Philip Hardin steels himself to face the woman he intends to trick and deceive at the very last. There are such things as insane asylums in California, if she makes any hubbub. But he has a "coup d'‚tat" in his mind. The old schemer will bring Natalie to terms. Flattery first; fear afterwards. "And they are face to face once more." CHAPTER XIX. LOVERS ONCE.--STRANGERS NOW.--FACE TO FACE. Ushered into a private room, the soulless Hardin's iron nerves fail him. His heart leaps up wildly when royal "Madame de Santos" approaches silently. Heavens! Her startling beauty is only mellowed with time. Another woman than the Hortense Duval of old stands before him. A goddess. She has grown into her new r“le in life. "Hortense!" he eagerly cries, approaching her. "Spare me any further deceit, Philip," she coldly replies. Seating herself, she gazes at him with flaming eyes! She is a queen at bay! He is startled. A declaration of war. No easy mastery now. "Where is your charge?" Hardin queries. "Where you will not see her, until we understand each other," rejoins the determined woman. Her steady glance pierces his very soul. Memories of old days thrill his bosom. "What do you mean by all this?" Hardin's nerve returns. He must not yield to mortal. The woman who queened it over his home, extends a jewelled hand with an envelop. "Explain this," she sharply cries. The Judge reads it. It is the announcement of his double senatorial and matrimonial campaign. "Is there any foundation for that report?" Madame de Santos deliberately asks. "There is," briefly rejoins the lawyer. He muses a moment. What devil is awakened in her now? This is no old-time pleading suppliant. "Then you will not see Isabel until you have settled with me and provided the funds promised before the death of the count." "Ah!" sneers the old advocate; "I understand you NOW, madame. Blood money!" "Partly," remarks Madame de Santos. "I also insist upon your giving up this marriage." Hardin springs from his chair. Age has robbed him of none of his cold defiance. He will crush her. "You dare to dream of forcing me to marry you?" His eyes have the glitter of steel. "You need not give up the senate, but you must marry me, privately, and give your own child a name. Then I will leave, with the funds you will provide. You can separate from me afterward by the mere lapse of time. There will be no publicity needed." "Indeed!" Hardin snarls, "A nice programme, You have had some meddling fool advise you; some later confidant; some protector." "Exactly so, Judge," replies the woman, her bosom heaving in scorn and defiance. "We have lived together. We are privately married now by law! Philip, you know the nameless girl you have never asked for is your own child." Hardin paces the floor in white rage. He gazes sternly in her eyes. She regards his excited movements, glaring with defiant eyes. A tigress at bay.