There, the contest will be inaugurated, which will
declare Isabel Valois a nameless child of poverty. This is the last
golden lock to the millions of Lagunitas, The poor puppet he has
set up to play the contestant is under his control. He had wished
to see Natalie homeward bound before this denouement. It must be.
He muses. Kill her! Ah, no; too dangerous. He must FOIL her.
But her mad rage at his coming marriage. Well, he knew the ambitious
and stately lady who aspired to share his honors would condone the
story of his early "bonnes fortunes." What could lonely Natalie
do at the trial? Nothing. He has the Court in his pocket. He will
brave her rage.
Hardin writes a final note, warning the woman he fears, to attend
with the heiress on the day of the calling for his accounting.
Marvels never cease. He tears open the answer, after two sleepless
nights. She simply replies that the young Lady of Lagunitas will be
delivered to him on the appointed day. He cannot read this riddle.
Is it a surrender in hopes of golden terms? He knows not of Pere
Francois' advice.
He smiles in complacent glee. He has broken many a weak woman's
nerve: she is only one more.
While he ponders, waiting that reply, Natalie Santos, with heavy
heart, tells the priest the story of her tryst with her old lover.
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