own apartment, and after the
death of the dog, Dr. Medjora followed her there, determined to
discover the whole truth. As he entered she arose to meet him, facing
him with an undaunted air.

"Cora," demanded the Doctor, "how dared you commit such a hideous
crime? Why did you poison that dog?"

"Because it was my pleasure to do so!"

"Your pleasure to deprive a poor dumb brute of life? You should be
ashamed to make such a confession!"

"I am not the only one who might make confessions!"

"What do you mean?" The Doctor instantly realized that a covert threat
lay hidden in her words.

"You have deceived me," cried his wife, at last giving full play to
her anger. "For years you have lied to me. But at last I know
everything. I know who Leon is!"

"Do you?" The man was exasperatingly calm. He folded his arms and,
gazing coldly upon the wrathful woman, added, "What is it that you
think you know?"

"I do not think! I tell you I know! You brought him here, calling him
a poor boy whom you wished to befriend. That was a lie! He is your own
child!"

"How do you know that?"

"I hired a detective. He found out the whole hideous truth. I have
your letters for proof, so you need not attempt denial."

"So you have found letters? Are they genuine? Let me see them?"

"I am not such a fool as that. I have hidden them where you cannot
find them. I have a better use for them than to give them to you!"

"Indeed, and may I ask what use you intend to make of them?"

"I mean to take them to Judge Dudley, and to his daughter Agnes! Ha!
That idea does not please you, does it?"

"With what purpose would you show them the letters?"

"I know what you are aiming at! I am not the fool that you think! I
have studied you, and watched you all these years, and I understand
you very well. You wish Leon and Agnes to be married?"

"I do! What of it?"

"What of it? It shall never be! That shall be my vengeance for your
long deception. I will prevent that marriage if it cost me my life!"

"If you dare to interfere with my plans it may cost you your life!"
The words were said in threatening tones, which at any other time
would have cowed Madame, but now she had thrown aside her mask, and
could not be stayed from her purpose. She answered haughtily, and with
a tantalizing sneer:

"No! No! My fine Doctor! You cannot rid yourself of me, as you did of
Mabel Sloane! I will not drink your poison!"

"Woman! Beware!" He grasped her wrists,