aughter to his breast. Daisy's arms were
clinging round his neck, and her golden head rested on his shoulder.
She was sobbing hysterically, John Brooks, deeply affected, following
after.

Like a stag at bay, the woman's courage seemed to return to her, as
she stood face to face after all those years with the husband whom she
had so cruelly deceived--and the proud-faced man who stood beside
him--whose life she had blighted with the keenest and most cruel blow
of all.

Basil Hurlhurst was the first to break the ominous silence.

"It is unnecessary to tell you we have heard all," he said, slowly. "I
shall not seek redress for your double crime. Leave this locality at
once, or I may repent the leniency of my decision. I hold you
guiltless, Pluma," he added, gently. "You are not my child, yet I have
not been wanting in kindness toward you. I shall make every provision
for your future comfort with your father," he said, indicating John
Brooks, who stood pale and trembling at his side.

"Pluma, my child," cried John Brooks, brokenly, extending his arms.

But the scornful laugh that fell from her lips froze the blood in his
veins.

"Your child!" she shrieked, mockingly; "do not dare call me that
again. What care I for your cotton fields, or for Whitestone Hall?"
she cried, proudly, drawing herself up to her full height. "You have
always hated me, Basil Hurlhurst," she cried, turning haughtily toward
him. "This is your triumph! Within the next hour I shall be Rex Lyon's
wife."

She repeated the words with a clear, ringing laugh, her flaming eyes
fairly scorching poor little Daisy's pale, frightened face.

"Do you hear me, Daisy Brooks!" she screamed. "You loved Rex Lyon, and
I have won him from you. You can queen it over Whitestone Hall, but I
shall not care. I shall be queen of Rex's heart and home! Mine is a
glorious revenge!"

She stopped short for want of breath, and Basil Hurlhurst interrupted
her.

"I have to inform you you are quite mistaken there," he replied,
calmly. "Mr. Rexford Lyon will not marry you to-night, for he is
already married to my little daughter Daisy." He produced the
certificate as he spoke, laying it on the table. "Rex thought her
dead," he continued, simply. "I have sent for him to break the
startling news of Daisy's presence, and I expect him here every
moment."

"Pluma," cried Daisy, unclasping her arms from her father's neck, and
swiftly crossing over to where her rival stood, beaut