Reapers of the Whirlwind

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John Howard had lived blamelessly for more than twenty years, during which his wife had born him a son and the boy had reached manhood with promise of a great career as an artist. Then Howard met Cora Legrande, the famous dancer, and forsook the paths of honor. His son, Charles, was coming home from Paris, but that did not give him pause. In a note to his wife he confessed that her suspicions were true, and that he was going away with Cora. In Paris, for a while, he was happy, then Cora began to tire of his stinginess. At the same time Voisin, her former manager, discovered her whereabouts. Later, in the club, Voisin's sneering remark provoked a quarrel that ended in a duel. Howard was mortally wounded. When the scandal became known, Charles renounced his father's memory, and under his mother's name, went on with his art. Cora Legrande heard of his wonderful work and insisted on sitting to him. He fell in love with her. When the portrait was finished he showed it to his mother. Mrs. Howard knew that face, the woman who had wrecked her happiness. In agony, she went to Cora and wrung from her a promise never to see Charles again. But Charles had found in his mother's desk his father's note and a miniature of Cora. Inflamed by her perfidy, he rushed to her rooms and confronted her. Voisin, entering, drew his pistol. In his rage he aimed poorly; the bullet entered Cora's breast. The ruin of lives was complete.