Part 25 (1/2)

”Yes.”

”And be sure and not mention it to my husband. You receive all the mail that comes to the house, and when you find one marked San Bernardino you will know it is from my father.”

”San Bernardino,” Paul repeated.

”Yes; don't forget. If it comes soon, bring it to the Grand Central and see if I am there; if I am not, do as I have directed you. Will you promise me this, and keep it a secret?”

”I will promise to do the business according to your orders.”

”Thank you, Paul. If I can ever serve you in any way I will do so.”

Paul bowed and left the room. His brain was very busy with several plans which he was working up, and he must have time to calculate, for though they might not one of them be of any importance, they were weighty enough for his young brain to master, and he must be by himself. He had some work to do for his employer, an errand or two for Irene, a piece of work of his own that must be done, and then he would take time to think.

Two days later Paul received the letter of which Irene had spoken, and accordingly made haste to fulfill his promise. He reached the hotel, and stepping in, sought Irene and delivered the letter. She did not seem at all anxious that Paul should stay, but said hurriedly: ”Thank you, Paul; I may write you some day and perhaps ask another favor of you.”

Then she closed the ma.s.sive door and Paul was left standing alone. He entered the street thinking that it was all very strange, and there must be something about Irene's intentions that were highly improper.

He had in his possession another letter which Irene had given him to deliver to Scott, and to-day he must do that errand. He wondered if the letter contained anything unpleasant.

CHAPTER XIX.

A FATAL STEP.

”Mr. Wilmer, here is a letter for you,” said Paul, entering his employer's room.

”Where did you get this?” Scott asked, looking at the envelope.

”It was given me by your wife to deliver to you.”

Scott was just preparing to go to the office, and was standing by the mantel gazing down as though in a deep study. He had broken the seal and read the letter. Then, while a deathly pallor overspread his fine features, he sank into a chair and laid his head on the boy's shoulders.

”Oh, Paul,” he groaned, ”has it come to this? Poor, foolish girl. Oh, what a terrible mistake we both made in our marriage.

”Poor, foolish, weak woman. Poor girl, her punishment will come sooner or later, and G.o.d knows I pity her.”

Paul pa.s.sed his hand over Scott's brow with a tender, loving caress, then his finger-tips rested lightly on the rings of hair which cl.u.s.tered around his brow, and softly the great tears fell and dropped on Scott's hand.

”What, crying, my boy? Tears are only for women; not for a brave boy like you.”

”I know it,” Paul said, wiping his eyes, ”but you are so cruelly wronged. I know you must be, or you would not look so white. Oh, I hope the woman who has ruined your happiness will never see a happy day.”

”Hush, Paul,” said Scott quickly. ”Sin brings its own reward, and remember that she _was_ my wife. G.o.d help her, and bring her the happiness she is seeking. Please bring mother and June.”

Paul left the room and soon returned, accompanied by Mrs. Wilmer and June.

”What is it, my son?” Mrs. Wilmer asked, noticing the white, sad look on Scott's face.

”Mother, please be seated and read this aloud, if you can, that June and Paul may know its contents.”