The Third Degree

ty's splendid water front. Houses there were in the immediate proximity which were more showy and had cost more money, but none as completely satisfying from the art lover's

Hudson. Directly opposite, across the river, busy with steam and sailing craft, smiled the green

ed by broad lawns, wide-spreading shade trees and splashing fountains, it was a conspicuous landmark for miles. The interior was full of architectural beauty. The stately entrance hall, hung with ancestral portraits, was of noble proportions and a superb staircase, decorated with

ther, but she always managed to have some guest of special distinction whom every one was eager to meet. Her own wide acquaintance among the prominent operatic artists and her husband's influential position in the world of finance made this policy an easy way of furthering her social ambitions. She would always invite some o

t other women had done that before her. If she had not brought her husband love she at least was not a wife he need be ashamed of. In her Paquin gown of gold cloth with sweeping train and a jeweled tiara in her hair, she considered herself handsome enough to grace any man's home. It was indeed a beauty which she saw in the mirror-the f

celebrated psychologist, the originator of the theory of scientific psychology. Everything seemed to go the way she wished; her musicales were the talk of th

the world guessed how unhappy she was. She knew that by her own indiscretion she was in danger of lo

as really for the best interests of them both. Underwood made no reply and for months did not attempt to go near her. Then he met her in public. There was a reconciliation. He exerted the old spell-on the married woman. Cold and indifferent to her husband, Alicia found it amusing to have her old lover paying her court and the danger of discovery only gave the intrigue additional zest and charm. She did not lead Underwood to believe that he could induce her to forget her duty to Mr. Jeffries, but she was foolish enough to encourage a dangerous intimacy. She thought she was strong enough to be able to call a halt whenever she would be so disposed, but as is often the case she overestimated her powers. The intimacy grew. Underwood became bolder, claiming and obtaining special privileges. He soon realized that he had the upper hand and he traded on it. Under her patronage he was invited everywhere. He practically lived on her friends. He borrowed their money and cheated them at cards. His real character was soon known to all, but no one dared expose him for fear of offending the influential Mrs. Jeffries. Realizing this, Underwood

of it! Yet the next instant she was filled with consternation. She had allowed him to become so intimate that it was difficult to break off with him all at once. She realized that with a man of that character the inevitable must come. There would be a disgraceful scandal. She would be mixed up in it, her husband's eyes would be opened to her folly,

day evening. Alicia gave a sigh and was drawing on her long kid gloves before the glass, when suddenly a maid ente

ere has been a rupture, and my credit will suffer immediately with your friends. I cannot afford to let this happen now. My affairs are in such condition that it will be fatal to me. I need your support and friendship more than ever. I have noticed for some time that your manner to me

devo

t Und

nger. Turning to the maid, s

se the door when her mist

" she said; "I'

e a sheet of perfumed notepaper,

house to-night, I will have

hed it into an envelope, sealed it

t to the

The more she thought of all he had done, the angrier she became. Her eyes flashed and her bosom heaved with indignation. She wondered what her husband, the soul of honor, would say if he suspected that she had permitted a man of Underwood's characte

cheek. She turned quickly. It was her h

shly; "how you frightened me! You

ted beard stood admiring her in silence. His erect figure, adm

?" he said. "I hear carriages ou

hat's all," she r

pied look and, with so

ing to worry

like that," sh

is name did not love him, but his vanity as much as his pride prevented him from acknowledging it, even to himself. After all, what did he care? She wa

ou expect

rnstein is coming-you know he's quite the rage just now.

ight, is he?" smiled the

ter at the club to-night

ch a distinguished lawyer as Judge Brewster on their calling lists. To-night would c

her face beaming. "Every one is talking about him since

ul lines of her neck and bosom, glittering with precious stones. An exquisite aroma exuding from her person reache

little girl l

aring it to-night?" she replied almos

he other end of the reception room, where rich tapestries screen

ortwright," he

ollowed by her husband