West, to his
share of the property."
The utter consternation and bewilderment shown in the face of
Maruja convinced Carroll of his fatal error. She HAD received the
addresses of this man without knowing his real position! The wild
theory that had seemed to justify his resentment--that she had sold
herself to Guest to possess the property--now recoiled upon him in
its utter baseness. She had loved Guest for himself alone; by this
base revelation he had helped to throw her into his arms.
But he did not even yet know Maruja. Turning to Guest, with
flashing eyes, she said, "Is it true--are you the son of Dr. West,
and"--she hesitated--"kept out of your inheritance by US?"
"I AM the son of Dr. West," he said, earnestly, "though I alone had
the right to tell you that at the proper time and occasion.
Believe me that I have given no one the right--least of all any
tool of Prince--to TRADE upon it."
"Then," said Carroll, fiercely, forgetting everything in his anger,
"perhaps you will disclaim before this young lady the charge made
by your employer that Pereo was instigated to Dr. West's murder by
her mother?"
Again he had overshot the mark. The horror and indignation
depicted in Guest's face was too plainly visible to Maruja, as well
as himself, to permit a doubt that the idea was as new as the
accusation. Forgetting her bewilderment at these revelations, her
wounded pride, a torturing doubt suggested by Guest's want of
confidence in her--indeed everything but the outraged feelings of
her lover, she flew to his side.
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