Philip Hardin steels himself to face the woman he intends to trick
and deceive at the very last. There are such things as insane
asylums in California, if she makes any hubbub.
But he has a "coup d'etat" in his mind. The old schemer will bring
Natalie to terms. Flattery first; fear afterwards.
"And they are face to face once more."
CHAPTER XIX.
LOVERS ONCE.--STRANGERS NOW.--FACE TO FACE.
Ushered into a private room, the soulless Hardin's iron nerves
fail him. His heart leaps up wildly when royal "Madame de Santos"
approaches silently. Heavens! Her startling beauty is only mellowed
with time. Another woman than the Hortense Duval of old stands
before him. A goddess.
She has grown into her new role in life.
"Hortense!" he eagerly cries, approaching her.
"Spare me any further deceit, Philip," she coldly replies. Seating
herself, she gazes at him with flaming eyes! She is a queen at
bay!
He is startled. A declaration of war. No easy mastery now.
"Where is your charge?" Hardin queries.
"Where you will not see her, until we understand each other,"
rejoins the determined woman. Her steady glance pierces his very
soul. Memories of old days thrill his bosom.
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