As Hortense
ministers to the dark master of the house, she can see he has not
fully disclosed his ultimate plans. It is positive the child must
be hidden away at Paris from all. Hardin enjoins silence as to
the future prospects of the orphan. The little one has already
forgotten her father. She is rapidly losing all memories of her
sweet mother.
In the silence of these last hours, Philip Hardin speaks to the
woman who has been his only intimate in years.
"Hortense, I may find a task for you which will prove your devotion,"
he begins with reluctance.
"What is it, Philip?" she falters.
He resumes. "I do not know how far I may be pushed by trouble. I
shall have to struggle and fight to hold my own. I am safe for a
time, but I may be pushed to the wall. Will you, for the sake of
our own child, do as I bid you with that Spanish brat?"
At last she sees his gloomy meaning. Is it murder? An orphan child!
"Philip," she sobs, "be careful! For MY SAKE, for YOUR OWN." She
is chilled by his cold designs.
"Only at the last. Just as I direct, I may wish you to control
the disappearance of that young one, who stands between me and our
marriage."
She seizes his hands: "Swear to me that you will never deceive me.
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