Mr. St. John's face grew livid at her angry threat. He trembled with fear.
"No, no, Xenie, you won't, you mustn't do it," he gasped forth. "I will never do so again. I'll be your slave if you won't tell!"
"I will tell it everywhere!" cried his young wife, rushing to the door, her whole passionate spirit aglow with the keenest resentment.
But with unlooked-for strength in one of his age, he ran forward, and stood with his back against the door.
"You shall not go till you promise to keep silent," he said, firmly; "I will do anything you ask me, Xenie, if you will only not tell on me!"
"Anything?" she exclaimed, turning quickly.
"Yes, anything," he reiterated, with a weak, imploring look, full of craven fear.
"Very well," she answered firmly; "make your will to-day, and cut Howard Templeton off with a shilling, and I'll keep your secret—otherwise the city shall ring with the story of your cruelty!"
"Won't you let me leave him ten thousand dollars, dear?" he asked, pitifully.
"Not a dollar!" she answered coldly.