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diff --git a/13844-h/13844-h.htm b/13844-h/13844-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d69d094 --- /dev/null +++ b/13844-h/13844-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9703 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of No. 13 Washington Square, by Leroy Scott</title> +<style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + h2 {margin-top: 2em;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + + .note + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum + {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem + {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 5em;} + + .figure, .figcenter, .figright, .figleft + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;} + .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img, .figleft img + {border: none;} + .figure p, .figcenter p, .figright p, .figleft p + {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + .figleft {float: left;} + + .footnote {font-size: 0.9em; margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%;} + + .side { float:right; + font-size: 75%; + width: 25%; + padding-left:10px; + border-left: dashed thin; + margin-left: 10px; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; + font-weight: bold; + font-style: italic;} + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + --> +/*]]>*/ +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13844 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, No. 13 Washington Square, by Leroy Scott</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pagefr" id= + "pagefr"></a>[<i>Frontispiece</i>]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/no13-1.jpg"><img width="50%" src= + "images/no13-1.jpg" alt="I NEVER SUSPECTED I'D END IN SUCH A LITTLE BLAZE" /></a> + + <h4>"I NEVER SUSPECTED I'D END IN SUCH A LITTLE BLAZE" (<i>p. + 48</i>)</h4> + </div> + + <h1>NO. 13</h1> + + <h1>WASHINGTON</h1> + + <h1>SQUARE</h1> + + <h2>BY LEROY SCOTT</h2> + + <h4>1914</h4> + <br /><br /> + <h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">I. THE GREAT MRS. DE PEYSTER <a href= + "#page1">1</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">II. ENTER AN AMIABLE YOUNG GENTLEMAN <a href= + "#page18">18</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">III. MISTRESS OF HER HOUSE <a href= + "#page32">32</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">IV. A SLIGHT PREDICAMENT <a href= + "#page49">49</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">V. THE HONOR OF THE NAME <a href= + "#page61">61</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">VI. BEHIND THE BLINDS <a href= + "#page73">73</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">VII. NOT IN THE PLAN <a href= + "#page85">85</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">VIII. THE HONEYMOONERS <a href= + "#page95">95</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">IX. THE FLIGHT <a href= + "#page114">114</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">X. PEACE—OF A SORT <a href= + "#page126">126</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XI. THE REVEREND MR. PYECROFT <a href= + "#page133">133</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XII. HOME AGAIN <a href= + "#page146">146</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XIII. THE HAPPY FAMILY <a href= + "#page158">158</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XIV. THE ATTIC ROOM <a href= + "#page173">173</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XV. DOMESTIC SCENES <a href= + "#page183">183</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XVI. THE MAN IN THE CELLULOID COLLAR <a href= + "#page196">196</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XVII. A QUESTION OF IDENTITY <a href= + "#page211">211</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XVIII. THE THIRD FLIGHT <a href= + "#page225">225</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XIX. A PLEASANT HERMITAGE <a href= + "#page232">232</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XX. MATILDA BREAKS IT GENTLY <a href= + "#page242">242</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XXI. THE VEILED LADY <a href= + "#page251">251</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XXII. A FAMILY REUNION <a href= + "#page262">262</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">XXIII. MR. PYECROFT TAKES CHARGE <a href= + "#page270">270</a><br /></p> + </div> + </div> + <h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I NEVER SUSPECTED I'D END IN SUCH A LITTLE BLAZE" (page + 48) <a href="#pagefr"><i>frontispiece</i></a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"WHAT'S THAT YOU'RE CARRYING?" <a href= + "#pagea">108</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"IT IS REALLY A REMARKABLE LIKENESS" <a href="#pageb"> + 138</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>MATILDA UNLOCKED THE SERVANTS' DOOR <a href= + "#pagec">146</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"SAME PAPER—SAME HANDWRITING!" <a href= + "#paged">206</a><br /></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"SO—SO IT'S I—THAT'S—THAT'S DEAD!" + <a href="#pagee">248</a><br /></p> + </div> + <br /><br /> + </div><span class="pagenum"><a name="page1" id="page1"></a>[pg + 1]</span> + <hr /> +<br /><br /> + <h1>NO. 13</h1> + + <h1>WASHINGTON SQUARE</h1> + + <h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + + <h3>THE GREAT MRS. DE PEYSTER</h3> + + <p>It was a raw, ill-humored afternoon, yet too late in the + spring for the ministration of steam heat, so the unseasonable + May chill was banished from Mrs. De Peyster's sitting-room by a + wood fire that crackled in the grate; crackled most decorously, + be it added, for Mrs. De Peyster's fire would no more have + forgotten itself and shown a boisterous enthusiasm than would one + of her admirably trained servants. Beside a small steel safe, + whose outer shell of exquisite cabinet-work transformed that + fortress against burglarious desire into an article of furniture + that harmonized with the comfortable elegance of a lady's + boudoir, sat Mrs. De Peyster herself—she was born a De + Peyster—carefully transferring her jewels from the trays of + the safe to leathern cases. She looked quite as Mrs. De Peyster + should have looked: with an aura of high dignity that a + sixty-year-old dowager of the first water could not surpass, yet + with a freshness of person that (had it not been for her dignity) + might have made her early forties seem a blossomy + thirty-five.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page2" id= + "page2"></a>[pg 2]</span> + + <p>Before the well-bred fire sat a lady whose tears had long + since dried that she had shed when she had bid good-bye to + thirty. She was—begging the lady's pardon—a trifle + spare, and a trifle pale, and though in a manner well enough + dressed her clothes had an air of bewilderment, of general + irresolution, as though each article was uncertain in its mind as + to whether it purposed to remain where it had been put, or + casually wander away on blind and timorous adventures.</p> + + <p>A dozen years before, Mrs. De Peyster, then in the fifth year + of her widowhood, had graciously undertaken to manage and + underwrite the d&#233;but of her second cousin (not of the + main line, be it said) and had tried to discharge her duty in the + important matter of securing her a husband. But her efforts had + been futile, and to say that Mrs. De Peyster had not succeeded + was to admit that poor Olivetta Harmon was indeed a failure. She + had lacked the fortune to attract the conservative investor who + is looking for a sound business proposition in her he promises to + support; she had lacked the good looks to lure on the lover who + throws himself romantically away upon a penniless pretty face; + and she had not been clever enough to attract the man so + irrationally bold as to set sail upon the sea of matrimony with a + woman of brains. And so, her brief summer at an end, she had + receded to those remote and undiscovered shores on which dwell + the poor relations of the Four Hundred; whereon she had lived + respectably, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page3" id= + "page3"></a>[pg 3]</span> as a lady (for that she should ever + appear a lady was due the position of Mrs. De Peyster), upon an + almost microscopic income; and from which bleak and distant land + of second-cousindom she came in glad and proud obedience to fill + an occasional vacant place at one of Mrs. De Peyster's + second-best dinner parties.</p> + + <p>She had arrived but the moment before to bid her exalted + cousin adieu and wish her <i>bon-voyage</i>, and was now silently + gazing in unenvious admiration at the jewels Mrs. De Peyster was + transferring to their traveling-cases—with never a guess + that perturbation might exist beneath her kinswoman's composed + exterior. As a matter of fact, under the trying circumstances + which confronted Mrs. De Peyster, any other household would have + been in confusion, any lesser woman might have been headed toward + hysteria. But centuries of having had its own will had + established the De Peyster habit of believing that things would + eventuate according to the De Peyster wish; it was not in the De + Peyster blood to give way. And yet, though self-control might + restrain worry from the surface, it could not banish it from the + private chambers of her being.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster glanced at the open door of her + bedroom—hesitated—then called: "Miss Gardner!"</p> + + <p>A trim and pretty girl stepped in. "Yes, Mrs. De Peyster."</p> + + <p>"Will you please call up Judge Harvey's office <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page4" id="page4"></a>[pg 4]</span> once more, + and inquire if there is any news about my son. And ask when Judge + Harvey will be here."</p> + + <p>Miss Gardner crossed to Mrs. De Peyster's desk and took up the + telephone.</p> + + <p>"Why, Cousin Caroline, has Jack—"</p> + + <p>"One moment, Olivetta,"—motioning toward the + telephone,—"until Miss Gardner is through."</p> + + <p>They sat silent until the receiver was hung up. Mrs. De + Peyster strove to keep anxiety from her voice.</p> + + <p>"Well, Miss Gardner,—any trace of my son yet?"</p> + + <p>"They have learned nothing whatever."</p> + + <p>"And—and Judge Harvey? When will he be here?"</p> + + <p>"His office said he was at a meeting of the directors of the + New York and New England Railroad, and that he was coming here + straight after the meeting."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Miss Gardner. You may now go on with the packing. + I'll have the jewels ready very shortly, and Matilda will be in + to help you as soon as she is through arranging with the + servants."</p> + + <p>"Why, Cousin Caroline, what is it about Jack?" burst out + Olivetta with an excited flutter after Miss Gardner had gone into + the bedroom. "I hadn't heard anything of it before! Has—has + anything happened to him?"</p> + + <p>Olivetta, an intimate, a relative, and a worshipful inferior, + was one of the few persons with whom Mrs. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page5" id="page5"></a>[pg 5]</span> De Peyster + could bring herself to unbend and be confidential. "That is what + I do not know. About a week ago Jack suddenly + disappeared—"</p> + + <p>"Disappeared!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, he left a note, telling me not to worry. But not a word + has been heard from him since. Of course, it may only be some + wild escapade, but then he knew we were going on shipboard this + evening, and he should have been home long before this."</p> + + <p>"How terrible!" cried the sympathetic Olivetta, pushing into + place a few of the inconstant hairpins that threatened to bestrew + the floor. "Went a week ago!" And then suddenly: "Why, that was + about the time that first rumor was printed of his engagement to + Ethel Quintard. And again this morning—in the + 'Record'—did you see it?"</p> + + <p>"I never give thought to the newspapers," was Mrs. De + Peyster's somewhat stiff response.</p> + + <p>"You have—have told the police?"</p> + + <p>"The police, of course not! But I have advised with Judge + Harvey, and he has a firm of private detectives on the case."</p> + + <p>"And they have clues?"</p> + + <p>"They have nothing, as you just heard Miss Gardner + report."</p> + + <p>"Cousin Caroline! With all these—these thugs and hold-up + men we read about—and all the accidents—"</p> + + <p>"Olivetta! Don't!" And then in a more composed voice: "I am + hoping it is merely some boyish <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page6" id="page6"></a>[pg 6]</span> prank. But even that will be + bad enough, if he misses the boat."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I see. You told me about arranging with Mrs. Quintard + also to sail on the Plutonia."</p> + + <p>"I had counted on the trip—Jack and Ethel being thrown + together, you know."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, it was very clever of you!"</p> + + <p>"I am hoping it may be only some boyish prank," Mrs. De + Peyster repeated. "You may not have noticed it, Olivetta," she + continued, permitting a sigh to escape her, "but of late Jack has + acted at times—well, rather queerly."</p> + + <p>"Queerly! How?"</p> + + <p>"He has been far from being himself. In fact, I have observed + a number of things not at all natural to a De Peyster."</p> + + <p>"Caroline! What a worry he must be to you!"</p> + + <p>"Yes. But I am hoping for the best. And now, please, we will + say no more about it."</p> + + <p>They were silent for a moment. Miss Gardner entered, took the + jewels which in the mean time Mrs. De Peyster had finished + putting in their cases, and went again into the bedroom. + Olivetta's eyes followed her.</p> + + <p>"You are still pleased with Miss Gardner?"</p> + + <p>"Thus far she has proved herself competent. I consider myself + very fortunate in finding a secretary who is not above some of + the duties of a lady's maid. It is a very happy combination for + traveling."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page7" id= + "page7"></a>[pg 7]</span> + + <p>"She seems almost too good to be true," mused Olivetta. "She's + really very pretty. I hope Jack hasn't—"</p> + + <p>"Olivetta! How can you! Jack has never paid her the slightest + attention, nor she him."</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, Caroline! But she's so pretty, and she's just the + sort of girl who attracts men—and—and"—a bit + wistfully—"gets engaged and gets married."</p> + + <p>"Nonsense, Olivetta. When she first came to me I asked her if + she were in love or engaged. She said she was not, and I told her + my rules. She is a very sensible girl."</p> + + <p>"At any rate, she must be a great relief after that Marie you + had."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster flushed, as though at some disagreeable + memory.</p> + + <p>"Have you learned yet whether Marie was actually a spy for + Mrs. Allistair?" inquired Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"She confessed that she was getting money besides the wages I + paid her. That is proof enough."</p> + + <p>"I believe it of Mrs. Allistair! She wouldn't stop at anything + to win your place as social leader. But she could never fill + it!"</p> + + <p>"She will never win it!" Mrs. De Peyster returned with calm + confidence.</p> + + <p>At that moment the door from the hallway opened and there + entered a woman of middle age, in respectable dull-hued black, + with apron of black silk and a white cap.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page8" id="page8"></a>[pg 8]</span> + + <p>"Ah, Matilda," remarked Mrs. De Peyster. "The servants, are + they all gone yet?"</p> + + <p>"The last one, the cook, is just going, ma'am. There's just + William and me left. And the men have already come to board up + the windows and the door."</p> + + <p>"You paid the servants board wages as I instructed, and made + clear to them about coming to Newport when I send orders?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am. And they all understand."</p> + + <p>"Good," said Mrs. De Peyster. "You have Mr. Jack's trunks + packed?"</p> + + <p>"All except a few things he may want to put in himself."</p> + + <p>"Very well. You may now continue helping Miss Gardner with my + things."</p> + + <p>But Matilda did not obey. She trembled—blinked her + eyes—choked; then stammered:—</p> + + <p>"Please, ma'am, there's—there's something else."</p> + + <p>"Something else?" queried Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am. Downstairs there are six or seven young men from + the newspapers. They want—"</p> + + <p>"Matilda," interrupted Mrs. De Peyster in stern reproof, "you + are well enough acquainted with my invariable custom regarding + reporters to have acted without referring this matter to me. It + is a distinct annoyance," she added, "that one cannot make a + single move without the newspapers following one!"</p> + + <p>"Indeed it is!" echoed the worshipful and indignant + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page9" id="page9"></a>[pg + 9]</span> Olivetta. "But that is because of your position."</p> + + <p>"I tried to send them away," said Matilda hurriedly. "And I + told them you were never interviewed. But," she ended helplessly, + "it didn't do any good. They're all sitting downstairs + waiting."</p> + + <p>"I shall not see them," Mrs. De Peyster declared firmly.</p> + + <p>"There was one," Matilda added timorously, "who drew me aside + and whispered that he didn't want an interview. He wants your + picture."</p> + + <p>"Wants my picture!" exclaimed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am. He said the pictorial supplement of his paper a + week from Sunday was going to have a page of pictures of + prominent society women who were sailing for Europe. He said + something about calling the page 'Annual Exodus of Social + Leaders.' He wants to print that painting of you by that new + foreign artist in the center of the page." And Matilda pointed + above the fireplace to a gold-framed likeness of Mrs. De + Peyster—stately, aloof, remote, of an ineffable composure, + a masterpiece of blue-bloodedness.</p> + + <p>"You know my invariable custom; give him my invariable + answer," was Mrs. De Peyster's crisp response.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, but—but, Cousin Caroline," put in Olivetta, + with eager diffidence, "don't you think this is + different?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page10" id= + "page10"></a>[pg 10]</span> + + <p>"Different?" asked Mrs. De Peyster. "How?"</p> + + <p>"This isn't at all like the ordinary offensive newspaper + thing. A group of the most prominent social leaders, with you in + the center of the page—with you in the center of them all, + where you belong! Why, Caroline,—why—why—" In + her excitement for the just glorification of her cousin, + Olivetta's power of speech went fluttering from her.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it may not be quite the same," admitted Mrs. De + Peyster. "But I see no reason for departing from my custom."</p> + + <p>"If not for your own sake, then—then for the artist's + sake!" Olivetta pursued, a little more eagerly, and a little more + of diffidence in her eagerness. "You have taken up M. + Dubois—you have been his most distinguished + patron—you have been trying to get him properly started. To + have his picture displayed like that, think how it will help M. + Dubois!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gave Olivetta a sharp look, as though she + questioned the entire disinterestedness of this argument; then + she considered an instant; and in the main it was her human + instinct to help a struggling fellow being that dictated her + decision.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, you may give the man a photograph of the picture. + And as I treat the papers without discrimination, you may give + photographs to all the reporters who wish them. But on the + understanding that M. Dubois is to have conspicuous credit."</p> + + <p>"Very well, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"And send all of them away."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page11" id="page11"></a>[pg 11]</span> + + <p>"I'll do what I can, ma'am." And Matilda went out.</p> + + <p>"What time does the Plutonia sail?" inquired Olivetta, with + the haste of one who is trying to get off of very thin ice.</p> + + <p>"At one to-night. Matilda will get me a bit of dinner and I + shall go aboard right after it."</p> + + <p>"How many times does this make that you've been over?"</p> + + <p>"I do not know," Mrs. De Peyster answered carelessly. "Thirty + or forty, I dare say."</p> + + <p>Olivetta's face was wistful with unenvious envy. "Oh, what a + pleasure!"</p> + + <p>"Going to Europe, Olivetta, is hardly a pleasure," corrected + Mrs. De Peyster. "It is a duty one owes one's social + position."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know that's true with you, Cousin Caroline. But with + me—what a joy! When you took me over with you that summer, + we only did the watering-places. But now"—a note of + ecstatic desire came into her voice, and she clasped her + hands—"but now, to see Paris!—the Louvre!—the + Luxembourg! It's the dream of my life!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster again gave her cousin a suspicious look.</p> + + <p>"Olivetta, have you been allowing M. Dubois to pay you any + more attention?"</p> + + <p>"No, no,—of course not," cried Olivetta, and a sudden + color tinted the too-early autumn of her cheeks. "Do you think, + after what you said—"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page12" id="page12"></a>[pg 12]</span> + + <p>"M. Dubois is a very good artist, but—"</p> + + <p>"I understand, Cousin Caroline," Olivetta put in hastily. "I + think too much of your position to think of such a thing. Since + you—since then—I have not spoken to him, and have + only bowed to him once."</p> + + <p>"We will say no more about it," returned Mrs. De Peyster; and + she kissed Olivetta with her duchess-like kindness. "By the by, + my dear, your comb is on the floor."</p> + + <p>"So it is. It's always falling out."</p> + + <p>Olivetta picked it up, put it into place, and with nervous + hands tried to press into order loose-flying locks of her rather + scanty hair.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster arose; her worry about her missing son + prompted her to seek the relief of movement. "I think I shall + take a turn about the house to see that everything is being + properly closed. Would you like to come with me?"</p> + + <p>Olivetta would; and, talking, they went together down the + stairs. As they neared the ground floor, Matilda's voice arose to + them, expostulating, protesting.</p> + + <p>"What can that be about?" wondered Mrs. De Peyster, and + following the voice toward its source she stepped into her + reception-room. Instantly there sprang up and stood before her a + young man with the bland, smiling, excessively polite manner of a + gentleman-brigand. And around her crowded five or six other + figures.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page13" id= + "page13"></a>[pg 13]</span> + + <p>Matilda, pressing through them, glared at these invaders in + helpless wrath, then at her mistress in guilty terror.</p> + + <p>"I—I did my best, ma'am. But they wouldn't go." And + before punishment could fall she discreetly fled.</p> + + <p>"Pardon this seeming intrusion, Mrs. De Peyster," the foremost + young man said rapidly, smoothly, appeasingly. "But we could not + go, as you requested. The sailing of Mrs. De Peyster, under the + attendant circumstances, is a piece of news of first importance; + in fact, almost a national event. We simply had to see you. I + trust you perceive and appreciate our professional + predicament."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was glaring at him with devastating + majesty.</p> + + <p>"This—this is an outrage!"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it may seem an outrage to you," said the young man + swiftly, politely, and thoroughly undevastated. "But, really, it + is only our duty. Our duty to our papers, and to the great + reading public. And when newspaper men are doing their duty they + must necessarily fail, to their great personal regret, in the + observance of some of the nicer courtesies."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was almost inarticulate.</p> + + <p>"Who—who are you?"</p> + + <p>"Mayfair is my name. Of the 'Record.'"</p> + + <p>"The 'Record'! That yellow, radical paper!"</p> + + <p>Mr. Mayfair stepped nearer. His voice sank to an easy, + confidential tone.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page14" id= + "page14"></a>[pg 14]</span> + + <p>"You are misled by appearances, Mrs. De Peyster. Every paper + has got to have a policy; we're the common people's + paper—big circulation, you know; and we so denounce the + rich on our editorial page. But as a matter of fact we give our + readers more live, entertaining, and respectful matter about + society people than any other paper in New York. It's just what + the common people love. And now"—easily shifting his + base—"about this reported engagement of your son and Miss + Quintard. As you know, it's the best 'romance in high life' story + of the season. Will you either confirm or deny the report?"</p> + + <p>"I have nothing whatever to say," flamed out Mrs. De Peyster. + "And will you leave this house instantly!"</p> + + <p>"Ah, Miss Quintard's mother would not deny it either," + commented Mr. Mayfair with his polite imperturbability. His sharp + eyes glinted with satisfaction. Young Mr. Mayfair admired himself + as being something of the human dynamo. Also it was his private + opinion that he was of the order of the super-reporter; nothing + ever "got by him." "And so," he went on without a pause, "since + the engagement is not denied, I suppose we may take it as a fact. + And now"—again with his swift change of base—"may I + ask, as a parting word before you sail, whether it is your + intention next season to contest with Mrs. Allistair—"</p> + + <p>"I have nothing whatever to say!"</p> + + <p>"Quite naturally you'd prefer not to say anything," + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page15" id="page15"></a>[pg + 15]</span> appeasingly continued the high-geared Mr. Mayfair, + "but of course you are going to fight her." Again his sharp, + unfoilable eyes glinted. "'Duel for social + leadership'—pardon me for speaking of it as such, but + that's what it is; and most interesting, I assure you; and I, for + one, trust that you will retain your supremacy, for I + know—<i>I know</i>," he repeated with emphasis—"that + Mrs. Allistair has used some methods not + altogether—sportsmanlike, may I say? And now"—rapidly + shifting once more—"I trust I will not seem indelicate if I + inquire whether it is in the scope of your present plans, perhaps + at house-parties at the estates of titled friends, to meet the + Duke de—"</p> + + <p>"I have nothing whatever to say!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster, + glaring with consuming fury.</p> + + <p>"Naturally. We could hardly expect a categorical 'yes' or + 'no.' We understand that your position requires you to be + non-committal; and you, of course, understand that we newspaper + men interpret a refusal to speak as an answer in the affirmative. + Thank you very much for the interview you have given us. And I + can assure you that we shall all handle the story with the utmost + good taste. Good afternoon."</p> + + <p>He bowed. And the next moment the place where he had stood was + vacant.</p> + + <p>"Of—of all the effrontery!" exploded Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Isn't it terrible!" shudderingly gasped the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page16" id="page16"></a>[pg 16]</span> + sympathetic Olivetta. "I hope they won't really drag in that + horrible Duke de Cr&#233;cy!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster shuddered, too. The episode of the Duke de + Cr&#233;cy was still salt in an unhealed social wound. The + Duke had been New York's most distinguished titled visitor the + previous winter; Mrs. De Peyster, to the general envy, had led in + his entertainment; there had been whispers of another + international marriage. And then, after respectful adieus, the + Duke had sailed away—and within a month the papers were + giving columns to his scandalous escapades with a sensational + Spanish dancer of parsimonious drapery. Whereupon the rumors of + Mrs. De Peyster's previously gossiped-of marriage with the now + notorious Duke were revived—by the subtle instigation, and + as an act of social warfare, so Mrs. De Peyster believed, of her + aspiring rival, Mrs. Allistair. And there was one faint rumor, + still daringly breathed around, that the Duke had + proposed—had been accepted—had run away: in blunt + terms, had jilted Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"We will not speak of this again, Olivetta," Mrs. De Peyster + remarked with returning dignity, "but while the matter is up, I + will mention that the Duke did propose to me, and that I refused + him."</p> + + <p>With a gesture she silenced any comment from Olivetta. In a + breath or two she was entirely her usual poiseful self. Too many + generations had her blood been trained to ways of dignity, and + too long had she herself been drilled in composure and + self-esteem <span class="pagenum"><a name="page17" id= + "page17"></a>[pg 17]</span> and in a perfect confidence in the + thing that she was, for an invasion of newspaper creatures to + disturb her for longer than a few moments.</p> + + <p>She was moving with stately tread toward the dining-room when + Matilda came hurrying up from the nether regions of the house. + "Did you know, ma'am," Matilda fluttered eagerly, "that Mr. Jack + is home?"</p> + + <p>"My son back!" There was vast relief in Mrs. De Peyster's + voice. "When did he come?"</p> + + <p>"A few minutes ago."</p> + + <p>"Did—did he say anything?"</p> + + <p>"I haven't seen him, ma'am. He came in the back way, through + the stable. William told me about it."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster's voice became composed, severe. "I shall see + what he has to say for himself." Majestically, somewhat + ominously, she turned and began to mount the stairs, followed by + Olivetta and Matilda. But as she passed the library's closed + door, she heard Miss Gardner's voice and a second voice—and + the second voice was the voice of a man.</p> + + <p>Startled, she paused. She caught a few fragments of phrases. + Indignation surged up within her. Resolutely she stepped to the + door; but by instinct she was no eavesdropper, and she would not + come upon people in compromising attitudes without giving them + fair warning. So she knocked, waited a moment—then opened + the door and entered.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page18" + id="page18"></a>[pg 18]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + + <h3>ENTER AN AMIABLE YOUNG GENTLEMAN</h3> + + <p>Half an hour earlier, across in Washington Square, a young + gentleman was sauntering about taking the crisp May air. He was + fashionably but quietly dressed, and in his chamois-gloved hand + he swung a jaunty wand of a cane; a slender, lithe young + gentleman, with a keen face that had an oddly wide but yet + attractive mouth: a young man emanating an essence of lightness + both of body and of spirit. He might have been the very person of + agreeable, irresponsible Spring, if Spring is ever of the male + gender, out for a promenade.</p> + + <p>It seemed most casual, the saunter of this pleasant idler; the + keenest observer would never have guessed purpose in his stroll. + But never for longer than an instant were the frank gray eyes of + this young gentleman away from the splendid stone steps, with + their carved balustrade, and the fine old doorway of Mrs. De + Peyster's house at No. 13 Washington Square.</p> + + <p>Presently he noted three men turn up Mrs. De Peyster's steps. + Swiftly, but without noticeable haste, he was across the street. + The trio had no more than touched the bell when he was beside + them.</p> + + <p>"What papers are you boys with?" he inquired easily, merging + himself at once with the party.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page19" id="page19"></a>[pg 19]</span> + + <p>One man told him—and looked him up and down. "Thought I + knew all the fellows," added the speaker, a middle-aged man, "but + never ran into you before. What's your rag?"</p> + + <p>"'Town Gossip,'" replied the agreeable young gentleman.</p> + + <p>"'Town Gossip'!" The old reporter gave a grunt of contempt. + "And you've come to interview Mrs. De Peyster?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"First time I ever knew that leprous scandal-scavenger and + black-hander to send a man out in the open to get a story." + Evidently the old reporter, whom the others addressed as + "colonel," had by his long service acquired the privilege of + surly out-spokenness. "Thought 'Town Gossip' specialized in + butlers and ladies' maids and such—or faked up its dope in + the office."</p> + + <p>"This is something special." The young gentleman's smiling but + unpresuming <i>camaraderie</i> seemed unruffled by the colonel's + blunt contempt, and though they all drew apart from him he seemed + to be untroubled by his journalistic ostracism.</p> + + <p>The next moment the door was opened by a stout, short-breathed + woman, hat, jacket, and black gloves on. All stepped in. The + three late-arriving reporters, seeing in the reception-room + beyond a group of newspapermen about a servant,—Matilda + making her first futile effort to rid the house of this + pestilential horde, generaled by Mr. Mayfair,—started + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page20" id="page20"></a>[pg + 20]</span> quickly toward the members of their fraternity. But + the young gentleman remained behind with their stout + admitter.</p> + + <p>"Huh—thought that was really your size—tackling a + servant!" commented the caustic colonel.</p> + + <p>But the reporter from "Town Gossip" smiled and did not reply; + and the three disappeared into the reception-room. The young + gentleman, very politely, half pushed, half followed the stout + woman out of the reception-room's range of vision.</p> + + <p>"Just leaving, I suppose," he remarked with pleasant + matter-of-factness.</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir. My bags are down at the basement door. When I heard + the ring, I just happened—"</p> + + <p>"I understand. You wouldn't have answered the door, if almost + all the regular servants had not been gone. Now, I'd say," + smiling engagingly, "that you might be the cook, and a mighty + good cook, too."</p> + + <p>He had such an "air," did this young man,—the human air + of the real gentleman,—that, despite the unexpectedness of + his overture, the stout woman, instead of taking offense, flushed + with pleasure.</p> + + <p>"I ought to be a good one, sir; that's what I'm paid for."</p> + + <p>"Seventy-five a month?" estimated the young gentleman.</p> + + <p>"Eighty," corrected the cook.</p> + + <p>"That's mighty good—twenty dollars a week. But, Mrs. + Cook,"—again with his open, engaging smile,—"pardon + me for not knowing your proper <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page21" id="page21"></a>[pg 21]</span> name,—could I + induce you to enter my employment—at, say, twenty dollars a + minute?"</p> + + <p>"What—what—"</p> + + <p>"For only a limited period," continued the young + gentleman—"to be exact, say one minute. Light work," he + added with a certain whimsicality, "short hours, seven days + out—unusual opportunity."</p> + + <p>"But what—what am I to do?" gasped the cook, and before + she could gasp again one surprised black glove was clutching two + ten-dollar bills.</p> + + <p>"Arrange for me to see Miss Gardner—alone. It's all + right. She and I are old friends."</p> + + <p>"But—but how?" helplessly inquired this mistress of all + non-intrigantes.</p> + + <p>"Isn't there some room where nobody will come in?"</p> + + <p>"The library might be best, sir," pointing up the stairway at + a door.</p> + + <p>"The library, then! And arrange matters so that no one will + know we're meeting."</p> + + <p>"But, sir, I don't see how—"</p> + + <p>"Most simple, Mrs. Cook. Before you go, you, of course, want + to bid Miss Gardner good-bye. Just request the lady in black in + there with the reporters to tell Miss Gardner that you want to + speak to her and will be waiting in the library. When you've said + that, you've earned the money. Then just watch your chance until + the somber lady isn't looking, and continue with your original + plan of leaving the house."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page22" id="page22"></a>[pg 22]</span> + + <p>"Perhaps it will work," hesitated the cook. But with a gesture + in which there was no hesitation she slipped her minute's pay + between the buttons of her waist.</p> + + <p>The young gentleman went lightly and swiftly up the stairs and + through the mahogany door that had been pointed out to him. + Curiously he looked about the spacious, dark-toned room of + splendid dignity. He had the ease of the man to whom the world is + home, and seemed not one whit abashed by the exclusive grandeur + of the great chamber. With a watchful eye on the door, he glanced + at the rows and rows of volumes: well-bred authors whom time had + elevated to a place among literary "old families." Also he + examined some old Chinese ivory carvings with a critical, + valuating, meditative eye. Also in passing—and this he did + absently, as one might do from habit—he tried the knob of a + big safe, but it was locked.</p> + + <p>The next moment there was a sound at the door. Instantly he + was out of sight behind the brown velvet hangings of a recessed + French window. Miss Gardner entered, saw upon the embarrassed + edges of none of the shrouded chairs a plump and short-breathed + Susan. Surprised, she was turning to leave when a cautious but + clear whisper floated across the room.</p> + + <p>"Clara!"</p> + + <p>She whirled about. At sight of the young gentleman, who had + stepped forth, she went pale, then red, then pale + again.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page23" id= + "page23"></a>[pg 23]</span> + + <p>"Eliot—Mr. Bradford!" she exclaimed. Then in a husky + frightened whisper: "How did you get in here?"</p> + + <p>He sought to take one of her hands, but she put both behind + her back. At this repulse the young gentleman winced, then smiled + gravely, then pleasantly,—and then with a whimsical upward + twist to his wide mouth.</p> + + <p>"Via the cook," he answered, and told her the rest.</p> + + <p>"Did any one else belonging to the house see you?"</p> + + <p>"Besides you and my excellent old friend, the cook, no + one."</p> + + <p>"But don't you realize that this house is one of the most + dangerous places in the world for you?" she cried in a low voice. + "Why, Judge Harvey himself is expected here any minute!"</p> + + <p>"Judge Harvey!" The equable young man gave a start. But the + next moment his poise came back.</p> + + <p>"And after what I saw only to-day in the papers about Thomas + Preston—! Don't you know you are this moment standing on a + volcano?"</p> + + <p>"Yes—but what of it?" he answered cheerfully. "It's the + most diverting indoor or outdoor sport I've ever indulged + in—dodging eruptions. Besides, in standing on this volcano + I have the advantage of also standing near you."</p> + + <p>"Didn't I tell you I never wanted to see you again!" she + flamed at him. "How dared you come here?"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page24" id="page24"></a>[pg 24]</span> + + <p>"I had to come, dear." His voice was pleading, yet + imperturbably pleasant. "You refused to answer the letters I + wrote you begging you to meet me somewhere to talk things over. I + read that Mrs. De Peyster was sailing to-night, and I knew that + you were sailing with her. Surely you understand, before she + went, I had to see my wife."</p> + + <p>"I refuse to recognize myself as such!" cried Miss + Gardner.</p> + + <p>"But, my dear, you married—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, after knowing you just two days! Oh, you can be charming + and plausible, but that shows just how foolish a girl can be when + she's a bit tired and lonesome, and then gets a bit of a + holiday."</p> + + <p>"But, Clara, you really liked me!"</p> + + <p>"That was because I didn't know who you were and what you + were!"</p> + + <p>"But, Clara," he went on easily—he could not help + talking easily, though his tone had the true ring of sincerity. + There seemed to be no bit of agressive self-assurance about this + young gentleman; he seemed to be just quietly, pleasantly, + whimsically, unsubduably his natural self. "But, Clara, you must + remember that it was as sudden with me as with you. I hardly + thought about explaining. And then, I'll be frank, I was afraid + if I did tell, you wouldn't have me. I did side-step a bit, + that's a fact."</p> + + <p>"You admit this, and yet you expect me to accept as my husband + a man who admits he is a crook!"</p> + + <p>"My dear Clara," he protested gently, "I never <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page25" id="page25"></a>[pg 25]</span> + admitted I was such an undraped, uneuphonious, square-cornered + word as that."</p> + + <p>"Well, if a forger isn't a crook, then who is? The business of + those forged letters of Thomas Jefferson, do you think I can + stand for that?"</p> + + <p>The young man was in earnest, deadly earnest; yet he could not + help his wide mouth tilting slightly upward to the right. Plainly + there was something here that amused him.</p> + + <p>"But, Clara, you don't seem to understand that + business—and you don't seem to understand me."</p> + + <p>"No, I must say I don't!" she said caustically.</p> + + <p>"Well, perhaps I can't blame you," he admitted soothingly, + "for I don't always understand myself. But really, my dear, + you're not seeing this in the right light. Oh, I'm not going to + defend myself. It's sad, very sad, but I'll confess I'm no chromo + of sweet and haloed rectitude to be held up for the encouragement + and beatification of young John D. Rockefeller's Bible Class. + Still, I get my living quite as worthily as many of the guests + who grace"—with a light wave of his hand about the great + chamber—"this noble habitation. Though," in a grieved tone, + "I'll confess some of my methods are not yet adequately + recognized and protected by law."</p> + + <p>"Won't you ever take anything seriously?" she cried in + exasperation.</p> + + <p>"Besides yourself, what is there to take + seriously?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page26" id= + "page26"></a>[pg 26]</span> + + <p>"Don't consider me in your calculations, if you please!" And + then with sudden suspicion: "See here—you're not here to + try any of your tricks on this house, or on Mrs. De Peyster!"</p> + + <p>"I was thinking," said he, smiling about the room, "that you + might hide me here till the police become infatuated with some + other party. A fashionable house closed for the + summer—nothing could possibly be superior for my + purposes."</p> + + <p>"I'd never do it! Besides, Mrs. De Peyster's housekeeper will + be here."</p> + + <p>"But Mrs. De Peyster's housekeeper would never know I was + here."</p> + + <p>"I can't stand your talk another minute," she burst out. + "Go!"</p> + + <p>He did not stir; continued to smile at her pleasantly. "Oh, + I'm not really asking the favor, Clara. I'm pretty safe where I'm + staying."</p> + + <p>"Go, I say! And if you don't care for your own danger, then at + least consider mine."</p> + + <p>"Yours?"</p> + + <p>"I've told you of Mrs. De Peyster's attitude toward + married—"</p> + + <p>"Then leave her, my dear. Even though it wouldn't be safe for + you to be with me till the police resume their interrupted + nap—still, you can have your own flat and your own bank + account. Nothing would make me happier."</p> + + <p>"Understand this, Mr. Bradford,—I'm going to have + nothing to do with you!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page27" id="page27"></a>[pg 27]</span> + + <p>For a moment he sobered. "Come, Clara: give me a chance to + make good—"</p> + + <p>"Will you turn straight?" she caught him up sharply. "And will + you fix up the affair of the Jefferson letters?"</p> + + <p>"That last is a pretty stiff proposition; I don't see how it's + to be done. As to the first—but, really, + Clara,"—smiling again appeasingly,—"really, you take + this thing altogether too seriously."</p> + + <p>"Too seriously!" She almost choked. "Why—why—I'm + through with you! That's final! And I don't dare stay here + another minute! Good-bye."</p> + + <p>"Wait, Clara." He caught her hand as she turned to go, and + spoke rapidly. "I don't think I'm so bad as you think I + am—honest. You may change your mind; I hope you do, dear; + and if you do, write me, 'phone me, telegraph me, cable me, + wireless me. But, of course, not to me direct; the police, you + know. Address me in care of the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft." Tense + though the moment was to him, the young man could not restrain + his odd whimsical smile. "The Reverend Mr. Pyecroft has taken an + interest in me; like you he is trying to make me a better man. + He'll see that I get your message. Herbert E. + Pyecroft—P-y-e-c-r-o-f-t—remember his name. Here's a + card of the boarding-house at which he is staying." He thrust the + bit of pasteboard into her free hand. "Remember, dear, I really + am your husband."</p> + + <p>With an outraged gesture she flung the card to the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page28" id="page28"></a>[pg + 28]</span> floor. "There'll be no message!" Her voice was raised; + she trembled in fierce humiliation, and in scorn of him. "You ... + my husband!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, your husband!" he said firmly. "And I'm going to make + you love me!"</p> + + <p>It was at just this moment that Mrs. De Peyster, ascending + from her scene with the reporters, was passing without, and it + was these last words that she overheard. And it was at just this + moment that her knock sounded upon the door.</p> + + <p>"Quick, you mustn't be seen here!" breathed Miss Gardner. "The + French windows there, and out the back way through the + stable!"</p> + + <p>With a cat's silent swiftness he was at the windows, Miss + Gardner beside him. But in the back-yard stood William, the + coachman, sunning himself. That way was closed.</p> + + <p>"Into the study," whispered Miss Gardner, pointing at a door, + "and watch your chance to get out!"</p> + + <p>In the same instant the heavy sound-proof mahogany door closed + softly behind him—leaving Miss Gardner in the middle of the + room, with heightened color, breathing rapidly. Into the library + swept Mrs. De Peyster, followed by Olivetta and Matilda.</p> + + <p>There was a lofty sternness in Mrs. De Peyster's manner. "Miss + Gardner, I believe I heard you speaking with a man."</p> + + <p>"You did." Miss Gardner was stiff, proudly erect, for she + sensed what might be coming.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page29" id="page29"></a>[pg 29]</span> + + <p>"Where is he?"</p> + + <p>"He went out through the window," said Miss Gardner.</p> + + <p>"Ah, he did not want me to find out about you. But by chance I + overheard him say he was your husband."</p> + + <p>"He is." Then with an effort: "But husband or no husband, Mrs. + De Peyster, I believe I would be of equal value—"</p> + + <p>"I desire no scene, no argument," interrupted Mrs. De Peyster, + dignified, not a strident note in her voice—for she never + lost her self-possession or the true grand manner. "I believe you + will remember, Miss Gardner, that when you applied for your + present position two months ago, I told you that I made it a rule + to have no servants or employees of any kind who were married. As + I desired that you should understand my reasons, I informed you + that I had once had a cook and a footman who were married, and + who paid so much attention to one another that they had time to + pay no attention to me. I then asked you if you were married. You + informed me you were not."</p> + + <p>"And I was not, at that time."</p> + + <p>"Indeed! Then you have married since. That makes your + deception all the worse. Remember, Miss Gardner, it was on the + distinct understanding that you were unmarried that I employed + you. I have no desire to pass judgment upon you. I try to be fair + and just and generous with all my employees. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page30" id="page30"></a>[pg 30]</span> If you + had been what you declared yourself to be, and remained such, you + could have stayed with me indefinitely. Matilda there came to me + as my son's nurse over twenty years ago, and has been with me + ever since—happy, as she will tell you, with no desire to + change her state whatever."</p> + + <p>"N—no—none—none at all!"</p> + + <p>Matilda hastily dropped her eyes. Mechanically her eyes noted + the rejected card Mr. Bradford had tendered Miss Gardner. Her + long habit of perfect orderliness, and perhaps the impulse to + hide the slight confusion that suddenly had seized upon her, + prompted her to bend over and secure this bit of litter. She + glanced at it, would have put it in the waste-basket had that + receptacle not been across the room, then thrust it into the + capacious slit-pocket of her black skirt.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster continued in her tone of exact justice: "Miss + Gardner, you have the perfect right to be married or unmarried. I + have the perfect right to have the sort of employees I prefer. + But since you are not what you declared yourself to be, I no + longer require your service."</p> + + <p>Miss Gardner bowed stiffly.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, see that Miss Gardner is paid in full to the end of + her month; and also pay her one month in advance. And telephone + about until you can find me a maid—do not bother about the + secretary part of it—a maid who is <i>not</i> married, and + who can come at once. That is all."</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page31" id="page31"></a>[pg 31]</span> + + <p>Matilda, still somewhat pale and agitated, started to follow + out the proud Miss Gardner, who gave a swift glance at the study + door—while Mrs. De Peyster looked on with her invariable + calm majesty.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page32" id= + "page32"></a>[pg 32]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + + <h3>MISTRESS OF HER HOUSE</h3> + + <p>But at just this moment there was a smart rap at the library + door, it was partly opened, and a cheery masculine voice called + out:—</p> + + <p>"May I come in, mother?"</p> + + <p>"You, Jack. You may," was the somewhat eager response from + Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>The door swung entirely open, Miss Gardner stepped out, and + there entered a young man of twenty-two or three, good-natured + confidence in his manner, flawlessly dressed, with hands that + were swathed in bandages. He crossed limpingly to Mrs. De + Peyster, who, her affection now under control, stood regarding + him with reproving and sternly questioning eyes.</p> + + <p>"Good-morning, mother,—glad to get back," he said, + imprinting an undaunted kiss upon her stately cheek.</p> + + <p>Her reply was a continuance of her reproving look. The young + man turned to Mrs. De Peyster's faithful satellite.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Olivetta. Hands out of commission. You'll have to + shake my elbow." And he held out his angled arm.</p> + + <p>"Good-morning, Jack," responded Olivetta, in <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page33" id="page33"></a>[pg 33]</span> + trepidation, hardly daring to be gracious where Mrs. De Peyster + had been cool.</p> + + <p>Jack slipped an arm across Matilda's shoulders. "How are you, + Matilda? Glad to see you again."</p> + + <p>"And I'm glad to see you again, Mr. Jack," returned Matilda, + with a look of stealthy affection.</p> + + <p>"Please go, Matilda," said Mrs. De Peyster crisply. "And now, + Jack," she continued with frigid dignity after Matilda had + withdrawn, "I trust that you will explain your absence, and your + long silence."</p> + + <p>"Certainly, mother," said Jack, pushing a slip-covered chair + before the fireplace—for an open wood fire burned here as + in her sitting-room above—and letting himself down into the + chair slowly and with extreme care and crossing his legs. "I got + a sudden invitation from Reggie Atwater to—"</p> + + <p>"You know I do not approve of that young scape-grace!"</p> + + <p>"I know you don't. I suppose that's one reason I didn't tell + you beforehand what I was up to."</p> + + <p>"What have you been doing?"</p> + + <p>"Reggie asked me to go on a long trip to try out his new car. + It's a hummer. Hundred-and-twenty horse-power—bloody-eyed, + fire-spitting devil—"</p> + + <p>"Such cars are dangerous," severely commented Mrs. De Peyster, + who still kept to her horses and carriage as better maintaining + old-family distinction.</p> + + <p>"I know. That's another reason I didn't tell + you—especially since we were planning a thousand-mile + lark."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page34" id= + "page34"></a>[pg 34]</span> + + <p>"What's the matter with your hands?" suddenly demanded Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>Jack gazed meditatively at the bandaged members.</p> + + <p>"You were right about that car being dangerous, mother," said + he. "I'll confess the whole business. We were whizzing around a + corner coming into Yonkers this morning when the machine skidded. + I did a loop-the-loop and lit on my hands. But the skin of my + palms—"</p> + + <p>"Oh!" shuddered Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"Were you much hurt?" asked Mrs. De Peyster, for a moment + forgetting her reproving manner in her affectionate concern.</p> + + <p>"Mother, with your love for old lace, you certainly would like + the openwork effect of my skin. But—the patient will + recover."</p> + + <p>"I trust this experience has been a lesson to you!" said Mrs. + De Peyster with returned severity.</p> + + <p>"Oh, it has—a big lesson!" Jack heartily agreed.</p> + + <p>"Then I trust you will do nothing of the kind again."</p> + + <p>"I trust I won't have to!"</p> + + <p>There was rather an odd quality in Jack's tone.</p> + + <p>"Won't have to? What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"You've questioned me a lot, mother. I'd like to put a few + leading questions to you. And—u'm—alone. Olivetta," + he remarked pleasantly, "do you know that Sherlock Holmes found + it an instructive and valuable occupation to count the + stair-steps in a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page35" id= + "page35"></a>[pg 35]</span> house? Suppose you run out for five + minutes and count 'em. I'll bet you a box of—"</p> + + <p>Olivetta had risen, somewhat indignantly.</p> + + <p>"I never eat candy!"</p> + + <p>"A box of hairpins," continued Jack, clumsily picking up one + from the floor, "that there aren't more than seventy-five."</p> + + <p>"Oh, if you want me out of the way, all right!" said Olivetta, + sticking the pin into place.</p> + + <p>"Here, is that your purse?" asked Jack, fishing an open purse + from beneath the chair Olivetta had just vacated.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I'm always dropping it. I lost two—"</p> + + <p>"I must say, Olivetta," put in Mrs. De Peyster reprovingly, + "that you really must not be so careless!"</p> + + <p>Jack was looking at a card that had fallen from the purse.</p> + + <p>"Hello! And a ticket to the exhibition of paintings + of—"</p> + + <p>"Give it to me!" And Olivetta, with suddenly crimson face, + snatched purse and card from Jack's hands. "I'll wait up in your + bedroom, Caroline, and look at your new gowns." And with a + rapidity that approached instantaneity she disappeared.</p> + + <p>"Jack," his mother demanded suspiciously, "what was that + card?"</p> + + <p>"Just an old admission ticket to varnishing day at the spring + exhibit of the American Society of Painters," said Jack easily. + And without giving Mrs. De Peyster an instant in which to pursue + the matter <span class="pagenum"><a name="page36" id= + "page36"></a>[pg 36]</span> further, he awkwardly pushed her + favorite chair toward the fire to a place beside his own. "Come + sit down, mother. There's a lot of things I want to tell + you."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster lowered herself into the chair. "Yes?"</p> + + <p>Jack's eyes had meditatively followed Olivetta. "Do you know, + mother, that Olivetta would really be an awfully good sort if she + only had the right chance?"</p> + + <p>"The right chance?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Think of her living on and on in that deadly proper + little hotel—chuck full of primped and crimped and proud + poor relations who don't dare draw a single full-sized breath + without first considering whether such a daring act might not + disturb the social standing of somebody over on Fifth Avenue or + down here on Washington Square—Oh, I say, mother, five more + years of that life and Olivetta will be + choked—dessicated—salted away—a regular + forever-and-ever-amen old maid. But if—" He hesitated.</p> + + <p>"Yes—if?"</p> + + <p>"If Olivetta were only to marry some one—some decent + fellow—she'd blossom out, grow as young as she actually + is—and, who knows, perhaps even her hairpins might stay + in."</p> + + <p>"Marry, yes. But whom?"</p> + + <p>"I've seen a few things—there's a certain + party—and—" He stumbled a bit, conscious that he was + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page37" id="page37"></a>[pg + 37]</span> becoming indiscreet. "And, oh, well, just on general + principles marriage is a good thing."</p> + + <p>"That is just the opinion I have been urging upon you in + regard to yourself," returned his mother in her even, confident + tone.</p> + + <p>"U'm—yes," Jack said hastily. "But that was + not—not the first thing I wanted to speak about."</p> + + <p>"I believe you did say there were several matters."</p> + + <p>"So there are." He rubbed his face tentatively with his + bandaged hand; then smiled blandly at his mother. "Yes, there are + a few."</p> + + <p>"Well?"</p> + + <p>"Well, first of all, mother, I want to make a kick."</p> + + <p>She frowned. "How often must I request you not to use such + common expressions!"</p> + + <p>"All right, all right," said he. "Suppose I say, then, that + I'm dissatisfied."</p> + + <p>"Dissatisfied!" She straightened up. "Dissatisfied! What + about? Do I not allow you all the money you want?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"And have I not practically arranged a match between you and + Ethel Quintard? Ethel will have three millions some day. And + there is no better family to marry into; that is, except our + own."</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes,—I know."</p> + + <p>"And yet you say you are dissatisfied!" She stared. "What more + can you want?"</p> + + <p>"Well, for one thing, to go to school," was Jack's amiable + response.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page38" id= + "page38"></a>[pg 38]</span> + + <p>"Go to school! Why—why, you've already had the best of + educations! Exeter—Yale—not to speak of private + tutors!"</p> + + <p>"And what did I learn? That is," he added, "over and above + being a fairly decent half-back and learning how to spend + money—u'm—pretty thoroughly."</p> + + <p>"I trust," said Mrs. De Peyster with all her dignity, "that + you learned to be a gentleman!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I suppose I learned that all right," Jack acquiesced. + "And I've been working hard at the profession ever + since—sixteen to twenty hours a day, no half-holidays and + no Sundays off. I can't stand it any longer. So I've decided to + go on strike."</p> + + <p>"Strike?" exclaimed his mother, bewildered.</p> + + <p>"Yes. For better conditions. I'm tired loafing such long + hours. I'd like a little leisure in which to work."</p> + + <p>"Work!" repeated his mother—and human voice could hardly + express amazement greater than did hers. "Work! Jack—you're + not in earnest?"</p> + + <p>He held upon her a clear-eyed, humorous, but resolute + face.</p> + + <p>"Don't I look in earnest?"</p> + + <p>He did; and his mother could only dazedly repeat, "Work! You + go to work!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, not at once. No, thank you! I want to ask you to give me + a little proper education first that will equip me to do + something. You've spent—how much have you spent on my + education, mother? <span class="pagenum"><a name="page39" id= + "page39"></a>[pg 39]</span> Tens and tens of thousands, I know. + Pretty big investment, on the whole. Now, how large returns do + you suppose I can draw on that investment?"</p> + + <p>"I was not thinking about dividends; I was thinking about + fitting you for your station," returned his mother stiffly.</p> + + <p>"Well, as for me, I've been thinking of late about how much I + could get out of that investment. I've wanted to test myself and + find what I was worth—as a worker." He leaned a little + closer. "I say, mother," he said confidentially, "you remember + that little explanation I just gave you of my absence."</p> + + <p>"About your trip in that high-powered automobile?"</p> + + <p>"That was just a high-powered fib. Just a bit of diplomatic + romance—for Olivetta's consumption."</p> + + <p>"Then where have you been?" demanded Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Prospecting. Prospecting to find out just how much that + hundred thousand or two or three you've sunk in me is worth. And + I've found out. It's present value is not quite nine a week."</p> + + <p>"You mean?"</p> + + <p>"I mean," he said pleasantly, "I've been at work."</p> + + <p>"At work!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster slowly rose and looked down at him with + staring, loose-fallen face.</p> + + <p>"At work!" she gasped again. "At work!"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page40" id="page40"></a>[pg 40]</span> + + <p>"Yes, mother. At work."</p> + + <p>"But—but that skidding automobile? Those hands?"</p> + + <p>"Blisters, mother dear. Most horrible blisters."</p> + + <p>"You've worked—you've worked—at what?"</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, mother, if I could have knocked out a home + run, say a job as a railroad president, when I stepped up to the + plate in the first inning, I suppose I wouldn't have backed away + from the chance. But I wanted to find my real value, so I wore + cheap clothes and kept clear of my friends. 'What could I do?' + every one asked me. You know my answer. And <i>their</i> answer! + I thought only sub-way guards could say, 'Step lively,' like + that. Lordy, how I tramped! But finally I met a kind gentleman + who gave me a chance."</p> + + <p>"A gentleman?"</p> + + <p>"About the size of your piano—only he had a red mustache + and a red shirt and I should say his complexion needed + re-decorating. Irish—foreman on a water-main trench."</p> + + <p>"And you—you took it?"</p> + + <p>"Took it? I grabbed it!"</p> + + <p>"J—a—c—k D—e + P—e—y—s—t—e—r!" his appalled + mother slowly exclaimed—so slowly that each letter seemed + to shiver out by itself in horrified disjunction. "Well, at any + rate," she declared with returning vigor, "I'm glad you have had + enough of it to bring you to your senses and bring you + home!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page41" id= + "page41"></a>[pg 41]</span> + + <p>"Oh, I've had enough all right. My cubic contents of ache + is—well, you wouldn't believe a man of my size could hold + so much discomfort. But that isn't the only thing that brought me + home. It was—er—I might say, mother, that it was + suggested to me."</p> + + <p>"Suggested? I do not understand."</p> + + <p>"If you will permit the use of so inelegant an expression, I + was 'fired.'"</p> + + <p>"Fired?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. The foreman intimated—I won't repeat his language, + mother, but the muscles stood out on his profanity in regular + knots—he intimated, in a way that left no doubt as to his + meaning, that I was not quite up to the nine per week standard. + I'll be honest with you and admit that I didn't lean against the + pay-shed and weep. I still wanted to work, but I decided that I + didn't want to start life at its pick-and-shovel end—if I + could help it. So here I am, mother, asking you to give me a + little real education—say as a mining engineer, or + something like that."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was trembling with indignation.</p> + + <p>"J—a—c—k D—e + P—e—y—s—t—e—r!" again a + letter at a time. "J—a—c—k D—e + P—e—y—s—t—e—r! I'm astounded + at you!"</p> + + <p>"I thought you might be—a little," he admitted.</p> + + <p>"I think you might have some consideration for me! And my + position!"</p> + + <p>"I suppose it is rather selfish of me to want to earn + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page42" id="page42"></a>[pg + 42]</span> my own living. But you don't know what dreary hard + work being a gentleman becomes."</p> + + <p>"I won't have it!" cried Mrs. De Peyster wrathfully. "This is + what comes of your attending that Intercollegiate Socialist thing + in college! I protested to the president against the college + harboring such unsettling influences, and urged him to put it + out."</p> + + <p>"Well, dear old prexy did his best to comply."</p> + + <p>"It's that Socialist thing! As for what you propose, I simply + will not have it!"</p> + + <p>"No? I could have started in up at Columbia, and kept it from + you. But I wanted to be all on the level—"</p> + + <p>"I won't have it!"</p> + + <p>"You really mean that you are not going to add a few thousand + more to my hundred thousands' worth of education?"</p> + + <p>"I certainly shall not!"</p> + + <p>"Then," said Jack regretfully, "I suppose after all I've got + to start in at the pick-and-shovel end."</p> + + <p>"No, you will not! I have reared you to be a gentleman! And + you are going to be a gentleman!"</p> + + <p>"Well, if that's the way you feel about it," he sighed, "we'll + drop the matter—temporarily."</p> + + <p>"We'll drop it permanently!" said Mrs. De Peyster decisively. + "Besides, all this talk is utterly footless. You seem to forget + that you are sailing with me to Europe to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"That brings me to the second point. I was hoping," Jack said + mildly, "that you would consent to <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page43" id="page43"></a>[pg 43]</span> take my regrets to + Europe. Don't you think Europe might be willing to overlook my + negligence—just this once?"</p> + + <p>"Jack—I can't endure your facetiousness!"</p> + + <p>"I'm not facetious, mother dear. I'm most confoundedly and + consummately serious. I really want you to let me off on this + Europe business. Won't you—there's a dear?"</p> + + <p>"No!"</p> + + <p>"No?"</p> + + <p>"Why, your passage is paid for, and my plans—You know + Ethel Quintard and her mother are sailing on the same boat. No, + most certainly I shall not let you off!"</p> + + <p>"Well, if that's the way you feel about it," he sighed again, + "perhaps we'd better drop this matter + also—temporarily."</p> + + <p>"This matter we'll also drop permanently," his mother said, + again with her calm, incontrovertible emphasis.</p> + + <p>"Well, that brings us to the third point." He drew a copy of + the "Record" from his pocket and pointed to a paragraph. "Mother, + this is the second time my engagement to Ethel Quintard has been + in print. I must say that I don't think it's nice of Ethel and + Mrs. Quintard to let those rumors stand. I would deny them + myself, only it seems rather a raw thing for a fellow to do. + Mother, you must deny them."</p> + + <p>"Jack, this marriage is bound to come!"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page44" id="page44"></a>[pg 44]</span> + + <p>"Mother, you are simply hypnotizing yourself into the belief + that I am going to marry Ethel Quintard. When"—he painfully + recrossed his legs, and smiled pleasantly at his + mother—"when, as a matter of fact, what I have been trying + to lead up to is to tell you that I shall never lead Ethel's + three millions to the altar."</p> + + <p>"What's that?"</p> + + <p>"It's all off."</p> + + <p>"Off?"</p> + + <p>Jack slowly nodded his head. "Yes, all off."</p> + + <p>"And why, if you please?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, for several reasons," he returned mildly. "But one of the + reasons is, that I happen to be engaged to someone else."</p> + + <p>"Engaged!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster, falling back. "And without + my knowing it! Who is she?"</p> + + <p>"Mary Morgan."</p> + + <p>"Mary Morgan! I never heard of her. Who's her father?"</p> + + <p>"First name Henry, I believe."</p> + + <p>"I don't mean his name. But who is he—what's his + family—his financial affiliations?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I see. Mary told me he runs a shoe store up in + Buffalo."</p> + + <p>"A shoe store! A shoe store!"</p> + + <p>"Or perhaps," Jack corrected, "it was a grocery. I'm not + certain."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster. "Oh! And—and + this—this—Mary person—"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page45" id="page45"></a>[pg 45]</span> + + <p>"She plays the piano, and is going to be a professional."</p> + + <p>For a moment Mrs. De Peyster's horror was inarticulate. Then + it began to regain its power of speech.</p> + + <p>"What—you throw away—Ethel Quintard—for a + little pianist! You compare a girl like—like that—to + Ethel Quintard!"</p> + + <p>"Compare them? Not for one little minute, mother, dear! For + Mary has brains and—"</p> + + <p>"Stop!" exploded Mrs. De Peyster, in majestic rage. "Young + man, have you considered the social disgrace you are plunging us + all into? But—but surely you cannot be in earnest!"</p> + + <p>He looked imperturbably up into her face. "Not in earnest, + mother? I'm as earnest as a preacher on Sunday."</p> + + <p>"Then—then—"</p> + + <p>She choked with her words. Before she could get them out, Jack + was on his feet and had an arm around her shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Come, mother, don't be angry—please!" he cried with + warm boyish eagerness. "Before you say another word, let me bring + Mary to see you. I can get her here before you go on board. The + sight of her will show you how right I am. She is the dearest, + sweetest—"</p> + + <p>"Stop!" She caught his arm. "I shall not see this—this + Mary person!"</p> + + <p>"No?"</p> + + <p>She was the perfect figure of wrath and pride and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page46" id="page46"></a>[pg 46]</span> + confident power of domination. "I shall never see her! Never! And + what is more," she continued, with the energy of one who believes + her will to be equivalent to the accomplished fact, "you are + going to give up, yes, and entirely forget, all those foolish + things you have just been speaking of!"</p> + + <p>He gazed squarely back into her flashing eyes. His face had + tightened, and at that moment there was a remarkable likeness + between the two faces, usually so dissimilar.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, mother; you are mistaken," he said quietly. "I am + going to give up nothing."</p> + + <p>"What, you defy me?" she gasped.</p> + + <p>"I am not defying you. I tried to tell you in as pleasant a + way as I could what my plans are. But everything I said, I am + going to do."</p> + + <p>"Then—then—" At first the words would not come + forth; she stood trembling, clutching the back of her chair. + "Then I beg to inform you," she was saying thickly in her + outraged majesty, when Matilda opened the hall door and ushered + in an erect, slender man of youngish middle age and with graying + hair and dark mustache, and with a pleasant, distinguished + face.</p> + + <p>"I beg pardon; I fear I come inopportunely," he said, as he + sighted Mrs. De Peyster's militant attitude. "But I was told to + come right up. I'll just wait—"</p> + + <p>"Do not go, Judge Harvey," Mrs. De Peyster commanded, as he + started to withdraw. "On the <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page47" id="page47"></a>[pg 47]</span> other hand, your arrival + is most opportune. Please come here."</p> + + <p>"Good-morning, Uncle Bob," Jack said cheerfully. "Excuse me + for not shaking hands. Just a little automobile accident."</p> + + <p>"Jack, you home!" cried the Judge. "My boy, but you have given + us all a scare!" And then in affectionate concern, noticing his + hands: "Nothing serious, I hope?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing serious about the accident," said Jack, glancing at + his mother.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster glared at her son, then crossed to the safe, + larger and more formidable than the one above from which she had + been removing her jewels, took out a document and returned to the + two men. She had something of the ominous air of a tragedy queen + who is foreshadowing an approaching climax.</p> + + <p>"Judge Harvey, I do not care to go into explanations," said + she. "But I desire to give you an order and to have you be a + witness to my act."</p> + + <p>"Of course, I am at your service, Caroline."</p> + + <p>"In the first place," she said, striving to speak calmly, "I + beg to request my son to move such of his things as he may wish + out of this house—and within the hour."</p> + + <p>"Certainly, mother," Jack said pleasantly.</p> + + <p>"And to you, Judge Harvey,—I wish my son's allowance, + which is paid through your office, to be discontinued from this + moment."</p> + + <p>"Why—of course—just as you say," said the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page48" id="page48"></a>[pg + 48]</span> astonished Judge. "But perhaps if the case + were—"</p> + + <p>"This paper is my will," interrupted Mrs. De Peyster, holding + up the document she had taken from the safe. "As my man of + affairs, I believe you are acquainted with its contents."</p> + + <p>"I am."</p> + + <p>"It gives the bulk of my fortune to my son here."</p> + + <p>"Why, yes," admitted the Judge with increasing + bewilderment.</p> + + <p>"His share amounts to two millions, or thereabouts."</p> + + <p>"Thereabouts."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster took two rustling, majestic steps toward her + fireplace. "Until my son gives me very definite assurance that + his conduct will be more suitable to me and my position, he is no + longer my son." And so saying she tossed the will upon the fire. + She allowed a moment of effective silence to elapse. "That is + all, Jack. You are excused."</p> + + <p>Jack stood and watched the flaming will flicker down to a + glowing ash. One bandaged hand slowly smoothed his blond + hair.</p> + + <p>"Gee! I've seen people burning up money, and I've burnt up + quite a bit myself, but I never saw two millions go as quick! + Well, mother," he sighed, shaking his head, "I never suspected + I'd end in such a little blaze. With such a pile I could have + made a bigger bonfire than that."</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page49" id="page49"></a>[pg 49]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + + <h3>A SLIGHT PREDICAMENT</h3> + + <p>For several moments after Jack had withdrawn, Mrs. De Peyster + stood in majestic silence beside the mantelpiece.</p> + + <p>"We will forget this incident, Judge Harvey," she said at + length. "Be seated, if you please."</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey took a chair, as ordered. Out in the world, Judge + Harvey was a disconcerting personality, though a respected one; a + judge who had resigned his judgeship, with the bold announcement + that law-courts were in the main theaters for farces; a thinker + who rejected all labels, who was daring enough to perceive and + applaud what was good even in the conventional.</p> + + <p>"But, Caroline," he began hesitantly, "weren't you perhaps a + little too stern with Jack?"</p> + + <p>"As I said, Judge Harvey, I do not care to explain the + situation."</p> + + <p>"I understood it—a little—anyhow. See here, you + don't want Jack to grow up to be a member of that + geranium-cheeked, leather-chair brigade that stare out of Fifth + Avenue Club windows, their heaviest labor lifting a + whiskey-and-soda all the way up to their mouths?"</p> + + <p>"I certainly do not propose to accept the alternative + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page50" id="page50"></a>[pg + 50]</span> he proposed!" she retorted. "I assure you, such + severity as I used was necessary. Nothing will bring a young man + to his senses so quickly and so surely as having his resources + cut off." Her composure, her confidence in her judgment, were now + fully returned. "Jack will come around all right. What I did was + imperative to save myself; and certainly it was best for + him."</p> + + <p>"I trust so. But I hope you don't mind if I'm a bit sorry for + the boy, for, you know,"—in a lower voice, and with a + stealthy look at her,—"Jack's the nearest thing to a son + I've ever had."</p> + + <p>She did not answer. In the silence that ensued an uneasiness + crept into his manner.</p> + + <p>"Caroline," bracing himself, "there is + something—something you were perhaps not expecting to + hear—that I must tell you."</p> + + <p>"I trust, Judge Harvey,"—somewhat stiffly,—"that + you are not about to propose to me again."</p> + + <p>"I am not." His face flushed; then set grimly. "But I'm going + to again, sometime, and I'd do it now if I thought it would do + any good."</p> + + <p>"It will not."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I know I wouldn't fit into your present scheme of life." + Bitterness and contempt had risen like a tide in the Judge's + voice. "I know I'm no social figure; at least, not up to your + dimensions. I know it would be a come-down to change from Mrs. De + Peyster to Mrs. Harvey. Not that I'm so infernally humble, + Caroline, that I don't consider myself <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page51" id="page51"></a>[pg 51]</span> a + damned lot better than most of the men you might possibly think + about marrying."</p> + + <p>He rose abruptly, and with a groaning burst of impatience that + had a tinge of anger: "Oh, for God's sake, Caroline, why don't + you throw overboard all this fashionable business, this striving + to keep an empty position, and be—and be—"</p> + + <p>"And be what?" put in Mrs. De Peyster with glittering eye.</p> + + <p>"And be just yourself!" he cried defiantly, squarely facing + her. "There, at last I've said it! And I'm going to say the rest + of it. This Mrs. De Peyster that heads everything isn't at all + the simple, natural gracious Carrie De Peyster that John De + Peyster and I made love to! You're not the real Mrs. De Peyster; + you only think you are. This Mrs. De Peyster the world knows is + something that's been built by and out of the obligation which + you accepted to maintain the De Peyster dignity. She's only a + surface, a shell, a mask! If your mother hadn't died, and then + your mother-in-law, and thrown upon you this whole infernal + family business and this infernal social leadership, why, you'd + have been an entirely different person—"</p> + + <p>"Judge Harvey!"</p> + + <p>"You'd then have been the real Mrs. De Peyster!" he rushed + hotly on. "Oh, all this show, this struggle for place, this + keeping up a front, I know it's only a part of the universal + comedy of our pretending to be what we're not,—every one of + us is doing the same, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page52" id= + "page52"></a>[pg 52]</span> in a big way, or a little + way,—but it makes me sick! For God's sake, Caroline, chuck + it—chuck it all and be just the fine human woman that there + is in you!"</p> + + <p>She was trembling with suppressed wrath. Never + before—not to her face, at least—had such criticism + been directed at her.</p> + + <p>"And ultimately be Mrs. Harvey—no, thank you!" she + replied, in a choking, caustic voice. "But while you are at it, + have you any further suggestions for my conduct?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said he determinedly. "You have been spending too much + money, and spending it on utterly worthless purposes. This social + duel—that's just what it is—between you and Mrs. + Allistair, besides being nonsense, will be absolutely ruinous if + you keep it up. Mrs. Allistair is as unprincipled in a social way + as her husband has been in a business way; her ambition will + hesitate to use no means, you know that—and, don't forget + this, she can spend fifty dollars to your one!"</p> + + <p>"I believe," with blazing hauteur, yet still controlled, "that + I possess something superior to Mrs. Allistair's dollars."</p> + + <p>"Yes," groaned the Judge, "your confounded old-family + business!"</p> + + <p>"And speaking of money," continued Mrs. De Peyster in her + cuttingest, most withering, most annihilatory grand manner, + "perhaps I should have spent my money worthily, like Judge + Harvey, upon <span class="pagenum"><a name="page53" id= + "page53"></a>[pg 53]</span> a gift of Thomas Jefferson letters to + the American Historical Society."</p> + + <p>The shaft of sarcasm quivered into the center of Judge + Harvey's sorest spot. Those recently discovered letters of Thomas + Jefferson which Judge Harvey had presented to the Historical + Society, and which had been so widely discussed as throwing new + light upon the beginnings of the United States Republic, had a + month before been pronounced and proved to be clever but arrant + forgeries. The newspaper sensation and the praise that had + attended the discovery and gift—warming and exalting Judge + Harvey's very human pride—had been followed by an + anti-climax of gibes and jeers at his gullibility. Whenever the + hoax was spoken of, Judge Harvey writhed with personal + humiliation, and with anger against the person who had recalled + his discomfiture, and with a desire for vengeance against the + perpetrator of the swindle.</p> + + <p>"Remember this, that the first experts pronounced those + letters genuine," he retorted in a hot, trembling voice. "And I'm + going to get that scoundrel—you see! Only to-day I had word + from the Police Commissioner that his department at last had + clues to that fellow Preston. And, besides," he ended cuttingly, + "though I was deceived, I at least made an effort to spend my + money upon a worthy object."</p> + + <p>They glared into one another's eyes; old friends now + thoroughly aroused against each other. They might be sarcastic or + out-spoken; but their self-respect, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page54" id="page54"></a>[pg 54]</span> their + good-breeding, would not permit them to become vituperative, to + lose themselves in outbursts of wrath—though such might + have been the healthier course. They knew how to plug the + volcano. So for a space, though they quivered, they were + silent.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster it was who first spoke. Her voice had + recovered its most formal, frigid tone.</p> + + <p>"Please recall, Judge Harvey, that you are here at the present + moment not as a friend but as my man of affairs."</p> + + <p>"All right," he said grimly. "But at least I've told you what + I thought as a friend."</p> + + <p>"As my man of affairs," she continued with her magnificent + iciness, "you may now tell me what you have been able to do for + me about a cottage in Newport."</p> + + <p>"Very well, here goes as your man of affairs: You said you + wished to be in Newport from the middle of July to early in + September."</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"The house, of those available, which I thought would come + nearest suiting you is 'The Heron's Nest.'"</p> + + <p>"You mean the cottage Mrs. Van der Grift had last season?"</p> + + <p>"The same."</p> + + <p>"You need not describe it then. I know it perfectly. It is + exactly what I desire; elegant, but not showy. And the + terms?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page55" id= + "page55"></a>[pg 55]</span> + + <p>"Ten thousand for the season."</p> + + <p>"Quite satisfactory. I hope you have taken a lease."</p> + + <p>"I have an option till to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Then close it. I suppose you have brought my letters of + credit?"</p> + + <p>"That," said he in formal lawyer tone, "brings me back to the + news which, as your man of affairs, I was trying to break to you + when you thought, as a friend, I was trying to propose."</p> + + <p>"What news?"</p> + + <p>"You will recall that the money with which I was to buy your + letters of credit was money which I was to draw for you, to-day, + as dividends on the stock you hold in the New York and New + England Railroad."</p> + + <p>"Certainly—though I do not see the drift of your + remarks."</p> + + <p>"And I hardly need remind you that the bulk of your fortune is + invested in this railroad."</p> + + <p>"A perfectly good stock, I believe," Mrs. De Peyster + commented.</p> + + <p>"Perfectly good—perfectly sound," Judge Harvey agreed. + "But there has existed a certain possibility in the company's + affairs for some time of which I hesitated to inform you. I did + not wish to give you any unnecessary concern, which would have + been the case if I had spoken to you and if the situation had + terminated happily."</p> + + <p>"And what is the situation to which you + refer?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page56" id= + "page56"></a>[pg 56]</span> + + <p>"You are doubtless aware that all the railroads have been + complaining about bad business, owing to increased wages on the + one side and governmental regulation of rates on the other. + That's the way the officers explain it; but the truth is, the + roads have been abominably mismanaged."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I have vaguely heard something about bad business," said + Mrs. De Peyster with a bored air. "But what does all this lead + to?"</p> + + <p>"I am trying to lead you gently, Mrs. De Peyster, to realize + the possibility that, in view of its alleged bad business, the + New York and New England might decide to pass dividends for this + quarter."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster started forward. "Do you mean to say, Judge + Harvey, that such a possibility exists?"</p> + + <p>"It's rather more than a possibility."</p> + + <p>"More than a possibility?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. In fact, it's a—a fact."</p> + + <p>"A fact?"</p> + + <p>"I have just come from the meeting of the directors. They have + voted to pay no dividends."</p> + + <p>"No dividends!" Mrs. De Peyster gazed stupefied into the face + of Judge Harvey. "No dividends! Then—then—my + income?"</p> + + <p>"I am very sorry," said Judge Harvey.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster sank back in her chair and laid one hand + across her eyes. For a moment she was dazed by this undreamed-of + disaster; so overwhelmed that she did not even hear Judge Harvey, + whose anger had ere this begun to relax, try to reassure + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page57" id="page57"></a>[pg + 57]</span> her with remarks about the company being perfectly + solvent. But it was not befitting the De Peyster dignity to + exhibit consternation. Instinct, habit, ruled. So, after a + moment, she removed her hand, and, though all her senses were + floundering, she remarked with an excellent imitation of + calm:—</p> + + <p>"Thank you very much, Judge Harvey, for your information."</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey, though still resentful, was by now feeling + contrite for his share of their quarrel and looked unusually + handsome in his contrition. And in his concern he could not help + pointing the way out.</p> + + <p>"I trust you have enough in your bank for your present plans. + And if not, your bank will readily advance you what you + need."</p> + + <p>"Of course," said she with her mechanical composure.</p> + + <p>"Or if there is any difficulty," he continued, desirous of + making peace, "I shall be glad to arrange a loan for you."</p> + + <p>She was too blinded by disaster to think, to realize her + needs. And dazed though she was by this reverse, her anger + against Judge Harvey for daring to criticize burned as high as + before. And then, too, she remembered the haughtiness with which + she had just refused his advice and put him in his place. At that + moment, the person of all persons in the world from whom it would + have been most humiliating to <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page58" id="page58"></a>[pg 58]</span> her to accept even a + finger's turn of assistance was Judge Harvey.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I shall manage very well."</p> + + <p>"And the Newport house?"</p> + + <p>"I shall send you my instructions concerning it later."</p> + + <p>He hesitated, waiting for her to speak. But she did not.</p> + + <p>"Then that is all?" he queried.</p> + + <p>"Quite all," she replied.</p> + + <p>He still lingered. He was not to see her again for three + months. And he didn't like to part like this; even if—</p> + + <p>"After all, Caroline," he said impulsively, holding out his + hand, "let's forget what we said and be friends. At any rate, I + certainly hope you have a most enjoyable time in Europe."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I am sure I shall have."</p> + + <p>Her words were cool, calm; the hand she gave him was without + pressure. Stiffening again, he made her the briefest of bows and + angrily walked out.</p> + + <p>At the sound of the closing door, announcing that Judge + Harvey's eyes were outside the room, Mrs. De Peyster unloosed the + mantle of dignity, which with so great an effort she had kept + folded about her person, let her face fall forward into her + hands, and slumped down into her chair, a loose, inert bundle. + Several lifeless minutes dragged by.</p> + + <p>A little before, during a silence between Judge <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page59" id="page59"></a>[pg 59]</span> Harvey + and Mrs. De Peyster, the study door had slowly opened and there + had appeared the reconnoitering face of the entrapped Mr. + Bradford. Though their attention had apparently been too centered + on each other for them to be observant of what happened beyond + their very contracted horizon, that had seemed to him no + promising moment to try for an escape. With high curiosity, eyes + amused and alight with delectable danger, he had studied Judge + Harvey a moment, and then the duchess-like Mrs. De Peyster in her + most magnificent towering attitude of wrathful hauteur. Then + quickly and soundlessly the heavy door had closed.</p> + + <p>Now again the heavy, sound-proof door of the study began to + open—noiselessly, inch by inch. Again the light, humorous, + but shrewd, very shrewd, face of Mr. Bradford appeared in the + crack. This time the face did not withdraw. He watched the bowed + figure of the solitary Mrs. De Peyster for several moments; + considered; measured the distance to the door of escape; + evaluated the silencing quality of the deep library rug; then + slipped through the door, closed it, and with tread as soft as a + bird's wing against the air started across the room.</p> + + <p>At Mrs. De Peyster's back curiosity checked him and he turned + his whimsical face down upon the motionless figure. The great + Mrs. De Peyster! He wondered what had thus changed her from the + all-commanding presence of a few moments since; for within that + perfection of a study he had overheard <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page60" id="page60"></a>[pg 60]</span> + nothing. An instant he stood thus at her back, alert to disappear + upon the warning of a changing breath—the two but an arm's + reach apart, and apparently about to go their separate ways + forever—she unconscious of him, and he equally unconscious + of the seed of a common drama which their own acts had already + sown—with never a thought that ships that pass in the night + may possibly alter their courses and meet again in the + morning.</p> + + <p>He slipped on out of the room, closing the door without a + sound. In the hallway he paused. He wished to see Miss Gardner + again, ignorant of the sudden fate that had befallen her. But he + decided little would be gained by trying for another meeting. + Certainly she must have relented sufficiently to have picked up + the card he had given her; and perhaps she would change her mind + and send him a message in care of the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft. + Anyhow, that was his best hope.</p> + + <p>Lightly, and with a light heart—for the presence of + danger was to him a stimulant—he went down the stairs, eyes + and ears on guard against unfortunate rencontres, and eyes also + instinctively noting doors and passages and articles worth a + gentleman's while. At the front door he waited a moment until the + sidewalk was empty; then he let himself out, and went down Mrs. + De Peyster's noble stone steps, his face pleasant and + frank-gazing, and with the easy self-possession of departing from + a call to wish a friend <i>bon-voyage</i>.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page61" id="page61"></a>[pg 61]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + + <h3>THE HONOR OF THE NAME</h3> + + <p>After a time Mrs. De Peyster rose totteringly from the sheeted + library chair, mounted weakly to the more intimate asylum of her + private sitting-room, and sat down and stared into her fire. She + was still dazed by Judge Harvey's announcement of the decision of + the New York and New England to pay no dividends.</p> + + <p>She was not rich, as the rich count riches. Nor did she desire + a greater wealth; at least not much greater. In fact, she looked + down upon the possessors of those huge fortunes acquired during + the last generation as upon beings of an inferior order. It was + blood-discs that gave her her supremacy, not vulgar discs of + gold. She had enough to maintain the De Peyster station, but just + enough; and she had so adjusted her scale of living that her + expenses exactly consumed her normal income—no more, no + less.</p> + + <p>That is, had exactly consumed it, except during the last year + or two. One reason she had so resented Judge Harvey's criticism + of her manner of living was that the criticism had the + unfortunate quality of being based on truth. Of late, the + struggle to maintain her inherited and rightful leadership had + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page62" id="page62"></a>[pg + 62]</span> involved her in greatly increased expenditure, and + this excess she had met in ways best known to herself.</p> + + <p>The collapsed Mrs. De Peyster heard Matilda enter, pause, then + pass into the bedroom, but did not look up; nor a moment later + when Olivetta re&#235;ntered from the bedroom, did she at + first raise her dejected head.</p> + + <p>"Why, what's the matter, Cousin Caroline?" cried Olivetta.</p> + + <p>There was no occasion for maintaining an appearance before + Olivetta, who was almost as faithful and devoted as though a very + member of her body. So Mrs. De Peyster related her misfortune, + interrupted by frequent interjections from her sympathetic + cousin.</p> + + <p>"Do you realize what it means, Olivetta?" she concluded in a + benumbed voice. "It means that, except for less than a thousand + which I have on hand,—a mere nothing,—I am penniless + until more dividends are due—perhaps months! I cannot go to + Europe! I cannot go to Newport!"</p> + + <p>Olivetta was first stunned, then was ejaculative with + consternation.</p> + + <p>"But, Caroline," she cried after a moment, "why not have Judge + Harvey get you the money?"</p> + + <p>"Out of the question, Olivetta; I do not care to explain." She + would never unbend to Judge Harvey! Never!</p> + + <p>"Then, why not borrow the money from the bank, as you say + Judge Harvey suggested?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page63" id="page63"></a>[pg 63]</span> + + <p>"Olivetta, you should know that that is against my + principles." She tried to instill proud rebuke into her voice. + But just here was the pinch—or one of them. To cover the + excess in her expenses she had already borrowed—secretly, + for she would never have had it come to Judge Harvey's + knowledge—from her bank to the very limit of her personal + credit.</p> + + <p>Olivetta's distressed eyes fell upon one of the jewel cases + which Marie had left in the sitting-room.</p> + + <p>"There are your jewels, Caroline. But, of course you wouldn't + consider raising money—"</p> + + <p>"On my jewels! How can you think of such a thing!"</p> + + <p>"Of course not, of course not," fluttered Olivetta. "Please + forgive me, Caroline. I do so admire your strict principles!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster accepted apology and tribute with a forgiving + nod. But just here was another of the pinches. The previous + spring, while in Paris, she had had her jewels most + confidentially replaced with excellent imitations; and the + original stones were at this moment lying as pledges in the + vaults of a Parisian banker.</p> + + <p>"But, Caroline," pursued the sympathetic Olivetta, "can't you + cut down expenses and remain in town? What with your credit, you + have enough for that!"</p> + + <p>"Remain in town, when everybody is leaving?" cried Mrs. De + Peyster. "Are you out of your senses <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page64" id="page64"></a>[pg 64]</span> + Olivetta? Why, people would never stop talking about it!"</p> + + <p>"Of course—you're right—forgive me," stammered + Olivetta. "But you might go to some modest resort for the + summer—or—or—go to Europe in a more modest + way."</p> + + <p>"Olivetta, you grow more absurd every moment!" exclaimed Mrs. + De Peyster. "You know it has long been my custom to spend the + first half of the summer in Europe, in a style befitting me, and + to spend the second half in Newport. To do less would set people + talking, and might endanger my position."</p> + + <p>"Of course! Of course!" cried the humbled Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"I hope you fully realize my dilemma."</p> + + <p>"It is terrible—terrible!" Olivetta's tone was slow, and + full of awed dismay. "You must maintain your social position and + there is no money!"</p> + + <p>"Just so."</p> + + <p>Detailed horrors of the situation began to move in spasmodic + procession through Olivetta's mind.</p> + + <p>"And your passage is taken on the Plutonia—and it has + been widely announced that you are leaving for Europe—and + that newspaper is going to print your picture among the social + leaders who have sailed—and, oh, Caroline, all those + reporters are going to fill the papers with long articles about + your going!"</p> + + <p>A new horror, that till then had escaped Mrs. De Peyster's + inventory, a horror out-climaxing any in <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page65" id="page65"></a>[pg 65]</span> + Olivetta's tragic list, burst suddenly upon Mrs. De Peyster. Her + face went pale, fell loose.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Allistair!" she barely articulated.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Allistair?" Olivetta repeated blankly.</p> + + <p>"Don't you see—if I stay at home—don't + sail—Mrs. Allistair will use it as capital against + me—and she'll ride over me to—"</p> + + <p>"Caroline!" gasped the appalled Olivetta.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stood up, rigid with desperation.</p> + + <p>"I simply must sail!" she cried.</p> + + <p>"Of course you must! Can't you think of some way out of it? I + never knew you unequal to an emergency!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, her brow knitted with agitated thought, + walked slowly to one of her windows and stood looking down into + the pleasant bustle of Washington Square. Olivetta watched her + intently, waiting for the brilliant plan that would be the result + of her cousin's cogitations.</p> + + <p>But the minutes passed, Mrs. De Peyster did not move, and + Olivetta's gaze wandered about the large, luxurious sitting-room. + Her mind roamed afar to the desolate realm which she inhabited, + and she thought of her own sitting-room, dark and stingily + furnished, and rather threadbare, in which she was expecting to + spend the summer, save for a few weeks at a respectable, + poor-relations' resort. She sighed.</p> + + <p>"If it wasn't for your social position," she said, half to + herself, "it really wouldn't be so bad to spend the summer + here."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page66" id= + "page66"></a>[pg 66]</span> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster must have heard, for she turned slowly about + and gazed at Olivetta—gazed at her steadily. And gradually, + as she gazed, her whole appearance changed. The consternation on + her face was succeeded by calm resolution. Poise and dignity + returned.</p> + + <p>"You have an idea, Caroline?" cried Olivetta, struck by her + look.</p> + + <p>"Wait!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stood silent for yet a few more moments. Then, + completely her dignified and composed self, she stepped toward + her bedroom. Olivetta's eyes followed her in wondering, + worshipful fascination.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster opened the door.</p> + + <p>"Matilda!"</p> + + <p>The housekeeper instantly appeared.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Mrs. De Peyster."</p> + + <p>"Matilda, call William and have him waiting in the hall till I + summon him. Come back immediately."</p> + + <p>"But, Cousin Caroline, what is it?" asked Olivetta excitedly, + as Matilda went out.</p> + + <p>"Wait!" said Mrs. De Peyster in a majestic tone.</p> + + <p>A minute passed, Mrs. De Peyster standing composedly by the + fireplace, Olivetta gazing at her in throbbing suspense. Then + Matilda returned. Her Mrs. De Peyster summoned to her side.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, you have proved your loyalty to me by twenty years + of service," she began, "and you, Olivetta, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page67" id="page67"></a>[pg 67]</span> I know + are completely devoted to me. So I know you both will faithfully + execute my requests. But I must ask you not to breathe a word of + what I tell you, and what we do."</p> + + <p>"I?" cried Olivetta. "Never a syllable!"</p> + + <p>"Nor I, ma'am,—never!" declared Matilda.</p> + + <p>"But first, Matilda, I must acquaint you with a situation that + has just arisen." And Mrs. De Peyster outlined such details of + her predicament as she thought Matilda needed to know. "And now, + here are my orders, Matilda. The house, of course, is being + boarded up as usual. All the servants are sent away except + William; and that order, if you have given it, for a maid for me + is to be countermanded. You, Matilda, are to remain here alone in + charge of the house as has been your custom. The report that I am + sailing is to be allowed to stand. But in reality—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, in reality?" cried the excited Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"In reality," continued Mrs. De Peyster calmly, for she knew + how a <i>d&#233;nouement</i> is heightened by a quiet + manner—"in reality, I shall, during the entire summer, stay + here in my own house."</p> + + <p>"Stay here!" ejaculated Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"Stay here!" exclaimed Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Stay here. Chiefly in my suite. Secretly, of course. No one + but you two will ever know of it. By staying here, I shall be + practically at no expense. But the world will think I am in + Europe, and my position will be saved."</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page68" id="page68"></a>[pg 68]</span> + + <p>Staggered as she was, Olivetta had remaining a few fragments + of reason.</p> + + <p>"But—but, Caroline! You cannot merely announce that you + are going abroad! You are a person of importance—your every + move is observed. People will see that you do not sail. How will + you get around that?"</p> + + <p>It sounded a poser. But Mrs. De Peyster was unruffled.</p> + + <p>"Very simply, Olivetta. You shall sail in my stead."</p> + + <p>"Me!" cried Olivetta, yet more bewildered.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you."</p> + + <p>"But—but, if you cannot afford Europe for yourself, how + can you afford it for me?"</p> + + <p>"It would take a great many thousands for me to go in the + manner that is expected of me. I cannot afford that. For you, + Olivetta, since the passage is already paid, it would take but a + few hundred—and that I can afford."</p> + + <p>"You—you mean that I am to pass for you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"But I never can! People will know the difference!"</p> + + <p>"People will never see you," returned the calm voice of Mrs. + De Peyster. "The Plutonia sails at one to-night. You will go on + board with my trunks late this evening, heavily veiled. Since no + one must see you on the way over, you must of course, keep to + your cabin. You must be seasick."</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page69" id="page69"></a>[pg 69]</span> + + <p>"But I am never seasick!" cried Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"Then you must stay in your berth anyhow and pretend to be. + You are to be too ill to receive any friends who may chance to be + on board. Your stewardess will bring your meals to your + stateroom. When the boat arrives, you must wait till every one + else is off, and when you land you must again be heavily veiled + and be too sick to speak to any one. Once you are in + Paris—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, there's the difficulty!"</p> + + <p>"Not so great as you think. I shall give you full directions + what to do. Once you are in Paris, you quietly disappear. It will + become known that Mrs. De Peyster has gone off on a long motor + trip through unvisited portions of Europe and will not return for + the Newport season. With Mrs. De Peyster started on this trip, + you become yourself, and you see Europe just as you please."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" ejaculated Olivetta, drawing in a deep breath.</p> + + <p>"But please, ma'am," put in Matilda, "why could you not go + over yourself and then slip away to some modest resort?"</p> + + <p>"So many people know me I should be sure to be seen and + recognized. And then think of the talk! No, that would never do. + I have considered all possibilities. My plan is best."</p> + + <p>"Of course, you're right, ma'am," agreed Matilda.</p> + + <p>"On the way back, Olivetta, you are to preserve the same + precautions as on the way over. And to <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page70" id="page70"></a>[pg 70]</span> avoid + any possible difficulty in getting into the house, I shall + provide you with a key to the house and one to my + sitting-room."</p> + + <p>"But you, ma'am," objected Matilda, "in the mean time you + cannot stay cooped up all summer in this room!"</p> + + <p>"I do not intend to," returned Mrs. De Peyster with her + consummate calm, which assured her co-conspirators that they + could lean untroubled upon her unblundering brain. "Matilda, will + you now please have William come in?"</p> + + <p>Matilda, bewildered but obedient, stepped to the door and a + moment later followed in the most clean-shaven, the most stiffly + perpendicular, the most deferentially dignified, the most + irreproachably expressionless of men-servants. He was the + ultimate development of his kind. It seems almost a sacrilege to + add that he was past man's perfect prime, and to hint that + perhaps his scanty, unstreaked hair sought surreptitious + rejuvenation in a drug-store bottle.</p> + + <p>"William, Matilda will acquaint you with certain alterations + in my plans," began his mistress. "I desire to add that she will + remain in the house alone during my absence; that you are to keep + to your quarters in the stable and not enter the house; and that + you are to arrange to take, at my expense, all your meals + outside."</p> + + <p>William inclined his body slightly, as if to say, "Yes, my + lady."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page71" id= + "page71"></a>[pg 71]</span> + + <p>"And in order to give the horses proper exercise, and to + relieve Matilda's monotony, I desire you to take Matilda out + driving every evening."</p> + + <p>Again William bowed a "Yes, my lady."</p> + + <p>"You understand this perfectly?"</p> + + <p>William's lips executed one of their rare movements.</p> + + <p>"Perfectly, Mrs. De Peyster."</p> + + <p>"Very well."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster dismissed him with a wave of her hand, and + William made the exit of a minister from his queen.</p> + + <p>"You don't mean—" began Matilda, almost breathless.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I mean that I shall go out driving nightly in your + clothes," responded Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"But—but—" gasped Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Have no fear. I shall, of course, be veiled, and William is + the best-trained, the most incurious of servants."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, looking her most majestic, stood waiting for + the outburst of approval, just tribute to one who has conceived a + supernally clever and flawless scheme.</p> + + <p>"Well, now, Matilda," she prompted, "what do you think of the + whole plan?"</p> + + <p>"Since you thought it out, I—I—suppose it's all + right," stammered Matilda.</p> + + <p>"And you, Olivetta, what do you think?"</p> + + <p>"Me!" cried Olivetta, who for the last minute had <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page72" id="page72"></a>[pg 72]</span> with + difficulty restrained her ecstasy. "Paris!—the + Louvre!—the Luxembourg!—Versailles!" She flung her + arms about Mrs. De Peyster's neck amid a shower of hairpins. "Oh, + Caroline—Caroline. It's—it's simply + glorious!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page73" id= + "page73"></a>[pg 73]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + + <h3>BEHIND THE BLINDS</h3> + + <p>It was the next day.</p> + + <p>Olivetta had mailed a few hurried notes to friends about her + sudden departure for a complete rest in the utter seclusion of an + unnamed spot in Maine—Jack De Peyster had moved + out—the front door way and the windows had been boarded + up—the house wore the proper countenance of respectable + desertion—and up in her sitting-room, lighted only by + little diamond panes in her thick shutters, sat Mrs. De Peyster + reading a newspaper. From this she gleaned that Mrs. De Peyster + had sailed that morning on the Plutonia, having gone on board + late the night before. Also she learned that Mrs. De Peyster + would not be back as was her custom for the Newport season, but + was going to make an extended motor trip off the main-traveled + roads, perhaps penetrating as far as the beautiful but rarely + visited Balkan States.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was well satisfied as she rested at ease in + her favorite chair. It would not be too much to say that she was + very proud; for hers was certainly a happy plan, a plan few + intellects could have evolved. And thus far it had worked to + perfection, and there was no doubt but that it would work so + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page74" id="page74"></a>[pg + 74]</span> to the end; for, although Olivetta, to be sure, was + rather careless, the instructions given her, the arrangements + made in her behalf, were so admirable and complete that any + miscarriage could not possibly have Olivetta for its source.</p> + + <p>Also Mrs. De Peyster was at heart honestly contented. She had + spoken truly when she had told Olivetta that Europe was old to + her and had become merely a social duty. Of that fatiguing + obligation to her position she was glad to be relieved. The past + season, with its struggle with Mrs. Allistair and that Duke de + Cr&#233;cy affair, had been a trying one, and she was tired. + By the present arrangement, which she regarded as nothing short + of an inspiration, her social prestige was secure, her financial + difficulties were taken care of, and she herself would have the + desired opportunity for a sorely needed rest. She would have her + books, she would have the society of Matilda (for Matilda had in + the long years grown to be more than a mere servant—she was + a companion, a confidant)—her creature comforts would be + well seen to by Matilda,—she would have the whole house to + roam over at her will during the day, and every night she would + have the pleasant relaxation of a drive behind the peerless + William.</p> + + <p>It seemed to her, as she looked forward to it, the most + desirable of vacations.</p> + + <p>Her mind was quite at ease concerning Jack. Severity, as she + had said, had been necessary. A bit of privation would do him + good, would bring him <span class="pagenum"><a name="page75" id= + "page75"></a>[pg 75]</span> to his senses; she had no slightest + doubt of that. And when they met again, he would be in a mood to + fit into the place she had carefully prepared for him. Of course, + she would let him off in the matter of Ethel Quintard, if he + really didn't care for Ethel. There were other nice girls of good + families. She wouldn't be hard on him.</p> + + <p>Also she felt easier in her mind in the matter of the quarrel + with Judge Harvey. The sting and humiliation of his words she had + now cast out of her system; she was really superior to such + criticism. There remained only Judge Harvey's offense. Certainly + he had been inexcusably outspoken and officious. Her resentment + had settled down into a calm, implacable, changeless attitude. + She would be polite to him, since they must continue to meet in + the future. But she would keep him coldly at a distance. She + would never unbend. She would never forgive.</p> + + <p>Next to the column recording her departure she had noted a few + paragraphs giving the progress of the police in their search for + James Preston, the forger of the Jefferson letters. What a fool + Judge Harvey had been in that affair!...</p> + + <p>And yet, in a way, she was sorry. She had liked Judge Harvey; + had liked him very much. In fact, there had been relaxed moods in + which she had dallied pleasantly with the thought of marrying + him. She might, indeed, have married him already had it not been + for the obvious social descent.</p> + + <p>Also, she thought for a moment of Miss Gardner. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page76" id="page76"></a>[pg 76]</span> In this + matter she had likewise been quite right. However, aside from the + deception Miss Gardner had practiced, she had seemed a nice girl; + and Mrs. De Peyster was lenient enough to feel a very honest wish + that the husband, who had so rapidly disappeared, was a decent + sort of man. Perhaps later she might favor them with some + trifling present.</p> + + <p>She had a light luncheon, for it was her custom to eat but + little at midday, and spent part of the afternoon with a + comfortable sense of improvement over one of John Fiske's volumes + of colonial history; popular novels she abhorred as frivolities + beneath her. And then she took upon her lap a large volume, + weighing perhaps a dozen pounds, entitled "Historic Families in + America," in which first place was given to an account of the + glories of the De Peysters. Though premiership was no better than + the family's due, she was secretly pleased with her forebears' + place in the volume—in a sublimated way it was the + equivalent of going in first to dinner among distinguished + guests. She liked frequently to glance leisurely through the + pages, tasting here and there; and now, as she did whenever she + read the familiar text, she lingered over certain passages of the + deferential genealogist—whom, hardly conscious of the act + of imagination, she could almost see in tight satin breeches, + postured on his knees, holding out these tributes to her on a + golden salver:—</p> + + <p>"In 1148 Archambaud de Paster" ... "From an early period of + the fourteenth century the De Peysters <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page77" id="page77"></a>[pg 77]</span> were + among the richest and most influential of the patrician families + of Ghent" ... "The exact genealogical connection between the De + Peysters of the fourteenth century and the above-noted sixteenth + and seventeenth century ancestors of the American De Peysters has + not been traced, as the work of translating and analyzing the + records of the intervening period is still incompleted. + Sufficient has been ascertained, however, to leave no doubt of + the continual progress of the family in possessions, social + dignity, and public consequence" ... "The first man in New + Amsterdam who had a family carriage" ... "The chief people of the + city and province, and stately visitors from the Old World, were + often grouped together under this roof"....</p> + + <p>Such august and ample phrases could but nourish and exalt her + sense of worthiness; could but add to her growing sense of + satisfaction. She closed the ceremonious volume, and her eyes, + lifting, rested for a gratifying moment on a framed steel + engraving from the painting of Abraham De Peyster, Mayor of New + York from 1691 to 1693. The picture pleased her, with its + aristocratically hooked nose, its full wig, its smile of amiable + condescension. But fortunately she had forgotten, or perhaps + preferred not to learn, that when this ancestor was New York's + foremost figure, the city had had within its domain somewhat less + than one one-thousandth of its present subjects.</p> + + <p>And then her eyes wandered to the three-quarters portrait of + herself by M. Dubois, hung temporarily <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page78" id="page78"></a>[pg 78]</span> in this + room. Yes, it was good. M. Dubois had caught the peculiar De + Peyster quality. One looked at it and instinctively thought of + generations processioning back into a beginningless past. "In + 1148 Archambaud de Paster" ...</p> + + <p>Toward five o'clock she rose and, a stately figure in lavender + dressing-gown, strolled through the velvet hush of the great + darkened house: over foot-flattering rugs, through silken + hangings that rustled discreet homage at her passing, by dark + tapestries lit with threads of gold, among shadowy bronzes and + family portraits and pier-glasses and glinting cut-glass + candlesticks and chandeliers. So exaltative yet so soothing, this + opulent silence, this spacious solitude!</p> + + <p>And for an almost perfect hour she sat in her rear + drawing-room, lightly, ever so cautiously, touching bits of Grieg + and Tschaikowsky out of her Steinway Grand—just dim + whispers of music that did not breathe beyond the door. She + played well, for she loved the piano and had a real gift for + instrumentation. Often when she played for her friends, she had + to hold herself in consciously, had to play below her ability; + for to have allowed herself to play her best might have been to + suggest that she was striving to be as good as a professional, + and that would have caused comment and been in bad taste.</p> + + <p>Her piano was going to be another comfort to her.</p> + + <p>She was complacent—even happy—even exultant. It + was all so restful. And before her were three <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page79" id="page79"></a>[pg 79]</span> + months—three beautiful months—of this calm, this + rest, this security.</p> + + <p>At seven o'clock Matilda announced that her dinner was ready, + and she swept back into the great dining-room, high-ceilinged, + surfaced completely with old paneling of Flemish oak. The room + was dimly illuminated by a single shaded electric bulb. The other + lighting had all been switched off; during the summer the + illumination would, of course, have to be unsuspiciously meager. + To a mortal of a less exalted sphere the repast would have seemed + a banquet. Mrs. De Peyster, though an ascetic at noon, was + something of an epicure at night; she liked a comfortable + quantity, and that of many varieties, and these of the best. + Under the ministrations of Matilda she pleasurably disposed of + clear soup, whitebait, a pair of squabs on toast with asparagus + tips, and an alligator pear salad.</p> + + <p>"Really, Matilda," she remarked with benign approval as she + leisurely began on her iced strawberries, "I had quite forgotten + that you were such a wonderful cook. Most excellent!"</p> + + <p>"Thank you, ma'am," In her enjoyment Mrs. De Peyster had not + noticed that throughout the meal her faithful attendant had worn + a somewhat troubled look.</p> + + <p>"Just give me food up to this standard, and I shall be most + happy, my dear. My summer may grow somewhat tedious toward the + end; I shall count a great deal on good meals to keep it + pleasant."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page80" id= + "page80"></a>[pg 80]</span> + + <p>"Of course—of course—" and then a salad plate + slipped from Matilda's hands. "Oh, ma'am, I—I—"</p> + + <p>"What is the matter, Matilda?" demanded Mrs. De Peyster, a + trifle stern at this ineptness.</p> + + <p>"Nothing, ma'am. Nothing at all. I'll see that you get it, + b—but I don't know how I'll get it."</p> + + <p>"Don't know how?"</p> + + <p>"You see, ma'am, the butcher, the grocer, everybody thinks I'm + the only person in the house. We've always traded with these same + people, and I've stayed here alone now for fifteen summers, and + they know I eat very little and care only for plain food. And so + to-day when I ordered all these things, they—they grinned + at me. And the butcher said, 'Living pretty high, while the + missus is away.'"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster had dropped her dessert spoon, and was staring + at her confederate. "I never thought about food!" she exclaimed + in dismay.</p> + + <p>"Nor did I, ma'am, till the butcher spoke. And, besides, + William received the goods, and—and he smiled at me and + said—"</p> + + <p>"It does look suspicious!" interrupted Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I think it does, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"If you keep on having so much food sent in—"</p> + + <p>"And such high quality, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"Some one may suspect—become curious—and might + find out—might find out—"</p> + + <p>"That's what I was thinking of, ma'am."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster had risen.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page81" id="page81"></a>[pg 81]</span> + + <p>"Matilda, we cannot run that risk!"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps—perhaps, ma'am, we'd better change our butcher + and grocer."</p> + + <p>"That would do no good, for the new ones would find out that + there was supposed to be only a single person here, No, such + ordering has got to be stopped!"</p> + + <p>"If you can stand it, I think it would be safer, ma'am. But + what will you eat?"</p> + + <p>There was a brief silence. Mrs. De Peyster's air grew almost + tragic.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, do you realize that you and I have got to live for + the summer, for the entire summer, upon the amount you have been + accustomed to ordering for yourself!"</p> + + <p>"It looks that way, ma'am."</p> + + <p>The epicure in Mrs. De Peyster spoke out in a voice of even + deeper poignancy.</p> + + <p>"Two persons—do you realize that, Matilda!—two + adult persons will have to live for three months upon the rations + of one person!"</p> + + <p>"And what's worse," added Matilda, "as I told you, I don't eat + much. I've usually had just a little tea and now and then a + chop."</p> + + <p>"A little tea and a chop!" Mrs. De Peyster looked as though + she were going to faint. "A little tea and a chop!... For three + months!... Matilda!"</p> + + <p>It seemed plain, however, that this was the only way out. But + standing over the remains of the last <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page82" id="page82"></a>[pg 82]</span> genuine + meal she expected to taste until the summer's end, her brow began + slowly to clear.</p> + + <p>"Matilda," she said after a moment, in a rebuking tone, "I'm + surprised you did not see the solution to this!"</p> + + <p>"Is there one, ma'am? What is it?"</p> + + <p>"You are so fixed in the habit of sending your orders to the + tradespeople that your mind cannot conceive of any other + procedure. You are to go out in person, at night, if you like, to + shops where you are not known, pay cash for whatever you want, + and carry your purchases home with you. It is really extremely + simple."</p> + + <p>"Why, of course, ma'am," meekly agreed Matilda.</p> + + <p>With the specter of famine thus banished, confidence, good + humor, and the luxurious expectancy of a reposeful summer + returned to Mrs. De Peyster. Soon she was being further diverted + by the mild excitement of being dressed in one of Matilda's sober + housekeeper gowns, the twin of the dress Matilda now wore, for + her evening ride with William. They were fortunately of nearly + the same figure, though, of course, there was a universe of + difference in how those two figures were carried.</p> + + <p>Matilda, the competent, skilled Matilda, was inexplicably + incompetent at this function. So clumsy, so nervous was she, that + Mrs. De Peyster was moved to ask with a little irritation what + was the matter. Matilda hastily assured her mistress that there + was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page83" id="page83"></a>[pg + 83]</span> nothing—nothing at all;—and buttoned a few + more buttonholes over the wrong buttons. As she followed the + fully garbed and thickly veiled Mrs. De Peyster, now looking the + most stately of stately housekeepers, down the stairway, her + nervousness increased.</p> + + <p>"I wish—I wish—" she began at the door. "What + <i>is</i> the matter with you, Matilda?" demanded Mrs. De Peyster + severely.</p> + + <p>"I—I rather wish you—you wouldn't go out, + ma'am."</p> + + <p>"You are afraid I may be recognized?"</p> + + <p>"No, I wasn't thinking of that, ma'am. I—I—"</p> + + <p>"What else is there to be afraid of?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing, ma'am, nothing. But I wish—"</p> + + <p>"I am going, Matilda; we will not discuss it," said Mrs. De + Peyster, in a peremptory tone intended to silence Matilda. "You + may first clear away the dishes," she ordered. "But I believe I + left a squab and some asparagus. You might put them, and any + other little thing you have, on the dining-room table; I shall + probably be hungry on my return from my drive. And then put my + rooms in order. I believe the tea-tray is still in my + sitting-room; don't forget to bring it down."</p> + + <p>"Certainly, ma'am. But—but—" "Matilda"—very + severely—"are you going to do as I bid you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am,"—very humbly. "But excuse me for presuming + to advise you, ma'am, but if you want <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page84" id="page84"></a>[pg 84]</span> to pass + for me you must remember to be very humble and—"</p> + + <p>"I believe I know how to play my part," Mrs. De Peyster + interrupted with dignity. Then she softened; it was her instinct + to be thoughtful of those who served her. "We shall both try to + get to bed early, my dear. You especially need sleep after last + night's strain in getting Olivetta away. We shall have a long, + restful night."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster opened the door, unlocked the door in the + boarding and locked it behind her, and stepped into her brougham, + which had been ordered and was waiting at the curb. "Up Fifth + Avenue and into the Park, William," she said. She settled back + into the courtly embrace of the cushions; she breathed deep of + the freedom of the soft May night. The carriage turned northward + into the Avenue. Rolling along in such soothing ease—a + crowd streaming on either side of her—yet such + solitude—so entirely unknown.</p> + + <p>Restful, yes. And spiced with just the right pinch of mild + adventure.</p> + + <p>It really could not possibly have been better.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page85" id="page85"></a>[pg 85]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + + <h3>NOT IN THE PLAN</h3> + + <p>As she rolled northward behind the miraculously erect and + rigid William, the emotion which had been so mildly exciting when + she had left her door grew in potency like a swiftly fermenting + liquor. It was both fearful and delightful. She was all + a-flutter. This was a daring thing that she was doing—the + nearest to a real adventure that she had engaged in since her + girlhood. Suppose, just suppose, that some one should recognize + her from the sidewalk!</p> + + <p>The thought sent a series of pricking shivers up and down her + usually tranquil spine.</p> + + <p>Just as that fear thrummed through her, she saw, a few doors + ahead, a man come out of a residence hotel. He sighted the De + Peyster carriage, and paused. Mrs. De Peyster's heart stood + still, for the man was Judge Harvey. If he should try to stop her + and speak to her—!</p> + + <p>But Judge Harvey merely bowed, and the carriage rolled on past + him.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster's heart palpitated wildly for a block. Then + she began to regain her courage. Judge Harvey had, of course, + thought her Matilda. A few blocks, and she had completely + reassured herself. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page86" id= + "page86"></a>[pg 86]</span> There was no danger of her discovery. + None. Almost every one she knew was out of town; she herself was + known to be upon the high seas bound for Europe; Matilda's gown + and veil were a most unsuspicious disguise; and William, her + paragon of a William, so rigidly upright on the seat before + her—William's statuesque, unapproachable figure diffused + about her a sense of absolute security. She relaxed, sank back + into the upholstery of the carriage, and began fully to enjoy the + rare May night.</p> + + <p>But a surprise was lying in wait for her as she came into a + comparatively secluded drive of Central Park. In itself the + surprise was the most trifling of events—so slight a matter + as a person twisting his vertebrae some hundred-odd degrees, and + silently smiling. But that person was William!</p> + + <p>For a moment she gasped with amazed indignation. To think of + William daring to smile at her! But quickly she recognized that + William, of course, supposed her to be Matilda, and that the + smile was no more than the friendly courtesy that would naturally + pass between two fellow-servants. Her indignation subsided, but + her wonderment remained. To think that William could smile, + William in whose thoroughly ironed dignity she had never before + detected a wrinkle!</p> + + <p>Just as she had re-composed herself, they rolled into another + unpeopled stretch of the drive. Again William's vertebrae + performed a semicircle and again William smiled.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page87" id="page87"></a>[pg 87]</span> + + <p>"Fine night, Matilda," he remarked in a pleasant voice.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster shrank back into the cushions. She had the + presence of mind to nod her head, and William faced about. To put + it temperately, the situation was becoming very trying. Mrs. De + Peyster now realized that she had been guilty of a lack of + forethought. It had not occurred to her, in working out this plan + of hers, that her frigidly proper William could entertain a + friendliness toward any one. What she should have done was to + have given William a vacation and secured an entirely strange + coachman for the summer who would have had no friendly sentiments + to give play to.</p> + + <p>But her desire was now all to escape from William's amiable + attentions.</p> + + <p>"Take me home," she said presently, muffling her voice behind + her hand and veil, and withdrawing from it its accustomed tone of + authority.</p> + + <p>Half an hour later, to her great relief, the carriage turned + again into Washington Square and drew up before her house. She + stepped quickly out.</p> + + <p>"Good-night—thank you," she said in a smothered + imitation of Matilda's voice, and hurried up her steps.</p> + + <p>She had unlocked the door in the boarding and had stepped into + the dark entry, when she became aware that William had deserted + his horses and was stepping in just behind her. As though it were + a matter of long custom, William slipped an arm <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page88" id="page88"></a>[pg 88]</span> about + her waist and imprinted a kiss upon her veil.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster let out a little gasping cry, and struggled to + free herself.</p> + + <p>"Don't be scared, Matilda," William reassured her. "Nobody can + see us in here." And he patted her on the shoulder with + middle-aged affection.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, after her first outburst, realized that she + dared not cry out, or rebuff William. To do so would reveal her + identity. And horrified as she was, she realized that there must + have long existed between William and Matilda a carefully + concealed affair of the heart.</p> + + <p>"It's all right, dear," William again reassured her, with his + staid ardor. "It's mighty good to be with you like this, + Matilda!" He heaved a love-laden sigh. "We've had it mighty hard, + haven't we, with only being able to steal a minute with each + other now and then—always afraid of Mrs. De Peyster. It's + been mighty hard for me. Hasn't it been hard for you?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster remained silent.</p> + + <p>"Hasn't it been hard for you, dear?" William insisted + tenderly.</p> + + <p>"Ye—yes," very huskily.</p> + + <p>"Why, what's the matter, Matilda? I know; you're tired, dear; + your nerves are all worn out with the strain of getting Mrs. De + Peyster off." Again his voice became tenderly indignant. "Just + see how <span class="pagenum"><a name="page89" id= + "page89"></a>[pg 89]</span> she treated that Miss Gardner; and + wouldn't she have done the same to us, if she'd found us out? To + think, dear, that but for her attitude you and me might have been + married and happy! I know you are devoted to her, and wouldn't + leave her, and I know she's kind enough in her way, but I tell + you, Matilda,"—William's voice, so superbly without + expression when on duty, was alive with conviction,—"I tell + you, Matilda, she's a regular female tyrant!"</p> + + <p>There was a mighty surging within Mrs. De Peyster, a + premonition of eruption. But she choked it down. William, + launched upon the placid sea of his elderly affection, did not + heed that his supposed inamorata was making no replies.</p> + + <p>"She's a regular tyrant!" he repeated. "But now that she's + away," he added in a tender tone, "and left just us two here, + Matilda dear, we'll have a lot of nice little times together." + And urged by his welling love he again embraced her and again + pressed a loverly kiss upon Matilda's veil.</p> + + <p>This was too much. The crater could be choked no longer. The + eruption came.</p> + + <p>"Let me go!" Mrs. De Peyster cried, struggling; and her right + hand, striking wildly out, fell full upon William's sacred + cheek.</p> + + <p>He drew back amazed.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster searched frantically for the keyhole to the + inner door.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page90" id= + "page90"></a>[pg 90]</span> + + <p>"Matilda, I'm not the man to take that!" he declared irefully. + "What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"Go! Go!" she gasped.</p> + + <p>He drew back wrathfully, but with an awful dignity.</p> + + <p>"Very well, Miss Simpson. But I'm not a man that forgives. + You'll be sorry for this!"</p> + + <p>As he started stiffly away Mrs. De Peyster found the keyhole. + She turned her key, opened the door, and closed it quickly behind + her. Gasping, shivering, she groped in the dusky hall until she + found a chair. Into this she sank, half fainting, and sat shaking + with astoundment, with horror, with wrath.</p> + + <p>Wrath swiftly became the ruling emotion. It began to + fulminate. She would discharge William! She would send him flying + the very next morning, bag and baggage!</p> + + <p>Then an appalling thought shot through her. She could not + discharge William!</p> + + <p>She could not discharge William, because she was not there to + discharge him! She was upon the Atlantic highroad, speeding for + Europe, and would not be home for many a month! And during all + those months, whenever she dared appear, she would be subject to + William's loverly attention!</p> + + <p>She sat rigid with the horror of this new development. But she + had not yet had time to realize its full possibilities—for + hardly a minute had passed since she had entered—when she + heard a key slide into the lock of the front door and saw a vague + figure <span class="pagenum"><a name="page91" id="page91"></a>[pg + 91]</span> enter the unlighted hall. She arose in added terror. + Had that William come back to—</p> + + <p>"Oh, there you are, Matilda," softly called a voice, and the + vague figure came toward her.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster's terror took suddenly a new turn. For the + voice was not the voice of her coachman.</p> + + <p>"J-a-c-k!" she breathed wildly.</p> + + <p>Jack threw an arm about Mrs. De Peyster's shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Ho, ho, that's the time I caught you, Matilda," said he, in + teasing reproof. "U'm, I saw those tender little love passages + between you and William!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stood a pillar of ice.</p> + + <p>"Better not let mother find it out," he advised. "If she got + on to this! But I'll never tell on you, Matilda." He patted her + shoulder assuringly. "So don't worry."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster's lips opened. If her voice sounded unlike + Matilda's voice, the difference was unconsciously attributed by + Jack to agitation due to his discovery.</p> + + <p>"How—how do you come here?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"With an almighty lot of trouble!" grumbled he. "Came around + the corner an hour ago just in time to see you drive off with + William. I've got a key to the inside door, but none to the door + in the boarding; and as I knew there was nobody in the house I + could rouse up, there was nothing for it but to wait till you + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page92" id="page92"></a>[pg + 92]</span> and William came back. So we've been sitting out there + on a park bench ever since."</p> + + <p>There was one particular word of Jack's explanation that + drummed against Mrs. De Peyster's ear.</p> + + <p>"We?" she ejaculated. "We?" Then she noticed that another + shadowy figure had drawn nearer in the dark. "Who—who's + that?"</p> + + <p>"Mary," was Jack's prompt and joyous answer.</p> + + <p>"Mary! Not that—that Mary Morgan?"</p> + + <p>"She used to be. She's Mary de Peyster now."</p> + + <p>"You're not—not married?"</p> + + <p>"To-day," he cried in exultation. "We slipped out to Stamford; + everything was done secretly there, and it's to be kept strictly + on the quiet for a time." He bent down close to Mrs. De Peyster's + ear. "Don't let Mary know how mother objected to her; I have n't + told her, and she doesn't guess it. And oh, Matilda," he bubbled + out enthusiastically, "she's the kind of a little sport that will + stick by a chap through anything, and she's clever and full of + fun, and a regular little dear!"</p> + + <p>He turned. "Come here, Mary," he called softly. "This is + Matilda."</p> + + <p>The next instant a slight figure threw its arms about Mrs. De + Peyster and kissed her warmly.</p> + + <p>"I'm so glad to meet you at last, Matilda!" exclaimed a low, + clear voice. "Jack has told me how good you have been to him ever + since he was a baby. I know we shall be the very, very best of + friends!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page93" id= + "page93"></a>[pg 93]</span> + + <p>"And so—you're—you're married!" mumbled Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>Jack was too excited by his happiness to have noticed Mrs. De + Peyster's voice had it been a dozen-fold more unlike Matilda's + than it was. "Yes!" he cried. "And wouldn't it surprise mother if + she knew! Mother, sailing so unsuspiciously along on the + Plutonia!" He gave a chortle of delight. "But oh, I say, + Matilda," he cried suddenly, "you mustn't write her!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not answer.</p> + + <p>"We don't want her to know yet," Jack insisted; "that's one + reason we've done the whole thing so quietly." Then he added + jocosely: "If you tell, there's a thing I might tell her about + you. About—u'm—about you and William. Want me to do + that—eh? Better promise not to tell."</p> + + <p>"I won't," whispered Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"It's a bargain, then. But there's something else that would + surprise her, too. I'm going to work."</p> + + <p>"But not at once," put in Mary de Peyster, <i>n&#233;e</i> + Mary Morgan, in her soft contralto voice, that seemed to + effervesce with mischief. "Tell Matilda what you're doing to + do."</p> + + <p>"I've already told you, Matilda, about my little experiment in + the pick-and-shovel line. I decided that I didn't care for that + profession. I've saved a few hundred out of my allowance. Monday + I'm going to enter the School of Mines at Columbia—am going + to study straight through the summer—night <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page94" id="page94"></a>[pg 94]</span> and day + till the money gives out. By that time I ought to be able to get + a job that will support us. And then I'll study hard of nights + till I become a real mining engineer!"</p> + + <p>"But we've got to live close! Oh, but we've got to live + close!" exclaimed Mary joyously, as though living close were one + of the chiefest pleasures of life.</p> + + <p>"Yes, we've certainly got to live close!" emphasized Jack. + "That's why we're here."</p> + + <p>"Why you're here?" repeated Mrs. De Peyster in a low, dazed + tone.</p> + + <p>"Yes." Jack gave a gleeful, excited laugh. "I had an + inspiration how to economize. Says I to Mary, 'Mary, since mother + is away, and this big house is empty except for you, Matilda, why + pay rent?' So here we are, and here we're going to live all + summer—on the '<i>q t</i>,' of course." He slipped an arm + about Mary and one about Mrs. De Peyster, and again laughed his + gleeful, excited laugh. "Just you, and Mary, and me—and, + oh, say, Matilda, won't it be a lark!"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page95" id="page95"></a>[pg 95]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + + <h3>THE HONEYMOONERS</h3> + + <p>Again Jack's arm tightened about Mrs. De Peyster in his + convulsive glee, and again he exclaimed, "Oh, Matilda, won't it + be a lark!"</p> + + <p>Only the embrace of Jack's good left arm kept Mrs. De Peyster + from subsiding into a jellied heap upon her parqueted floor. It + had ever been her pride, and a saying of her admirers, that she + always rose equal to every emergency. But at the present moment + she had not a thought, had not a single distinct sensation. She + was wildly, weakly, terrifyingly dizzy—that was all; and + her only self-control, if the paralysis of an organ may be called + controlling it, was that she held her tongue.</p> + + <p>Fortunately, at first, there was little necessity for her + speaking. The bride and groom were too joyously loquacious to + allow her much chance for words, and too bubbling over with their + love and with the spirit of daring mischief to be observant of + any strangeness in her demeanor that the darkness did not mask. + As they chattered on, Mrs. De Peyster began to regain some slight + steadiness—enough to consider spasmodically how she was to + escape undiscovered from the pair, how she was to extricate + herself <span class="pagenum"><a name="page96" id= + "page96"></a>[pg 96]</span> from the predicament of the + moment—for beyond that moment's danger she had not the + power to think. She had decided that she must somehow get away + from the couple at once; in the darkness slip unobserved into her + sitting-room; lock the door; remain there noiseless;—she + had decided so much, when suddenly her wits were sent spinning by + a new fear.</p> + + <p>The real Matilda! Mrs. De Peyster's ears, at that moment + frantically acute, registered dim movements of Matilda + overhead.</p> + + <p>Suppose the real Matilda should hear their voices; suppose she + should come walking down into the scene! With two Matildas + simultaneously upon the stage—</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster reached out and clutched the banister of the + stairway with drowning hands.</p> + + <p>The pair talked on to her, answering themselves. They would + take the rooms above Mrs. De Peyster's suite, they + said—they would give her, Matilda, no trouble at + all—they would attend to their own housework, + everything—and so on, and so on, with Mrs. De Peyster + hearing nothing, but reaching aurally out for Matilda's exposing + tread. To forestall this exposure, she started weakly up the + stairs, only to be halted by the slipping of Jack's arm around + her shoulder. The couple chattered on about their household + arrangements, and Mrs. De Peyster the prisoner of Jack's + affectionate arm, stood gulping, as though her soul were trying + to swallow itself, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page97" id= + "page97"></a>[pg 97]</span> ready to sink through her floor at + the faintest approach of her housekeeper's slippers.</p> + + <p>And then again the arm of the exuberant Jack tightened about + her. "Oh, say, what a wild old time we're going to have! Won't + we, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—yes," Mrs. De Peyster felt constrained to + answer.</p> + + <p>"But it's mighty dangerous!" cried the little figure, with a + shivery laugh.</p> + + <p>"Dangerous!" chuckled Jack with his mischievous glee. "Well, + rather! And that's half the fun. If the newspapers were to get on + to the fact that the son of <i>the</i> Mrs. De Peyster had + secretly married without his mother's knowledge, and that the + young scamp and his wife were secretly living in her + house—can't you just see the reporters jimmying open every + window to get at us!"</p> + + <p>"Oh!" breathed Mrs. De Peyster faintly.</p> + + <p>"Really, Jack," protested the girlish voice, "I think it's + scandalous of us to be doing this!"</p> + + <p>"Come, now, Mary, nobody's going to be any the worse, or any + the wiser, for it. We're just using something that would + otherwise be wasted—and we'll vanish at the first news that + mother's coming back. But, of course, Matilda, we've certainly + got to be all-fired careful. I'll leave the house only in the + early mornings—by the back way—through Washington + Mews—either when the coast is clear or there's a crowd. + There are so many artists and chauffeurs and stablemen coming and + going through <span class="pagenum"><a name="page98" id= + "page98"></a>[pg 98]</span> the Mews that I'm sure I can manage + it without being noticed. And I'll come back in the same way; and + our food I'll smuggle in of nights."</p> + + <p>"And I, Matilda, I shall not mind staying in at all," bubbled + the Mary person. "It will give me a splendid chance to practice. + You see, I hope to go on a concert tour this fall."</p> + + <p>"By the way, Matilda, about the row Mary'll be making on the + piano. Couldn't you just casually mention to anybody you see that + mother had bought one of these sixty-horse-power, steam-hammer + piano-players and you were the engineer, running it a lot to + while away the lonesome months?"</p> + + <p>"Do you want to intimate, sir," demanded Mary with mock + hauteur, "that my playing sounds like a—"</p> + + <p>"What I want to intimate, madam, is that I'd like to avoid + having our happy home raided by the police. Matilda, you could do + that, couldn't you—just casually?"</p> + + <p>"Yes—M—Mr. Jack," mumbled Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"There, everything's settled. We'll go up to our rooms. You + wouldn't mind helping us a bit, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster had one supreme thought. If they went + upstairs, they might run into the other Matilda. The frantic, + drowning impulse to put off disaster every possible moment caused + her to clutch Jack's arm.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page99" id="page99"></a>[pg 99]</span> + + <p>"There's—something to eat—in the dining-room. + Perhaps you'd like—"</p> + + <p>"Great idea, Matilda! Lead on."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gave thanks that all the lights but one had + been switched off. And fortunately the light from that one shaded + bulb was almost lost in the great dining-room. Subconsciously + Mrs. De Peyster recalled Matilda's injunction to "be humble," and + she let her manner slump—though at that moment she had no + particular excess of dignity to discard.</p> + + <p>Jack sighted the food Matilda had left upon the table. With a + swoop he was upon it.</p> + + <p>"Oh, joy! Squabs! Asparagus!" And he seized a squab by the + legs, with a hand that was still bandaged. "Here you are, my + dear," tearing off a leg and handing it to Mary, who accepted it + gingerly. With much gusto Jack took a bite of bird and a huge + bite of bread. "Great little wedding supper, Matilda! Thanks. But + I say, Matilda, you haven't yet spoken up about <i>meine liebe + Frau</i>. Don't you think she'll do?"</p> + + <p>"Now, Jack dear, don't be a fool!"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Jack de Peyster, I'll have you understand your husband + can't be a fool! Come now, Matilda,—my bonny bride, look at + her. Better lift your veil."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not lift her veil. But helplessly she gave + a glance toward this new wife Jack had thus brought home: a + glance so distracted that it could see nothing but vibrating + blurs.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page100" id= + "page100"></a>[pg 100]</span> + + <p>"Well? Well?" prompted Jack. "Won't she do?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," in a husky whisper.</p> + + <p>"And don't you think, when mother sees her, she'll say the + same?"</p> + + <p>"I'm sure—I'm sure—" her choking voice could get + out no more.</p> + + <p>"Oh, but I shall be so afraid!" cried Mary, again with that + shivery little laugh.</p> + + <p>"Nothing to be afraid of, Mary. Mother's really a good + sort."</p> + + <p>"Jack! To call one's mother a 'good sort'!"</p> + + <p>"Why not? She's bug-house on this social position business, + but aside from that she's perfectly human."</p> + + <p>"Jack!" in her scandalized tone. "Isn't he awful Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—yes, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"Don't call me 'ma'am,' Matilda. Since we're to be together + constantly this summer, call me Mary."</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'a—Mary."</p> + + <p>"That's right, Matilda," put in Jack. "We're going to run this + place as a democracy. You're to have all your meals with us."</p> + + <p>"And I'll help you get them!" Mary cried excitedly. "You'll + find me tagging around after you most of the time. For, think of + it, you're the only woman I'm going to see in months!"</p> + + <p>"Ye—yes, Mary."</p> + + <p>"Jack, you run along, there's a dear," commanded <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page101" id="page101"></a>[pg 101]</span> + Mary, "and unpack your things. Matilda and I want to have a + little chat."</p> + + <p>"Married six hours, and bossed already," grumbled Jack + happily. "All right. But that bit of a squab I ate was nothing. + I'm starved. I'll be back in five minutes and then we'll get a + real supper down in the kitchen."</p> + + <p>"Yes, all three of us," agreed Mary.</p> + + <p>Jack picked up his bag. Frantically Mrs. De Peyster tried to + think of some way of holding him back from a possible damnatory + encounter with Matilda upon the stairway. But she could think of + nothing. Jack went out.</p> + + <p>Mary ordered Mrs. De Peyster into a chair, and sat down facing + her.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster strained her ears for the surprised voices + that would announce the disastrous meeting. But there sounded + from above no startled cries. Jack must have got to his room, + unnoticed by Matilda. Mrs. De Peyster breathed just a little + easier. The evil moment was put off.</p> + + <p>"Matilda," began Mary, "I want you to tell me the honest truth + about something. I think Jack's been trying to deceive me. To + make me feel better, the dear boy, he's been telling me there'd + not be the least doubt about his mother being reconciled to our + marriage. Do you think she ever will be?"</p> + + <p>"Well—well—"</p> + + <p>"Please! Will she, or won't she?"</p> + + <p>"You can only—only hope—for the + best."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page102" id= + "page102"></a>[pg 102]</span> + + <p>"I hope she will, for Jack's sake!" sighed Mary deeply. She + picked up an evening paper Jack had brought in. "Did you know his + mother was very ill at the time she sailed? This paper says she + was so sick that she was unable to see a single one of her + friends who came to see her off. That was too bad, wasn't it!" + There was a great deal of genuine feeling in the voice of the + small person.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster remained silent.</p> + + <p>"Why, you don't seem at all sympathetic, Matilda!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster put a hand to her lips. "I'm—I'm very + sorry, ma'am," she mumbled between her fingers, trying to assume + Matilda's humility.</p> + + <p>"Why, what's the matter with your voice? It seems husky."</p> + + <p>"It's just"—Mrs. De Peyster swallowed—a little + summer cold I caught to-day. It's—it's nothing, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry!" exclaimed the little person. "But, Matilda, how + many more times have I got to tell you I don't like your + 'ma'aming' me. Call me Mary."</p> + + <p>"Very well—Mary."</p> + + <p>"That's right. And now, as to Jack's mother; the paper says + society is very much concerned over her condition."</p> + + <p>On the whole, Mrs. De Peyster's concern over her condition was + rather more acute than society's. But she had begun to recover in + a degree, and was now, though palpitant within, making a furtive + study of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page103" id= + "page103"></a>[pg 103]</span> Mary. Such light as there was fell + full upon that small person. Mrs. De Peyster saw a dark, piquant + face, with features not regular, but ever in motion and quick + with expression—eyes of a deep, deep brown, with a glimmer + of red in them, eyes that gave out an ever-changing sparkle of + sympathy and mischief and intelligence—and a mass of soft + dark hair, most unstylishly, most charmingly arranged, that + caught some of the muffled light and softly glowed with a reddish + tone. If there was anything vulgar, or commonplace, about Jack's + wife, the shaded bulb was too kindly disposed to betray it to + Mrs. De Peyster's scrutiny.</p> + + <p>Suddenly Mary laughed—softly, musically.</p> + + <p>"If Jack's mother ever dreamed what Jack and I are doing here! + Oh—oh! Some day, after she's forgiven us—if ever she + does forgive us—You've said you're sure she'll forgive us, + Matilda; do you honestly, truly, cross-your-heartly, believe she + will?"</p> + + <p>"Y-e-s," said Mrs. De Peyster's numb lips.</p> + + <p>"I do hope so, for Jack's sake!" sighed the little person. + "After she forgives us, I'm going to 'fess up everything. Of + course she'll be scandalized—for what we're doing is simply + awful!—but all the same I'll tell her. And after she's + forgiven us, I'll make her forgive you, too, Matilda, for your + part in harboring us here. We'll see that you do not suffer."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster realized that she should have expressed thanks + at this point. But silence she considered better than + valor.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page104" id= + "page104"></a>[pg 104]</span> + + <p>"This paper prints that picture of her by M. Dubois again. + Really, Matilda, is she as terribly dignified as that makes her + look?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster had to speak. "I—I—hardly, + ma'am."</p> + + <p>"There you go with that 'ma'am' again!"</p> + + <p>"Hardly, Mary," mumbled Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Because if she looks anything like that picture, it must + simply scare you to death to live with her. Did she ever bend her + back?"</p> + + <p>Silence.</p> + + <p>"Or smile?"</p> + + <p>Silence.</p> + + <p>"Or forget that she was a De Peyster?"</p> + + <p>Silence.</p> + + <p>"The lady of that picture never did!" declared the little + person with conviction. "She's just dignity and pride—calm, + remote, lofty, icebergy pride. She can say her ancestors + backwards. Why, she's her family tree, petrified!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not feel called upon to add to these + remarks.</p> + + <p>"I don't see how she can possibly like me!" cried the little + person. "Do you, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"I suppose—you can—only wait—and see," + replied Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I haven't got any dignity, or any money, or any ancestors; + only a father and a couple of grandfathers—though I dare + say there were some Morgans before them. No, she'll never care + for me—never!" wailed <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page105" id="page105"></a>[pg 105]</span> the little person. + "She couldn't! Why, she's carved out of a solid block of dignity! + She never did an un-De-Peyster thing in her life!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster felt herself choking. She had to get out of + the room, or die.</p> + + <p>Just then Jack walked back in. For a few moments she had + forgotten Jack. The terror arising from the menace upstairs + returned to her. But Jack's happy face was assurance that as yet + he knew nothing of the second Matilda.</p> + + <p>Yes, she had to get out, or die. And Jack's reappearance gave + her frantic mind a cue for an unbetraying exit.</p> + + <p>"I'll go to the kitchen—and start supper," she gulped, + and hurried into the butler's pantry.</p> + + <p>"Jack," she heard Mary's perplexed voice, "Matilda, somehow, + seems rather queer to me."</p> + + <p>"She doesn't seem quite herself," agreed Jack.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster sank into a chair beside the door, and sat + there motionless, hardly daring to breathe—shattered by the + narrowness of her escape, and appalled by this new situation that + had risen around her—too appalled even to consider what + might be the situation's natural developments. Soon amid the wild + churning of various emotions, anger began to rise, and outraged + pride. Such cool, dumbfounding impudence!</p> + + <p>Then curiosity began to stir. Instinct warned her, + incoherently, for all her faculties were too demoralized to be + articulate, that this was no place for her. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page106" id="page106"></a>[pg 106]</span> But + those two persons in there—her son, and this + daughter-in-law who had burst out of a fair cloud upon + her—a daughter-in-law whom she would never + recognize—what were they doing? Cautiously, ever so + cautiously, she pushed open the pantry door till there was a + slight crack giving into the other room.</p> + + <p>Jack had his arms about Mary's shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Well, little lady," she heard him ask with tremulous + fondness—the young fool!—"What do you think of our + honeymoon?"</p> + + <p>"I think, sir, that it's something scandalous!" (Not such an + unpleasant voice—but then!)</p> + + <p>"U'm! Has the fact occurred to you"—very + solemnly—"that you haven't kissed me since we have been in + this room?"</p> + + <p>"Was it written in the bond that I had to kiss you in every + room?"</p> + + <p>"No matter about the bond. A kiss or a divorce. Take your + choice."</p> + + <p>"It isn't worth divorcing you, since you may be too poor to + pay alimony. So"—sighing and turning her face up to + him.</p> + + <p>(Sentimental idiots!)</p> + + <p>"Mary"—after a moment of clinging lips—"you think + you can really be happy with me?"</p> + + <p>"I know I shall be, dear!"</p> + + <p>"Even if things don't go right between mother and me, and even + if for a long time I shall be awfully, awfully poor?"</p> + + <p>"It's just you I care for, Jack,—just + you!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page107" id= + "page107"></a>[pg 107]</span> + + <p>Jack stared at her; then suddenly:</p> + + <p>"Do you know what I feel like?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Like kissing you again."</p> + + <p>"Now don't be—"</p> + + <p>"Mary!"</p> + + <p>His voice was tremulous. Slowly their lips came together; they + embraced; then drew apart, and holding hands, stood gazing at + each other.</p> + + <p>"You're a dear, dear fool!" said Mary softly.</p> + + <p>"And you're a dear, dear another!" softly said Jack.</p> + + <p>(Outrageous fools, both! agreed Mrs. De Peyster.)</p> + + <p>They were still gazing at each other when in the wide doorway + at their back appeared Matilda, carrying the tray of tea-things + that had been in Mrs. De Peyster's sitting-room. For the last few + moments Mrs. De Peyster's danger had been forgotten in her + indignation. But at sight of Matilda, regained its own.</p> + + <p>Matilda stopped short. The tea-things almost rattled from the + tray. Jack wheeled about.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Matilda. Thought you'd gone down to the kitchen."</p> + + <p>"Why—why—if it isn't Mr. Jack!" stammered + Matilda.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster trembled. What more likely than that Matilda, + in her amazement, should reveal the house's secret? But the + half-light of the room was a <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page108" id="page108"></a>[pg 108]</span> very obliging ally + against such unsuspicion as her son's.</p> + + <p>"Of course, it's Jack," said he. "Who else did you suppose it + was? But say, what's the matter, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, what's the matter, Matilda?" asked Mary with great + concern.</p> + + <p>"Ma'am—ma'am"—staring wildly at + Mary—"I—I don't know, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"What, have you already forgotten what I told you about + calling me Mary!"</p> + + <p>"Ma—Mary?" gasped Matilda blankly.</p> + + <p>"Jack," said Mary in a low voice, "I said awhile ago that she + seemed queer."</p> + + <p>"Where have you put your head, Matilda? + Yes—Mary!—Mary!—Mary! Mary De + Peyster—Mrs. Jack De Peyster—my wedded + wife—whom it cost me four thirty-nine to make my own. + Understand?"</p> + + <p>"P-per-perfectly, Mr. Jack."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's happy news. What's that you're carrying?"</p> + + <p>"It's—ah—er—my breakfast," explained + Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Your breakfast!" exclaimed Jack. "What are you doing with it + here?"</p> + + <p>"I was—I was—er—was going to—to get it + all ready to—to take up to myself to-morrow."</p> + + <p>Jack took the tray from Matilda's nerveless + hands.</p><span class="pagenum"></span> + <hr /> +<a name="pagea" id="pagea"></a> + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/no13-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="50%" src= + "images/no13-2.jpg" alt="WHAT'S THAT YOU'RE CARRYING?" /></a> + + <h4>"WHAT'S THAT YOU'RE CARRYING?"</h4> + </div> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page109" id="page109"></a>[pg + 109]</span> + + <p>"Sit down, Matilda," firmly pressing her into a chair. "Mary, + have you some salts in that bag."</p> + + <p>"Yes, Jack." In an instant Mary had a bottle from her bag and + was holding it beneath Matilda's nose. "You'll be all right in + just a moment. Take it easy. The surprise must have been too much + for you. For it was a big surprise, wasn't it?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am," replied Matilda, for the first time speaking + with no hesitancy.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, it's almost provoking the way you ignore my request + to call me Mary."</p> + + <p>"Ah—er—" staring wildly—"yes, Mary."</p> + + <p>Jack moved to the wall near the door, where were several + buttons.</p> + + <p>"Mary, I'm going to ring for William—we'd better take + him into this thing straight off, or he may stumble on the fact + that extra people are in the house and call in the police."</p> + + <p>At her crack in the pantry door, Mrs. De Peyster grew even + more apprehensive.</p> + + <p>Jack and Mary cooed; Matilda sat all of a heap; and presently + William walked in. To her other emotions, Mrs. De Peyster had + added a new shock. For William the peerless—fit coachman + for an emperor—William, whom till that night she could not + have imagined, had she imagined about such things at all, other + than as sleeping in a high collar and with all his brass buttons + snugly buttoned—William was coatless, and collarless, and + slouching from his mouth was an old pipe!</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page110" id="page110"></a>[pg 110]</span> + + <p>He came in with a haughty glower, for he had supposed the ring + to be Matilda's. But at sight of Jack and Mary his face went + blank with amazement.</p> + + <p>"Why, why, Mr. Jack!" Hastily he jerked his pipe into his + pocket and began buttoning the open collar of his shirt. + "I—I beg pardon, sir."</p> + + <p>"Hello, William! This is Mrs. Jack, William. Just married. + We've come to spend the summer with you."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>"But on the quiet, William. Understand? If you leak a word + about our being here—well, I know about the heart-throb + business between you and Matilda. If you drop one word—one + single word, I put mother next to what's doing between you + two."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>"Just wanted you to know we were here, William, so you + wouldn't by any chance throw a surprise that would give us away. + That's all. Keep mum about us"—with a sly wink at him and + another at Matilda—"and you two can goo-goo at each other + like a popular song. Good-night."</p> + + <p>Jack turned his back; and Mary, whose heart went out to all + lovers, delicately turned hers.</p> + + <p>"William," fluttered Matilda, taking an eager, hesitating step + toward him.</p> + + <p>He stared at her haughtily—as haughtily as is in the + power of a mere mortal who has no collar on.</p> + + <p>"William," she cried bewildered, "what is it?"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page111" id="page111"></a>[pg 111]</span> + + <p>"I believe you know what it is, Miss Simpson," he replied + witheringly, and stalked out under full majesty.</p> + + <p>She stood dumbfounded; but only for a moment.</p> + + <p>"Matilda," spoke up Jack, "have you got supper things started + yet in the kitchen?"</p> + + <p>"Er—er—what?" stammered poor Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Say, see here—what the dickens <i>is</i> the matter + with you?" Jack exploded in exasperation. "You just promised to + start supper in the kitchen, and now—"</p> + + <p>"Of course—of course," gulped Matilda, "I forgot. I'll + do it right away."</p> + + <p>Matilda was reeling. But she perceived that here was her + chance to get out of the room—and for the moment that was + her supreme and only desire. She started for the door of the + butler's pantry.</p> + + <p>"We'll be down with you in about five minutes," Jack called + after her.</p> + + <p>In the darkness of the pantry a hand fell upon her arm. + "Matilda," breathed her mistress's voice, and Matilda had enough + control not to cry out, or was too far gone. Clutching hands, + they went down the winding stairs that led from the butler's + pantry to the kitchen.</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am, ma'am!" moaned Matilda in the darkness.</p> + + <p>"Matilda"—in awed breathlessness—"isn't this + terrible?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am! ma'am!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page112" + id="page112"></a>[pg 112]</span> + + <p>"If Jack should learn that I am here—" She could not + express the horror of it.</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster's voice rang out with wild desperation.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, there is only one thing to do! We must leave the + house!"</p> + + <p>"I think we'd better, ma'am," Matilda snuffled hysterically, + "for with all of you here, and this keeping up, I—I don't + think I'd last a day, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"And we must leave at once! We've not a second to spare. They + said they were coming right down. We must be out of the house + before they come!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am, yes! This minute! But where—"</p> + + <p>"There's no time to think of anything now but getting out," + cried Mrs. De Peyster with frantic energy. "Slip up the front + stairway, Matilda, and get your hat. And here are my keys. Lock + my sitting-room, so they can't see any one's been living in it. + You can manage it without them seeing you. And for heaven's sake, + hurry!"</p> + + <p>Two minutes later these things were done, and Matilda, + bonneted, was hurrying forward hand in hand with Mrs. De Peyster + through the black hallway of the basement. Behind them, + descending the stairs from the butler's pantry, sounded the + chatter and laughter of the larking honeymooners; and then from + the kitchen came the surprised and exasperated <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page113" id="page113"></a>[pg 113]</span> + call: "Hello, Matilda—See here, where the dickens are + you?"</p> + + <p>But at just that moment the twin, unbreathing figures in black + slipped through the servants' door and noiselessly closed it + behind them.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page114" id= + "page114"></a>[pg 114]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + + <h3>THE FLIGHT</h3> + + <p>The two dark figures stood an instant, breathless, in the dark + mouth of the cavern beneath the marble balustraded stairway that + ascended with chaste dignity to Mrs. De Peyster's noble front + door. Swiftly they surveyed the scene. Not a policeman was in + sight: no one save, across the way on Washington Square benches, + a few plebeian lovers enjoying the soft calm of a May eleven + o'clock.</p> + + <p>The pair, with veils down, each looking a plagiarism of the + other, slipped out of the servants' entrance, through the gate of + the low iron fence, and arm clutching arm hastened eastward to + University Place. Thus far no one had challenged them. Here they + turned and went rapidly northward: past the Lafayette, where Mrs. + De Peyster's impulse to take a taxicab was instantly + countermanded by the fear that so near her home there was danger + of recognition: and onward, onward they went, swiftly, + wordlessly, their one commanding impulse to get away—to get + away.</p> + + <p>At Fourteenth Street they passed a policeman. Again they + choked back their breath; shiveringly they felt his eyes upon + them. And, indeed, his eyes were—interestedly; for to that + Hibernian, with his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page115" id= + "page115"></a>[pg 115]</span> native whimsicality, they suggested + the somewhat unusual phenomenon of the same person out walking + with herself. But he did not speak.</p> + + <p>At the head of Union Square they caught a roving taxicab. + Their next thought, after bare escape, was necessarily concerned + with shelter, a hiding-place. To the chauffeur's "Where to, + ladies?" Mrs. De Peyster said, "Hotel Dauphin." The instinct, the + Mrs. De Peyster of habit, which was beneath her surface of + agitation, said the Dauphin because the Dauphin was quite the + most select hotel in New York. In fact, six months before, when + Mrs. De Peyster desired to introduce and honor the Duke de + Cr&#233;cy in a larger way than her residence permitted, it + was at the Dauphin that she had elected to give the ball that had + brought her so much deferential praise—which occasion was + the first and only time she had departed from her strict + old-family practice of limiting her social functions to such as + could be accommodated within her own house. She had then been + distinctly pleased; one could hardly have expected good breeding + upon so large a scale. And her present subconscious impression of + the Dauphin was that it was ducal, if not regal, in its reserved + splendor, in its manner of subdued, punctilious ceremony.</p> + + <p>She could remain at the Dauphin, in seclusion, until she had + time to think. Then she could act.</p> + + <p>As she sped smoothly up Fifth Avenue—her second ride on + the Avenue that night—she began, in the cushioned privacy + of the taxi, to recover somewhat <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page116" id="page116"></a>[pg 116]</span> from the panic of dire + necessity that had driven them forth. Other matters began to + flash spasmodically across the screen of her mind. One of these + was William. And there the film stopped. The cold, withering look + William had given Matilda a few minutes before remained fixed + upon the screen. That look threatened her most unpleasantly as to + the future. What if William should learn who was the real Matilda + to whom he had made love!</p> + + <p>"Matilda," she began, calling up her dignity, "I desire to + instruct you upon a certain matter."</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am," whispered Matilda.</p> + + <p>"I expressly instruct you not to mention or hint to any one, + particularly William, that it was I and not you who went out + driving with him to-night."</p> + + <p>"I'll not, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"You swear?"</p> + + <p>"I swear, ma'am. Never!"</p> + + <p>"Remember, Matilda. You have sworn." And relieved of that + menace, she leaned back.</p> + + <p>The taxi drew up before the Dauphin. A grenadier-lackey, who + seemed bulk and brass buttons and braid of gold, handed them out + with august white gloves.</p> + + <p>"Pay the fare, Matilda," ordered Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster's bills, when she had a servant with her, were + always paid by the attendant. Matilda did so, out of a square + black leather bag that was never out of Matilda's fingers when + Matilda was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page117" id= + "page117"></a>[pg 117]</span> out of the house; it seemed almost + a flattened extension of Matilda's hand.</p> + + <p>They entered the Dauphin, passing other white-gloved lackeys, + each a separate perfection of punctiliousness; and passed through + a marble hallway, muted with rugs of the Orient, and came into a + vast high chamber, large as a theater—marble walls and + ceiling, tapestries, moulded plaster and gilt in moderation, + silken ropes instead of handrails on the stairways, electric + lights so shaded that each looked a huge but softly unobtrusive + pearl. The chamber was pervaded by, was dedicated to, splendid + repose.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, Matilda trailing, headed for a booth of + marble and railing of dull gold—the latter, possibly, only + bronze, or gilded iron—within which stood a gentleman in + evening dress, with the bearing of one no lower than the first + secretary of an embassy.</p> + + <p>"A suite," Mrs. De Peyster remarked briefly across the + counter, "with sitting-room, two bed-rooms and bath."</p> + + <p>"Certainly," said the distinguished gentleman. "I have a most + desirable suite on the fifteenth floor, with a splendid outlook + over the park."</p> + + <p>"That will do."</p> + + <p>"The name, please?" queried the gentleman, reaching for a + pen.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. David Harrison," invented Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"When do your employers wish to occupy the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page118" id="page118"></a>[pg 118]</span> + suite?" pursued the courtly voice of the secretary of the + embassy.</p> + + <p>"Our employers!" repeated Mrs. De Peyster. And then with + wrathful hauteur: "The apartment is for ourselves. We desire to + occupy it at once."</p> + + <p>The gentleman glanced her up and down; then up and down his + eyes went over Matilda, just behind her. There was no doubting + what Matilda was; and since the two were patently the same, there + could be no doubt as to what Mrs. De Peyster was.</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry—but, after all, the suite is not available," + he said courteously.</p> + + <p>"Not available?" cried Mrs. De Peyster. "Why not?"</p> + + <p>"I prefer to say no more."</p> + + <p>"But I insist!"</p> + + <p>"Since you insist—the Dauphin does not receive servants, + even of the higher order, as regular guests." The hotel clerk's + voice was silken with courtesy; there was no telling with what + important families these two were connected; and it would not do + to give offense. "We receive servants only when they accompany + their employers, and then assign them to the servants' quarters. + You yourself must perceive the necessity of this," he added + hastily, seeing that Mrs. De Peyster was shaking, "to preserve + the Dauphin's social tone—"</p> + + <p>"The servants' quarters!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster. "You + mean—"</p> + + <p>"You'll excuse me, please," interrupted the clerk, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page119" id="page119"></a>[pg + 119]</span> and with a bow ended the scene and moved to the rear + of the office where he plainly busied himself over nothing at + all.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, quivering, gulping, glared through her veil + at him. A hotel clerk had turned his back on her! And this mere + clerk had dared refuse her a room! <i>Refuse her!</i> Because + she, <i>she</i>, Mrs. De Peyster had not the social tone!</p> + + <p>Nothing like it had ever happened to her before.</p> + + <p>Her desire to annihilate that clerk with the suave + ambassadorial look, and the Dauphin, and all therein and all + appertaining thereunto, was mounting toward explosion, when + Matilda clutched her arm.</p> + + <p>"It's awful, ma'am,—but let's go," she whispered. "What + else can we do?"</p> + + <p>Yes, what else could they do? Mrs. De Peyster's wrath was + still at demolitory pressure, but she saw the sense in that + question. The next moment the two figures, duplicates of + somberness, one magnificently upright, the other shrinking, were + re-passing over the muting rugs, through the corridor of noble + marble, by the lackeys between whose common palms and the hands + of patrician guests was the antiseptic intermediary of white + thread gloves.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it's just as well, ma'am," Matilda began tremulously + as soon as they were in the street, before Mrs. De Peyster's + black storm could burst. "How much would that suite have + been?"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps fifty dollars a day."</p> + + <p>"I only just now thought about it—but—but + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page120" id="page120"></a>[pg + 120]</span> please, ma'am, did you happen to bring your + purse?"</p> + + <p>"My purse!" Mrs. De Peyster stopped short. "Matilda!"—in + a voice chilled with dismay—"I never thought of my purse + until this moment! There wasn't time! I haven't a cent!"</p> + + <p>"And after paying for the cab, ma'am, I have only a little + over fifteen dollars."</p> + + <p>"Matilda!"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps, ma'am," repeated Matilda, "it was just as well they + wouldn't take us."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not speak.</p> + + <p>"And what's worse," Matilda faltered, as though the blame was + hers, "the hotels won't trust you unless you have baggage. And we + have no baggage, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"Matilda!" There was now real tragedy in Mrs. De Peyster's + voice. "What <i>are</i> we going to do?"</p> + + <p>They walked along the Park, whispering over their unforeseen + and unforeseeable predicament. It had many aspects, their + situation; it was quickly clear to them that the most urgent + aspect was the need of immediate refuge. Other troubles and + developments could be handled as they arose, should any such + arise. But a place to hide, to sleep, had to be secured within + the hour. Also they needed two or three days in which to think + matters over calmly, and to apply to them clear reason. And they + had only the fifteen dollars in Matilda's black bag.</p> + + <p>"It seems to me, ma'am," ventured Matilda, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page121" id="page121"></a>[pg 121]</span> + "that a rooming-house or a boarding-house would be cheapest."</p> + + <p>"A boarding-house!" exclaimed Mrs. De Peyster. "But + where?"</p> + + <p>Matilda remembered and reached into her slit pocket. + "Yesterday I happened to pick up the card of a boarding-house in + the library—I've no idea how it came there. I saved it + because my sister Angelica, who lives in Syracuse, wrote me to + look up a place where she might stay."</p> + + <p>They examined the address upon the card, and twenty minutes + later, now close upon midnight, Matilda was pressing the bell of + a house on the West Side. Visible leadership Mrs. De Peyster had + resigned to Matilda, for they were entering a remote and lowly + world whose ways Mrs. De Peyster knew not. In all her life she + had never been inside a boarding-house.</p> + + <p>The door opened slightly. A voice, female, interrogated + Matilda. Then they were admitted into a small hall, lighted by an + electric bulb in a lantern of stamped sheet-iron with + vari-colored panes and portholes. From this hall a stairway + ascended, and from it was a view into a small rear parlor, where + sat a clergyman. The lady who had admitted them was the mistress; + a Junoesque, superior, languid sort of personage, in a loose + dressing-gown of pink silk with long train. To her Matilda made + known their desire.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, Mr. Pyecroft," she called to the clergyman. "So + you and your friend want board <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page122" id="page122"></a>[pg 122]</span> and room," the + landlady repeated in a drawling tone, yet studying them sharply + with heavy-penciled eyes. "I run a select house, so I've got to + be careful about whom I admit. Consequently you will not object + to answering a few questions. You and your friend are + working-women?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>The heavy eyes had concluded their inventory. "Perhaps both + housekeepers?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—yes."</p> + + <p>Matilda had a double impulse to explain, first to clear Mrs. + De Peyster of this unmerited indignity, and second to prevent + their being once more turned away as servants. But something kept + her still. And perhaps it was just as well. Mrs. Gilbert, + considering the two, did have a moment's thought about refusing + them; she, too, liked to maintain the social tone of her + establishment, and certainly servants as guests did not help; but + then the arid season for boarding-houses was at hand, and she was + not one to sacrifice real money to mere principle.</p> + + <p>"How long do you want to stay?"</p> + + <p>"We don't know yet. Per—perhaps several months."</p> + + <p>This was agreeable news to Mrs. Gilbert. But it was not + boarding-house policy to show it.</p> + + <p>"When would you want to come in?"</p> + + <p>"Now."</p> + + <p>"To-night!" The penciled eyebrows lifted in surprise. "And + your baggage?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page123" id= + "page123"></a>[pg 123]</span> + + <p>"We came to New York without any," Matilda lied desperately. + "We're—we're going to buy some things here."</p> + + <p>"Naturally, then, you expect to pay in advance."</p> + + <p>"Ah—er—at least a deposit."</p> + + <p>"One room or two?"</p> + + <p>"One." One would come cheaper.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, Mr. Pyecroft," she called again to the clergyman. + "This way." And she collected her silken skirt, and swished up + two flights of stairs and into a bedroom at the back, where she + turned on the light. "A very comfortable room," she went on in + the voice of a tired and very superior auctioneer. "Just vacated + by a Wall Street broker and his wife; very well-connected people. + Bed and couch; easy-chairs; running hot and cold water. And for + it I'm making a special summer rate, with board, of only + twenty-five dollars a week for two."</p> + + <p>"We'll take it," said Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Very well. Now the deposit—how much can you pay?"</p> + + <p>"Ah—er—say fifteen dollars?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. Gilbert's hands that tried to seem indifferent to money + and that yet were remarkably prompt, took the bills Matilda held + out and thrust them into the folds of her voluminous gown.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. Breakfast Sunday mornings from eight to ten. + Good-night." And with that her large pink-tinted ladyship made a + rustling exit.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster sank overcome into a chair, drew <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page124" id="page124"></a>[pg 124]</span> up + her veil, and gazed about her. The other of Mrs. Gilbert's + "easy"-chairs had a seat of faded and frayed cotton tapestry; + there was a lumpy and unstable-looking couch; a yellow washstand + with dandruffy varnish and cracked mirror; wall-paper with vast, + uncataloguable flowers gangrenous in suggestion; on the ceiling a + circle of over-plump dancing Cupids; and over against one wall a + huge, broad, dark box that to Mrs. De Peyster's amazed vision + suggested an upended coffin, contrived for the comfort of some + deceased with remarkable width of shoulder.</p> + + <p>"Matilda!" she shiveringingly ejaculated. "I didn't know there + was anything like it in the world!"</p> + + <p>"I know, ma'am, that it's not fit for you," grieved Matilda. + "But—it's better than nothing."</p> + + <p>"And that thing there!" pointing a shaking finger at the + abnormal coffin. "What's that?"</p> + + <p>"That's your bed, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"My bed!"</p> + + <p>"It lets down, ma'am. Like this."</p> + + <p>Whereupon Matilda proceeded to let down that <i>sine qua + non</i> of a profitable boarding-house, while Mrs. De Peyster, + dismayed, looked for the first time in her life upon the miracle + of the unfolding of a folding-bed. Her mistress's slumber + prepared for Matilda then softened the inaccuracies of the + couch's surface for her own more humble repose.</p> + + <p>Neither felt like talking; there was too much to talk about. + So soon both were in their beds, the lights out. Mrs. De Peyster + lay dazed upon this <span class="pagenum"><a name="page125" id= + "page125"></a>[pg 125]</span> strange bed that operated like a + lorgnette: tremulously existing, awake, yet hardly capable of + coherent thought.</p> + + <p>For a space she heard Matilda toss about, draw long, tremulous + breaths; then from the couch of that elderly virgin sounded the + incontrovertible tocsin of deep sleep. But for Mrs. De Peyster + there was no sleep; not yet.</p> + + <p>She now was thinking; casting up accounts. Exactly twenty-four + hours since, she had officially sailed. Jack and that Mary person + were now in sweet and undisturbed possession of her house; + Olivetta, on board the Plutonia, was this minute reposing at ease + amid the luxuries of her <i>cabin de luxe</i>; and she, herself, + Mrs. De Peyster, was lying on a folding-bed, a most knobby + bed,—the man who invented cobblestone paving must have got + his idea from such a bed as this,—in a boarding-house the + like of which till this night she had never imagined to + exist.</p> + + <p>And only twenty-four hours!...</p> + + <p>She stared up toward where, in the dark, the corpulent Cupids + were dancing their aerial May-ring ... and stared ... and + stared....</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page126" id= + "page126"></a>[pg 126]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + + <h3>PEACE—OF A SORT</h3> + + <p>The next morning there was a long, whispered discussion as to + whether Mrs. De Peyster should go down to breakfast or have all + her meals sent up to this chamber of distempered green. In the + end two considerations decided the matter. In the first place, + meals sent to the room would undoubtedly be charged extra. In the + second, it was possible that Mrs. De Peyster's remaining in her + room might rouse suspicion. It seemed the cheaper and safer + course to try to merge herself, an unnoticed figure, in the + routine of the house.</p> + + <p>The dining-room was low-ceilinged and occupied the front + basement and seemed to be ventilated solely through the kitchen. + Mrs. De Peyster hazily saw perhaps a dozen people; from among + whom a bare arm, slipping from the sleeve of a pink silk wrapper, + languidly waved toward a small table. Into the two chairs Mrs. + Gilbert indicated the twain sank.</p> + + <p>A colored maid who had omitted her collar dropped before Mrs. + De Peyster a heavy saucer containing three shriveled black + objects immured in a dark, forbidding liquor that suggested some + wry tincture from a chemist's shop. In response to Mrs. De + Peyster's <span class="pagenum"><a name="page127" id= + "page127"></a>[pg 127]</span> glance of shrinking inquiry Matilda + whispered that they were prunes. Next the casual-handed maid + favored them with thin, underdone oatmeal, and with thin, bitter + coffee; and last with two stacks of pancakes, which in hardly + less substantial incarnation had previously been served them by + every whiff of kitchen air.</p> + + <p>While she pretended to eat this uneatable usurper of her + dainty breakfasts, Mrs. De Peyster glanced furtively at the + company. Utterly common. And with such she had to + associate—for months, perhaps!—she who had mixed and + mingled only with the earth's best!</p> + + <p>Mrs. Gilbert—naturally Mrs. Gilbert was a + widow—did not give Mrs. De Peyster a second glance. The + other boarders, after their first scrutiny, hardly looked at her + again. The effect was as if all had turned their backs upon + her.</p> + + <p>Certainly this was odd behavior.</p> + + <p>Then, in a flash, she understood. They were snubbing her as a + social inferior!</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was beginning to flame when the clergyman they + had glimpsed the night before entered and pronounced a sonorous + good-morning, all-inclusive, as though intended for a + congregation. He seated himself at a small table just beyond Mrs. + De Peyster's and was unfolding his napkin when his eyes fell upon + Mrs. De Peyster. And then Mrs. De Peyster saw one of the oddest + changes in a man's face imaginable. Mr. Pyecroft's eyes, which + had been <span class="pagenum"><a name="page128" id= + "page128"></a>[pg 128]</span> large with benedictory roundness, + flashed with a smile. And then, at an instant's end, his face was + once more grave and clerically benign.</p> + + <p>But that instant-long look made her shiver. What was in this + clergyman's mind? She watched him, in spite of + herself—strangely fascinated; stole looks at him during + this meal, and the next, and when they passed upon the stairway. + He had a confusingly contradictory face, had the Reverend Herbert + E. Pyecroft—for such she learned was his full name; a face + customarily sedate and elderish, and then, almost without + perceptible change, for swift moments oddly youthful; with a wide + mouth, which would suddenly twist up at its right corner as + though from some unholy quip of humor, and whose as sudden + straightening into a solemn line would show that the unseemly + humor had been exorcised. In manner he was bland, ornate, + gestureish, ample; giving the sense that in nothing less + commodious than a church could he loose his person and his powers + to their full expression. He was genially familiar; the + church-man who is a good fellow. Yet never did he let one forget + the respect that was due his cloth.</p> + + <p>He was at present without a charge, as she learned later. It + was understood that he was waiting an almost certain call from a + church in Kansas City.</p> + + <p>As Mrs. De Peyster came out of her room that first Sunday at + supper-time, there emerged from the room in front of hers the + Reverend Mr. Pyecroft. He held out his hand, and smiled + parochially.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page129" id= + "page129"></a>[pg 129]</span> + + <p>"Ah, Miss Thompson,"—that was the name she had given the + landlady,—"since we are neighbors we should also be + friends." And on he went, voluminously, in his full, upholstered + voice.</p> + + <p>Somehow Mrs. De Peyster got away from him. But thereafter he + spoke to her whenever he could waylay her in the hallway or upon + the stairs. And his attentions did not stop with words. Flowers, + even edibles, were continuously found against her door, his card + among them. The situation somehow recalled to her the queer + gentleman in shorts who threw vegetables over Mrs. Nickleby's + garden wall. Mrs. De Peyster felt outraged; she fumed; yet she + dared not be outspokenly resentful.</p> + + <p>She had at first no inkling of the meaning of these + attentions. It was Matilda who suggested the dismaying + possibility.</p> + + <p>"Don't you think, ma'am, he's trying to make love to you?"</p> + + <p>"Make love to me!" rising in horror from one of Mrs. Gilbert's + veteran "easy"-chairs.</p> + + <p>"I'm sure it's that, ma'am," said the troubled Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Matilda! Of all the effrontery!"</p> + + <p>"Indeed, it is an insult to you, ma'am. But that may not be + the worst of it. For if he really falls in love with you, he may + try to follow you when you get ready to leave."</p> + + <p>"Matilda!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>Thereafter, whenever he tried to speak to her in <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page130" id="page130"></a>[pg 130]</span> the + hallways she shrank from him in both fear and indignation. But + her rebuffs did not lessen by one ray the smiling amicability of + his bland countenance He tried to become confidential, tried to + press toward intimacy; one evening he even had the unbelievable + audacity to ask if he might call upon her! She flamed with the + desire to destroy him with a look, a word; Mrs. De Peyster knew + well how thus to snuff out presuming upstarts. But caution warned + her that she dared not unloose her powers. So she merely turned + and fled, choking.</p> + + <p>But the reverend gentleman's unperturbed overtures + continued.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster and Matilda did not speak of money at first; + but it was constantly in both their minds as a problem of + foremost importance. Their failure to buy fresh outfits, as they + had told Mrs. Gilbert they intended doing, thus supplying + "baggage" that would be security for their board, caused Mrs. + Gilbert to regard them with hostile suspicion. Matilda saw + eviction in their landlady's penciled eyes, and without a word as + to her intention to Mrs. De Peyster, she slipped out on the third + day, returned minus her two rings, and handed Mrs. Gilbert ten + dollars.</p> + + <p>They were secure to the week's end. After that—?</p> + + <p>Fitfully Mrs. De Peyster pondered this matter of finances. She + had money so near, yet utterly unreachable. Her house was filled + with negotiable wealth, but she dared not go near it. Judge + Harvey <span class="pagenum"><a name="page131" id= + "page131"></a>[pg 131]</span> would secure her money gladly; but + if the previous Friday she could not accept his aid, then a + thousand times less could she accept it now. To ask his aid would + be to reveal, not alone her presence in America, but the series + of undignified experiences which had involved her deeper and + deeper. That humiliation was unthinkable.</p> + + <p>But on Thursday, locked in their room, they spoke of the + matter openly.</p> + + <p>"Please, ma'am," said Matilda, who had been maturing a plan, + "you might make out a check to me, dated last week, before you + sailed, and I could get it cashed. They'd think it was for back + wages."</p> + + <p>"I told you last Friday, when everything happened, that I had + drawn out my balance."</p> + + <p>"But your bank won't mind your overdrawing for a hundred or + two," urged Matilda.</p> + + <p>"That," said Mrs. De Peyster with an air of noble principle, + "is a thing I will not do."</p> + + <p>Matilda knew nothing of the secret of Mrs. De Peyster's + exhausted credit at her bank.</p> + + <p>"My own money," Matilda remarked plaintively, "is all in a + savings bank. I have to give thirty days' notice before I can + draw a penny."</p> + + <p>There was a brief silence. Matilda's gaze, which had several + times wandered to a point a few inches below Mrs. De Peyster's + throat, now fixed themselves upon this spot. She spoke + hesitantly.</p> + + <p>"There's your pearl pendant you forgot and kept on when you + put on my dress to go out riding with <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page132" id="page132"></a>[pg 132]</span> + William." It was not one of the world's famous jewels; yet was of + sufficient importance to be known, in a limited circle, as "The + De Peyster Pearl." "I know the chain wouldn't bring much; but you + could raise a lot on the pearl from a pawnbroker."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster tried to look shocked. "What! I take my pearl + to a pawnbroker!"</p> + + <p>"Of course, I wouldn't expect you to go to a pawnshop, ma'am," + Matilda apologized. "I'd take it."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster had a moment's picture of Matilda's laying the + pearl before a pawnbroker and asking for a fraction of its worth, + a mere thousand or two; and of the hard-eyed usurer glancing at + it, announcing that the pearl was spoof, and offering fifty cents + upon it.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, you should know that I would not part with such an + heirloom," she said rebukingly.</p> + + <p>"But, ma'am, in a crisis like this—"</p> + + <p>"That will do, Matilda!"</p> + + <p>Matilda said no more about the pearl then. She went to her + bank and gave due notice of her desire to withdraw her funds. + That, however, was provision merely for the next month and + thereafter. It did not help to-day.</p> + + <p>But all the rest of that day, and all of the following, Mrs. + De Peyster felt Matilda's eyes, aggrieved, bitterly resentful, + upon the spot where beneath her black housekeeper's dress hung + the pearl she was unwilling to pawn to save them.</p> + + <p>It was most uncomfortable.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page133" id="page133"></a>[pg 133]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + + <h3>THE REVEREND MR. PYECROFT</h3> + + <p>The next evening, Friday, as they left the dining-room, draped + with the heavy odor of a dark, mysterious viand which Matilda in + a whisper had informed Mrs. De Peyster to be pot-roast, Mrs. + Gilbert stopped them on the stairs. In her most casual, superior + tone, she notified Mrs. De Peyster that she would thank them for + another week's pay in advance the following day, or their + room.</p> + + <p>Here was a crisis that had to be faced at once. Up in their + room they discussed finance, going over and over their + predicament, for two hours. There seemed no practical + solution.</p> + + <p>A heavy rain had begun to fall. The night was hot, close. The + unaccustomed high collar of Matilda's dress had seemed + suffocating to Mrs. De Peyster, and she had loosened it, and also + she had taken off the pearl pendant which had chafed her beneath + the warm, heavy cloth. The pearl and its delicate chain of + platinum were now lying on their center-table.</p> + + <p>Several times Matilda's eye had gone furtively toward the + pendant. "I don't see why," she at length said doggedly, "you + shouldn't let me pawn that pearl."</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page134" id="page134"></a>[pg 134]</span> + + <p>"I believe I have requested you not to refer to this again." + Mrs. De Peyster's tone was stiff.</p> + + <p>Matilda's face showed stubborn bitterness. But the habit of + obedience was too old and strong for her to speak further.</p> + + <p>There was another silence. Both sat in desperate thought. + Suddenly Mrs. De Peyster looked up. "Matilda, I think I have + it."</p> + + <p>"What is it, ma'am?"—with faintly reviving hope.</p> + + <p>"You have the keys to my house. You slip back there to-night, + find my purse, or bring something that you might sell."</p> + + <p>Matilda slumped down, aghast.</p> + + <p>"It's perfectly simple," Mrs. De Peyster reassured her. "We + should have thought of it at first."</p> + + <p>"But, ma'am!" quaveringly protested Matilda. "Suppose a + policeman should see me! They watch those closed houses. And + suppose—suppose he should shoot!"</p> + + <p>"Nonsense, Matilda! No one will see you if you are + careful."</p> + + <p>"But if—if—Mr. Jack should hear me and come down + and see me—"</p> + + <p>"We shall prepare for such an emergency some kind of plausible + explanation that will satisfy Jack."</p> + + <p>"But, ma'am, please! I don't think I could ever do it!"</p> + + <p>"Matilda, it is the only way"—in the voice of authority. + And then more emphatically, and in some <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page135" id="page135"></a>[pg 135]</span> + desperation: "Remember, we have got to do something! We have + simply got to have money!"</p> + + <p>Matilda was beginning to whimper yieldingly, when a knock + sounded at their door. They clutched each other, but did not + answer.</p> + + <p>The knuckles rapped again.</p> + + <p>They continued silent.</p> + + <p>The knock sounded more loudly.</p> + + <p>"It's the landlady, come to throw us out," quaked Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Open the door," ordered Mrs. De Peyster, decorously + rearranging the throat of her dress, "and tell her she shall have + her money in the morning."</p> + + <p>Matilda unlocked the door, partially opened it, then fell back + with a little cry. There entered the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft. He + smiled at them, put a finger to his lips. Then he locked the door + behind him.</p> + + <p>"Please leave this instant!" commanded Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"It is not in my nature," he returned in his bland voice, "to + go and leave behind me fellow creatures in distress."</p> + + <p>"Fellow creatures in distress?" repeated Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I was passing," said he, "and chanced to overhear you say a + moment since that you simply had to have money."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster's face filled with suspicion. "You have been + listening all the while?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page136" id="page136"></a>[pg 136]</span> + + <p>"Possibly," said Mr. Pyecroft, with the same bland smile.</p> + + <p>"Eavesdropper!"</p> + + <p>His smile did not alter. "I did not hear very much, really. + Miss Thompson, may I beg the favor of a few minutes with you + alone?"</p> + + <p>"Most certainly not!"</p> + + <p>"I am sure when you learn what it is, Miss Thompson, you would + prefer that it be between yourself and myself."</p> + + <p>"Matilda, don't go!"</p> + + <p>He shrugged his shoulders pleasantly. "I had really hoped that + the matter might be between just you and me, Miss Thompson. + However, if you prefer Miss Perkins"—Matilda's name at Mrs. + Gilbert's—"to be present, yours is the right to command. + Shall we be seated?"</p> + + <p>Matilda had already subsided upon her couch. Mrs. De Peyster + sank into one of the chairs. The Reverend Mr. Pyecroft drew the + other up to face her and sat down.</p> + + <p>"Miss Thompson," he began, "I have a very serious proposition + to lay before you."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster shrank away. An awful premonition burst upon + her. It was coming! This impudent, pompous, philandering + clergyman was about to propose to her! To <i>her!</i> She gave a + swift horrified glance at Matilda, who gave back a look of + sympathetic understanding.</p> + + <p>Then Mrs. De Peyster's horror at the indignity <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page137" id="page137"></a>[pg 137]</span> + changed to horror of quite another sort; for the Reverend Mr. + Pyecroft was leaning confidentially close to her, eyes into hers, + and was saying in a low voice:—</p> + + <p>"I suppose, Miss Thompson, you are not aware how much you look + like a certain great lady, a famous social leader? To be + explicit, like Mrs. De Peyster?"</p> + + <p>She sank back, mere jelly with a human contour. So she was + discovered! She rolled her eyes wildly toward Matilda; Matilda + rolled wild eyes toward her.</p> + + <p>"It is really a remarkable likeness," went on the low voice of + the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft. "I've seen Mrs. De Peyster, you know; + not more than six yards away; and the likeness struck me the very + moment I saw you. You haven't the grand-duchess dignity she had + on when I saw her—say, but you should have seen the figure + she made!—but it's a wonderful coincidence. Dressed right, + and with some lofty spirit pumped into you, you could pass + anywhere as Mrs. De Peyster, provided they did not know Mrs. De + Peyster too intimately. That likeness is the foundation of my + proposition."</p> + <span class= + "pagenum"></span> + <hr /> +<a name="pageb" id="pageb"></a> + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/no13-3.jpg"><img width="50%" src= + "images/no13-3.jpg" alt="IT IS REALLY A REMARKABLE LIKENESS" /></a> + + <h4>"IT IS REALLY A REMARKABLE LIKENESS"</h4> + </div> + <hr /> + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stared at him, and began to clutch at + consciousness. After all, was it possible that he hadn't + recognized her as Mrs. De Peyster? Perhaps he hadn't—for + every one knew Mrs. De Peyster was abroad, and, furthermore, all + the social world yawned inimitably between Mrs. De Peyster and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page138" id="page138"></a>[pg + 138]</span> this apparent nobody that she was, in an obscure + boarding-house, and in a housekeeper's gown. But if he hadn't + recognized her, then what was he driving at?</p> + + <p>While she gazed she became aware of an amazing change in his + face, of the possibility of which she had previously had only + hints. The bland, elderish, clerical look faded; the face grew + strangely young, the right corner of his mouth twisted upward, + and his right eyelid drooped in a prodigious, unreverend + wink.</p> + + <p>"Friend," he remarked, "what's you two ladies' game?"</p> + + <p>"Our game?" Mrs. De Peyster repeated blankly.</p> + + <p>"Now don't try to come Miss Innocence over me," he said + easily. "I sized you two up from the first minute, and I've been + watching you ever since. The other one could get away with the + housekeeper's part O.K., but any one could see through your + makeup. What are the bulls after you for?"</p> + + <p>"The—the what?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, come,—you're dodging the police, or why the + disguise?" he queried pleasantly. He picked up Mrs. De Peyster's + pearl pendant. "Housekeepers don't sport this kind of jewelry. + What are you? Housebreakers—sneak thieves—confidence + game?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gaped at him. "I—I don't + understand."</p> + + <p>"It's really a pretty fair front you're putting up," he + commented with a dry indulgent smile. "But + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page139" id="page139"></a>[pg + 139]</span> might as well drop it, for you see I'm on. But I + think I understand." He nodded. "You don't want to admit anything + until you feel you can trust me. That's about the size of it, + isn't it, friends?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stared, without speaking.</p> + + <p>"Now I know I can trust you," he went on easily, "for I've got + something on you and I give you away if you give me away. Well, + sisters, of course you know you're not the only people the police + are after. That's why I am temporarily in the ministry."</p> + + <p>He grinned widely—a grin of huge enjoyment.</p> + + <p>"Who are you?" demanded Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Well, you don't hesitate to ask, do you?" He laughed, + lightly. "Say, it's too good to keep! I always was too confiding + a lad; but I've got you where you won't squeal, and I suppose + we've got to know each other if we're going to do business + together. You must know, my dear ladies, that every proposition + I've handled I've gone into it as much for the fun as for the + coin." He cocked his head; plainly there was an element of + conceit in his character. "Well, fair ones—ready?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster nodded.</p> + + <p>"Ever heard of the American Historical Society's collection of + recently discovered letters of a gentleman named Thomas + Jefferson?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster started.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"And perhaps you have heard that authorities now agree that + said Thomas Jefferson was dead almost <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page140" id="page140"></a>[pg 140]</span> a + hundred years when said letters were penned; and that he must + have been favored with the assistance of an amanuensis of, so to + say, the present generation?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"That being the case you may have heard of one Thomas Preston, + alleged to be said amanuensis?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>He put his hand across his clerical vest, and bowed first to + Mrs. De Peyster, then to Matilda.</p> + + <p>"It gives Mr. Preston very great pleasure to meet you, ladies. + Only for the present he humbly petitions to be known as Mr. + Pyecroft."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was quite unable to speak. So this was the man + Judge Harvey was trying to hunt down! Her meeting him like this, + it seemed an impossible coincidence—utterly impossible! She + little dreamed that the laws of chance were not at all concerned + in this adventure; that this meeting was but the natural outcome + of Matilda's trifling act in picking up from the library rug a + boarding-house card and slipping it into her slit-pocket.</p> + + <p>The young man, for he now obviously was a young man, plainly + delighted in the surprise he had created.</p> + + <p>"I like to hand it to these pompous old stiffs," he went on + gleefully—"these old boys who will come across with + sky-high prices for old first editions and original manuscripts, + and who don't care one little wheeze of a damn for what the + author actually wrote. I'm sorry, though,"—in a tone of + genuine <span class="pagenum"><a name="page141" id= + "page141"></a>[pg 141]</span> contrition,—"that Judge + Harvey was the man finally to be stung; they say he's the real + thing." Suddenly his mood changed; his eye dropped in its + unreverend wink. "There's a Raphael that the Metropolitan is + solemnly proud of. It cost Morgan a hundred and fifty thousand + dollars. It cost me an even five hundred to have it made."</p> + + <p>He laughed again: that gay, whimsical, irresponsible laugh. + Mrs. De Peyster was recovering somewhat from her first + surprise.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft leaned forward. "But this isn't getting down to + our business. I've got a plan that's more fun than the Jefferson + letters, and that will make us a lot of money, Miss Thompson. And + it's easy and it's sure fire. It depends, as I said, upon the + remarkable coincidence of your likeness to Mrs. De Peyster."</p> + + <p>"Yes?" Mrs. De Peyster managed to say.</p> + + <p>"You've read of her, of course; stiffest swell of the lot," + went on the young gentleman rapidly, in clipped phrases oddly + unlike the sonorous sentences of the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft. + "Looks down on most of the Four Hundred as <i>hoi polloi</i>. + She's in Europe now, and the papers say she won't be back until + the very end of summer. We can't do a thing till then; have to + lie low and wait. You need money, I heard you say; I suppose + you're afraid to hock this twinkler"—touching the pearl + pendant. "Police probably watching the pawnshops and would nab + you. Well, I'll stake you till Mrs. De Peyster comes + back."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page142" id= + "page142"></a>[pg 142]</span> + + <p>"Stake me?" breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Yes. Give you, both of you, what money you need."</p> + + <p>"And—and when—Mrs. De Peyster comes back?"</p> + + <p>Young Mr. Pyecroft chortled with delight.</p> + + <p>"Say, this scheme's the best ever! The day we learn Mrs. De + Peyster has landed, we dress you up as a top-notcher—gad, + but we can make you look the part!—we put you in a swell + carriage, with her coat of arms painted on it—and you go + around to Tiffany's and all the other swell shops where in the + mean time I'll have learned Mrs. De Peyster has charge accounts. + You select the most valuable articles in the shop, and then in + the most casual, dignified manner,—I can coach you on how + to put on the dignity,—you remark, 'Charge to my account, + and I'll just take it along with me.' And off you go, with a + diamond necklace under your arm. And same thing at all the shops. + Then we duck before the thing breaks, and divide the fruits of + our industry and superior intelligence, as the economists say. + Isn't that one great little game!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stared at his face, grinning like an elated + gargoyle; herself utterly limp, her every nerve a filament of icy + horror.</p> + + <p>"Well, what do you say, girls?" prompted Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster at first could say nothing at all. Whereupon + the young man, gleeful over his invention, prompted her + again.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page143" id= + "page143"></a>[pg 143]</span> + + <p>"I—can't—can't do it," she gulped out.</p> + + <p>"Can't do it!" He stared at her, amazed. "Say, do you realize + what you're passing up?"</p> + + <p>"I can't do it," repeated Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Why?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>She did not reply.</p> + + <p>He stood up, smiling again. "I won't argue with you; it's + bigger than anything you ever pulled off—so big, I guess it + stuns you; I'll just let the matter soak in, and put up its own + argument. You'll come in, all right," he continued confidently, + "for you need money, and I'm the party that can supply you. And + to make certain that you don't get the money elsewhere, I'll just + take along this vault of the First National Bank as + security"—with which he slipped Mrs. De Peyster's pearl + pendant into his pocket. "Now, think the matter over, girls. I'll + be back in half an hour. So-long for the present."</p> + + <p>The door closed behind him.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gazed wildly after him. The plan "soaked in," + as he had said it would; and as it soaked in, her horror grew. + She saw herself becoming involved, helpless to prevent it, in the + plan Mr. Pyecroft considered so delectable; she saw herself later + publicly exposed as engaged in this scheme to defraud herself; + she could hear all New York laughing. Her whole being shivered + and gasped. Of all the plans ever proposed to a woman—!</p> + + <p>And all the weeks and months this Mr. Pyecroft would be + hovering about her!...</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page144" + id="page144"></a>[pg 144]</span> + + <p>Despairingly she sat upright.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, we can't stay in the same house with that man."</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am," breathed the appalled Matilda, "of course + not!"</p> + + <p>"We've got to leave! And leave before he comes back!"</p> + + <p>"Of course, ma'am," cried Matilda. And then: "But—but + where?"</p> + + <p>"Anywhere to get away from him!"</p> + + <p>"But, ma'am, the money?" said Matilda who had handled Mrs. De + Peyster's petty cash account for twenty years, and whose business + it had been to think of petty practicalities. "We've only got + twenty-three cents left, and we can't possibly get any more soon, + and no one will take us in without money or baggage. Don't you + see? We can't stay here, and we can't go any place else."</p> + + <p>This certainly was a dilemma. The two gazed at each other, + their faces momently growing more ghastly with helplessness. Then + suddenly Mrs. De Peyster leaned forward, with desperate + decision.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, we shall go back home!"</p> + + <p>"Go home, ma'am?" cried Matilda.</p> + + <p>"There's nothing else we can do. I'll slip into my + sitting-room, lock the door, and live there quietly—and + Jack will never know I'm in the house."</p> + + <p>"But, ma'am, won't that be dangerous?"</p> + + <p>"Danger is comparative. Anything is better than + this!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page145" id= + "page145"></a>[pg 145]</span> + + <p>"Just as you say; I suppose you're right, ma'am." And then + with an hysterical snuffle: "But oh, ma'am, I wish I knew how + this thing was ever going to turn out!"</p> + + <p>Five minutes later the two twin figures of somberness, their + veils down, stole stealthily down the stairs and out into the + night.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page146" id= + "page146"></a>[pg 146]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + + <h3>HOME AGAIN</h3> + + <p>The two dark figures, giving a glance through the rain in + either direction, stole down beneath the stately marble steps of + No. 13 Washington Square, and Matilda unlocked the servants' + door. They slipped inside; the door was cautiously relocked. + Breathless, they stood listening. A vast, noble silence pervaded + the great house. They flung their arms about each other, and thus + embraced tottered against the wall; and Mrs. De Peyster relaxed + in an unspeakable relief.</p> + <span class="pagenum"></span> + <hr /> +<a name="pagec" id="pagec"></a> + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/no13-4.jpg"><img width="50%" src= + "images/no13-4.jpg" alt="MATILDA UNLOCKED THE SERVANTS' DOOR" /></a> + + <h4>MATILDA UNLOCKED THE SERVANTS' DOOR</h4> + </div> + <hr /> + <p>Home again! Her own home! Odorless of pot-roasts and frying + batter-cakes. The phrase was rather common and + sentimental—but, in truth, this was "home, sweet home."</p> + + <p>And free of that unthinkable Mr. Pyecroft!</p> + + <p>While Mrs. De Peyster leaned there in the blackness, gathering + strength, her mind mounted in sweet expectancy to her suite. Only + a few minutes of soft treading of stairways—certainly they + could avoid arousing Jack—and she would be locked in her + comfortable rooms. A cautious bath! Clean clothes! Her own bed! + All of the luxuries she had been so long denied!</p> + + <p>Cautiously they crept through the basement + hallway; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page147" id="page147"></a>[pg + 147]</span> cautiously crept up the butler's stairs and turned + off through the door into the great hall of the first floor; + cautiously they crept up to the drawing-room floor and trod ever + so softly over woven treasures of the Orient, through the + spacious ducal gloom. One more flight, then peace, security. With + unbreathing care, Mrs. De Peyster set foot upon the first step of + her journey's end.</p> + + <p>And then, suddenly, the servants' bell burst into ringing. And + there was a terrific hammering against the servants' door and + also against the door in the boarding.</p> + + <p>"Matilda—what's that?" breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"M—maybe the police saw us come in," breathed + Matilda.</p> + + <p>They did not pause for discussion. Discarding caution, they + plunged frantically and noisily up the stairs; until from out of + the overhead blackness descended a voice:—</p> + + <p>"Stop! Or I'll shoot!"</p> + + <p>It was Jack's voice.</p> + + <p>They stopped.</p> + + <p>"Who are you?" the voice demanded.</p> + + <p>They clung to each other, wordless.</p> + + <p>"Who are you?" repeated Jack.</p> + + <p>Their voices were still palsied. They heard his feet begin + determinedly to descend. Mrs. De Peyster loosed her grip on + Matilda's arm and vanished noiselessly downward.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page148" id="page148"></a>[pg 148]</span> + + <p>"Speak up there," commanded Jack, "or I'll fire on the chance + of getting you in the dark."</p> + + <p>"It's only me, Mr. Jack," trembled Matilda.</p> + + <p>"What, Matilda!" cried Jack; and from above, like an echo + transposed an octave higher, sounded another, "What, + Matilda!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, Mr. Jack. Yes, ma'a—yes, Mary."</p> + + <p>"But where the devil have you been?" exclaimed Jack, coming to + her side.</p> + + <p>Mary had also hurried down to her. "Matilda, the way you ran + away from us!"</p> + + <p>"I got a—er—sudden message. There was no + time—"</p> + + <p>"Never mind about explaining now," interrupted Jack. "Go down + and stop that racket before they break in the doors. And thank + God you're here just in time, Matilda! You're just the person to + do it: housekeeper, caretaker. But be careful if they're + reporters. Now, hurry."</p> + + <p>Jack and Mary scuttled back to the haven of upstairs, and + Matilda shivered down through the blackness. As she passed + through the lower hall, a hand reached out of the dark and + touched her. She managed not to cry out.</p> + + <p>"Don't let them know about me!" implored Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I'll—I'll do my best, ma'am," quavered Matilda, and + glided weakly on.</p> + + <p>When she opened the servants' door, a dripping policeman + caught her arm. "Down here, Bill," he <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page149" id="page149"></a>[pg 149]</span> + called to the man battering at the door above; and a minute later + two officers were inside, and the door was closed, and a light + was flashing in Matilda's face.</p> + + <p>"Now, old girl," said the first officer, tightly gripping her + arm and giving it that twist which if a policeman does not give + an arm he is no policeman, "what's your little game, eh?"</p> + + <p>"I—I live here, sir. I'm the housekeeper."</p> + + <p>"Now don't try to put that over on us. You know you + ain't."</p> + + <p>"You must be new policemen, in this neighborhood," trembled + Matilda, "or you'd know I am."</p> + + <p>"We may be new cops, but we don't fall for old stuff like + that. I was talkin' to Mrs. De Peyster's coachman only yesterday. + He told me the housekeeper wasn't here no more. So better change + your line o' dope. Where's the other one?"</p> + + <p>"Wha—what other one?"</p> + + <p>"The one what come in here with you."</p> + + <p>"I'm the only person in the house," Matilda tried to declare + valiantly.</p> + + <p>"Drop it!" said the officer. "Didn't the boss tell us to keep + our eyes on these here millionaires' closed houses; all kinds o' + slick crooks likely to clean 'em out. An' didn't we see two women + come in this house,—hey, Bill?"</p> + + <p>"Sure—I was a block off, but I seen 'em plain as day," + said Bill.</p> + + <p>"So I guess," again the twist that proved him a policeman, + "you'd better lead us to your pal."</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page150" id="page150"></a>[pg 150]</span> + + <p>He pushed her before him, lighting the way with his + flash-lantern, up stairways and back into the dining-room, where + she turned on the one shaded electric bulb that had been left + connected. In Matilda all hope was gone; resistance was useless; + fate had conquered. And when the officer again demanded that she + bring forth her accomplice, she dumbly and obediently made + search; and finally brought Mrs. De Peyster forth from the china + closet.</p> + + <p>The officer pulled up Mrs. De Peyster's veil, and closely + scanned her features; which, to be just to the officer, were so + distorted that they bore little semblance to the Mrs. De Peyster + of her portraits.</p> + + <p>"Recognize her, Bill?" he queried.</p> + + <p>"Looks a bit like the pictures of Chicago Sal," said Bill. + "But I ain't ever handled her. I guess she ain't worked none + around New York."</p> + + <p>"Well, now," said the officer, with policial jocularity, + "since you two ladies already got your hats on, I guess we'll + just offer you our arms to the station."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gave Matilda a look of frenzied appeal. But + Matilda needed not the spur of another's desperation. For herself + she saw a prison cell agape.</p> + + <p>"But I tell you I'm Matilda Simpson, Mrs. De Peyster's + housekeeper!"</p> + + <p>"If so, who's the other mourner?" inquired the humorous + policeman. "And what's she doin' here?"</p> + + <p>"She's—she's"—and then Matilda plunged blindly at + a lie—"she's my sister." And having <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page151" id="page151"></a>[pg 151]</span> + started, she went on: "My sister Angelica, who lives in Syracuse. + She's come to visit me awhile."</p> + + <p>The officer grinned. "Well, Matilda and Angelica, we'll give + you a chance to tell that to the lieutenant. Come on."</p> + + <p>"But I tell you I'm Matilda Simpson!" cried Matilda. She was + now thinking solely of her own imminent disgrace. Inspiration + came to her. "You say you talked to William, the coachman. He'll + tell you who I am. There's the bell—ring for him!"</p> + + <p>The officer scratched his chin. Then he eyed his co-laborer + meditatively.</p> + + <p>"Not a bad idea, Bill. There's a chance she may be on the + level, and there'd be hell to pay at headquarters if we got in + bad with any of these swells. No harm tryin'."</p> + + <p>He pressed a big thumb against the bell Matilda had + indicated.</p> + + <p>They all sat down, the two officers' oilskins guttering water + all over Mrs. De Peyster's Kirmanshah rug and parquet floor. But + Mrs. De Peyster was unconscious of this deluge. She gave Matilda + a glance of reproachful dismay; then she edged into the dimmest + corner of the dusky room and turned her chair away from the door + through which this new disaster was about to stalk in upon her, + and unnoticed drew down her veil.</p> + + <p>There was a long, sickening wait. Plainly William had gone to + bed, and had to dress before he could answer the + bell.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page152" id= + "page152"></a>[pg 152]</span> + + <p>At length, however, William appeared. He started at sight of + the four figures; then his gaze fastened on Matilda and grew + hard. Mrs. De Peyster tried to collapse within herself.</p> + + <p>"Friend," said the officer, "here's a lady as says she's + Matilda Simpson, Mrs. De Peyster's housekeeper. How about + it?"</p> + + <p>"She is," William affirmed coldly.</p> + + <p>"The devil!" said the officer; and then in a low voice apart + to the other: "Lucky we didn't go no further—hey, Bill?" + And again to William: "Miss Simpson says this other lady is her + sister, visitin' her from Syracuse. Can you identify her?"</p> + + <p>William did not alter a line in his face.</p> + + <p>"Miss Simpson has a sister living near Syracuse. I have never + seen her. I cannot identify her."</p> + + <p>"H'm," said the officer.</p> + + <p>"Is that all?" asked William.</p> + + <p>"Yes, that'll do. Thanks."</p> + + <p>With a cold blighting glare at Matilda, William withdrew.</p> + + <p>"Well, ladies," said the officer with ingratiating + pleasantness, "I'm mighty glad it's all right. If you have + occasion, Miss Simpson, to speak o' this here little incident to + Mrs. De Peyster when she gets back from Europe, just explain it + as due to over-zealousness, if you don't mind—desire to + safeguard her interests. D'you get me? Headquarters is awful + sensitive to kicks from you rich people; and the boss comes down + on you like a ton o' bricks. It'll be <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page153" id="page153"></a>[pg 153]</span> + mighty kind o' you. Good-night. Don't bother to come down with + us. I noticed it was a spring lock. We can let ourselves + out."</p> + + <p>When the two policemen were out of the room, Mrs. De Peyster + and Matilda collapsed into each others' arms and their bodies + sank limply forward from their chairs upon the dining-table. + "Matilda, what an escape!" shivered Mrs. De Peyster; and she lay + there, gathering breath, regathering strength, regathering poise, + while the officers' steps grew dimmer and more dim. She was + palpitant, yet able to think. Certainly it had been a narrow + escape. But that danger was now over. There now remained only the + feat of getting into her room, unnoticed by Jack. This they could + manage when they were certain that Jack and Mary were asleep.</p> + + <p>Relief, hope, courage once more began to rise within her.</p> + + <p>Then suddenly she sat upright. Footsteps were sounding + below—growing nearer—heavy footsteps—what + sounded like more than two pairs of footsteps. She sat as one + palsied; and before she could recover strength or faculties, + there in the doorway were the two policemen. And with them was a + gentleman in a cap and tan summer overcoat buttoned to the + chin.</p> + + <p>The gentleman was the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft; and the Mr. + Pyecroft they had first seen: bland, oh, so bland, with that odd, + elderish look of his.</p> + + <p>"Met him goin' down the servants' steps as we <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page154" id="page154"></a>[pg 154]</span> were + goin' out, and he asked us—" the officer was beginning.</p> + + <p>But Mr. Pyecroft was already crossing toward Matilda, smiling + affectionately.</p> + + <p>"My dear Matilda!" He kissed her upon the cheek. "I arrived in + New York very unexpectedly less than half an hour ago, and could + not delay coming to see you. How are you, sister?"</p> + + <p>"Wha—what?" stammered Matilda.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft with his bland affectionate smile crossed to Mrs. + De Peyster, slipped an arm across her shoulders and kissed her + veil somewhere about the forehead. "And how are you, dear + sister?" he inquired with deep concern.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gasped and stiffened.</p> + + <p>"You ladies don't seem very glad to see him," put in the + officer. "When we told him about you two bein' sisters, he said + he was your brother. Is he?"</p> + + <p>"Of course I am," Mr. Pyecroft answered pleasantly. "They + weren't expecting me; therefore this very natural surprise which + you observe. Of course, I am your brother, am I + not?"—patting Mrs. De Peyster's arm with the appearance of + affection, and then closing on it warningly.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster nodded her head.</p> + + <p>"Matilda," turning to her, in frank fraternal fashion, "you + might tell these officers that I am not only your brother, but in + fact the only brother you have. That is true, isn't it, + sister?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," gulped Matilda.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page155" id="page155"></a>[pg 155]</span> + + <p>"Well," said the officer, "since everything is all right, + we'll be leavin' you. But, believe me, this is certainly some + sudden family reunion."</p> + + <p>When they had gone Mr. Pyecroft calmly removed cap and + overcoat and stood forth in his clericals. Again he wore the + youngish face of their interview of an hour before. Mrs. De + Peyster watched him in sickening fear. What was he going to do? + Surely he must now know her identity!</p> + + <p>He smiled at them amiably.</p> + + <p>"Well, my dears, so you tried to give me the slip. I rather + thought you'd bear watching, so I followed you. And when I saw + the officers come out without you I knew you had successfully + entertained them with some sort of plausible explanation."</p> + + <p>His gaze fixed on Matilda. "So, my dear sister, you're really + the housekeeper here." He shook his head chidingly. "And the + usual crook of a housekeeper, eh—trying to make a safe + clean-up while her mistress is away. You're deeper than I + thought, Matilda. I understand the whole affair now. You and our + sister Angelica had already been planning some kind of a game + similar to the one I suggested. I just happened to think of the + same thing. I don't blame you a lot for not wanting to take me + into the game; it was quite natural for you to want all there is + in it for yourselves. Not the least hard feeling in the world, my + dears. But, of course,"—apologetically,—"you could + hardly expect me to give up a rich thing like this, could + you?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page156" id= + "page156"></a>[pg 156]</span> + + <p>His easy, familiar, ironic talk had brought Mrs. De Peyster + one large item of relief. Evidently he didn't suspect who she + was—yet.</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do?" she managed to ask.</p> + + <p>"Stay right here with you, my sisters, and in due time we'll + go ahead with our game as per previous specifications." He + surveyed the high, paneled dining-room, sumptuous, distinguished + even in the semi-dusk. "Cozy little flat, eh, my dears?"</p> + + <p>Suddenly that wide mouth of his slipped up to one side, and he + laughed in exultant, impish glee.</p> + + <p>"Say, isn't this the funniest ever! Beats my plan a mile. + We'll make ourselves at home—hang out together for the + summer in Mrs. De Peyster's own house,—<i>her own + house</i>,—and when we hear she's coming back we vacate and + then do our little act of buying out the stores in Lady De + Peyster's name. Was there ever such a lark!" For a moment his low + laugh of wild glee cut off his speech. "What's more, it's the + safest place in the world for us. Nobody'd ever think of our + being here!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stared at Matilda, Matilda stared at Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>"And it's just what I needed," continued Mr. Pyecroft in + amicable confidence. "I just had a tip that the police were + closing in on me, and I had to disappear quick. An hour ago, I'd + never have dreamed of falling into such a safe little retreat as + this. Luck favors the deserving."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gazed at him, faint.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page157" id="page157"></a>[pg 157]</span> + + <p>"And of course, Matilda," he went on, "if, say, any of the + neighbors happen to drop in for a cup of tea and see me, or if + the police should manage to trail me here,—and they may, + you know,—of course, Matilda, you'll speak right up and say + I'm your dear brother."</p> + + <p>At that moment it was beyond either of them to speak right + up.</p> + + <p>"Remember, my dears, that we're all crooks together," he + prompted in a soft voice, that had a steely suggestion beneath + it. "And in case you fail to stand by me it would give me very + great pain—very great pain, I assure you—to have to + blow on you."</p> + + <p>Matilda gulped, blinked her eyes, and looked helplessly at + Mrs. De Peyster. Mr. Pyecroft turned to the latter.</p> + + <p>"Of course, Angelica, dear, you're going to stand by me?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster hesitated, then breathed a barely audible + "Yes."</p> + + <p>"And you, Matilda, who were always my favorite sister, you, + too, will stand by me?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," breathed Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Ah," said Mr. Pyecroft, in a moved tone, "such family loyalty + is truly touching. I foresee a most pleasant + summer."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page158" id= + "page158"></a>[pg 158]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + + <h3>THE HAPPY FAMILY</h3> + + <p>He nodded at the two with an air of deep fraternal affection. + And again he gazed with satisfaction about the spacious + apartment, indicative of numberless other rooms of corresponding + comfort.</p> + + <p>His eyes came back to them.</p> + + <p>"And now, Matilda, my dear," he resumed, with his pleasant + smile, "in the event we spoke of,—neighbors or police + dropping in, you know,—in such a case I suppose I ought to + be prepared with a correct history of myself. To begin with, + might I inquire what our name is?—our family name, I + mean."</p> + + <p>"Simpson."</p> + + <p>"Simpson. Ah, yes; very good. Matilda Simpson—Angelica + Simpson—and, let us say, Archibald Simpson. And where was I + born, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"You weren't ever born," protested Matilda with frightened + indignation.</p> + + <p>"Now don't be facetious or superfluous, sister dear," he said + soothingly. "Granted for the sake of argument I wasn't ever born. + But where might I have been born?"</p> + + <p>"I was born near Albany."</p> + + <p>"Near Albany is perfectly agreeable to me," said <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page159" id="page159"></a>[pg 159]</span> Mr. + Pyecroft. "And how many are there in our family?"</p> + + <p>"Just Angelica and me."</p> + + <p>"Then there really is an authentical Angelica?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Excellent. And our parents?"</p> + + <p>"They died when I was a child."</p> + + <p>"I'm grieved, indeed, to learn of it," said Mr. Pyecroft. "But + I'll admit it simplifies matters; there's less to remember. + Angelica, our sister here, who is also visiting you, lives near + Syracuse I understood some one to say. Married or single?"</p> + + <p>"Married," Matilda choked out.</p> + + <p>"Her married name?"</p> + + <p>"Jones."</p> + + <p>"Angelica Simpson Jones. Good. Very euphonious. And how many + little nieces and nephews am I the happy uncle of?"</p> + + <p>"She—she has no children."</p> + + <p>"That's too bad, for I have a particular fondness for + children," sorrowed Mr. Pyecroft. "Still, that also simplifies + matters, lessening considerably the percentage of chances for + regrettable lapses of memory."</p> + + <p>He pursued his genealogical inquiries into all possibly useful + details. And then he sat meditative for a while, gazing amiably + about his family circle. And it was while they were all thus + sitting silent, in what in the dim light of the one shaded + electric bulb might have seemed to an observer the silence of + intimacy, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page160" id= + "page160"></a>[pg 160]</span> that Jack, who had slipped + cautiously downstairs, walked in, behind him Mary.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, what's this mean?" he demanded, with a bewildered + look. "We've been wondering why you didn't come upstairs."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster turned in her chair, and held her breath, like + one beneath the guillotine. Matilda arose, shaking.</p> + + <p>"Who's this man, Matilda?" Jack continued.</p> + + <p>"He—ah—er—he's—"</p> + + <p>"And, pray, Matilda, who is this?" politely inquired the + arisen Mr. Pyecroft, blandly assuming command of the + situation.</p> + + <p>"Who am I? Well, you certainly have nerve—" the + astounded Jack was beginning.</p> + + <p>"He's Mr. Jack," Matilda put in. "Jack De Peyster."</p> + + <p>"Ah, young Mr. De Peyster!" Mr. Pyecroft's eyebrows went up + slightly and a shrewd light flashed into his rounded eyes and was + at once gone, and again his face was blandly clerical. "It is, + indeed, a pleasure to meet you, Mr. De Peyster. And, pray, who + is this?" with a suave gesture toward Mary.</p> + + <p>"That, sir, is my wife!" Jack announced, stiff with anger.</p> + + <p>Again Mr. Pyecroft's eyes flashed shrewdly, and again were + clerically rounded.</p> + + <p>"My dear sir, that is, indeed, surprising. I have seen no + public notice of your marriage. And I watch the marriage + announcements quite closely—which <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page161" id="page161"></a>[pg 161]</span> is + rather natural, for, if I may be permitted to mention it, I + myself am frequently called upon to perform the holy rites." His + face clouded with what seemed a painful suspicion. "I trust, sir, + that you are really married?"</p> + + <p>"Why, damn you—"</p> + + <p>"Sir, you must not thus address the cloth!" sternly interposed + Mr. Pyecroft. "It is our duty to speak frankly, and to make due + inquiry into the propriety of such relations. However, since you + say so, I am sure the affair is strictly correct." His voice + softened, became nobly apologetic. "No harm has been meant, and + if any offense has been felt, I assure you of my deepest + regrets."</p> + + <p>"See here, who the devil are you?" demanded Jack.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft turned to Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, my dear, will you kindly tell young Mr. De Peyster + who I am."</p> + + <p>Matilda seemed about to choke. "He's—he's my—my + brother."</p> + + <p>"Your brother!" exclaimed Jack, "I didn't know you had a + brother. You never spoke of one."</p> + + <p>"Which was entirely natural," said Mr. Pyecroft, with an air + of pious remorse. "Matilda has been ashamed to speak of me. To be + utterly frank—and it is meet that one who has been what I + have been should be humble and ready to confess—for many + years I was the black sheep of the family, my name unmentioned. + But sometime since I was snatched a <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page162" id="page162"></a>[pg 162]</span> + brand from the burning; I have remained silent about myself until + I could give to my family, which had properly disowned me, a long + record to prove my reformation. I am now striving by my devotion + to make some amends for my previous shortcomings."</p> + + <p>Jack stared incomprehensibly at this unexpected clerical + brother of Matilda's, with his unquenchable volubility. Mr. + Pyecroft gazed back with appropriate humility, yet with a lofty + self-respect.</p> + + <p>Jack turned away with a shrug, and pointed at the dark figure + of Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"And who is that, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"That, sir," put in Mr. Pyecroft quickly, easily, to forestall + any blunder by the hapless Matilda—and deftly interposing + himself between Jack and Mrs. De Peyster, "that is our + sister."</p> + + <p>"The one who lives in Syracuse?"</p> + + <p>"Yes; and she is indisposed," said Mr. Pyecroft. "Our sister + Angelica Simpson Jones," he elaborated. "Matilda is the eldest, I + am the youngest; there are just us three children."</p> + + <p>"And might I ask, Matilda, without intending discourtesy," + said Jack, eyeing Mr. Pyecroft with disfavor, "how long your + brother and sister intend to remain?"</p> + + <p>"Matilda invited us for the summer," said Mr. Pyecroft + apologetically.</p> + + <p>"For the summer!" repeated Jack in dismay. Then he spoke to + Matilda, caustically: "I suppose <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page163" id="page163"></a>[pg 163]</span> it's all right, + Matilda, but has it been your fixed custom, when we've been away + for the summer, to fill the house with your family?"</p> + + <p>"Please, Mr. Jack, please," imploringly began Matilda, and + could utter nothing further.</p> + + <p>"Great God!" Jack burst out in exasperation. "Not that I'd + object ordinarily to your relatives being here, Matilda. But + running this place just now as a hotel, who knows but it may let + out the fact that we're here!"</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft's eyebrows went up—ever so little.</p> + + <p>"Ah, I understand. You wish your presence in the house to be a + secret."</p> + + <p>"Of course! Hasn't Matilda told you?"</p> + + <p>"I only just arrived. She hasn't had time. But of course she + would have done so. You are—ah"—his tone was + delicate—"evading the police?"</p> + + <p>"The police! We don't care a hang about the police, though, of + course, we don't want them to know. It's the infernal reporters + we care about."</p> + + <p>"The reporters?" softly pursued Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but one reporter in particular—a beast by the name + of Mayfair, I've had a tip that he suspects something; already + he's tried to get into the house as a gas-meter inspector."</p> + + <p>At the mention of that indomitable, remorseless, undeceivable + newsgatherer, Mayfair, and the possibility of his gaining + entrance into the house, Mrs. De Peyster experienced a new + shudder.</p> + + <p>"What would be the harm if Mr. Mayfair did get <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page164" id="page164"></a>[pg 164]</span> in?" + Imperceptibly prodded Mr. Pyecroft. "He would merely write a + piece about you for his paper."</p> + + <p>"And his confounded piece, or the main facts in it, would be + cabled to Europe!"</p> + + <p>"Ah, I think I see," said Mr. Pyecroft. "Mrs. De Peyster would + read about your marriage in the Paris 'Herald' or some other + European paper. You do not wish your mother to know of your + marriage—yet."</p> + + <p>"I supposed Matilda had already told you that," said Jack.</p> + + <p>"Ah, so that is why you are here in hiding," said Mr. + Pyecroft, very softly, chiefly to himself; and his eyes had + another momentary flash, only brighter than any heretofore, and + his mouth twitched upward, and he pleasantly rubbed his + hands.</p> + + <p>At that moment, from the stairway, came the sound of + descending steps. Jack and Mary appeared undisturbed. Mr. + Pyecroft became taut, though no one could have observed a change, + Mrs. De Peyster quivered with yet deeper apprehension. Would the + trials and tribulations and Pharaonic plagues never cease + descending on her!</p> + + <p>Matilda gazed wildly at Jack. "Who's that?" she quavered.</p> + + <p>"Only Uncle Bob," Jack answered carelessly.</p> + + <p>Only Uncle Bob! Mrs. De Peyster, in her dim corner, tried to + shrivel up into yet darker obscurity. Breathlessly she felt + herself upon the precipitous edge of ultimate horror. For Judge + Harvey—Judge <span class="pagenum"><a name="page165" id= + "page165"></a>[pg 165]</span> Harvey of all persons—to be + the one to discover her amid her humiliating circumstances!</p> + + <p>Dimly she heard Jack talk on, explaining in casual tone: "You + know, Matilda, Uncle Bob has always had the general oversight of + the house when it's been closed during summers; and he's always + made it his business to drop in occasionally to see that + everything's all right. I got him word we were here, and he + dropped in this evening to call on us—and along came this + awful rain and we coaxed him to stay the night. Uncle Bob and you + are lucky, Matilda, you can both come and go without arousing any + suspicion."</p> + + <p>Only the Judge!... Yet, for all her horror, a new phase of the + general predicament filtered into such consciousness as she now + possessed. Judge Harvey, irate purchaser of autograph letters, + and Mr. Pyecroft, <i>alias</i> Thomas Preston, profuse producer + of the same, were under the same roof and were about to meet. + What would happen when they came face to face?—for she + remembered now that a bad likeness of Thomas Preston had several + times appeared in the papers. She turned her head toward the + doorway and peered through her veil, waiting.</p> + + <p>When Judge Harvey entered, Mr. Pyecroft started. Upon the + instant he had recognized Judge Harvey. But the next moment Mr. + Pyecroft was himself. Jack gave the necessary introductions, the + one to Angelica Simpson Jones at long distance, and gave a brief + explanation of the presence of the two <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page166" id="page166"></a>[pg 166]</span> + guests. During this while Judge Harvey repeatedly glanced at Mr. + Pyecroft, a puzzled look on his countenance.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, Mr. Simpson," he remarked presently, "but your + face seems elusively familiar to me. I seem to know it, yet I + cannot place it. Haven't I met you somewhere?"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you were a lay delegate to the recent Episcopal + Convention in New York?" politely suggested Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"No. I did not even attend any of the sessions."</p> + + <p>"Then, of course, it could not have been there that you saw + me," said Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it will come to me," said Judge Harvey.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps," said Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, for all her personal apprehension, could but + marvel at this young man of the sea who had fastened himself upon + her back. Most amazing of all, he seemed to like the taste of his + danger.</p> + + <p>"Judge Harvey, Mr. De Peyster was remarking when you came in," + Mr. Pyecroft continued without permitting a lull, "that he wished + his presence in this house to remain unknown. Also I had just + told him and his young wife that my earlier years were given over + to a life for which I have been trying to atone by good works. + Now I have a very humiliating further confession to make to you + all. Recently there has been—may I call it a + recrudescence?—an uncontrollable recrudescence of my former + regrettable <span class="pagenum"><a name="page167" id= + "page167"></a>[pg 167]</span> self. For a disastrous moment the + Mr. Hyde element in me, which I thought I had stifled and cast + out, arose and possessed me. In brief, I have been guilty of an + error which the police consider serious; in fact, the police are + this moment searching for me. So you see, I am in the same + situation as Mr. De Peyster: I prefer my whereabouts to remain + unknown. Since we are in each other's hands, and it is in our + power each to betray the other, shall we not all, as a <i>quid + pro quo</i>, agree to preserve Mr. De Peyster's and my presence + in this house a secret? For my part, I promise."</p> + + <p>"I'm willing," said Jack.</p> + + <p>"And I," said Mary. "Anyhow, I never get a chance to tell, for + I haven't been out of this house once."</p> + + <p>"And you, Judge Harvey? You will—ah—protect + me?"</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey bit the end of his mustache. "I don't like this + bargaining over a matter of justice. But—for Jack's sake, + yes."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Judge Harvey," Mr. Pyecroft said in a soft, + grateful voice, and with a slight, dignified bow.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster drew a deep breath. He certainly was a cool + one.</p> + + <p>"There's something that's just been occurring to me," spoke up + Jack. "It's along of that infernal reporter Mayfair who's + snooping around here. He's likely to get in here any time. If he + were to find me <span class="pagenum"><a name="page168" id= + "page168"></a>[pg 168]</span> here alone, there'd be nothing for + him to write about. It's finding me here, married, that will give + him one of his yellow stories, and that will put mother next. + Matilda, since you already have so large a family visiting you, I + suppose you wouldn't mind taking on one more and saying that Mary + here was something or other of yours—say a niece?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, that would be delicious" laughed Mary.</p> + + <p>"Why, Mr. Jack,—I! I—" The flustered Matilda could + get out no more.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Simpson, couldn't you say she was your daughter?" queried + Jack.</p> + + <p>"I would be only too delighted to own her as such," said Mr. + Pyecroft. "But I am not married and I am obviously too young. + However,"—moving closer to Mrs. De Peyster,—"our + sister Angelica is married, and I am sure it will be a great + pleasure to her to claim Mrs. De Peyster as her daughter. + Angelica, my dear, of course you'll do it?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster sat rigid, voiceless.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter?" asked Mary, in deep concern.</p> + + <p>"Our sister probably did not hear, she is slightly deaf," Mr. + Pyecroft explained. He bent over Mrs. De Peyster, made a trumpet + of one hand, and raised his voice. "Angelica, if any other person + comes into the house, you are to say that young Mrs. De Peyster + is your daughter. You understand?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster nodded.</p> + + <p>"And of course you'll say it?"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page169" id="page169"></a>[pg 169]</span> + + <p>For a moment Mrs. De Peyster was again rigid. Then slowly she + nodded.</p> + + <p>The spirit of the masquerade seized upon Mary. "Oh, mother + dear,—what a comfort to have you!" she cried with + mischievous glee; and arms wide as if for a daughterly embrace + she swept toward Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster shriveled back. She stopped living. In another + moment—</p> + + <p>But the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft, <i>alias</i> Archibald Simpson, + <i>alias</i> Thomas Preston, <i>alias</i> God knows what else, + stepped quickly between her and the on-coming Mary, and with an + air of brotherly concern held out an intercepting hand.</p> + + <p>"No excitement, please. The doctor's orders."</p> + + <p>"Is it anything serious?" Mary asked anxiously.</p> + + <p>"We hope not," in a grave voice. "It is chiefly nervous + exhaustion due to a period of worry over a trying domestic + situation."</p> + + <p>"That's too bad!" Very genuine sympathy was in Mary's soft + contralto. "But if she's unwell, she ought to have more air. Why + don't you draw up that heavy veil?"</p> + + <p>"S-s-h! Not so loud, I beg you. If she heard you speak of her + veil, it would pain her greatly. You see," Mr. Pyecroft + unhesitatingly went on in a low, compassionate tone, "our sister, + while trying to light a gasoline stove—It was a gasoline + stove, was it not, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"Ah—er—ye-yes," corroborated + Matilda.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page170" id= + "page170"></a>[pg 170]</span> + + <p>"A gasoline stove, yes," continued the grave voice of Mr. + Pyecroft. "It was during the very first year after her marriage. + The explosion that followed disfigured her face frightfully. She + is extremely sensitive; so much so that she invariably wears a + heavy veil when she goes out of her own house."</p> + + <p>"Why, how terrible!" cried Mary.</p> + + <p>"Yes, isn't it! All of our family have felt for poor Angelica + most deeply. And furthermore, she is sensitive about her + deafness—which, I may add, was caused by the same accident. + And her various misfortunes have made her extremely shy, so the + less attention that is paid to her, the happier the poor creature + is."</p> + + <p>Mary withdrew among the others. Slowly Mrs. De Peyster + returned once more to life. She hardly knew how she had escaped, + save that it had been through some miracle of that awful Mr. + Pyecroft's amazing tongue.</p> + + <p>"By the way, Matilda," she heard Mary remark, "did you read in + to-night's papers about Mrs. De Peyster's voyage? You know she + landed to-day."</p> + + <p>"No, ma'—Mary," said Matilda.</p> + + <p>"The paper said she was so ill all the way across that she + wasn't able to leave her stateroom once." Mary's voice was very + sympathetic. "Why, she was so ill she couldn't leave the boat + until after dark, hours after all the other passengers had + gone."</p> + + <p>"I never knew mother to be seasick before," said Jack, in deep + concern.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page171" id= + "page171"></a>[pg 171]</span> + + <p>Judge Harvey said nothing, but his fine, handsome face was + disturbed. Jack noted the look, and, suddenly catching the + Judge's hand, said with a burst of boyish frankness:—</p> + + <p>"Uncle Bob, you're worried more than any of us! You know I've + always liked you like a father—and—and here's hoping + some day mother'll change her mind—and you'll be my father + in reality!"</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Jack!" the Judge said huskily, gripping Jack's + hand.</p> + + <p>Over in her corner, beneath her veil, Mrs. De Peyster flushed + hotly.</p> + + <p>They talked on about the distant Mrs. De Peyster, and she + listened with keenest ears. They were all so sympathetic about + her—sick—alone—in far-off Europe. So + sympathetic—so very, very sympathetic!</p> + + <p>As for Mr. Pyecroft, standing on guard beside her, he looked + appropriately grave. But inside his gravity he was smiling. These + people had no guess that in a way he was connected with the great + Mrs. De Peyster of whom they talked—that "Miss Gardner" who + was the companion to the ailing social leader in France was + something more than just Miss Gardner. And he felt no reason for + revealing his little secret.... Clara, the dear little Puritan, + would be scandalized by this his wildest escapade—by his + having used, after all and despite her prohibition, Mrs. De + Peyster's closed house as a retreat; but when she came back from + Europe, and he made her <span class="pagenum"><a name="page172" + id="page172"></a>[pg 172]</span> see in its proper light this + gorgeous and profitable lark, she would relent and forgive him. + Why, of course, she would forgive him.</p> + + <p>He was very optimistic, was Mr. Pyecroft; and the founder of + his family must have been a certain pagan gentleman by the name + of Pan.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page173" id= + "page173"></a>[pg 173]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + + <h3>THE ATTIC ROOM</h3> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gave thanks when at last, toward one o'clock + Jack and Mary and Judge Harvey went back to bed, leaving Matilda, + Mr. Pyecroft, and herself. It had previously been settled that + Mr. Pyecroft was to have Jack's old room, Matilda was, of course, + to have her usual quarters, and Mrs. De Peyster was to have the + room adjoining Matilda's, that formerly was occupied by Mrs. De + Peyster's second maid.</p> + + <p>"Say, that was certainly one close shave," Mr. Pyecroft + whispered at the door of her room. "Perhaps we'd better beat it + from here. If that Judge ever places me! And you, if those people + ever get a fair look at your face, they'll see your likeness to + Mrs. De Peyster and they'll guess what our game is—sure! + You'll promise to be careful?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster promised.</p> + + <p>Fifteen minutes later, having been undressed by Matilda, she + was lying in the dark on a narrow bed, hard, very hard, as hard + as Mrs. Gilbert's folding contrivance—and once more, after + this her second move, she was studying the items of her + situation.</p> + + <p>She had daily to mix with, strive to avoid, Jack <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page174" id="page174"></a>[pg 174]</span> and + Mary. And Jack had casually remarked that Judge Harvey would be + frequently dropping in.</p> + + <p>And there was that bland, incorrigible Pyecroft, whom she + seemed to have become hopelessly tied to; Pyecroft, irresistibly + insisting that she should swindle herself, and whom she saw no + way of denying.</p> + + <p>Suppose Pyecroft should find out? He might.</p> + + <p>Suppose Jack and Mary should find out? They might.</p> + + <p>Suppose Judge Harvey should find out? He might.</p> + + <p>And suppose all this business of her not going to Europe, but + staying in her shuttered house—her flight from + home—her humiliating experiences in an ordinary + boarding-house where she passed as a housekeeper—her being + forced into a plan to rob herself—suppose Mrs. Allistair + should find out? And Mrs. Allistair, she well knew, might somehow + stumble upon all this; for she remembered how Mrs. Allistair had + tried, and perhaps was still trying, to get some piquant bit of + evidence against her in that Duke de Cr&#233;cy affair. And + if Mrs. Allistair did find out—</p> + + <p>What a scandal!</p> + + <p>And since her fate had become so inextricably tied up with the + fates of others, and since the exposure of others might involve + the exposure of her, there were yet further sources of danger. + For—</p> + + <p>There was that awful reporter watching the house, after + Jack!</p> + + <p>There were the police, after Pyecroft!</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page175" id="page175"></a>[pg 175]</span> + + <p>She shuddered. This was only the seventh day since her + inspired idea had been born within her. And it was only that very + day that she had landed at Cherbourg. Three months must pass + before Olivetta, in the role of Mrs. De Peyster, would return, + and she could be herself again—if they could ever, ever + manage their expected re-exchange of personalities in this awful + mess.</p> + + <p>Only seven days thus far. Three more months of this!</p> + + <p>Three ... more ... months!...</p> + + <p>But at length she slept; slept deeply, for she had the gift of + sleep in its perfection; slept a complete and flawless oblivion. + So that when she awoke Saturday, refreshed, and glanced blinking + about from her thin pillow she did not at first remember where + she was. This low room, four by seven feet, with a narrow bed + penitentially hard, a stationary wash-basin, a row of iron + clothes-hooks, a foot-high oblong window above her + head—what was it? How had she come here? And had any one + ever before lived in such a cell?</p> + + <p>Then memory came flooding back. This was her second maid's + room. She was Angelica Simpson Jones, sister of Matilda, a poor, + diffident creature with defective hearing and pitifully + disfigured face. And in the house were Mr. Pyecroft, and Jack and + Mary, and Judge Harvey was a frequent visitor. And besides these, + there were all the other sources of danger!</p> + + <p>She was now poignantly awake.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page176" id="page176"></a>[pg 176]</span> + + <p>While she was still in this process of realization, there was + a soft knock at her door and a whispered, "It's Matilda, ma'am," + at her keyhole. She unlocked the door, admitted Matilda, and + crept back into her second maid's bed. They gazed at each other a + moment without speaking. Matilda's face was gray with awe and + helpless woe.</p> + + <p>They whispered about their predicament. What should they do? + Should they flee again?—and how?—and where?—and + what good would flight do them, especially since Mr. Pyecroft + might once more follow? Twice they had leaped from the + frying-pan, and each time had landed in a fire hotter than the + one preceding. A third flight might drop them into a fire worse + even than this in which they now sizzled.</p> + + <p>And as for the specific plan which had brought them + back—for Mrs. De Peyster to steal unnoticed into her suite + and hide there—that seemed impossible of achievement with + all these people circulating about the house, especially that + all-observing Mr. Pyecroft. If Mr. Pyecroft should catch her in + one suspicious move, then his quick mind would deduce the rest, + and everything would be up—everything!</p> + + <p>There was, of course, yet another way—to give up and + disclose her identity herself. But she was now far, far too + deeply involved: to confess and thus by her own act bring + limitless and appalling humiliation on herself, this was + unthinkable! She must go on, on, blindly on—with the + desperate hope that in some manner now unseen she might in the + end <span class="pagenum"><a name="page177" id="page177"></a>[pg + 177]</span> disentangle herself and come out of the affair + undiscovered and with dignity untarnished. The two were still + whispering over their predicament, when at the door sounded + another knock, loud and confident. They caught at each other. The + knocking was repeated.</p> + + <p>"Who's that?" Matilda asked, at Mrs. De Peyster's + prompting.</p> + + <p>"It's Archibald," answered a bland voice.</p> + + <p>"Ma'am, shall I let him in?" breathed Matilda.</p> + + <p>"We don't dare keep him out," breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>Matilda admitted him. Even in the semi-darkness of the room, + due to the green shutters being closed, Mrs. De Peyster could see + that he was admirably transformed from the raven Mr. Pyecroft of + the night before. He had on a gray modish suit, with lavender tie + and socks to match; and looked natty and young and spirited and + quite prepared for anything.</p> + + <p>"Good morning, sisters," he greeted them pleasantly. "I see + you are admiring my new spring outfit. Not at all bad, is it?" He + turned slowly about, for their better observation; then grinned + and lowered his voice: "It's young De Peyster's; found it in his + room, and helped myself. Burned my clergyman's outfit in the + kitchen range before any one was up; best to leave no clues lying + around."</p> + + <p>He, too, had come to talk plans, and quickly Mr. Pyecroft + settled them. This was a dangerous place <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page178" id="page178"></a>[pg 178]</span> for + him, with Judge Harvey coming and going; but to stay here was a + safer risk than to venture forth until the hue and cry of the + police had quieted. It was a dangerous place also for his dear + sister Angelica, but if on the plea of indisposition she would + stay in this dusky room and would keep her disfigured face hidden + when any member of the household chanced to come in (they would + all understand, and sympathize with, her painful diffidence), + why, there was an excellent chance of her pulling through without + discovery. It was obvious that they dared not keep out Jack and + Mary, and perhaps Judge Harvey, should these be inspired to make + friendly calls. To forbid their visits would arouse suspicion. + And if it were said Angelica was too ill to see any one, then + they would demand that a doctor be called in—and a doctor + would mean exposure. Their visits must be permitted; no doubt of + that; but if dear Angelica were only careful, extremely careful, + and kept her head, all would go well.</p> + + <p>Yes, summarized Mr. Pyecroft, the best plan for them was to + remain here for the present. Then when the safe and appropriate + moment arrived, they could make their get-away.</p> + + <p>From quite other reasons, Mrs. De Peyster accepted this plan. + After the strain of the past week, particularly after the wild + emotional oscillations of the preceding night, she wished just to + lie there in the dusk, and breathe—and breathe—and + breathe some more—and recover life.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page179" id="page179"></a>[pg 179]</span> + + <p>Matilda suggested that she bring up breakfast for Mrs. De + Peyster, and Mr. Pyecroft begged her to discover and set out + something below for him, for his stomach was a torturing vacuum. + Matilda went down, leaving Mr. Pyecroft behind in the room, + discussing further details of their immediate campaign; and + presently she returned, trembling, with a tray, Jack and Mary + just behind her. Mrs. De Peyster did not need to be prompted to + turn her face toward the wall, and into the deeper shadow that + there prevailed. Mr. Pyecroft casually sat down upon the bed near + its head, making an excellent further screen.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft noted that Jack was observing his raiment. "I + trust, Mr. De Peyster, you will pardon the liberty I have taken + with your clothes. My own were still wet from last night."</p> + + <p>"That's all right," said Jack. "But, say, Matilda, have your + sister eat her breakfast. What we've come to talk about can + wait."</p> + + <p>But Matilda's sister, after all, wished no breakfast. And + solicitation could not rouse in her an appetite.</p> + + <p>"Very well," said Jack. "Then to the point. I thought we'd + better all get together on the matter at once. It's about + food."</p> + + <p>"Food?" queried Mr. Pyecroft, a bit blankly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, and it's some problem, you bet. Here's a house that is + supposed to be empty. And within this empty house are five + adults. Do you get me?"</p> + + <p>"Isn't it terrible!" cried Mary.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page180" id="page180"></a>[pg 180]</span> + + <p>"Five adults," repeated Jack. "How are we going to get food in + here for them without exciting suspicion?"</p> + + <p>"As you say," mused Mr. Pyecroft with a wry face, "that is + certainly some problem. My own appetite is already one + magnitudinous toothache."</p> + + <p>Jack enlarged upon their situation.</p> + + <p>"Since Judge Harvey tipped me off to the fact that the + newspapers smelled a story, and since that reporter Mayfair and + other reporters began to watch this house, I've had to give up + going out. We two would have starved but for what Judge Harvey + and William managed to slip in to us. Even with that, we've + almost starved. In fact, we've been driven by hunger about to the + point of giving in, going out, acknowledging our marriage and + taking the consequences."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, face buried in the shadow, thrilled with a + sudden rush of hope. If Jack and Mary should leave the house, + then half her danger would be ended!</p> + + <p>"But, you see, since that news yesterday about mother being so + sick in Europe," Jack continued solicitously, "I feel that, in + her weakened condition, the news of our marriage might be a very + severe shock for her. So for her sake we're going to keep the + thing secret for a while yet, and stick it out here."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster could hardly keep back a groan.</p> + + <p>"So, now," Jack again propounded, "what the dickens are the + five of us going to do?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page181" id="page181"></a>[pg 181]</span> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft rubbed his wide mouth for a meditative moment. + Then he smiled upon Matilda.</p> + + <p>"It seems to me, sister dear, that we'll have to put it up to + you."</p> + + <p>"Up to me?" cried Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Matilda. You belong here; you can come and go as a + matter of course. You have a sister visiting you; also a brother, + but as I have requested, the less said about his being here the + better. But you can go out and openly order provisions for + yourself and our sister. And you can give a good large order for + nourishing canned goods, casually mentioning that you are laying + in a supply so that you will not have to bother again soon with + staples. That, with what Judge Harvey and William can smuggle in, + should keep us provided for."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft's suggestion was approved by the majority. As an + addendum to his proposal Matilda was ordered to answer the bell + whenever rung; if she did not, with the knowledge abroad that she + was in the house, a dangerous suspicion might be aroused. But she + should be careful when she went to the door, very careful.</p> + + <p>Matilda was driven forth to make the purchases; Mr. Pyecroft, + under Jack's guidance, went below to forage for the + an&#230;sthetic of immediate crumbs; and Mary, + tender-heartedly, remained behind to relieve the tedium of and + give comfort to the invalid. She straightened up the room a bit; + urged the patient <span class="pagenum"><a name="page182" id= + "page182"></a>[pg 182]</span> to eat, to no avail; then went out + of the room for a minute, and reappeared with a book.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to read to you, Angelica," she announced, in a loud + yet nursey voice. "I suppose your taste in books is about the + same as your sister's. Here's a story I found in Matilda's room. + It's called 'Wormwood.' I'm sure you'll like it."</p> + + <p>So placed that she could get all of the dim light that slanted + through the tiny shuttered window, Mary began, her voice raised + to meet the need of Mrs. De Peyster's aural handicap. Now Marie + Corelli may have been the favorite novelist of a certain amiable + queen, who somehow managed to continue to the age of eighty-two + despite her preference. But Mrs. De Peyster liked no fiction; and + the noble platitudes, the resounding moralizings, the prodigious + melodrama, the vast caverns of words of the queen's favorite made + Mrs. De Peyster writhe upon her second maid's undentable bed. If + only she actually did possess the divine gift of defective + hearing with which Mr. Pyecroft had afflicted her! But in the + same loud voice, trying to conceal her own boredom, Mary read on, + on, on—patiently on.</p> + + <p>At length Matilda returned. Mary closed the book with a sigh + of relief, which on the instant she repressed.</p> + + <p>"I'll read to you for a while two or three times a day," she + promised. "I know what a comfort it is to a sick person to hear a + story she likes."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not even thank her.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page183" id="page183"></a>[pg 183]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + + <h3>DOMESTIC SCENES</h3> + + <p>The provisions arrived; Mr. Pyecroft proved himself agreeably + competent and willing in the matter of their preparation; and + such as had appetites gorged themselves. Also Mr. Pyecroft proved + himself agreeably competent and willing to do his full share, and + more, in the matter of cleaning up.</p> + + <p>Later in the forenoon, Mary again called on Mrs. De Peyster. + "I hope you don't mind a little praise directed at your family, + Angelica," she said, in the loud voice she had adopted for that + unfortunate. "At first Jack and I thought your brother Archibald + was—well—too pompous. You know, clergymen are often + that way. But the more we see of him, the better we like him. + He's so pleasant, so helpful. I hope the little trouble he spoke + of being in with the police isn't serious, for Jack and I think + he's simply splendid!"</p> + + <p>Archibald's sister seemed indifferent to this praise of her + brother. At least she said nothing. So Mary took up "Wormwood" + and half-shouted another installment.</p> + + <p>The spirits of Jack and Mary, which during the previous + evening and the earlier part of this morning had been subdued by + concern over the illness of the <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page184" id="page184"></a>[pg 184]</span> distant Mrs. De + Peyster, had, an hour before Mary's second visit, become suddenly + hilarious. While Mary read, Mrs. De Peyster wondered over this + change. When the book was closed upon the installment, she + hesitatingly asked concerning this mystery.</p> + + <p>"It's news about Mrs. De Peyster," answered Mary. "But of + course it could hardly interest you much, for you've never met + her—at least I supposed not, Angelica."</p> + + <p>"I've—seen her," corrected Angelica. "What—what + news?"</p> + + <p>"Why," cried Mary in her soft, happy contralto, "Judge Harvey + just telephoned that the latest papers contain cables saying that + Mrs. De Peyster has just left Paris on that long motor trip of + hers to the Balkans. That means that Jack's mother must be quite + well again. We all feel so relieved—so very, very + relieved!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster also felt relief—and some badly needed + courage flowed into her. Olivetta's part of the plan, at least, + was working out as per schedule.</p> + + <p>Finally Mary went, Matilda brought in her lunch, and the + afternoon began to wear itself away, Mrs. De Peyster keeping most + of the time to the hard, narrow bed of the second maid. Twice, + however, she got up while Matilda guarded her door, stood at her + high, cell-like window, and peered through the slats of the + closed shutter, past the purple-and-lavender plumes of the + wistaria that climbed on up to the roof, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page185" id="page185"></a>[pg 185]</span> and + out upon the soft, green, sunny spaces of Washington Square. The + Square, which she had been proud to live upon but rarely walked + in,—only children and nursemaids and the commoner people + actually walked in it,—the Square looked so expansive, so + free, so inviting. And this tiny cell—these days of early + May were unseasonably, hot—seemed to grow more narrow and + more stifling every moment. How had any one ever, ever + voluntarily endured it!</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster learned that Jack was studying at home, and + studying hard. With the return of Matilda to the house, Jack + repeated his instruction concerning the piano: Matilda was to + tell any inquisitive folk that Mrs. De Peyster had bought a + player-piano shortly before she sailed, and that she, Matilda, + was operating it to while away the tedious hours. This device + made it possible for Mary to begin her neglected practice.</p> + + <p>With the certainty of being bored, yet with an irrepressible + curiosity, Mrs. De Peyster, piano-lover, awaited during the + morning and early forenoon Mary's first assault upon the + instrument. She would be crude, no doubt of it; no technique, no + poetic suavity of touch, no sense of interpretation.</p> + + <p>When from the rear drawing-room the grand piano sent upwards + to Mrs. De Peyster its first strains, they were rapid, careless + scales and runs. Quite as she'd expected. Then the player began + Chopin's Ballade <span class="pagenum"><a name="page186" id= + "page186"></a>[pg 186]</span> in G Minor. Mrs. De Peyster + listened contemptuously; then with rebellious interest; then with + complete absorption. That person below could certainly play the + piano—brilliantly, feelingly, with the touch and insight of + an artist. Mrs. De Peyster's soul rose and fell with the soul of + the song, and when the piano, after its uprushing, almost human + closing cry, fell sharply into silence, she was for the moment + that piano's vassal.</p> + + <p>Then she remembered who was the player. Instinctively her + emotions chilled; and she lay stiffly in bed, hostile, on guard, + defying the charm of the further music.</p> + + <p>Suddenly the piano broke off in the very middle of Liszt's + Rhapsodic Number Twelve. The way the music snapped off startled + her. There was something inexplicably ominous about it. + Intuitively she felt that something was happening below. She + wondered what it could be.</p> + + <p>An hour passed; she continued wondering; then Matilda entered + the attic room, behind her Mr. Pyecroft and Mary.</p> + + <p>"Sister"—such familiarity was difficult to Matilda, even + though she knew this familiarity was necessary to maintain the + roles circumstances and Mr. Pyecroft had forced upon + them—"sister," she quavered, "I thought you might be + interested to know that the bell rang awhile ago, and I went + down, and there was a man—with a note to me from—from + Mrs. De Peyster."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page187" id= + "page187"></a>[pg 187]</span> + + <p>"What!" exclaimed Mrs. De Peyster, in an almost natural + tone.</p> + + <p>"It—it's disturbed us all so much that I thought you + might like to look at it. Here it is."</p> + + <p>Shakingly, Matilda held out a sheet of paper. Shakingly, but + without turning to face her visitors, Mrs. De Peyster took it. + There was enough light to see that the letter was written on + heavy paper embossed at the top with a flag and "S.S. Plutonia," + and was dated the evening she had supposedly gone on board. The + note read:—</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>DEAR MATILDA:—</p> + <p>Just at this late moment I recall something which, + in the hurry of getting off, I forgot to tell you + about. + This is that I left instructions with Mr. Howard, an + expert cabinet-maker, who has previously done + things for me under the supervision of the Tiffany + Studios, to go over all my furniture while I am abroad + and touch up and repair such pieces as may be out + of order. I am sending this letter to Mr. Howard + for him or his representative to present for + identification + to you when he is ready to undertake the + work. See that he has every facility.</p> + </blockquote> + + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster lay dizzily still. Such an order she had never + given. But the writing was amazingly similar to her own.</p> + + <p>"Well, Matilda?" she managed to inquire, in a voice she tried + to make like the sickly Angelica's.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page188" id="page188"></a>[pg 188]</span> + + <p>"When the man showed me the note, I tried to put him off; but + he simply wouldn't go and he followed me in. His orders, he said. + I showed the letter to Mary and Mr. Pyecroft. The man saw them. + They said call up Judge Harvey and ask him what to do. I did and + Judge Harvey came down and he examined the letter and said it was + undoubtedly written by Mrs. De Peyster. And he called up the + Tiffany Studios, and they said they'd had such a telephone order + from Mrs. De Peyster."</p> + + <p>"Jack and I never dreamed that his mother might have left + orders to have people in here to renovate the house!" cried Mary + in dismay.</p> + + <p>"Then—then Judge Harvey asked the man to put off the + work," Matilda went on. "The man was very polite, but he said his + orders from Mrs. De Peyster had been strict, and if he wasn't + allowed to go on with the work, he said, in order to protect + himself, he'd have to cable Mrs. De Peyster that the people + occupying her house wouldn't let him. Judge Harvey didn't want + Mrs. De Peyster to find out about Mr. and Mrs. Jack, so he told + the man to go ahead."</p> + + <p>"And the man?" breathed Mrs. De Peyster. "Where is he?"</p> + + <p>"He's down in the drawing-room, beginning on the tables."</p> + + <p>"It seems to me," suggested Mr. Pyecroft, "that since this + summer hotel is filling so rapidly, we might as well withdraw our + advertisements from the papers."</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page189" id="page189"></a>[pg 189]</span> + + <p>"I wonder, ma'—" Matilda checked herself just in time. + "I wonder, Angelica," she exclaimed desperately, "who it'll be + next?"</p> + + <p>"Isn't it simply awful!" cried Mary. "But Jack's gone into + hiding and isn't going to stir—and the man didn't see + him—and I'm your niece, you know. So Jack and I are in no + danger. Anyhow, Judge Harvey gave the man a—a large fee not + to mention any one being in the house besides Matilda, and the + man promised. So I guess all of us are safe."</p> + + <p>But no such sentiment of security comforted Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>Who was the man?</p> + + <p>What was he here for?</p> + + <p>One thing was certain: he and those behind him had made clever + and adequate preparations for his admission. And she dared not + expose him, and order him out—for only that very morning + she had left Paris on her motor trip! She could only lie on the + second maid's narrow bed and await developments.</p> + + <p>Matilda went out to attend to her domestic duties below; Mr. + Pyecroft withdrew; and Mary, the sympathetic Mary,—Mary who + had no worry, for the cabinet-maker below would in due time + complete his routine work and take himself away,—Mary + remained behind to apply to the invalid the soothing mental + poultice of "Wormwood." But "Wormwood" did not torment Mrs. De + Peyster as it had done in the forenoon. She did not hear it. She + was thinking of the cabinet-maker below. But Mary <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page190" id="page190"></a>[pg 190]</span> + faithfully continued; she did not cease when Mr. Pyecroft + re&#235;ntered. There was a slightly amused look in that + gentleman's face, but he said nothing, and seated himself on the + foot of the bed and gazed thoughtfully at the wall of scaling + kalsomine—and Mary's loudly pitched voice went on, and on, + and on.</p> + + <p>They were thus engaged when Matilda returned. She was all + a-tremble. Behind her, holding her arm, was a smallish, + sharp-faced young man.</p> + + <p>"He—he came in with the roast," Matilda stammered + wildly.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft had sprung up from the bed.</p> + + <p>"And who is <i>he</i>?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Mayfair, of the 'Record,'" answered the young man, + loosing Matilda and stepping forward.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster shivered frantically down beneath the + bedclothes, her see-sawing hopes once more at the bottom. Mary + leaned limply back in the shadow and hid her face.</p> + + <p>"He tried to question me—and he made me bring + him—" Matilda was chattering.</p> + + <p>"May I inquire what it is you wish, Mr. Mayfair?" requested + Mr. Pyecroft—and Matilda fled.</p> + + <p>"You may," rapidly said the undeceivable Mr. Mayfair. Mr. + Mayfair had learned and made his own one of the main tricks of + that method of police inquisition known as the "third degree": to + hurl a fact, or a suspicion with all the air of its being the + truth, with bomb-like suddenness into the face of <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page191" id="page191"></a>[pg 191]</span> the + unprepared suspect. "I know Jack De Peyster has made a runaway + marriage! I know he and his wife are living secretly in this + house!"</p> + + <p>"Why, this news is simply astounding!" exclaimed Mr. + Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"Come, now. Bluffing won't work with me. You see, I'm on to it + all!"</p> + + <p>"I presume it's a newspaper story you're after?" Mr. Pyecroft + inquired politely.</p> + + <p>"Of course!"</p> + + <p>"Then"—in the same polite tone—"if you know it + all, why don't you print it?"</p> + + <p>"I want the heart-story of the runaway lovers," declared Mr. + Mayfair.</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid, Mr. Mayfair," Mr. Pyecroft suggested gently, + "that you are the one who is only bluffing. You have a suspicion, + and are trying to find evidence to support it."</p> + + <p>"I know, I tell you!"</p> + + <p>"Then may I inquire to whom young Mr. De Peyster is + married?"</p> + + <p>"I know all right!"</p> + + <p>"Ah, then, you don't really know," said Mr. Pyecroft + mildly.</p> + + <p>"I know, I tell you!" Mr. Mayfair repeated in his sharp, + third-degree manner.</p> + + <p>"Then why trouble us? Why not, as I have already suggested, + print it?"</p> + + <p>"I'm here to see them!" Mr. Mayfair said peremptorily. Then + his tone became soft, diplomatic. "The <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page192" id="page192"></a>[pg 192]</span> + housekeeper spoke about referring me to her brother. You are her + brother, I suppose?"</p> + + <p>"I am."</p> + + <p>Mr. Mayfair smiled persuasively. "If you would tell me what + you know about them, and lead me to where they are, my paper + would be quite willing to be liberal. Say twenty dollars."</p> + + <p>"I'd accept it gladly," said Mr. Pyecroft, "but I know nothing + of the matter."</p> + + <p>"One hundred," bid Mr. Mayfair.</p> + + <p>"I would have done it for twenty, if I could. But I couldn't + do it for a thousand. They are not here."</p> + + <p>"I know better!" snapped Mr. Mayfair, his manner sharp again. + "Who's that?" he demanded suspiciously, pointing at Mary's + shadow-veiled figure.</p> + + <p>"That? That is my niece. The daughter of my sister Angelica + here."</p> + + <p>"Is she your mother?" demanded Mr. Mayfair of Mary.</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," breathed Mary from her corner.</p> + + <p>"Madam, is she your daughter?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not reply.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, my sister is ill, and somewhat deaf," put in Mr. + Pyecroft. "Angelica, dear," he half shouted, "the gentleman + wishes to know if this is your daughter."</p> + + <p>"Yes," from Mrs. De Peyster in smothered voice.</p> + + <p>"Well, I know they're here," doggedly insisted Mr. Mayfair, + "and I'm going to see them! I have witnesses who saw them + enter."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page193" id= + "page193"></a>[pg 193]</span> + + <p>"Indeed!" Mr. Pyecroft looked surprised and puzzled. "The + witnesses can swear to seeing young Mr. De Peyster come in?"</p> + + <p>"They can swear to seeing a young man and woman come in. And I + know they were Mr. De Peyster and his wife."</p> + + <p>"That's strange." Suddenly Mr. Pyecroft's face cleared. "I + think I begin to understand! It was at night, wasn't it, when the + witnesses saw them come in?"</p> + + <p>"At night, yes."</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry you have been caused all this trouble, Mr. + Mayfair,"—in a tone of very genuine regret. "But there has + been a blunder—a perfectly natural one, I now see. + Undoubtedly the young couple your witnesses saw were my niece and + myself."</p> + + <p>"What!" cried Mr. Mayfair. For a moment the undeflectable star + reporter was all chagrin. Then he was all suspicion. "But why," + he snapped out, "should you and your niece slip in at night? And + why should you live here in hiding?"</p> + + <p>"You force me into a disagreeable and humiliating admission. + The fact is, our family is in severe financial straits. We simply + had no money to live on, and no prospects in sight. To help us + out temporarily, my sister Matilda invited us to stay here while + Mrs. De Peyster is in Europe. But for Mrs. De Peyster to know of + our being here might cost my sister Matilda her position, which + accounts for our attempt to get in unseen and to live here + secretly. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" id= + "page194"></a>[pg 194]</span> We had to protect Matilda against + the facts leaking out."</p> + + <p>Mr. Mayfair stared searchingly at Mr. Pyecroft's face. It was + confused, as was quite natural after the confession of a not very + honorable, and certainly not very dignified, procedure. But it + was candor itself.</p> + + <p>"Hell!" he burst out irefully. "Some one has certainly given + me a bum steer. But I'll get that young couple yet, you see!"</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry about the story," said Mr. Pyecroft. And then with + a slight smile, apologetic, as of one who knows he is taking + liberties: "Perhaps, as compensation for the story you missed, + you could write a society story about Mrs. De Peyster's + housekeeper entertaining for the summer her brother, sister, and + niece."</p> + + <p>Mr. Mayfair grinned, ever so little. "You've got some sense of + humor, old top," he approved dryly.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said Mr. Pyecroft, with a gratified air.</p> + + <p>He led Mr. Mayfair past the room within which Jack was hidden, + down to the servants' door and courteously let him out. Two + minutes later Mr. Pyecroft was again in the second maid's room. + Mary eagerly sprang forward and caught his hand.</p> + + <p>"I waited to thank you—you were simply superb!" she + cried enthusiastically. "I've been telling your sister how + wonderful you are. She's got to forgive you—I'll make her! + And Jack will die laughing <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page195" id="page195"></a>[pg 195]</span> when I tell him." She + herself burst into excited merriment that half-choked her. "Just + think of it—all the while he was looking—looking a + big story straight in the face!"</p> + + <p>She was off to tell Jack.</p> + + <p>"One might add, looking two big stories straight in the face, + eh, Angelica, my dear?" chuckled Mr. Pyecroft, <i>alias</i> Mr. + Preston.</p> + + <p>One might add, three big stories, shivered Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>But she did not add this aloud.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page196" id="page196"></a>[pg 196]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + + <h3>THE MAN IN THE CELLULOID COLLAR</h3> + + <p>The amused smile which Mr. Pyecroft had worn when he had + entered, and which he had subdued to thoughtful sobriety while + "Wormwood" was assuaging the invalid's tribulations, began now to + reappear. It grew. Mrs. De Peyster could but notice it, for he + was smiling straight at her—that queer, whimsical, twisted + smile of his.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" she felt forced to ask.</p> + + <p>"We three are not the only ones, my dear Angelica," he + replied, "who are trying to slip one across on Mrs. De Peyster. + Our friend the cabinet-maker is on the same job. I might remark, + that he's about as much a cabinet-maker as yourself."</p> + + <p>"What is he?"</p> + + <p>"A detective, my dear."</p> + + <p>"A detective!"</p> + + <p>"The variety known as 'private,'" enlarged Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"What—what makes you think so?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I felt it my duty to keep an eye on our new + guest—unobtrusively, of course. When I slipped out a little + while ago it was to watch him. He was working in the library; + entirely by accident, my dear Angelica, my eye chanced to be at + the keyhole. He <span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" id= + "page197"></a>[pg 197]</span> was examining the drawers of the + big writing-table; and not paying so much attention to the + drawers as to the letters in them. And from the rapidity with + which he was examining the letters it was plain the cabinet-maker + knew exactly what he was after."</p> + + <p>"What—do you think—it means?" breathed Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Some person is trying to get something on Mrs. De Peyster," + returned Mr. Pyecroft. "What, I don't know. But the detective + party, I've got sized up. He's one of those gracious and + indispensable noblest-works-of-God who dig up evidence for + divorce trials—lay traps for the so-called + 'guilty-parties,' ransack waste-paper baskets for incriminating + scraps of letters, bribe servants—and if they find + anything, willing to blackmail either side; remarkably impartial + and above prejudice in this respect, one must admit. Altogether a + most delectable breed of gentlemen. What would our best society + do without them? And then again, what would they do without our + best society?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not attempt an answer to this conjectural + dilemma.</p> + + <p>"Twin and interdependent pillars of America's shining + morality," continued Mr. Pyecroft. "Now, like you, Angelica," he + mused, "I wonder what the detective party is after; what the + lofty Lady De Peyster can have been doing that is spicy? + However," smiling at her, "Angelica, my dear, in the words of the + great and good poet, 'We should worry.'"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page198" id="page198"></a>[pg 198]</span> + + <p>It was only a moment later that Matilda burst into the room + and closed the door behind her. She was almost breathless.</p> + + <p>"He asked me for the key to"—"your" almost escaped + Matilda—"to Mrs. De Peyster's suite. He'd been particularly + ordered to touch up Mrs. De Peyster's private desk, he said."</p> + + <p>"And you gave him the key?" inquired Mr. Pyecroft, asking the + very question that was struggling at Mrs. De Peyster's lips.</p> + + <p>"I told him I didn't have a key," said Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"But," continued Matilda, "he said it didn't matter, for he + said he'd been brought up a locksmith. And he picked the lock + right before my eyes."</p> + + <p>"That's one accomplishment of gentlemanliness I was never + properly instructed in," said Mr. Pyecroft regretfully, almost + plaintively. "I never could pick a lock."</p> + + <p>"And where—is he now?" inquired Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"In Mrs. De Peyster's sitting-room, retouching her desk."</p> + + <p>"He's certainly after something, and after it hot—and + probably something big," mused Mr. Pyecroft. "Any idea what it + can be, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>Matilda had none.</p> + + <p>"Any idea, Angelica?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was beginning to have an idea, and a terrified + idea; but she likewise said she had none.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page199" id="page199"></a>[pg 199]</span> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster wished Mr. Pyecroft would go, so she could + give way to her feelings, talk with Matilda. But Mr. Pyecroft + stretched out his legs, settled back, clasped his hands behind + his head, and looked thoughtfully at the ceiling. He had an + intellectual interest in some imaginary escapade of the + far-distant Mrs. De Peyster; but no more; and he was obviously + comfortable where he was.</p> + + <p>Matilda started out, but was recalled by a glance of + imperative appeal from Mrs. De Peyster. And so the three sat on + in silence for a time, Mrs. De Peyster and Matilda taut with + expectant fear, Mr. Pyecroft loungingly unconcerned.</p> + + <p>And thus they were still sitting when there was a knock, which + Mr. Pyecroft answered. The cabinet-maker entered. He wore a + slouching, ready-made suit and a celluloid collar with ready-made + bow tie snapped by an elastic over his collar-button—the + conventional garb of the artisan who aspires for the air of + gentlemanliness while at work. His face, though fresh-shaven, was + dark with the sub-cutaneous stubble of a heavy beard; his eyes + were furtive, with that masked gleam of Olympian all-confidence + which a detective can never entirely mask.</p> + + <p>"How are you, Miss Simpson?" he said to Matilda. "Your niece + told me I'd find you here, so I came right up. Could I have a + word with you outside?"</p> + + <p>"Couldn't you have it here just as well," suggested Mr. + Pyecroft—who somehow had <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page200" id="page200"></a>[pg 200]</span> imperceptibly taken on + an air of mediocrity. "We're all in the family, you know."</p> + + <p>"Mebbe it'd be better to have it here," agreed the + cabinet-maker. "You other two are living in the house, so I + understand, because you're hard up; so your needing money may + help what I'm after." He suddenly and visibly expanded with + importance. "When the time comes to put my cards on the table, I + don't waste a minute in showing my hand. That cabinet-maker + business was all con. I'm an officer of the law."</p> + + <p>"You don't say!" cried Mr. Pyecroft with a startled air.</p> + + <p>"A detective. Brown's my name. I'm here hunting for something. + I got part of what I wanted, but not all. What I want isn't here, + or I'd have found it; there's only three or four places it'd have + been locked up. I know," he ended, with driving confidence, "that + a letter was written to Mrs. De Peyster by the Duke de + Cr&#233;cy saying he couldn't marry her. That letter is what + I'm after."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" breathed Mr. Pyecroft. And then with his wide-eyed + mediocrity, "I wonder whom you represent."</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Allistair!" exclaimed Matilda.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster long since had been silently exclaiming the + same.</p> + + <p>"Why, what could Mrs. Allistair want it for?" queried the + futile-looking brother.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page201" id="page201"></a>[pg 201]</span> + + <p>"Never mind who I represent, or the reasons of the party," + said Mr. Brown. "That letter is what I'm after, and I'm willing + to pay for it. That's what ought to concern you folks."</p> + + <p>"But if there ever was such a letter," commented Mr. Pyecroft + with his simple-minded manner, "perhaps Mrs. de Peyster destroyed + it."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps she did. But I found two others he wrote her. And if + she didn't tear it up or burn it, I'm going to have it!"</p> + + <p>He directed himself at Matilda, and spoke slowly, + suggestively, impressively. "Confidential servants, who think a + bit of number one, should be on the lookout for documents and + letters that may be of future value to themselves. I guess you + get me. For the original of the letter I'm willing to come across + with five hundred dollars."</p> + + <p>"But I have no such letter!" cried Matilda.</p> + + <p>"I might make it a thousand," conceded the detective. "And," + he added, "the money might come in very handy for your sick + sister there."</p> + + <p>"But I tell you I have no such letter!"</p> + + <p>"Say fifteen hundred, then."</p> + + <p>"But I haven't got it!" cried Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you may have it without knowing what it is. Some of + his letters he signed only with an initial. Here is a sample of + the Duke's handwriting—one of his letters I found."</p> + + <p>"I tell you I have—"</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, Mr. Brown," interrupted the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page202" id="page202"></a>[pg 202]</span> + ineffectual-looking Mr. Pyecroft. "May I see the handwriting, + please?"</p> + + <p>Firmly holding it in his own hands, the detective displayed + the letter to Mr. Pyecroft—an odd, foreign hand, the paper + of superfine quality, but without crest or any other embossing. + Mr. Pyecroft studied it closely; his look grew puzzled; then he + turned to Matilda.</p> + + <p>"I don't exactly remember, Matilda, but it seems to me that + there was handwriting like this among the letters you sent to me + to keep for you."</p> + + <p>Matilda gaped at Mr. Pyecroft. Mrs. De Peyster, half-rising on + an elbow, peered in amazed stupefaction at her incalculable young + man of the sea.</p> + + <p>"Why, of course, she'd have turned it over to some one else + for safe-keeping!" the detective cried triumphantly. "Where is + it?" he demanded of Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"I'm not so sure I have it," said the shallow Mr. Pyecroft + apologetically. "It just seems to me that I saw writing like + this. If I have, it's over in a little room I keep. But if I + really do have it"—with the shrewd look of a small + mind—"we couldn't sell it for fifteen hundred."</p> + + <p>"How much d'you want?"</p> + + <p>"Well"—Mr. Pyecroft hesitated—"say—say three + thousand."</p> + + <p>"Good God, that's plain blackmail!"</p> + + <p>"It may be, but poor people like us don't often get a chance + like this."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" id= + "page203"></a>[pg 203]</span> + + <p>"I won't pay it!"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps, then,"—apologetically,—"we'd better deal + with Mrs. Allistair direct."</p> + + <p>"Oh, well,—if you've got the letter, we won't scrap + about the price. I'll come across."</p> + + <p>"Cash?" shrewdly queried the doltish brother.</p> + + <p>"Sure. I don't run no risks with checks."</p> + + <p>"I—we—wouldn't let the letter go out of our hands + until it's paid for. And we won't go to any office. You yourself + can say whether it's what you want or not? And you can pay right + here?"</p> + + <p>"Sure. I'm the judge of what I want. And when I go for a big + thing, I go prepared." Mr. Brown opened his coat, and + significantly patted a bulge on the right side of his vest.</p> + + <p>"Well, then, I'll go to my room and see if I have it. But + you'll have to wait here, for"—again with the shrewd look + of the ineffectual man—"you might follow me, and with some + more detectives you might take the letter from me."</p> + + <p>"Soon wait here as anywhere else. Anyhow, I'll want your + sister's word," nodding at Matilda, "that the letter is the same. + But don't worry—nobody's going to take anything from + you."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft started out, then paused.</p> + + <p>"I just happened to remember; you said the letter might not be + signed. Hadn't you better let me have one of the Duke de + Cr&#233;cy's letters, so I can verify the + handwriting?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" id= + "page204"></a>[pg 204]</span> + + <p>"I don't mind; these don't tell much." And the detective + handed over one letter.</p> + + <p>"It may be an hour or two before I can get back; the letters + are packed away and I've got to go through them and compare + them."</p> + + <p>He slipped out. Mr. Brown, as he watched him, could hardly + conceal his contempt.</p> + + <p>The detective sat heavily down. Mrs. De Peyster was sick with + apprehension as to what that incomprehensible Mr. Pyecroft was + about to do. She wanted to talk to Matilda. But the two dared not + speak with this confident, omniscient, detectorial presence + between them. Mr. Brown condescendingly tried to make + conversation by complimenting Matilda on her shrewdness; he'd + helped a lot of clever servants like her to snug little + fortunes.</p> + + <p>But Matilda proved a poor conversationalist.</p> + + <p>Close upon two hours passed before Mr. Pyecroft returned. He + drew a letter from his pocket, firmly gripped its edges with both + hands, and held it out to Mr. Brown.</p> + + <p>"Is this the one?"</p> + + <p>"Didn't I tell you not to be afraid; no one's going to steal + it from you."</p> + + <p>He took the letter from Mr. Pyecroft's unwilling and + untrustful hands and glanced it through. The next moment it was + as though an arc light of excitement had been switched on within + his ample person. With swift, expert fingers he compared the + texture of the paper of the new letter and the earlier + ones.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page205" id= + "page205"></a>[pg 205]</span> + + <p>"Great God!" he exulted. "Same paper—same + handwriting—and it says just what I expected—and + signed 'De Cr&#233;cy'!"</p> + + <p>He held out the letter to Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Of course, you identify this as the letter you found?"</p> + + <p>But Matilda shrank away as though the letter was deadly + poison.</p> + + <p>"I never saw the thing before!"</p> + + <p>"What's that?" cried the detective.</p> + + <p>"She's trying to hold out for more money," explained Mr. + Pyecroft. From behind the detective's broad back he gave Matilda + a warning look; then said softly: "Of course, it's the letter, + isn't it, sister?"</p> + + <p>Matilda thought only of saving the hour. The day would have to + save itself.</p> + + <p>"Yes," she said.</p> + + <p>"Might—might I see it?" huskily inquired Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Sure. The more that corroborates it the better."</p> + + <p>Her face to the wall, the faint light slanting across her + shoulder, she glanced at the letter. The Duke's own handwriting! + And a jilting letter!—politely worded—but a jilting + letter!... Mrs. De Peyster jilted!... If that were ever to come + out—</p> + + <p>For a moment she lay enfeebled and overwhelmed with horror. + Then convulsively she crushed the letter in her hands.</p> + + <p>"See here—wha' d' you mean?" cried the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page206" id="page206"></a>[pg 206]</span> + startled detective, springing forward; in a moment his powerful + hands rescued the document.</p> + + <p>"Both of my sisters think we ought to stand out for more + money," apologized Mr. Pyecroft. "And I'm not so sure they're not + right."</p> + + <p>"We've made our bargain already," quickly returned Mr. Brown. + "And that's just how we'll settle."</p> + + <p>He started to slip the letter into a pocket. But Mr. Pyecroft + caught hold of it.</p> + + <p>"How about the money?"</p> + + <p>"You mean you don't trust me?"</p> + + <p>"I'm not saying that," apologized Mr. Pyecroft. "But this + means a lot to us. We can't afford to run any risks."</p> + + <p>"All right, then."</p> + + <p>Mr. Brown released the letter, drew a leather wallet from + inside his vest, counted off six five-hundred-dollar bills, + returned the wallet and held out the bills. The exchange was + made. The detective carefully put the letter into a thick manila + envelope, which he licked and sealed and put inside his vest to + keep company with the wallet.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft counted the bills, slowly, three or four times; + then looked up.</p> + + <p>"I bet my sisters were right; you would have paid more," he + said regretfully, greedily.</p> + + <p>"Never you mind what I would have paid!" retorted the + detective, buttoning his coat over the letter.</p><span class= + "pagenum"></span> + <hr /> +<a name="paged" id="paged"></a> + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/no13-5.jpg"><img width="50%" src= + "images/no13-5.jpg" alt="SAME PAPER—SAME HANDWRITING!" /></a> + + <h4>"SAME PAPER—SAME HANDWRITING!"</h4> + </div> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page207" id="page207"></a>[pg + 207]</span> + + <p>"You'd have paid twice that!" Mr. Pyecroft exclaimed + disappointedly.</p> + + <p>The detective, triumphant, could not resist grinning + confirmingly.</p> + + <p>"We've been outwitted!" cried Mr. Pyecroft. He turned to the + two woman contritely. "If I'd only heeded you—let you have + managed the affair!"</p> + + <p>"You people got a mighty good price," commented Detective + Brown.</p> + + <p>"Well—perhaps so," sighed Mr. Pyecroft. Chagrin gave way + to curiosity in his face. "I wonder, now, how Mrs. Allistair is + going to use the letter?"</p> + + <p>"That's none of my business."</p> + + <p>"She must think she can do a lot with it," mused Mr. Pyecroft. + "If the letter, or its substance, were printed, say in 'Town + Gossip,' I suppose it would mean the end of Mrs. De Peyster's + social leadership, and Mrs. Allistair would then have things her + own way."</p> + + <p>"Can't say," said the detective. But he winked knowingly.</p> + + <p>When he had gone Mr. Pyecroft stood listening until the + descending tread had thinned into silence. Then he turned about + to Mrs. De Peyster and Matilda, and his wide mouth twisted up and + rightward into that pagan, delighted smile of his. He laughed + without noise; but every cell of him was laughing.</p> + + <p>"Well, sisters dear, we're cleaning up—eh! I + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page208" id="page208"></a>[pg + 208]</span> had the devil's own time matching that letter-paper + at Brentanos', and I ran a pretty big risk leaving the + house—but, say, it was worth it!" For a moment he could + only laugh. "First, let's split the pile. I told you I was always + square with my pals. Here's a thousand for you, + Angelica,"—slipping two bills under Mrs. De Peyster's + pillow,—"and a thousand for you, Matilda,"—thrusting + the amount into her hands,—"and a thousand for your dear + brother Archibald,"—slipping his share into a vest + pocket.</p> + + <p>Neither of the two women dared refuse the money.</p> + + <p>"But—but," Mrs. De Peyster gasped thickly, "it's an + outrageous forgery!"</p> + + <p>"A forgery, I grant you, my dear Angelica," Mr. Pyecroft said + good-humoredly. "But if by outrageous you mean crude or obvious, + I beg to correct you. Even if I must say it myself, that forgery + was strictly first-class."</p> + + <p>"But it's a forgery!" repeated Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"My dears, don't you worry about that," he reassured them + soothingly. "There'll be no comeback. That detective and his + agency, and Mrs. Allistair behind them, first tried robbery, then + tried bribery. They're all in bad themselves. So stop worrying; + you're in no danger at all from arrest for forgery or fraud. + There'll never be a peep from any of them."</p> + + <p>This seemed sound reasoning, but Mrs. De Peyster did not + acknowledge herself comforted.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page209" id="page209"></a>[pg 209]</span> + + <p>"Besides," Mr. Pyecroft went on, with a sudden flash of + wrathful contempt, "if there's anybody under God's sun I like to + slip something over on it's those damned vermin of private + detectives! And the swells that employ them! I hope that Mrs. + Allistair gets stung good and plenty!"</p> + + <p>"But Mrs. De Peyster!" wailed that lady—she couldn't + help it, though she tried to keep inarticulate her sense of + complete annihilation. "When they publish that letter the damage + will have been done. It's a forgery, but nobody will believe her + when she says so, and she can't prove it! She'll be ruined!"</p> + + <p>"Well," Mr. Pyecroft commented casually, "I don't see where + that bothers us. She's pretty much of a stiff, too, and I + wouldn't mind handing her one while we're at it. But, Lord, this + won't hurt her a bit."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster sat suddenly upright.</p> + + <p>"Not hurt her?"</p> + + <p>"Didn't I tell you?" chortled Mr. Pyecroft. "Why, when our + excellent friend, Mr. Brown, presents the Duke's letter to-morrow + morning to his chief, or to Mrs. Allistair's agent,—if he + ever gets that far,—he will turn triumphantly over one + sheet of Brentanos' very best notepaper—blank."</p> + + <p>"Blank?" cried Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft's right eyelid drooped in its remarkable wink; + his mouth again tilted high to starboard in its impish + smile.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page210" id= + "page210"></a>[pg 210]</span> + + <p>"You see," he remarked, "the Duke's letter was written in an + ink of my own invention. One trifling idiosyncracy of that ink is + that it fades completely and permanently in exactly twelve + hours."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page211" id= + "page211"></a>[pg 211]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + + <h3>A QUESTION OF IDENTITY</h3> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft's grin grew by degrees more delighted: became the + smile of a whimsical genius of devil-may-care, of an exultantly + mischievous Pan. But he offered not a word of comment upon his + work. He was an artist who was, in the main, content to achieve + his masterpieces and leave comment and blame and praise to his + public and his critics.</p> + + <p>He stood up.</p> + + <p>"I believe I promised to peel the potatoes and put on the + roast," he remarked, and went out.</p> + + <p>"Matilda," breathed Mrs. De Peyster, numbed and awed, still + aghast, "did you ever dream there could be such a man?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am,—never!"—tragically, wildly.</p> + + <p>"Whatever <i>is</i> he going to do next?"</p> + + <p>"I'm sure I don't know, ma'am. Almost anything."</p> + + <p>"And whatever is going to happen to us next?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am, it's terrible to think about! I'm sure I can't + even guess! Mr. Pyecroft, and all the others, and all these + things happening—I'm sure they'll be the death of me, + ma'am!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster sprang from her bed. Despite <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page212" id="page212"></a>[pg 212]</span> + Matilda's cheap dressing-gown which she wore as appropriate to + her station, she made a splendid figure of raging majesty, hands + clenched, eyes blazing, furiously erect.</p> + + <p>"That man is outrageous!" she stormed. "I cannot, and shall + not, stand him any longer! We must, and shall, get rid of him!" + Her voice rang with its accustomed tone of all-conquering + determination. "Matilda, we are going to do it! I say we are + going to do it!"</p> + + <p>Matilda gazed admiringly at her magnificently aroused + mistress. "Of course, you'll do it, ma'am," she said with + conviction.</p> + + <p>"I cannot endure him another minute!" Mrs. De Peyster raged + on. "At once, he goes out of this house! Or we do!"</p> + + <p>"Of course, ma'am," repeated Matilda in her adoring voice. And + then after a moment, she added quaveringly: "But please, + ma'am,—how are we going to do it?"</p> + + <p>The outraged and annihilatory Mrs. De Peyster gazed at + Matilda, utterer of practical common-places. As she gazed the + splendid flames within her seemed slowly to flicker out, and she + sank back upon her bed. Yes, how were they going to do it?</p> + + <p>In cooler mood they discussed that question, without + discovering a solution; discussed it until it was time for + Matilda to go downstairs to perform her share of the preparation + of the communal dinner. Left alone, her fury now sunk to sober + ashes, Mrs. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page213" id= + "page213"></a>[pg 213]</span> De Peyster continued the + exploration of possibilities, with the same negative result.</p> + + <p>Matilda brought up her dinner on a tray, then returned to the + kitchen; for though the others were all doing fair tasks, to + Matilda of twenty years' experience fell the oversight of the + thousand details of the house. Presently Mary appeared, on one of + her visits of mercy—full of relief that the cabinet-maker + had ended his work so soon, thus setting Jack free.</p> + + <p>But before beginning the anodynous "Wormwood," she launched + into another high-voltage eulogy of Angelica's brother. Even more + than they had at first thought was he willing and competent and + agreeable in the matter of their common household labor; he was + not intrusive; he was rich with clever and well-informed talk + when they all laid aside work to be sociable. In fact, as she had + said before, he was simply splendid!</p> + + <p>"Now, I do hope, Angelica, that you are going to forgive your + brother," Mary insisted. "He really means well. I think he's what + he is because he has never had a fair chance." And then more + boldly: "I think the fault is largely yours and Matilda's. + Matilda says your parents died when you were all young; and he + admitted that he does not even remember them. And he also + admitted, when I pressed him, that you and Matilda had not given + him very much attention during his boyhood. You and Matilda are + older; you should have brought him up more carefully; you are + both seriously to blame <span class="pagenum"><a name="page214" + id="page214"></a>[pg 214]</span> for what he is. So I hope," she + concluded, "that both of you will forgive him and help him."</p> + + <p>Once more Mrs. De Peyster did not feel called upon to make + response.</p> + + <p>"I have noted particularly that Matilda does not seem cordial + and forgiving," Mary was continuing, when the prodigal brother + himself dropped in. With her pretty, determined manner, Mary + renewed her efforts at reconciliation in the estranged family. + Mr. Pyecroft was penitent without being humble, and whenever a + question was put directly to Mrs. De Peyster his was the tongue + that answered; he was quite certain his sister Angelica would + relent and receive him back into her respect and love once he had + fully proved his worthiness.</p> + + <p>"I must say, Mr. Simpson, that I think you have an admirably + forgiving nature," declared Mary. It was clear, though she was + silent on the matter, that she considered his sisters to have + cold, hard, New England hearts.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft withdrew; and Mary, in the high-pitched voice + required by the invalid's misfortune, read "Wormwood" for an + hour—until Jack came to the door and announced that Judge + Harvey had again called on them. Alone, Mrs. De Peyster pondered + her poignant problem, What should she do?—wishful that + Matilda were present to talk the affair over with her. But + Matilda was still busy in the kitchen with the odd jobs of + night-end.</p> + + <p>Toward ten o'clock Mr. Pyecroft came in again. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page215" id="page215"></a>[pg 215]</span> He + stood and gazed silently down upon her. The one electric light + showed her an odd, dry smile on Mr. Pyecroft's face.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" Mrs. De Peyster asked in fear.</p> + + <p>"Really, Angelica, you're not half so clever as I believed + you."</p> + + <p>"What is it?" she repeated huskily.</p> + + <p>"This pearl." And from a pocket he drew out the pendant he had + appropriated the night before in Mrs. Gilbert's boarding-house. + "I thought we ought to be prepared with more cash in hand for our + get-away when we decide to make it. So an hour ago I slipped out + the back way, and made for a safe pawnbroker I know of. Angelica, + you're easy. This pearl is nothing but imitation. And you fell + for it!" He shook his head sorrowingly, chidingly. "Here's one + case where remorse might be highly proper—and safest; + better just mail it back to the party you lifted it from."</p> + + <p>With good-humored contempt he tossed the pendant upon the bed. + Mrs. De Peyster clutched it and thrust it beneath her pillow.</p> + + <p>"I believe, Angelica, my dear," he commented, "that in view of + the capacity this pearl incident has revealed, it is strictly up + to me to assume charge of every detail of our plan."</p> + + <p>He sat down and in his fluent manner discussed the day's + developments and their preparations for the future; and he was + still talking when, fifteen minutes later, the door opened and + Matilda entered. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page216" id= + "page216"></a>[pg 216]</span> Her face, of late so often ashen, + was ashen as though almost from habit.</p> + + <p>"Oh, oh," she quavered, "the servants' bell rang—and I + answered it, like I'd been told to do—and in stepped four + men—two of them the policemen we let in last night, and two + men I never saw before—and they asked if they might speak + to my brother who was visiting me. And I—I promised to call + him down. Oh, ma'—Angelica—"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Pyecroft, what does this mean?" cried Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft's usual perfect composure was gone. His face was + gleamingly alert; sharp as a razor's edge.</p> + + <p>"God knows how they've done it," he snapped out. "But it means + they've tracked me here!"</p> + + <p>"As—as Thomas Preston?"</p> + + <p>"As Thomas Preston."</p> + + <p>"And if they take you—they—they may find me, + and—"</p> + + <p>"Nothing more likely," grimly responded Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"Then escape!" Mrs. De Peyster cried with frantic energy. + "Run! For heaven's sake, run! You still have time!"</p> + + <p>"Running from the police is the surest way to get caught when + they've got you trapped," he answered in quick, staccato tones. + "They've got every door watched—sure. Anyhow—Listen! + Hear those steps? They haven't trusted you, Matilda; they've + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page217" id="page217"></a>[pg + 217]</span> followed. Angelica, down with your face to the wall, + and be sick! And while you're at it, be damned sick!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster obeyed. Mr. Pyecroft drew the room's one chair + up beside the bed, sat down, picked up "Wormwood," and again, + with the most natural manner in the world, he began to read in a + loud voice. The next moment the two policemen of the previous + night came in.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft arose.</p> + + <p>"I must beg your pardon, officers," he said pleasantly and + with a slight tincture of his clerical manner. "My sister Matilda + just told me you wished to see me, but I was almost at the end of + a very interesting chapter which I was reading aloud to my other + sister, who is ill, and so I thought I would conclude the scene + before I came down. In what way can I serve you?"</p> + + <p>Neither of the officers replied. One closed the doorway with + his bulk, and the other thumped heavily down a flight or two of + stairs, from whence his shout ascended:—</p> + + <p>"We've got him up here, Lieutenant! Come on up!"</p> + + <p>Within the tiny room of the second maid no one spoke. + Presently heavy footfalls mounted; the second policeman entered, + and presently two solid men in civilian dress pushed through the + door. The foremost, a dark-visaged man with heavy jaw, and a + black derby which he did not remove, fixed on Mr. Pyecroft a + triumphant, domineering gaze.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page218" id="page218"></a>[pg 218]</span> + + <p>"Well, Preston," he said, "so we've landed you at last."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft, his left forefinger still keeping the place in + "Wormwood," stared at the speaker in bewilderment.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, sir, but I completely fail to understand what you + are talking about."</p> + + <p>"Don't try that con stuff on us; we won't fall for it," + advised the lieutenant. He smiled with satiric satisfaction; he + was something of a wit in the department. "But if you ain't sure + who you are, I'll put you wise: Mr. Thomas Preston, forger of the + Jefferson letters, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to + yourself. Shake hands, gents."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft continued his puzzled stare. Then a smile began + to break through his bewilderment. Then he laughed.</p> + + <p>"So that's it, is it! You take me for that Thomas Preston. + I've read about him. He must be a clever fellow, in his own + way."</p> + + <p>He sobered. "But, gentlemen, if I had the clever qualities + attributed to Mr. Preston, I am sure I could apply those + qualities to some more useful, and even more profitable, + occupation."</p> + + <p>"You don't do it bad at all, Preston," observed the + lieutenant. "Only, you see, it don't go down."</p> + + <p>"I trust," Mr. Pyecroft said good-humoredly, "that it isn't + going to be necessary to explain to you that I am not Thomas + Preston."</p> + + <p>"No, that won't be necessary at all," replied the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page219" id="page219"></a>[pg 219]</span> + waggish lieutenant. "Not necessary at all. For you can't."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft raised his eyebrows.</p> + + <p>"Gentlemen, you really seem to be taking this matter + seriously! Why, you two officers in uniform saw me only last + night here with my two sisters, and any one in the neighborhood + can tell you my sister Matilda has been housekeeper in this house + for twenty years."</p> + + <p>That tone was most plausible. The two uniformed policemen + looked at their superior dubiously.</p> + + <p>"Never you mind what they seen last night," the lieutenant + commented dryly. "And never you mind about Matilda."</p> + + <p>"But you are forgetting that I am Matilda's brother," said Mr. + Pyecroft. "Matilda, I am your brother, am I not?"</p> + + <p>"Y—yes," testified Matilda, who by the corpulent + pressure of four crowded officers was almost being bisected + against the edge of the stationary wash-bowl.</p> + + <p>"And you, Angelica; I'm your brother, am I not?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," breathed Mrs. De Peyster from beneath the + bedclothes.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft turned in polite triumph to the lieutenant.</p> + + <p>"There, now, you see."</p> + + <p>"But, I don't see," returned that officer. "I know you're + Thomas Preston. Jim, just slip the nippers <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page220" id="page220"></a>[pg 220]</span> on + him. And there's something queer about these women. Just slip the + bracelets on Matilda, too, and carry downstairs the party in bed. + We'll call the police ambulance for her, and take the whole bunch + over to the station."</p> + + <p>The party in bed suddenly stiffened as if from a stroke of + some kind, and Matilda fairly wilted away. Mr. Pyecroft alone did + not change by so much as a hair.</p> + + <p>"One moment, gentlemen," he interposed in his even voice, + "before you go to regrettable extremes. I believe that an even + better witness to my identity can easily be secured."</p> + + <p>"And who's that, Tommie?"</p> + + <p>"I refer to Judge Harvey."</p> + + <p>"Judge Harvey!" The lieutenant was startled out of his ironic + exultation. "You mean the guy that was stung by them forged + letters—the complainant who's making it so damned hot for + Preston?"</p> + + <p>"The same," said Mr. Pyecroft. "Judge Harvey is at this moment + in this house."</p> + + <p>"In this house!"</p> + + <p>"I believe he is downstairs some place going over some bills + Mrs. De Peyster asked him to examine. Matilda, you doubtless know + in what room the Judge is working. Will you kindly knock at his + door and ask him to step up here for a moment?"</p> + + <p>The lieutenant frowned doubtfully at Mr. Pyecroft, hesitated, + then nodded to Matilda. The latter, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page221" id="page221"></a>[pg 221]</span> + relieved of the pressure of much policial avoirdupois, slipped + from the room. The lieutenant turned and silently held a + penetrating gaze upon the empty clothes-hooks. Mr. Pyecroft + continued to look imperturbably and pleasantly upon the four + officers. And under the bedclothes Mrs. De Peyster saw wild + visions of Mr. Pyecroft being the next moment exposed, and + herself dragged forth to shame.</p> + + <p>Thus for a minute or two. Then Judge Harvey appeared in the + doorway.</p> + + <p>"Lieutenant Sullivan! See here, what's the meaning of this?" + he demanded sternly.</p> + + <p>"'Evening, Judge Harvey," began the lieutenant, for the first + time since his entrance removing his derby. "It's like + this—"</p> + + <p>"Pardon me," interrupted Mr. Pyecroft. "Judge Harvey, these + gentlemen here have been upon the point of making a blunder that + would be ludicrous did it not have its serious side. That's why I + had you called. The fact is, they desire to arrest me."</p> + + <p>"Arrest you!" exclaimed the Judge.</p> + + <p>"Yes, arrest me," Mr. Pyecroft went on, easily, yet under his + easy words trying to suggest certain definite contingencies. + "That would be bad enough in itself. But, as you know, Judge + Harvey, my arrest would unfortunately but necessarily involve the + arrest of several other quite innocent persons—bring about + a great public scandal—and create a situation that would be + deplorable in every particular. You see that, + Judge?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page222" id= + "page222"></a>[pg 222]</span> + + <p>Judge Harvey got the covered meaning.</p> + + <p>"I see. But what do they want to arrest you for?"</p> + + <p>"On a most absurd charge," answered Mr. Pyecroft, + smiling,—but eyes straight into Judge Harvey's eyes. "They + seem to think I am Thomas Preston."</p> + + <p>"Thomas Preston!" cried the Judge.</p> + + <p>"Yes, the man that forged those Jefferson letters you + bought."</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft saw the puzzled semi-recognition that he had + observed in the Judge's face the night before flash into amazed, + full recognition. Quickly but without appearance of haste, he + stepped forward diverting attention from the Judge's face, and + made himself the center of the party's eyes.</p> + + <p>"You see, lieutenant and officers," he said easily, filling in + time to give Judge Harvey opportunity to recover and + think—and still aiming his meaning at the Judge, "you see, + I have here summoned before you the best possible witness to my + identity. You threaten to arrest and expose me and two other + persons in this house. Judge Harvey knows, as well as I know, how + unfortunate it would be for these parties, and how displeasing to + Mrs. De Peyster, if you should make the very great blunder of + arresting me as Thomas Preston. Now, Judge Harvey,"—with a + joking smile,—"you know who I am. Will you please inform + the lieutenant whether I am the man you wish to have + arrested?"</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey stared, silent, his face + twitching.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page223" id= + "page223"></a>[pg 223]</span> + + <p>"Is what he says O.K., Judge?" queried Lieutenant Sullivan. + "He ain't the man you want arrested?"</p> + + <p>"He is not," the Judge managed to get out.</p> + + <p>"From the way you hesitated—"</p> + + <p>"The Judge's hesitation, Lieutenant," Mr. Pyecroft interrupted + in his pleasant tone, "was due to his amazement at the utter + grotesqueness of the situation. He was for a moment utterly taken + aback. That's it, isn't it, Judge?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Judge Harvey.</p> + + <p>The lieutenant twisted his derby in chagrined, ireful + hands.</p> + + <p>"Some of my men have been damned fools again!" he exploded. He + got himself back under control. "Judge Harvey, I hope you'll + excuse our buttin' in like this—and—and won't find it + necessary to mention it to the heads of the department."</p> + + <p>"It's—it's all right," said the Judge.</p> + + <p>"And you, Mr.—Mr.—"</p> + + <p>"Simpson—Archibald Simpson," supplied Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Simpson, I hope you don't mind this too much?"</p> + + <p>"No ill feeling at all, Lieutenant," Mr. Pyecroft said + graciously. "Such little mistakes must occasionally occur in the + most careful police work."</p> + + <p>"And—and—there's another thing," said Lieutenant + Sullivan with a note of gruff pleading. "You know how the papers + are roasting the department <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page224" id="page224"></a>[pg 224]</span> just now. For every + little slip, we get the harpoon or the laugh. I'll be obliged to + you if you don't say anything that'll let this thing get into the + papers."</p> + + <p>"Believe me, Lieutenant, I shall do everything in my power to + protect you," Mr. Pyecroft assured him. "And now, since the + matter is settled," he added pleasantly, "perhaps you'd like to + have Matilda show you the way out. These upper hallways are + really very confusing. Matilda, my dear,—if you don't + mind."</p> + + <p>Wordlessly, Matilda obeyed, and four sets of policemen's feet + went heavily down the stairs. Beneath her bedclothes Mrs. De + Peyster began faintly, ever so faintly, to return to life. Judge + Harvey glared at Mr. Pyecroft, hands spasmodically clutching and + unclutching; his look grew darker and darker. Respectful, + regretful, Mr. Pyecroft stood waiting.</p> + + <p>His left forefinger had not lost the place in + "Wormwood."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page225" id= + "page225"></a>[pg 225]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + + <h3>THE THIRD FLIGHT</h3> + + <p>The storm broke.</p> + + <p>"You are a scoundrel, sir!" thundered the Judge.</p> + + <p>"I fear, sir, you are right," respectfully assented Mr. + Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"And what's more, you've made me lie to the police!"</p> + + <p>"Not exactly, sir," Mr. Pyecroft corrected mildly. "I was + careful about that. I did not ask you to deny that I was Thomas + Preston. I merely asked you if I was the man you wished arrested. + You answered that you did not want me arrested; under the + circumstances I am certain you spoke the truth. And in explaining + your hesitation to the lieutenant, when you said it was due to + your utter amazement at the grotesqueness of the situation, I am + certain you there also spoke the truth."</p> + + <p>"You are a quibbler!" fumed the outraged Judge. "You made me + lie to the police!"</p> + + <p>"Well, even if I did," returned Mr. Pyecroft in his same mild + tone, "is there any one else you would rather lie to?"</p> + + <p>The Judge glared, almost choking. "Have you no respect, man, + for common decency—for order—for the + law?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page226" id= + "page226"></a>[pg 226]</span> + + <p>"For order and decency, yes,—but as for ordinary law, I + fear I have no more respect than your honor has," Mr. Pyecroft + admitted gravely. "And I acquired my irreverence toward law just + as your honor did—from studying it."</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey stared.</p> + + <p>"What! You're a lawyer?"</p> + + <p>"I have been admitted to the bar, and have been a law clerk, + but have never practiced for myself."</p> + + <p>"But last night you said you were a clergyman!"</p> + + <p>"I have gone no deeper into theology, sir, than the price of a + clerical suit. And that was for its moral effect on the + police."</p> + + <p>"Sir," exploded the Judge, "you are utterly incorrigible!"</p> + + <p>"I trust that I am not, sir," submitted Mr. Pyecroft gravely, + hopefully.</p> + + <p>At that moment Jack and Mary appeared on tiptoe in the + doorway, alive with curiosity; and directly behind them came + Matilda. Upon the latter Judge Harvey turned.</p> + + <p>"Well, Matilda, I certainly want to compliment you on your + brother!" he exclaimed with irate sarcasm.</p> + + <p>"My bro—bro—yes, sir, thank you," weakly returned + poor Matilda.</p> + + <p>"No wonder, Mr. Simpson," the outraged Judge continued, "that + your family disowned you!"</p> + + <p>"They were justified, certainly, as I told you at the very + first," soberly conceded Mr. Pyecroft.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page227" id="page227"></a>[pg 227]</span> + + <p>Jack and Mary demanded enlightenment. To them Judge Harvey + told of the visit of the four police officers, scathingly + expounded the character of Matilda's brother, and explained how + he, Judge Harvey, had been forced to protect the outrageous + scape-grace. Through this recital, Mr. Pyecroft, though unbowed + by shame, continued to wear his respectful, regretful look.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you will not believe me, Judge Harvey," he returned + courteously, and with the ring of sincerity, when the indictment + was ended, "and even if you do believe me, perhaps my statement + will mean nothing to you; but I desire none the less to state + that I am sorry that you were the person to be deceived by those + Jefferson letters. Of course, I had no idea to whom they were to + be sold. I did them for the autograph dealer, so much for the + job—and did them partly as a lark, though, of course, I do + not expect you to appreciate the humor of the affair. It may be + some consolation to you, however, to know that I profited very + little from the transaction; the dealer got over ninety per cent + of the price you paid."</p> + + <p>The Judge snorted, and stalked incredulously and wrathfully + out, Jack and Mary behind him; and Mrs. De Peyster was left alone + in the bosom of her family. Mr. Pyecroft sat silent on the foot + of the bed for a space, grave but composed, gazing at a + particular scale of the flaking kalsomine. Then he remarked + something about its having been a somewhat <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page228" id="page228"></a>[pg 228]</span> + trying day and that he believed that he'd be off to bed.</p> + + <p>When he was gone Mrs. De Peyster lay wordless, limp, all + a-shiver. Beside her sat the limp and voiceless Matilda, gasping + and staring wildly. How long Mrs. De Peyster lay in that + condition she never knew. All her faculties were reeling. These + crowding events seemed the wildest series of unrealities; seemed + the frenzied, feverish phantasms of a nightmare. They never, + never could possibly-have happened!</p> + + <p>But then ... they had happened! And this hard, narrow bed was + real. And this low, narrow room was real. And Mr. Pyecroft was + real. And so were Jack, and Mary, and Judge Harvey.</p> + + <p>These things could never have happened. But, then, they had. + And would they ever, ever stop happening?</p> + + <p>This was only the eighth day since her promulgated sailing. + Three more months, ninety days of twenty-four hours each, before + Olivetta—</p> + + <p>"Matilda," she burst out in a despairing whisper, "I can't + stand this another minute!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am!" wailed Matilda.</p> + + <p>"That Mr. Pyecroft—" Words failed her. "I've simply got + to get out of this somehow!"</p> + + <p>"Of course, ma'am. But—but our changes haven't helped us + much yet. If we tried to leave the house, that Mr. Pyecroft might + follow and we might find ourselves even in a worse way than we + are, ma'am."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page229" id= + "page229"></a>[pg 229]</span> + + <p>"Nothing can be worse than this!"</p> + + <p>"I'm not so sure, ma'am," tremulously doubted Matilda. "We + never dreamed anything could be so bad as this, but here this + is."</p> + + <p>There was a vague logic in what Matilda said; but logic none + the less. Unbelievable, and yet so horribly actual as this + was,—was what had thus far happened only the <i>legato</i> + and <i>pianissimo</i> passages of their adventure, with + <i>crescendo</i> and <i>fortissimo</i> still ahead? Mrs. De + Peyster closed her eyes, and did not speak. She strove to regain + some command over her routed faculties.</p> + + <p>Matilda waited.</p> + + <p>Presently Mrs. De Peyster's eyes opened. "It would be some + relief"—weak hope was in her voice—"if only I could + manage to get down into my own suite."</p> + + <p>"But, ma'am, with that Mr. Pyecroft—"</p> + + <p>"He's a risk we've got to run," Mrs. De Peyster cried + desperately. "We've somehow got to manage to get me there without + his knowing it."</p> + + <p>Suddenly she sat up. The hope that a moment before had shone + faintly in her face began to become a more confident glow. + Matilda saw that her mistress was thinking; therefore she + remained silent, expectant.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, I think there's a chance!" Mrs. De Peyster exclaimed + after a moment. "I'll get into my suite—I'll live there + quiet as death. Since they believe the suite empty, since they + know it is <span class="pagenum"><a name="page230" id= + "page230"></a>[pg 230]</span> locked, they may never suspect any + one is in it. Matilda, it's the only way!"</p> + + <p>"Yes—but, ma'am, how am I to explain your sudden + disappearance?"</p> + + <p>"Say that your sister became homesick," said Mrs. De Peyster + with mounting hope, "and decided suddenly, in the middle of the + night, to return at once to her home in Syracuse."</p> + + <p>"That may satisfy all but Mr. Pyecroft, ma'am. But Mr. + Pyecroft won't believe it."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Pyecroft will have to believe whatever he likes. It's the + only way, and we're going to do it. And do it at once! Matilda, + go down and see if they're all asleep yet, particularly Mr. + Pyecroft."</p> + + <p>Matilda took off her shoes and in her stocking-feet went + scouting forth; and stocking-footed presently returned, with the + news that all seemed asleep, particularly Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>Five minutes later, in Matilda's dress, and likewise in + stocking-feet, Mrs. De Peyster stepped out of her second maid's + room. Breathless, she listened. Not a sound. Then, Matilda at her + heels, she began to creep down the + stairway—slowly—slowly—putting each foot down + with the softness of a closing lip—pausing with straining + ears on every tread. With up-pressing feet she glided by the door + within which Mr. Pyecroft lay in untroubled sleep, then started + by the room that homed Jack and Mary, creeping with the footsteps + of a disembodied spirit, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page231" + id="page231"></a>[pg 231]</span> fearful every second lest some + door might spring open and wild alarms ring out.</p> + + <p>But she got safely by. Then, more rapidly, yet still as + noiseless as a shadow's shadow, she crept on + down—down—until she came to her own door. Here the + attending Matilda silently vanished. With velvet touch Mrs. De + Peyster slipped her key into the lock, stepped inside, + noiselessly closed and locked the door behind her.</p> + + <p>Then she sank into a chair, and breathed. Just breathed ... + back once more in the spacious suite wherein nine days + ago—or was it nine thousand years?—inspiration had + flowered within her and her great idea had been + born.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page232" id= + "page232"></a>[pg 232]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + + <h3>A PLEASANT HERMITAGE</h3> + + <p>When she awoke, it was with a sweet, languorous sense of + perfect comfort. Heavy-lidded, she glanced about her. Ah! Once + more she was in her own wide, gracious bed—of a different + caste, of an entirely different race, from the second maid's + paving-stone pallet, from that folding, punitive contrivance from + whose output of anguish Mrs. Gilbert managed to extract a profit. + Also she was in sweet, ingratiating linen—the first fresh + personal linen that had touched her in nine days.</p> + + <p>It was all as though she were enfolded deep in the embrace of + a not too fervent benediction.</p> + + <p>About her were the large, dignified spaces of her bedroom, and + beyond were the yet greater spaces of her sitting-room; and from + where she lay she could see the gleaming white of her large tiled + bathroom. And there were drawers and drawers of fresh + <i>lingerie</i>; and there were her closets filled with + comfortable gowns that would be a thousand times more grateful + after a week of Matilda's unchanged and oppressive black. And + there on her dressing-table were the multitudinous implements of + silver that had to do with her toilet.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page233" id="page233"></a>[pg 233]</span> + + <p>After what she had been through, this, indeed, was + comfort.</p> + + <p>But as consciousness grew clearer, her forgotten troubles and + her dangers returned to her. For a brief period alarm possessed + her. Then reason began to assert itself; and the hope which the + night before had been hardly more than desperation began to take + on the character of confidence. She saw possibilities. And the + longer she considered, the more and greater the possibilities + were. Her original plan began to re-present itself to her; + modified, of course, to meet the altered conditions. If she could + only remain here, undiscovered, then months hence, when it was + announced that Mrs. De Peyster (she sent up a warm prayer for + Olivetta!) was homeward bound, Jack and Mary and that unthinkable + Mr. Pyecroft would decamp, if they had not gone before, and leave + the way clear for the easy interchange by Olivetta and herself of + their several personalities.</p> + + <p>As she lay there in the gentle Sabbath calm, in the + extra-curled hair of her ultra-superior mattress, this revised + version of her plan, in the first glow of its conception, seemed + alluringly plausible. She had to be more careful, to be sure, but + aside from this the new plan seemed quite as good as the + original. In fact, in her reaction from the alarms of yesterday, + it somehow seemed even better.</p> + + <p>Twelve hours before there had seemed no possible solution to + her predicament. And here it was—come unexpectedly to her + aid, as was the way with <span class="pagenum"><a name="page234" + id="page234"></a>[pg 234]</span> things in life; and a very + simple solution, too. Lazily, hazily, a poet's line teased and + evaded her memory. What was it?—something about "a pleasant + hermitage." That was just what this was: a pleasant + hermitage.</p> + + <p>But presently, as she lay comforting herself, and the morning + wore on, she became increasingly conscious of an indefinable + uncomfortable sensation. And presently the sensation became more + definite; became localized; and she was aware that she was + growing hungry. And in the same moment came the dismaying + realization that, in their haste of the night before, she had not + thought to plan with Matilda for the somewhat essential item of + food!</p> + + <p>She sat up. What was she ever to do? Three months of solitary + confinement, with no arrangements for food! Would Matilda have + the sense to think of this, and if so would she have the + adroitness to smuggle edibles in to her unnoticed? Or was she to + be starved out?</p> + + <p>The revised plan had lost its first rose-tint.</p> + + <p>She got up, and noiselessly foraged throughout her quarters. + The total of her gleaning was a box of forgotten chocolate + bon-bons and a box of half-length tallow candles. She had read + that Esquimaux ate tallow, or its equivalent, and prospered + famously upon it; but she deferred the candles in favor of the + bon-bons, and breakfasted on half the box.</p> + + <p>Then she went back to bed and read. In the afternoon she ate + the second half of the bon-bons.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page235" id="page235"></a>[pg 235]</span> + + <p>Also in the afternoon she discovered that the bliss of lying + abed, which she had thought would be exhaustless, had + inexplicably become transmitted into boredom. And yet she dared + not move about, save with a caution that amounted almost to pain; + for she had heard Jack and Mary and Mr. Pyecroft pass and re-pass + her door, and she knew that any slight noise on her part might + result in disastrous betrayal.</p> + + <p>Evening drew on. Bed, and sitting noiseless in one spot, grew + more wearisome. And her stomach began to complain bitterly, for + as has been remarked it was a pampered creature and had been long + accustomed to being served sumptuously and with deferential + promptitude. But she realized that Matilda would not dare come, + if she remembered to come at all, until the household was fast + asleep.</p> + + <p>Eight o'clock came. She lit one of the candles and placed it, + cautiously shaded, in a corner of her sitting-room....</p> + + <p>Ten o'clock came.</p> + + <p>She looked meditatively at the box of candles. Perhaps the + Esquimaux ate them with a kind of sauce. They might not be so bad + that way....</p> + + <p>Midnight came. Shortly thereafter a faint, ever so faint, + knocking sent her tiptoeing—for months she would dare move + only on breathless tiptoe!—to the door of her sitting-room, + where she stood and listened.</p> + + <p>Again the faint knocking sounded.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page236" id="page236"></a>[pg 236]</span> + + <p>"Mrs. De Peyster, it's Matilda," whispered an agitated + voice.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster quickly unlocked and opened the door. Matilda + slipped in and the door was softly closed upon her back.</p> + + <p>"Here's some food—just what I could grab in a + second—I didn't dare take time to choose." Matilda held out + a bundle wrapped in a newspaper. "Take it, ma'am. I don't dare + stay here a second."</p> + + <p>But Mrs. De Peyster caught her arm.</p> + + <p>"How did they take my going?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Jack thought home was really the best place for my + sister, if she was sick, ma'am. And Mary was awfully kind and + asked me all sorts of questions—which—which I found + it awfully hard to answer, ma'am,—and she is going to send + you the book you didn't finish. And Mr. Pyecroft got me off into + a corner and said, so we'd tried to give him the slip again."</p> + + <p>"What is he going to do?"</p> + + <p>"He said he was safe here, under Judge Harvey's protection. + Outside some detective might insist on arresting him, and perhaps + things might take such a turn that even Judge Harvey might not be + able to help him. So he said he was going to stay on here till + things blew over. Oh, please, ma'am, let me go, for if they were + to hear me—"</p> + + <p>A minute later the chattering Matilda was out of the room, the + door was locked, and Mrs. De Peyster was sitting in a chair with + the bundle of provisions <span class="pagenum"><a name="page237" + id="page237"></a>[pg 237]</span> on her exquisitely lacquered + tea-table. In the newspaper was a small loaf of bread, a tin of + salmon, and a kitchen knife. That was all. Not even butter! And, + of course, no coffee—she who liked coffee, strong, three + times a day. But when was she ever again to know the taste of + coffee!</p> + + <p>Never before had she sat face to face with such an + uninteresting menu. But she devoured it—opening the tin of + salmon after great effort with the knife—devoured it every + bit. Then she noticed the newspaper in which the provisions had + been wrapped. It was part of that day's, Sunday's, "Record," and + it was the illustrated supplement. This she unfolded, and before + her eyes stood a big-lettered title, "Annual Exodus of Society + Leaders," and in the queenly place in the center of the page was + her own portrait by M. Dubois.</p> + + <p>Her eyes wandered up to the original, which was dimly + illumined by the rays of her one candle. What poise, what + breeding, what calm, imperturbable dignity! Then her gaze came + back to her be-crumbed tea-table, with the kitchen knife and the + raggedly gaping can. She slipped rather limply down in her chair + and covered her eyes.</p> + + <p>A day passed—and another—and another. Outside Mrs. + De Peyster's suite these days flew by with honeymoon rapidity; + within, they lingered, and clung on, and seemed determined never + to go, as is time's malevolent practice with those imprisoned. + Mrs. De Peyster could hear Mary practicing, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page238" id="page238"></a>[pg 238]</span> and + practicing hard—and, yes, brilliantly. As for Jack, Matilda + told her on her later visits—and her later bundles + contained a larger and more palatable supply of food than had the + first package—Matilda said that Jack, too, was working + hard. Furthermore, Matilda admitted, the pair were having the + jolliest of honeymoons.</p> + + <p>And a further thing Matilda told on her third furtive, + after-midnight visit. This concerned Mr. Pyecroft. Mr. Pyecroft, + it seemed, was becoming an even greater favorite with Jack and + Mary—particularly with Mary. He had confided to them that + he was weary of his escapades, and wanted to settle down; in + fact, there was a girl—the nicest girl in the world, + begging Mary's pardon—who had promised to marry him as soon + as he had become launched in honorable work. The trouble was, he + knew that no business man would employ him in a responsible + capacity, and so his last departures from strict rectitude had + been for the purpose of securing the capital to set himself up in + some small but independent way.</p> + + <p>His story, Matilda admitted, had captured Mary's heart.</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey, however, still smarting under his indignity, + would on his evening calls scarcely speak to Mr. Pyecroft. + Nonetheless, Mr. Pyecroft had continued regretful and polite. + Once or twice, Judge Harvey, forgetting his resentment, had been + drawn into discussions of points of law with Mr. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page239" id="page239"></a>[pg 239]</span> + Pyecroft. To Matilda, who, of course, knew nothing about law, it + had seemed that Mr. Pyecroft talked almost as well as the Judge + himself. But the Judge, the instant he remembered himself, + resumed his ire toward Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>Thus three days, in which it seemed to Mrs. De Peyster that + Time stood still and taunted her,—each day exactly like the + day before, a day of half starvation, of tiptoed, breathless + routine,—days in which she spoke not a word save a whisper + or two at midnight at the food-bearing visit of the sad-visaged + Matilda,—three dull, diabolic days dragged by their + interminable length of hours. Such days!—such awful, awful + days!</p> + + <p>On Matilda's fourth visit with her usual bundle of pilferings + from the pantry, Mrs. De Peyster observed in the manner of that + disconsolate pirate a great deal of suppressed agitation—of + a sort hardly ascribable to the danger of their situation: an + agitation quite different from mere nervous fear. There were + traces of recent crying in Matilda's face, and now and then she + had difficulty in holding down a sob. Mrs. De Peyster pressed her + as to the trouble; Matilda chokingly replied that there was + nothing. Mrs. De Peyster persisted, and soon Matilda was weeping + openly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, my heart's broke, ma'am!" she sobbed. "My heart's + broke!"</p> + + <p>"Your heart broken! How?"</p> + + <p>"Before I can tell you, ma'am," cried the miserable + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page240" id="page240"></a>[pg + 240]</span> Matilda, "I've got to make a confession. I've + done—something awful! I've disobeyed you, ma'am! I've + disobeyed and deceived you!"</p> + + <p>"What, Matilda," said Mrs. De Peyster severely, "after the way + I've trusted you for twenty years!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am. But, I couldn't help it, ma'am! There's feelings + one can't—"</p> + + <p>"But what have you done?"</p> + + <p>"I've—I've fallen in love, ma'am. For over a year I've + been the same as engaged to William."</p> + + <p>"William!" cried Mrs. De Peyster, sinking back from her erect, + reproving posture, and recalling an unforgettable episode.</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am,—to William. I'm sorry I disobeyed you, + ma'am,—very sorry,—but I can't think about that now. + For now," sobbed Matilda, "for now it's all off—and my + heart is broke!"</p> + + <p>"All off? Why?" breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"That's what I can't understand, ma'am," wailed Matilda. "It's + all a mystery to me. I've hardly seen William, and haven't spoken + to him, since we came back, and he's acted awfully queer to me. + I—I couldn't stand it any longer, and this evening I went + out to the stable to see him. He was as stiff, and as polite, and + as mad as—oh, William was never like that to me before, + ma'am! I asked him what was the matter. 'All right, if you want + to break off, I'm willing!' he said in, oh, such a hard voice. + 'But, William,' I said, beginning to cry, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page241" id="page241"></a>[pg 241]</span> + 'but, William, what have I ever done to you?' 'You know what + you've done!' he said."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I begged him to explain, but he just turned his back on me + and walked away! And now, ma'am," wept Matilda, "I know he'll + never explain, he's such a proud, obstinate, stiff-necked man! + And I love him so, Mrs. De Peyster,—I love him so! Oh, my + heart is broke!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster gazed at her sobbing serving-woman in chilled + dismay. She was for a moment impelled to explain to Matilda; but + she quickly realized it would never, never do for her housekeeper + to know that her coachman had made love to her, and had—had + even kissed her. Every drop of De Peyster blood revolted against + such a degradation.</p> + + <p>"I hope it will come out all right, Matilda," she said in a + shaking voice.</p> + + <p>"Oh, it never can!" Matilda had already started for the door. + She paused, hesitant, with the knob in her hand. "But you, + ma'am," she faltered, "can you ever forgive me for the way I + deceived you?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster tried to look severe, yet relenting.</p> + + <p>"I'll try to overlook it, Matilda."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, ma'am," snuffled Matilda; and very humbly she went + out.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" id= + "page242"></a>[pg 242]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + + <h3>MATILDA BREAKS IT GENTLY</h3> + + <p>At two o'clock of the fifth night Matilda stole into Mrs. De + Peyster with a face that would have been an apt cover for the + Book of Lamentations. She opened her pages. That day she had had + a telegram that her sister Angelica—the really and truly + Angelica, who really and truly lived near Syracuse—that + Angelica was seriously ill. She was sorry, but she felt that she + must go.</p> + + <p>"Of course, you must go, Matilda!" exclaimed Mrs. De Peyster. + Then the significance to her of Matilda's absence flashed upon + her. "But what will I do without any company at all?" she cried. + "And without any food?"</p> + + <p>"I've seen to the food, ma'am." And Matilda explained that + during the evening, in preparation for her going, she had been + smuggling into the house from Sixth Avenue delicatessen stores + boxes of crackers, cold meats, all varieties of canned + goods—"enough to last you for a month, ma'am, and by that + time I'll be back."</p> + + <p>Her explanation made, Matilda proceeded, with extremest + caution, to carry the provisions up and stack them in one corner + of Mrs. De Peyster's large, white-tiled bathroom. When the + freightage was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page243" id= + "page243"></a>[pg 243]</span> over, the bathroom, with its supply + of crackers and zweibach, its bottles of olives and pickles, its + cold tongue, cold roast beef, cold chicken, its cans of salmon, + sardines, deviled ham, California peaches, and condensed + milk—the bathroom was itself a delicatessen shop that many + an ambitious young German would have regarded as a proud start in + life.</p> + + <p>"But what about food for the others while you're gone?" + inquired Mrs. De Peyster—with a sudden hope that the others + would be starved into leaving.</p> + + <p>"I've attended to them, ma'am. I've bought a lot of things + that will keep. And then I told the tradespeople that my niece + was going to be here in my place, and they are to deliver milk + and other fresh things for her every day in care of William."</p> + + <p>Matilda broke down at the last moment.</p> + + <p>"If it wasn't for you, ma'am, I wouldn't care if it was me + that was sick, instead of my sister, and if I never got well. For + with William—"</p> + + <p>She could say no more, and departed adrip with tears.</p> + + <p>Matilda's nightly visits were a loss; but Mrs. De Peyster had + come to take her situation more and more philosophically. The + life was unspeakably tedious, to be sure, and rather dangerous, + too; but she had accepted the predicament—it had to be + endured and could not be helped; and such a state of mind made + her circumstances much easier to support. All in all, there was + no reason, though, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page244" id= + "page244"></a>[pg 244]</span> of course, it was most + uncomfortable—there was no good reason, she kept assuring + herself, why she might not safely withstand the siege and come + out of the affair with none but her two confidants being the + wiser.</p> + + <p>In this philosophic mood three more days passed—passed + slowly and tediously, to be sure, but yet they did get by. There + were relaxations, of course,—things to occupy her mind. She + read a little each day; she listened to Mary's concert in the + drawing-room below her—for Mary dared to continue playing + despite Matilda's absence, since it was known that Matilda's + niece was in the house, though Mary never showed her face; she + listened for snatches of the conversation of Jack and Mary and + Mr. Pyecroft when they passed her door; at times she stood upon a + chair at one of her windows and cautiously peered through the + little panes in her shutters, like the lens of a camera, down + into the sunny green of Washington Square.</p> + + <p>Also, of evenings, she found herself straining to hear the + voice of Judge Harvey. When she surprised herself at this, she + would flush slightly, and again raise her book close to her + shaded candle.</p> + + <p>Then, of course, her meals were a diversion. She became quite + expert with the can-opener and the corkscrew. The empty cans, + since there was no way to get them out of her suite, she stacked + on the side of the bathroom opposite her provisions; and daily + the stack grew higher.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" + id="page245"></a>[pg 245]</span> + + <p>The nearest approach to an incident during this solitary + period came to pass on the third night after Matilda's departure. + On that evening Mrs. De Peyster became aware of a new voice in + the house—a voice with a French accent. It seemed familiar, + yet for a time she was puzzled as to the identity of the voice's + owner. Then suddenly she knew: the man below was M. Dubois, whom + Olivetta, at her desire, had with unwilling but obedient + frostiness sent about his business. She had known that Jack had + taken up with M. Dubois at the time the artist was doing her + portrait; but she had not known that Jack was so intimate as the + artist's being admitted to Jack's secret seemed to indicate.</p> + + <p>Within herself, some formless, incomprehensible thing seemed + about to happen. During these days of solitude—and this, + too, even before Matilda had gone—a queer new something had + begun to stir within her, almost as though threatening an + eruption. It seemed a force, or spirit, rising darkly from + hitherto unknown spaces of her being. It frightened her, with its + amorphous, menacing strangeness. She tried to keep it down. She + tried to keep her mental eyes away from it. And so, during all + these days, she had no idea what the fearsome thing might + be....</p> + + <p>And then something did happen. On the fifth day after + Matilda's departure, and the eighteenth after the sailing of the + Plutonia, Mrs. De Peyster observed a sudden change in the + atmosphere of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" id= + "page246"></a>[pg 246]</span> house. Within an hour, from being + filled with honeymoon hilarity, the house became filled with + gloom. There was no more laughter—no more running up and + down the stairs and through the hallways—the piano's song + was silent. Mrs. De Peyster sought to gain some clue to this + mysterious change by listening for the talk of Mary and Jack and + Mr. Pyecroft as they passed her door. But whereas the trio had + heretofore spoken freely and often in liveliest tones, they now + were either wordless or their voices were solemnly hushed.</p> + + <p>What did it mean? Days passed—the solemn gloom continued + unabated—and this question grew an ever more puzzling + mystery to Mrs. De Peyster. What could it possibly, + <i>possibly</i>, mean?</p> + + <p>But there was no way in which she could find out. Her only + source of information was Matilda, and Matilda was gone for a + month; and even if Matilda, by any chance, should know what was + the matter, she would not dare write; and even if she wrote, the + letter, of course, would never be delivered, but would doubtless + be forwarded to the pretended Mrs. De Peyster in Europe. Mrs. De + Peyster could only wonder—and read—and gaze furtively + out of the little peep-holes of her prison—and + eat—and stack the empty cans yet higher in her + bathroom—and wait, impatiently wait, while the mystery grew + daily and hourly in magnitude.</p> + + <p>Among the details that added to the mystery's bulk was the + sound of another new but familiar <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page247" id="page247"></a>[pg 247]</span> voice—the voice + of the competent Miss Gardner, her discharged secretary. And Miss + Gardner's voice was not heard for an hour and then heard no + more—but was heard day after day, and her tone was the tone + of a person who is acquainted with the management of an + establishment and who is giving necessary orders. And another + detail was that William no longer kept to the stable, but seemed + now constantly busy within the house. And another detail was that + she became aware that Jack and Mary no longer tried to keep their + presence in the house a secret, but went openly forth into the + streets together. And Judge Harvey every day came openly to see + them.</p> + + <p>But the most bewildering, and yet most clarifying, detail of + all was one she observed on the twelfth day since Matilda's + going, the twenty-fifth of her own official absence.</p> + + <p>On that afternoon she was standing on a chair entertaining + herself by gazing through one of her shutters, when she saw Jack + crossing Washington Square. He was walking very soberly, and + about the left sleeve of a quiet gray summer suit was a band of + crape.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster stepped down from her chair. The mystery was + lifting. Somebody was dead! But who? Who?</p> + + <p>Early the next morning, while the inmates of the house were + occupied in the serving or the eating of breakfast, Mrs. De + Peyster was startled by a soft <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page248" id="page248"></a>[pg 248]</span> knocking at her door. + But instantly she was reassured by the tremulous accents + without.</p> + + <p>"It's me, ma'am,—Matilda. Let me in—quick!"</p> + + <p>The next instant the door opened and Matilda half staggered, + half fell, into the room. But such a Matilda! Shivering all over, + eyes wildly staring.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" cried Mrs. De Peyster, seizing her housekeeper's + arm.</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma—ma—ma'am," chattered Matilda. + "It's—it's awful!"</p> + + <p>"But what is it?" demanded Mrs. De Peyster, beginning to + tremble with an unknown terror.</p> + + <p>"Oh, it's—it's awful! I couldn't get you word + before—for I didn't dare write, and my sister wasn't well + enough for me to leave her till last night."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster shook the shaking Matilda.</p> + + <p>"Will you please tell me what's happened!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma—ma'am. Here's a copy of the first paper that + had anything about it. The paper's over a week old. I brought it + along to—to break the thing to you gently."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster seized the newspaper. In the center of its + first page was a reproduction of M. Dubois's painting of herself, + and across the paper's top ran the giant + headline:—</p><span class="pagenum"></span> + <hr /> +<a name="pagee" id="pagee"></a> + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/no13-6.jpg"><img width="50%" src= + "images/no13-6.jpg" alt="SO—SO IT'S I—THAT'S—THAT'S DEAD!" /></a> + + <h4>"SO—SO IT'S I—THAT'S—THAT'S DEAD!"</h4> + </div> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page249" id="page249"></a>[pg + 249]</span> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>MRS. DE PEYSTER FOUND</p> + + <p class="i2">DEAD IN THE SEINE</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Face Disfigured by Water, but</i></p> + + <p class="i2">Friends in Paris Identify Social</p> + + <p class="i2">Leader by Clothes upon</p> + + <p class="i2">the Body</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster sank without a word into a chair, and her face + duplicated the ashen hue of Matilda's.</p> + + <p>Matilda likewise collapsed into a chair. "Oh, isn't it awful, + ma'am," she moaned.</p> + + <p>"So—so it's I—that's—that's dead!" mumbled + Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am. But that isn't all. I—I thought I'd break + it to you gently. That was over a week ago. Since + then—"</p> + + <p>"You mean," breathed the marble lips of Mrs. De Peyster, "that + there's something more?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am. Oh, the papers have been full of it. It's been a + tremendous sensation!"</p> + + <p>"Oh!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"And Mr. Jack, since you died without a will, is your heir. + And, since he is now the head of the De Peyster family, the first + thing he did on hearing the news was to arrange by cable to have + your body sent here."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, as though galvanized, half rose from her + chair.</p> + + <p>"You mean—my body—is coming here?"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page250" id="page250"></a>[pg 250]</span> + + <p>"I said I was trying to break it to you gently," moaned + Matilda. "It's—it's already here. The ship that brought it + is now docking. Your funeral—"</p> + + <p>"My funeral!"</p> + + <p>"It takes place in the drawing-room, this morning. Oh, isn't + it awful! But, perhaps, ma'am, if you could see what beautiful + flowers your friends have sent—"</p> + + <p>But Mrs. De Peyster had very softly sunk back into her + chair.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" id= + "page251"></a>[pg 251]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + + <h3>THE VEILED LADY</h3> + + <p>As soon as that huddled mass of womanhood that was Mrs. De + Peyster had become sufficiently reanimated to be able to think, + its first thought came in the form of an unuttered wail.</p> + + <p>She was dead! She was to be buried! She could never come home + again!</p> + + <p>Or if she did come home, what a scandal! A scandal + out-scandalizing anything of which she had ever dreamed! A + scandal worse ten times than the very grave itself!</p> + + <p>With loose face and glazed eyes she stared at Matilda while + the latter stammered out disjointed details of the past week's + happenings. As for Mr. Jack's lark in dwelling surreptitiously + with his wife in his mother's house, not a breath of that had + reached the public. With Mr. Pyecroft's aid, and Judge Harvey's, + he had managed this well. He had told the reporters that he had + been quietly married over three weeks before, that he and his + wife had been living in seclusion, and that on learning of his + mother's demise they had come to the house to direct the + obsequies.... Those Paris police were trying to solve the mystery + of what had become of Mrs. De Peyster's trunks.... If Mrs. De + Peyster <span class="pagenum"><a name="page252" id= + "page252"></a>[pg 252]</span> could only see the beautiful floral + tributes that were arriving, particularly the large wreath sent + by Mrs. Allistair—</p> + + <p>But Mrs. De Peyster heard none of this. She was dead! She was + to be buried! She could never come home again!</p> + + <p>At length her lips moved—slowly, stiffly, as might the + lips of a dead person.</p> + + <p>"What are we going to do?"</p> + + <p>"I've been saying that same question to myself for days, + ma'am," quavered Matilda. "And I—I don't see any + answer."</p> + + <p>No, there was nothing she could do. Mrs. De Peyster continued + her glazed stare at her faithful serving-woman. In the first few + minutes her mind had been able to take in the significance only + to herself of this culminating disaster. But now its significance + to another person shivered through that her being.</p> + + <p>Poor—poor Olivetta!</p> + + <p>For Olivetta, of course, it was. Mrs. De Peyster knew what was + due the De Peyster corpuscles that moved in stately procession + along the avenues of her blood, and was not neglectful to see + that that due was properly observed; but the heart from which + those corpuscles derived their impulse was, as Judge Harvey had + once said, in its way the kindest sort of heart. And now, for a + few minutes, all that her heart could feel was felt for + Olivetta.</p> + + <p>But for a few minutes only. Then Olivetta, and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page253" id="page253"></a>[pg 253]</span> all + concerns beyond the immediate moment, were suddenly forgotten. + For in the hall without soft footsteps were heard, and the + instant after, upon her door, there sounded an ominous + scratching—a sound like a key in an agitated hand searching + for its appointed hole.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster rose up and clutched Matilda's arm, and stood + in rigid terror.</p> + + <p>"Tha—that key?" chattered Matilda. "Can—can it + fit?"</p> + + <p>"There were only two keys," breathed Mrs. De Peyster. "Mine + here, and the one I gave to Olivetta."</p> + + <p>"Then it can't fit, since Miss Olivetta's—"</p> + + <p>But the key gave Matilda the lie direct by slipping into the + lock. The two women clung to one another, knowing that the end + had come, wondering who was to be their exposer. The bolt clicked + back, the door swung open, and—</p> + + <p>And into the dusky room there tottered a rather tall, heavily + veiled, feminine figure. It did not gaze at the shrinking couple + in astoundment. It did not launch into exclamation at its + discovery. Instead, it sank weakly down into the nearest + chair.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" it moaned. "Oh! Oh! Oh!"</p> + + <p>"Who—who are you?" huskily demanded Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Oh! Oh!" moaned the figure. "Isn't it terrible! Isn't it + terrible! But I didn't mean to do it—I didn't mean to do + it, Caroline!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page254" id= + "page254"></a>[pg 254]</span> + + <p>"It's not—not Olivetta?" gasped Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"It was an accident!" the figure wailed on. "I couldn't help + myself. And if you knew what I've gone through to get here, I + know you'd forgive me."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster had lifted the veil up over the hat.</p> + + <p>"Olivetta! Then—after all—you're not dead!"</p> + + <p>"No—if I only were!" sobbed Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"Then who is that—that person who's coming here this + morning?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know!" Then Olivetta's quavering voice grew hard with + indignation. "It's somebody who's trying to get a good funeral + under false pretenses!"</p> + + <p>"But the papers said the body had on my clothes."</p> + + <p>"Yes—I suppose it must have had."</p> + + <p>"But how—" Mrs. De Peyster recalled their precarious + position. "Matilda, lock the door. But, Olivetta, how could it + ever, ever have happened?"</p> + + <p>"I followed your directions—and got to Paris all + right—and everything was going splendid—and I was + beginning to enjoy myself—when—when—Oh, + Caroline, I—I—"</p> + + <p>"You what?" demanded Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I lost my purse!" sobbed Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"Lost your purse?"</p> + + <p>"I left it in a cab when I went to the Louvre. And in it was + all my money—my letter of + credit—everything!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page255" id="page255"></a>[pg 25]</span> + + <p>"Olivetta!"</p> + + <p>"And I didn't dare cable you for more. For if I had sent a + cable to you here, it might have betrayed you."</p> + + <p>"And what did you do?"</p> + + <p>"There was nothing for me to do but to—to—sell + some of your gowns."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" Mrs. De Peyster was beginning dimly to see the drift of + things.</p> + + <p>Olivetta's mind wandered to another phase of her + tribulations.</p> + + <p>"And the price I got for them was a swindle, Caroline. It + was—it was a tragedy! For your black chiffon, and your + silver satin, and your spangled net—"</p> + + <p>"But this person they took for me?" interrupted Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Oh, whoever she is, she must have bought one of them. She + could have bought it for nothing—and that Frenchman who + cheated me—would have doubled his money. And after she + bought it—she—she"—Olivetta's voice rang out + with hysterical resentment—"she got us all into this + trouble by walking into the Seine. It's the most popular pastime + in Paris, to walk into the Seine. But why," ended Olivetta with a + spiteful burst,—"why couldn't she have amused herself in + her own clothes? That's what I want to know!"</p> + + <p>"And then? What did you do?" breathed Mrs. De + Peyster.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page256" id= + "page256"></a>[pg 256]</span> + + <p>"When it came out three days later that it was you, I was + so—so frightened that I didn't know what to do. I didn't + dare deny the report, for that would have been to expose you. And + I didn't dare cable to you that it was all a mistake and that I + was all right, for that would have been just as bad. Perhaps I + might have acted differently, but I—well, I ran away. I + crossed to London with your trunks. There I learned + that—that they were sending your remains home. I realized I + had to get you word somehow, and I realized the only way was for + me to come and tell you. So I sold some more of your gowns, and + just caught the Mauretania, and here I am."</p> + + <p>So ending, Olivetta, as though her bones had melted, subsided + into a gelatinous heap of dejection, dabbing her crimson eyes + with a handkerchief already saturated with liquid woe.</p> + + <p>"It's a relief to know it wasn't you," said Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I'm sure—it's kind of you—to say so," snuffled + Olivetta gratefully.</p> + + <p>"But, aside from your being safe, our situation is unchanged," + said Mrs. De Peyster in tremulous, awe-stricken tone. "For + that—that person is coming here just the same!"</p> + + <p>"I know. The horrid interloper!"</p> + + <p>"She may be here any minute," said Mrs. De Peyster. "What are + we going to do?"</p> + + <p>"We must think of something quick," spoke up <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page257" id="page257"></a>[pg 257]</span> + Matilda nervously. "For it's almost time for your funeral, ma'am, + and after that—"</p> + + <p>"I've been thinking all the voyage over," broke in Olivetta. + "And I could think of only one plan."</p> + + <p>"And that?" Mrs. De Peyster eagerly inquired.</p> + + <p>There was an excited, desperate light in Olivetta's flooding + eyes.</p> + + <p>"Couldn't you manage, in some way, while nobody is looking, to + slip into that Frenchwoman's place; and then, before the ceremony + was over, you could sit up and say you'd been in a cataleptic + fit. Such things have happened. I've read about them."</p> + + <p>"Absurd, Olivetta! Quite absurd!" quavered Mrs. De + Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I dare say it is," agreed Olivetta, subsiding again into her + limp misery. "Oh, why did I ever go to Paris! I hate the + place!"</p> + + <p>"Don't give way; think!" commanded Mrs. De Peyster, who was in + a condition not far removed from Olivetta's. "Think, + Matilda!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am," said Matilda obediently.</p> + + <p>"You think, Caroline," whimpered Olivetta. "You always had + such a superior intellect, and were always so equal to every + emergency."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster thus reminded of what was expected of her + life-long leadership, tried to collect her scattered forces, and + sat with pale, drawn, twitching face, staring at her + predicament—and her two faithful subjects sat staring at + her, waiting the inspired idea for escape that would fall from + her <span class="pagenum"><a name="page258" id="page258"></a>[pg + 258]</span> never-failing lips. Moment after moment of deepest + silence followed.</p> + + <p>At length Mrs. De Peyster spoke.</p> + + <p>"There are only two ways. First, for me to go down and + disclose myself—"</p> + + <p>"But the scandal! The humiliation!" cried Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"Yes, that first way will never do," said Mrs. De Peyster. + "The second way is not a solution; it is only a means to a + possible solution. But before I state the way, I must ask you, + Olivetta, if any one saw you come in?"</p> + + <p>"There were a number of people coming and going, people + preparing for the funeral—but I watched my chance, and used + my latch-key, and I'm sure no one connected with the house saw + me."</p> + + <p>"That is good. If any outsiders saw you, they will merely + believe that you also were some person concerned in the funeral. + As for my plan, it is simple. You must both slip out of here + unseen; you, Olivetta, will, of course, say that you have + returned to the city to attend my funeral. From the outside you + both must help me."</p> + + <p>"Yes. But you, Caroline?" said Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"As for me, I must stay here, quietly, just as I have done for + the last three weeks. I still have some supplies left. After + everything has quieted down, I shall watch my chance, and steal + out of the house late some night. That's as far as I have + planned, but once away I can work out some explanation for + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page259" id="page259"></a>[pg + 259]</span> the terrible mistake and then come home. That seems + the only way; that seems the only chance."</p> + + <p>"You always were a wonder!" cried Olivetta admiringly.</p> + + <p>"Then you agree to the plan?"</p> + + <p>"Of course!"</p> + + <p>"And you, Matilda?"</p> + + <p>"Of course, ma'am."</p> + + <p>Thus praised and seconded, Mrs. De Peyster resumed some faint + shadow of her accustomed dignity.</p> + + <p>"Very well, then. You must both leave here this instant."</p> + + <p>Olivetta threw her arms about her cousin's neck.</p> + + <p>"Good-bye, Caroline," she quavered. "You really have no hard + feelings against me?"</p> + + <p>"No, none. You must go!" said Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"I'm sure, with you in charge, it's all going to come out + right!" said the clinging Olivetta hopefully.</p> + + <p>"You must really go!" And Mrs. De Peyster pressed her and + Matilda toward the door.</p> + + <p>But midway to the door the trio halted suddenly. Coming up the + stairway was the sound of hurried feet—of many pairs of + feet. The footsteps came through the hall. The trio did not + breathe. The footsteps paused before the sitting-room door. The + confederates gripped each others' arms.</p> + + <p>"Are you sure you saw that person come in here?" they heard a + voice ask—Jack's voice.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page260" id="page260"></a>[pg 260]</span> + + <p>"I'm certain." The voice that answered was Mary's.</p> + + <p>"I'll bet it was a sneak thief," said a third voice—Mr. + Pyecroft's. "To slip into a house at a funeral, or a wedding, + when a lot of people are coming and going—that's one of + their oldest tricks." He turned the knob, and finding the door + locked, shook it violently. "Open up, in there!" he called.</p> + + <p>The three clung to one another for support.</p> + + <p>"Better open up!" called a fourth voice—Judge Harvey's. + "For we know you're in there!"</p> + + <p>Breathless, the trembling conspirators clung yet more + desperately.</p> + + <p>"But how could she get in?" queried the excited voice of Mary. + "I understood that Mrs. De Peyster locked the door before she + went away."</p> + + <p>"Skeleton key," was Mr. Pyecroft's brief explanation. "Mrs. De + Peyster, we three will watch the door to see she doesn't get + out—there may have been more than one of her. You go and + telephone for a locksmith and the police."</p> + + <p>"All right," said Mary.</p> + + <p>"It's—it's all over!" breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Oh, oh! What shall we ever do?" wailed Olivetta, collapsing + into a chair.</p> + + <p>"The police!—she mustn't go!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster. + "Open the door, Matilda, quick!" Then in a weak, quavering voice + she called to her besiegers:—</p> + + <p>"Wait!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page261" id= + "page261"></a>[pg 261]</span> + + <p>After which she wilted away into the nearest chair—which + chanced to be directly beneath the awesome, unbending, + blue-blue-blooded Mrs. De Peyster of the golden frame, whose + proud composure it was beyond things mortal to + disturb.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page262" id= + "page262"></a>[pg 262]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + + <h3>A FAMILY REUNION</h3> + + <p>Matilda's shaking hand unlocked the door. Jack lunged in, + behind him Mr. Pyecroft and Judge Harvey, and behind them Mary. + On Jack's face was a look of menacing justice. But at sight of + the trembling turnkey the invading party suddenly halted, and + Jack's stern jaw relaxed and almost dropped from its sockets.</p> + + <p>"Matilda!" he exclaimed. And from behind him, like a + triplicate echo, sounded the others' "Matilda!"</p> + + <p>"Good—good-morning, Mr. Jack," quavered Matilda, locking + the door again.</p> + + <p>Then the four sighted Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"What, you, Olivetta!" Jack and Judge Harvey cried in + unison.</p> + + <p>"Yes, it's I, Jack," she said with an hysterical laugh. "I + just thought I'd call in to express—it's no more than is + proper, my being her cousin, you know,—to express my + sympathy to your mother."</p> + + <p>"Your sympathy to my mother?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. To—to tell her how—how sorry I am that she's + dead," elucidated Olivetta.</p> + + <p>A little hand gripped Jack's arm.</p> + + <p>"Jack!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page263" id= + "page263"></a>[pg 263]</span> + + <p>He turned his head and his eyes followed Mary's pointing + finger.</p> + + <p>"Mother!" He walked amazedly up before Mrs. De Peyster's + palsied figure. "Mother!"</p> + + <p>In the same instant Judge Harvey was beside her.</p> + + <p>"Caroline!" he breathed, like one seeing a ghost.</p> + + <p>"Ye-yes," she mumbled.</p> + + <p>"Then you're not dead?"</p> + + <p>"N-no," she mumbled.</p> + + <p>The Judge and Jack and Mary gazed down at her in uttermost + astoundment. To them was added Mr. Pyecroft. His bewilderment, + for the moment, was the greatest of the group; for the likeness + between the black-garbed, fled Angelica, and this real Mrs. De + Peyster in lavender dressing-gown, was more remarkable than he + had ever dreamed.</p> + + <p>"Thank God!" quavered Judge Harvey. And then, voicing the + general amazement: "But—but—I don't understand! What + has happened? How do you come here?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster, with a shivering glance at them all, and one + of particular terror at her recent confederate, Mr. Pyecroft, + made a last rally to save herself.</p> + + <p>"My explanation—that is, all I know about this + affair—is really very simple. I—you see—I very + unexpectedly returned home—and—and discovered + this—this situation. That is all." She gathered a little + more courage. "I do not need to inform you that I have been + away."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page264" id= + "page264"></a>[pg 264]</span> + + <p>"Of course, we know you've been away!" said Jack. "But that + Mrs. De Peyster at the pier—who is she?"</p> + + <p>"She's nothing—but a base—impostor!" cried + Olivetta indignantly, lifting her face for a moment from her + woe-soaked handkerchief. "Don't you believe a word she says!"</p> + + <p>"But we're all ready for the ceremony!" exclaimed Jack. "There + are a dozen reporters downstairs, and no end of friends are + coming from out of town to be present. And that person, whoever + she is, will be here—"</p> + + <p>"I tell you she's an impostor!" cried Olivetta frantically. + "Don't you let her in!"</p> + + <p>"Caroline, I can't tell you how—" Judge Harvey's voice, + tremulous with relief at this unbelievably averted tragedy, broke + off. "But what are we going to do?" he cried.</p> + + <p>"Yes, what are we going to do?" echoed Mary.</p> + + <p>Concern over this new, swiftly approaching crisis for a moment + took precedence of all other emotions. Judge Harvey and Mary and + Jack gazed at each other, bewildered, helpless. Something had to + be done, quick—but what?</p> + + <p>"I tell you, don't let that impostor in!" repeated the frantic + Olivetta.</p> + + <p>The three continued their interchange of helpless gaze.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me if I seem to intrude," spoke up the even voice of + Mr. Pyecroft.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page265" id= + "page265"></a>[pg 265]</span> + + <p>Swiftly, but without appearing to hurry, he stepped to Mrs. De + Peyster's writing-desk, and began running through the pages of + the telephone book. With terrified apprehension, Mrs. De Peyster + watched him: what—what was that terrible man going to + do?</p> + + <p>The telephone was now in his hand, the receiver at his + ear.</p> + + <p>"Central, give me Broad 4900.... Is this the French Line? Then + connect me with the manager.... This the manager of the French + Line?... I am speaking for Mr. Jack De Peyster, son of Mrs. De + Peyster,—you know. Please give orders to the proper + authorities to have Mrs. De Peyster held at the dock. Or if she + has left, stop her at all cost. There must be no mistake! Further + orders will follow. Understand?... Thank you very much. + Good-bye."</p> + + <p>He turned about.</p> + + <p>"It will be all right," he said quietly.</p> + + <p>With a wild stare at him, Mrs. De Peyster sank back in her + chair and closed her eyes.</p> + + <p>"She's fainted!" cried Mary. "Her smelling-salts!"</p> + + <p>"A glass of water!" exclaimed Jack.</p> + + <p>"No, no," breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>But the pair had darted away, Mary into the bedroom, Jack into + the bathroom. From the bathroom came a sudden, jangling din like + the sheet-iron thunder of the stage.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page266" id="page266"></a>[pg 266]</span> + + <p>Mary reappeared, fresh amazement on her face.</p> + + <p>"Somebody's been using the bedroom! The bed's not made, and + your clothes are all about!"</p> + + <p>The next moment Jack rushed in behind her.</p> + + <p>"What a stack of empty tin cans I kicked into in the bathroom! + What the deuce has been going on here?"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster looked weakly, hopelessly, at Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"There's no use trying to keep it up any longer. We—we + might as well confess. You tell them, Olivetta."</p> + + <p>But Olivetta protested into her dripping handkerchief that she + never, never could. So it fell to Mrs. De Peyster herself to be + the historian of her plans and misadventures—and she was so + far reduced that even the presence of Mr. Pyecroft made no + difference to her; and as for Mr. Pyecroft, when the truth of the + affair flashed upon him, that wide, flexible mouth twisted upward + into its whimsicalest smile—but the next instant his face + was gravity itself. With every word she grew less and less like + the Mrs. De Peyster of M. Dubois's masterpiece. At the close of + the long narrative, made longer by frequent outbursts of misery, + she could have posed for a masterpiece of humiliation.</p> + + <p>"It's all been bad enough," she moaned at the end; "what's + happened is all bad enough, but think what's yet to come! It's + all coming out! Everybody will be laughing at + me—oh!—oh!—oh!—"</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page267" id="page267"></a>[pg 267]</span> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster was drifting away into inarticulate + lamentations, when there came a tramping sound upon the stairway. + She drew herself up.</p> + + <p>"What's that?"</p> + + <p>There was a loud rap upon the door.</p> + + <p>"I say, Judge Harvey, Mr. De Peyster," called out a voice. + "What's all this delay about?"</p> + + <p>"Who is it?" breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"That infernal Mayfair, and the whole gang of reporters!" + exclaimed Jack.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Jack,—Judge Harvey! Save me! Save me!"</p> + + <p>"The hour set for the funeral is passed," Mayfair continued to + call, "the drawing-room is packed with people, and the body + hasn't arrived yet. We don't want to make ourselves obnoxious, + but it's almost press-time for the next edition, and we've got to + know what's doing. You know what a big story this is. + Understand—we've simply got to know!"</p> + + <p>"Judge—what the devil <i>are</i> we going to do?" + breathed Jack.</p> + + <p>"My God, Caroline, Jack,—this is awful!" Judge Harvey + whispered desperately. "We simply can't keep this out of the + papers, and when it does get out—"</p> + + <p>"Oh! Oh!" moaned Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"Judge Harvey," called the impatient Mr. Mayfair, "you really + must tell us what's up!"</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey and Jack and Mary regarded each <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page268" id="page268"></a>[pg 268]</span> + other in blank desperation; Mrs. De Peyster and Olivetta and + Matilda were merely different varieties of jellied + helplessness.</p> + + <p>"Judge Harvey," Mr. Mayfair called again, "we simply must + insist!"</p> + + <p>"Caroline," falteringly whispered Judge Harvey, "I don't see + what we—"</p> + + <p>"Pardon me," whispered Mr. Pyecroft, gently stepping forward + among them. Then he raised his voice: "Wait just one minute, + gentlemen! You shall know everything!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, Mr. Pyecroft, don't, don't!" moaned Mrs. De Peyster. + "Judge Harvey—Jack—don't let him! Send them away! Put + it off! I can't stand it!"</p> + + <p>But Mr. Pyecroft, without heeding her protest, and unhampered + by the others, stepped to Olivetta's side.</p> + + <p>"Miss Harmon," he whispered rapidly, "did you obey Mrs. De + Peyster's instructions on your voyage home? About keeping to your + stateroom—about keeping yourself veiled, and all the + rest?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Olivetta.</p> + + <p>"And Mrs. De Peyster's trunks, where are they?"</p> + + <p>"At the Cunard pier,"</p> + + <p>"What name did you sail under?"</p> + + <p>"Miss Harriman."</p> + + <p>In the same instant Mr. Pyecroft had lifted Olivetta to her + feet, had drawn from her boneless figure the long traveling-coat + of pongee silk, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page269" id= + "page269"></a>[pg 269]</span> had drawn the pins from her + traveling-hat. Released from his support, Olivetta re-collapsed. + In the next instant Mr. Pyecroft had Mrs. De Peyster upon her + feet, with firm, deft, resistless hands had slipped the long coat + upon her, had put the hat upon her head and pushed in the pins, + had drawn the thick veil down over her face—and had thrust + her again down into her chair.</p> + + <p>"Matilda, not a word!" he ordered, in a quick, authoritative + whisper. "Miss Harmon, not a word! Mrs. De Peyster, call up your + nerve; you'll need it, for you know that Mayfair is the cleverest + reporter in Park Row. And now, Mrs. Jack De Peyster,"—for + Mary stood nearest the door,—"let them in."</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster half-rose in ultimate consternation.</p> + + <p>"Oh, please—please—you're not going to let them + in!"</p> + + <p>"We don't dare keep them out!" Mr. Pyecroft pressed Mrs. De + Peyster firmly back into her chair. "Keep your nerve!" he + repeated sharply. "Open the door, please,—quick!"</p> + + <p>Mary cast a questioning glance at Jack, who, bewildered, + nodded his consent. She unlocked the door.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page270" id="page270"></a>[pg 270]</span> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + + <h3>MR. PYECROFT TAKES CHARGE</h3> + + <p>The next moment a dozen reporters crowded into the room, the + redoubtable Mr. Mayfair at their head; and behind them could be + seen the pale, curious faces of William, Miss Gardner, and M. + Dubois. Mrs. De Peyster, Olivetta, and Matilda sat in limp + despair. Judge Harvey, Jack, and Mary gazed in breathless + suspense and wonderment at Mr. Pyecroft. As for Mr. Pyecroft, he + stood before Mrs. De Peyster, obscuring her, looking like one who + has suffered a severe shock, yet withal grave and composed.</p> + + <p>"What's up?" demanded the keen-faced Mayfair.</p> + + <p>"Before I answer that," said Mr. Pyecroft, "permit me to + preface what I have to say by touching upon two necessary + personal details. First, I believe, at least, you, Mr. Mayfair, + have known me as Mr. Simpson, brother of Mrs. De Peyster's + housekeeper. I am not her brother. This harmless deception was + undertaken, for reasons not necessary to give, at the request of + Judge Harvey; he wished me to remain in the house to arrange, and + make abstracts of, certain private papers. The <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page271" id="page271"></a>[pg 271]</span> + second detail is, that I am speaking at the request of Judge + Harvey, as his associate and as the representative of the De + Peyster family."</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey felt his collar; Jack stared. But fortunately the + room was dim, and the reporters' eyes were all on the grave, + candid face of Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"Yes—yes," said the impatient Mayfair. "But out with the + story! What's doing?"</p> + + <p>"Something that I think will surprise you," said Mr. Pyecroft. + "Something that has completely astounded all of + us—particularly this lady who is Mrs. De Peyster's + housekeeper, and Miss Harmon, here, who has just returned from a + quiet summer in Maine to attend her cousin's funeral. The fact + is, gentlemen, to come right to the point, there is to be no + funeral."</p> + + <p>"No funeral!" cried Mr. Mayfair.</p> + + <p>"No funeral!" ran through the crowd.</p> + + <p>"No funeral," repeated Mr. Pyecroft. "The reason, gentlemen, + is that a great mistake has been made. Mrs. De Peyster is not + dead."</p> + + <p>"Not dead!" exclaimed the reporters.</p> + + <p>"If you desire proof, here it is." Mr. Pyecroft, stepping + aside, revealed the figure of Mrs. De Peyster. He put his right + hand upon her shoulder, gripping it tightly and holding her in + her chair, and with his left he lifted the thick veil above her + face. "I believe that most of you know Mrs. De Peyster, at least + from her pictures."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page272" + id="page272"></a>[pg 272]</span> + + <p>"Mrs. De Peyster!" cried the staggered crowd. "Mrs. De Peyster + herself!"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. De Peyster herself," repeated Mr. Pyecroft in his grave + voice. "You are surprised, but not more so than the rest of + us."</p> + + <p>"But that other Mrs. De Peyster—the one the funeral is + for?" asked Mr. Mayfair. "Who is she?"</p> + + <p>"That, gentlemen, is as great a mystery to us as to any of + you," said Mr. Pyecroft.</p> + + <p>"But how the—but how did it all happen?" ejaculated Mr. + Mayfair.</p> + + <p>"That is what I am going to tell you," Mr. Pyecroft + answered.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster struggled up.</p> + + <p>"Don't—don't!" she besought him wildly.</p> + + <p>Mr. Pyecroft pressed her back into her chair, and held her + there with an arm that was like a brace of steel.</p> + + <p>"You see, gentlemen," he remarked sympathetically, "how this + business has upset her."</p> + + <p>"Yes! But the explanation?"</p> + + <p>"Immediately—word for word, as Mrs. De Peyster has just + now told us," said he.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" moaned Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>Olivetta and Matilda gazed at Mr. Pyecroft with ghastly, + loose-lipped faces; Judge Harvey and Jack and Mary stared at him + with an amazed suspense which they could hardly mask; and Miss + Gardner, with whom he had not yet made his peace, breathlessly + awaited the next move of this incomprehensible <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page273" id="page273"></a>[pg 273]</span> + husband of hers. Mr. Pyecroft kept his eyes, for the most part, + upon the shrewd, fraud-penetrating features of the unfoilable Mr. + Mayfair—his own countenance the most truthful that son of + Adam ever wore.</p> + + <p>"What Mrs. De Peyster has said is really very simple. As you + know, she left Paris two or three weeks ago on a long motor trip. + During her brief stay in Paris, one of her trunks was either lost + or stolen, she is not certain which. As she pays no personal + attention to her baggage, she was not aware of her loss for + several days. So much is fact. Now we come to mere conjecture. A + plausible conjecture seems to be that the gowns in the trunk were + sold to a second-hand dealer, and these gowns, being attractive, + the dealer must have immediately resold to various purchasers, + and one of these purchasers must have—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes! Plain as day!" exclaimed Mr. Mayfair.</p> + + <p>"The face was unrecognizable," continued Mr. Pyecroft, "but + since the gown had sewn into it Mrs. De Peyster's name, of + course—"</p> + + <p>"Of course! The most natural mistake in the world!" cried Mr. + Mayfair excitedly. "Go on! Go on!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster had slowly turned a dazed countenance upward + and was gazing at the sober, plausible face of her young man of + the sea.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. De Peyster did not learn of what had <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page274" id="page274"></a>[pg 274]</span> + happened till the day the supposed Mrs. De Peyster was started + homeward. The most sensible thing for her to have done would have + been to declare the mistake, and saved her family and friends a + great deal of grief. But the shock completely unbalanced her. I + will not attempt to describe her psychological processes or + explain her actions. You may call her course illogical, + hysterical, what you like; I do not seek to defend it; I am only + trying to give you the facts. She was so completely + unnerved—But a mere look at Mrs. De Peyster will show you + how the shock unnerved her."</p> + + <p>The group gazed at Mrs. De Peyster's face. A murmur of + sympathy and understanding ran among them.</p> + + <p>"In her hysterical condition," continued Mr. Pyecroft, "she + had but one thought, and that was to get home as quickly as she + could. She crossed to England, sailed on the Mauretania, kept to + her stateroom, and arrived here at the house heavily veiled about + an hour ago. I may add the details that she sailed under the name + of Miss Harriman and that her trunks are now at the Cunard pier. + There you have the entire story, gentlemen."</p> + + <p>He looked down at Mrs. De Peyster. "I believe I have stated + the matter just as you outlined it to us?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—yes," breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>"There is no detail you would like to add?"</p> + + <p>"N—none," breathed Mrs. De Peyster.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page275" id="page275"></a>[pg 275]</span> + + <p>"Then, gentlemen," said Mr. Pyecroft, turning to the + reporters, "since you have all the facts, and since Mrs. De + Peyster is in a state bordering on collapse, we would take it as + a favor if—"</p> + + <p>"No need to dismiss us," put in Mr. Mayfair. "We're in a + bigger hurry to leave than you are to have us go. God, boys," he + ejaculated to his fellows, "what a peach of a story!"</p> + + <p>In a twinkling Mr. Mayfair and his fellows of the press had + vanished, each in the direction of a telephone over which he + could hurry this super-sensation into his office.</p> + + <p>Within the room, all were staring at Mr. Pyecroft, as though + in each a whirling chaos were striving to shape itself into + speech. But before they could become articulate, that sober young + gentleman had stepped from out of their midst and, his back to + them, was discreetly engrossing himself in the examination of the + first object that came to his hands: which chanced to be + something lying on top of the exquisite safe—a slender + platinum chain with a pendant pearl.</p> + + <p>With him gone, all eyes fixed themselves upon Mrs. De Peyster, + and there was a profound and motionless silence in the room, save + at first for some very sincere and vigorous snuffling into the + handkerchiefs of Olivetta and Matilda. As for Mrs. De Peyster, + she sat below the awesome, imperturbable Mrs. De Peyster of the + portrait, and oh, what a change was there in the one + beneath!—huddled, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page276" + id="page276"></a>[pg 276]</span> shaking, not a duchess-like line + to her person, her face dropped forward in her hands.</p> + + <p>"Mother—" Jack breathed at length.</p> + + <p>"Caroline!" breathed Judge Harvey. Then added: "I'm sure + it—it'll never become known."</p> + + <p>"Oh, to think it's all over—and we're out of it!" + Olivetta cried hysterically. "Oh! Oh!" And she limply pitched + sidewise in her chair.</p> + + <p>"Mees Harmon—Olivetta!" exclaimed M. Dubois. He sprang + forward, knelt at her side and supported her wilted figure + against his bosom. Upon this poultice to her troubles Olivetta + relaxed and sobbed unrestrainedly. And no one, particularly Mrs. + De Peyster, paid the least heed to this little episode.</p> + + <p>William, the coachman, the irreproachable, irreplaceable, + unbendable William, his clean-shaven mask of a face now somewhat + pale—William took a few respectful paces toward his + resurrected mistress.</p> + + <p>"If you will not regard it as a liberty," said he, with his + cadence of a prime minister, "I should like to express my relief + and happiness at your restoration among us."</p> + + <p>"Thank you—William," whispered Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>William, having delivered his felicitations, bowed slightly, + and started to turn away. But Matilda had stepped forward behind + him, an imploring look upon her face.</p><span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page277" id="page277"></a>[pg 277]</span> + + <p>"Please, ma'am,—please, ma'am!" said she, in a tone that + left no doubt as to her meaning.</p> + + <p>"Wait, William," weakly commanded Mrs. De Peyster.</p> + + <p>William paused.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster did not yet know what she was doing; her words + spoke themselves.</p> + + <p>"William, Matilda has—has just confessed your + engagement. She has also confessed how, during my—my + absence—one night, after driving with you, she—she + lost control of herself and seriously offended you. She asks me + to apologize to you and tell you how very, very sorry she + is."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, I am, William!" put in Matilda fervently.</p> + + <p>"It is my wish, William," continued Mrs. De Peyster, "that you + should forgive her—and make up things between you—and + never speak of that incident again—and be happy and stay + with me forever."</p> + + <p>Matilda timidly slipped an arm through William's.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me, William!" said she appealingly.</p> + + <p>William's graven face exhibited a strange phenomenon—it + twitched slightly.</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Mrs. De Peyster," said he. And bowing + respectfully, with Matilda upon his arm, he went out.</p> + + <p>"Well, Mary, I guess we'd better be going, too," said Jack, + taking his wife's hand. "Mother,"—respectfully, yet a + little defiantly,—"I'm sorry <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page278" id="page278"></a>[pg 278]</span> that Mary and I have + by our trespassing caused you so much inconvenience. But Mary and + I and our things will be out of the house within an hour. + Good-bye."</p> + + <p>"Wait, Jack!" Mrs. De Peyster reached up a trembling hand and + caught his sleeve. "Olivetta," said she, "perhaps you and + your—your fianc&#233; could find—another place + for your confidences."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" exclaimed Olivetta, starting up with a flush.</p> + + <p>"Cousin Caroline, do you mean—"</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster lifted an interrupting hand.</p> + + <p>"Do as you like, but tell me about it later."</p> + + <p>As the pair went out, Mrs. De Peyster slowly raised herself up + and stood gazing for a moment at her son. And that strange new + force which had menaced her with eruption during all the days of + her hiding, and which these last few minutes had been pulsing + upward toward orgasm, was now become resistless. It was as though + a crust, a shell, were being burst and being violently shed. She + thrilled with an amazing, undreamed-of, expanding warmth.</p> + + <p>"Do you really—want to—leave me, Jack?" she + whispered.</p> + + <p>"I have been invited to leave," said he, "but I have never + been invited to come back."</p> + + <p>With a timidity, shot through with tingling daring, she + slipped an arm about his shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Then I invite you," she said tremulously. "Won't you stay, + Jack?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page279" id= + "page279"></a>[pg 279]</span> + + <p>"And Mary?" said he.</p> + + <p>She looked about at her dark-eyed daughter-in-law.</p> + + <p>"If Mary will stay, too, I'll—I'll try not to act like + my petrified family tree."</p> + + <p>"What! Was that you that day?" gasped the horrified Mary.</p> + + <p>Mrs. De Peyster slipped her other arm about Mary, and daringly + she kissed Mary's fresh young cheek, and she drew the two + tightly, almost convulsively, to her. "Mother!" cried Jack; and + the next instant the two pairs of arms were about her. And thus + they stood for several moments; until—</p> + + <p>"Caroline," broke in the unsteady but determined voice of + Judge Harvey, "I told you I was going to propose to you again. + And I'm going to do it right now. Please consider yourself + proposed to."</p> + + <p>She looked up—shamefaced, flushing.</p> + + <p>"What, after the foolish woman I've—"</p> + + <p>"If you were ever foolish, you were never less a fool than + now!"</p> + + <p>"I don't know about that," she quavered, "but anyhow I want + you to straighten out my affairs—and—and Allistair, + for all I care, can have—can have—for I'm all + through—"</p> + + <p>"Caroline!"</p> + + <p>The next moment Judge Harvey's arms had usurped complete + possession of her. And she wilted away upon his shoulder, and + sobbed there. And thus for several moments....</p> + + <p>They were aroused by a polite cough. Both <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="page280" id="page280"></a>[pg 280]</span> + looked up. Halfway to the door stood Mr. Pyecroft; and beside him + was Miss Gardner, gazing at him, tremulously bewildered.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me," said he, in his grave manner; nothing was ever + seen less suggestive of having ever smiled than his + face—"pardon me, Judge Harvey, but I believe you failed to + mention at what time your office opens."</p> + + <p>"What time my office opens?" Judge Harvey repeated blankly. + "Why?"</p> + + <p>"Naturally," said Mr. Pyecroft, "I wish to know at what hour I + am supposed to report for work."</p> + + <p>"Well—Well—"</p> + + <p>But for a moment Judge Harvey could get out no more. He just + stared.</p> + + <p>Then in a voice of dryest sarcasm: "Would you consider it + impudent on my part—I wouldn't be impudent for the world, + you know—to inquire what might be your real name? I have + heard you variously called Mr. Simpson, Mr. Preston, Mr. + Pyecroft. Perhaps you have a few other <i>aliases</i>."</p> + + <p>"I have had—yes. My real name is Eliot Endicott + Bradford. That name has the advantage of never having appeared in + any complaint or police report. For that matter, I may add that + under none of my names have I ever been arrested. Eliot Bradford + is a man against whom no legal fault can be found."</p> + + <p>"A testimonial from you," exclaimed the Judge—"what + could possibly be better!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name= + "page281" id="page281"></a>[pg 281]</span> + + <p>"But the hour?" gently insisted the other.</p> + + <p>Judge Harvey stared; his eyes narrowed. Then, + suddenly—</p> + + <p>"Nine-thirty," said he.</p> + + <p>"Thank you, sir," said Mr. Bradford; and slipped a hand + through Miss Gardner's arm.</p> + + <p>But before he could turn to go, Mrs. De Peyster, from over the + shoulder against which she leaned—Mrs. De Peyster, she + couldn't help it ... smiled at him.</p> + + <p>And, suddenly, Judge Harvey—he couldn't help it, either + ... was smiling, too.</p> + +<br /> +<br /> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13844 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/13844-h/images/no13-1.jpg b/13844-h/images/no13-1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d72f758 --- /dev/null +++ b/13844-h/images/no13-1.jpg diff --git a/13844-h/images/no13-2.jpg b/13844-h/images/no13-2.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..64c6d05 --- /dev/null +++ b/13844-h/images/no13-2.jpg diff --git a/13844-h/images/no13-3.jpg b/13844-h/images/no13-3.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..db1d3e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/13844-h/images/no13-3.jpg diff --git a/13844-h/images/no13-4.jpg b/13844-h/images/no13-4.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e6be651 --- /dev/null +++ b/13844-h/images/no13-4.jpg diff --git a/13844-h/images/no13-5.jpg b/13844-h/images/no13-5.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6407355 --- /dev/null +++ b/13844-h/images/no13-5.jpg diff --git a/13844-h/images/no13-6.jpg b/13844-h/images/no13-6.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..02fc432 --- /dev/null +++ b/13844-h/images/no13-6.jpg |
