ccounts of the affair, and the
whole city now knows about it."

"I know it--I have read the papers," said Edith, without appearing in
the least disconcerted.

"What! already?"

"Yes."

"Well, what did you think of the account?" her companion inquired,
regarding her curiously.

"That it was simply another clever piece of duplicity on your part,
the only object of which was the accomplishment of your nefarious
purposes. I believe you yourself were the author of it."

Emil Correlli started as if he had been stung.

He did not dream that she would attribute the article to him--the last
thing he could wish would be that she should think it had emanated
from his pen.

Nevertheless, his admiration for her was increased tenfold by her
shrewdness in discerning the truth.

"You judge me harshly," he said, bitterly.

"I have no reason for judging you otherwise," Edith coldly remarked;
then added, haughtily: "Allow me to pass, sir, if you please."

"I do not please. Oh, Edith, pray be reasonable; come into Anna's
boudoir, and let us talk this matter over amicably and calmly," he
pleaded, laying a gentle hand upon her arm.

She shook it off as if it had been a reptile.

"No, sir; I shall discuss nothing with you, either now or at any other
time. If," she added, a fiery gleam in her beautiful eyes, "it is ever
discussed in my presence it will be before a judge and jury!"

The man bit his lips to repress an oath.

"Yes, Anna told me you threatened that; but I hoped it was only an
idle menace," he said. "Do you really mean that you intend to file an
application to have the marriage annulled?"

"Most assuredly--at least, if, indeed, after laying the matter before
the proper authorities, such a formality is deemed necessary," said
the girl, with a scornful inflection that cut her listener to the
quick.

He grew deadly white, more at her contemptuous tones than her threat.

"Edith--what can I say to win you?" he cried, after a momentary
struggle with himself. "I swear to you that I cannot--will not live
without you. I will be your slave--your lightest wish shall be my law,
if you will yield this point--come with me as my honored wife, and let
me, by my love and unceasing efforts, try to win even your friendly
regard. I know I have done wrong," he went on, assuming a tone and air
of humility; "I see it now when it is too late. I ask you to pardon
me, and let me atone in whatever way you may deem best. See!--I
kneel