Hardin's lawyers are to stipulate, in case of Isabel Valois being
defeated in any of her rights, she shall be free to receive a fund
equal to that settled on the absent child of Natalie. Her freedom
comes with her majority in any case.
Judge Hardin offers, on the other hand:
To give a written recognition of the private marriage, and to
fully legalize the absent Irene.
To admit her to his succession, and to surrender all control to
the mother.
On condition of Natalie de Santos ceasing all marital claims
and disappearing at once, she is to receive five hundred thousand
dollars, in bankers' drafts to her order in Paris, six months after
the legal separation.
Hardin's tread re-echoes on the porch. His mind is busied. Is he
to have a closing career of unsullied honor in the Senate? He is
yet in a firm, if frosty age. A dignified halo will surround his
second marriage. It is better thus. Peace and silence at any cost.
And Lagunitas' millions to come. The mine--his dear-bought treasure.
It is coming, Philip Hardin. Peace and rest? it will be peace and
silence. He starts! The black-robed priest is at the door. Father
Francois has now resumed his soutane.
"Will you kindly enter?" he says.
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