— you must—you will do as I ask you. Write immediately and say so, and relieve me of the fearful strain I am now enduring.”

Letter III

“Will nothing move you; will nothing reach your heart? Are you pitiless? I have always thought chivalry was a characteristic of your countrymen, but it seems to be lacking in you. If I have worshipped an idol under the impression it was a true god, and now discover and confess my error, is there no pardon for me? Isa woman to suffer all her life because of one

WHAORDID Ti UE EI? ? 47 error? I say again that you must release me. The past is dead; bury it out of sight and forget it. You are a man, and can make your own future. I am a woman ; why should you blight and blast what remains to me of life? Once more I appeal to your pity, your honour. We have both partaken of the fool’s herb, and it hath made us drunk. But we are sober now—at least I am, and I curse myself for my folly. But when we have confessed our sin and truly repent we are forgiven our sins ; forgive me mine, and let me go my ways.”