Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/327

 "When—you—have—told—him—the—truth!" Stella gasped. "What truth?"

"That you have betrayed him and his people to his enemies."

"It's false! It's false!" Stella panted. "You lie. You lie, because you hate me! You hate me because you love him. Tell him if you dare. He will laugh in your face! Try it—try it—I dare you!" Her voice rose and fell, quivering and breaking in hoarse whispers of passion.

Susie stood quietly and coldly staring at her with lips upturned in scorn.

"If he doubts my word, Mr. Ackerman's will be sufficient."

"Ackerman!" Stella moaned, staggering to the table.

"Mr. Ackerman of the Secret Service who came here in answer to your call."

"He—has—told—you?"

"Yes, and I know the whole black hideous truth. I know that you hate John Graham, that you have used your devil's beauty to entrap and betray him."

"I swear that I love him!" Stella groaned as she sank to a chair.

"As you've sworn to him no doubt while you lured him to his ruin. I hate you—I hate you—and I could strangle you!"