ll the lies you want to tell about my wife (who _is_
my wife!); spread any gossip at all--and you go to prison, you and your
husband. Keep silence, and I will do the same."

Well, we found Mary-Rose in New York. At first she was horrified at
sight of us. Her one desire had been to hide. But after I had talked
myself nearly dumb, and Jim had got in a word or two edgewise, she began
to hope. Even then she would not go back, though, until I had written
out her story for Ralston to read. He was to decide, and wire either
"Come to me," or "I cannot forgive."

We took her to our hotel, to await the answer; but there something
happened which changed the whole outlook. A long cablegram was delivered
to me some days before it would be possible to hear from Ralston. It was
from Mr. Smith, and said:

G. J. and husband proved guilty portrait fraud. Woman's father
clever old Parisian artist smuggled to England copy pictures. Her
career on stage ruined by cocaine and attempt to change friend's
jewels for false. When she attempted nursing in war, went to pieces
again; health saved by P. J., but would not have married him if he
had not pretended to be R. M.'s heir. R. M. so ill I took liberty
send for Sir B. D. as you directed. Sir B. D. proved nothing
positive against P. J., but suspicion so strong I got rid of couple
by springing portrait discoveries on them and threatening arrest.
They agreed leave England if allowed do so quietly. Consulted R.
M., who wished them to go, and they have already gone. Sir B. D.
installed at Manor. Things going better but patient weak. Hope you
think I did right.--

Smith.

I showed this message to Ralston's wife; and she said what I knew she
would say: "Oh, let's sail at once! Even if he doesn't want me, I must
be _near_."

Of course he did want her. He loved her so much that--it seemed to
him--the only person who had to be forgiven was that creature in
Washington. Her he forgave because, if it hadn't been for her selfish
scheme he would never have met his "life-saving angel."

Yes, that is his name for her now. It is a secret name, yet not so sweet
as Jim's for me. But that's a secret! And it's better than "The
Brightener."

THE END

BOOKS BY C. N. & A. M. WILLIAMSON

A Soldier of the Legion
Everyman's Land
It Happened in Egypt
Lady Betty Across the Water
Lord Loveland Discovers America