diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:31:08 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:31:08 -0700 |
| commit | b9cd5d20a226fe81f487d00fb8b2aaa8b6abc9d1 (patch) | |
| tree | 79b6e7185171a6368eae6bccc1c3d983e3f7c3ab /26599-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '26599-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 26599-h/26599-h.htm | 12636 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26599-h/images/fcover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 33155 bytes |
2 files changed, 12636 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/26599-h/26599-h.htm b/26599-h/26599-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..52bd160 --- /dev/null +++ b/26599-h/26599-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12636 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Black Adonis, by Linn Boyd Porter</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin: 2em auto 2em auto; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; width: 600px;} + .tda {text-align: right; padding-right: .5em; text-indent: 0;} + .tdb {text-align: left; padding-right: .5em; text-indent: 0;} + .tdc {text-align: right; padding-left: 2em; text-indent: 0;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .blockquotit {margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%;} + + .trans_note {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 4em; + font-size: 0.9em; border: solid 1px; + padding-bottom: .2em; padding-top: .2em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; + margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 3em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + height: 4px; + border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ + border-style: solid; + border-color: #000000; + clear: both; } + pre {font-size: 85%;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Black Adonis, by Linn Boyd Porter</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: A Black Adonis</p> +<p>Author: Linn Boyd Porter</p> +<p>Release Date: September 12, 2008 [eBook #26599]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BLACK ADONIS***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Mark C. Orton, Linda McKeown,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3> +<p> </p> +<div class="trans_note"><a name="top" id="top"></a> +<p class="center"><big>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:</big></p> +<p class="noindent"> +Every effort has been made to replicate this text as +faithfully as possible; please see <a href="#TN">list of printing issues</a> at the +end of the text.</p> +</div> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>A BLACK ADONIS.</h1> + +<h2><span class="smcap">By Albert Ross.</span> +</h2> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 373px;"> +<img src="images/fcover.jpg" width="373" height="600" alt="cover" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="bbox"><h3>THE<br /> +ALBATROSS NOVELS<br /> +<br /> +By ALBERT ROSS</h3> + +<p class="center">23 Volumes<br /> +</p> + +<p class="center">May be had wherever books are sold at the price you +paid for this volume</p> + +<p class="center">Black Adonis, A<br /> +Garston Bigamy, The<br /> +Her Husband's Friend<br /> +His Foster Sister<br /> +His Private Character<br /> +In Stella's Shadow<br /> +Love at Seventy<br /> +Love Gone Astray<br /> +Moulding a Maiden<br /> +Naked Truth, The<br /> +New Sensation, A<br /> +Original Sinner, An<br /> +Out of Wedlock<br /> +Speaking of Ellen<br /> +Stranger Than Fiction<br /> +Sugar Princess, A<br /> +That Gay Deceiver<br /> +Their Marriage Bond<br /> +Thou Shalt Not<br /> +Thy Neighbor's Wife<br /> +Why I'm Single<br /> +Young Fawcett's Mabel<br /> +Young Miss Giddy<br /> +<br /> +<b>G. W. DILLINGHAM CO.</b><br /> +<b>Publishers :: :: New York</b><br /> +</p></div> + +<h1><big>A BLACK ADONIS.</big></h1> + +<h2><span class="smcap">By Albert Ross.</span></h2> + +<h4>AUTHOR OF</h4> + +<p class="center">"<span class="smcap">Out of Wedlock</span>," "<span class="smcap">Speaking of Ellen</span>,"<br /> +"<span class="smcap">Thou Shalt Not</span>," "<span class="smcap">Why I'm Single</span>,"<br /> +"<span class="smcap">Love at Seventy</span>," <span class="smcap">Etc., Etc.<br /><br /></span> +</p> + +<div class="blockquotit"><p><big><i>"You see!" he answered, bitterly. "Because +I am black I cannot touch the hand of +a woman that is white. And yet you say +the Almighty made of one blood all nations +of the earth!"—Page 212.</i></big><br /><br /></p></div> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p class="center">NEW YORK:<br /> +<small>COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY G. W. DILLINGHAM.</small><br /> +<i>G. W. Dillingham Co., Publishers.</i></p> + +<p class="center">[<i>All rights reserved.</i>] +</p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="contents" id="contents"></a>CONTENTS</h2> + +<table summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr> + +<th class="tda">CHAPTER</th> +<th class="tdc" colspan="2">PAGE</th> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tda"> +I.</td> +<td class="tdb">A Rejected Manuscript</td> +<td class="tdc"><a name="Page_vt" id="Page_vt"></a><a href="#Page_vtn">*</a> <a href="#CHAPTER_I">9</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">II.</td> +<td class="tdb">"Was my story too bold?"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">23</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">III.</td> +<td class="tdb">"Her feet were pink"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">35</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">IV.</td> +<td class="tdb">With Titian Tresses</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">49</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">V.</td> +<td class="tdb">Studying Miss Millicent</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">65</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">VI.</td> +<td class="tdb">"How the women stare!"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">79</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">VII.</td> +<td class="tdb">A Dinner at Midlands</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">93</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">VIII.</td> +<td class="tdb">Holding Her Hand</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">99</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">IX.</td> +<td class="tdb">"Daisy, my darling!"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">110</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">X.</td> +<td class="tdb">"Oh, so many, many maids!"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">121</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XI.</td> +<td class="tdb">Archie Pays Attention</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">136</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XII.</td> +<td class="tdb">Dining at Isaac's</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">143</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XIII.</td> +<td class="tdb">A Question of Color</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">155</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XIV.</td> +<td class="tdb">"Let us have a betrayal"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">166</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XV.</td> +<td class="tdb">The Green-Eyed Monster</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">177</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XVI.</td> +<td class="tdb">"I've had such luck!"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">190</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XVII.</td> +<td class="tdb">A Burglar in the House</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">198</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XVIII.</td> +<td class="tdb">Black and White</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">204</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XIX.</td> +<td class="tdb">"Play out your farce"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">215</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XX.</td> +<td class="tdb">Like a Stuck Pig</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">226</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXI.</td> +<td class="tdb">"We want Millie to understand"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">238</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXII.</td> +<td class="tdb">Where Was Daisy?</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">246</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXIII.</td> +<td class="tdb">An Awful Night</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">254</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXIV.</td> +<td class="tdb">"This ends it, then?"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">263</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXV.</td> +<td class="tdb">An Undiscoverable Secret</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">273</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXVI.</td> +<td class="tdb">"I played, and I lost"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">282</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXVII.</td> +<td class="tdb">Absolutely Blameless</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">292</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXVIII.</td> +<td class="tdb">Trapping a Wolf</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">301</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class="tda">XXIX.</td> +<td class="tdb">"The Greatest Novel"</td> +<td class="tdc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">309</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="TO_MY_READERS" id="TO_MY_READERS"></a>TO MY READERS.</h2> + +<p>I do not know how better to use the space that +the printer always leaves me in this part of the book +than to redeem the promise I made at the end of my +last novel, and tell you in a few words what became +of Blanche Brixton Fantelli and her husband.</p> + +<p>But, do you really need to be told?</p> + +<p>Could they have done anything else than live in +connubial felicity, after the man had proved himself +so noble and the woman had learned to appreciate +him at his true worth?</p> + +<p>Well, whether they could or not, they didn't. +Blanche is the happiest of wedded wives. She still +holds to her theory that marriage is based on wrong +principles, and that the contract as ordinarily made +is frightfully immoral; but she says if all men were +like "her Jules" there would be no trouble.</p> + +<p>In this she proves herself essentially feminine. She +is learning, albeit a little late, that man was not +made to live alone, and that the love a mother feels +for her child is not the only one that brings joy to a +woman's breast.</p> + +<p>Fantelli does not claim that Blanche is his property. +He is her lover still, even though he has +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span>gained the law's permission to be her master. He +recognizes that she has rights in herself that are inviolable. +This is why they live together so contentedly. +She would not be his mate on any other +terms.</p> + +<p>If it is not the ideal existence, it is very near it. +As near as a man and woman who care for the +world's opinion can live it in these days.</p> + +<p>And now, with heartfelt thanks for the continued +favor of the reading public, which I am conscious is +far beyond my desert, I bid a temporary farewell to +American shores. By the time this book is on the +shelves of the dealers I shall be on European soil, +there to remain, I trust, for the better part of a year. +Wherever I am, my thoughts will always turn to you +who have made these journeys possible, and there as +here my pen will continue devoted to your service.</p> + +<p> +ALBERT ROSS.<br /> +<br /> +Cambridge, Mass.,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>June 1, 1895.</i></span><br /> +</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="A_BLACK_ADONIS" id="A_BLACK_ADONIS"></a>A BLACK ADONIS.</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>A REJECTED MANUSCRIPT.</h3> + +<p>"A letter for Mr. Roseleaf," he heard his landlady +say to the chambermaid. And he was quite prepared +to hear the girl reply, in a tone of surprise:</p> + +<p>"For Mr. Roseleaf! This is the first letter he +has had since he came."</p> + +<p>The young man referred to stood just within his +chamber door, waiting with some anxiety for the +letter to be brought to him. He was about twenty +years of age, of medium height, with rather dark +complexion, curling hair and expressive eyes, and +with a natural delicacy of manner that made him +seem almost feminine at first view.</p> + +<p>He had the greatest possible interest in the letter +that the postman had just brought, but he was far +too polite to disturb the landlady or her servant, +who were not yet through with it.</p> + +<p>"You can see that it is from a publishing house,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> +commented Mrs. Ranning, inspecting the envelope +with care. "It is from Cutt & Slashem, who bring +out more novels than any other firm in the city. I +told you he was some kind of a writer. Perhaps +they are going to publish a book for him! If they +do he will leave us for finer quarters. Novelists +make a mint of money, I have heard. We must do +our best to keep him as long as we can. Be very +polite to him, Nellie. He appears to be an excellent +young man."</p> + +<p>Shirley Roseleaf's anxiety to get possession of his +letter was not lessened by this conversation. It +seemed as if his entire future hung on the contents +of that envelope tarrying so long in Nellie's hands. +The great publishers, Cutt & Slashem, had had a +manuscript of his in their hands for nearly a fortnight. +When they had definitely accepted it, his +path would be perfectly clear. If they rejected it—but +he had not got so far as that.</p> + +<p>The manuscript was a romance—a romance of +love! Its author had spent a great deal of time +upon it. He had rewritten it with care, and finally +made a neat copy, of which he was very proud. +Then he had thought a long time over the question +of a publishing firm. Cutt & Slashem stood at the +top of their profession, and they finally received the +preference. With the MSS. Roseleaf sent a pretty +note, in which he included a delicate compliment on +their success. The MSS. and the note were arranged +tastefully in a neat white package and tied with pink +twine.</p> + +<p>After all of those precautions it is no wonder that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>the novelist felt surprise when days passed and no +reply was sent to him. But never at any time was +he discouraged. Had they intended to reject the +novel, he reasoned, they could as easily have done +so in three days as ten.</p> + +<p>He pictured the members of the firm hugging +themselves over their good fortune, passing the +manuscript from one to the other, all eager for a +taste of such a marvelous work. He did not think +it egotism to believe they did not get stories like +that every day.</p> + +<p>His thoughts flew rapidly as Nellie slowly climbed +the stairs. Now he would be famous, he would be +courted, he would be envied! He would also be +very, very rich, though that was not of so much +account.</p> + +<p>As Nellie handed him the letter he responded to +her pleasant smile with one of his own, and even +pressed a twenty-five cent piece into her hand. Then +he closed his door behind him, bolting it in his +eagerness to be alone. The morning was foggy, and +he sank into a chair by the window, the only part of +the room where he could see to read distinctly.</p> + +<p>There was an attraction about the envelope. It +was light buff in color, bearing the address of Cutt +& Slashem in large letter on one side of the front +face, besides the names of several of the most famous +authors whose publishers the firm had the happiness +to be.</p> + +<p>"Shirley Roseleaf!" It would not look so badly +in print.</p> + +<p>So lost was he in the pleasant pictures which +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>these thoughts conjured up that it was some +minutes before he tore open the envelope. Then his +astounded eyes rested upon these lines:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Messrs. Cutt & Slashem regret to be obliged to decline +with thanks the MSS. of M. Shirley Roseleaf, and request to +be informed what disposition he desires made of the same."</p></div> + +<p>Roseleaf read this dizzily. For some moments he +could not understand what that sentence meant. +"Obliged to decline" was plain enough; but his +confused mind found some grains of comfort in the +request of the firm to know what he wished done +with his manuscript. They must, he reasoned, consider +it of value, or they would not respond in that +courteous manner. Still, he could not comprehend +how they had had the asininity to "decline" it +at all.</p> + +<p>Were they unwilling to add another star to their +galaxy?</p> + +<p>Could they actually have read the tale?</p> + +<p>A firm of their reputation, too!</p> + +<p>When Roseleaf emerged from his temporary stupor +it was into a state of great indignation. Why, the +men were fools! He wished heartily he had never +gone to them. They would yet see the day when, +with tears in their eyes, they would regret their lack +of judgment. His first act should be to go to their +office and express his opinion of their stupidity, and +then he would take his MSS. to some rival house. +And never, never in the world—after he had become +famous, and when every publisher on both sides of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>the Atlantic were besieging him—never, he said, +should these ignorant fellows get a scrap of his writing, +not even if they offered its weight in gold!</p> + +<p>He was too excited for delay, and donning his hat, +he took his way with all speed to Cutt & Slashem's +office. At that instant he had more faith in his +novel than ever. As he walked rapidly along he +compared it with some of the stories issued by the +firm that had rejected it, to the great disadvantage +of the latter.</p> + +<p>"I wish to see Mr. Cutt or Mr. Slashem," he said, +imperiously, as he entered the counting room.</p> + +<p>"Both are in," said the office boy, imperturbably. +"Which will you have?"</p> + +<p>"I will see them together."</p> + +<p>Had they been tigers, fresh from an Indian jungle, +it would have made no difference to him.</p> + +<p>The boy asked for his card, vanished with it, +returned and bade him follow. Up a flight of stairs +they went, then to the left, then to the right, then +across a little hall. A door with the name of the +house and the additional word "Private" loomed +before them.</p> + +<p>"Come in!" was heard in response to the knock +of the office boy.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf entered, something slower than a cannon +ball, and yet considerably faster than a snail. The +two principal members of the firm were sitting +together, with lighted cigars in their mouths, examining +a lot of paper samples that lay upon a table. +They did no more at first than glance up and nod, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>not having finished the business upon which they +were engaged.</p> + +<p>"Is it any better than the last?" asked Mr. Slashem, +referring to the sample his partner was examining.</p> + +<p>"It's just as good, at least," was the answer. "And +an eighth of a cent a pound less. I think we had better +order five hundred reams."</p> + +<p>"Five hundred reams," repeated the other, slowly, +making a memorandum in a little book that he carried. +"And the other lot we'll wait about, eh? +Paper is not very steady. It's gone off a sixteenth +since Thursday."</p> + +<p>This conversation only served to infuriate still more +the visitor who stood waiting to pour out his wrath. +Were these men wasting time over fractions of a cent +in the price of stock, just after they had rejected one +of the greatest romances of modern times!</p> + +<p>With the precision of a duplex machine both partners +finally looked up from the table at the young +man.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Shirley Roseleaf?" said Mr. Slashem, interrogatively, +glancing at the card that the office boy +had brought.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir!" was the sharp and disdainful reply.</p> + +<p>"We need nothing in your line," interrupted Mr. +Cutt. "I suppose Mr. Trimm has our other order +well under way?"</p> + +<p>The look of indignant protest that appeared in +Roseleaf's face caused Mr. Slashem to speak.</p> + +<p>"This is not Mr. Roseberg," he explained. "My +partner took you for an agent of our bookbinder," he +added.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> + +<p>The novelist thought his skin would burst.</p> + +<p>"I am quite complimented," he said, in an icy +tone. "Let me introduce myself. I am the author +of 'Evelyn's Faith.'"</p> + +<p>The partners consulted each other.</p> + +<p>"The similarity of names confused me," said Mr. +Cutt. "Is your book one that we have published?"</p> + +<p>Saints and angels!</p> + +<p>"It is one that was sent to you <i>for</i> publication," +replied Roseleaf, with much heat, "and has been +returned this morning—<i>rejected</i>!"</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Mr. Cutt.</p> + +<p>"We have nothing to do with that department," +said Mr. Slashem, coming to the rescue. "You +should see Mr. Gouger, on the second floor above; +though if he has rejected your story a visit would be +quite useless. He never decides a matter without +sufficient reason."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear, no!" added Mr. Cutt, feeling again of +the paper samples.</p> + +<p>Shirley Roseleaf listened with wild incredulity.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to tell me," he said, "that you, the +members of the firm of Cutt & Slashem, have rejected +my story without even reading it?"</p> + +<p>The partners glanced at each other again.</p> + +<p>"We never read books," said Mr. Cutt.</p> + +<p>"Never," said Mr. Slashem, kindly. "We have +things much more important to attend to. We pay +Mr. Gouger a large salary. Why, my young friend, +there are probably a dozen manuscripts received at +our office every week. If we were to try to <i>read</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> +them, who do you think would attend to the <i>essential</i> +points of our business?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf's contempt for the concern was increasing +at lightning speed. He did not care to mince his +words, for it could make no difference now.</p> + +<p>"I should imagine that the selection of the books +you are to print would be at least as important as +the paper you are to use," he retorted.</p> + +<p>Mr. Cutt looked at him in great astonishment.</p> + +<p>"You are much mistaken," said he.</p> + +<p>"Entirely mistaken," confirmed Mr. Slashem.</p> + +<p>The author had no desire to remain longer, as it +was evident he was losing his temper to no purpose. +If it was Mr. Gouger who had rejected his work, it +was Mr. Gouger that he must see.</p> + +<p>Bowing with ironical grace to the examiners of +printing paper, he took leave of them, and mounted +to the sanctum of the man who he had been told was +the arbiter of his fate. A girl with soiled hands +pointed out the room, for there was nothing to indicate +it upon the dingy panel of the door; and +presently Roseleaf stood in the presence of the individual +he believed at that moment his worst enemy.</p> + +<p>There were two men in the room. One of them +indicated with a motion of his hand that the other +was the one wanted, and with a second motion that +the caller might be seated. Mr. Gouger was partly +hidden behind a desk, engaged in turning over a +heap of manuscript, and it appeared from the manner +of his companion that he did not wish to be +disturbed.</p> + +<p>Somewhat cooled down by this state of affairs, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>the young novelist took the chair indicated and +waited several minutes.</p> + +<p>"What d—d nonsense they are sending me these +days!" exclaimed Mr. Gouger at last, thrusting the +sheets he had been scanning back into the wrapper +in which they had come, without, however, raising +his eyes from his desk. "Out of a hundred stories +I read, not three are fit to build a fire with! This +thing is written by a girl who ought to take a term +in a grammar school. She has no more idea of +syntax than a lapdog. Her father writes that he is +willing to pay a reasonable sum to have it brought +out. Why, Cutt & Slashem couldn't afford to put +their imprint on that rot for fifty thousand dollars!"</p> + +<p>He had finished saying this before he learned that +a third person was in the room. Upon making this +discovery he lowered his voice, as if regretting having +exhibited too great warmth before a stranger. +The novelist rose and handed him a card, and as +Mr. Gouger glanced at the name a gleam of recognition +lit up his face.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to see you, Mr. Roseleaf," he said. +"I had half a notion to ask you to call, when I felt +obliged to send you that note yesterday. There are +several things I would like to say to you. Archie, +perhaps you would let us have the room for a few +minutes."</p> + +<p>The last remark was addressed familiarly to the +man who occupied the third chair, and who looked +so disheartened at the prospect of having to rise +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>therefrom that Roseleaf hastened to express a hope +that he would not do so on his account.</p> + +<p>"Very well," said Mr. Gouger, abruptly. "You +heard what I said about this copy I have just read, +though it was not my intention that you should. I +supposed I was talking only to Mr. Weil, who is not +in the profession and does not expect to be. Now, +let me say at once, Mr. Roseleaf, that your contribution +is not open to any of the objections I have +cited. You have evidently been well educated. Your +English is pure and forcible. It is a real delight +to read your pages. Every line shows the greatest +care in construction. I did with your story what +I have not done with another for a long time—I read +it through. Why then did I reject it?"</p> + +<p>The question was too great for the one most interested +to answer, but in the glow of pleasure that the +compliment brought he forgot for the moment his +bitter feelings.</p> + +<p>"Possibly," he suggested, "Cutt & Slashem have +more novels on hand than they feel like producing at +present."</p> + +<p>"No," responded Mr. Gouger, disposing of that +theory in one breath. "A house like ours would +never reject a really desirable manuscript. If you +will reflect that only one or two of this description +are produced each year you will the more readily +understand me. Your story has a cardinal fault for +which no excellence of style or finish can compensate. +Shall I tell you what it is, and before this gentleman?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> + +<p>He indicated Mr. Weil as he spoke. Roseleaf's +heart sank. For the first time he felt a deadly fear.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, by all means," he responded, faintly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger's face bore its gentlest expression at +that moment. He was taking valuable time, time +that belonged to his employers, to say something +that must temporarily disappoint, though in the end +it might benefit his hearer.</p> + +<p>"Let me repeat," he said, "that your work is well +written, and that I have read it with the greatest +interest. Its fault—an insuperable one—is that it +lacks fidelity to nature. Mr. Roseleaf, I think I could +gauge your past life with tolerable accuracy merely +from what that manuscript reveals."</p> + +<p>The novelist shook his head. There was not a line +of autobiography in those pages, and he told his +critic so.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I understand," replied Mr. Gouger. "But +this I have learned: Your life has been marvelously +colorless. Yet, in spite of that, you have undertaken +to write of things of which you know nothing, and +about which, I may add, you have made very poor +guesses."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil, leaning back in his chair, began to show +a decided interest. Mr. Roseleaf, sitting upright, in +an attitude of strained attention, inquired what Mr. +Gouger meant.</p> + +<p>"Well, for instance, this," responded the critic: +"You attempt to depict the sensations of love, +though you have never had a passion. Can you +expect to know how it feels to hold a beautiful girl in +your arms, when you never had one there? You put +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>words of temptation into the mouth of your villain +which no real scamp would think of using, for their +only effect would be to alarm your heroine. You +talk of a planned seduction as if it were part of an +oratorio. And you make your hero so superlatively +pure and sweet that no woman formed of flesh and +blood could endure him for an hour."</p> + +<p>The color mounted to Roseleaf's face. He felt +that this criticism was not without foundation. But +presently he rallied, and asked if it were necessary +for a man to experience every sensation before he +dared write about them.</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose," he asked, desperately, "that +Jules Verne ever traveled sixty thousand leagues +under the sea or made a journey to the moon?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil could not help uttering a little laugh. +Mr. Gouger struck his hands together and clinched +them.</p> + +<p>"No," said he. "But he could have written +neither of those wonderful tales without a knowledge +of the sciences of which they treat."</p> + +<p>"He has read, and I have read," responded Roseleaf. +"What is the difference?"</p> + +<p>"He has studied, and you have not," retorted the +critic. "That makes all the difference in the world. +He has a correct idea of the structure of the moon +and what should be found in the unexplored caverns +of the ocean; while you, in total ignorance, have +attempted to deal in a science to which these are the +merest bagatelles! You know as little of the tides +that control the heart of a girl as you do of the personal +history of the inhabitants of Jupiter! Your +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>powers of description are good; those of invention +feeble. Either throw yourself into a love affair, till +you have learned it root and branch, or never again +try to depict one."</p> + +<p>Mr. Archie Weil smiled and nodded, as if he entirely +agreed with the speaker.</p> + +<p>"What a novel <i>I</i> could make, my dear fellow!" +he exclaimed, "if I only had the talent. I have had +experiences enough, but I could no more write them +out than I could fly."</p> + +<p>"It is quite as well," was the response, "your +women would all be Messalinas and fiction has too +many now."</p> + +<p>"Not <i>all</i> of them, Lawrence," was the quick and +meaning reply.</p> + +<p>"In that case," said Gouger, "I wish heartily you +could write. The world is famishing for a real +love story, based on modern lines, brought up to +date. I tell you, there has been nothing satisfactory +in that line since Goethe's day."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil suggested Balzac and Sand.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you include George William Reynolds?" +inquired Gouger, with a sneer. "Neither +of them wrote until they were depraved by contract +with humanity. If we could get a young man of +true literary talent to see life and write of it as he +went along, what might we not secure? But I have +no more time to spare, Mr. Roseleaf. I was sorry +to be obliged to reject your story. Some day, when +you have seen just a little of the world, begin again +on the lines I have outlined, and come here with the +result."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> + +<p>Quite dispirited, now that the last plank had +slipped from under him, the novelist walked slowly +down the stairs. He did not even ask for his manuscript. +After what he had heard, it did not seem +worth carrying to his lodgings. His plans were +shipwrecked. Instead of the fame and fortune he +had hoped for, he felt the most bitter disappointment. +All his bright dreams had vanished.</p> + +<p>A step behind him quicker than his own, made +him aware that some one was following him, and +presently a voice called his name. It was Mr. +Archie Weil, who had put himself to unusual exertion, +and required some seconds to recover his +breath before he could speak further.</p> + +<p>"I want you to come over to my hotel and have a +little talk with me," he said. "Gouger has interested +me in you immensely. I believe, as he says, +that you have the making of a distinguished author, +and I want to arrange a plan by which you can carry +out his scheme."</p> + +<p>Mr. Roseleaf stared doubtfully at his companion.</p> + +<p>"What scheme?" he said, briefly.</p> + +<p>"Why, of imparting to you that knowledge of the +world which will enable you to draw truthful portraits. +You have the art, he says, the talent, the +capacity—whatever you choose to call it. All you +lack is experience. Given that, you would make +a reputation second to none. What can be plainer +than that you should acquire the thing you need +without delay?"</p> + +<p>"The 'thing I need'?" repeated Roseleaf, dolefully.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Weil laughed, delightfully.</p> + +<p>"Yes!" he explained. "What you need is a friend +able to interest you, to begin with. Pardon me if I +say I may be described by that phrase. Come to +my hotel a little while and let us talk it over."</p> + +<p>It was not an opportunity to be refused, in Roseleaf's +depressed condition, and the two men walked +together to the Hoffman House, where Mr. Weil at +that time made his home.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>"WAS MY STORY TOO BOLD?"</h3> + + +<p>"Well, Millie, your letter has come," said Mr. Wilton +Fern, as he entered the parlor of his pleasant +residence, situated about twenty miles from the +limits of New York City. "Open it as quick as you +can, and learn your fate."</p> + +<p>His daughter started nervously from her seat near +the window, where she had been spending the previous +hour in speculations regarding the very missive +that was now placed in her hands. She was a handsome +girl, neither blonde nor brunette, with eyes of +hazel gray and hair of that color that moderns call +Titian red. She took the envelope that her father +gave her, and though she wanted intensely to know +the contents she hesitated to open it.</p> + +<p>"Read it, Millie," smiled Mr. Fern. "Let us learn +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>whether we have an authoress in our house who is +destined to become famous."</p> + +<p>But this remark made Miss Millicent less willing +than before to open the letter in her father's presence. +She slowly left the room without answering +and did not break the seal of her communication till +she was in the seclusion of her chamber.</p> + +<p>And it was quite a while, even then, before she +summoned the necessary courage. Some days previous +she had sent a MSS. to the great publishing +house of Cutt & Slashem. The writing had taken +up the best of her time for a year. She had high +hopes that it was destined to lay the foundation +of an artistic success. Her plot was novel, not +to say startling. It was entirely out of the conventional +order. It would be certain to arouse +talk and provoke comment, if it got into print; +and to make sure that it <i>would</i> get into print she +had persuaded her father to write a little note, +which she enclosed with the MSS., saying that +he would pay a cash bonus, if the firm demanded it, +to guarantee them against possible loss.</p> + +<p>With this note in her mind, Miss Millicent had +felt little doubt that her story would be accepted +and printed. She only wondered how warmly they +would praise her work. It was not enough to have +them print it; she wanted something to justify her +in saying to her father, "There, you see I was not +wrong after all in thinking I could have a literary +career!"</p> + +<p>At last the envelope was removed, and the girl's +astonished eyes lit upon this cold, dry statement:</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Messrs. Cutt & Slashem regret to be obliged to decline +with thanks the MSS. of Miss M. Fern, and request to be +informed what disposition she desires made of the +same."</p></div> + +<p>Millicent felt a ringing in her ears. Her hands +grew clammy. A dull pain pressed on her forehead. +She felt a faintness, a sinking at the heart. Was it +possible she had read aright? Rejected, in this +cruel way, without even a reference to her father's +offer! It was atrocious, and, girl-like, she burst into +a spasm of weeping.</p> + +<p>How could she ever face her father? The sacrifices +she had made came back to her, sacrifices of +which she had thought little at the time, but which +now seemed gigantic. There had been nights when +she had not gone to bed till three, other nights when +she had been too full of her subject to sleep and had +risen in the small hours to finish some particularly +interesting chapter. Twelve hundred pages there +were in all, note size, in her large, round, almost +masculine hand. And this time was all lost! She +had mistaken her vocation. The greatest publishing +house in the country had decided against her.</p> + +<p>Gradually she dried her eyes. It would do no +good to weep. She read the curt answer that had +come in the mail, a dozen times. Why could not +the firm have sent her a reason, an excuse that +meant something? She wanted to know wherein +her fault lay. It might be possible to correct it. +Perhaps the state of business was to blame. The +more she thought, the more determined she grew to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>investigate this strange affair, and within an hour +she had donned her street clothes and started, without +saying anything to the rest of the household of +her intention, for the office of Cutt & Slashem in the +city.</p> + +<p>She knew that each large concern had one or more +"readers," on whose judgment they relied in such +matters. She, therefore, paused only long enough +at the counting-room to get directed to Mr. Gouger. +Her knock on the critic's door brought forth a loud +"Come in," and as she entered she saw two men +standing with hats in their hand, as if about to take +their departure.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon," she said, "but I wish to see +Mr. Gouger."</p> + +<p>"That is my name," responded one of the men, +stepping forward.</p> + +<p>"I am Miss Fern."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger did not seem very glad to hear it. +The hour of one had just struck, and he was about +to go to his lunch. He recognized the girl's name, +as that of the author of the MSS. he had criticized +so severely to his friend, Weil, who was, by-the-way, +the third person in the room at this moment. Had +she sent up her card, as is usual with women, he +would have avoided seeing her at any hazard.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil took a long survey of the young lady, +and then retired to the vicinity of the front windows. +He pretended to interest himself in the rush of +traffic that was going on in the street below, but he +missed nothing of what was said, and stole from +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>time to time a glance at his two companions, particularly +the younger one.</p> + +<p>"A mighty pretty girl," was his mental comment. +"I hope Lawrence isn't going to be nasty with her."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger motioned Miss Fern rather stiffly to a +seat.</p> + +<p>"I do not wish to detain you," she said, with +feminine inconsistency, as she accepted it. "I only +want to know, if you will be so kind as to tell me, +what is the trouble with my story."</p> + +<p>The critic was pleased at one thing. Miss Fern's +voice was reasonably clear. She had finished her +weeping at home. There was to be no scene, something +he dreaded, and in the course of his connection +with this house he had experienced scores of them. +He inspected his caller critically in the few seconds +that elapsed while she was asking this question, and +when she paused he decided to answer her with as +much of the truth as he dared use.</p> + +<p>"The fact is," he began, "a firm like ours is unable +to use more than one novel out of fifty that is +submitted to it. Of our friends who send us manuscripts, +the vast majority must, therefore, be disappointed. +Now, your story—shall I be frank?"</p> + +<p>"By all means," answered Miss Fern.</p> + +<p>"Your story, though written with spirit and +power, needs a great deal of revision from a—from +a rhetorical standpoint. It is, in fact, carelessly put +together. That is a cardinal fault in a literary production, +and one for which no amount of talent, or +even of genius, can compensate."</p> + +<p>The girl listened with deep interest. She tried to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>think where the blemishes alluded to could be, for +she had read the story twenty times. To say nothing +of several girl friends, who had listened with +evident wonder and delight, to various parts of the +tale, as it progressed.</p> + +<p>"If that is true," answered Miss Fern, slowly—, +"could not the trouble be remedied by sending the +MSS. to some very competent person and having the +errors made right?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger smiled.</p> + +<p>"Hardly," he said. "A novel is like a painting. +The <i>ensemble</i>—do you understand?—is the thing. +Can you conceive a painting being 'done over'? +Your book would lose its quality if subjected to +that process."</p> + +<p>A look of discouragement crossed the features of +the young woman.</p> + +<p>"Of course, you know best," she stammered. +"What would you advise me—try again?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger raised both his hands.</p> + +<p>"It is difficult to say, in such a case," he replied. +"But—if you want my best opinion—"</p> + +<p>"That is just what I want," said the girl, with ill-concealed +impatience.</p> + +<p>"You are not dependent upon your exertions, I +suppose, for a living?"</p> + +<p>Millicent shook her head, almost sorry at the +moment that she could not reply in the affirmative.</p> + +<p>"Then—I should give up the idea of being an +authoress."</p> + +<p>This was very unpalatable medicine, and the critic +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>realized it as he looked at the sombre face before +him.</p> + +<p>"Is your rejection of my story based at all," asked +Miss Fern, after a pause, "on the—boldness of its +subject?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger smiled again.</p> + +<p>"We publish the works of Hall Caine and George +Moore," he said. "I should not consider your story +overbold, if there was nothing else against it. It is +a wonder to me, and always will be, why such young +girls as you choose <i>risqué</i> themes, but if the work is +well done the public will pay for it."</p> + +<p>There was a slight blush on Miss Fern's face, partly +at the insinuation and partly at the adverse criticism +that had crept thoughtlessly into the sentence.</p> + +<p>"For my part," she explained, "I wanted to write +something that would attract attention—that would +put my name prominently before the public and +keep it there. The girls I read it to thought the +scenes just lovely, though some said perhaps their +mothers would not feel that way. And I told +them that the mothers of to-day were very old-fashioned, +and that the public taste was changing +rapidly. If the story is too bold, there are things I +could cut out of it, but if you say that would make +no difference, I would rather let them stand. I +intend to try some other concern before I give +up."</p> + +<p>Mr. Archie Weil had abandoned all pretence of +looking out the window. He stood with his eyes +fastened on the pretty girl, as she made these statements +in such a matter-of-fact way. He wondered +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>what the dickens the story was about, and made up +his mind that he would try to get possession of it.</p> + +<p>"All the same," responded Mr. Gouger, who had +apparently forgotten his lunch in his growing +interest in the conversation, "I don't see where girls +like you obtain such an intimate knowledge of things. +You are not over twenty—excuse me, I am old +enough to tell you this without offence. It is not you +alone, but a hundred others who have made me +ask myself this question. As soon as the modern +girl gets a bottle of ink and a pen and begins +to let her thoughts flow over paper, it transpires +that she knows everything—more than everything, +almost. Why, I was twenty-five before I was as +wise as the heroine of sixteen, in this story of +yours!"</p> + +<p>Miss Fern reddened again, all the more because +she had glanced up and encountered the bright eyes +of Mr. Weil fixed upon her.</p> + +<p>"Why, Archie," pursued the literary man—he +turned toward Mr. Weil—"you remember Lelia +Danté, you have seen her here. Five or six years +ago I got a letter from that young girl's mother +asking me to come to their residence and hear a +story she had written. It was her first one, and the +child was not a day over seventeen. I couldn't +believe it when she came into the room, with her +hair tumbled about her shoulders, and began to read +to me the first chapter of 'Zaros.' 'Did <i>she</i> write +that?' I asked her mother, incredulously. 'Certainly,' +she replied. 'Without aid from any one?' +'Absolutely alone.' My hair stood on end. I could +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>not keep it down for the next week with a brush. +You know the story. We printed it, and it sold +well, and that is all that C. & S. cared about it; but +I never understood how that infant could conceive +it. No more than I can understand your ability to +write this story of yours, Miss Fern," he added, +pointedly.</p> + +<p>The young woman bridled a little.</p> + +<p>"It does not matter much, if you are not going to +print it," she said, raising her eyes to his.</p> + +<p>He bowed low to express whatever apology might +be necessary.</p> + +<p>"I would have accepted it if I could," he said. +"My entire life is spent in reading manuscripts in +the hope of discovering one that will make a hit with +the public to whom we cater. When successful I +am as pleased as a South African who fishes a diamond +of the first water out of the mine. Your story, +Miss Fern, shows decided talent. You have a +greater knowledge of some of the important things +of life, I will wager, than your grandmother had +at eighty, if she lived so long. As I am obliged to +go now, let me add, without mincing matters, that +you are very deficient in English grammar, and that +nothing you can write will be acceptable to any +first-class house until that fault is remedied. Are +you ready, Archie?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil felt indignant. He could not have +spoken to any girl as pretty as this one in such +language, and he thought it quite inexcusable on +the part of his friend to do so. Mr. Gouger, though +feeling that it was best to use little circumlocution, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>had not meant to wound his caller. But her countenance +showed that he <i>had</i> wounded her, and the +natural gallantry of his younger companion came to +the rescue.</p> + +<p>"I am not ready yet," said Mr. Weil, telegraphing +at the same time a series of signals with his eyes. "I +want a few minutes' talk with Miss Fern, if you will +introduce me. I think I can say something she will +like to hear."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger, who now stood in such a position +that Miss Fern could not see him, shook his head to +imply that he did not fancy this arrangement; but +he ended by saying, "Very well." He then abruptly +made the presentation, put on his hat, said good-by, +and vanished.</p> + +<p>Miss Millicent, who had risen, turned with an air +of puzzled inquiry toward Mr. Weil.</p> + +<p>"Be seated again, for a moment," he said, politely. +"I want your permission to read your story."</p> + +<p>"Why, I don't know," she answered. "Are you +one of the employes of Cutt & Slashem?"</p> + +<p>He smilingly denied the imputation.</p> + +<p>"I have not that felicity," he added, "but I am +much interested in things literary, and have a rather +wide acquaintance in this line of business. If I +could be allowed to read your MSS. perhaps I should +form a milder opinion of its faults than my unbending +friend. And in that case a word from me, to +another house, would certainly do you no harm."</p> + +<p>A brighter light came into Miss Millicent's eyes.</p> + +<p>"I shall be only too glad to have you read it," she +answered. "It is hard to believe that I have wasted +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>almost a year in something entirely worthless. You +may take it with pleasure."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil went to Mr. Gouger's desk, from which +he soon came with the parcel in question. He untied +the string and for a moment his gaze rested on +the handwriting.</p> + +<p>"Do you live far from here?" he began; and then +added, as he noticed the address on an enclosed +card, "Ah, I see! At Midlands."</p> + +<p>She explained herself rather more to him, giving +the full address of her father, and some particulars +about the manner in which she had been drawn into +attempting literary work. He listened intently, all +the time engaged in rapid thought.</p> + +<p>"The best way for me to get a thoroughly correct +impression of this novel," he said, when she came to +a pause, "is to hear you read it aloud. In that manner," +he added, as he saw that she was about to interrupt, +"a hundred meanings would come to the +surface that a mere inspection of the pages might fail +to show. Beside, there would be an opportunity +for discussion. If convenient to you I would gladly +come to your residence for this purpose."</p> + +<p>The eyes of the young girl brightened. She was +greatly pleased at the idea and said so without delay.</p> + +<p>"Very well," said Mr. Weil, more than delighted +with the success of his experiment. "To-day is +Tuesday; shall I come for the first time, say, Thursday +evening?"</p> + +<p>"That would suit me perfectly; or to-morrow, if +you wish. I shall put aside everything and have my +time free for you."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Weil nodded.</p> + +<p>"Let it be Thursday then. And the hour—shall +we call it eight?"</p> + +<p>The time was promptly agreed to.</p> + +<p>"In the meantime, I will take the MSS. and look +it over, to form a general idea of the plot. Here is +my card. By-the-way, you will of course arrange it +so that we shall not be interrupted during our conference. +It disturbs anything of that kind to have +people coming in and out. We want to be entirely +alone so as to give our full attention to the work in +hand."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern smilingly acquiesced, saying that it was +exactly what she would wish.</p> + +<p>"And do you think there may be hope for it yet—that +poor little manuscript?" she asked, as she stood +by the door ready to take her departure.</p> + +<p>"That is a question I can hardly answer," he replied. +"I shall be better able to tell you in a week +or two, I trust."</p> + +<p>She lingered, with her hand on the door knob.</p> + +<p>"My father is willing to take all the financial +risks," she said. "That ought to make a difference, +don't you think so?"</p> + +<p>"It would, with many houses," he admitted. "I +am glad to know these things. Thursday, then, +Miss—Miss Fern."</p> + +<p>He wanted to call her "Millicent," for he had +read the name on the package he still held in his +hand; but on the whole he concluded that this would +be a little premature.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>"HER FEET WERE PINK."</h3> + + +<p>When Miss Millicent Fern entered the office of +Lawrence Gouger, as detailed in the preceding +chapter, it will be remembered that she found that +gentleman and his friend, Archie Weil, with their +hats in their hands. The fact was that Mr. Weil had +but just entered the room, and that Mr. Gouger +had accepted an invitation to take lunch with him, +an arrangement that was by no means an infrequent +one between them. The entrance of Miss Fern, and +the subsequent proceedings, compelled the literary +critic to go out alone, as has been seen. When he +returned he found Mr. Weil still there.</p> + +<p>"Haven't you been to lunch yet!" exclaimed Mr. +Gouger.</p> + +<p>"I have not been out of this office," was the reply, +"and all appetite for anything to eat has left me. +Lawrence, that is one of the most interesting girls I +ever met."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger pursed up his lips, and uttered an +impatient, "Pah!" He then remarked that Mr. +Weil had a habit of finding such a quality in the +latest women of his acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"What does she amount to?" he asked. "An +overgrown schoolgirl, who did not half learn her +lessons. Read that MSS. she left here, and get +disillusionized in short order. Why, she doesn't +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>even know how to spell, and her periods and commas +are in a hopeless tangle."</p> + +<p>His companion eyed him quizzically.</p> + +<p>"Are periods and commas, even a correct spelling +of the English language, the only things you can see +in a bright, handsome girl?" he demanded. "For +shame, Lawrence! You are a dried-up old mummy. +Your senses are numb. A lively wind will come in +at the keyhole some day and blow you out of that +chimney."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger heaved a sigh, as if to say that discussion +with such a nonsensical fellow was useless, +and took his seat at his desk, where an unfinished +pile of MSS. awaited his reading.</p> + +<p>"She's given me leave to take her story home," +said Mr. Weil, with a mischievous expression.</p> + +<p>The critic stared at his friend.</p> + +<p>"Given it to you?" he repeated. "How did that +happen?"</p> + +<p>"I asked her for it, naturally. You were so +severe on the poor child, that I couldn't help putting +in a cheering word. We talked of the whole business, +and she was willing I should see if my opinion +agreed with yours."</p> + +<p>"<i>Your</i> opinion!" echoed Gouger, testily. "What +is that worth? But take the stuff, if you want it, +and when you are done, send it to her; it will make +less rubbish in this confounded hole. One thing I'll +tell you, though, in advance. You'll never be able +to make sense of it, unless you get some one to +straighten it out."</p> + +<p>"That's all right," replied the other. "After I +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>have read it through, I am going to Miss Fern's +house, where she will read it to me."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger started from his chair.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean that!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"But I do. She asked me, and I'm going. I +understand that it's a rather bold tale, and I can +conceive nothing more entertaining than to hear +that kind of thing from the red lips of such a pretty +piece of flesh and blood as has just left here."</p> + +<p>There was an uneasy expression on the face of the +critic as he heard these words. He liked Weil, +although they were as different in their natures as +two men could well be. He wanted to please him, +but the aspect of this affair was not agreeable.</p> + +<p>"Look here, Archie," he said, earnestly, "there +are some things that I can't permit, you know. My +office must not be made a starting-place for one of +your lawless adventures. You met Miss Fern here. +Now, I protest against your going to her house, +pretending that you are interested in that novel, +when your real purpose is of a much more questionable +kind."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil put on the air of one whose feelings are +lacerated by an unjust suspicion.</p> + +<p>"My dear Lawrence—" he began.</p> + +<p>"That's all right," growled the critic. "I may or +may not be your 'dear Lawrence,' but I know you +like—like a book," he added, hitting by accident on +a very excusable simile. "You are an old dog that +is not likely to learn new tricks. I shall send this +MSS. back to Miss Fern, myself, enclosing a letter +warning her to have nothing to do with you."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> + +<p>A laugh escaped the lips of Archie Weil at this +proposition.</p> + +<p>"If you knew the feminine mind half as well as +you do modern literature," he answered, "you would +see how little that would avail. I have met Miss +Fern and made a distinctly favorable impression. +Her address is in my pocket, and I have received a +pressing invitation to call. If you choose to send +the MSS. by another messenger you will relieve me +of the task of carrying a bundle, but you will accomplish +nothing more."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger's mouth opened in astonishment at +the evident advantage which his friend had gained +in so short a time.</p> + +<p>"You must have convinced her that your literary +opinions are of value," he said, presently. "If I +write that you are a charletan and entirely unworthy +of attention, what will happen then?"</p> + +<p>The smiling gentleman opposite crossed his hands +over his left knee, and did not delay his answer.</p> + +<p>"I will tell you," he said. "In the same mail she +will receive a letter from me, warning her that a certain +party, who has given an adverse judgment on her +writings, may attempt to influence her against others +more likely to decide in her favor. She will be told +that, having rejected a book, this certain party does +not wish any one else to print it. Send the severest +note you can construct, Lawrence. I have few +talents, but I know how to write letters."</p> + +<p>The critic could hardly believe that fate had +thrown so many cords around his neck in the brief +space of one hour, but the more he thought the more +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>he became convinced that his best course was to shut +his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Well, gang your gait," he said, after a long +pause, during which the look of triumph deepened +on his companion's face. "You will have to answer +for your own sins. But I'll tell you one thing, that +may save your time. Women who write racy novels +are almost without exception remarkably correct in +their own lives."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil inquired if his friend was certain of this, +and there was a suspicion of disappointment in his +tone.</p> + +<p>"Absolutely," said Mr. Gouger, refreshing his +memory. "I can think of a dozen instances to prove +the point. There is Lelia Danté, for instance, who +writes like a—like a—well, you know how she writes. +She sticks to her mother's apron strings like a four-year-old +child. They never are seen apart, I am +told. Then there is Mrs. Helen Walker Wilbur, the +poetess. We have a volume of her verse that is positively +combustible from its own heat. The sheets +had to be run off the press soaked in water to keep +them from igniting. The room was full of steam all +the time the work was going on. Warm! I should +say so! Now, that woman is vain, and she dresses +foolishly, and she does odd things for the sake of +being talked about—but nobody questions her loyalty +to her husband. You would think by some of +her poems that an East Indian regiment would not +suffice for her, and yet she is the straightest wife on +Manhattan Island. Oh, I know so many cases. You +remember that girl who wrote, 'Love's Extremities,'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +a work as passionate as Sappho. She is a little +Quaker-like maiden,<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> who dresses and talks like a +sister of one of the Episcopal guilds. These women +are on fire at the brain only. They would repel a +physical advance with more indignation than those +endowed with less esthetic perceptions. So, see Miss +Fern as much as you like. Should you attempt anything +improper you will prove the truth of my assertions."</p> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a>[Note <a href="#FNanchor_A_1">A</a>: Now dead, alas!—A. R.]</p></div> + +<p>Mr. Weil changed the knee he had been nursing, +but the quiet smile did not leave his countenance.</p> + +<p>"What an inconsistent fellow you are, Lawrence," +he said. "I could convict you of a hundred errors +of logic. Do you remember telling Mr. Roseleaf +that a man should have a passion before he attempts +to depict one."</p> + +<p>"And I say so still," retorted Gouger. "<i>You</i> +don't call the ravings of these poetesses and female +novelists real life, do you? <i>You</i> know the actual +lover isn't content with kissing the hair and the feet +of his divinity! There is more about women's <i>feet</i> +in these poems and novels than all the rest of their +anatomy put together. And what is a woman's foot? +Did you ever see one that was pretty—that you +wanted to put to your lips?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," interrupted Archie, dreamily, "once. At +Capri. She was fifteen. Her feet were pink, like a +shell. She was walking along the shore in the early +evening."</p> + +<p>"With the dirt of the soil on them!" exclaimed Mr. +Gouger, in disgust.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, she had just emerged from her bath. The +sand there was clean as a carpet, cleaner, in fact. +Gods! They were exquisite!"</p> + +<p>The critic uttered an exclamation.</p> + +<p>"I waste time talking to you," he said, sharply. +"You are like the rest of the imaginative crowd. It +is a pity you were not gifted with the divine afflatus, +that you could have added your volumes to the nonsense +they print."</p> + +<p>"And which you are always glad to get," interpolated +Mr. Weil.</p> + +<p>"Because it will sell. Cutt & Slashem are in this +business to make money, and my thoughts must be +directed to the saleable quality of the manuscripts +submitted. If <i>I</i> was running the concern, though, I +<a name="Page_41t" id="Page_41t"></a><a href="#Page_41tn">would</a> touch the mooney, maundering mess. It makes +my flesh creep, sometimes, to read it."</p> + +<p>Archie Weil uttered another of his winsome laughs.</p> + +<p>"How would you like to be a serpent," he asked, +"and have your flesh creep all the time? But before +we dismiss this matter of Miss Fern, I want you +to clear your mind, if you can, of the haunting suspicions +you always have when a woman is concerned. +You know there are concerns in the city who +would print her book, with a proper amount paid +down, if it had neither sense, syntax nor orthography. +If she wants it fixed up, I can find tailors to help her +out; and if her papa wants it on the market, why +shouldn't he be able to get it there? Now, let us +talk a little about Roseleaf."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger brightened at the change of subject. +His interest in Mr. Roseleaf was genuine, and he had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>already learned that Archie had formed a sort of +copartnership with the novelist, in the hope of making +his future work a success. While the critic could +not be said to have any real faith in the arrangement, +it certainly interested him.</p> + +<p>"What strange freak will you take to next?" he +asked. "And do you really expect to make a novelist +out of that young man?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil's eyes had a twinkle in them.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you say, yourself, that it could be done?" +he inquired. "If I have made any mistake in my +investment, I shall charge the loss to you."</p> + +<p>The critic reflected a minute.</p> + +<p>"I'm not so certain it <i>can't</i> be done," he said. +"But that's quite different from investing money in +it, as you are doing. A man wants pretty near a certainty +before he puts up the stuff."</p> + +<p>"You greedy fellow!" exclaimed Weil. "Will you +never think of anything but gain? I have to spend +about so much money every year, in a continual +attempt to amuse myself, and it might as well be +this way as another. I have a document, signed and +solemnly sealed, by which I am to back him against +the field in the interest of romantic and realistic +literature, and in return he is to give me a third of +the net profits of his writings. I don't know that I +have done so badly. Perhaps you may live to see +Cutt & Slashem pay us a handsome sum in royalties."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger looked oddly at his friend, whose face +was perfectly serious.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to begin with?" he asked.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Love, of course. It is the A B C, as well as the +X Y Z of the whole business."</p> + +<p>"What kind of love?"</p> + +<p>"The best that can be got," replied Weil, now +laughing in spite of himself. "The very finest quality +in the market. Oh, we shall do this up brown, I +tell you."</p> + +<p>"What have you done so far?" asked Gouger.</p> + +<p>"You want to know it all, eh?" responded Mr. +Weil. "I don't think I am justified in letting you +too deeply into our secrets. However, you are too +honorable to betray us, and so here goes: I have +instructed my protegé that he must fall violently +under the tender passion before next Saturday +night."</p> + +<p>"With a lady whom you have selected, of course?"</p> + +<p>"By no means. He must catch his own sweethearts."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger played with his watchchain.</p> + +<p>"And this is Tuesday," he commented. "Do you +think he will succeed?"</p> + +<p>"He must," laughed Weil. "It's like the case of +the boy who was digging out the woodchuck. 'The +minister's coming to dinner.'"</p> + +<p>"You might at least have got an introduction for +him," said Gouger, reflectively.</p> + +<p>"Not I. There's nothing in our agreement that +puts such a task on me. Besides, there's no romance +in an introduction. He would write a story as prosy +as one of Henry James' if he started off like that."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger nodded his head slowly.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That would be something to avoid at all hazards," +he assented.</p> + +<p>And at this juncture, to the surprise of both the +parties to this conversation, the young man of whom +they were speaking entered the room.</p> + +<p>"I was telling Mr. Gouger of our agreement," said +Mr. Weil, as soon as the greetings were over. "How +do you get along? Have you discovered your +heroine yet?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Roseleaf answered, with an air of timidity, in +the negative.</p> + +<p>"I don't quite know where to find one," he said.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil spread out his arms to their fullest +capacity.</p> + +<p>"There are thirty millions of them in the United +States alone," he exclaimed. "Out of that number +you ought to find a few whom you can study. What +a pity that <i>I</i> cannot write! I would go out of that +door and in ten minutes I would have a subject ready +for vivisection."</p> + +<p>The younger man raised his eyebrows slightly.</p> + +<p>"But, that kind of a woman—would be what you +would want—the kind that would let you talk to her +on a mere street acquaintance!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil leaned back in his chair and stretched +his legs.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," he said. "She would do for a beginning. +Don't imagine that none of these easy going +girls are worth the attention of a novelist. Sometimes +they are vastly more interesting than the +bread and butter product of the drawing rooms. It +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>won't do, in your profession, to ignore any sort of +human being."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf breathed a sigh as soft as his name.</p> + +<p>"You were right, Mr. Gouger," he said, turning +to that gentleman. "I do not know anything. I +have judged by appearances, and I now see that +truth cannot be learned in that way."</p> + +<p>"All the better!" broke in Archie. "The surest +progress is made by the man who has learned his +deficiencies. You remember the hare and the tortoise. +I have read somewhere that the race is not +always to the swift. You must treat your fellow +men and women as if you had just arrived on this +earth from the planet Mars. You must dig through +the strata of conventionality to the virgin soil +beneath. The great human passions are lust and +avarice, though they take a thousand forms, in many +of which they have more polite names. For instance, +the former, when kept within polite boundaries, is +usually known as Love. As Avarice makes but a sorry +theme for the romantic writer, Love is the subject +that must principally claim your attention. All the +world loves a lover, while the miser is despised even +by those who cringe beneath the power of his gold. +Study the women, my lad, and when you know them +thoroughly begin your great novel in earnest."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf listened with rapt attention.</p> + +<p>"And the men?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"The men," was the quick reply, "are too transparent +to require study. It is the women, with their +ten million tricks to cajole and wheedle us, that +afford the best field for your efforts."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger, who had never been known to take +so much time from his work during business hours, +tried to begin his reading, but without success. +When at his usual occupation he would not have +been disturbed by the conversation of a room full of +people, so preoccupied was he with what he had to +do; but on this occasion he was too much entertained +with his companions to do anything but hear +them through.</p> + +<p>"Is there no such thing as unselfish love—in a +woman—love that sacrifices itself for its object?" +asked Roseleaf, with a trace of anxiety in his tone.</p> + +<p>"M——m, possibly," drawled Mr. Weil. "A female +animal with young sometimes evinces the possession +of that sort of thing, and women may have touches +of it on occasions. That will be a good point for +you to remember when you are deeper in your investigations. +However, I ought not to fill your head +with ideas of my own. I think what we most desire +in our friend," he added, turning to the critic, "is +complete originality."</p> + +<p>The young man shifted his feet nervously.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me," he said, "would it not be well to +talk with people and learn their impressions? Then +I can compare these with my own experiences, when +they come. You would not send a blind man out on +the street unled."</p> + +<p>Archie Weil laughed deliciously.</p> + +<p>"You are ingenious, when you should only be +ingenuous," he replied. "You do not act at all like +the young man from Mars that I have in mind. Perhaps, +nevertheless, you are not wholly wrong, for even +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>my traveler from that planet might have to ask his +way to the nearest town. Supposing you had just +reached the earth, and had met me with a thousand +questions. What could I answer that would be of +any use?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Roseleaf reflected a moment.</p> + +<p>"You could tell me your idea of a perfect woman," +he suggested.</p> + +<p>"Well, I will," said Weil, glancing meaningly at +Mr. Gouger. "The perfect woman is about nineteen +years of age. She is neither very light nor very +dark. Her eyes are hazel, with a touch of gray in +them. She measures, say, five feet, four inches in +height, and—about—twenty-two inches around the +waist. She has a plump arm, not too fleshy, a well-made +leg, a head set on her shoulders with enough +neck to give it freedom and grace of movement, +but not sufficient to warrant comparison with a +swan, or even a goose. Her hands match her feet, +being not too slender nor too dainty. Her hips are +medium, but not bulging. She weighs in the vicinity +of a hundred and twenty-five pounds. And her +hair—there is but one color for a woman's hair—is +Titian red."</p> + +<p>The young man had taken out his note-book and +rapidly sketched this list of attractions.</p> + +<p>"Every woman cannot have Titian hair," remarked +Mr. Gouger. "Would you condemn one +with all the other attributes on account of missing +that?"</p> + +<p>"I would, decidedly," was the reply, "when it is +obtained so easily. I think it only costs two dollars +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>a bottle, for the finest shade. Have you written it +all down, Mr. Roseleaf?"</p> + +<p>The young man ran over his notes.</p> + +<p>"I have it—all but the hair," he said. "Of course +I could not forget that."</p> + +<p>"Very well. And this hair must be long enough, +but not too long, remember, for everything unduly +accentuated spoils a woman. It should hang about +five inches below the waist, when unfastened, and be +thick enough to make a noticeable coil. There +should be sufficient to hide her face and her lover's +when he takes her in his arms."</p> + +<p>Mr. Roseleaf started slightly.</p> + +<p>"Then she should have a lover?" he remarked, +curiously.</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly. Else why the hair and the arms, +and the five feet four! It is a woman's business to +be loved and to make herself lovable. When you +have found this woman, if she has no lover, you will +be expected to officiate in that capacity. If she has +one, you must supplant him as soon as possible. +And when you have fallen desperately, ravingly in +love with such a creature, you will not have to come +to me for further advice."</p> + +<p>The young man surveyed the speaker with the +utmost gravity.</p> + +<p>"Have <i>you</i> ever been in love?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Never."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"It was not necessary; <i>I</i> did not intend to write +novels," said Archie, with a laugh. "But, come, we +have bothered Lawrence enough. Let us go."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> + +<p>He took the package containing Miss Fern's story, +and sauntered out, paying no attention to the peculiar +glances that his friend, the critic, threw at him +as he was leaving.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>WITH TITIAN TRESSES.</h3> + + +<p>Mr. Weil deciphered the MSS. of Miss Fern with +some difficulty. Not that the handwriting was particularly +illegible, though it did not in the least +resemble copperplate engraving; but, as Mr. Gouger +had intimated, the sentences were so badly constructed, +and the punctuation so different from that +prescribed by the usual authorities, that he was continually +obliged to go back over his tracks and hunt +for meanings. Nevertheless, within an hour from +the time when he sat down in his room at the Hoffman +House and opened the package he had +brought, he had to confess himself deeply interested.</p> + +<p>Miss Fern had conceived some entertaining characters, +and some very unconventional situations. +Her people were virile; her hero was strong if not +always grammatical; her heroine did and said things +not common in real life, and yet that were quite +reasonable when her peculiar nature and environment +were considered.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> + +<p>Archie paused once in awhile to wonder how +much of all this record was within the direct knowledge +of the young authoress; which expressions conveyed +her own ideas and which sentiments she +would personally endorse. Gouger might be right +as to the exceeding purity of most of the ladies who +dealt in eroticism, but in this especial case Mr. Weil +meant to make an investigation on his own account +before he accepted as a universal rule the one his +friend had laid down.</p> + +<p>He did not go to sleep that night until he had +finished his story. Had it been arranged by a +competent hand he could have read it in four hours, +but as it was he consumed eight in the work. With +all its faults, he liked it. There was something +breezy about it, and it had a theme that he did +not remember had been treated exactly in the same +way before. Though, as he himself had said, without +much talent for composition, Archie had read a +great many books. It is no proof because a person +cannot write that he would make a poor critic. Mr. +Weil might almost have filled Lawrence Gouger's +place at Cutt & Slashem's. He had written fugitive +pieces in his time for the papers, in reference to his +travels, which had been extensive, and had even contributed +occasional book reviews to the magazines. +His connection with Gouger enabled him to keep in +touch with what was going on in the literary world, +and the dozens of new volumes which passed +through that office were always at his disposal.</p> + +<p>"She's not a fool, by any means," he remarked to +himself, when he put down the last sheet of Miss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +Fern's work. "A fellow who understood his business +might put that into such shape that it would be +worth using. I mean to find some one who can do +it, and suggest the idea to her, when I get to that +stage in this affair. Let me see, who do I know that +could undertake it?"</p> + +<p>He had begun to undress, and was in the act of +taking off his collar as he spoke. His mind ran +over a list of struggling literary men. Something +seemed the matter with most of them. There was +Hamlin, but he would be too exacting, and would +want to suggest alterations in the story itself, which +would never do. There was Insley, whose last three +books had been flat failures, and for whom Cutt & +Slashem had positively refused to print anything +more; but Insley had gone into the country for the +summer and nobody knew his address. Then there +was—</p> + +<p>"<i>Roseleaf!</i>"</p> + +<p>Archie received this thought like an inspiration. +He threw his cravat on the bureau and began tugging +at his shoestrings to the imminent danger of +getting them into hard knots that no one could +unravel. Roseleaf! Why not? The boy would do +almost anything he suggested, so great was his confidence +that a road to literary preferment could be +staked out over that path. Roseleaf would not +undertake the work for the sake of pecuniary compensation, +but the thing could be presented to him +in quite another light. In Miss Fern's story there +were living, breathing men and women. In his +own there were beautifully drawn marionettes. He +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>could be made to see that the study of the young +lady's method was worth his while. And then!</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil's shoes lay on the floor, in the disorder of +a bachelor who had never in his life taken pains to +put anything in the place where it really belonged. +He took out the studs of his shirt, pulled that garment +over his head, and then sat for some minutes +wrapped in active thought.</p> + +<p>"They must be introduced to each other!" he +exclaimed, at last. "Between them they have every +qualification for success; apart they are like the +separated wheels of a watch. There is Shirley, with +a style so sweetly subtle, a grace so perfect, every +line a gem; and with it all not a sign of human +emotion. There is Millicent, full of plot and daring +and breathing characters, and bold conceptions, and +no more able to write good English than an Esquimaux +squaw. I have both these interesting persons +on my hands, and I must combine them, for their +mutual good.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what Gouger will say when I unfold my +plan. Perhaps I had best not tell him. He actually +came near threatening, to-day, to send a line to Miss +Fern, warning her against me. He wouldn't have +done it, though. Lawrence has a bark that is worse +than his bite by a great deal. Yes, I'll bring these +young folks together. I'll take them as Hermann does +the rabbits, and press them gently but firmly into +one. And then sha'n't we get a combination! And +won't Mr. Lawrence Gouger hug himself when the +product of their joint endeavor comes to him for a +reading!"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> + +<p>The muser finished disrobing and donned his night +robes, but it was a long time before he felt like +slumber. He could think of nothing but his scheme. +As he revolved it over in his mind, it took many new +forms. At first Roseleaf was to be asked to rewrite +the story that Miss Fern had offered Cutt & Slashem. +And afterwards there must be an entirely new novel, +conceived together and worked out slowly, using the +best of what was brightest in both of them.</p> + +<p>The last idea Mr. Weil had before he relapsed into +unconsciousness contained two novels, worked out +at the same time. Roseleaf was all right, if he could +only get a glimpse of realism into his work. Miss +Fern would have no trouble if her ideas could find a +garb that suited them.</p> + +<p>There would be a way to make them of service to +each other, and the time to cross a bridge is always +when you come to it. So thought Archie Weil, as he +fell asleep.</p> + +<p>In the morning he laughed to think of the description +he had given to Shirley, in his offhand way, +of "the perfect woman." It was a faithful list of +Miss Millicent's charms, so far as they were apparent +to him. Shirley had noted them down with great +carefulness, and would be sure to notice how fully +the authoress met the ideal he now had in mind. It +only remained for the schemer to say something to +Miss Fern that would suggest Roseleaf to her, whenever +they were made acquainted.</p> + +<p>It must be plain to the reader that Mr. Weil's principal +intention in this whole matter was to dispose +of the <i>ennui</i> which idleness brings even to its most +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>adoring devotees. He had a fair fortune, accumulated +by a father who had denied himself every luxury +to amass it. Drifting to New York, he had +found the vicinity of the Hoffman House very agreeable, +and his companions, with the exception of Mr. +Gouger, were of about as light views of life as himself. +The critic was one of those strange exceptions +with which most of us come in contact, where persons +of entirely opposite tastes and inclinations +become attached friends.</p> + +<p>Breakfast was served so late to Mr. Weil that he +had not finished that repast when the young novelist +made his appearance. Seating himself on the side +of the table that faced his friend, Mr. Roseleaf +responded to the latter's inquiries in regard to his +health by saying that he was quite well. Indeed, he +looked it. His eye was bright, his cheek rosy. His +attire showed just enough of a negligent quality to +be attractive. There was an air about him such as +is often associated with an artist of the pencil and +brush.</p> + +<p>"Never better in health," he said, "but very anxious +to begin something definite in the way of +work."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil smiled his most affable smile.</p> + +<p>"What did I tell you to do, first?" he asked, playfully.</p> + +<p>"To fall in love."</p> + +<p>"Which you have not yet done!"</p> + +<p>The young man shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Good Heavens! And you have lost more than a +week!"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> + +<p>Roseleaf colored more than ever.</p> + +<p>"Isn't there something else—that I could—begin +on?" he asked, humbly.</p> + +<p>"I don't know of anything. Love is the alphabet +of the novelist. You'd best go straight. Aren't +there any eligible young women at your lodging +house?"</p> + +<p>The younger man thought a moment.</p> + +<p>"No; only the chambermaid."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil sipped his coffee with a wise expression.</p> + +<p>"It may come to that," he said, putting down the +cup, "but we'll hope not. We will hope not. What's +the matter with Central Park? There are five hundred +nice girls there every afternoon."</p> + +<p>"But I don't know them," said Roseleaf, desperately. +"And—I have been there. Yesterday +one of them looked at me and smiled. I walked +toward her, and she slackened her speed. When I +came within a few feet she almost stopped. Then—I +could think of nothing to say to her, and I walked +on, looking in the other direction."</p> + +<p>Several breakfasters in the vicinity turned their +heads to note the couple at the table, from which a +laugh that could be heard all over the room came +musically.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you say 'Good-morning?'"</p> + +<p>"Yes! And she might have said 'Good-morning.' +And then it would be my turn, and what could I +have done?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil folded up his napkin and laid it by his +plate.</p> + +<p>"You coward," he replied, affably, "you could +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>have done a thousand things. You could have +remarked that the day was fair, or that you wondered +if it would rain. And you could have asked +her to stroll over to a restaurant and take a little +refreshment. Once opposite to her, the rest would +have come fast enough."</p> + +<p>The novelist took out a handkerchief and wiped +the perspiration from his forehead. It all seemed +very easy the way Archie described it, but he was +sure it would be very different in practice. How +could he know, he demanded, that the young lady +would go to the restaurant with him? She might +have declined, and then he would have been in a +worse position than ever.</p> + +<p>"Declined!" echoed Archie. "Declined a lunch? +Declined ice cream? Declined champagne frappé! +Well, you <i>are</i> ignorant of the sex. My dear boy, it +is evident that I shall have to introduce you to the +leading lady of your company, and if you will be +patient for a very few days, I hope to be able to +do so."</p> + +<p>Rousing himself with a show of genuine interest, +Roseleaf inquired for further particulars.</p> + +<p>"Listen," replied the other. "I expect, to-morrow +evening, to spend a few hours in the company of +one of the most charming members of her sex. She, +like you, has an ambition to become a successful +writer. Like you, also, she lacks some of the prime +qualities that are needed for that end. It happens, +however, that the things wanting are entirely different +in each of your cases—that you will, if you +choose, be able to supplement and perfect each other.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> +I shall tell her that I know a young man of literary +taste who will give her advice on the points in which +she is deficient. With such an opening you will be +at once on Easy street, and if you cannot fall in love +within forty-eight hours, I shall regard you as a case +too hopeless to merit further attention at my hands."</p> + +<p>The young man's cheek glowed with pleasure.</p> + +<p>"That is more like it," he said. "When do you +think I shall be able to meet this young lady?"</p> + +<p>"Within a week or two, at the latest. I must +sound her before I trust you with her, for she is +nearly as much a stranger to me, so far, as to you. +Of course there is no objection—quite the contrary—to +your falling in love elsewhere in the meantime, if +opportunity serves."</p> + +<p>At this moment Mr. Weil called his companion's +attention to a rather corpulent gentleman who had +just entered the breakfast room and was stopping +near the door to hold a brief conversation with some +one he had met there.</p> + +<p>"You see that fellow?" he remarked. "Wait a +minute, and I will get him over here. If you ever +want to put a real character into one of your stories +you will only need to take his photograph. In +actual life he is as dull as a rusty meat axe, but for +literary purposes he would be a godsend."</p> + +<p>Catching the eye of the person of whom he was +speaking, Mr. Weil motioned to him to come to his +part of the room, and as he approached arranged a +chair for him invitingly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Boggs, I want to present a young friend of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>mine to you," said Archie, rising. "Mr. Walker +Boggs—Mr. Shirley Roseleaf."</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs went through the usual ceremony, +announcing that he was most happy, etc., in the +perfunctory style that a million other men follow +every day. Then he took the chair that was offered +him, and gave an order for his breakfast to a waiter.</p> + +<p>"Are you a New Yorker, Mr. Roseleaf?" he asked, +when this important matter was disposed of.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Roseleaf is staying here for the present," +explained Mr. Weil. "He is a novelist by profession, +and I tell him there is no better place to study +the sensational than this vicinity."</p> + +<p>The young man's color deepened. He doubted if +it was right to introduce the subject in exactly these +terms. Mr. Boggs' next question did not detract +from his uneasiness.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me—I am not altogether up in current +literature, and I must ask what Mr. Roseleaf has +written."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil helped his young friend out of this +dilemma as well as he could.</p> + +<p>"He has written nothing, as yet; at least nothing +that has been printed," he said. "He is wise, I +think, in laying a deep foundation for his romances, +instead of rushing into print with the first thoughts +that enter his head, as so many do, to their own subsequent +regret and the distress of their readers. I +want him to meet men and women who have known +what life is by their own experiences. You ought +to be worth something to a bright writer, Walker. +You have had many an adventure in your day."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Walker Boggs shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"In my 'day,' yes," he assented. "Enough to fill +the Astor and Lenox libraries and leave enough for +Charlie Dillingham and The American News Company. +But that is nothing but history now. My +'day' is over and it will never return."</p> + +<p>He paused and ran his right hand dejectedly +across his vest in the vicinity of the waist band. +Though he knew perfectly what Mr. Boggs referred +to, Archie Weil wanted him to express it in his own +words to Shirley.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't think," continued Mr. Boggs, after +a pause which seemed filled with strange emotions, +"that my figure was once the admiration of every +lady who saw it, that they used to stop and gaze at +me with eyes of positive envy. And now—look +at this!"</p> + +<p>He indicated his embonpoint again, and shook his +head wrathfully.</p> + +<p>"It is simply damnable," he continued, as neither +of the others thought best to interrupt him. "When +I was twenty-four I had a reputation that was as +wide as the continent. When I walked down Broadway +you would have supposed a procession was +passing, the crowds gathered in such numbers. If it +was mentioned that I would spend a week at Saratoga +or Newport, the hotels had not a room to spare +while I remained. The next year I married, and as +one of the fashion journals put it, two thousand +women went into mourning. For a decade I devoted +myself entirely to my wife and to business. I +made some money, and kept out of the public eye.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +Then my wife died, and I retired from the firm with +which I had been connected. The next twelve +months dragged terribly. I did not know what to +do. Finally I decided that there was but one course +open to me. I must resume again the position I had +vacated as a leader of fashion."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil bowed, as if to say that this was a very +natural and praiseworthy conclusion; precisely as if +he had not heard the story told in substantially the +same way a dozen times before. He was watching +Roseleaf's interested expression and had difficulty +in repressing an inclination to laugh aloud.</p> + +<p>"I sought out the best tailor in the city," continued +Mr. Boggs. "I went to the most fashionable +hair dresser. I spent considerable time in selecting +hats, cravats and gloves. When all was ready I +took a stroll, as I had done in the old days, from +Fiftieth street, down Fifth Avenue and Broadway to +Union Square. I met a few acquaintances who +stared at me slightly, but did not act in the least +impressed. The women merely glanced up and +glanced away again. What was the matter? I +went home and took a long survey of myself in the +mirror, a cheval glass that showed me from crown +to toe. My costume was perfect. There was not a +wrinkle in my face—this was several years ago, remember. +There was not a gray hair in my head +then—there are a few now, I admit. 'What is it?' +I asked myself a hundred times as I stood there, +studying out the cursed problem. My tie was all +right, my shirt front of the latest cut, my watch chain +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>straight from Tiffany's, my—ah! I saw it all in a +moment!"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf, who did not see it even yet, wore such an +astonished expression that Mr. Weil had to stuff his +napkin into his mouth to prevent an explosion.</p> + +<p>"It was this devilish abdomen!" said Mr. Boggs, +slapping that portion of his frame as if he had a special +grudge against it and would be glad if he could +hit it hard enough to bring it to a realizing sense of +its turpitude. "My figure had gone to the devil! It +was not as large as it is now, but it was large enough +to cook my gruel. My waist had increased so gradually +that I had never noticed it. I got a tape and +took its measure. Forty-two inches, sir! The jig +was up. With a heart as young as ever, with a face +as good and a purse able to supply all reasonable +demands, I was knocked out of the race on the first +round by this adipose tissue that no ingenuity could +hope to conceal!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil could wait no longer. His musical laugh +rang out over the room.</p> + +<p>"Let this be a warning to you, Shirley," he said, +"to wear corsets."</p> + +<p>"It is no joke," was the indignant comment of Mr. +Walker Boggs, as he proceeded to add to his rotundity +by devouring the hearty breakfast that the waiter +had just brought him. "I am left like a marooned +sailor on the sea of life. The only occupation that +could have entertained me is gone. It is no time to +enter business again, I couldn't have selected a wiser +one to leave it. I don't want to marry, once was +enough of that. The only women I can attract are +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>those commercially inclined females that any other +man could have as well as I. What is the result? +My life is ruined. I take no pleasure in anything. +I eat, walk about, go to a play, sleep. A <i>pig</i> could +do as much; and a pig would not have these memories +to haunt him, these recollections of a time so +different that I am almost driven wild."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf felt a sincere pity for the unfortunate +gentleman, and did not see the slightest element of +humor in his melancholy recital. But Archie Weil +could not be restrained.</p> + +<p>"You're right about that pig business," he remarked. +"You recall the incident in Mother Goose, +where—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'A little pig found a fifty dollar note,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And purchased a hat and a very fine coat.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"There are strange parallels in history."</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs would have replied to this remark in the +terms it deserved had he not been too much engaged +at the moment in masticating a particularly fine +chop. As it was he growled over the meat like a +mastiff in bad humor.</p> + +<p>"Are there no remedies for excessive accumulation +of fat in the abdominal region?" asked Weil, +taking his advantage. "It seems to me I have read +advertisements of them in the newspapers."</p> + +<p>"Remedies!" retorted the other, having swallowed +the food and supplemented it with a glass of ale. +"There are a thousand, and I have tried them all. I +have taken things by the gross. I have paid money +to every quack I could find. For awhile I starved +myself so nearly to death that I went to making my +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>will. And every day I grew stouter. I don't know +what I measure now, and I don't care. A few +fathoms more or less, doesn't count, when one falls +from a steamer in midocean."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil took occasion to say that there was no +need for this extreme discouragement. A little coin +in the hand, or a new diamond ring, would still bring +youth and beauty to his disconsolate friend.</p> + +<p>"That's just it," retorted Boggs. "It's the contrast +that's killing me. The only women who would +look at me to-day are mercenary ones that wouldn't +care if I was black as Othello or big as George IV. +Why, I could show you a trunkful of letters, written +me by the finest women in this country, when I was +at my best. They breathe but one thing—love, love, +love! I lived on it! It was the air that kept my +lungs in motion. And I thought to go back to it so +easily! <i>Ah!</i>"</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs commenced upon his fourth chop and +emptied the last of the quart bottle into his glass.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm sorry for you," said Weil. "I think +the times must have changed, as well as yourself, +though. Now, here's a young fellow, with all the +qualifications of face, figure and address that you +once had, and he claims to be unable to make the +acquaintance of a single interesting woman between +Brooklyn Bridge and Spuyten Duyvil."</p> + +<p>The heavy eyes of Mr. Walker Boggs rested upon +the youthful face opposite to him. Under the scrutiny +to which he was subjected Roseleaf reddened, in +the way he had. He had never looked more handsome.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This is evidently a jest of yours," said Boggs, +turning to Mr. Weil.</p> + +<p>"Not in the least, I assure you."</p> + +<p>"Then I say he can do what he likes, and I know +it," replied the stout man. "If I had his form I'd +have to ask the police to clear the way for me. I +have seen circulation impeded in front of this very +hotel because I was coming out to take my carriage. +If he won't look at them, why, of course, the women +can't do it all, but it lies with him."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf's eyes glistened with a strange mixture +of hope and fear. He did not think he would care +to be in such great demand as that, but he dearly +wished to break through the iron bars that enclosed +him. He glanced in a glass that paneled the wall +near by. He was good-looking enough, it was no +vanity to say so. What he lacked was confidence.</p> + +<p>"He is afraid of them, that's his trouble," smiled +Weil. "We will cure him of that, and when he gets +to know women as they are he will give us a novel +that will set all creation by the ears. Gouger—you +know Gouger—says he writes the purest English. +All he needs is a taste of life."</p> + +<p>To this Mr. Boggs gave his unqualified assent. +And he added that if he could be of any service in +the matter he would only be too glad.</p> + +<p>"We thank you for the offer, and may be able +later to make use of it," said Mr. Weil. "And now +good-morning, for we have important business to +attend to."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf looked long and earnestly at the person +they were leaving. He seemed to him a very +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>ordinary individual. If such a man had won the +love of scores of beautiful women, surely he himself +could gain the affections of one. When he stood +with Weil in front of the hotel, by which an unrivaled +procession of ladies and gentleman was +already beginning to pass, though it was only eleven +o'clock, he felt much encouraged.</p> + +<p>"They are looking at you," whispered Archie, +"plenty of them. Did you see those two girls in +pink in that landau? Why, they nearly broke their +necks to get the last glimpse of you. There is +another lady who would stop if you asked her, pretty +as any of them, though she must be nearly thirty. +Your eyes are not open. Ah, here is something +better! In that carriage, with the Titian tresses!"</p> + +<p>It was Miss Millicent Fern, and she bowed to Mr. +Weil. Then her bright eyes lit up with a new lustre +as they fell upon his companion.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>STUDYING MISS MILLICENT.</h3> + + +<p>When Mr. Weil made his appearance at the residence +of Mr. Wilton Fern, the door was opened for him +by a young negro of such superb proportions that the +caller could not help observing him with admiration. +He thought he had never seen a man more perfectly +formed. The face, though too dark to suggest +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>the least admixture of Caucasian blood, was well +featured. The lips were not thick nor was the nose +flat, as is the case with so many of the African race. +The voice, as the visitor heard it, was by no means +unpleasant. Mr. Weil could not imagine a better +model for an ebony statue than this butler, or footman, +or whatever position, perhaps both, he might +be engaged to fill.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, Miss Millicent is in, and she is expecting +you," said the negro, in his pleasant and strong +tones. "Let me take your hat and stick. Now, sir, +this way."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern came in a few moments to the parlor, +where Archie was left, and greeted him most cordially.</p> + +<p>"There is a sitting-room on the next floor," she +said, "where we shall not be disturbed. I have +given Hannibal orders to admit no one, saying that +we shall want the evening entirely to ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Hannibal?" repeated the visitor. "Is that the +name of the remarkable individual who received me +just now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Miss Fern, rather coldly. "Though I +do not know why you call him 'remarkable.'"</p> + +<p>"He is so tall, so grand, so entirely overpowering," +explained Mr. Weil. "One would think he +might be the son of an African king. I never +saw a black man that gave me such an impression of +force and power."</p> + +<p>Millicent elevated her eyebrows a little, as if +annoyed at these expressions. She answered, still +frigidly, that she had noticed nothing unusual about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +Hannibal. She did not believe she had looked +closely enough at his face to be able to identify him +in a court.</p> + +<p>"He would make a fine character for a novel," +said Mr. Weil, as they walked together up the broad +staircase. "I could almost write one myself, around +such a personality."</p> + +<p>The young lady looked disgusted.</p> + +<p>"A negro servant!" she exclaimed. "What kind +of a novel could you write with such a central +figure?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I should not put him in the centre," +laughed Archie, determined to win her good nature. +"Every story needs lights and shades. You can't +deny that he would cast a magnificent shadow."</p> + +<p>The humor of this observation struck Miss Fern +and she joined mildly in her companion's mirth. +Then she remarked that the central figure of a novel—the +main thing in it—to her mind, should be a +being who could be given the attributes of beauty +and grace. The minor characters were of less +account, and would come into existence almost of +their own accord.</p> + +<p>"And now, before we do anything more," she +said, "I want you to tell me about that excessively +handsome young man that I saw with you yesterday +in Madison Square."</p> + +<p>Weil was delighted at this introduction of his +young friend. He began a most flattering account +of Shirley Roseleaf, describing him as a genuine +paragon among men, both in talent and goodness. +He drew heavily on his imagination as he proceeded, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>feeling that he was "in for it," and might as well do +his best at once. And he could see the cheek of the +young listener taking on a new and more enticing +color as he went farther and farther into his subject.</p> + +<p>"If I have to rearrange my novel—the one Mr. +Gouger rejected—I shall draw my hero after that +model," she cried, when he paused for breath. "I +never saw a man who came so near my ideal."</p> + +<p>"But—you would have to alter your hero's character, +in that case?" he said. "I have read your +MSS., and your description does not tally with my +young friend at all."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern reddened.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean to claim, do you," she replied, +"that physical beauty and moral goodness always +go hand in hand?"</p> + +<p>"They should," he answered, in a tone that was +meant to be impressive.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that is another question! <i>Do</i> they? that is +all the novelist needs to know. Did you ever read +Ouida's 'Sigma?' There are the two sisters, one as +pure as can be, the other quite the opposite, and the +beauty belongs to the depraved one. I know Oscar +Wilde takes a different view in 'Dorian Grey,' but +he is wrong. I am sure that the worst man or woman +in the world—reckoning by what are called the +'amiable vices'—might be the most lovely to look +upon, the most delightful to associate with. Eve +found the serpent attractive, remember."</p> + +<p>Where did she learn all these things? Weil looked +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>at her with increasing astonishment. "Amiable +vices." He liked the appellation.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are right," he assented, as if slowly +convinced. "If you wish to be acquainted with +Mr. Roseleaf, I will bring him here with pleasure. +My only fear is that he will not interest you. He +seems almost too perfect for earth. Think of a +young man who knows nothing of women, who says +he has no idea what it is to be in love, who does not +understand why the ladies who pass down Fifth +Avenue turn their heads to look at him! He, like +yourself, is a novelist, but his characters are beautiful +images that lack life. He carves marble figures +and attempts to palm them off as flesh and blood. +He really thinks they <i>are</i>, because he has never +known the difference. If you could take him, Miss +Fern, and teach him what love really is—"</p> + +<p>The young lady blushed more than before.</p> + +<p>"<i>I</i>—" she stammered.</p> + +<p>"In a strictly literary way," he explained. "But," +he added, thinking he was getting upon the edge of +a quicksand, "we must not forget the object of my +visit."</p> + +<p>He took the parcel containing her MSS. that he +had obtained from Mr. Gouger, and began to untie +the string. Manlike he soon had it in a hard knot, +and Miss Millicent, coming to his rescue, her young +hands touched his and made his heart beat faster.</p> + +<p>"There," she said, when the knot had given way +to their joint endeavors. "It is all right, now. But, +before we begin on this, tell me a little more about +Mr. Roseleaf. What has he written? Where was it +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>published? I will send to-morrow morning and buy +a copy."</p> + +<p>Her enthusiasm was agreeable under the circumstances, +but the truth had to be explained to her.</p> + +<p>"What he has written I will let you see, one of +these days," he replied. "As for publishing, he ran +upon the same rock that you did—that of Mr. +Lawrence Gouger."</p> + +<p>The beautiful eyes opened wider.</p> + +<p>"So he rejected his work, too! And yet you say +that it was well done?"</p> + +<p>"Exquisitely. Shirley's lines are as symmetrical as +his face and figure. His people are dead, that is all +the trouble. Gouger scented the difficulty under +which he labors, in a moment. 'Go and fall in love!' +he said to him, 'and you will write a story at which +the world will marvel!'"</p> + +<p>Miss Fern arranged one of her locks of Titian red +that had fallen down.</p> + +<p>"And hasn't he taken the advice?" she inquired, +in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," smiled the other. "He says, like a +very child, that 'he cannot find any one to love.' I +walked up the avenue with him to-day, and afterwards +rode in the Park. There were hundreds of +the prettiest creatures, all looking their eyes out at +him. And he hadn't the courage to return one +glance, not one. Ah, Miss Fern, it will be genuine +love with Shirley Roseleaf, if any. The imitations +one finds in the fashionable world will never answer +for him."</p> + +<p>The young lady breathed a gentle sigh, as her +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>thoughts dwelt on the handsome figure she had seen +in front of the Hoffman House.</p> + +<p>"You may bring him here—yes, I should be glad +to have you," she said, slowly. "But I must ask +one favor; do not tell him what I said so thoughtlessly +about his being my ideal. Let me talk with +him on fair terms. It may be, as you suggest, that +we shall be of advantage to each other. When can +you arrange it?"</p> + +<p>"Almost any day," smiled Weil. "I will let you +know, by mail or otherwise. And now, this story +of yours," he added, thinking it a shrewd plan to +divert her attention from the other matter while it +was still warm in her mind. "Though I have read +it through, and think I understand it fairly well, I +am all the more anxious to hear it from your lips. +You will put into the text new meanings, I have no +doubt, that have escaped my observation."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern flushed pleasantly and inquired with a +show of anxiety whether Mr. Weil had found its +construction as bad as his friend, Mr. Gouger, had +intimated.</p> + +<p>"To be perfectly honest, it might be improved," +he replied. "But the germ is there, Miss Fern—that +necessary thing for a good novel—an interest +that will hold the reader in spite of himself. I +disagree with Lawrence in his essential point. I am +sure that a good writer of English with a taste for +fiction could make all the necessary alterations without +in the least detracting from the value of the +story. For instance, I believe if Mr. Roseleaf would +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>take hold of it I could guarantee to get you a publisher +this winter."</p> + +<p>"And do you think he would?" she cried.</p> + +<p>"I think so."</p> + +<p>The authoress was so delighted with this announcement +that she conquered the slight wound to her +pride. It would be herself still who had drawn the +picture, who had put the coloring into it; all that +the other would have to do might be described as +varnishing. She took up the first sheet of her writing, +and turned up an oil lamp that stood upon the +table at her elbow, the better to see the lines.</p> + +<p>"Are you ready?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Quite ready," smiled Mr. Weil.</p> + +<p>In a voice that trembled a little, and yet not unpleasantly +to the listener, Miss Fern began to read +her manuscript. The opening chapter introduced +the heroine and two gentlemen, either one of whom +might be the hero. As the book is now so well known +it is needless to transfer its features to these pages.</p> + +<p>Presently the authoress paused and seemed to +wait for her guest's criticism.</p> + +<p>"That is one chapter," she said.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I remember. And the second one is where +Algernon begins to disclose a very little of his true +nature. Shall we not have that now?"</p> + +<p>"As you like. I thought perhaps you would give +me advice as we proceeded, some fault-finding here +and there, a suggestion of alterations."</p> + +<p>He shook his head affably.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," he answered. "Up to this point I see +nothing that requires condemnation."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nor praise, perhaps?" she said, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"That might be true, also," he replied. "The +first chapter of a novel is only the laying of the cloth +and the placing of a few dishes. The viands that +form the meal are still in the kitchen."</p> + +<p>She smiled at the simile.</p> + +<p>"But even the laying of the cloth is important," +she said.</p> + +<p>"Your cloth is laid most admirably," he answered. +"And now we will have the castor, which in this +case, I believe, contains a certain quantity of mustard +and red pepper."</p> + +<p>At this she laughed the more, and glanced through +a few of the sheets in her hands before she spoke +again.</p> + +<p>"Did you form any opinion about—about <i>me</i>—from +this story?" she asked, constrainedly. "Did +you, in brief, think it had taken a bold girl to write +it?"</p> + +<p>He hesitated a moment.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, at last. "A bold girl, a daring +girl, a brave girl. Not one, however, whose own conduct +would necessarily be like that of the woman +she has delineated."</p> + +<p>She was so pleased that she put down the MSS. +and leaned toward him with both hands clasped together.</p> + +<p>"You are very, very kind," she said, impressively.</p> + +<p>"No, merely truthful," he replied. "With your +permission I want to retain that last quality in all +my conversations with you. When you ask me a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>question I wish to be perfectly free to answer according +to my honest convictions."</p> + +<p>"It is what I especially desire," she said, brightening. +"No one able to judge has heard anything +of this story except your friend, Mr. Gouger. I +know it is bold, sometimes I think it is brazen. I +can conceive that there are excellent people who +would say it never should have been written. To my +mind, the moral I have drawn more than justifies +the plainness of my speech. You can tell better +than I where I have overstepped the proper bounds, +if there be such places. You are, of course, a man +of the world—"</p> + +<p>The protesting expression on the face of her companion +arrested her at this point.</p> + +<p>"That depends on what you mean by 'a man of +the world?'"</p> + +<p>"It is a common expression."</p> + +<p>"And has many definitions. Before I plead guilty +to it, I want to know just how much you intend by +it."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern put down the page she had taken up +and a puzzled look crossed her pretty face.</p> + +<p>"You make it hard for me to explain myself," she +said. "I suppose I meant—"</p> + +<p>"Now, be as honest as you asked me to be," he +interrupted.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, I suppose you are a man like—like +other men."</p> + +<p>"But there are many kinds of other men."</p> + +<p>The young lady tried several times to make herself +clearer, and then asked, with a very pathetic +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>pout, that she might be permitted to proceed with +her reading, as the hour was growing later. It was +not a very important point, any way, she said.</p> + +<p>"I cannot entirely agree with you," replied Archie. +"If you are to be a writer of fiction, you should not +consider any time wasted which informs you in reference +to your fellow creatures. It is from them +that you must draw your inspiration; it is their +figures you must put, correctly or incorrectly, on +your canvas. Don't understand me as dictating to +you, my dear Miss Fern. I only wish, as long as you +have referred to me, to know of what I am accused."</p> + +<p>To this Miss Fern answered, with many pauses, +that she had not intended to accuse her visitor of +anything. And once more—with evident distress—she +begged to be permitted to drop the matter and +return to her reading.</p> + +<p>"Very well," he assented, thinking he had annoyed +her as much as was advisable for the present. "As +they say in parliamentary bodies, we will lay the +question on the table, from which it can be taken at +some more fitting time. I am as anxious as you can +be to get into Chapter II."</p> + +<p>She read this chapter to the end, and paused a +few seconds to see if he had any comments to make, +but he shook his head without breaking silence, and +she went on with the story. He pursued the same +plan till the end of the fifth chapter.</p> + +<p>"It is interesting, exciting and true," he remarked, +referring to the closing scene. "And I cannot help +feeling arise in my brain the question that Mr. +Gouger put when he read it: How could a young, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>innocent girl like you depict that situation with such +absolute fidelity."</p> + +<p>He had come to the point with a vengeance. But +to Miss Fern his manner was far more agreeable +than if he had approached it by stealth, or in an +insinuating way. She had anticipated something of +the sort and had tried to prepare herself to meet it.</p> + +<p>"Does not nature teach us some things?" she +asked, speaking straightforwardly, though her color +heightened in spite of her efforts. "Given a certain +condition, an intelligent mind can prophesy results."</p> + +<p>He shook his head in mild disagreement with +her.</p> + +<p>"Gouger is an expert, and he denies this, as a regular +rule, at least. You should have heard him +argue it with Roseleaf. 'Either throw yourself into +a love affair,' he said, 'or never try to depict one.' +Excuse me, Miss Fern, you bade me be frank—"</p> + +<p>She assented, with a grave nod of her shapely +head.</p> + +<p>"You may have been in love—I do not ask you +whether you have or not—but you cannot have +known personally of the sort of love that you have +depicted in these pages. I call it little less than +miraculous that you should draw the scene so accurately."</p> + +<p>She colored again, this time partly with pleasure, +for she was very susceptible to compliments.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps your statement may explain to you," +she said, pointedly, "what I meant a few minutes +ago by calling you 'a man of the world.' You +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>recognize at a glance what I had to construct from +my imagination."</p> + +<p>Archie Weil's face changed as he realized how +deftly he had been caught. He had meant to pretend +to this girl that he was more than usually ignorant +of the nether side of life.</p> + +<p>"Don't think too badly of me because I happen to +know what is clear to every man," he said, impressively.</p> + +<p>"To every one?" she answered. "To your friend, +Mr. Roseleaf?"</p> + +<p>"Ah! He is an exception to all rules. And yet, +Gouger says he can never write a successful book +till he is more conversant with life than he is at +present."</p> + +<p>She looked troubled.</p> + +<p>"With life?" she echoed. "With sin, do you +mean?"</p> + +<p>"With the ordinary things that men know, and +that most of them at some time experience."</p> + +<p>Her bright eyes were temporarily clouded.</p> + +<p>"What a pity!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, for it was his humor to agree with +her. "It is a pity."</p> + +<p>There was a pause of a minute, and then she asked +if she had read enough for one evening. He answered +that as it was now past ten o'clock it would +not be easy to get much farther and that he would +come again whenever she chose to set the time.</p> + +<p>"You do not say much about my work," she said, +anxiously, as he prepared to go.</p> + +<p>"Silence is approval," he responded. "I can talk +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>it over with you better when you have reached the +end. I have things to say, and I shall not hesitate to +say them then."</p> + +<p>"When is it most convenient to you to come?" +she inquired.</p> + +<p>"Any time," he answered. "I don't do much that +is really useful. But wait till you see Shirley. He +will atone for the shortcomings you find in me."</p> + +<p>She repeated the word "Shirley," as if to test its +sound.</p> + +<p>"You are your father's only child, are you not?" +he asked, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"No. I have a sister, Daisy, a little younger than +I."</p> + +<p>"And has she a literary turn, also?"</p> + +<p>"Not in the least."</p> + +<p>Archie arose, and Miss Millicent accompanied him +to the front door. The tall negro came to open the +portal, but Miss Fern told him, with the same quality +of dislike in her tone which Weil had noticed before, +that he need not wait.</p> + +<p>"He is really a magnificent piece of humanity," +said Archie, when the man had disappeared. "I +never saw anything quite like him."</p> + +<p>"You admire negroes, then?" said the young lady, +almost impolitely.</p> + +<p>"I like representatives of every race," he answered, +as if not noticing her. "There are interesting specimens +in all. I number among my acquaintances +several Chinamen, a Moor, a Mexican, Jews, Portuguese +and Russians innumerable. If that fellow +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>was not in your employ I would engage him to-morrow, +merely as a study."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern took the hand he held out to her and +set the next meeting for Saturday evening. Then +she said:</p> + +<p>"If you want Hannibal, perhaps papa would +oblige you. I certainly would do all I could to persuade +him."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>"HOW THE WOMEN STARE!"</h3> + + +<p>The next day Archie Weil lunched with Lawrence +Gouger. He wanted to talk with his friend about +the young author and authoress. Gouger listened +with interest to the story he had to relate, and nodded +approval when it appeared that Archie had behaved +admirably thus far in relation to Miss Millicent.</p> + +<p>"Do you know anything about Mr. Fern?" he +asked, when the other had reached a period.</p> + +<p>"Nothing."</p> + +<p>"Well, neither did I, a week ago, but I have taken +pains to inform myself. He is a highly respectable +elderly party, who deals in wool. He married a very +beautiful lady, who has now been dead eight or ten +years and he lives altogether in the society of his +two daughters. If you succeed in getting Millicent's +book on the counters you will earn his everlasting +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>gratitude. They say he is not literary enough himself +to be a judge of its merits, and if she has fifty +copies to present to the family friends it will probably +be all he will ask."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil uttered a low whistle.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what the family friends will say of +it," he replied, "but I call it pretty warm stuff. If +the list includes many prudes they will hardly thank +the girl for sending such a firebrand into their +houses."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw!" said Gouger. "The world is getting +used to that sort of thing, and they won't mind it a +bit. Besides, they will be so lost in admiration of +their cousin's name on the cover that they will think +of nothing else. What did you make out of her? +Is she as innocent as I predicted?"</p> + +<p>Archie poured out a glass of Bass' ale and sipped +it slowly.</p> + +<p>"Quite," he said, as he put it down on the table. +"And she's no dunce, either." He went on to tell of +the trap he had fallen into. "I'm dying with impatience +to get her and Roseleaf together. They'd +make an idealic couple."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger inquired what he was waiting for.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I want to do the thing right," said Weil. "I +want to learn her as thoroughly as I can, before I +bring him upon the stage. It will take three or four +evenings more to hear the rest of her novel, and +another to discuss it. I shall get around to him in +about a fortnight, at the rate things are going. He +will keep. What do you suppose he is doing now?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +Writing poetry! He sent a piece a few days ago to +the <i>Century</i>, and they accepted it."</p> + +<p>"He will be gray when it appears," said the critic. +"It takes a long time for anything to see the light +in that publication."</p> + +<p>"But in this case an exception will be made," said +Weil. "They have assured him that it will come +out in their very next issue. He will be so proud to +see his name in print that I expect to find difficulty +in holding him back. A poet who appears in the +Century has certainly stepped a little higher on the +ladder."</p> + +<p>The critic agreed to this, and remarked that such +a man as Roseleaf should give his whole attention +to poetry.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" cried Archie. "Give him time. See +him after he has fallen head over ears in love with +charming Millicent Fern. There is something in +him, I feel sure, and between that dear girl and +myself we will bring it out. By-the-way, there is a +character I want you to meet," he added, as Mr. +Walker Boggs came into the room. "You have +never had the pleasure, I think, though you have +heard me speak of him."</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs had his attention attracted by a waiter +who was sent for the purpose and came with great +willingness to occupy a seat with Mr. Weil and his +friend.</p> + +<p>"We were talking of a New York merchant just +now," said Archie, when the introductions were +over, "and it occurs to me that you, who know +almost everybody, may have some knowledge of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>him. He is in the wool business, I hear, and I think +you once told me you had done something in that +way. His name is Wilton Fern, and he lives at +Midlands."</p> + +<p>"Do I know anything about him?" echoed Mr. +Boggs. "I should say so. He was my partner for +seven years, and I still have a little stake left in the +concern, on which I am drawing interest."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil showed his astonishment at this statement. +What a very small world it was, after all! +Then, after pledging his friend not to mention that +he had ever discussed the matter with him, he went +guardedly into the particulars of Miss Millicent's +book, and of his having called at the house for the +purpose of passing judgment upon it.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know that was in your line," replied +Boggs.</p> + +<p>"Well, it was this way," answered Archie. "Mr. +Gouger's decision didn't exactly suit the young lady, +as it was not very favorable. Mine will be quite to +her taste, as I view her abilities in a more favorable +light. Now tell us all about the family, as the only +one of them I have met is Miss Millicent. Why, this +is a regular find, old man! You should have told +me a week ago that you possessed all this information +that I have been aching to get hold of."</p> + +<p>Thus adjured, Mr. Boggs entered upon his story. +From which it appeared that he knew the Ferns, +root and branch, and had dined with them dozens +of times.</p> + +<p>"What sort of a chap is the pater?" asked Weil.</p> + +<p>"A very well-kept man of nearly seventy, with a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>great deal of what is called 'breeding' in his manner, +and a face like the portrait of a French marquis +cut out of a seventeenth century frame. He doesn't +look like a business man at all, and between ourselves +he's not much of a one. All the money he +ever made—saving my apparent egotism—was when +I was in the concern. I've heard he's got a big +mortgage on his residence and is going down hill +generally. Too bad; nice fellow; sorry for him; +such is life."</p> + +<p>Archie asked if Boggs would do him a personal +and particular favor, if it would not cause him much +trouble; and on being answered in the affirmative, +said he would esteem it a great honor if he could be +introduced to Mr. Fern by that gentleman's former +business associate.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I shall run across him at Midlands, +some evening," he said, "and get one of those presentations +that are the most aggravating things in +the world. I don't want that to happen, and the +best way, to use an elegant phrase, is to take the +bull by the horns, or in this case, the sheep by the +tail. Will you make an accidental call on him +to-morrow afternoon and let me be of the party?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs responded that he would be delighted. +And this matter being settled, all parties could give +more direct attention to their lunch than they had +been doing for the preceding ten minutes.</p> + +<p>"You must have heard of my friend Boggs, in the +days when he was a figure on the streets of this +town," said Weil, presently, returning to what he +knew was the favorite subject of that personage.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +"You've lived here for twenty years, and of course +the name of Walker Boggs is familiar to you."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger looked a good counterfeit of complete +mystification for some seconds, and then a +gleam as of sudden recollection shot across his face.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, certainly!" he said. "Mr. Boggs was +what is popularly known as a lady killer, if I am not +mistaken. You got married, did you not, Mr. Boggs, +some ten or eleven years ago?"</p> + +<p>The party addressed acknowledged the practical +correctness of the date.</p> + +<p>"Why, it comes back as plain as day," said the +critic. "The <i>Herald</i> had a page about you, including +your portrait and some verses by a well known +poet. It said your marriage had cast a gloom over +Manhattan Island and some of the up-river counties."</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs gloomily nodded, to show that the +statement was true. Then he touched his most +rotund portion with a significant look.</p> + +<p>"I'm a widower now," he said, "and nothing but +this—<i>this</i>—stands in my way. As Shakespeare says, +'’Tis not as deep as a well, nor as wide as a church +door, but—' The ladies never look at me now, and +all on account of this d—d flesh, which hangs like +a millstone around my neck."</p> + +<p>Cutt & Slashem's critic, ignoring the peculiar +character of the metaphor used, remarked politely +that he thought no lady of sense would put great +stress on such an insignificant matter.</p> + +<p>"Insignificant!" echoed Boggs. "I'll bet it's +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>fifty inches around, come! And it's not the 'ladies +of sense' I'm after. Quite the contrary."</p> + +<p>One of Archie Weil's explosive laughs followed +this statement, which caused an expression of mild +injury to settle over the countenance of Mr. Boggs.</p> + +<p>"You're getting on toward forty, and you ought +to quit," said Weil. "Confound the women! Let +them go."</p> + +<p>"That's well enough to talk about," replied Boggs, +gruffly. "How would you like to follow your own +advice?"</p> + +<p>Weil uttered an exclamation.</p> + +<p>"I? I have precious little to do with them, I +assure you. For a man of my correct habits I have +the worst name of any one I know. Everybody insinuates +things about me, and they can prove nothing."</p> + +<p>"We'll ask Isaac Leveson about that," sneered +Boggs. "By-the-way, that wouldn't be a bad place +to take young Roseleaf to, when you get to instructing +him in earnest. I met the young fellow on the +avenue last night and walked around with him for a +couple of hours. He's a darling!"</p> + +<p>"Roseleaf?" cried both the other gentlemen, in +one breath.</p> + +<p>"To be sure. How the women stared at him! +I couldn't blame them; his waist isn't over thirty, +and he's as handsome as—as I was at his age. I +told him he could have all the loveliness in New +York at his feet, if he liked."</p> + +<p>Weil smiled significantly at Gouger.</p> + +<p>"What did he reply to that?" he asked.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, he had an ideal in his head, and none of +those we saw quite came up to it; for I did get him +to raise his eyes and look at the prettiest ones. I +drew out of him slowly that he would have nothing +to do with a girl unless she had red hair; that—"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil uttered a laugh so hearty that it attracted +the attention of everybody in the room. Mr. +Boggs paused to inquire the cause of this outbreak, +but Archie assured him that something entirely out +of the present discussion had just occurred to him, +which was to blame for his impoliteness.</p> + +<p>"A girl must have <i>Titian</i> hair," repeated Mr. +Boggs, accepting the explanation, "or he would not +consider her. He ruled out all the striking blondes +and brunettes, saying that he liked only those of a +medium shade. We came across one that answered +these descriptions, an exquisite little creature who +looked as if she would swallow him could she get +the chance. And then there came out another idea. +He would not think of this fairy because she was so +short. 'I want a woman five feet, four inches tall,' +he said, as if the article could be made to order, in +case the size did not happen to be in stock. Then, +would you believe it, he found a girl embracing +every attribute he had mentioned. Her hair was +just the right shade, her height must have hit the +mark exactly, her complexion was medium. But no. +She was too heavy. She would weigh a hundred +and forty-five, he said, quite twenty pounds too +much. If we had found a girl that filled all his +description he would have invented something new +to bar her out of the race."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Weil remarked that he was not so sure of +Roseleaf's insincerity. He believed the right woman +would yet be discovered, and that a case of the +most intense affection would then spontaneously +develop.</p> + +<p>"In fact," he added, "I have the identical creature +in mind. It is clear to us—to myself and Mr. +Gouger here—that Shirley will never write a thrilling +romance till he has fallen wildly, passionately in +love."</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs smiled slightly, and then sobered again.</p> + +<p>"Shall you have him marry, also?" he inquired, +pointedly.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because it will finish him; that's why. The +romance in a modern marriage lasts six weeks. At +the end of that time he will be useless for literary +purposes, or anything else."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil shook his head in opposition to this rash +statement.</p> + +<p>"My theory is," said he, "that a novelist should +know everything. To write of love he should have +been in love; to tell of marriage he should have had +a wife—a real one, no mere imitation; to talk of +fatherhood intelligently he should become a father. +How can he know his subjects otherwise?"</p> + +<p>The stout man smiled significantly.</p> + +<p>"And if he wishes to write of murder, he must kill +some one. And if he wants to depict the sensations +of a robber he must take a pistol and ask people to +stand, on the highway."</p> + +<p>"Now you are becoming absurd," said Archie.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No more than you," said Boggs. "You go too +far, and you will find it out. Let your novelist fall +in love. That will do him good. But don't let him +marry, or you will lose him, mark my word. Let +him contemplate matrimony at a distance. Let him +reflect on the glory of seeing his children about his +knees. So far, so good. But when you have shelved +him with a wife of the present era, when you have +kept him up nights for a month with a baby that +screams—his literary capacity will be gone. Make +no mistake!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil, half convinced, and much surprised to +hear such wisdom from this unexpected source, made +an effort to maintain his ground.</p> + +<p>"Nearly all the modern novelists <i>are</i> married," he +remarked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and nice stuff they write, don't they? +Namby-pamby, silly-billy stories, misleading in +every line! They are the most unsafe pilots on the +shores of human life. They start, without exception, +from false premises. Their chart is wrong, +their compass unreliable, their reckoning ridiculous +from beginning to end. Where did you ever see a +bit of real life that resembled these abortions? Do +lovers usually fall on their knees when they propose? +Is the modern girl an idiot, knowing less of the facts +of nature than an oyster? Is the conversation between +men and women filled exclusively with twaddle? +You would think so, from reading these books; +and why? They are written by married people, +most of them, people who don't dare step over the +line of the commonplace any more than a woman +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>would dare order her dressmaker to put pockets in +her gown!"</p> + +<p>Archie looked at Mr. Gouger, who nodded a partial +approval of these statements. Mr. Boggs betook +himself with more interest to his chops. And +the other two gentlemen, remarking that time pressed, +bade him good-by for the day.</p> + +<p>"I see you agree with him that I shouldn't marry +Roseleaf?" said Archie, with a rising inflection.</p> + +<p>"There is certainly point in what he says," replied +Mr. Gouger.</p> + +<p>"But—confound it! With the boy's disposition, +it will be a delicate business," retorted Weil. "I +don't know as I can carry him to the point of passionate +love for pretty Miss Fern, and then shut off +the steam when it suits me."</p> + +<p>This matter was discussed for the next ten minutes, +as the friends walked along toward the office +of Cutt & Slashem.</p> + +<p>"I think you are foolish to delay so long introducing +him to her," said Gouger, finally. "I don't +see that you are making any progress whatever."</p> + +<p>"Ah, but I am," replied Weil. "I am making +both of them more and more anxious for the meeting. +Shirley walks the street feverishly impatient, +and I have no doubt mutters her name in his dreams. +Millicent talks about her ideal of manly beauty. +When they get together failure will be impossible."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger laughed at the idea that Roseleaf was +"feverishly impatient" to meet any girl, and ventured +to predict that the young man would have to +be put in irons to get him to the residence of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> +Ferns when the time came; or at least to keep him +there.</p> + +<p>"Just the point I am working on," replied Weil. +"Under ordinary circumstances I would have to +handcuff his wrists to mine, but I am making such a +strong impression on his imagination that he is +crazy to go. And once she gets him under her +influence—I tell you, Lawrence, she is no ordinary +girl."</p> + +<p>"She certainly does not write like one," smiled +the critic, "either in her subject or her English. +You may make something of him—I rather think +you will—but not of her. Her ideas are wild, and +her realism a little too pronounced even for the +present age."</p> + +<p>"She has truth on her side, you admit," said +Archie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, to a remarkable degree."</p> + +<p>"Well, that ought to be something, if Boggs' +estimate of the modern liar is correct. Shirley will +help her to style, give her his own, if necessary. I +am going to land both of these fish, if only to spite +you, Lawrence. You tossed them away with that +fine contempt of yours, and you will weep hot tears +for it before you die."</p> + +<p>At the door of Cutt & Slashem's they met the two +members of that firm, who paused to say a word to +Mr. Gouger. They were anxious for a new book to +bring out as soon as possible, and were regretting +with him that nothing worth publishing seemed to +present itself.</p> + +<p>"You may strain matters, it necessary," said Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +Cutt. "We can't keep up on reprints forever. I +hope you made no mistake in rejecting that book of +Mrs. Hotbox. I hear it is selling well."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger's face was, as ever, immovable before +his employers.</p> + +<p>"What 'Fire and Brimstone?'" he inquired. "The +authorities seized the entire edition this morning."</p> + +<p>Mr. Cutt looked at Mr. Slashem, with a startled +expression.</p> + +<p>"In that case, I am glad we escaped it," he said. +"We shouldn't like that sort of an affair, of course."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil, who knew both the gentlemen well, inquired +what they thought of Mrs. Hotbox's production.</p> + +<p>"I have never seen it," said Mr. Slashem.</p> + +<p>"Nor I," said Mr. Cutt.</p> + +<p>The partners disappeared into the counting-room, +where they had an interview with a binder who had +offered to do their work at one-tenth of a cent a hundred +copies less than the concern with which they +were then dealing. Archie said good-by to Gouger, +and went off to find Roseleaf, with whom he had +engaged to take, later in the day, a ride through the +Park.</p> + +<p>"How soon am I to see your paragon?" sighed +the young man, as they were making the grand round +of that famous drive.</p> + +<p>"Within a week, I hope. Are you getting uneasy?"</p> + +<p>"I am getting lonesome," was the gloomy reply. +"And I want to begin work."</p> + +<p>"Well, it will soon pass now. To-morrow evening<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +I am to hear another installment of her novel. Two +more sittings after that will finish it, I should say. +And the next thing will be—you. But have you seen +no one else in all this time that you care for?"</p> + +<p>The young man looked aimlessly at the fleecy +clouds that hung low on the horizon.</p> + +<p>"No," he answered.</p> + +<p>"And you think you are ready for a passionate +affection, if the right person is found?"</p> + +<p>"I will try," he said, simply.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil roused himself and touched his horse with +the whip.</p> + +<p>"Try!" he echoed. "You will not have to try. +She will carry you off your feet, at the first go. +Shirley, I have found you a superb woman, that you +<i>must</i> love. All I want to feel sure of is, that you can +control yourself enough to behave in a reasonable +manner."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf looked up inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"She belongs to an eminently respectable family," +explained Archie. "Her father is a gentleman of +the most honorable type. She has a young sister, +who—"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf, slow at all times, had at last begun to +comprehend.</p> + +<p>"You surely don't think—" he began.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that is the question! A novelist must learn +so very much—a novelist who is to depict the truth, +as you are to do. Where should he stop? What +experience should he refuse, provided it may be +utilized in his work? A responsibility that is no +light one will rest on me, my dear boy, when I have +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>introduced you to this family, and left you to your +own devices."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf's eyes opened wider at these mysterious +suggestions, but he did not like to make any more +inquiries. Weil changed the conversation, calling +attention to the women they met, who turned their +handsome heads to look at the young man, as their +equipages almost touched his.</p> + +<p>"What an awfully wide swath you are cutting!" +was Archie's exclamation, as the throng increased.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>A DINNER AT MIDLANDS.</h3> + + +<p>True to his appointment Walker Boggs met Mr. +Weil on the following afternoon, and set out with +him for Wilton Fern's office. Though engaged, as +has been already stated, in the wool trade, Mr. Fern +did not have on the premises to which these worthies +repaired a very large assortment of that product. +His warehouses were in another part of the city, and +all the wool that was visible to his customers was +arranged in sample lots that would easily have gone +into a barrel. Mr. Weil, notwithstanding the description +that Boggs had given of his ex-partner, +was not prepared to see such an exceedingly fine +specimen of humanity as the one introduced to him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +The word "gentleman" was written in large characters +on his broad forehead and in every word he +spoke. It certainly was not often, said Archie to himself, +that one encountered that sort of man in business.</p> + +<p>"I have already heard something of you, sir," said +Mr. Fern, affably, but with the dignity that was a +part of his nature, no more to be discarded than his +eyes. "That is, if you are the same gentleman that +has kindly offered to assist my daughter in arranging +a story she has written."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil admitted the correctness of the supposition, +but disclaimed any special credit for what he +had done. He explained briefly how he was drawn +into the case. The visit lasted upwards of an hour, +during which the conversation wandered from literature +to business and politics, and all sorts of things.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil could not tell from Mr. Fern's manner +of alluding to his daughter's work whether he had a +very high idea of its value or not. Indeed, there +was very little to be learned from this grave gentleman +that was not expressed in the language he used. +He was inclined, Archie thought, to reticence, for +when there was a lull in the conversation it was +always one of the others who had to start it going. +The thing that might be counted a substantial gain, +out of the whole affair, was an invitation to dinner +for the following Wednesday, in which Mr. Roseleaf +was included, and Mr. Boggs also.</p> + +<p>Before the Wednesday set for the formal dinner at +the Ferns', Mr. Weil had heard the whole of Miss +Millicent's novel read by the lips of that charming +young woman. There was certainly something very +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>strong in it, in spite of its grammatical faults. It +would be a very good story when "Dr." Roseleaf +had put it into a little better English.</p> + +<p>The meeting between Roseleaf and Millicent was +most interesting to the one who had been the means +of bringing them together. The girl put out her +hand with a straightforward motion of welcome, and +it was accepted with something resembling timidity +by the young man, who did not even raise his eyes +to hers. The talk that followed was nearly all her +own, Shirley's part in it being largely monosyllabic +replies to her statements and suggestions.</p> + +<p>When Miss Daisy was presented to both the gentlemen, +for the first time—Mr. Boggs she remembered +very well—she drew their attention for a few +moments from her sister, but soon relapsed into the +more insignificant place which she seemed to prefer. +She was not as large in any way, as Millicent, and +did not seem likely to become so. Her hair was of +a soft shade of light brown, and her eyes a decided +blue. In the presence of her sister she did not expect +to shine, and was evidently relieved when she +could go into a corner and talk over times long +past with Walker Boggs.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern came in rather late, but still before the +hour announced for dinner. He had his habitual +look of quiet elegance, but withal an expression of +care about his face, that Weil attributed to the business +troubles of which Boggs had spoken. The +manner of the daughters toward him was marked by +the watchful eyes of the chief conspirator. Millicent +merely looked up and said, "Papa, this is Mr. Rose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>leaf, +of whom we have spoken," and then when the +greetings that followed were exchanged, went on +talking with those about her as if there had been no +interruption. Daisy, on the other hand, crept softly +to her father's side, and putting an arm around his +neck, kissed him when she thought no one observed +her.</p> + +<p>"You are tired, papa," she whispered.</p> + +<p>"No, no!" he said, brightening. "I am very +well."</p> + +<p>It was at the table that Mr. Fern had his first conversation +with Roseleaf, and the two men got along +nicely together. Shirley acquitted himself creditably. +Weil, who saw everything, noticed that the negro, +Hannibal, in superintending the service in the +dining-room, lingered more about Miss Daisy's chair +than any other, and took extra pains to see that her +wants were anticipated. In spite of this, however, +Mr. Fern frequently asked his younger daughter to +have more of certain dishes, as if his mind was constantly +turned in that direction.</p> + +<p>"How long do you think it will require to do the +work you have so generously undertaken?" asked +Mr. Fern of Roseleaf, when the dessert was reached.</p> + +<p>"It is impossible to say," stammered the young +man. "Some weeks, at least."</p> + +<p>"So I supposed," said Mr. Fern. "That being +the case I wish to tender you the hospitality of my +home. It would be a great deal of trouble for you +to come every day from the city, and I know we +could make you comfortable here."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> + +<p>Roseleaf was about to decline the offer with +thanks, when Mr. Weil spoke to him in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"Take it, by all means," he said. "It's a chance +in a lifetime. You know nothing of family life. +Don't dream of refusing."</p> + +<p>The delay allowed Miss Millicent to add her +request to that of her father, and fearing to let his +protegé answer, Mr. Weil boldly spoke for him.</p> + +<p>"It is a good idea," he said. "He will have his +baggage brought up to-morrow. There's nothing +like being on the ground, when there's work to be +done. And, with the general permission, I am going +to run out pretty often myself, to see how things +progress."</p> + +<p>The bright, off-hand way of the last speaker seemed +to please Mr. Fern, for he heartily seconded this +suggestion. When the table was vacated, Mr. Fern +asked if he might be excused for a few minutes, +while he wrote a couple of important letters, and +requested Walker Boggs to show the guests through +the grounds, where they could smoke their cigars till +he returned.</p> + +<p>Accordingly Weil and Roseleaf accompanied their +new guide out of doors and across an extensive lawn +to an arbor at the further end, where a handsome +prospect of the Hudson unfolded itself. As Archie +was wishing for some feasible way of getting rid of +Boggs, temporarily, that gentleman espied an +acquaintance in the adjacent road and went off to +speak to him.</p> + +<p>"Are you in love yet, you dog?" asked Archie, as +soon as he and his young friend were alone. "What!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +You're not! Don't let an hour pass, then, before +you are. The best of all proverbs is, 'Never put off +till to-morrow what you can do to-day.'"</p> + +<p>"How can I do this to-day?" was the doleful +response.</p> + +<p>"How can you help it, you mean? There she +was at the table—Titian hair, hazel-grey eyes, lovely +waist—everything. Love! <i>I</i> could fall in love with +that girl, marry her, get a divorce and commit +suicide, within forty-eight hours."</p> + +<p>Even Roseleaf had to smile at this extravagant +statement.</p> + +<p>"Do you want me to do all of those things?" he +asked.</p> + +<p>"Only the first one, at present. If you can't do +that, give up all ideas of being a novelist and secure +a place in some factory or counting-room. Everything +is ready for you. You are <i>persona grata</i> here. +Nothing can come in your way. Oh, don't exasperate +me!"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf haltingly said he would do his best; and +the next day he came to Midlands, prepared to +spend a month or longer.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>HOLDING HER HAND.</h3> + + +<p>For the first three days Roseleaf gave most of his +time to reading the MSS. that Miss Fern had written. +He could not say that he liked it, exactly, but that +was not necessary. To fill in the time, he consented +to let the girl read his own story that Gouger had +rejected, though he did this with trepidation, having +a dread that she would think it insipid. When she +had finished it, however, her delight was unbounded.</p> + +<p>"It is lovely!" she exclaimed, in response to his +inquiring eyes. "I cannot see why they refused it. +I haven't been so interested in a story in years."</p> + +<p>When he had read <i>her</i> story through he began to +rewrite it, departing as little as possible from the +original. As soon as he had a chapter finished he +would give it to her, for comparison, and criticism, if +she chose to make any. She proved, however, a +most charming critic, her shafts falling mainly upon +herself, for she declared that her novel seemed unworthy +of its elegant new dress. She conceived a +shyness toward this quiet youth, and blushed when +the striking situations and bold language of her tale +came into the conversation. It was so different from +his own work!</p> + +<p>"It is too bold. I am sure it is," she said, repeatedly. +"I ought to begin again. My plot has too +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>much freedom, too little conventionality. People +will say a very strange girl must have written it."</p> + +<p>And he would tell her that he did not think so; that +the strength of her ideas was very great, and that the +public would find excuses enough for anything that +interested and entertained it. He even added that +he wished he possessed her knowledge, her insight +into life, her fearlessness to tread on any ground that +her subject made desirable.</p> + +<p>Between them they were doing very good work, +without doubt. Mr. Weil took some of the completed +chapters to Lawrence Gouger, who returned them +with a smile that spoke volumes. Cutt & Slashem +would take the story when it was ready, if the subsequent +pages kept up to the mark of the first ones.</p> + +<p>"Don't forget your own book," said Gouger, in a +note he enclosed for Roseleaf.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil was not backward in accepting the cordial +invitation he had had to join the Ferns at dinner +whenever he could make it convenient. Besides this +he called frequently at the wool office, and ingratiated +himself into Mr. Fern's good graces in many ways. +Within a fortnight he knew all there was to be known +about wool, in which he seemed to have conceived a +great interest. In his talks with Roseleaf he spoke +learnedly on this subject, referring to the foreign and +domestic staples, like one who had made the matter +a life study.</p> + +<p>"What a queer thing trade is!" he exclaimed, on +one of these occasions. "Here we find a man who +ought to adorn an atelier, or a seat in Congress, and +yet is obliged to guide his entire existence by the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>price of such a confoundedly dull thing as the hair +on a sheep's back. He votes a certain political ticket +on account of the attitude of the party on Wool; he +dines off mutton and lambs' tongues; he casts his +lot with the Sheep at church. I don't know but +he would feel a genuine pleasure in having Wool +pulled over his eyes. And still I am convinced that +he never ought to have been in the Wool business at +all, and that Boggs—what a drop—is right in his +impression that it will eventually swamp him."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf asked how Mr. Fern got into the trade in +the first place.</p> + +<p>"Well, as I understand it, Boggs was looking for a +partner. Mrs. Fern had some cash and her husband +wanted to put it into a good thing, from a financial +standpoint. They did well while they were together. +When Boggs pulled out they had a clear $200,000 +apiece. Boggs—confound him!—has his yet; Fern +hasn't. He's proud as the devil, and didn't tell me +this, by any means. It would break him up completely +to have to go into bankruptcy. Really, I +wish I could do something for him."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf looked up inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Why, I've got a fair amount of money," explained +Archie, "and perhaps a lift over these hard times +might be the making of him. I'm not particularly a +philanthropist, but I like this fellow wonderfully +well for such a new acquaintance. I shall give him +a delicate hint in a day or two, and if I can fix things +without too much risk—we have to protect ourselves, +you know—I am willing to do so."</p> + +<p>This struck Shirley Roseleaf as rather odd. He +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>had never thought about Mr. Weil in that way. +Whether he was rich or poor had never entered his +head. He began to wonder if he was very wealthy. +He certainly lived well, and had no visible occupation +of the sort the census takers call "gainful."</p> + +<p>"It is an interesting family, though," pursued +Archie, in his rambling way. "I wish I could get +into it as you did, you rascal, and observe it at +shorter range. Even the servants are worth studying. +Look at that Hannibal; who can say that the +African race is inferior when it produces such +marvels! I can hardly take my eyes off the black +paragon when he is present. How he passes the +soup—as if it were some heavenly decoction, made +by the gods themselves and sent to earth by +their favorite messenger! With what grace he +opens the carriage door! with what majesty he +mounts to his seat by the driver! I wonder if he +has a sister. She would be worth a journey to see. +I have met such women on their native soil, statuesque, +slender, full-breasted, square-shouldered, with +jars of water on their heads and clinking silver +anklets. What a cursed thing is our American prejudice +against color! No other people carries it to +such an extent. In the Latin Quarter the West +India blacks are prime favorites with the pretty +grisettes."</p> + +<p>The young man could not help a slight shiver at +this information. He did not in the least agree +with the sentiments his friend was advancing, but +neither did he think it wise to contradict him.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then there is the little one—Miss Daisy"—continued +Weil, branching suddenly into that topic. +"So quiet, so self-abased, as if she would not for the +world attract one glance that might be claimed by +her elder sister, who is perfectly willing to be a +monopolist of attention. A nice girl, sweet as a +fresh-plucked lily. There must be treasures hidden +under all that reticence. Still waters run deep, the +silent swine devour the milk. I think I ought to investigate +the child. If you are to have that aggregation +of beauty known as Millicent, what prevents +me from securing a slight hold in the affections of +the junior?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf shook his head in a way that might have +meant almost anything. He never could tell how +much in earnest his friend was when he took up a +vein like this. Neither could he imagine little Daisy +in the role of an entertainer for such a very wise man +as Archie, not only much her senior but a thousand +times her superior in knowledge and acquaintance +with things that people talk about.</p> + +<p>"Keep your eye on her—she will be worth watching," +said Weil, with one of his laughs at the sober +face before him. "She is worth almost as much to +a rising author as the negro—not quite, but nearly. +Then there is the pater-familias; is there anything in +him? No, he will be of no service to you. And +that brings us back to our superb Millicent, with +whom you must now be wildly infatuated."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf shook his head again.</p> + +<p>"No—not yet," he said.</p> + +<p>"But, what do you do all the time? How can you +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>sit by the side of a pretty girl, and kiss her cheeks, +and put your arm around her, and yet keep from +falling in love?"</p> + +<p>The younger man gasped at each of these suggestions, +like one who has stepped into icy water and +feels it gradually creeping upward.</p> + +<p>"I have done none of those things," he faltered.</p> + +<p>"None of them! Then I shall not let you stay +here!" cried Archie. "What does the girl expect? +That we are going to make her reputation in the +literary world and get nothing for ourselves? I +never heard such effrontery! She refuses to give +you the least opportunity, does she—the jade!"</p> + +<p>More and more confused grew the other at these +expressions.</p> + +<p>"You don't understand—you are quite in error," +he articulated. "She—she has refused me nothing, +because—because I have asked nothing."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil uttered a disheartened groan.</p> + +<p>"But this will not do, my dear fellow!" he said. +"How can you accomplish anything unless you make +a beginning? Rewriting the story that she has +written will not advance you one step on the path +you profess such anxiety to tread. That is only an +excuse—a make-believe—a pretence under which +you have been given quarters in this house and +allowed every chance in creation to learn your lesson. +Are you afraid of her, or what is the matter? +Does she overpower you with her beauty? Tell me +where your difficulty lies."</p> + +<p>But Shirley could hardly answer these apparently +simple questions. He said he feared the trouble +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>might be in the formality of the situation. How +could Mr. Weil expect, he asked, that a spontaneous +case of love-making would develop from such a condition +of things.</p> + +<p>"Stuff!" cried Archie, with a grimace. "If you +and she were members of a theatrical company, and +were cast as a pair of lovers, you wouldn't find so +many pitfalls. You would go ahead and repeat the +lines of your part, wouldn't you? All you want is +to do the same now."</p> + +<p>"But what <i>are</i> the 'lines of my part?'" inquired +the other, dolefully.</p> + +<p>"Take her hand once in yours and they will come +to you," retorted Weil.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf reddened so much that Archie regretted +the severity of his tone, and hastened to turn the +conversation to something more agreeable. He +made up his mind, however, to have a talk with Miss +Fern, and at the first opportunity he did so. It was +on an afternoon when he knew Roseleaf was in the +city, and he came to the point at once, after his own +fashion.</p> + +<p>"How are you and my young friend getting +along?" he asked her.</p> + +<p>"Oh, as well as possible," she responded. "I am +learning to like him more and more. I really shall +be sorry when his task is done."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"There's a bit of selfishness in your words, Miss +Fern," he said. "Have you forgotten that he is not +here to be useful to <i>you</i> alone; that you agreed to +do what you could for <i>him</i>, as well?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> + +<p>The girl cast down her pretty eyes in confusion.</p> + +<p>"I am sure I have tried to be agreeable," she +replied, gently.</p> + +<p>"That is not enough," replied Archie, gravely. +"What he needs is something—some one—to stir +his blood, to awaken his fancy. I told you in the +first place that you ought to make him fall in love +with you—for literary reasons. He must feel a sensation +stronger than mere friendship for a woman +before he can write such a story as will bring him +fame."</p> + +<p>Miss Millicent did not grow more comfortable +under this suggestion. She remarked, after a long +wait, that she did not see how the end sought was +to be accomplished. Love, she said, was not a mere +expression, it was a deep, actual entity. Two people, +playing at love with each other, might afterwards +find <a name="Page_106t" id="Page_106t"></a><a href="#Page_106tn">that</a> they were experimenting with fire.</p> + +<p>"I have heard," she continued, her fair cheeks +growing crimson, "that there are women—"</p> + +<p>Then she paused and could go no further. But +he understood.</p> + +<p>"There are women—thousands of them," he +admitted, "who would willingly do what I ask. If +it is necessary, he must go to them."</p> + +<p>She wanted to say that she hoped it would not +come to that—she wanted to convey to her companion +the horror she felt for what she supposed his +words implied—but she could not. It was so much +easier to write of things than to talk of them to a +man like him.</p> + +<p>"Do you call it quite fair," he asked, "to claim +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>all and give nothing? He does not require much. +Could you not let him take your hand, and—"</p> + +<p>"And—"</p> + +<p>"Possibly, touch your lips with his?"</p> + +<p>Miss Fern rose to her feet with a fierce gesture.</p> + +<p>"Sir!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Very well," replied Mr. Weil, shortly, turning +away.</p> + +<p>The girl resumed her seat, with rapidly rising and +falling bosom. She was in a quandary. The suggestion +she had heard would have sounded from any +other lips like a premeditated insult. Coming from +this man the venom seemed to have vanished.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf felt somewhat discouraged after his latest +talk with Weil. He wanted to make a start, to do +something, no matter how little, toward the object +he fully believed was to be attained. That evening +while walking with Miss Fern (for it was their frequent +habit to go out of doors unchaperoned) he +found himself unconsciously taking her hand—that +hand for which he had until now felt a genuine +fright. And she, after all her resolutions never to +permit anything of the sort, gave it to him, as they +strolled together along an unfrequented byway.</p> + +<p>"I want so much to make a Name," he was saying +fervently. "I have tried and tried to begin such a +book as Mr. Gouger wants, but I cannot. Won't +you help me, dear Miss Fern? Won't you show me +what I lack? I know you can, if you will. They +tell me I have had no experiences, and that I must +have—not a real affair, you know, but an inkling of +what it is like. I have tried to say things to you and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>have been in fear that you would not like them, and +have held my peace. But now, I can wait no +longer."</p> + +<p>In his exuberance Roseleaf spoke at last with +ardor, and even went so far as to attempt to put one +of his arms around the waist of the fair creature by +his side. On her part Miss Fern was nearly overcome +by surprise.</p> + +<p>In one instant the timid young gentleman had +changed into the similitude of a most ardent swain; +but in the next he became again his natural self, with +the added confusion resulting from his excited and +mortified state.</p> + +<p>"Let me take you home," he said, when he saw +that she could find no words even to chide him. +"Let me take you home; and to-morrow I will go +away."</p> + +<p>Go away! She did not like that idea! Her book +was not yet finished, for one thing; and besides he +was a nice young fellow, and had meant no offense.</p> + +<p>"There is no reason why you should go," she +stammered. "I forgive you, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"Do you!" cried Roseleaf, grasping her hand +again in his joy. "You are kindness itself to say so. +I must appear very stupid" (here he half put his +arm around her again, checking himself with difficulty +from <a name="Page_108t" id="Page_108t"></a><a href="#Page_108tn">completeing</a> the movement) "and dull, +and wanting in manners, but you are the only young +lady I have ever known on terms of the least intimacy."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern replied that she did not mind what had +occurred, and hoped he would forget it. She added +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>that she would do anything she could for him, and +had the most earnest wish that they should be +friends.</p> + +<p>At the gate they paused, and in some way their +eyes were looking into each other. The girl laughed, +a relief to feelings that had been for the past ten minutes +somewhat overcharged.</p> + +<p>"Well, you have made a beginning," she said, mischievously, +for she wanted to drive the sober expression +from his clouded face.</p> + +<p>"A beginning?" he echoed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said. "You have held my hand."</p> + +<p>He crimsoned.</p> + +<p>"You said you would forgive me," he murmured.</p> + +<p>"With all my heart," she responded, putting the +hand in his again.</p> + +<p>He felt a thrill go through him, but it was a pleasant +sensation.</p> + +<p>"I came very near putting my arm around you," +said he, looking away from her. "Do you forgive +that, too?"</p> + +<p>She took the hand away and struck him playfully +on the cheek with the palm of it.</p> + +<p>Then, before he surmised what she intended, she +ran brightly up the steps of the house and vanished.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>"DAISY, MY DARLING!"</h3> + + +<p>It was Roseleaf's full intention to say something +about this adventure to his instructor in the art of +love, Mr. Archie Weil, but somehow he was not able +to summon the requisite courage. He had a delicate +sense that such a thing ought not to be repeated, +where it might by any possibility bring a laugh. +And about this time the novelist's attention began to +be attracted toward the younger sister, who had till +then almost entirely escaped his observation.</p> + +<p>He noticed particularly the ceaseless devotion that +the black servant of the family exhibited toward her. +She might have been a goddess and he a devotee; a +queen and he her slave. Hannibal moved about the +girl like her very shadow, ready to anticipate her +slightest wants, while Daisy seemed to take this +excess of attention as a matter of course.</p> + +<p>Millicent constantly showed her dislike for the +servant.</p> + +<p>"I don't see how you can endure to have him +touch you," she said to Daisy. "He knows better +than to lay his hands on me. I have told papa often +that I want him discharged, and he ought to consider +my wishes a little."</p> + +<p>To this Daisy answered that the boy, as she persisted +in calling the giant, meant well and was certainly +intelligent. Her father did not like to change +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>servants, for it took him a long time to get used to +new ones. So Millicent tossed her head, returned to +her collaboration with Mr. Roseleaf, and things went +on as usual.</p> + +<p>Imperceptibly Shirley began to take an interest in +Daisy. She did not run away from him, and he discovered, +much to his surprise, that she was worth +talking to. She was not exactly the child he had +supposed, and she had the full value of her eighteen +years in her pretty head. He got into the habit of +taking short strolls with her, on evenings when +Millicent was occupied with Archie, and when, as +often happened, Mr. Fern was away with Hannibal +in the city. There was a sequestered nook at the +far end of the lawn, in which the pair found retreat. +Before he realized it, Roseleaf had developed a +genuine liking for these rambles, and was pleased +when the evenings came that brought Mr. Weil to +dinner.</p> + +<p>Daisy was ingenuous, to a degree, if surface indications +counted for anything. The words that flowed +from her red lips were as unstudied as the pretty +attitudes she assumed, or the exceedingly plain but +very becoming dresses that she wore. After she +once got "used" to Roseleaf she treated him quite +as if she had been five years his senior.</p> + +<p>"Are you a rich man?" she asked him, on one of +those early autumn evenings that they passed +together.</p> + +<p>Her manner was as simple as if she had said that +it looked like rain, and his answer was hardly less +so.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, Daisy. I have not much property, but I +intend to earn more, by-and-by. Did you think, +because I seem so idle, that I was a millionaire?"</p> + +<p>"No," she answered, a shade of disappointment in +her face. "I only wanted, in case you had plenty of +money, to get you to lend me some."</p> + +<p>He stared at her through the half-light. Her +features were turned in a direction that did not +reveal them very well. What did she want of +money!</p> + +<p>"How much do you need?" he inquired, wondering +if it was within his power to oblige her.</p> + +<p>"Oh, too much, I am afraid. And I cannot +answer any questions, because the object I have is +a secret. I don't think my plan very feasible, for +it might be years and years before I could pay it +back. You won't mind my speaking of it, will you?"</p> + +<p>Curiosity grew stronger, and as politely as possible +he renewed his question as to how much the girl +needed to carry out her plan.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, exactly," she said, thoughtfully. +"Perhaps a thousand dollars a year for five or six +years; it might take less."</p> + +<p>"It is a great deal," he admitted. "Does your +father know what you contemplate?"</p> + +<p>The girl changed color at once.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. I should not like to have him, either. +He would say it was very foolish. And yet I am sure +it would not be. The money would do much good—yes, +ever so much."</p> + +<p>The young man thought hard for a few moments. +A desire to see a brighter light flash into those +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>young eyes possessed him. He debated seriously +the idea of handing her his patrimony, as he would +have given her a pound of candy if she had wanted +it.</p> + +<p>"I might give you part," he said, after a pause. +"Perhaps your thousand for the first year or two."</p> + +<p>She looked him full in the face, and put both her +hands in his impulsively.</p> + +<p>"You are too good," she exclaimed, with fervor. +"But you cannot afford so large a gift. No, I would +only take it if you had a very large sum, and could +not possibly miss it. I asked carelessly. I should +not have done so—I was selfish to think of such a +thing."</p> + +<p>"I want to speak to you about something, also," +said Roseleaf, after a strained pause. "I have +noticed of late that your father has some trouble on +his mind."</p> + +<p>She started suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" was all she said.</p> + +<p>"And I have wondered if there was anything I +could do to—to aid <i>him</i>—to relieve him. Because, +I would like it very much if I could, on account of—of—"</p> + +<p>She looked up inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"I have been so much a member of your family, in +a certain way, that a grief like this appeals strongly +to me," he said, haltingly.</p> + +<p>She paled slightly as she repeated his words.</p> + +<p>"A grief?"</p> + +<p>"Well, distress, annoyance, whatever it may be +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>called. If there is anything I can do, I shall be more +than happy."</p> + +<p>The girl sat for some moments with her eyes on +the ground.</p> + +<p>"He <i>is</i> troubled," she said, finally. "I am glad to +talk with you, for I cannot get him to tell me anything. +He is greatly troubled, and I am worried +beyond expression. I can't understand it. He has +always confided in me so thoroughly, but now he +shakes his head and says it is nothing, trying to look +brighter even when the tears are almost ready to +fall. What can it be, Mr. Roseleaf? He has no +companions outside of his office and this house? +He sits by himself, and isn't a bit like he used to be +and every day I think he grows worse."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf asked if Daisy had talked much with her +sister about it.</p> + +<p>"No," she said, with a headshake. "I don't +believe Millie has noticed anything. She is so +occupied with her literary matters"—there was a +sarcastic touch upon the word, that did not escape +the listener—"she has no time for such things. I +hope you won't think I mean to criticise her," added +the young girl, with a blush. "I know you care a +great deal for my sister, and—"</p> + +<p>She stopped in the midst of the sentence, leaving +it unfinished. And Roseleaf thought how interesting +this girl had become.</p> + +<p>"Let me confide in you, Daisy," he said, in his +softest tone. "I do not care 'a great deal,' nor even +a very little for your sister. You see," he went on, +in response to the startled look that greeted him, "I +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>am to be a novelist. To be successful in writing +fiction, I have been told that I ought to be in love—just +once—myself. And I came here and tried very +hard to fall in love with Miss Millicent; and I simply +cannot."</p> + +<p>Daisy's fresh young laugh rang out on the air of +the evening.</p> + +<p>"Poor man!" she cried, with mock pity. "And +hasn't she tried to help you?"</p> + +<p>"No. She hasn't. And as soon as I get the +work done I have commenced for her, I am going +away."</p> + +<p>The child—she was scarcely more than that—grew +whiter, but the shadows of the evening hid the fact +from her companion.</p> + +<p>"You ought not to go," she said, slowly, and +rather faintly, "until you have made another trial."</p> + +<p>"Oh! It is useless!" he replied.</p> + +<p>"Is it that you cannot love—Millie—or that you +cannot love—any one?"</p> + +<p>He hesitated, puzzled, himself, at the question.</p> + +<p>"I never did love any one—any woman," he confessed, +"and perhaps I never shall. But your sister +seems peculiarly hard to love. Yet she is a very +handsome girl and equipped with a mind of unusual +calibre."</p> + +<p>Daisy acknowledged this description of her sister's +charms. She remarked that it was strange that +such a combination did not suffice to accomplish the +desired result.</p> + +<p>"There are people who do find her entertaining," +she added. "Mr. Weil is one of them."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, Archie!" said Roseleaf. "He finds everything +entertaining. It is nothing worth remarking. +She is the exact description of his ideal in feminine +face and form. He once gave me the list of the +excellencies of a 'perfect woman,' and your sister has +them all."</p> + +<p>The younger Miss Fern had her own opinions +about this matter. She <a name="Page_116t1" id="Page_116t1"></a><a href="#Page_116tn">thought</a> the innocent man at +her side had not quite <a name="Page_116t2" id="Page_116t2"></a><a href="#Page_116tn">gauged</a> the interest that Mr. +Weil took in her family.</p> + +<p>"I will make a proposition," she said, with a light +laugh, when they had talked longer upon the subject. +"I am afraid it won't seem worth much to +you, and perhaps you can do better; but why can't +you stay here, and—if Millie won't do—make love +to <i>me</i>?"</p> + +<p>Darkness is responsible for many things. In the +light, Daisy could not have uttered those words, +even in jest. There, when the sun had set and the +stars were not yet on duty, she found the courage to +make that suggestion.</p> + +<p>"You are very kind," he stammered, when he +grasped her meaning. "But I do not think it will +answer. I am afraid love cannot be pushed to any +point without its own initiative."</p> + +<p>"That is probably the case with <i>real</i> love," replied +the girl, "but an imitation that would serve +your purpose might be evolved in the way I have +indicated. For instance, you could take my hand in +yours—like this—and I could lean toward you in—this +way. And then, if you had sufficient courage—"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> + +<p>Before he dreamed of doing it, it was done! He +had kissed her on her tempting lips, placed within +an inch of his own.</p> + +<p>"You are too good a scholar," she pouted, rising +to her feet in some confusion. "I did not give you +leave to do that."</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon most humbly," he answered, +with intense contrition. "May I assure you that +the act was wholly involuntary and that I am very +sorry for it?"</p> + +<p>She turned and surveyed him in the shadow.</p> + +<p>"Are—you—<i>very</i>—sorry?" she repeated.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because I have made you angry."</p> + +<p>"Do I seem angry?"</p> + +<p>"At least, I have injured your feelings."</p> + +<p>Her face was close to his again.</p> + +<p>"Well, I forgive you. There, let us make up."</p> + +<p>She raised herself on the tips of her toes and +kissed him twice.</p> + +<p>All the blood in this young man's body seemed to +rush to his head and then back with violence to his +heart.</p> + +<p>"<i>Daisy!</i>" he stammered. "<i>Daisy!</i>"</p> + +<p>But she sprang away as he tried to embrace her, +and standing two yards off, tauntingly cried that he +did not know what love was, and that no one could +ever teach him. Taking up the challenge he started +toward her. She ran away, he in pursuit. She had +gone but a few steps when she tripped over an +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>object in the path and went down. In trying to +stop himself Roseleaf fell by her side.</p> + +<p>"Daisy!" he cried. "Are you injured?"</p> + +<p>She did not answer. In the darkness he saw +her lying there so still that he was frightened. He +caught her passionately in his arms, and knew no +better way to bring her to <a name="Page_118t" id="Page_118t"></a><a href="#Page_118tn">consciousness</a> than to rain +kisses on her cheeks. As might be expected this +only served to prolong her swoon, which was not a +very genuine one, if the truth must be told, and it +was some seconds before she opened her eyes and +caught him, as one might say, in the act.</p> + +<p>"How dare you!" she demanded, shrinking away +from him.</p> + +<p>"Daisy, my darling!" he answered, his voice +tremulous. "I thought you were dead, and I knew +for the first time how dearly, how truly I loved +you!"</p> + +<p>She laughed, not very heartily. She had hurt herself +truly in her fall, and her feminine nerves were +jarred.</p> + +<p>"You are doing nicely," she said. "For a +beginner, one could ask nothing better. And now, +if you will help to rise, I think it would be more +proper."</p> + +<p>"No." He spoke with force and passion. "You +must not think I am trifling. <i>I love you!</i> Yes, I +love you! <i>I worship you!</i>"</p> + +<p>"I do not see," she remarked, insisting in spite of +him that she must assume a standing position, +"how you differ in your expressions from the lovers +I have read of in novels. It is quite time that we re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>turned +to the house. To-morrow, if you like, I will +give you another lesson."</p> + +<p>Shirley was a picture of utter despair. His new +sensations almost overwhelmed him. In one second +the dead arteries in his body had leaped into the +fullest life. The touch of that young maiden's lips +had galvanized him. He could not bear to leave +her with those mocking words. But at that moment +a voice was heard in the direction of the residence.</p> + +<p>"Miss—Dai-sy! Miss—Dai-sy!"</p> + +<p>It was Hannibal, who had returned from a drive +with Mr. Fern. They could see him dimly coming +across the lawn with the girl's cloak in his hand. +Daisy, with one quick grasp of the fingers that hung +close to hers, said good-night to her companion, and +started in the direction of the servant. If she intended—as +seemed probable—to pretend she was +out alone, Roseleaf did not mean to share in that +deception, and he followed close behind her.</p> + +<p>"Here I am, Hannibal," called Daisy. "Ah, you +have my coat. It was very kind of you. Has papa +come home? I am coming in. I did not think how +late it was."</p> + +<p>The negro stopped as he saw the strollers, and +knew that they had undoubtedly been together. +What more he suspected no one can say with certainty. +But he threw the cloak upon the grass that +bordered the pathway and turned on his heel without +a word.</p> + +<p>"Confound his impudence!" exclaimed Roseleaf, +when he had recovered sufficiently from his surprise +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>to speak. "I have a good notion to follow him and +box his ears."</p> + +<p>The soft hand of the girl was on his sleeve in a +moment.</p> + +<p>"Say nothing to him—<i>please!</i>" she answered. "He—he +is very thoughtful for me—of my health—and I +was careless. Papa must have sent him."</p> + +<p>The touch on his arm mollified the young man at +once. He tried to make out the lines of the pretty +face that was so near him and yet so far away.</p> + +<p>"We are to study again to-morrow, then," he said, +taking up her statement with an assumed air of gayety. +"At what hour?"</p> + +<p>But she broke away from him abruptly, and ran +into the house without a word. Hannibal stood in +the doorway and Roseleaf thought he distinguished +harsh sounds from the negro's lips; but this seemed +so incredible that he conceived his senses at fault.</p> + +<p>Looking at his watch the novelist saw that it was +still early enough to take a stroll by himself and ponder +over his new happiness—or misery, which was +it?—under the open sky. It was two hours later +that his latchkey turned in the door, and in that time +he had resolved either to make Daisy Fern his wife +or commit suicide in the most expeditious fashion.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>"OH, SO MANY, MANY MAIDS!"</h3> + + +<p>The only disagreeable thing about falling in love +with Daisy was that Roseleaf felt compelled to reveal +the truth to Archie Weil. He believed he was +bound to do this by a solemn contract which he had +no moral right to ignore. Perhaps Weil might claim +that he had no business to fall in love with one sister +when his "manager" had picked out the other for +this operation. Be that as it may, there was no use +in evading the question. It must be talked over, be +the result what it might.</p> + +<p>"Well, I know what love is now," was the abrupt +way in which the young man opened the subject on +the following afternoon.</p> + +<p>He had ridden to the city, as Weil was not expected +at the residence of Mr. Fern that day. The hope he +had formed the previous evening of getting another +interview with Daisy had not materialized, she having +gone on some short journey before he could intercept +her.</p> + +<p>"You do!" was the equally abrupt reply, uttered +in a tone that betrayed undoubted astonishment. +"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf reddened.</p> + +<p>"It came to me all at once, last evening," he said, +avoiding the gaze of his companion. "We were +down at the end of the lawn, you know—"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p> + +<p>Archie interrupted him with a sudden shout.</p> + +<p>"Not <i>Daisy</i>!"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"You are in love with <i>Daisy</i>!"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf bowed.</p> + +<p>"Upon my word!"</p> + +<p>There was nothing in any of these expressions that +conveyed the information which the younger man +craved, namely, whether his friend approved what +he had announced, but he stole a look at him and +saw that he appeared more astounded than angry.</p> + +<p>"You dear boy," he said, "I don't know what to +say to you. You blush like a maiden over the +acknowledgment. I am half inclined to believe +you are the girl in the case, and your partner in love +some great, strapping fellow on whose bosom you +intend to pillow your coy head. So it is Daisy, eh? +And last night it came to you? Tell me how it +happened."</p> + +<p>Comforted in a measure by the good nature of his +friend, Roseleaf proceeded to give the outlines of +what had occurred, suppressing the more intimate +facts with which the luckier reader is acquainted. +He admitted the touch of hands, but did not mention +the pressure of lips to lips. He told of the +girl's swoon, but said nothing of the extraordinary +measures adopted to bring her to her senses. But, +while he made no insinuations, nor pretended to see +through the meshes in this net, the experience of +Mr. Weil served him in good stead. He could fill in +the vacant places in the story with substantial correctness.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know what Miss Millicent will say to all +this," he remarked, when the recital came to a pause.</p> + +<p>"I think she was just beginning to like you a +little herself. Most of our talk last evening was +about you, and when I mentioned, as I took my +leave, that you were probably out walking with +Daisy, I could see distinct traces of jealousy. I +want to be fair with my client. I told her that you +came there to learn love from her, not from her +little sister. If all this should result in breaking her +heart, I don't see how I could excuse myself. And +the other one, she seems such a child, I never +thought of her in that connection. Why, how old is +she—not over eighteen, I think."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf answered that Daisy would be nineteen +on her next birthday, an ingenious way of stating +age that was not original with him.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Archie, digesting this statement +slowly. "And now, what is your programme?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf looked surprised at the business-like +nature of the question.</p> + +<p>"I mean to secure her consent to marry me, as +soon as possible," he said.</p> + +<p>"And then?"</p> + +<p>"Why, see her father, I suppose. Isn't that the +most important thing to do?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil shook his head decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Not by any means. You must not act with +undue haste. Mr. Fern would say she was too young +to think of matrimony, a proposition you could not +successfully dispute. Besides, should he happen to +give his consent and appoint a week from Wednesday<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +for the happy occasion, see what a mess it would +put you in."</p> + +<p>The suggestion caused the brightest of smiles to +illumine the countenance of the listener.</p> + +<p>"It would make me the happiest of mortals!" he +cried. "There is nothing that could prevent my +summoning the clergyman and securing the prize I +desire."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil grunted.</p> + +<p>"H—m! And in the meanwhile what would +become of your great novel?"</p> + +<p>This question brought a sober pause to the young +novelist.</p> + +<p>"I could write it after my wedding," he answered, +finally.</p> + +<p>"Could you? You could write nothing at all then—nothing +that any one would pay a cent to read. I +have told you from the start that what you want is a +<i>grande passion</i>, something to stir your soul to its +depths. You are on the verge of that experience. +Already you have had a glimpse of what it will be +like. For the first time the touch of a woman's +fingers has driven sleep from your eyelids. No, you +didn't tell me you laid awake all night, but I saw it +by looking at you. You can shut yourself up in +your room now, and rhapsodize over the dear face, +the lovely mouth, the soft voice of your beloved. In +another week, if this keeps on, you can write like a +combination of George Eliot (after she met Lewes) +and Amelie Rives (before her marriage). A month +later, Gouger might rave over your productions, for +you will be on the Matterhorn of bliss unsatisfied."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> + +<p>A slight laugh, at his own excess of description, +issued from the lips of Mr. Weil, but the countenance +of his companion was as firm as a rock.</p> + +<p>"You are right," said Roseleaf, gravely. "Already +I see the vast difference between this sensation of +love and the thing I imagined it to be when I wrote +those silly pages that Cutt & Slashem did so well to +reject. But I am torn between two desires. I want +to write my novel—until yesterday I thought no +wish could be so great. And I also want my wife." +He breathed the word with a simple reverence that +affected even the flinty heart of his hearer. "I shall +never rest easy until I find her wholly mine, to love, +honor and cherish while God gives me breath!"</p> + +<p>The hand of the elder man dropped heavily on +the table by his side.</p> + +<p>"<i>Good!</i>" he exclaimed. "<i>Very</i> good! You could +not have said it better. There is an opportunity before +you to accomplish both of these things. I only +wish to impress upon you the fact that they must +come in the order I have indicated, or one of them +will never come at all. Write your story while the +fever of passion is on you. The dead calm of married +life would only bring the sort of novel that the +shelves are already piled with, nauseating to the +public and a drug in the hands of the publishers."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf doubted the full correctness of these conclusions. +He thought, with that dear girl by his +side, he could write with all the fervor of a sweetheart, +for his affection was to have no boundary, no +limit, no end. But he had a high opinion of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>abilities of Mr. Weil, and he had no idea of <a name="Page_126t" id="Page_126t"></a><a href="#Page_126tn">disputing</a> +the conclusions of that wise guide.</p> + +<p>"Do you think she will accept me?" he asked, +wistfully, returning to the main question. "It came +so sudden, and there was very little said, and it was +late; and then Hannibal came after her, and she +went into the house. Everything was left in a state +of uncertainty."</p> + +<p>"Did nothing show whether you were indifferent +to her?" was the wily interrogation that followed. +"Usually I believe something conveys the sweet +word 'hope' to the waiting one. And what do you +say about Hannibal? That he came to call your +charmer and took her away from you?"</p> + +<p>Without reserve the young man repeated what had +happened. Archie seemed deeply interested, but +whatever his thoughts he did not express them at +the time.</p> + +<p>"And that reminds me of another thing," said +Roseleaf. "Have you noticed anything strange +about Mr. Fern?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mr. Weil, "I have noticed. I wondered +if you had done the same. Have you discovered +what the trouble is?"</p> + +<p>"No, and Daisy doesn't know, either. Indeed, +she is much distressed about it. Remember, this is +a secret between us, for perhaps I had no right to +talk of their affairs. He is in a state of great depression, +and as he is so regular in his habits I can't +imagine what to lay it to. You are so shrewd, +couldn't you find out?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Weil rose and took a few paces up and down +the room.</p> + +<p>"You are the fellow to do that, not I," he said, presently. +"Yes, hear me out. You are in a sense a +member of his family, and would have a natural +right to allude to the state of his health. Then, if +you were to put in a word about Miss Daisy—why, +you might kill several birds with one stone."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf looked much puzzled.</p> + +<p>"I thought," he said, "that you wanted me to postpone +the matter of my marriage as long as possible."</p> + +<p>"Your marriage, yes. But not the preliminaries. +They may require a dozen bouts with the old gentleman. +The first time he will probably laugh you out +of the room as a silly young noodle; the second he +will say that he has nothing against you personally, +but that his 'baby' is too infantile to think of such +things for ten years yet; the third he will begin to +see the situation in its right light, and after that it +will be only a matter of detail. All these things +will be of the greatest value to you in the novel you +are going to write, and you must not on your life +miss a single one of them.</p> + +<p>"Drop into the wool shop, catch his royal highness +there, and for the first thing express solicitude +for his health. Unless he is on his guard more than +is likely you ought to catch some slight straw to show +what ails him. Then follow it up with a word or two +about Miss Daisy, and you will have spent a good +afternoon, even if he doesn't smile on your suit at +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>first hand, and take you to his manly breast as his +long-lost son-in-law."</p> + +<p>The reasonings set forth in these propositions +were so evidently correct that Roseleaf resolved to +adopt them just as soon as he could bring himself +into the proper mood. In the meantime, however, +he wanted to have a little further talk with Daisy, +for he could hardly ask her father for her hand +without the semblance of permission on her part. +He tried to remember all she had said to him at +the foot of the lawn, and was compelled to admit +that it was very little indeed. The only things he +was certain of were the kisses, but his experiences +were so slight that he could not tell how much +weight to give even these.</p> + +<p>That evening he tried his best to get a word with +her alone, but she eluded him, and he was obliged to +go to the boudoir of her sister and read over that +young lady's MSS. as it stood revised by his careful +hands.</p> + +<p>"Well, another chapter will finish it," said Miss +Fern, when he put down the pages. "And then Mr. +Gouger will decide whether Cult & Slashem consider +it worth printing."</p> + +<p>"Yes," he answered, gravely. "They will print +<i>your</i> story now, without doubt. But <i>I</i> am as far as +ever from satisfying their requirements."</p> + +<p>Millicent thought how supremely selfish she must +seem, talking always of her own hopes and doing +nothing to help the one who had made her success +possible. She saw that he wore a dejected look, and +she began to sincerely pity him. When our own +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>ships are safely in sight of the harbor we have +more time to dwell on the derelicts in which the +property of our friends is embarked.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps, when we get this disposed of, I can +help you," she suggested.</p> + +<p>It was nearly a week before Roseleaf could get +another talk with Daisy, a week that tried him to +the utmost, for he could think of nothing but her, +and could not understand her reasons for treating +him so strangely. At last he wrote her a letter, +giving it to Hannibal to deliver, in which he said +that he was about to return to his city lodging and +wanted to know if she meant him to leave without a +kind word at parting. He thought the negro looked +peculiar as he took the note, half as if he did not +intend to accept the commission to deliver it; but +he concluded that this must be imagination. He +wondered why Archie Weil took such a fancy to +Hannibal. If Roseleaf was lucky enough to claim +Daisy as his wife, he would never have that figure +darken his door.</p> + +<p>The letter must have been taken to its destination +without delay, for an answer was brought in the +course of an hour, stating in the briefest language +that Miss Daisy would await him in the parlor, after +lunch.</p> + +<p>At the table Miss Fern was present, as usual, but +not her father, his business in the city keeping him +away at that hour. At meals it was Daisy's habit to +say little, leaving the conversation to her sister and +whoever else happened to be there. At the end of +this particular lunch Millicent went up stairs to her +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>chamber and Daisy betook herself to the parlor, followed +a few minutes later by the young man.</p> + +<p>"Why have you treated me so coldly?" were his +first words, when he found himself alone with her.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear, that is a very bad beginning!" she +said, smiling. "I shall have to instruct you in some +of the simplest things, I see already. When you +wish to make friends with a woman, don't begin by +scolding her. I am here because you wrote that you +wished a kind word. Don't give me too many cross +ones, please."</p> + +<p>He sighed impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Daisy," he exclaimed. "I hope you are not going +to make fun of me! I have passed a most miserable +week. After the glimpse of heaven you gave +me, that evening—"</p> + +<p>She put on an air of mock surprise.</p> + +<p>"Did I do that! It was much more than I intended, +then. I fear you are inclined to use extravagant +metaphors, Mr. Roseleaf. But, never mind. +You are going away, and I am very, very sorry. +However, as you came here on Millie's account, and +not on mine, I suppose I have no right to say so."</p> + +<p>The fair brow of the young man was a mass of +wrinkles.</p> + +<p>"I can't understand why you speak so lightly," +he answered. "You know—I told you—that I love +you—that there is nothing in all the world so dear +to me—that I want your promise to be my wife. I +can't go from here without that consolation. Daisy, +I ask you, in all sincerity, to say that as soon as your +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>father's consent is obtained, you will name a day +when you will marry me."</p> + +<p>The smile faded from the girl's lips. Something +brought to her mind a very sad reflection.</p> + +<p>"You ask a great deal," she said. "Much more, +I think, than you realize. Until a week ago I was +nothing to you. We lived under the same roof, we +took our evening strolls together, we talked like the +commonest acquaintances, and that was all. Then, +in a moment, you discovered that your heart was on +fire. I have not ascertained what made the marvellous +change. I am sure you cannot tell yet if it be +a genuine and lasting one. Were I inclined to believe +I ever should be willing to go to the lengths +of which you speak, I should assuredly want time +for the maturest reflection. In the first place, I +know almost nothing about you. One would not +engage a—a coachman—without more inquiry. +How can a girl promise to trust her entire future to +a man with whom she has but a casual acquaintance? +Such things need consideration. I know my +father would say so. And if he heard only the +nicest things about you, I doubt if he would like to +have you take me from him—especially now, when +his heart is heavy and he leans so much on my love +and care. No, you are in too great haste."</p> + +<p>His impatience grew to boiling heat as he listened. +How could she find so many reasons, and (he was +obliged to confess) such sensible ones, to bring +against him?</p> + +<p>"There is one thing you <i>can</i> do," he said, with an +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>attitude of deep dejection. "You can tell me if you +love me."</p> + +<p>She tossed her head with a feminine movement +that was wholly charming.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I could tell you that, but it would be a very +improper thing, under the circumstances, provided I +was able to give you the answer you seem to wish. +If I did care for you, would I like to say so in definite +words when anything further might turn out to +be impossible? A girl would not wish to have a +man that she was never to marry going about with +the recollection that she said, 'I love you.'"</p> + +<p>"Then you can say nothing at all?" he asked +sadly. "Shall I be uncertain whether at the end of +my term in purgatory I am to be raised to a state of +bliss or dashed into the Inferno?"</p> + +<p>She laughed; a delicious little laugh.</p> + +<p>"You are getting hyperbolical," she answered. +"There are ten thousand better women than I."</p> + +<p>"But I don't want them," pleaded the young man. +"Did you ever read the lines of Jean Ingelow:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"'Oh so many, many, many<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Maids and yet my heart undone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What to me are all or any?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have lost—my—one.'"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Daisy replied that the sentiment was very sweet, +and added that when a lover could quote such +admirable poetry with accuracy, there was hope +for him. Do what he would, Roseleaf could not +make her see that everything in his future life depended +on "one little word" from her. She persisted +that he was misled by the violence of his first +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>affection, and that if he would only let a month or two +pass he would discover that his pulse would fall off +a number of beats to the minute.</p> + +<p>"And is that what you want?" he asked, reproachfully. +"Would you like to have me come back two +months later, and tell you my love had ceased?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if it was the truth. How much better than +to learn it after my vows had been pledged and I +was bound to you for the rest of my days!"</p> + +<p>He rose and went with quick steps to her side, +catching up her hand and covering it with kisses. +She did her best to stop him, whispering, with a +glance toward the door, that they might be interrupted +at any minute.</p> + +<p>"By whom!" he retorted, stung at her coldness. +"Your sister has gone up stairs, and there is no one +else in the house."</p> + +<p>"Hannibal might come in," she said, in a low +tone. "He has no way of knowing that I do not +wish to be interrupted."</p> + +<p>He grew angry at the mention of that name. But +the warning had its effect and he sat down, nearer to +her than before, his heart beating rapidly.</p> + +<p>"I hate the fellow!" he exclaimed bitterly. "It +is a good thing I am going away, or I should strike +him some day for his insolence!"</p> + +<p>Daisy paled at the vehemence of her companion.</p> + +<p>"Has he been insolent to you?" she murmured.</p> + +<p>"To me? He would not <a name="Page_133t" id="Page_133t"></a><a href="#Page_133tn">dare!</a> What angers +me is the way he speaks to the rest of you. He +came with your cloak that night, acting as if he was +your master, instead of your servant. I have heard +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>him speak to Mr. Fern in a way that made me want +to kick him! Why does your father bear it? Why +do you? Has Hannibal some mysterious hold on +his situation?"</p> + +<p>The girl heard him patiently, though the roses did +not come at once to her white cheek.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid," she said, when he had finished his +tirade, "that you despise him for his color. It is a +prejudice that seems to me—and to my father—unchristian +and uncharitable. Perhaps, in the +anxiety to make Hannibal forget that God gave him +a darker skin than ours, we may have gone to the +other extreme, and treated him with too great consideration. +But I think you overstate the case."</p> + +<p>Her gentle words smote upon the ears that heard +them, and in a moment Roseleaf was affected by the +most lively contrition. Without attempting to +excuse himself he begged her pardon, which she +readily granted.</p> + +<p>"When do you leave us?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>"But you will call—occasionally?"</p> + +<p>"If I may."</p> + +<p>His tone was so sad that Daisy assured him he +ought to have no doubt of that.</p> + +<p>"I understand," she added, "that you have probably +helped Millie to a reputation that she craves +above everything, and she ought not to prove entirely +ungrateful. We have enjoyed your stay here, and +shall be most sorry to have you go. I should be glad +to think you would honor us with your company to +dinner not less often than once each week."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> + +<p>For the first time a ray of light came into his +face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, may I?" he cried. "Then I shall not be +shut off entirely from seeing you?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed," she answered. "Father likes you +and Mr. Weil too well—you will bring him, of course. +Once a week, at least—if it were twice it wouldn't do +any harm; and if it were three times—"</p> + +<p>His face was now one bright beam of light.</p> + +<p>"Daisy," he cried. "I believe you do not hate me +after all!"</p> + +<p>"I hope you never thought I did," she responded. +"Why is it that a man can see no middle ground between +positive dislike and marriage? I expect to +like a good many men in the course of my life, but +I can only marry a very few of them."</p> + +<p>He was obliged to laugh at this, and to say that +she would only marry <i>one</i>, if he had <i>his</i> way. Before +they had finished with this subject Roseleaf was in a +state of high good nature, though he had little +apparently upon which to base the rise in his spirits.</p> + +<p>"Can't I say something—just a hint, if no more, +to your father?" he asked, getting down again to +business.</p> + +<p>"Pretty risky!" she answered, sententiously. "He +wouldn't give you much encouragement I fear."</p> + +<p>The young man caught eagerly at the word.</p> + +<p>"You <i>fear</i>!" he echoed. "God bless you, +Daisy!"</p> + +<p>Bearing in mind what she had previously said +about the unlocked doors, he did not attempt to suit +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>the action to the phrase. But his happy face spoke +volumes.</p> + +<p>"You had best say very little to father at present," +said Daisy, soberly. "He is most unhappy."</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew what troubled him!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"I wish so, too, if you could aid him," she +answered, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Who knows but I may?" he asked, with a smile +that she hoped would prove prophetic.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>ARCHIE PAYS ATTENTION.</h3> + + +<p>Roseleaf took rooms at his old lodgings in the +city, and set in earnest about the work of beginning +his great novel. He had interviews with Mr. Gouger, +at which he detailed the slight thread of plot +which he already had in mind, profiting by the +critic's shrewd suggestions. It was decided that he +should portray, at the beginning, a youth much like +himself, who was to fall in love with an angelically +pure maiden. The outline of their respective characters +were to be sketched with care, and sundry +obstacles to their union were to be developed as the +story progressed. Gouger warned his young friend +not to write too fast, and to content himself for the +present with delineating the phase of love with +which he had become familiar.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Later on," he said, "when your hero finds that +this girl is not all his bright fancy painted her—when +it is proved beyond a doubt that she has played +him false, that she has another lover—"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf turned pale.</p> + +<p>"But that will never be!" he interrupted.</p> + +<p>"It will, of course—in the story," corrected +Gouger. "She will lead him a race that will make +him an enemy to the entire sex, if she is used for all +the dramatic effect possible. People expect to find +immaculate purity in the earlier chapters of a story, +as they do in small children. With the progress of +the action they look for something more exciting. +To sketch a seraph who remains one would only be +to repeat the failure you made in your other effort—the +one you brought to me the day I met you first. +It is not the glory of heaven that attracts audiences +to our churches, but the dramatic quality of hell. A +sermon without a large spice of the devil in it would +be much worse than a rendition of Hamlet minus +the Prince. Put your heroine in the clouds, if you +will, at the beginning. The higher she goes, the +greater will be her fall, and the greater, consequently, +your triumph."</p> + +<p>The young novelist shivered as he listened to these +expressions. How could he build a heroine on the +model of Daisy Fern, and conceive the possibility +that she would ever allow her white robes to touch +the earth? He might have constructed such a plot +with Millicent as the central figure, though that +would be by no means easy; but Daisy! Impossible! +He asked the critic if it would not do to send +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>the hero of the tale to perdition, while leaving his +sweetheart immaculate to the close.</p> + +<p>"No," said Gouger, decidedly. "A man's fall is +not much of a fall, any way you put it. The public +is not interested in such matters. It demands a +female sacrifice, like some of the ancient gods, and it +will not be appeased with less. I expect you to be +new and original in your treatment of the theme, +but the subject itself is as old as fiction. You have +too little imagination, as I have told you before. +You must cultivate that talent. Having conceived +your paragon, imagine her placed under temptations +she cannot resist; surround her with an environment +from which she cannot break; place her in situations +that leave her no escape."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I never shall be able to do it," he +said.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! Don't talk of failure at this stage of the +game. All you have to do is to introduce upon the +scene a thoroughly unprincipled man of good address, +who is fertile in expedients. You will find +your model for that among a dozen of your acquaintances. +Why, take Archie Weil, and hold him in +your mind till you are saturated with him."</p> + +<p>What did Mr. Gouger mean? That Mr. Weil +would actually do these dreadful things, would in +his own person perpetrate the outrage of winning a +pure girl to shame. It seemed childish to ask such +a question, and yet such a meaning could easily be +taken from what the critic had said. No, no! All +he could have meant was that Mr. Weil might serve +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>as a figure on which to lay these sins—that he could +be carried in the writer's mind, as a costumer uses a +stuffed frame to hang garments on while in the process +of manufacture.</p> + +<p>"Then there is Boggs," added Gouger, with a +laugh. "You ought to find some place for a fellow +like him, if only for the comic parts of your novel, and +there must be a little humor in a book that is to suit +the mass. A writer for a magazine said recently with +much truth, 'He who would hit the popular taste +must aim low.' I think Boggs could furnish the +cheap fun for an ordinary novel, without too great a +wear on the writer. Go ahead, my boy. Write a +half dozen chapters in your own idyllic way, and +then get Archie to take you to a few places where +your mind will be turned to opposite scenes. It +takes all sorts of edibles to suit the modern palate."</p> + +<p>So Roseleaf wrote, slowly, patiently, with devotion +to his art, until he had completed five chapters of his +story. And Gouger read it and went into ecstacies, +declaring it the best foundation he had ever seen for +a most entrancing romance.</p> + +<p>"He has wrought his people up to such a superlative +height," said the critic to Mr. Weil, "that the +<i>chute</i> will be simply tremendous! How simply, how +elegantly his sentences flow! If he can handle the +necessary wickedness that must follow, the sale of +'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' or 'Thou Shalt Not,' will be +eclipsed without the least doubt. But, the question +still is, <i>can</i> he?"</p> + +<p>"There's no such question," was the response. +"He must, that's the way to put it. Confound it, he +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>shall! And the next thing for him to do is to take +a few visits with me to the underground regions, +where he can get such slight shocks to his literary +system as will enable him to take up the vein he +must work."</p> + +<p>During this time Roseleaf did not forget the invitation +he had received to dine with the Ferns. It +did him good to see Daisy, although he could not +now get her for a moment to himself. He sighed to +her over the table, and across the parlor, after the +party had retired to that part of the house, and she +answered him with little bright smiles that acted like +an emollient on his hurt spirit. He had never found +the courage to beard her father in his den—of wool—and +was not even sure that the affair had reached +a stage where anything could be gained by taking +such a step. What he wanted was a word of assurance +from Daisy that she would wait for him till he +had made a Name in literature, or proved his ability +in some definite manner. There was no indication +that any one else was in the way; everything pointed +to a contrary probability. But there is nothing so +desolate as the heart of a lover whose fair one is just +beyond his reach.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil accompanied Shirley on most of these +visits, and knew very well what was going on. +None of the glances exchanged between the young +people were so much their exclusive property as they +believed. Had Archie possessed eyes in the back +and sides of his head, he could have seen little more +than he did. While appearing to devote his entire +attention to Mr. Fern and Millicent—principally the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>former, he found time to watch Roseleaf and Daisy, +and even the negro Hannibal.</p> + +<p>He noticed that the servant was no less devoted +than formerly to the youngest member of the household. +He saw him hover around her at the table +like a protecting spirit, letting her want for nothing +that thoughtfulness could procure. And he noticed +that Daisy seemed as oblivious of this as she had +always been. She accepted these extraordinary +attentions quite as if Hannibal were some automaton, +acting with a set of concealed springs—a mechanism +in which there was nothing of human life or intelligence.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern was the same gentlemanly host as of +yore, with the same dark cloud hanging over him, +whatever might be its cause. Courteous by nature +to an exceptional degree he could not assume a +gayety he did not feel. There was some terrible +weight bearing him down, some awful incubus of +which he was unable to rid himself. The only +person who did not notice it was Millicent, and the +one it troubled most was Daisy, on whose sweet +young face the share she had in her parent's griefs +had already begun to leave its impressions.</p> + +<p>Millicent's novel was soon placed in Mr. Gouger's +hands, completed. The original theme was unaltered, +but in its new garb of perfect English no one +would have recognized the rejected work. The combination +of the girl's strength of mind and the man's +elegance of diction was successful. The critic recommended +its acceptance without a word of dissent, +and Cutt & Slashem even consented, on his +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>suggestion, to forego the guarantee against loss +which they had of late demanded from all authors +whose names were unknown to the reading public.</p> + +<p>"I have fixed it for you, Archie," he said, when +that gentleman next made his appearance at the +sanctum. "No deposit or guarantee, and ten per +cent. of the retail price for royalty. So take a train +to your inamorata's house and tell her the news."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil did not seem to wholly relish the announcement.</p> + +<p>"In the first place," he remarked, "you have no +business to speak of Miss Fern as my inamorata; +and in the second you will pay her more than ten per +cent. or you won't get the book to print."</p> + +<p>At this, Mr. Gouger, after the manner of all publishers +and their agents, proceeded to show to Mr. +Weil that it was perfectly impossible to pay another +cent more than the figure he had named; and before +he had finished he agreed to see the firm and +get the amount raised considerably, provided the +sales should exceed five thousand copies. In short, +Mr. Weil secured a very respectable contract for a +new author, and one that was sure to please Miss +Fern, if she was in the least degree reasonable.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would hurry up Roseleaf," remarked +Gouger, when this matter was disposed of. "When +will you take him down into the depths and let him +see that side of life?"</p> + +<p>"I have arranged a journey for to-morrow night," +said Weil. "We shall go to Isaac Leveson's and +make an evening of it. Unless things are different +there from usual, he will lay the foundation +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>for all the wickedness he needs to put into his +story."</p> + +<p>The critic nodded approval.</p> + +<p>"He will probably have a Jew in it, then—a modernized +Fagan."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Weil. "And a negro. A tall, well-built +negro, who has a white man for his slave!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>DINING AT ISAAC'S.</h3> + + +<p>On the following day, when Shirley Roseleaf presented +himself at the Hoffman House, he found Mr. +Weil awaiting him in a state of great good nature.</p> + +<p>"Go home and make yourself ready for a dive +into the infernal regions," he said, merrily. "I am +going to take you to a place where the devil spends +his vacation, and show you a set of women as +different from those you have lately met as chalk is +from indigo. Be here at nine o'clock this evening, +prepared for the descent."</p> + +<p>A vision of subterranean passages crossed the +mind of the listener, and he thought of tall boots +and a tarpaulin.</p> + +<p>"How shall I dress—roughly, I suppose?" he +inquired.</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. Put on your swallow tail, and +white tie. Vice in these days wears its best +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>garments. You cannot tell a gambler from a clergyman +by his attire. Dress exactly as if you were +going to the swellest party on Fifth Avenue. The +only addition to your toilet will be a revolver, if you +happen to have one handy. If you do not, I have +several and will lend you one."</p> + +<p>If he expected to startle the young man he was in +error. Roseleaf merely nodded and said he would +take one of the weapons owned by Mr. Weil.</p> + +<p>"We shall not use them—there are a thousand +chances to one," said Archie. "New York is like +Montana. You remember what the resident said to +the tenderfoot, 'You may be a long time without +wantin' a we'p'n in these parts, but when you do +you'll want it d—d sudden.'"</p> + +<p>When Roseleaf returned, the hands of his watch +indicated the time at which he had been asked to +make his appearance, but Mr. Weil did not take him +immediately to the point of destination. Instead he +walked over to a variety theatre that was then in +operation on Twenty-third street, and after spending +a short time in the auditorium guided the young +man into the "wineroom." Here the ladies of the +ballet were in the habit of going when off the stage, +for the sake of entertaining the patrons with their +light and frivolous conversation, and inducing them if +possible, to invest in champagne at five dollars the +bottle.</p> + +<p>Archie was, it appeared, not unknown to the throng +that filled this place, for his name was spoken by +several of both sexes as soon as he entered. He +nodded coolly to those who addressed him, and took +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>a seat at a table with his companion. With a shake +of his head he declined the offers of two or three +fairies of the ballet to share the table, and ordered a +bottle of Mumm with the evident intention of drinking +it alone with his friend.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf slowly sipped the sparkling beverage. +He was cautioned in a whisper to drink but one glass, +as it was necessary that he should keep a perfectly +clear head. Weil remarked in an undertone that he +had only ordered the wine as an excuse for remaining +a few minutes.</p> + +<p>"I call this 'the slaughter house,'" he added, in +a voice still lower. "Girls are brought here to be +murdered. Not to have their throats cut," he explained, +"but to be killed just as surely, if more +slowly. I have seen them come here for the first +time, with good health shining out of their rosy +cheeks, delighted at the unwonted excitement and +the amount of attention the frequenters of the place +bestowed. I have watched them growing steadily +paler, having recourse to rouge, the eyes getting +dimmer, the voice growing harsher, the temper becoming +more variable. And then—other fresh faces +came in their stead. There are killed, on an average, +twenty girls a year here, I should say; killed to +satisfy the appetites of men, as beeves are killed in +Chicago, but not so mercifully."</p> + +<p>The novelist looked into the faces that were nearest +to him and thought he could discern the various +grades of which his friend spoke—the new, the +older, the ones whose turn to give way to others +would soon come. All of them were drinking.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +Most had on the stage dresses they had just worn or +were about to wear in the performance. Some had +finished their parts and were enveloped in street +clothes, ready to take their departure with the first +male who asked them. And they were drinking, +drinking, either in little sips or in feverish gulps, as +they would at a later day, when the five-dollar wine +would be replaced by five cent beer or perhaps the +drainings of a keg on the sidewalk.</p> + +<p>Mr. Walker Boggs soon came into the wine-room +and joined the pair at Mr. Weil's table. He called +for a whiskey straight, pushing the champagne aside +with an impatient movement.</p> + +<p>"I won't punish my stomach with such stuff, even +if it <i>has</i> gone back on me," he exclaimed. "That +will knock out any man who drinks it between +meals."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil assented to this proposition, and to show +his full belief in it filled his own glass again and +tossed its contents down his throat.</p> + +<p>"What brings you here?" he asked, quizzically.</p> + +<p>"Those creatures," replied Boggs, with a motion +of his hand toward the members of the ballet. +"They're all that's left me now. <i>They</i> don't mind +the size of my waist. My hold on <i>them</i> is as strong +as ever. But <i>you</i> ought not to be here," he broke in, +turning to Roseleaf. "It will be years before you +get to this stage, I hope."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil hastened to explain.</p> + +<p>"Shirley is merely observing," said he. "He +came at my request. We are going next to Isaac +Leveson's."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs grew interested.</p> + +<p>"So, so! You intend to show him Isaac's to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Isn't it a good idea?"</p> + +<p>The stout man shrugged his shoulders as if he had +nothing to say on that point. The movement was +essentially a Frenchy one and might have meant +anything.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you would like to go with us," said +Archie.</p> + +<p>"What do you intend to do there?"</p> + +<p>"Tell Mr. Roseleaf all the secrets."</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs stared at the speaker.</p> + +<p>"Isaac won't let you," he answered, grimly.</p> + +<p>"Won't he? He'll have to. Why, what's the odds? +The boy won't give him away. And if he should—" +His voice sank to a whisper.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil then proceeded to explain to his young +friend that "Isaac's" was a peculiar affair, even for +Gotham. It had entrances on two streets. Into one +door went the most respectable of people, intent on +getting an exceptionably good dinner, which was +always to be had there, cooked in the French style +and elegantly served. At that end of the house +there were several dining-rooms that would hold forty +or fifty guests, and several others made to accommodate +family parties of six to twelve. If a couple +happened to stray in and inquire for a room to themselves +the head waiter informed them that it was +against the rule of the house to serve a private dinner +to less than four people.</p> + +<p>It was evident that the establishment was con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>ducted +on the most moral principles, and in a way +to prevent the possibility of scandal. For though a +great many couples undoubtedly take dinners in +private rooms with the utmost propriety, it must be +admitted that such a course is open to suspicion and +might be used as a basis for unpleasant rumors. +Mr. Leveson, who kept this hotel, took great pride in +saying that nothing in all New York bore a better +name, and no amount of bribery would have induced +one of his employes—on <i>that</i> side of the house—to +vary the rules laid down.</p> + +<p>But on the <i>other</i> side of the building—at the +entrance on the other street—ah, that was different!</p> + +<p>If only the most respectable customers entered the +first door it was almost equally true that none but +those who lacked that quality used the second. Mr. +Leveson sometimes remarked with glee, at twelve +o'clock at night, that he would give a hundred dollar +bill for an honest man or woman in any of the +rooms up-stairs. The waiters had instructions to +"size up" all comers with care, and to admit no +accidental parties who might apply for entrance +under a misapprehension as to the character of the +place.</p> + +<p>"We are all full, sorry to say," was the established +formula. "There is a very good restaurant just +around the corner, on ——th street." And in this +manner the shrewd restaurateur got all the custom +he wanted, while preserving the natural atmosphere +in each part of his dominions.</p> + +<p>The meals served in these two places were prepared +by one chef, and served from one kitchen.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +Thus the virtuous and vicious patrons were supplied +with exactly the same dishes. But on what may be +called the Good side nothing stronger <a name="Page_149t1" id="Page_149t1"></a><a href="#Page_149tn">than</a> wines +were found on the bill of fare. On the Wicked side +every decoction <a name="Page_149t2" id="Page_149t2"></a><a href="#Page_149tn">known</a> to the modern drinker was to +be had for the asking. Then, again, the doors of +the Good side were closed at eleven o'clock, while it +was often daylight before the last patron of the Sinful +side reeled into his carriage.</p> + +<p>After a little more talk Mr. Boggs seemed satisfied +and consented to join the party.</p> + +<p>Mr. Leveson was notified of the presence of the +newcomers and met them at the door. Isaac was of +a decidedly Jewish cast of countenance, slightly gray, +not very tall, and quite round shouldered. He put +out a lank hand toward Roseleaf, when that young +gentleman was named as a matter of introduction, +but put it down again when Mr. Weil curtly said +handshaking was out of date. Archie had seen a disinclination +in the eye of his friend to touch the fingers +of the Hebrew, and with his usual quickness had +solved the difficulty. The party entered a private +office at the left of the entrance, where Mr. Leveson +inquired what he should order for them to drink.</p> + +<p>"You will order nothing, at present," said Weil, in +a contemptuous way that excited the astonishment +of Mr. Roseleaf. "When I wish for anything I will +ring. Who is there in the house?"</p> + +<p>The manager of the establishment bowed humbly, +and proceeded to run over the list of his customers.</p> + +<p>"There is Major Waters and his wife—"</p> + +<p>"Together!" exclaimed the questioner.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, no! The Major has the little blonde that he +has brought for the last month; his wife has Mr. +Nikles of the Planet. Then—"</p> + +<p>But Mr. Weil interrupted him again.</p> + +<p>"You'll let them run into each other some day and +there'll be a nice time."</p> + +<p>"Never fear that. The boys understand thoroughly. +He comes earlier and stays later than she. +Besides, we never let anybody meet on the stairs. +The waiters cry out, 'You must go back; it is bad +luck!' if any of them seem in danger of running into +each other. They are as safe from discovery here as +if they were in places a mile apart."</p> + +<p>Some one descended the stairs at this moment and +Leveson tiptoed to the door and opened it half an +inch to peer at them.</p> + +<p>"You know I have no object in saying these +things," said Weil, "except to save your precious +self from trouble. Who is that going out?"</p> + +<p>"Some new people; it is the third time they have +been here."</p> + +<p>"Well," asked Weil, impatiently, "who are they?"</p> + +<p>Leveson held up both his hands as if to beg a +moment to answer.</p> + +<p>"They come from Brooklyn. I don't know their +names. I think neither is married."</p> + +<p>"I have a curiosity about things," explained Weil +to his friends, "that I cannot account for. You +remember how Silas Wegg used to talk about 'Aunt +Jane' and 'Uncle Parker.' Well, I have the same +way of studying the men that wander in here of an +evening, with other people's wives and daughters.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +There is so little really entertaining in this confounded +world that I seize upon anything promising +a change with avidity. Isaac tells me all the secrets +of his queer ranch, and they prove wonderfully interesting, +sometimes. You see," he added, addressing +himself particularly to Roseleaf, "not a couple comes +into this place that would like to have it known."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf bowed constrainedly.</p> + +<p>"And how does Mr. Leveson know them?" he inquired. +"They surely do not register, or if they do +their names must be fictitious."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil laughed.</p> + +<p>"He has ways of finding out," said he. "There +are little birds that fly in at the window and tell +him."</p> + +<p>"I should not think he would wish to know," commented +Roseleaf. "Especially when it is evident +they would not like to have him."</p> + +<p>Archie laughed again.</p> + +<p>"Let me explain, then," he said. "I need not +mind Boggs here, who is discretion itself. Leveson's +reason—of course, I can rely on your silence?"</p> + +<p>The young face reddened at the insinuation that +he might betray a secret.</p> + +<p>"I was sure of it," said Archie, so quickly that +Roseleaf felt at ease again. "Well, the reason why +Isaac wants to know what is going on is, he is connected +with the police."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf said "Ah!" and opened his eyes wider.</p> + +<p>"People who go to places like this," continued +Mr. Weil, "are of great interest to the guardians of +the peace. And by the police I do not mean the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>members of the regular force so much as the special +service. It is to the latter that we go when a confidential +clerk has robbed us or we become suspicious +that our wives are unfaithful. Nine times out of ten +the chief of the private detective office knows in advance +all we wish him to ferret out. When he has +told us that we will set investigations on foot, and +that he hopes to learn something of the matter +within a few days, he bows us out of his bureau with +an air that implies that we have not come to the +wrong party. And as soon as we are gone he turns +to a ledger, and in a few minutes has found an abstract +that tells him everything.</p> + +<p>"Let us suppose," said Mr. Weil, "that a jeweler +misses twenty valuable pieces of <i>bijouterie</i> from his +stock. The circumstances prove that they were +taken by some one in his employ. He thinks of his +clerks, and cannot find the heart to accuse any of +them of such a grave crime. He goes to the detective +office and states his case. When he is gone the +chief turns to the book and finds this:</p> + +<p>"'L. M. Jenkins, clerk at Abram Cohen's, Sixth +Avenue; about twenty-three, medium height, dark, +dresses well. Rooms at No. — Twenty-Ninth street. +Has been giving expensive suppers as well as valuable +jewelry to Mamie Sanders, No. so-and-so, Such-a-street. +They dined together at Isaac Leveson's on +such-and-such dates.' Etc., etc., etc.</p> + +<p>"Now, he can recover the jewelry and get that +clerk into quod in three hours, if he likes. Naturally +he won't expedite things in that way, because he +wants some excuse for running up a large bill, unless +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>it be a bank case, where he prefers to make a great +impression and get himself solid with the directors. +But he will collar the fellow and recover the stuff, +and all because he knew about it long before any one +in the store had a suspicion."</p> + +<p>Mr. Leveson returned. Mr. Weil asked that one of +the private rooms on the second floor be put in +order at once, for himself and friends. He then inquired +what ladies were in the house unoccupied by +escorts.</p> + +<p>"Miss Pelham has been waiting an hour for the +Judge," replied Isaac, "but I don't think he'll come. +He disappoints her half the time now. And Mrs. +Delavan, who has just come in, found a note from +Col. Lamorest, asking her to excuse him to-night."</p> + +<p>Archie looked pleased.</p> + +<p>"They'll do," he said. "Tell them to come and +dine with us. But," he paused, and looked at Roseleaf, +"we need still another."</p> + +<p>The color mounted to the cheeks of the young +novelist, as he understood the thought that prompted +this statement.</p> + +<p>"Not on my account—I would much rather not," +he stammered.</p> + +<p>"You will kindly leave that to my judgment," replied +Archie, impressively. "Remember, you are +not the instructor here, but the pupil. There must +be some one else, Isaac."</p> + +<p>Mr. Leveson hesitated. He was mentally going +over the rooms upstairs and taking stock of what +was in them.</p> + +<p>"There are two girls," he said, at last, "who used +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>to work in one of the dry goods stores, but you +wouldn't want them. They are very strict, and they +dress plainly,—and I am afraid the other ladies +wouldn't like to associate with them."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil grew vastly irritated by this statement. +He brought his hand down on the table with a bang.</p> + +<p>"The other ladies!" he echoed, angrily. "When +you tell Mrs. Delavan and Jenny Pelham that you +want them to dine with us, you know that ends it! +As to these shop girls, what do you mean by calling +them <i>strict</i>? What would a <i>strict</i> girl be doing in +<i>this</i> house?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Leveson cringed before his interrogator and +made the old, imploring movement with his hands.</p> + +<p>"Let me explain," he said. "These girls came +here a few weeks ago with some traveling men. +They took dinner, but Adolf says neither drank a +drop of wine. A few days later they came again, +with other escorts, and the same thing occurred."</p> + +<p>"Why did you let them in?" demanded Weil.</p> + +<p>"Because I knew the gentlemen."</p> + +<p>Archie started to say something, but checked himself.</p> + +<p>"And after that they came alone and asked to see +me," pursued Isaac, humbly. "They said they had +been thrown out of work, and thought there might +be an opportunity to do something here, like waiting +on the guests. And while we were talking, two old +customers of the house called to dine, alone, and +asked me if they could get some one to share the +meal with them. And, it seemed quite providential—"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> + +<p>Archie stopped the voluble speech by striking his +hands sharply together.</p> + +<p>"Enough!" he said. "When the dinner is ready +send one of them in. That will make the three we +need."</p> + +<p>In half an hour the dinner was ready to be served. +Then Isaac came with the information that the girls +refused to be separated.</p> + +<p>"What a nuisance!" exclaimed Weil. "Well, send +both of them, then. We'll take care of them, somehow."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>A QUESTION OF COLOR.</h3> + + +<p>The next morning, when Roseleaf awoke, he was +for some time in a sort of stupor. Through the bright +sunlight that filled his room he seemed to scent the +fumes of tobacco and of liquor. The place was +filled, he imagined, with that indefinable aroma that +proceeds from a convivial company made up of both +sexes. He half believed that Jennie Pelham and +Mrs. <a name="Page_155t" id="Page_155t"></a><a href="#Page_155tn">Delavan</a> were sitting by his bed, more brazen +than the bell which, from a neighboring steeple, told +him the hour was ten. And surely, by those curtains +there, hiding the flame that filled their cheeks, were +the two "shop-girls," their pinched faces denoting +slow starvation. Boggs, and Isaac Leveson, and +Archie Weil were there, all of them; and the young +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>man tossed uneasily on his pillow, struggling with +the remnant of nightmare that remained to cloud his +brain.</p> + +<p>When he was able to think and see clearly he sat +up and rang for a pitcher of ice water. He was consumed +by thirst, and his forehead ached blindly. +When he had bathed his head and throat he turned, +by a sudden impulse, to his table, and took out the +MSS. of the story he had begun. Slowly he read +over the pages, to the last one. Then, seizing his +pen, he devoted himself to the next chapter, without +dressing, without breakfasting.</p> + +<p>It was four o'clock when he ceased work. He +realized all at once that he was feeling ill. The fact +dawned upon him that he needed food, and donning +his garments, he took his way listlessly to a restaurant +and ordered something to eat. As he swallowed +the morsels, he fell to wondering how much temptation +<i>he</i> would be able to bear, with hunger as a background.</p> + +<p>He passed a good part of the evening in walking +the streets, selecting, instinctively, sections where he +was least likely to meet any one he knew. When he +returned to his room he read over the MSS. he had +written that day, and into his troubled brain there +came a sense of pleasure. Gouger was right. To +tell of such matters in a novel, one should know +them himself. Roseleaf could never have written +of vice before he saw Leveson's. Now, it was as +plain to him as print, almost as easy to use in fiction +as virtue. What was to follow? He pondered over +the plot he had mapped out, and it grew clearer.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> + +<p>Daisy had given him no further encouragement—at +least in words—since that day she had said it was +"risky" to ask her father, but he felt certain that +she regarded him with favor, and that if Mr. Fern +put no obstacles in the way she would not refuse +to wed him when the right time came. He thought +it would be wise to obtain one more brief interview +with her, before proceeding to extremities, and determined +to do his best to draw her aside, when he +made his next visit to her house. This settled, he +went to bed again and slept soundly.</p> + +<p>When the day to go to Midlands arrived Shirley's +courage began to ooze a little. So much depended +upon the attitude of his dear one's mind, which, for +all he knew, had changed since he talked with her, +that he fairly trembled with apprehension. He +avoided Mr. Weil, with whom he usually took the +train, and went out early. Alighting at a station a +mile or two away from the right one, he walked +through the woods, trying to think how to act in +case matters did not turn out as he hoped. Under +the branches he strolled along, until he came within +sight of the roofs of Midlands; and then he threw +himself at the foot of a tree close to Mr. Fern's +grounds, and gave himself up to reverie.</p> + +<p>When he laid down here it was only five o'clock, +and he was not expected at the house for a full hour. +It pleased him to be so near the one he loved, and to +lie where he could dream of her sweet face and see +the outlines of the house that sheltered her, while +she had no knowledge of his presence. Just over +there was the arbor, where he had first had the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>supreme bliss of touching her lips with his own. If +he could get her to come there with him again—to-night—when +the others were occupied with their talk +of earthly things, and if she would only tell him +frankly that he might go to her father, and that her +prayers would go with him! A soft languor came +over his body at the deliciousness of these reflections, +but it was dissipated by the sound of voices which +presently came to him from the other side of the +hedge.</p> + +<p>"I can't exactly understand, Miss Daisy," said one +of the voices, which he had no difficulty in recognizing +as that of Hannibal, "why you wish me to go +away?"</p> + +<p>There was an assurance in the tone that Roseleaf +did not like. He had noticed it before in the intercourse +of this negro with his employers. There was +something which intimated that he was on the most +complete level with them.</p> + +<p>"I want you to go," said Daisy, in her quiet way, +"because education is the only thing that will make +you what you ought to be. There are a hundred +chances open to you, in the professions, if you can +take a college course. Unless you do, you can hope +for nothing better than such employment as you +have now."</p> + +<p>It made the listener's blood boil to think that these +people should be consulting in that way, like friends. +Daisy ought to have a better sense of her position.</p> + +<p>"I will not refuse your offer, at least not yet," +replied Hannibal, after a slight pause. "It may be +as you say—if I graduate as a doctor or a lawyer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +But I know that I live in a country where my color +is despised—and all that could possibly come to me +here as a professional man is work among my own +race. I should be a black lawyer with black clients; +or a black physician, with black patients. To really +succeed I should go across the ocean to some land +where the shade of my skin would not be counted a +crime."</p> + +<p>Daisy's face could not be seen by the listener, but +he was sure it was a kindly one, and this made him +fume. The situation was atrocious.</p> + +<p>"It should not be considered so anywhere," said +the girl, gently.</p> + +<p>"It is an outrage!" responded the black. "Having +stolen our ancestors and brought them here from +their native country, the Americans hate us for the +injury they have done. In France, they tell me, it is +not so. Oh, if I <i>could</i> gain an education, and +become what God meant to make me—a man!" He +paused as if the thought was too great to be conceived +in its fullness, and then said, abruptly: +"Where can you get this money?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf's suspicions were now keenly aroused and +he dreaded lest she should bring his name into the +conversation.</p> + +<p>"Your father would not give it to you—without an +explanation," pursued the negro. "And you have +no fortune of your own."</p> + +<p>"I will get it—let that suffice," interrupted the +girl. "I can give you $1000 a year for two years, at +least, and I hope for two or three more, if you will go +to Paris and put yourself under instruction. Can +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>you hesitate to accept a proposal of that kind? I +thought you would seize it with avidity."</p> + +<p>As Daisy said this she arose, and started slowly +toward the house. Hannibal walked by her side +talking in a tone so low that nothing more was intelligible +to the eavesdropper she little suspected was +so near. But suddenly the girl stopped, and Roseleaf +heard her cry with startling distinctness:</p> + +<p>"<i>How dare you!</i>"</p> + +<p>The voice that uttered these words was filled with +rage, and the girl's attitude, as Roseleaf could see—for +he had risen hastily to his feet—was one of +intense excitement. Then she added:</p> + +<p>"If you ever speak of that again, they will be the +last words I will ever exchange with you. My offer +is still open—you can have the money if you wish it—but +never another syllable like this! Understand +me, Hannibal, never!"</p> + +<p>Miss Daisy passed on toward the house, alone. +The negro stood where she had left him, his head +bowed on his breast, as if completely cowed by the +rebuke. Roseleaf's heart beat rapidly. What gave +this fellow such power over these people? How +could he say things to call out such an exclamation +as that of Daisy's, and yet hold her promise to pay +him a large sum of money, instead of getting the +prompt discharge he merited?</p> + +<p>And this was what the girl wanted to do with the +$1,000, she had asked him to lend her! Should he +still give it to her? Yes, if it would rid the country +of that insolent knave who, from whatever cause, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>occupied a position that must be growing unendurable +to those who had to bear with him.</p> + +<p>What had Hannibal said, that made her turn as if +grossly insulted, and speak with a vehemence so +foreign to her nature? Roseleaf would have enjoyed +following the negro and giving him a severe trouncing. +Though Hannibal was twenty pounds heavier +and considerably taller than he, the novelist had not +the least doubt of his ability to master him. He +believed the courage of an African would give way +when confronted by one of the superior race; and +at any rate, righteous indignation would count for +something in so just a contest.</p> + +<p>There were no traces of excitement on Daisy's +pretty face as she welcomed the guests of the family. +Weil arrived at about the same time as Roseleaf, +coming directly from the station, and Mr. Fern arrived +a little later. Millicent looked her best, which +is saying no less than that she was a beauty, and +Archie told her politely that she ought to sit for a +painting. When the dinner was served, Hannibal +took charge as usual. Shirley watched him with an +interest he had never felt before, and nodded assent +when Weil whispered behind his napkin, "Good +material for a novel in that fellow, eh?"</p> + +<p>The opportunity for a word alone with Daisy came +earlier than Roseleaf expected. In fact she herself +proposed it, while passing out of the dining room. +She said she had something particular to tell him.</p> + +<p>"It is about that money you were so kind as to +say I could have," she explained, when they were far +down the lawn, and out of hearing of the others.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +"I want it very much and very soon. It—it will be +all right, I hope, and—and not cause you any inconvenience."</p> + +<p>"I will bring it, or send it to-morrow," he replied, +instantly. "But I still wonder what you intend to +do with it."</p> + +<p>She smiled archly.</p> + +<p>"A good act, I assure you," she replied. "Something +of which you would certainly approve, if you +knew all the circumstances. You are very kind, and +if it was darker here I should be—almost—tempted +to kiss you."</p> + +<p>He replied that it was growing darker rapidly, and +that the requisite shadow could be obtained if they +stayed out long enough; but she said she could remain +but a few moments, and turned in the direction +of the house.</p> + +<p>"But, Daisy!" he cried, and then paused. "You—you +know there is something of very great importance +that I want to talk about. I get so little chance, +and I want so much to tell you things. I have been +trying to go to your father's office, and I can't find +courage."</p> + +<p>"I didn't know you were thinking of buying +wool," she said, mischievously.</p> + +<p>"I want one little lamb, to be my own," he +answered, "to love and cherish all my life long. +Am I never to have it?"</p> + +<p>She sobered before the earnestness of his sad face.</p> + +<p>"You are a dear boy," she said, "and I love you. +There! Don't say anything more to me to-night. +I have made a foolish confession, for which I may +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>yet repent. We must go in. They will be looking +for us."</p> + +<p>She looked at his countenance and saw that it was +radiant.</p> + +<p>"I can endure anything now," he said. "You +love me, Daisy—can it be true? I will go in with +you—and I will wait. But not too long, my sweetheart; +do not make me wait too long. Repent your +confession, indeed! If you do, it will be from no +fault of mine. <i>Daisy!</i>"</p> + +<p>As he said these things they were gradually nearing +the piazza, where the negro was taking in the chairs.</p> + +<p>"I have something pleasant to tell you," whispered +Daisy. "You don't like Hannibal. Well, he is +going away soon."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf assumed surprise.</p> + +<p>"Has your father discharged him?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"No, he intends to leave of his own accord. He +believes himself fitted for better work. Hush! He +may hear you."</p> + +<p>As they passed the servant, Daisy said, "Good-evening, +Hannibal." It was her invariable custom, +and she spoke with the greatest courtesy. But in +this case the negro did not raise his eyes, nor turn +his head toward her, nor make the slightest sign to +show that he heard.</p> + +<p>It was too much for Roseleaf, and he stopped.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear Miss Daisy address you?" he demanded, +sharply.</p> + +<p>Hannibal looked up, with a curious mixture of +amusement, contempt and hate in his dark face.</p> + +<p>"I did," he answered.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why did you not answer?"</p> + +<p>"Because I did not choose."</p> + +<p>Daisy threw herself in front of Roseleaf, just in +time to prevent Hannibal's receiving a blow.</p> + +<p>"Oh, stop!" she exclaimed, "I beg you!"</p> + +<p>The noise and the sound of raised voices brought +Mr. Fern and his other daughter, with Archie Weil, +to the door. Mr. Fern took in the situation at a +glance, and his troubled face grew more distressed.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Roseleaf," he said, speaking as if the words +choked him, "I am surprised—that you should—hold +an altercation like this—in my daughter's +presence."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf did not know what to do or say. Daisy's +pleading eyes decided him, much against his judgment, +to drop the matter where it was, galling to his +pride though it might be. He escorted his sweetheart +into the parlor, where the entire party followed, +in a most uncomfortable state of mind.</p> + +<p>"How can you permit that negro to insult your +guests?" demanded Millicent, as soon as the door +was closed. "It is beyond belief. If he is master of +this house it is time the rest of us left it. I am certain +Mr. Roseleaf did not act without great provocation."</p> + +<p>Before Mr. Fern could answer, Daisy had spoken.</p> + +<p>"It is over now, and there is nothing to be said. +Hannibal is going away in a few days, and that will +end your trouble."</p> + +<p>The father turned such an incredulous look toward +his daughter that it was evident he had heard nothing +of this.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Going?" he echoed, faintly. "Going?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Daisy. "He told me to-day. He is +going to some country where his color will not be +counted a misdemeanor."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf had difficulty in maintaining the silence +with which he had determined to encase himself. +But Daisy did not wish him to speak, and her will +was law.</p> + +<p>"Well, I am glad of that!" exclaimed Millicent. +"In a country where they consider such people their +equals, he will not meet the pity and consideration +he has so abused here. Still, I do think, father, +that you ought to apologize to Mr. Roseleaf for the +way in which you have addressed him."</p> + +<p>This freed the young man's tongue.</p> + +<p>"By no means," he said. "Very likely I was +wrong to say anything."</p> + +<p>"You were not wrong!" retorted Millicent. "You +were entirely right. You would have been justified +in punishing the fellow as he deserved. It is others +who are wrong. If he were not going, I would +never stay to see repeated what I have witnessed in +the last six months."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern seemed to have lost all ambition for controversy. +His elder daughter's cutting words evidently +hurt, but he would not reply.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil came to the rescue by introducing a new +topic of conversation, that of a European tenor that +was soon expected to startle New York. Daisy went +to the piano, and played softly, talking in whispers +to Roseleaf, who leaned feverishly over her shoulder.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> +But she made no allusion to Hannibal, and he did +his best to forget him.</p> + +<p>"What do you make of that?" asked Mr. Weil, +when he was in a railway car, on the way back to the +city with his young friend. "A glorious chance for +a novelist to find the reason that black Adonis is +allowed such latitude."</p> + +<p>But Roseleaf was not listening. He was thinking +of a sweet voice that had said: "You are a dear +boy and I love you!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>"LET US HAVE A BETRAYAL."</h3> + + +<p>Mr. Archie Weil had become quite intimate with +Mr. Wilton Fern; so much so that he called at his +office every few days, took walks with him on business +errands, went with him to lunch (to the annoyance +of Lawrence Gouger, who did not like to eat +alone) and sometimes took the train home with him +at night, on evenings when Shirley Roseleaf was not +of the party. Everybody in the Fern family liked +Archie. Even Hannibal, who had conceived a veritable +hatred for Roseleaf, brightened at the entrance +of Mr. Weil either at the house or office, the +negro seeming to alternate between the two places +very much as he pleased. Millicent liked him because +he was so "facile," as she expressed it; a man with +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>whom one could talk without feeling it necessary +to pick each step. Daisy liked him because her +father did, and because Roseleaf did, and because +he treated her with marked politeness that had +apparently no double meaning.</p> + +<p>And they all got confidential with him, which was +exactly what he wanted them to do; only the one he +most wanted to give him confidence gave him the +least. This was Mr. Fern, himself.</p> + +<p>Try as he might, Archie could not discover what +clouded the brow of the wool merchant, what made +him act like a person who fears each knock at the +door, each sound of a human voice in the hallway of +his office. He could find no reason for Mr. Fern's +attitude toward Hannibal, whose manners were as far +removed as possible from those supposed to belong +to a personal servant. There must be a cause of no +ordinary character when this polished gentleman +permitted a negro to insult him and his daughter, in +a way to excite comment. What it was Mr. Weil +was bent on discovering, but as yet he had made +little progress.</p> + +<p>It was on account of this plan that Mr. Weil +affected to like Hannibal so well. He used to spend +hours in devising ways for securing the truth from +that source. Hannibal, however, gave no signs of +intending to reveal his secret, and if he was going +abroad to study, it seemed unlikely that the investigator +would get at many facts in that quarter.</p> + +<p>One day, Mr. Weil happened to call at the office of +the merchant at an hour when the latter was out, +and found Hannibal in possession. As this was an +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>opportunity seldom available, Archie entered into +a lively conversation with the fellow.</p> + +<p>"They tell me you are soon going to leave us," he +said, as a beginning. "I hear that you are going to +Europe."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Hannibal, with a certain wariness.</p> + +<p>"If I can tell you anything about the country I +shall be glad," said Weil, affably. "I have spent +considerable time there. You don't understand the +language, I believe?"</p> + +<p>The negro simply shook his head.</p> + +<p>"It's easy enough to acquire. Get right into a +hotel with a lot of students, and pitch in. Though +they <i>do</i> say," added the speaker, archly, "that the +best method is to engage a pretty grisette. The +poet was right:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"'Tis pleasing to be schooled in a strange tongue<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By female eyes and lips; that is, I mean,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When both the teacher and the taught are young—<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"You know the rest."</p> + +<p>The answering smile that he expected, did not +come into the negro's face. If possible, it grew still +more reserved and earnest.</p> + +<p>"There's one good thing, if you'll excuse my +mentioning it," pursued Archie, "and that is, +the French have no prejudice whatever against color. +Indeed, a colored student gets a little better attention +in Paris than a white one."</p> + +<p>Then the silent lips were unlocked.</p> + +<p>"Could a black man—<i>marry</i>—a white woman, of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>the upper or middle classes?" asked Hannibal, +slowly.</p> + +<p>"To be sure. There was the elder Dumas, and a +dozen others. I tell you there's absolutely no color +line there. They judge a man by what he is, not by +the accident of race or skin. You'll see such a difference +you'll be sorry you didn't go years before."</p> + +<p>Hannibal sat as if lost in thought.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Fern will miss you, though," continued +Archie. "Yes, and the family. You seem almost +indispensable."</p> + +<p>A suspicious glance was shot at the speaker, but +his face bore such an ingenuous look that the suggestion +was dismissed. What could he know?</p> + +<p>"They will get some one else," said the negro, +quietly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but in these days it is not easy to get people +one can trust. Mr. Fern will not find any one to +take your place in a moment. And just now, when +he evidently has a great deal of trouble on his mind, +it will be unpleasant to make a change."</p> + +<p>Hannibal was completely deceived by the apparently +honest character of these observations. He +could not resist the temptation to boast a little, that +peculiar trait of a menial.</p> + +<p>"I know all about Mr. Fern's affairs," he agreed. +"Both here and at the house. He would not trust +the next man as he has me."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil nodded wisely.</p> + +<p>"I see, I see," he answered. "You know then +what has annoyed him of late—that which has +puzzled all the rest of us so much. You know, but +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>having the knowledge in a sort of confidential capacity, +you would, of course, have no right to reveal +it."</p> + +<p>Hannibal straightened himself up in an exasperating +way.</p> + +<p>"You will not find what troubles Mr. Fern," he +said, loftily. "And now, may I ask <i>you</i> something. +Do you expect to marry his eldest daughter?"</p> + +<p>An inclination to kick the fellow for his impudence +came so strong upon Mr. Weil that it required all of +his powers to suppress the sentiment. But through +his indignation there struggled his old admiration +for this elegant physical specimen. He wished he +could get a statue modeled from him, before the +original left the country.</p> + +<p>"That is a delicate question," he managed to say.</p> + +<p>"I know it," replied Hannibal. "But I have observed +some things which may have escaped you. +Shall I tell you what I mean?"</p> + +<p>Not at all easy under this strain, the curiosity of +Mr. Weil was so great that he could only reply in +the affirmative.</p> + +<p>"Miss Millicent," explained Hannibal, slowly, "is +in love—very much in love—with another person."</p> + +<p>A stare that could not be concealed answered +him.</p> + +<p>"You have not seen anything to indicate it?" +asked the negro. "I thought as much. She has +done her best to cover it, and yet I can swear it is +true. She <i>likes</i> you, as a friend. But she <i>loves</i> him, +passionately."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> + +<p>He was in for it now and might as well follow this +strange matter to the end.</p> + +<p>"Do I know this individual?" asked Archie.</p> + +<p>"Yes. You brought him to the house and introduced +him to her."</p> + +<p>The man gave a slight cry, in spite of himself.</p> + +<p>"Not Roseleaf!"</p> + +<p>Hannibal bowed impressively; and at the moment +Mr. Fern's footsteps were heard in the entry.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil did not know, when he tried to think +about it afterwards, whether the wool merchant +noticed particularly that he and Hannibal had been +talking together, or suspected that they might have +confidences. His head was too full of the startling +statement he had heard, and when he was again +upon the street he wandered aimlessly for an hour +trying to reconcile this view with the facts as they +had presented themselves to his mind previously.</p> + +<p>Millicent in love with Roseleaf! She had said +very little to the young man, so far as he had observed. +Her younger sister—sweet little Daisy—had +monopolized his attention. If it were true, +what an instance it was of the odd qualities in the +feminine mind, that leave men to wonder more and +more of what material it is constructed. But <i>was</i> it +true? Was Hannibal a better judge, a closer student, +than the rest of them? He did not like Millicent, +any better than she liked him. Was he trying +a game of mischief, with some ulterior purpose that +was not apparent on the surface?</p> + +<p>Out of it all, Archie Weil emerged, sure of but one +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>thing. He must use his eyes. If Millicent loved +Roseleaf, she could not hide it successfully from +him, now that he had this clue.</p> + +<p>The girl's novel was selling fairly well. Weil had +made a bargain with Cutt & Slashem that was very +favorable. It gave him an excuse to talk with the +authoress as much as he pleased, and he used his +advantage. He brought her the comments of the +press—not that they amounted to anything, for it +was evident that most of the critics had merely +skimmed through the pages. He came to tell her +the latest things that Gouger had said, what proportion +of cloth and paper covers were being ordered, +and the other gossip of the printing house. And +now he talked about the work that Shirley was engaged +on, and grew enthusiastic, declaring that the +young man would yet make a place for himself beside +the Stevensons and Weymans.</p> + +<p>Millicent struck him as caring much more for +news of her own production than that of the young +man who had been represented as the object of her +adoration. If she was half as fond of Roseleaf as +Hannibal intimated, she was certainly successful in +concealing her sentiments from the shrewd observer. +The result of a fortnight's investigation convinced +Weil that the negro had made a complete mistake, +and all the hypotheses that had arisen were allowed +to dissipate into thin air and fly away.</p> + +<p>Another two weeks passed and Hannibal still remained +with the Ferns. An inquiry of Daisy produced +the answer that he thought of remaining in +America till spring. The girl tried to act as if it +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>made not the slightest consequence to her whether +he went or stayed, but she did not succeed. Mr. +Weil knew that she wished most heartily for the +time when the negro would take his departure. She +was bound up in her father, and Hannibal was worrying +him to death—from whatever cause. She +wanted the tie between him and this black man +broken, and hated every day that stood between +them and his hour of sailing.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf was almost as uneasy as Daisy over the +delay. He had given her the money she asked for, +though no allusion to its purpose had been made.</p> + +<p>She still had it, somewhere, unless she had given +it to the one for whom it was intended. When she +took the package from his hand she rose on her tiptoes +and kissed him with the most affectionate of +gestures. It was the second occasion on which he +had been permitted to touch her lips, and he +appreciated it fully. He realized from her action +how deeply she felt his kindness in providing her +with the funds that were to relieve her father of an +incubus that was sapping his very life.</p> + +<p>"You don't find much use for our black Adonis +yet, I see," said Weil, as he laid down the latest +page of the slowly building novel. "I had hoped +you would penetrate the secret of his power over +your heroine's father, by this time."</p> + +<p>"No, I cannot understand it at all," replied +Roseleaf. "And if you, with your superior quickness +of perception, have found nothing, I don't see +how you could expect me to."</p> + +<p>"You have greater opportunities," said Weil, with +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>a smile that was not quite natural. "You have the +ear of the fair Miss Daisy, remember," he explained, +in reply to the inquiring look that was raised to +him.</p> + +<p>"Ah, but she knows nothing, either," exclaimed +Roseleaf. "I am sure of that."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil was silent for some moments.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you cannot find the true cause," he said, +"you will have to invent a hypothetical one. Your +novel cannot stand still forever. Imagine something—a +crime, for instance, of which this black +fellow is cognizant. A murder—that he peeped in +at a keyhole and saw. How would that do?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf turned pale.</p> + +<p>"You know," he said, "that you are talking of +impossibilities."</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, nothing is impossible," responded +the other, impatiently. "College professors, +delicate ladies, children not yet in their teens, +have committed homicide, why not this handsome +gentleman in the wool business? Or if you <i>won't</i> +have murder—and I agree that blood is rather tiresome, +it has been overdone so much—bring a woman +into the case. Let us have a betrayal, a wronged +virgin, and that sort of thing."</p> + +<p>The color did not return to the young man's +cheek.</p> + +<p>"Which is still more incredible in the present +case," he said. "Do you think Wilton Fern could +do evil to a woman? Look in his face once and +dismiss that libel within the second."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> + +<p>A desperate expression crossed the countenance of +the elder man.</p> + +<p>"You must agree that he has done something!" +he cried. "He wouldn't allow a darkey to annoy +him like this for fun, would he? He wouldn't wear +that deathly look, and let his child grow thin with +worriment, just as a matter of amusement!"</p> + +<p>To this Roseleaf could not formulate a suitable +answer. He felt the force of the suggestions, but +he would not associate crime with the sedate gentleman +who was the object of these suspicions. He +simply could not think of anything disreputable in +connection with Daisy's father, and it seemed almost +as bad to invent an offense for the character in his +novel whose photograph he had thus far taken from +Mr. Fern.</p> + +<p>Daisy was surprised, a month after this, to have +Mr. Weil stop her in the hallway, and speak with a +new abruptness.</p> + +<p>"Why don't that cursed nigger start for Europe?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>She glanced around her with a frightened look. +She feared ears that should not might hear them. +But she rallied as she reflected that Hannibal was +miles away, in fact in the city with her father.</p> + +<p>"He is going soon," she replied. "But why do +you allude to him by that harsh term? I thought +you rather liked him."</p> + +<p>"I do," he answered. "I like him so well that if +he continues to talk to—to your father—as I heard +him the other day, I will throw him into the Hudson:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +I can't stand by and see him insult an—an old man—much +longer."</p> + +<p>The girl looked at him with sad eyes.</p> + +<p>"I thought I had succeeded in silencing that kind +of talk," she said. "Mr. Roseleaf used to speak very +violently of Hannibal, but he has listened to reason +of late. Let me beg you to see nothing and hear +nothing, if you are the friend of this family you have +given us reason to believe."</p> + +<p>She extended her hand, as if to ask a promise of +him, but he affected not to see it.</p> + +<p>"When does he intend to go?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Before the 1st of April."</p> + +<p>"I will give him till that date," he answered, "but +not an hour beyond. He will sail out of this country +for some port or other, or there will be a collision. +You must not, you shall not defend him!" he added, +as she was about to speak. "I know the harm he is +doing, and it must have an end!"</p> + +<p>Turning from her suddenly he went out of doors. +Far down the road he stopped to look around, pressing +his hand to his forehead, like one who would +make sure he is awake, and not the victim of some +fearful dream.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER.</h3> + + +<p>Before the first of April came, Hannibal sailed. +During the winter he had taken lessons in French of +a city teacher, until he believed he could get along +after a fashion with that language. He announced +to Daisy that he would go on the third of March, +then he changed it to the tenth, and again to the +seventeenth. Each time, when the date approached, +he seemed to have a weakening of purpose, a dread +of actually plunging into the tide that set toward +foreign shores. The girl had interviews with him on +each of these occasions, at which what passed was +known only to themselves. And each time, when she +had reached her own room, she threw herself on her +bed and wept bitterly.</p> + +<p>But, at last, on the twenty-fourth, he went. With +his overcoat on his arm, his satchel and umbrella in +his hands, he said "Good-by" to the little party that +gathered at the door. He had been treated with +great consideration in that home. Perhaps he realized +this to some extent as he was about to turn his +back upon it. Certain it is that he could not hide +the choking in his throat, as he said the words of +farewell. Archie Weil, who stood there with the rest, +thought he saw a strange look in those black orbs as +they dwelt a moment on the younger daughter; but +it passed so quickly he could not be sure.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Fern was there, and Roseleaf. Millicent had +responded, when a servant went to inform her that +Hannibal was going, that she was very glad. Did +she wish to go down? By no means. She hoped she +was not such a fool.</p> + +<p>Weil, who watched everybody, saw an unmistakable +relief in the careworn countenance of Mr. Fern, +when the tall form of his late servant disappeared at +the gate.</p> + +<p>"I hope you will do well," had been the last words +of the merchant, and Daisy had added, "So do we +all, I am sure." Roseleaf had not spoken. He had +stood a little apart from the others, his mind filled +with varying emotions. It was he who had furnished +the money to carry out this plan, and if it made one +hour of Daisy's life happier he would be content.</p> + +<p>Within an hour it was evident that a cloud had +been lifted from the entire household. Everybody +felt brighter and better. Roseleaf eyed Mr. Fern +with surprise, and had half a mind to go to his office +the next day and tell him how dearly he loved his +daughter. It was the first time anything like a +smile had been upon that face since he had known +its lineaments.</p> + +<p>Archie Weil devoted his attention, as usual, to +Millicent. He did not talk to her about Hannibal, +knowing how distasteful was the subject. He discussed +her novel, of which she never seemed to tire, +and asked her about another, which she had begun +to map out. She told him she was sure she could do +better the next time, and spoke of the assistance Mr. +Roseleaf would furnish if needed, quite as if that was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>a matter already arranged between her and the +young novelist.</p> + +<p>Archie wondered if Millicent knew the extent of +the attachment that had grown up between Shirley +and her sister. She seemed to feel sure that he +would be at hand when wanted. Could it be that +she believed he would ultimately become her brother-in-law? +The negro's guess had almost been +blotted out of his mind. There had been absolutely +nothing in his observation to confirm it.</p> + +<p>A day or two after the departure of Hannibal, +Mr. Fern had a conversation with Daisy, in which +he dwelt with more stress than she could account +for on a special theme. He was talking of Walter +Boggs and Archie Weil, and he cautioned her earnestly +to treat both gentlemen with the greatest consideration. +The girl detected something strange in +his voice, and she stole apprehensive glances at him, +hoping to read the cause in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Why, papa, I never see Mr. Boggs," she said. +"It is weeks and weeks since he came here. As for +Mr. Weil, we all treat him nicely, I am sure, and are +glad to have him come."</p> + +<p>"Yes," he admitted. "You use him quite right, +my child. I am not complaining; only, if you could +show him <i>particular</i> attention, something more than +the ordinary—" He paused, trying to finish what he +wished to say. "There may be a time when he will +be of great value to me—and—I want him to feel—you +observe things so cleverly—do you think Millicent +cares for him?"</p> + +<p>Daisy looked up astonished.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Cares—for—Mr. Weil?"</p> + +<p>Her father nodded.</p> + +<p>"He has been here several times a week for months, +and most of his time here has been spent with her. +I thought—I hoped that she cared for him."</p> + +<p>He thought! He hoped! Daisy had never had such +an idea in her head until that moment. She had a +dim idea that her father would give up either of his +daughters with great regret, although she could not +help knowing that the relations between him and +Millicent were not as cordial as those between him +and herself. And he "hoped" that Millie would +marry, and that she would marry Mr. Weil! Her +mind dwelt upon this strange thought. She tried to +find a reason for it. Was there any stronger incentive +in her father's mind than a desire to see Millie +well settled in life, with a good husband?</p> + +<p>Had he a fear that the time might soon come +when he could not provide for her?</p> + +<p>Or was there a worse fear—the kind of fear that +had haunted him in relation to Hannibal?</p> + +<p>Every time Mr. Weil came to the house after that +the young girl watched him as closely as he had ever +watched her. He did not exchange a word with her +father that did not engage her attention. And the +conclusion she came to was that, whatever the +object of Mr. Fern in this matter, Mr. Weil was +honor itself.</p> + +<p>Daisy had never made much of a confidant of +Millicent, and the latter had the habit of keeping her +affairs pretty closely to herself. It was no easy task, +then, that the young sister had in view when she +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>came to a decision to talk with Millie about Mr. +Weil.</p> + +<p>Her father had expressed a hope that Millie and +Weil would marry. Mr. Fern had some strong +reason for his wish. Whatever it was, Daisy, with +her strong filial love, wanted it gratified.</p> + +<p>"Millie, what do you think of marriage?" she +asked, one day, when the opportunity presented +itself.</p> + +<p>"I suppose it's the manifest destiny of a woman," +replied her sister, quietly.</p> + +<p>Much encouraged, Daisy proceeded to allude to +Mr. Weil, praising him in the highest terms, and +saying that any girl might be proud to be honored +with his addresses. Millie answered with confirmatory +nods of the head, as if she fully agreed with all +she uttered. But when her sister spoke, the words +struck Daisy like a blow.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear this," she said, in a voice more +tender than usual. "I think Mr. Weil would have +proposed to you long ago, but that he feared the +result."</p> + +<p>Daisy gasped for breath.</p> + +<p>"Millie!" she cried. "Do you mean that Mr. +Weil—that—why, I do not understand! He has +hardly spoken to me, while he has spent nearly every +minute he has been here, with you!"</p> + +<p>"Of course he has," responded the other. "What +could be more like a case of true love? If ever a +man lost his head over a woman he has lost his over +you, Daisy. And, at any rate, you must know that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +<i>I</i> care nothing for him. You certainly could see +where <i>my</i> affections were engaged."</p> + +<p>Daisy pressed her hand dreamily to her forehead. +She had never known her sister to show the least +partiality to any other man.</p> + +<p>"I understand you less than ever," she faltered.</p> + +<p>"Are you so blind?" exclaimed Millicent, with +superior wisdom. "Did you think Mr. Roseleaf had +been so closely engaged all this time in my literary +work without learning to care for me? I presume +you will think I ought to blush, but that is not my +way. The strangest thing is that I should have to +explain what I thought every one knew."</p> + +<p>Poor little Daisy! She was so crushed by these +statements that she did not know what reply to +make, which way to turn for consolation.</p> + +<p>"He has told you that he loves you?" she managed +to articulate.</p> + +<p>"He has shown it, at least," was the answer. "He +had not been here a week before he tried to put his +arms around me. I had to let him hold my hand to +avoid an absolute quarrel. He is not an ordinary +man, Daisy, and does not act like others, but we +understand each other. He is waiting for something +better in his business prospects, and as I am +so busy on my new book I am glad to be left to +myself for the present."</p> + +<p>It was the old story. Daisy could not doubt her +sister's version of her relations with Mr. Roseleaf. +When he called the next time there was a red spot +in both her cheeks. He told her with happy eyes +that he had at last secured something which made it +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>possible to speak to her father. He had been offered +a position on the Pacific Quarterly, at a good salary, +and another periodical had engaged him to write a +series of articles.</p> + +<p>"They tell me I have no imagination," he explained, +"but that I do very good work on anything +that contains matters of fact. I have some money +of my own, but I did not want to tell your father I +was an idle fellow, without brains enough to make +myself useful in the world. The novel on which I +base such great hopes might not seem to him worth +considering seriously, you know. So I can go with a +better account of myself, and I am going this very +week."</p> + +<p>The bright light that shone from the face at which +she looked made her waver for a moment, but she +found strength to answer that he must not speak to +Mr. Fern about her—now, or at any other time. She +did not want to marry, or to be engaged. She +wanted to live with her father, and take care of him, +and she wanted nothing else.</p> + +<p>"Millie will marry," she added, as a parting +thrust, meant to be very direct and bitter. "One of +us ought to stay with papa."</p> + +<p>For a while he was too overwhelmed by her +changed attitude to make a sensible reply. When +it dawned on him that she meant what she said, he +appealed to her to take it back. He could not bear +the thought of giving her up, or even of waiting +much longer for the fulfillment of his hopes. He +spoke in the most passionate tone, and his whole being +seemed wrought up by his earnestness. The +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>girl was constantly thinking, however, that this was +the same way he had addressed Millicent, and that +there was no trust to be placed in him.</p> + +<p>"Calm yourself," she said, when he grew violent. +"I have tried to be honest with you. I have thought +of this matter a great deal. You will admit that it +is of some importance to me."</p> + +<p>"To you!" he echoed. "Yes, and to me! I do +not care whether I live or die, if I am to lose you!"</p> + +<p>She wanted to ask him if he had told Millie the +same thing, but she could not without making an explanation +she did not like to give.</p> + +<p>"There are others," was all she said. "Others, +who will make you happier, and be better fitted for +you—in your career as a writer."</p> + +<p>He never thought her allusion had reference to +any particular person, and he answered that there +was no one, there never could be any one, for him, +but her. He had never loved before, he never should +love again. And she listened, thinking what a capacity +for falsehood and tragic acting he had developed.</p> + +<p>After two hours of this most disagreeable scene, +Roseleaf left the house, moody and despondent. It +would have taken little at that moment to make +him throw himself into the bosom of the Hudson, or +send a bullet through his brain.</p> + +<p>On the way to the station he met Mr. Weil, who +could not help asking what was the matter.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's all up!" he answered. "She has refused +me, and I am going to the devil as quick as I can."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What are you talking about?" exclaimed the +other, staring at him. "You don't mean—Daisy!"</p> + +<p>"That's just what I mean. I went there to tell +her of my good luck, and to say I was going to ask +her father's consent; and she met me as cold as an +iceberg, and said she had decided not to marry. So +I'm going back to town without a single reason left +for living."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil stood silent and nonplussed for a few +seconds. Then a bright idea came into his head.</p> + +<p>"Look here, Mr. Impetuousness," said he. "I +know this can be arranged, and I'm going to see +that it's done. My God, the same thing happens +in half the love affairs the universe over! Give me +a few days to straighten it out. Go home and go +to work, and I'll fix this, I promise you."</p> + +<p>It took some time to persuade Roseleaf to follow +this advice, but he yielded at last. Weil pleaded +his warm friendship, begged the young man to do +what he asked if only to please him, and finally succeeded. +A few minutes later Archie had secured an +audience with Daisy.</p> + +<p>Too shrewd to risk the danger of plunging directly +into the subject he had in mind, Mr. Weil talked on +almost everything else. It happened that Millicent +was away, which enabled him to devote his attention +to the younger sister without appearing unduly to +seek her. But Daisy, only half listening to what he +said, was pondering the strange revelation her sister +had made, and thinking at each moment that a declaration +of love might be forthcoming.</p> + +<p>She remembered her father's injunction to treat +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>this man with particular courtesy, and was in a +quandary what to do in case he came to the crucial +point. But to her surprise, instead of pressing his +own suit, Mr. Weil began to support in a mild manner +the cause of Mr. Roseleaf.</p> + +<p>"I met Shirley leaving here," he said, in a sober +tone, "and he was in a dreadful state. You didn't +say anything cross to him, I hope."</p> + +<p>With these words there seemed to come to Daisy +a new revelation of the true character of this man. +Loving her himself, he was yet loyal to his friend, +who he believed had a prior claim. As this thought +took root it raised and glorified its object, until +admiration became paramount to all other feelings.</p> + +<p>"Why should I be cross to him?" she asked, +evading the point. "There are no relations between +us that would justify me in acting as his +monitor or mentor."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil shook his head.</p> + +<p>"He loves you," he said. "You cannot afford, +my child, to trifle with a heart as noble as his."</p> + +<p>The expression, "my child," touched the girl +deeply. It had a protective sound, mingled with a +tinge of personal affection.</p> + +<p>"I hope you do not think I would trifle with the +feelings of any person," she said. "Still, I cannot +marry every man who may happen to ask me. You +know so much about this matter that I feel justified +in saying this; and I earnestly beg that you will ask +no more."</p> + +<p>But this Mr. Weil said gently he could not promise. +He said further that Roseleaf was one of his +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>dearest friends, and that he could not without emotion +see him in such distress as he had recently +witnessed.</p> + +<p>"You don't know how fond I am of that boy," he +added. "I would do anything in my power to +make him happy. He loves you. He will make +you a good husband. You must give me some message +that will console him."</p> + +<p>He could not get it, try as he might; and he said, +with a forced smile, that he should renew the attack +at an early date, for the cause was a righteous one, +that he could not give over unsatisfied. He took her +arm and strolled up and down the veranda, in such +a way that any visitor might have taken them to be +lovers, if not already married. She liked him better +and better. The touch of his sleeve was pleasant. +His low tones soothed the ache in her bosom, severe +enough, God knows! When her father came from +the city he smiled brightly to see them together, and +after hearing that Millicent was away, came to the +dinner table with the gayest air he had worn for +months.</p> + +<p>Another week passed, during which Mr. Weil +went nearly every day to Midlands, and communicated +to Roseleaf on each return the result of his +labors, coloring them with the roseate hues of hope, +though there was little that could legitimately be +drawn from the words or actions of Miss Daisy. +The critic for Cutt & Slashem had also been given +more than an inkling of the state of affairs, and had +perused with delight the chapters last written on the +famous romance. He saw that the next experience +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>needed by the author was a severe attack of jealousy, +and as there was no one else to play the part +of Iago he himself undertook the rôle.</p> + +<p>"Archie Weil is pretty popular with the Fern +family, isn't he?" was the way he began, when he +called on Roseleaf. "I met the old gentleman the +other day and he seemed absolutely 'gone on' him, +as the saying is. They tell me he's out at Midlands +every day. Got his eye on the younger daughter, +too, they intimate."</p> + +<p>It takes but little to unnerve a mind already +driven to the verge of distraction. The next time that +Weil saw Roseleaf, the latter received him with a +coolness that could not be ignored. When he +pressed for a reason, the young man broke out into +invective.</p> + +<p>"Don't pretend!" he cried. "You've heard of +the case of John Alden. What's been worked once +may go again. I'm not entirely blind."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil, with pained eyes, begged his friend to +explain.</p> + +<p>"Tell me this," shouted Roseleaf. "Do you love +that girl, yourself?"</p> + +<p>Unprepared for the question, Archie shrank as +from a flash of lightning, and could not reply.</p> + +<p>"I know you <i>do</i>!" came the next sentence, sharply. +"And I know that it is owing to the inroads you +have made—not only with her but with her father—that +I have been pushed out. Well, go ahead. I've no +objection. Only don't come here every day, with +your cock and bull stories of pleading <i>my</i> cause, for +I've had enough of them!"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> + +<p>The novelist turned aside, and Mr. Weil, too hurt +to say a word, arose and silently left the room. His +brain whirled so that he was actually giddy. Not +knowing where else to turn he went to see Mr. Gouger, +to whom he unbosomed the result of his call.</p> + +<p>"Don't be too serious about it," said Gouger, +soothingly. "It's a good thing for the lad to get +his sluggish blood stirred a little. In a day or two +he'll be all right. That novel of his is coming on +grandly!"</p> + +<p>Weil was in no mood to talk about novels, and +finding that he could get no consolation of the kind +he craved, he soon left the office. The critic laughed +silently to himself at the idea of the biter having at +last been bitten, and then took his way to Roseleaf's +rooms.</p> + +<p>No answer being returned to his knock, he opened +the door and entered. At first he thought the place +was vacant, but presently he espied a still form on +the bed. The novelist was stretched out in an +attitude which at first suggested death rather than +sleep, and alarmed the visitor not a little. Investigation, +however, showed that he was simply in a +tired sleep, worn out with worry and restless nights.</p> + +<p>"What a beauty!" whispered Gouger. "A very +dramatic scene could be worked up if that sweetheart +of his were brought here and made to stand +beside the couch when he awakes. Yes, it would be +grand, but it would need his own pen to trace the +words!"</p> + +<p>The hardly dry pages of the great manuscript that +lay on an adjacent desk caught the eyes of the critic,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> +and he sat down to scan them closer. As he turned +the leaves he grew so delighted as to become almost +uncontrollable.</p> + +<p>"He's a genius, nothing less!" he said, rapturously, +and then tiptoed softly from the chamber.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>"I'VE HAD SUCH LUCK!"</h3> + + +<p>One day Mr. Fern came home in a state of great +excitement. He had not acted naturally for a long +time and Daisy, who met him at the door, wondered +what could be the cause of his strange manner. He +caught his daughter in his arms and kissed her like +a lover. Tears came to his eyes, but they were tears +of joy. He laughed hysterically as he wiped them +away and told her not to mind him, for he was the +happiest man in New York.</p> + +<p>"I've had such luck!" he exclaimed, when she +stared at him. "Oh, Daisy, I've had such grand +luck!"</p> + +<p>She led him to a seat on a sofa and waited for him +to tell her more.</p> + +<p>"You can't imagine the relief I feel," he continued, +when he had caught sufficient breath. "I've had +an awful time in business for years, but to-day everything +is all cleared up. The house over our heads +was mortgaged; the notes I owed Boggs were al<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>most +due; I had given out paper that I could see no +way of meeting. And now it is all provided for, I +am out of financial danger, and I have enough to +quit business and live in ease and comfort with my +family the rest of my days!"</p> + +<p>Daisy could only look her surprise. She could +not understand such a transformation. But she +loved her father dearly, and seeing that he was +happy made her happy, too; though she had had +her own sorrows of late.</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it, father," she said, putting an +arm around his neck.</p> + +<p>"You couldn't understand, no matter how much I +tried to make it clear," he answered, excitedly. +"There was a combination that meant ruin or success, +depending on the cast of a die, as one might +say. Wool has been in a bad way. Congress had +the tariff bill before it. If higher protection was +put on, the stocks in the American market would +rise. If the tariff rate was lowered they would fall. +I took the right side. I bought an immense quantity +of options. The bill passed to-day and the +President signed it. Wool went up, and I am richer +by two hundred and fifty thousand dollars than I +was yesterday!"</p> + +<p>For answer the girl kissed him affectionately, and +for a few moments neither of them spoke.</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder you say I can't understand business," +said Daisy, presently. "It would puzzle +most feminine brains, I think, to know how a man +could purchase quantities of wool when he had nothing +to buy with."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> + +<p>The father drew himself suddenly away from her, +and gazed in a sort of alarm into her wide-opened +eyes.</p> + +<p>"That is a secret," he said, hoarsely. "It is one +of the things business men do not talk about. When +stocks are rising it is easy to buy a great deal, if one +only has something to give him a start."</p> + +<p>"And you <i>had</i> something?" asked Daisy, trying to +utter the words that she thought would please him +best.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes!" he answered, hurriedly. "I—had—something! +And to-morrow I shall free myself of +Boggs, and of—of all my troubles. I shall pay the +mortgage on the house, and we can have anything +we want. Ah! What a relief it is! What a +relief!"</p> + +<p>He panted like a man who had run a race with +wolves and had just time to close the door before +they caught him.</p> + +<p>"May I tell Millie?" asked the girl. "She has +worried about the house, fearing it would be sold."</p> + +<p>He shook his head as if the subject was disagreeable.</p> + +<p>"She will find it out," he said. "There is no +need of haste. And at any rate I don't want you to +give her any particulars. I don't want her to know +how successful I have been. You can say that I +have made money—enough to free the home. Don't +tell any more than that to any one. It—it is not a +public matter. I was so full of happiness that I had +to tell you, but no one else is to know."</p> + +<p>Daisy promised, though she asked almost imme<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>diately +if the prohibition extended to Mr. Weil. He +was such a friend of the family, she said, he would +be very much gratified.</p> + +<p>She had reached thus far in her innocent suggestion, +when she happened to glance at her father's +face. He was deathly pale. His body was limp and +his chin sunken to his breast.</p> + +<p>"Father!" she exclaimed. And then, seized with +a nameless fear, was about to summon other help, +when he opened his eyes slowly and touched her +hand with his.</p> + +<p>"You are ill! Shall I call the servants?" she +asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p>He intimated that she should not, and presently +rallied enough to say he was better, and required +nothing.</p> + +<p>"What were we speaking of?" he asked, in a +strained voice.</p> + +<p>"We were talking of your grand fortune, and I +asked if I might not tell Mr.—"</p> + +<p>He stopped her with a movement, and another +spasm crossed his face.</p> + +<p>"You will make no exception," he whispered. +"None whatever. My affairs will interest no one +else. If you are interrogated, you must know nothing. +Nothing," he added, impressively, "nothing +whatever!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern's recovery was almost as quick as his +attack, although he did not resume the gaiety of manner +with which he had opened the subject. After +dinner he talked with Daisy, declaring over and over +that she had been on short allowance long enough, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>and asserting that she must be positively in a state +of want. She answered laughingly that she needed +very little, and then suddenly bethought herself of +something and grew sober.</p> + +<p>"Do you feel rich enough to let me exercise a +little generosity for others?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>He replied with alacrity that she could do exactly +as she pleased with whatever sum he gave her, and +that the amount should be for her to name.</p> + +<p>"You don't know how big it will be," she replied, +timidly.</p> + +<p>"I'll risk that. Out with it," he said, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Supposing," she said, slowly, "that I should ask +for a thousand dollars?"</p> + +<p>"You would get it," he laughed. "In fact I was +going to propose that you accept several thousand, +and have it put in the bank in your name, so you +would be quite an independent young woman. You +must have your own checkbook and get used to +keeping accounts. I will bring you a certificate of +deposit for three thousand dollars, and each six +months afterwards I will put a thousand more to +your credit, out of which you can take your pin +money."</p> + +<p>It seemed too good to be true, and the girl's face +brightened until it shone with a light that the father +thought the most beautiful on earth. Now she could +return the thousand dollars she had borrowed of +Mr. Roseleaf, a sum that had given her much uneasiness +since she broke off her intimate relations with the +young novelist. More than this, she would have <a name="Page_194t" id="Page_194t"></a><a href="#Page_194tn">sufficient</a> +on hand to send the future amounts that Han<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>nibal +would need to keep him abroad. It was such +a strange and delightful thing to see smiles on her +father's face that she did not want anything to disturb +them. She was quite as happy as Mr. Fern, now +that this cloud had been lifted from her mind.</p> + +<p>The next day was a bright one for the wool merchant. +By noon he had sent for Walker Boggs and +astonished that gentleman by handing him a check +in full for the entire amount of his indebtedness. In +answer to a question he merely said he had been on +the right side of the market. Mr. Fern also settled +with his mortgage creditor, and went home at night +happy that his head would again lie under a roof +actually as well as in name his own. Notes which he +had given came back to him soon after, and he +burned them with a glee that was almost saturnine. +Burned them, after looking at their faces and backs, +after scanning the endorsements; burned them with +his office door locked, using the flame of a gas-jet for +the purpose.</p> + +<p>The ashes lay on the floor, when a knock was +heard and Archie Weil's voice answered to the +resultant question. Mr. Fern lost color at the +familiar sound, but he mustered courage.</p> + +<p>"I've come to congratulate you," said Archie, +warmly. "They say you have made a mint of +money out of the rise in wool."</p> + +<p>"Who says so?" asked Mr. Fern, warily.</p> + +<p>"Everybody. Don't tell me it's not true."</p> + +<p>"I've done pretty well," was the evasive reply. +"And I'm going out of business, too. It seems a +good time to quit."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Weil made a suitable answer to this statement +and the two men talked together for some time. +After awhile the conversation took a wider turn.</p> + +<p>"Where's your young friend, Roseleaf?" asked +Mr. Fern, to whom the matter did not seem to have +occurred before. "I don't believe I have seen him +at Midlands for a month."</p> + +<p>"No, he doesn't come," replied Archie, growing +darker. "If you wish a particular reason, you will +have to ask it of your daughter."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern looked as if he did not understand.</p> + +<p>"He became very fond of her," explained Archie, +"and for some reason, he does not know what, she +has evinced a sudden dislike to him."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern looked still more astonished.</p> + +<p>"Millie is a strange girl," he ventured to remark. +"But I supposed—I was almost sure, her affections +were engaged elsewhere; and, really, I thought he +knew it."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil stared now, for it was evident his companion +was far from the right road. He was also +interested to hear that Miss Fern had anything like +a love affair in mind, for he had supposed such a +thing quite impossible.</p> + +<p>"I was not speaking of Miss Millicent, but of Miss +Daisy," he said.</p> + +<p>The wool merchant rose from his chair in the extremity +of his astonishment.</p> + +<p>"You meant that—that Mr. Roseleaf—was in love +with Daisy!" he said. "And that she seemed to +reciprocate his attachment?"</p> + +<p>"I did. And also that a few weeks ago she asked +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>him to cease his visits, giving no explanation of the +cause of her altered demeanor. He is a most excellent +young gentleman," continued Weil, "and +one for whom I entertain a sincere affection. Her +conduct is a great blow to him, especially as he does +not know what he has done to deserve it. I trust +the estrangement will not be permanent, as they are +eminently suited to each other."</p> + +<p>The face of Mr. Fern was a study as he heard this +explanation.</p> + +<p>"If he was an honorable man, why did he not +come to <i>me</i>?" he asked, pointedly.</p> + +<p>"He was constantly seeking Miss Daisy's permission +to do so," replied Archie. "Which she +never seemed quite willing to give him."</p> + +<p>"She is too young to think of marriage," mused +Mr. Fern, after a long pause.</p> + +<p>"He is willing to wait; but her present attitude, +giving him no hope whatever, has thrown him into +the deepest dejection."</p> + +<p>From this Mr. Weil proceeded to tell Mr. Fern all +he knew about Roseleaf. He said the young man +was at present engaged on literary work that +promised to yield him good returns. He had a +small fortune of his own beside. Everything that +could be thought of in his favor was dilated upon to +the fullest extent.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I can spare my 'baby,'" said Mr. +Fern, kindly, "for any man. You plead with much +force, Mr. Weil, for your friend. How is it that <i>you</i> +have never married. Are you blind to the charms +of the sex?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> + +<p>For an instant Archie was at loss how to reply.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary," he said, at last, "I appreciate +them fully. I have had my heart's affair, too; but," +he paused a long time, "she loved another, and there +was but one woman for me. Perhaps this leads me +to sympathize all the more with my unfortunate +young friend."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern said he would have a talk with Daisy, and +learn what he could without bringing in the name of +his informant.</p> + +<p>"We fathers are always the last to see these +things," he added. "It would be terrible to give her +up, but I want her to be happy."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>A BURGLAR IN THE HOUSE.</h3> + + +<p>Millicent Fern lay wide awake a few nights later, +at Midlands, when the clock struck two. She was +thinking of her second novel, now nearly ready for +Mr. Roseleaf's hand. There was a hitch in the plot +that she could best unravel in the silence. As she +lay there she heard a slight noise, as of some one +moving about. At first she paid little attention to +it, but later she grew curious, for she had never known +the least motion in that house after its occupants +were once abed. She thought of each of them in +succession, and decided that the matter ought to be +investigated.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> + +<p>Millicent had no fear. If there was a burglar +present, she wanted to know. She arose, therefore, +and slipped on a dress and slippers. Guided only +by the uncertain light that came in at the windows, +she tiptoed across the hall, and in the direction in +which she had heard the noise. She soon located +it as being on the lower floor where there were no +bedrooms, and a thrill of excitement passed over her. +She crept as silently as possible down the back +stairs, and toward the sound, which she was now +sure was in the library.</p> + +<p>What was the sound? It was the rustling of +papers. It might be made by a mouse, but Millicent +was not even afraid of mice. She was afraid of +nothing, so far as she knew. If there was a robber +there, he would certainly run when discovered. At +the worst she could give a loud outcry, and the servants +would come.</p> + +<p>She tiptoed along the lower hall. A man sat at +her father's desk, examining his private papers so +carefully, that he seemed wholly lost in the occupation.</p> + +<p>The room was quite light. In fact, the gas was +lit, and the intruder was taking his utmost ease. +His face was half turned toward the girl, and she +recognized him without difficulty.</p> + +<p>It was Hannibal!</p> + +<p>Hannibal, whom she supposed at that moment in +France!</p> + +<p>Without pausing to form any plan, Millicent +stepped into the presence of the negro.</p> + +<p>"Thief," she said, sharply, "what do you want?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> + +<p>They had hated each other cordially for a long +time, and neither had changed their opinion in the +slightest degree. Hannibal looked up quietly at the +figure in the doorway.</p> + +<p>"I have a good mind to tell you," he said, smiling.</p> + +<p>"You will <i>have</i> to tell me, and give a pretty good +reason, too, if you mean to keep out of the hands of +the police," she retorted. "Come!"</p> + +<p>He laughed silently, resting his head on his hands, +his elbows on the desk. Millicent's hair hung in a +loose coil, her shoulders were but imperfectly covered +by her half buttoned gown, the feet that filled +her slippers had no hosiery on them. She was as +fair a sight as one might find in a year.</p> + +<p>"Do you remember the time I saw you in this guise +before?" he asked, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>A convulsion seized the girl's countenance. She +looked as if she would willingly have killed him, had +she a weapon in her hand. But she could not speak +at first.</p> + +<p>"It was you who sought me then," said the +negro. "And because I bade you go back to your +chamber, you never forgave me. Have you forgotten?"</p> + +<p>Gasping for breath, like one severely wounded, +Millicent roused herself.</p> + +<p>"Will you go," she demanded, hotly, "or shall I +summon help?"</p> + +<p>"Neither," replied Hannibal. "If you inform +any person that I am here, I will tell the story I +hinted at just now. Besides, I would only have to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>wait until your father came down, when he would +order them to release me, and say I came here by his +request."</p> + +<p>Millicent chafed horribly at his coolness.</p> + +<p>"Came here by my father's request!" she echoed. +"In the middle of the night! A likely story. Do +you think any one would believe it?"</p> + +<p>"I do not think they would. It would not even +be true. But he would say it was, if I told him to, +and that would answer. Don't you know by this +time that I have Wilton Fern in a vise?"</p> + +<p>Yes, she did know it. Everything had pointed in +that direction. Millicent could not dispute the +insinuation.</p> + +<p>"What has he done, in God's name, that makes +him the slave of such a thing as you?" she cried.</p> + +<p>"I will answer that question by asking another," +said the negro, after a pause. "Do you know that +Shirley Roseleaf hopes to wed your sister?"</p> + +<p>The shot struck home. With pale lips Millicent +found herself trembling before this fellow.</p> + +<p>"You love him," pursued the man, relentlessly. +"You do not need to affirm or deny this, for I know. +He loves Daisy, and unless prevented, will marry +her. I hold a secret over your father's head which +can send him to the State prison for twenty years. +If I confide it to you, will you swear to let no one but +him know until I give you leave?"</p> + +<p>The girl bowed quickly. She could hardly bear +the strain of delay.</p> + +<p>"Then listen," said the negro. "To save himself +in business he has committed numerous forgeries +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>upon the names of two men. One of them is Walker +Boggs and the other Archie Weil. Very recently he +has been successful in his speculations, and has called +in many notes with these forged endorsements. But +the proofs of his crimes are ample, and I possess +them. If he ever proposes to let Roseleaf marry +Daisy, hint to him of what you know, and he will +obey your will. I shall be in the city. Here is my +address. If you need me I am at your service. +Understand, I shall not harm your father unless he +makes it necessary. I only mean to use the fear of +what might await him, and you can do the same. It +is time I was going. I have found all I want here, +though I had enough before."</p> + +<p>He handed Millicent a card on which was the +address he had mentioned, and she allowed herself to +take it from his hand. Then he started to pick up a +package of papers that lay where he had put them on +the table, when a third figure, to the consternation of +both, brushed Millicent aside, and stepped into the +room. It was the younger sister.</p> + +<p>"Give that to me!" she demanded, imperiously, +reaching out her hand for the package.</p> + +<p>The apparition was so unexpected that the previous +occupants of the library stood for a few seconds +staring at it without moving a step. Daisy was +dressed in much the same manner as Millicent, but +she thought only of the danger that threatened one +she loved better than life—her father.</p> + +<p>"Give that to me!" she repeated, approaching +Hannibal closer.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> + +<p>Without a word the negro, his head bowed, handed +it to her.</p> + +<p>"And now," she said, in the same quick, sharp +tone, "the others!"</p> + +<p>"They are not here," he answered, huskily.</p> + +<p>"Where are they?"</p> + +<p>"At my lodgings in the city."</p> + +<p>Instantly Daisy snatched the card from her sister's +hand.</p> + +<p>"At this place?" she asked, hastily scanning the +writing.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Hannibal, in a voice that was scarcely +audible.</p> + +<p>"I will be there this morning at ten o'clock. See +that they are ready."</p> + +<p>The negro bowed, while his chest heaved rapidly.</p> + +<p>"And now," said the girl, pointing to the door, +"go!"</p> + +<p>He hesitated, as if he wanted to say more to her, +but recollecting that she would meet him so soon, he +turned and obeyed her. At the threshold he only +paused to say, "You must come alone; otherwise it +will be of no use." And she answered that she understood.</p> + +<p>She followed some paces behind and closed the +door after him, pushing a bolt that she did not +remember had ever been used before.</p> + +<p>Then she turned to encounter her sister; but Millicent +had disappeared.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>BLACK AND WHITE.</h3> + + +<p>When Daisy reached her own room again, she felt assured +that no one but herself and Millicent knew what +had occurred. This was something. Had her father +awakened, she did not know what might have followed. +She had seen him too often, pale and distraught, +in the presence of his relentless enemy, not +to entertain the greatest thankfulness that he had +slept through this terrible experience. At any cost +it must be kept from him. She would beg, pray, entreat +Millicent to seal her lips. And in the morning +she would go to the address Hannibal had given her +and obtain his proofs of her father's guilt, removing +the frightful nightmare that had so long hung +over that dear head.</p> + +<p>Would Hannibal surrender his documents? He +had made a tacit promise to do so, and she had faith +that she could make him keep his word. She knew +the negro had a liking for her that was very strong.</p> + +<p>She had made it possible for him to become a +man—by giving him the money that took him to +France. Why had he returned so suddenly? What +new fancy had caused him to give up his studies and +recross the sea to enter her doors at night, to +plunder still further secrets from her father's private +desk? There were a thousand reasons for fear, but +the devoted daughter only thought of saving the one +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>she loved at all risks. She would dare anything in +his behalf.</p> + +<p>And this father of hers—that she had revered from +babyhood—was a forger! He had made himself +liable to a term of imprisonment in the common +jail! He was a criminal, for whom the law would +stretch out its hand as soon as his guilt was revealed! +His previous high standing in the community +could not save him; nor the love of his +children; nor his new fortune—won by such means +as this. Nothing could make his liberty secure but +the silencing of the witness to his fault, the negro +who had carefully possessed himself of certain facts +with which to ruin his benefactor.</p> + +<p>What did Hannibal want? Surely he had no revenge +to gratify, as against her or her father! They +had treated him with the greatest consideration. +Only once—that day on the lawn—had Daisy spoken +to him in a sharp tone, and then the provocation +was very great. Since then she had raised the money +that was to make a man of him. What did he +require now? An increased bribe to keep him away? +Well, she would get it for him. She would spend +one, two, three thousand dollars if necessary to +purchase his silence; if it needed more she could +borrow of—of Mr. Weil.</p> + +<p>Yes, Mr. Weil was the friend to whom she would +turn in this emergency. He had lost nothing, +apparently, by the unwarranted use of his name. +The notes on which his endorsement had been forged +were all paid. When she met Hannibal she would +ascertain his price and then the rest would be easy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> +Her father need not even know the danger to which +he had been exposed.</p> + +<p>In the morning she went to Millicent's room early, +in order to have a conversation with her undisturbed. +Millicent was sleeping soundly and was awakened +with some difficulty.</p> + +<p>"I've only been unconscious a little while," she +said, in explanation. "I thought I never should +sleep again. Oh, what a disgrace! My father a +forger! Liable to go to prison with common +criminals, to wear the stripes of a convict! It seems +as if my degradation could go no lower."</p> + +<p>Reddening with surprise at the attitude of her +sister, Daisy answered that the thing to be thought +of now was how to save Mr. Fern from the consequences +of his errors.</p> + +<p>"You're a strange girl," was Millicent's reply. +"You don't think of me at all! Won't it be nice to +have people point after me in the street and say, +'There goes one of the Fern girls, whose father is in +Sing Sing!' I never thought I should come to +this. There's no knowing how far it will follow me. +I doubt if any reputable man will marry me, when +the facts are known."</p> + +<p>Thoroughly disgusted with her sister's selfishness, +Daisy cried out that the facts must <i>not</i> be known—that +they must be covered up and kept from the +world, and that she was going to bring this about. +She reminded Millicent of the evident suffering their +father had undergone for the past two years, changed +from a light-hearted man into the easily alarmed +mood they had known so well.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If he deserved punishment, God knows he has +had enough!" she added. "And there is another +thing you and I ought not to forget, Millie. Whatever +he did was in the hope of saving this home and +enough to live on, for us! During the last week he +has had an improvement in business. He has paid +all of those people whose claims distressed him. +You have seen how much brighter it has made him. +Now, when he had a fair prospect of a few happy +days, comes this terrible danger. Surely you and I +will use our utmost endeavors to shield him from +harm. Even if he were the worst of sinners he is +still our father!"</p> + +<p>But Millicent did not seem at all convinced. She +could only see that her reputation had been put in +jeopardy, and that a dreadful fear would constantly +hang over her on account of it.</p> + +<p>"It is your fault, as much as his, too!" she exclaimed, +angrily. "You both made as much of that +negro as if he were a prince in disguise. I've told +you a hundred times that he ought to be discharged. +I hope you'll admit I was right, at last."</p> + +<p>There was little use in reminding her sister that +Hannibal had shown himself the possessor of some +information that endangered Mr. Fern before either +he or Daisy began to cultivate his good will; for she +knew it well enough. What Daisy did say was +more to the point.</p> + +<p>"Have you <i>always</i> hated him?" she asked, +meaningly. "What did he mean last night by his +reference to a time when you <i>sought</i> him, <i>en dishabille</i>?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p> + +<p>Millicent sprang up in bed, with flashing eyes.</p> + +<p>"He is a lying scoundrel!" she cried, vehemently. +"I never did anything of the kind, and I do not see +how you can stand there and repeat such a calumny!"</p> + +<p>"The strange thing about it," replied Daisy, quietly, +"is that you did not dispute him. But then, you did +not know a third person was present. When I meet +him this morning I shall ask for further particulars."</p> + +<p>Millicent sprang from the bed and threw herself +at her sister's feet.</p> + +<p>"Would you drive me mad!" she exclaimed. "I +am distracted already with the troubles of this house, +and now you wish to hear the lying inventions of one +you know to be a blackmailer and a robber! Don't +mention my name to him, I entreat you. He is capable +of any slander. You can't intend to listen to +tales about your sister from such a low, base thing!"</p> + +<p>Having Millicent at her feet, Daisy was pleased to +relent a little.</p> + +<p>"Very well," she said. "I will not let him tell +me anything about you. But I want you to promise +in return that you will do all you can to protect +father from the slightest knowledge of what happened +last night. I am afraid it would kill him. So +far he believes us ignorant of his troubles. If I can +make an arrangement to send Hannibal back to +France he will remain so. Be sure you do not +arouse his suspicions in any way, and we may come +out all right yet."</p> + +<p>The promise was made, and, as nothing could be +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>gained by prolonging the conversation, Daisy withdrew. +In the lower hall she met her father, and his +bright smile proved to her that he was still in blissful +ignorance that any new cloud had crossed his +sky. Millicent did not appear at breakfast, for +which neither of the others were sorry. It enabled +Mr. Fern to talk over some of his plans with his +younger daughter. Among them was a possible +trip abroad, for he said he felt the need of a long +rest after his troubled business career.</p> + +<p>The last suggestion opened a new hope for Daisy. +If worse came to worst, and there was no other way +to escape the jail, flight in a European steamer +could be resorted to. It would mean expatriation +for life, as far as he was concerned, but that would +be a thousand times better than a lingering death +inside of stone walls. He could raise a large sum +of ready money, and they would want for nothing. +Millie would not wish to go with them, probably. +She would stay and marry—how the thought +choked Daisy—marry Mr. Roseleaf; unless indeed, +the young novelist did what she had foreshadowed, +repudiated the thought of allying himself with a +tainted name.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf! The bright, happy love she had given +him came back to the child like a wave of agony.</p> + +<p>Making an excuse that she had shopping to do, +Daisy took the train to the city with her father, and +parted from him at a point where the downtown and +uptown street cars separated. Then she took a cab +and drove to the address given her.</p> + +<p>It was not the finest quarter in the city, and she +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>would have hesitated at any other time before taking +such a risk as going there alone. At present she +thought of nothing but the object of her visit. Inquiry +at the door brought the information that the +lady was expected and that she was to go upstairs +and wait. The woman who let her in was a pleasant +faced mullatress, and several young children of +varying shades were playing on the stairs she had +to ascend. Daisy mounted to the room designated, +which proved to be a small parlor, with an alcove, +behind the curtains of which was presumably a +bed.</p> + +<p>As the weather was quite warm, the girl went to +the front windows and opened them, in order to +admit the fresh air. Then she sat down and waited +impatiently. There was a scent in the room which +she associated with the Ethiopian race, a subtle +aroma that she found decidedly unpleasant. It +gave her an indefinable uneasiness, and she mentally +remarked that she would be glad when the +ordeal was over. Her nerves were already beginning +to suffer.</p> + +<p>After the lapse of fifteen minutes, Hannibal entered. +He had the look of one who had passed a +sleepless night, and despite the blackness of his +complexion, his cheeks seemed pale.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning," said Daisy, rising.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning," he replied.</p> + +<p>And then there was a brief space of silence, each +waiting for the other.</p> + +<p>"I am here, you see," said the girl, finally, with an +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>attempt at a smile. "And now will you give me the +things I came for, as I cannot stay long?"</p> + +<p>The negro tried to look at her, tried many times, +but failed. His eyes shifted uneasily to all the other +objects in the room, resting on none of them more +than a second at a time.</p> + +<p>"You wonder," he said, after another pause, "why +I returned to America, why I came to your house +last night. I thought I could tell you—this morning—and +I have been trying to prepare myself to do +so—but I cannot. You blame me a great deal, that +is evident in every line of your face, but you do not +know what I have suffered. Were your father to go +to jail for the term the law prescribes, he would not +endure the agony that has been mine."</p> + +<p>He looked every word he spoke and more.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, truly sorry for you," she replied. +"But why could you not leave all your troubles, +when you went to France, and begin an entirely new +life? You found it true what I told you, I am sure, +about the lack of prejudice—on account of your—race."</p> + +<p>He nodded and cleared his throat before he spoke +again.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; but it is not the prejudice <i>there</i> that +worries me. It is the prejudice <i>here</i>. It is the +barrier my color brings between me and the only +being whose regard I crave!"</p> + +<p>The girl's cheeks grew rosier than ever, but she +affected not to understand, and once more reverted +to the errand that had brought her thither.</p> + +<p>"You promised me the documents with which my +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>poor father has been tortured," she said, reproachfully; +"let us not talk of other things until you +have given them to me."</p> + +<p>The negro drew from a pocket of his coat a fair-sized +package tied with a ribbon.</p> + +<p>"They are all there," he said. "Every scrap, +every particle of proof, everything that could bring +the breath of suspicion upon your father's honesty. +All there, in that little envelope."</p> + +<p>She reached for it, but instead of giving it to her, +Hannibal caught her hand, and before she dreamed +what he intended, pressed a kiss upon it. The next +moment the girl, with a look of outraged womanhood, +was rubbing the spot with her handkerchief, as +if he had covered it with poison.</p> + +<p>"You brute!" she exclaimed. "You—you—"</p> + +<p>She could not find the word she wanted; nothing +in the language she spoke seemed detestable enough +to fill the measure of her wrong.</p> + +<p>"You see!" he answered, bitterly. "Because I +am black I cannot touch the hand of a woman that is +white. You have claimed to be without the hatred +of the African so ingrained among Americans; you +have talked about the Almighty making of one +blood all the nations of the earth; and yet you are +like the rest! A viper's bite could not have aroused +deeper disgust in you than my lips. And all because +the sun shone more vertically on my ancestors than +it did on yours!"</p> + +<p>Daisy was divided between her horror of the act +he had committed and her anxiety to do something +to free her father from his danger. She suppressed +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>the hateful epithets that rose to her tongue and once +more entreated the negro to give her the packet he +held in his possession.</p> + +<p>"You can do nothing with it but injure a man +who has been kind to you," she pleaded. "And if +you use the information you have, and afterwards +repent, it will be too late to remedy your error. Give +it to me, and return to France with the proud consciousness +that you are worthy the position you +wish to occupy."</p> + +<p>Hannibal shook his head with decision.</p> + +<p>"That would be very well if I ever could be considered +a man by the one for whose opinion I care +most. But while I am to her a creature something +below the ape, a mere crawling viper whose touch +is pollution, I will act like the thing she thinks me. +To-day I possess the power to make a high-born +gentleman dance whenever I pull the string. You +ask me to give up this power, and in return you +offer—nothing."</p> + +<p>"One would suppose," remarked Daisy, struggling +with herself in this dilemma, "that the ability +to inflict pain was one a true nature would delight +to surrender. My father has done no harm to +you."</p> + +<p>The negro bent toward her and spoke with vehemence.</p> + +<p>"But his daughter has! She has made my life +wretched. Whatever position I may attain will +be worthless to me, without the love I had hoped +might be mine."</p> + +<p>"<i>Love!</i>" cried the girl, recoiling. "<i>Love!</i>"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Love and marriage," he replied. "In France we +could live without the hateful prejudices that prevail +in America. I have natural ability enough, you have +told me so a thousand times, and I could make myself +worthy of you. As my wife—"</p> + +<p>Daisy rose and interrupted him fiercely.</p> + +<p>"Cease!" she exclaimed. "There is a limit to +what I can endure. If you mean to make any promise +of that kind a prelude to my father's freedom +from persecution, we may as well end this conversation +now as later. He would rather rot in prison +than have his child sacrifice herself in such a manner!"</p> + +<p>She started toward the door, and he did not interrupt +her passage, as she half expected he would do; +but he spoke again.</p> + +<p>"All this because I am black," he said.</p> + +<p>"Because you are a cruel, heartless wretch!" she +answered, her eyes flashing. "Because you have +abused the goodwill of a generous family; because +you have tortured a kind old man and a loving daughter. +If you were as white as any person on earth, I +would not marry you. Worse than all outward +semblance is a dark and vile mind. Do what you +like! I defy you!"</p> + +<p>The door opened and closed behind her. Hannibal +heard her retreating footsteps grow fainter on +the stairs, and then there was silence.</p> + +<p>"I might have known it," he said, aloud. "I did +know it, but I kept hoping against hope. She would +wed a Newfoundland dog sooner than me. Nothing +is left but to make her repent her action. I will +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>bring that father of hers to the dust, if only to +revenge the long list of injuries his race has inflicted +on mine!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>"PLAY OUT YOUR FARCE."</h3> + + +<p>When Daisy left the house where she had the +interview with Hannibal, she walked for some +minutes aimlessly along the street. Her mind was +in a state of great excitement. She realized that she +had defied a man who could inflict the deepest injury +on the father she dearly loved. How she could have +done otherwise was not at all clear, but the terror +which hung over her was none the less keen. The +proposal of the negro—to marry her—filled her with a +nameless dread that made her teeth chatter, though +it was a warm day. Rather would she have cast her +body into the tides that wash the shores of Manhattan +Island. Even to save her father from prison—if +it came to that—she could not make this sacrifice. +She now felt for Hannibal a horrible detestation, +a feeling akin to that she might entertain for a +rattlesnake. Whatever good she had seen in him in +other days had vanished under the revelations of his +true character.</p> + +<p>What to do next was the absorbing question. A +great danger hung over her father. A dim idea of +seeking the mayor—or the chief of police—and im<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>ploring +their mercy, entered her brain. Then she +thought of Roseleaf, whose aid she might have +secured, if he had not proved himself a double-dealer, +capable of making love to herself and Millicent +at the same time. And then came the resolve +to seek out Mr. Weil, the one person in all this +trouble that seemed clear of wrong. Her sister had +told her that he loved her. Well, if necessary she +would marry him. At least he was a man of honor, +and white. Yes, she would go to him and throw +herself upon his mercy.</p> + +<p>Daisy knew that Archie made his headquarters at +the Hoffman House, and summoning a cab she asked +to be taken to that hotel. Ensconced in the ladies' +parlor she awaited the coming of the man she wanted +and yet dreaded so much to see. Luckily he was in +the house, and in a few moments responded in person +to her card.</p> + +<p>"Why, Miss Daisy," he stammered. "What is +the matter? Nothing wrong, I trust. You look +quite pale. Is it anything—about—your father?"</p> + +<p>The girl was pale indeed. Now that Mr. Weil +was so close, the danger that he might not be willing +to help her rose like a mountain in her path. She +did not know exactly how grave a matter forgery +was—whether it was something that the injured +party would be able or likely to forgive. If she +should tell him everything, and he should refuse to +be placated—what could she do then?</p> + +<p>There was no one else in the parlor, but seeing +that she wanted as much seclusion as possible, Mr. +Weil motioned the girl to follow him to a remote +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>corner, where the curtains of a recessed window +partially concealed them. He felt that she had +come on a momentous errand. His suspicions concerning +Mr. Fern were apparently about to be verified, +and if so, he did not mean that other ears should +hear the tale.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Weil," began Daisy, tremblingly, "I don't +know what to say to you. I am in great distress. +Would you—will you—help me?"</p> + +<p>He responded gently that he would do anything +in his power. He bade her calm herself, and promised +to be the most attentive of listeners.</p> + +<p>Reassured by his kind words and manner, the girl +began again; but she could not tell her story connectedly, +and after making several attempts to do +so, she broke out in a new direction.</p> + +<p>"I want so very much of you, dear Mr. Weil. And +I am nervous and afraid to ask what I would like. I +will give you anything you please in return. Yes, +yes, anything."</p> + +<p>He smiled down upon her face, on which the tears +were making stains in spite of her.</p> + +<p>"You are promising a great deal, little girl," he +said.</p> + +<p>"I know it; I realize it fully," she responded +quickly. "But I mean all I say. I did not think I +could, once, but I am quite resolved now. Millie +told me you were in love with me, and feared I would +refuse you. But I won't. No, no, I will marry you—indeed +I will—if you will only save my darling +father!"</p> + +<p>The concluding words were spoken in the midst of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>a torrent of sobs that shook the girlish frame and +affected powerfully the strong man that witnessed +them.</p> + +<p>"Daisy, dear child, don't speak like this," he answered. +"If I can do anything for your father I will +most gladly, and the price of your sweet little heart +shall not be demanded in payment, either. Leave +that matter entirely out of the question, and tell me +at once what you desire."</p> + +<p>She heard him with infinite delight, and wiping her +eyes she began, in broken tones, to relate the history +of Hannibal's revelations. As she proceeded his +brow darkened, and when she had finished he muttered +something that sounded very much like a +curse.</p> + +<p>"And what do you wish of me?" he asked, when +she had ended.</p> + +<p>"To keep him from having my father put in prison; +to give us time to escape, if there is no other way; +and to forgive the harm to yourself. I know," she +added earnestly, "it is a great deal to ask, but I have +no one else to go to. He has paid every cent, and +you will lose nothing. Tell me, dear Mr. Weil, is +there anything you can do?"</p> + +<p>He had the greatest struggle of his life to keep +from bending over that trembling mouth and pressing +upon it the kiss he knew she would not refuse; +that mouth he had coveted so long and which must +never be touched by his lips!</p> + +<p>"Can I do anything?" he repeated. "Certainly. +I can stop that fellow so quickly he won't know what +ails him. Have no fear Miss Daisy. Go home and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>rest in peace. Before the sun sets I will remove the +last particle of danger from your father's path."</p> + +<p>The girl sprang to her feet and would have thrown +her arms around his neck had he not prevented her.</p> + +<p>"You are certain you can do this?" she cried, +beaming with happy eyes upon him.</p> + +<p>"There is not the least question of it. But—I +must demand payment for my trouble. I shall not +do this work for nothing."</p> + +<p>With a hot blush Daisy lowered her eyes to the +carpet.</p> + +<p>"I have already told you what I will do," she said, +trembling. "If you accomplish what you say, have +no fear but I shall keep my word."</p> + +<p>There was an element of pride and truth in the way +she spoke that struck the hearer strongly. The reverent +smile on his face grew yet deeper.</p> + +<p>"I am placed in a peculiar situation," he said, +after a slight pause. "Your sister has, unintentionally, +no doubt, misrepresented matters in a way that +may be embarrassing for us both. When I have removed +the troubles that stand in your way, I will +talk this over with you."</p> + +<p>Daisy looked up quickly. What could he mean?</p> + +<p>"I beg you to explain," she stammered. "If +there has been any mistake no time can be better to +set it right than now."</p> + +<p>The man toyed with the lace of the window curtain. +He had no intention of evading his duty, and +yet he did not find it agreeable as he proceeded.</p> + +<p>"Your sister told me," he said, finally, "that—you +loved me. She was wrong. I knew all the time she +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>was wrong. You have just offered to give yourself +to me in marriage in exchange for the efforts that I +am to make on your father's behalf. But I would +not marry a woman who did not love me—who only +became mine from gratitude. No, I could not +accept you under such circumstances."</p> + +<p>The young girl glanced at him timidly.</p> + +<p>"I wish you knew how much I liked you," she +said. "I never knew a man I respected more."</p> + +<p>"That is most gratifying," he answered, "for I +hold your good opinion very highly. You must +think I speak in riddles, for I have said that I +demand payment for my services, and yet that I +would not accept the greatest gift it is in your +power to bestow upon me. Let me wait no longer +in my explanation. When I have put your father +out of all danger from this blackmailer—and I can +easily do it, never fear—you must do justice to +Shirley Roseleaf."</p> + +<p>She shivered at the name, as if the east wind blew +upon her.</p> + +<p>"He is not a true man," she replied, in a whisper. +"He has forfeited all claim to my consideration."</p> + +<p>"Why do you say that? I am afraid there is +another misunderstanding here, my child."</p> + +<p>Then he drew out of her, slowly at first, the revelations +that Millicent had made. And he disposed of +the charges, one by one, until there was nothing +left of them.</p> + +<p>"Could you—would you—only go with me to his +rooms," he added, "and see him lying there, wan +and pale, disheartened at the present, hopeless for +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>the future, you would change your mind. He has +never in his life loved but one woman, and that one +is yourself. I will not undertake to say why you +have been told differently, though I could guess. +Shirley Roseleaf loves you, Miss Daisy, and you love +him. When I have made good my promise, I shall +ask you to come to my friend's side and bring him +back to health with the sunshine of your presence."</p> + +<p>Daisy was more than half convinced, for the +strong affection she had had for the young man +plead for him in every drop of her blood.</p> + +<p>"Is he so very ill?" she asked, dreamily.</p> + +<p>"He has not left his room for a week," was the +answer. "Nothing his friends can say will move +him. He is in such a state of mind that he even refuses +to have me with him; me, until very lately, +his closest friend. But if I tell him you have relented, +there is no medicine on earth will have such +an instant effect."</p> + +<p>The girl thought for some moments without speaking.</p> + +<p>"It is my father first, of course," she said at last. +"But while you are arranging matters concerning +him, I do not see any reason to keep me from helping +a sick boy. I—yes, I will go with you now."</p> + +<p>He looked the gratitude he could not speak, and +fearful that in her mercurial mood she might change +her mind, he accompanied her without delay to the +street, and procured a cab, in which they were +driven rapidly to Roseleaf's lodgings. On the way, +with that loved form so near him, Archie Weil had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>a constant struggle. She might be his, if he would +forget duty.</p> + +<p>And he loved her! God, how he loved her! He +could marry her, and perhaps after a fashion make +her happy. The perspiration stood on his forehead +as he dwelt on the bliss that he had resolutely cast +aside.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf's landlady came to the door in person +and informed the callers that her guest was in about +the same condition as he had been for some days. +He was not ill in bed, but he did not leave his +room. When she sent up his meals he received them +mechanically, and they were often untouched when +the domestic went for the dishes. He wrote several +hours a day, though he was undoubtedly feeble. +Did he have any visitors? Only one, Mr. Gouger, +who was with him at the present moment. Should +she go up and announce them? Very well, if it was +not necessary. Mr. Weil could show the lady into +the adjoining room, which was empty, until he had +announced her presence in the house to his friend.</p> + +<p>Archie whispered to Daisy when he left her at +Roseleaf's door, that he would come for her as soon +as possible. He did not enter the sick boy's chamber +at once, for something in the conversation that +came to his ears arrested his steps at the threshold. +Mr. Gouger's voice was heard, and Archie's ears +caught the sound of his own name.</p> + +<p>"You should let me send to Mr. Weil," said Gouger. +"I am sure he can explain everything. You +have written all you ought for the present. He +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>would take you to ride and bring the color to those +white cheeks of yours."</p> + +<p>"But he cannot bring me the girl I love," responded +Roseleaf, with a profound sigh. "Even if +I have done him injustice, she is lost to me now. +You know appearances were against him. Why, +you agreed with me about it. I don't want to see +any one. I want to go away from here, and forget +my sorrows as best I can in some far distant place."</p> + +<p>There was a sadness in the tone that went to the +listener's heart. The door was slightly ajar and +Archie took the liberty of looking into the room. +Roseleaf lay stretched out in a great chair, and Gouger +leaned over him, appearing for all the world +like some sinister bird of prey. Mr. Weil felt for +the first time in his life that there was something uncanny +in the aspect of the book reviewer. He did +not think he could ever be close friends with him +again. And what did Shirley mean by saying that +Lawrence had "agreed" with him when he heard +such base opinions?</p> + +<p>The critic was fingering with apparent satisfaction +a pile of MSS. that lay on the table. It had grown +vastly since Archie saw it the last time, and must be +fifteen or twenty chapters in extent now.</p> + +<p>"You must not go away until you have finished +this wonderful work," replied Gouger, with concern. +"A few more months—a little further experience in +life—and your reputation will be made! Ah, it is +wonderful! It is magnificent! The world will ring +with your praises before the year is ended. Such +fidelity to nature! Such perfection of detail! In +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>all my career I have never seen anything to approach +it!"</p> + +<p>Shirley moved uneasily in his chair.</p> + +<p>"Do you ever think at what cost I have done this?" +he asked. "I know the pain of a burn because I +have held my hands in the fire. I know the agony +of asphyxiation, because I have dangled at the end +of a rope. I can write of the miner buried beneath +a hundred feet of clay, because I have had the load +fall on my own head. To love and find myself beloved; +then to see happiness snatched without explanation +from my grasp; to feel that my best friend +has been the one to betray me! That is what I +have passed through, and from the drops of misery +thus distilled, I have penned those lines you so much +admire. I have written all I can of these horrors. +I will not begin again till I have caught somewhere +in the great sky a glimpse of sunlight!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil could wait no longer. He pushed open +the door and went to the speaker's side.</p> + +<p>"The sunlight is awaiting you," he said, gazing +down upon the figure in the armchair. "You have +only to raise your curtain."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger sprang up in astonishment at the sudden +arrival, and perhaps a little in alarm also; for +he could not tell how long the visitor had been +eavesdropping at the portal. But Roseleaf turned +his languid eyes toward his old friend, and was +silent.</p> + +<p>"Shirley, my boy," pursued Weil, with the utmost +earnestness, "I can prove to you now that Daisy +Fern loves you and you alone."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>Roseleaf did not move. His lips opened and the +words came stiffly.</p> + +<p>"You can promise many things," he said, "but can +you fulfill any of them?"</p> + +<p>So cold, so unlike himself!</p> + +<p>"What will convince you?" demanded Weil. +"Shall I bring a letter from her? Or would you +rather she came in person, to tell you I speak the +truth?"</p> + +<p>The shadow of a smile, a smile that was not agreeable, +hovered around the corners of the pale mouth.</p> + +<p>"I shall write no more," said the lips, when they +opened, "until I have seen her and heard the reason +for my rejection. I will discover who my enemy is. +I will unmask the man or the woman that has done +me this injury. Till then, I shall write no more. +No, not one line."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger was nonplussed by the new turn in +affairs. He knew that Weil had some basis for what +he said, that he was not the man to come with pretence +on his tongue. Neither of the other persons +in the room paid the least attention to him, any more +than if he had not been present. It was like a play, +at which Gouger was the only spectator.</p> + +<p>"Could you bear it if I brought her to you to-day, if +I brought her here now?" asked Archie, beseechingly. +"If I go and get her, and she comes with me, will +the shock harm you?"</p> + +<p>The ironical smile deepened on the face of the +younger man.</p> + +<p>"Play out your farce," he said.</p> + +<p>Casting one look of apprehension at Roseleaf, Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> +Weil turned toward the door that entered the hallway. +Before he could reach it, a female form came +into the room and caught his arm. Together they +faced the recumbent figure in the chair. This lasted +but a moment. Then Daisy broke from her escort +and threw herself at her lover's feet.</p> + +<p>"Come," whispered Archie, to the critic. "Let +us leave them alone."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>LIKE A STUCK PIG.</h3> + + +<p>Hannibal was neither better nor worse, morally, +because his color was black. There are men with +white complexions who would have done exactly as +he did. There are others as dark as Erebus who +would have done nothing of the sort.</p> + +<p>He was no ordinary negro. His intelligence was +above the average. When he first entered the employ +of Mr. Fern, that gentleman took every pains to encourage +the aptitude for learning that he found in +him. Hannibal accompanied his employer to his +office, where he was entrusted with important commissions, +which he seemed for a long time to execute +with faithfulness and discrimination. At home he +performed his duties in a way that gave great satisfaction. +At the end of the first six months Mr. Fern +would have hated to part with a servant that he +believed difficult to replace.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> + +<p>But the great source of trouble arose gradually. +Hannibal began to entertain a sentiment for his master's +younger daughter that was impossible of fruition. +Daisy treated him in the most considerate +manner, never dreaming what was going on behind +his serious brow. Millicent, ungovernable in all +things, began early to show the bitterest enmity +toward the negro, while her sister, seeing that her +father liked and appreciated him, tried by her own +kindness to compensate for the other's rudeness. +What caused Millicent's feelings Daisy had no means +of knowing, and she had not the least suspicion until +she heard the conversation in the library the night +the house was entered. Even then she did not take +the subject much to heart, for she did not comprehend +all that Hannibal had meant to convey in the +brief and sarcastic expression he used. Daisy had a +mind too pure to believe anything so heinous of her +own sister as Hannibal had intimated.</p> + +<p>The passion of love is a thing that grows in curious +ways. What made it seem to Hannibal that +there was hope for him was the discovery that Mr. +Fern was committing forgeries and that the proofs +might be his for the taking. If he could hold such +a power as that over this gentleman, who could say +that even so great a mésalliance as his daughter's +marriage to an African might not be arranged?</p> + +<p>The negro proceeded cautiously. He secured the +proofs he wished, and let Mr. Fern know tacitly that +he had them. The terror, the undisguised fear that +followed, the admittance of the menial to a totally +different position in the household and the office, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>showed that the servant had not underrated the importance +of his acquisition.</p> + +<p>Not one word bearing directly on the subject +passed between them. The condition of the merchant +was more horrible than it would have been +had his employé said outright, "I have the proof +that you are a forger—I can send you to prison for +twenty years, and I will do so unless you do so-and-so +for me." He did not know how Hannibal meant +to use his information. He was afraid to broach the +matter to him. He could only wait and suffer; and +suffer he did, as a proud-spirited, high-minded man +who has made an error must suffer, when such a +sword hangs over his head, ready at any moment to +fall.</p> + +<p>As Walker Boggs had said, Mr. Fern was not by +nature a business man. After the former's retirement +from active participation in the concern there +was a series of losses. When Mr. Fern took his pen +and began to imitate the signature of his late partner +on a sheet of paper, nothing but some such +course stood between him and bankruptcy. He felt +certain that if he could tide over twenty-four hours +he would be saved. Before he left his office he had +made a note, written Mr. Boggs name across the +back of it, and raised money thereon.</p> + +<p>He did this many times afterwards, but finally, +when he again wanted a name to save himself with, he +dared not use this one. Boggs had called in to remark +that he should withdraw the capital he had lent as +soon as the term arranged for had expired. The +sum was already infringed upon, had the investor +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>known it. The next name used was that of Archie +Weil. Archie had been to the house a good deal to +see Millicent. Mr. Fern believed there was a love +affair between them, and he caught at the straw of +possible protection in case of discovery. The forgeries +became numerous, and the total amount on +that day when the passage of a new tariff saved the +venturesome speculator, was very large. Hannibal +was at this time in foreign parts, or at least so the +merchant supposed. He soothed his conscience with +the reflection that this additional wrong act would +enable him to right the others that preceded it. And +things might have gone well had not the negro returned, +consumed with the love he bore the younger +daughter, and had not his love turned to vinegar by +her contemptuous rejection of his advances.</p> + +<p>An hour after Daisy left him, Hannibal had made +up his mind to be revenged. He had faltered a little +in the meantime, asking himself what good it would +do to bring disgrace on the head of this poor old +man, but his injuries were too strong for mercy. +He was despised by them all; he would show them +that, black as he was, his ability to hurt was no less +strong than theirs. Roseleaf had made the first impression +on that young heart he himself had craved. +It remained to be seen whether he would wed the +daughter of a convict. There would be something +pleasant, too, in disgracing Millicent, who had once +placed herself in a position where he could have +blasted her reputation forever, and had afterwards +dared to treat him as if he were the dirt beneath her +shoes. Yes, Hannibal decided, he would go to Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +Weil and Mr. Boggs, and show them the way this +man had used their names, hawking them in the +public market without their knowledge.</p> + +<p>When Hannibal reached the Hoffman House and +inquired for Mr. Weil, he was told that he was +absent. An hour later he received the same answer. +A visit to the residence of Mr. Boggs elicited a +reply precisely similar. In fact, the day wore away +and evening arrived before he found them.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Mr. Weil had not been idle. +While Daisy and Shirley Roseleaf were tearfully exchanging +their explanations, he sent a messenger to +Mr. Boggs, asking that gentleman to come to him +without delay. An hour later the messenger arrived +with the gentleman, and having engaged a room for +temporary use, and seen to it that Roseleaf wanted +nothing at present but his fair nurse, Archie pulled +Boggs in and locked the door securely.</p> + +<p>"What's all this?" exclaimed Boggs. "You look +and act as if there was the devil to pay."</p> + +<p>"There is," was the short answer. "I want you +to do one of the most creditable acts of your life. I +want it as a personal favor, and I'm going to have it, +too."</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs crossed his hands over his paunch and +waited for further information.</p> + +<p>"Are you a first-class liar?" was Mr. Weil's next +question. "Could you, in an emergency, do yourself +justice as an eminent prevaricator? Are you +able, for a certain time, to banish truth from your +vicinity?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs remarked, in response to these astonish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>ing +suggestions, that he could tell much better what +his friend was about if he would drop metaphor.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil hesitated. He saw no way but to trust +this man with the facts, and yet he dreaded the possibility +that he might prove obstinate.</p> + +<p>"By-the-way," he said, as if to change the subject +temporarily, "have you been out to see Fern +lately?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs shook his head.</p> + +<p>"You ought to," said Weil. "He's improved a +thousand per cent. in the last few weeks. His financial +luck has made a new man of him."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad of that," responded the other. "And +I'm glad too that I've got my money out of his firm, +for I had a strong suspicion at one time that he was +running pretty close to the wall."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil nodded to show that he believed this +statement, and then grew sober.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes, when men get into a tight place +financially," he said, "they do queer things. Supposing +I should tell you that Mr. Fern had endorsed +checks and notes in a way he was not authorized +to do?"</p> + +<p>The stout man opened his eyes wider.</p> + +<p>"That would be a piece of news," he answered. +"But, if he did, he's made it all right by this time, of +course, and nobody is the loser."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil drew himself up in his chair, as if righteously +indignant.</p> + +<p>"Do you think that is enough?" he demanded, +raising his voice. "By Gad, supposing I tell you my +name was one of those he monkeyed with!"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p> + +<p>The other did not seem much perturbed.</p> + +<p>"If the paper is all in, I wouldn't make a fuss +about it, if I were you," he replied. "Fern is a good +fellow. He has gone out of business, and I hope +he'll never go in again. Take my advice, if you have +learned anything to his discredit, and keep it to yourself."</p> + +<p>Weil could hardly control himself.</p> + +<p>"Do you think I intend to let him forge my name +on his notes and checks and not put him under +arrest!" he cried; "when the proofs are beyond +question?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs bowed and said he meant that, exactly. +He further remarked that he was astonished that his +friend had any other idea in his mind. The Fern +family was one in which he had been favorably +received and he ought to do everything possible to +prevent harm to any of its members. As he proceeded +in this vein, Mr. Boggs grew so earnest that +he did not notice the broad smile of happiness that +was creeping over the face of his companion, and was +not prepared to find a pair of manly arms clasped +around his neck.</p> + +<p>"You—you!" Archie Weil was trying to say. +"You dear, kind, sensible fellow. You've made me +the happiest man on earth! Of course <i>I</i> wouldn't +trouble Fern, but I was afraid <i>you</i> would. He used +your name as well as mine, the rascal! Everything +is paid up, and all the trouble now is that a miserable +scamp has got hold of some of the paper and +wants to blackmail him. And what I called you here +to-day for is to get you to agree—with me—to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>acknowledge every scrap of that paper as being our +own!"</p> + +<p>The sudden change was more than Mr. Boggs +could bear for a moment. He sat, to use a common +expression, "like a stuck pig," staring at Archie.</p> + +<p>"You remember the nigger that worked for Fern," +explained Mr. Weil. "He got hold of some of +these notes and checks, in Fern's office, and is +coming to look us up to-day, for the purpose of having +his employer arrested. A nice game, eh? But +we will foil him, won't we? We'll show him a trick +worth several of his! He's probably gone to the +Hoffman House and he'll hang round till he finds +me. I'll send word that I am to be home this afternoon +at five. You will be there with me. We'll +tackle him together. When he tells us that he has +some forged paper in his possession we'll act astonished +and enraged; we'll ask him to show it to us; +and when we've got it all in our hands we'll say the +signatures are our own, and kick him down stairs. +Are you with me, Walker? Is it a go, old boy?"</p> + +<p>The agreement was made without more ado. Mr. +Boggs began to see the humorous element in the +affair, and actually came nearer laughing than he +had done since the day he discovered that the size +of his waist placed him out of the list of eligible +"mashers."</p> + +<p>When everything was settled, Mr. Weil excused +himself for a few moments, while he tiptoed to Roseleaf's +door and knocked. Daisy came to open it, +and when she saw who the visitor was she blushed +charmingly.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Come in," she said. "I am sure both of us are +glad to see you."</p> + +<p>Shirley's eyes met those of his friend with a +strange expression. He knew now that all his suspicions +were unfounded, that Weil had proved himself +noble and true. But the apologies that he owed +could not be suitably made in the presence of a third +person, and he made no reference to them. His +changed appearance was enough, however, for +Archie. The reconciliation with the girl of his +heart was perfect, and the happiness that shone from +their faces repaid their good friend for his sacrifice.</p> + +<p>"I think I ought to take Miss Daisy to her train +now," said Archie, after the exchange of a few ordinary +remarks. "She can come to see you to-morrow +again, and before many days we will have matters +arranged with pater familias, so that Shirley +can go out to Midlands in his proper capacity. Oh, +you need not redden, little woman! The love you +two have for each other does both of you credit."</p> + +<p>Returning to Mr. Boggs, for the sake of allowing +the young couple a few minutes for their good-bys, +Archie dismissed that gentleman with the understanding +that not later than half-past four he would +join him in his room at the Hoffman House. Soon +after he escorted Miss Fern to her station, and before +he left the building Archie sent a dispatch to +her father, asking him to come to the city and meet +him at his hotel at four that afternoon.</p> + +<p>Everything worked to a charm. Mr. Fern arrived +at the time designated and went promptly to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +Mr. Weil's apartments. A brief explanation of +what was about to occur threw the wool merchant +into a state of extreme agitation, but he was assured +that the last particle of danger to himself would be +removed before he left the Hoffman House. He was +asked to step into an inner room of the suite, the +door of which was to be left ajar, and to make no +move unless he was called.</p> + +<p>Mr. Boggs came at his appointed hour, and Hannibal +soon after. Delighted to find both gentlemen—accidentally, +as he supposed—the negro began +without delay to explain the cause of his visit. He +stated the manner in which he had discovered the +forgeries, and said he thought it only his duty to let +the facts be known.</p> + +<p>Messrs. Weil and Boggs exchanged glances of well-simulated +surprise as the discoverer proceeded.</p> + +<p>"How long is it since you first knew of this matter?" +asked Mr. Weil, when Hannibal came to a +pause.</p> + +<p>"Something like eighteen months."</p> + +<p>"And you allowed this swindle to go on all that +time without saying a word!" said the questioner. +"I am surprised, when I remember that for a long +time you saw me almost daily."</p> + +<p>"That is true," was the quiet response. "I could +not easily bring myself to disgrace one whose bread +I was eating. But that does not matter now. I +have here a number of notes on which Mr. Fern has +forged both of your names. The law will hold him +just as strongly as if I had exposed him at the time."</p> + +<p>He exhibited a package of papers, and unsuspici<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>ously +passed them to the two gentlemen. Undoing +the band Archie Weil spread the documents on the +centre table and went over them carefully with Mr. +Boggs, separating those which bore their several +names. A close perusal of all the notes followed, +and finally Mr. Weil looked up and asked if there +were any more.</p> + +<p>"No, those are all," said Hannibal. "I believe +there are thirty-six of them."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil consulted in a low tone with Mr. Boggs. +They seemed puzzled over something.</p> + +<p>"If these are really all the notes you have," said +Archie, "there has been a great mistake on your +part. These endorsements are genuine in every +case. Where are the forged papers of which you +spoke?"</p> + +<p>The negro stared with all his might at the speaker.</p> + +<p>"Genuine!" he repeated.</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly, as far as my name is concerned. I +have lent my credit to Mr. Fern for a long time."</p> + +<p>"That is equally true of myself," spoke up Boggs, +slowly. "I wrote every one of these signatures and +I am willing to swear to them."</p> + +<p>Hannibal's eyes flashed with baffled rage. He +had been trapped. These men had conspired to +save his late employer from his clutches. They had +lied, deliberately, and he was powerless against their +combined assertions, although he knew the falsity of +all they said.</p> + +<p>"You will be as glad as we to learn the truth," +said Archie, in a softly modulated voice. "It would +have grieved you to know that your kind employer +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>had made himself amenable to the criminal law. +Your only object in this matter was to ease your conscience, +and do justice. There is nothing, now, to +prevent your returning at your earliest convenience +to France."</p> + +<p>The negro rose and took up his hat.</p> + +<p>"This is very nice," he growled, "but I want to +tell you that you are not through with me yet."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil rose also.</p> + +<p>"I trust," he said, "that you are not going to be +impolite. I certainly would not be guilty of discourtesy +to you. But let me assure you of one thing: +If you ever, hereafter, annoy in the slightest degree +my friend, Mr. Fern, or any member of his family, +you will wish heartily that you had never been born. +We can spare you now, Mr. Hannibal."</p> + +<p>With the last words, Archie waved his hand toward +the door, and without further reply than a +glare from his now blood-shot eyes, the African +strode from the apartment.</p> + +<p>"I want you to take a ride in the Park with me, +for an hour or so, and then we will return here for +dinner," said Mr. Weil to Mr. Boggs.</p> + +<p>He did this to allow Mr. Fern to leave the house +without Boggs' knowing he was there, and also to +avoid a meeting that he felt would be too full of +gratitude to suit his temperament just then.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>"WE WANT MILLIE TO UNDERSTAND."</h3> + + +<p>Millicent Fern had been so busy on her second +novel that she had hardly noticed the prolonged +absence of Shirley Roseleaf from her father's house. +Her first story was selling fairly well and she had +received a goodly number of reviews in which it was +alluded to with more or less favor. Not the least +welcome of the things her mail brought was a check +bearing the autograph of Cutt & Slashem, that +tangible evidence which all authors admire that +her efforts had not been wholly in vain. She had +put a great deal of hard work into her new novel, +and felt that, when Mr. Roseleaf added his polish to +the plot she had woven, it would make a success far +greater than the other.</p> + +<p>Millicent thought she understood the young man +perfectly. To her mind he was merely awaiting the +moment when she was ready to name the day for +their marriage. To be sure he had not asked her to +wed him, but his actions were not to be misunderstood. +She would accept him, for business reasons, +and the romance could come later. Together they +would constitute a strong partnership in fiction. +While she was wrapped up in her writing it was +quite as well that he remained at a respectful distance. +Between her second and her third story she +would have time to arrange the ceremony.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p> + +<p>When Roseleaf made his next appearance at dinner, +in the house at Midlands, Miss Fern smiled on +him pleasantly. She remarked that he lacked color, +and he replied that he had been suffering from a +slight illness. Then she spoke of her new story, revealing +the plot to a limited extent, and said it would +be ready for him in about two weeks. The astonished +young man saw that she considered his services +entirely at her disposal, without question, +whenever she saw fit to call upon them. He talked +it over with Daisy.</p> + +<p>"You know," stammered the girl, "that Millie +thought you were in love with her. That would account +for everything, wouldn't it?"</p> + +<p>"But where did she ever get that idea!" he exclaimed, +desperately.</p> + +<p>"She says you tried to put your arm around +her."</p> + +<p>"Just to practice. Just to learn what love was +like. I told you how ignorant I was, the same as I +did her. Archie said she would show me, but it +didn't amount to anything. It was only when I +asked you, Daisy, that I began to understand. Do +you remember how you stood on your toes and kissed +me?"</p> + +<p>The girl bade him be quiet and not get too reminiscent, +but he would not.</p> + +<p>"It taught me all I needed to know, in one instant," +he persisted. "Ah, sweetheart, how much +happiness and suffering I have had on your account!"</p> + +<p>He stooped and kissed her tenderly as he spoke.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And after this it will be happiness only," she +whispered.</p> + +<p>Another kiss answered this prediction.</p> + +<p>"What can I do if she asks me to rewrite the whole +of another novel?" asked Roseleaf, with a groan.</p> + +<p>"I think you might find time to oblige her," said +Daisy. "But you ought to explain things—you +ought not to let her misunderstand your position +any longer."</p> + +<p>He said that this was true, and that he would act +upon the suggestion. He had her father's consent, +and nothing could stand in the way of his marriage +to Daisy before the year ended. It was not right, +of course, to go on with the implication of being engaged +to both the sisters.</p> + +<p>"But I wish I could escape doing that writing," +he added. "I hate fiction, any way; I have been at +work on one of my own that I fear I never shall +finish. There is much sadness in novels, and I +like joy so much better. I believe I shall abandon +the whole field."</p> + +<p>This she would not listen to. She said her husband +that was to be must become a famous writer, for +she wanted to be very proud of him. And Mr. Fern +came in to the room, and having the question put to +him, decided it in the same manner, as he was sure +to do when he learned that his younger daughter +held that opinion.</p> + +<p>The retired merchant bore the appearance of a +man from whose shoulders the severe burden of a +great weight had fallen. The tiger that had crouched +so long in his path, ready at any moment to spring, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>had been vanquished. Beyond the profound humiliation +of knowing that his sin was exposed to the +gaze of two of his intimate friends, he had no cause +for present grief. Both of them had proved friends +indeed, and nothing was to be feared from any quarter. +Hannibal had disappeared immediately after +the interview at the Hoffman House, and it was supposed +had gone back to France.</p> + +<p>There was to be no haste about the wedding, after +all. Now that the young couple felt perfectly sure +of each other they were more willing than they had +been to wait. The freedom that an understood engagement +brings to Americans was theirs. If Millicent +had only known the true condition of affairs, +and was content with them, they would have been +perfectly satisfied.</p> + +<p>An old story tells how a certain colony of mice +came to the unanimous conclusion that a bell should +be hung around the neck of a cat for which they had +a well-defined fear; and it also relates that none of +the rodents were willing to undertake the task of +placing the warning signal in the desired position. +Both Shirley and Daisy wished heartily that Millicent +could be told the exact condition of their hopes and +expectations, but neither had the courage to inform +her. Many of their long conversations referred to +this matter, and one day, when they had discussed it +as usual, Daisy hit upon a bright idea.</p> + +<p>"You don't suppose, do you, that Mr. Weil would +tell Millie for us? He has done so many nice things, +he might do one more."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf wore a thoughtful expression. He re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>alized +how much Archie had already done for him—realized +it more fully than Daisy did; but he said +the matter was worth thinking of. He wanted very +much to have it settled.</p> + +<p>"Would—would you—ask him?" he stammered. +"He would do anything for you."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she responded, softly, "I will ask him. +But we had best be together. I do not want to +broach the matter unless you are there."</p> + +<p>In a few days the opportunity came. Mr. Weil +heard the voice he loved best explaining the situation.</p> + +<p>"We want Millie to understand," said Daisy. "If +she—if she still likes Shirley herself, there may be an +unpleasant scene, and you will see how difficult it is +for either of us to tell her. But you, who have done +so many kindnesses for us, could convey the information +to her without the diffidence we should feel. +Will you, dear Mr. Weil?"</p> + +<p>And Archie said he would, and that it would be a +pleasure to him. And a bright light illumined the +faces of the young people, as another stone was +rolled out of the pathway their feet were to tread.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil did not know how to approach his subject +except by a more or less direct route. One day +he was talking with Miss Fern about her new novel, +and she spoke of Mr. Roseleaf in connection with its +nearness to the required revision.</p> + +<p>"I don't know as Shirley will find time to help you +out," he replied. "He is so busy just now with Miss +Daisy."</p> + +<p>She did not seem to comprehend him in the least.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he is merely filling in the time, as a matter +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>of amusement," she answered. "When I am ready +he will be."</p> + +<p>He looked at her earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Is it fair to speak of love-making as a matter of +amusement, Miss Fern?"</p> + +<p>"Love-making? Is he, then, practicing for his +novel with Daisy, also?" she inquired. "I am afraid +he will get erroneous views of love in that quarter. +She is such a child that she can have little knowledge +of the subject."</p> + +<p>She had evidently no suspicion of the truth, and he +determined to become more explicit.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps that is exactly what he wishes," said he. +"The virgin heart of a young girl certainly affords +tempting ground for the explorations of a novelist."</p> + +<p>For the first time she showed a slightly startled +face.</p> + +<p>"I trust you do not mean that Mr. Roseleaf is deceiving +my sister with pretended affection?" she +said. "I did not think him that kind of man. If +he is making love to her, as you call it, surely she +understands that it is only for the purposes of his +forthcoming novel?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil drew a long breath.</p> + +<p>"Is it possible," he asked, "that you do not know +him better than even to hint that suspicion? Shirley +Roseleaf is honor personified. He would not lead +any woman to believe him her lover unless he truly +felt the sentiments he expressed."</p> + +<p>Miss Fern looked much relieved.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear you say so," she replied.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> + +<p>Archie was plunged into a new quandary. He +had evidently made no progress whatever thus far.</p> + +<p>"No," he continued, slowly, "he has not deceived +Miss Daisy. His love for her is as true as steel. I +understand their engagement is to be announced in +a few days."</p> + +<p>If he had known the pain that these words would +bring to their hearer—if he had foreseen the anguish +that was portrayed on that brow and in those eyes—friend +as he was of the young couple who had set +him to this errand, he would have shrunk from it. +Millicent made no verbal reply. Spasms chased +each other over her white face. She seemed stricken +dumb. Her hands, lifted to her forehead, trembled +visibly. And Mr. Weil sat there, uncertain what to +do, as silent as herself.</p> + +<p>Gradually the force of the storm passed, and Miss +Fern staggered faintly to her feet. Mr. Weil offered +to support her with his arms, but she refused his aid +with a motion that was unmistakable. She was making +every effort to conceal her agitation, and she +dared not trust herself with words. After taking a +weak step or two, and finding that she could not walk +unassisted, she rested herself upon the arm of a large +chair, and signed to him to leave her. Much mortified, +but knowing no other course, he bowed profoundly +and obeyed the signal.</p> + +<p>The next morning he received the following letter +at his hotel:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Mr. A. Weil:—Sir</span>: If you are in any respect a gentleman—which +I may be excused for doubting—you will not +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>allude in the presence of any one to the exhibition I made +to-day. Had I had the least preparation I could have controlled +myself. You adroitly took me at a complete disadvantage, +and you saw the result.</p> + +<p>"I leave to-morrow for a new home. Never again shall I +live under the roof of those who have betrayed me. Do not +think I shall succumb to grief because of my sister's conduct. +She is welcome to her victory. No answer to this +is expected. Yours, M. A. F."</p></div> + +<p>Luckily Archie had escaped from Midlands without +meeting either Daisy or Roseleaf, and he obeyed +as strictly as possible the injunction he received from +the elder sister. All he would say was that he had +informed her of the engagement and that she had +made no reply. When he was told a day or two +later that Millicent had left the house, he merely remarked +that he was not much surprised, as she was +a girl of strong will and usually did about as she +pleased.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern, at first much distressed over his +daughter's action, grew reconciled when he thought +of it more at length. He sent a liberal allowance to +her, which she did not return, and made arrangements +by which she could draw the same sum at her +convenience at a bank in the city.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>WHERE WAS DAISY?</h3> + + +<p>The wedding was arranged to occur in the month +of October, and the preparations, so dear to the +hearts of all young women, were pushed with dispatch. +There were to be no ceremonials beyond the +ones necessary, and the company to visit the nuptials +was limited to a dozen of the family's most intimate +friends. When the evening came, Walker Boggs +was on hand, wearing an extra large waistcoat, and +a countenance such as would have best befitted a +funeral. Lawrence Gouger came, his keen eye alert, +foreseeing several chapters in the great novel that +Roseleaf was writing, based on the experiences of the +next few weeks. But Archie Weil wrote a note at +the last minute, regretting that a business engagement +that could not be postponed had called him +to a distant point, and sending a magnificent ornament +in large pearls for the bride, to whom he +wished, with her husband, all health and happiness.</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger had had many arguments with Mr. +Weil, in opposition to the early date set for the wedding. +He had shown that, according to the best +models, the hero of Roseleaf's novel—which was practically +the young man himself, ought to pass through +some very harrowing scenes yet before his wedded +happiness began. He feared an anti-climax, and was +apprehensive that the wonderful romance would lie +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>untouched for long months while Roseleaf sipped +honey from the lips of his beloved. And he acted as +if these things were entirely at the disposal of Mr. +Weil—as if the young couple were mere marionettes +whose actions he could control.</p> + +<p>"You could put it off if you liked," Gouger said, +complainingly. "You could introduce other elements +that would be the making of the novel, and +you ought to do it. They should not marry before +next spring, at the earliest. You run the risk of +spoiling everything."</p> + +<p>"Good God!" cried Archie. "You talk like a fool. +I would have postponed it forever, if I could, and +you know it. But she loves him, and there is nothing +to be gained by delay. Confound you and your +old novel! With the happiness of two human beings +at stake you talk about a piece of fiction as if it was +worth more than a blissful life!"</p> + +<p>Gouger straightened himself up in his chair.</p> + +<p>"It is worth a hundred times more!" he answered, +boldly. "A novel such as Roseleaf's ought to be +would give pleasure to millions. But I see you are +bound to have your way. The only hope left is that +there will be trouble enough after marriage to spice +the story to the end. A milk and water, nursing-bottle +existence for them would make all the work +already done on this manuscript mere wasted time!"</p> + +<p>Weil turned from his friend in disgust. Could the +man talk nothing, think nothing, but shop?</p> + +<p>But Archie did not come to the wedding. He +knew the final strain would be more than he could +bear. It was one thing to sacrifice the woman he +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>loved and quite another to see her given into the +arms of the rival he had encouraged. One may do +the noblest things, at a respectful distance, and find +himself physically unable to view them at greater +proximity.</p> + +<p>Of course Shirley Roseleaf was almost too happy +to breathe. But even the happiest of lovers somehow +manage to inhale a sufficiency of oxygen to +keep life in them, though they have no knowledge +of the process by which this is accomplished. He +had seen several of his productions in type, some in +the leading magazines, and he had a permanent position +now on the staff of a great periodical. When +the month he had allowed himself as necessary for a +wedding journey was ended, he would settle down +to work, and he knew no reason why he might not +make a success in his chosen field. And there was +Daisy—always Daisy—he would never again be separated +from Daisy! Who that has loved and been +loved can doubt the perfect content of this young +man?</p> + +<p>The saddest face at Midlands was that of Mr. Fern, +who failed in his best attempts to appear cheerful. +He was not sorry that his daughter was to be married, +he would not have put a single obstacle in her +way; but she was going from him, and the very, very +dear relations they had so long sustained would +never be exactly the same again. It was the destiny +of a woman to cleave to her husband. He found no +fault with the law of nature, but he had clung to +Daisy so devotedly that he could not welcome very +sincerely the hour that was to take her away.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span></p> + +<p>The marriage was to be early in the evening. +Everything was ready, even to the trunks, filled with +traveling and other dresses. The night was to be +passed at the Imperial Hotel in the city, and the +journey proper to be begun some time on the following +day.</p> + +<p>On the most momentous morning of her life, +Daisy Fern announced that she had an errand to do +in the city and would return shortly after twelve +o'clock. As she was so thoroughly her own mistress +nobody thought of questioning her more particularly. +But twelve o'clock came, and one o'clock, and three, +and five, and she neither was seen at Midlands nor +was any message received from her.</p> + +<p>By the latter hour Mr. Fern was in a state of excitement. +The entire house was in an uproar. The +servants were catechised, one by one, to see if perchance +any of them could guess the young lady's +destination. Word was sent by telephone to various +places in the city, asking information, but none was +received. She had left the house, ostensibly to go +to New York, and nothing could be learned of her +from that moment.</p> + +<p>As Mr. Roseleaf was not expected until some time +later, Mr. Fern went at last to the city and sought +the young man at his rooms. He found him in the +company of Lawrence Gouger, dressed for the ceremony, +and impatient for the arrival of the hour +when he should start for his bride's abode. It may +be conceived that the news Mr. Fern brought was +not the pleasantest for him.</p> + +<p>"You—you have not seen Daisy?" came the stam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>mering +question, as the father paused on the threshold +of Roseleaf's room.</p> + +<p>"To-day? Why, certainly not!" was the stupefied +answer. "I was just about to start for your +house."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern sank upon a sofa just inside the door.</p> + +<p>"Something—has—happened!" he groaned. "Ah, +my boy, something has happened to my child!"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf looked at Mr. Gouger, who in turn looked +at Mr. Fern.</p> + +<p>"She—went away—this morning—on an errand," +enunciated the father, slowly, "saying—she would +return—at noon. And—that is the last we—have +seen—of her. Oh, it seems as if I should go mad!"</p> + +<p>It seemed as if Shirley Roseleaf would go mad, +too. He looked like one bereft of sense, as he stood +there without uttering a word.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she has returned since you left home," +suggested Mr. Gouger, on the spur of the instant. +"Don't lose heart yet. Let me send to a telephone +office and have them inquire. You have a 'phone in +your house, have you not, Mr. Fern?"</p> + +<p>The father bowed in reply. He was too crushed +to say anything unnecessary. Touching a button, +Mr. Gouger soon had a messenger dispatched for +the information desired, and in the meantime he +tried, by suggesting possibilities, to soothe the two +men.</p> + +<p>"You shouldn't get so excited," he protested. +"There are a hundred slight accidents that might be +responsible for Miss Daisy's delay. Perhaps she +has met with an insignificant accident, and the word +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>she has sent to her father has gone astray—as happens +very often in these days. That would account +for everything. Or she may have taken the wrong +train—an express—that did not stop this side of +Bridgeport, and hesitated to telegraph for fear of +alarming you. 'Don't cry till you're hurt' is an old +proverb. Why, neither of you act much better than +as if her dead body had been brought home!"</p> + +<p>They heard him, but neither replied. They waited—it +seemed an hour—for an answer to the telephonic +message, and it came, simply this: "Nothing has +been heard as yet of Miss Fern."</p> + +<p>The thoroughly distressed and disheartened +father shrank before the gaze of the lover, when this +news was promulgated by Mr. Gouger.</p> + +<p>"What swindle is this?" were the bitter words he +heard. "Have you decided on another husband for +your daughter, and come to break the news to me +in this fashion?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger interfered, to protect the old man +whose suffering was evidently already too acute.</p> + +<p>"Hush!" he exclaimed. "Can't you see that +you are killing him? Be careful!"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf waved him back with a <a name="Page_251t" id="Page_251t"></a><a href="#Page_251tn">sweep</a> of his +arm.</p> + +<p>"Your advice has not been asked," he replied, +gutturally. "I can see some things, if I <i>am</i> blind. +That girl has gone to the man she loves—the man +he," indicating the father, "wanted her to marry. +He is rich, and I am poor, and he has won! It is +plain enough! And he pretended, day by day, to +my face, that he had given her up for my sake; +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>and she put her arms around me, and beguiled me +into confidence, in order to strike me the harder at +the end. Well, let him have her! I wouldn't take +her from him. But there's an account between us +that he may not like to settle. When you see your +friend, tell him that!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern heard these terrible sentences like a man +in a dream. It could not be Roseleaf that was uttering +them—the man to whom his young daughter had +given the full affection of her innocent heart! He +was mad to talk that way. Mad! mad!</p> + +<p>"You will repent these rash statements," said the +old gentleman, rising faintly from his seat. "You +will repent them, sir, in sackcloth. I wish with all +my heart that Mr. Weil was here, for he would at +least try to help me find my child."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger suggested that Mr. Weil would be at +Midlands soon, as he had an invitation to the wedding.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Mr. Fern, chokingly. "I received +word from him to-day that he could not attend. He +is out of the city."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf gave vent to an expression of nausea.</p> + +<p>"Are you yourself deceived?" he exclaimed. +"He will not attend <i>my</i> wedding; certainly not! +He is attending <i>his own</i>. If, indeed, he does not compass +his ends without that preliminary."</p> + +<p>Weak and old as Mr. Fern was he would have +struck the speaker had not the third person in the +room interfered.</p> + +<p>"Do you dare to speak in that manner of my +daughter!" he cried. "Must you attack the char<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>acter +not only of my best friend but of my child as +well? I thank God at this moment, whatever be her +fate, that she did not join her life to yours!"</p> + +<p>With a majestic step he strode from the presence +of his late prospective son-in-law. Gouger, with a +feeling that some one should accompany him, followed. +But first he turned to speak in a low key to +the novelist.</p> + +<p>"Do not go out to-night, unless you hear from +me," he said, impressively. "This may not be as +bad as you think, after all. I will go to Midlands +and return with what news I can get. Don't act +until you are certain of your premises."</p> + +<p>The young man was removing his wedding suit, +already.</p> + +<p>"I shall not go out," he responded, aimlessly.</p> + +<p>"You might write a few pages—on your novel," +suggested the critic, as he stood in the hallway. +"There will never be a better—"</p> + +<p>A vigorous movement slammed the door in his +face before he could complete his sentence.</p> + +<p>Hastening after Mr. Fern, Gouger accompanied +him home, where the first thing he heard was that +there was still no news of the missing one.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>AN AWFUL NIGHT.</h3> + + +<p>It was an awful night for Wilton Fern. The presence +in the house of Mr. Gouger and Mr. Boggs +aided him but little to bear the weight that pressed +upon his heart. It was better than being entirely +alone, but not a great deal. Together they listened +whenever their ears caught an unusual sound. +Twenty times they went together to the street door +and opened it to find nothing animate before them.</p> + +<p>Morning came and still no tidings. The earliest +trains from the city were visited by servants, for the +master of the house was too exhausted to make the +journey. And at nine o'clock the gentlemen who +had passed the night at Midlands took the railway +back to New York, with no solution of the great +problem.</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger had not been in his office an hour before +the door opened and in walked Archie Weil. +The critic started from his chair at the unexpected +sight, and remarked that he had not expected to see +his visitor so early.</p> + +<p>"I presume you heard the news and came home +at once," he added, meaningly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil was pale, and wore the look of one whose +rest has been disturbed.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you mean," he replied. "I +was called away on business that I could not evade, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>and came back as soon as I could. I fear the Ferns +thought it rather rough of me to stay away from the +wedding, but I could not very well help it. You +were there, of course. Everything went off well, I +trust."</p> + +<p>The speaker had the air of a man who tries to appear +at ease when he is not. His voice trembled +slightly and his hands roamed from one portion of +his apparel to another.</p> + +<p>"Then you have heard nothing!" repeated Gouger, +gravely. "Prepare yourself for a shock. There +was no wedding last night at the Ferns'. Miss +Daisy disappeared yesterday morning, and has not +been seen since."</p> + +<p>If Mr. Weil had been pale before, his face was like +a dead man's now. With many expressions of incredulity +he listened to the explanations that followed. +He declared that the occurrence was past belief, +and that he could see no way to account for it. +Clearly something had happened that the girl could +not prevent. She would never have absented herself +of her own accord. She loved the man who was +to be her husband, and if she had wished to postpone +her marriage she could have easily arranged it.</p> + +<p>"I can think of nothing but a fit of temporary insanity," +he added, with a sigh. "And Shirley—poor +fellow—how does he take it? Completely broken +up, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>When he heard the attitude that Mr. Roseleaf had +assumed, Mr. Weil seemed stupefied. Little by +little Mr. Gouger revealed to him the answers that +the young man had made to Mr. Fern, finally refer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>ring +to the charge that he (Mr. Weil) had eloped +with the bride. Archie's face grew more and more +rigid as he listened, but the anger that the relator +had anticipated did not show there.</p> + +<p>"He is crazy," was the mild reply. "I will go +and see him, at once, and enlist his assistance in the +thorough search that must be undertaken. Come, +Lawrence, leave your work for an hour and go with +me."</p> + +<p>Remembering his promise to return in the morning +with the latest tidings, Mr. Gouger put on his +hat and coat and entered the cab which his friend +summoned. He felt that he was about to witness +another chapter that would make most dramatic +reading in that great novel!</p> + +<p>"You had best let me go in first," he whispered, +when they stood at Roseleaf's door. "He is in an +excitable frame of mind, I fear."</p> + +<p>For answer, Archie brushed the speaker aside and +preceded him into the chamber, without the formality +of a knock. Roseleaf lay before them in his easy +chair, bearing evidence in his attire that he had not +disrobed during the night. He greeted his visitors +with nothing more than a look of inquiry.</p> + +<p>"I only heard of your terrible disaster a few moments +ago," said Mr. Weil. "I learn that Miss Daisy +had not been heard from up to nine o'clock this +morning. We must bring all our energies to bear +on this matter, Shirley. Her father is unable to +help us much. For all we know she may be in the +most awful danger. Rouse yourself and let us consult +what is best to do."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p> + +<p>Incredulousness was written on the quiet face that +looked up at him from the armchair.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you tell us what you have done with +her?" said the bloodless lips, slowly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil trembled with suppressed emotion.</p> + +<p>"This is no time for recriminations," he replied, +"or I might answer that in a different way. We +must find this girl. Before we go to the police +let us consider all the possibilities, for they will +deluge us with questions. Did any one think," he +asked, suddenly, turning to Gouger, "of sending +word to her sister Millicent?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger replied that they had done so. A servant +had been dispatched early in the evening to +Millicent's residence and had returned with the +answer that she had heard nothing of Miss Daisy +and did not wish to. She had previously sent a +sarcastic reply to an invitation to attend the wedding.</p> + +<p>"And she never came to comfort her father in +his distress!" exclaimed Mr. Weil. "What a +daughter!"</p> + +<p>They could get nothing out of Roseleaf. He +answered a dozen times that it would be much easier +for Mr. Weil to send Daisy home or to write to her +father that she was in his keeping, than to attempt +the difficult task of deceiving the police, who would +have enough shrewdness to unmask him.</p> + +<p>"Then you will do nothing to help us?" demanded +Archie, his patience becoming exhausted, though he +kept his temper very well. "In that case we must +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>lose no more time. Ah, Shirley! I thought you +worthy of that angelic creature, but now—"</p> + +<p>He checked himself before finishing the sentence, +and went out into the hall.</p> + +<p>"I think I had best go to Midlands and consult +with Mr. Fern," he said to Gouger in a low tone. +"There is a possibility that his daughter has +returned since you came away. What an awful list +of horrible thoughts crowd on one! If you can +help me any I will send you word later."</p> + +<p>When Mr. Weil was gone, Mr. Gouger opened the +door and looked again into Roseleaf's room. The +young man had not changed his position in the least.</p> + +<p>"He has started for Midlands," he said. "What +do you think of his explanation in regard to his +absence last night?"</p> + +<p>"I think—I know—it is a lie!" was the quick +reply.</p> + +<p>"You really believe she went away to meet him—and +that he has passed the last twenty-four hours +with her."</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly."</p> + +<p>The critic waited a minute.</p> + +<p>"Do you think they are married?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Roseleaf closed his eyes, as a terrible pain shot +across them. He wondered dimly why this fellow +should delight in uttering things that must cause suffering. +Gouger deliberated whether to say more, but +thinking that he had left the right idea in the young +man's mind for the purpose he had in view, he softly +withdrew from the chamber and left the house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> +When Roseleaf looked up again, some minutes later, +he was alone.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Mr. Weil's hand was grasped feebly by the owner +of Midlands, when he came into the presence of the +gentleman. Though completely exhausted Mr. Fern +had not been able to sleep. He listened wearily +while his caller suggested possibilities to account for +his daughter's absence, but could not agree that any +of them were probable. When the idea was broached +of communicating with the police he shrank from +that course, but finally admitted that it must be +adopted, if all else failed. In answer to a hundred +questions he could only say that he had no idea of +anything that could make her absence voluntary.</p> + +<p>"She loved her chosen husband devotedly," said +the old man. "When she hears what I have to tell +her she will hold a different opinion."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Archie, ignoring the latter expression, +"she must either be the victim of an accident, a +fit of aberration, or—"</p> + +<p>He could not bear to finish the sentence, but the +father bowed in acquiescence.</p> + +<p>Lunch was served and Mr. Weil sat down to it, +trying by his example to persuade Mr. Fern to take +a few mouthfuls. Neither of them had any appetite, +and the attempt was a dismal failure.</p> + +<p>"I leave everything to you," said the host, as Mr. +Weil prepared to take his departure. "You are the +truest friend I ever had, and whatever you decide +upon I will endorse. But I have an awful sinking at +the heart, a feeling that I shall never see my child +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>alive. Do you believe in premonitions? I have felt +for weeks that some misfortune hung over me."</p> + +<p>Before Mr. Weil could reply a servant entered +with a telegraphic message that had just been received. +Tearing it open hastily Mr. Fern uttered a +cry and handed it to his companion:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I am alive and uninjured. Look for me to-morrow.—Daisy."</p></div> + +<p>A gush of tears drowned the exclamations of joy +that the father began to utter.</p> + +<p>"Alive!" he exclaimed. "And will be home to-morrow! +Ah, Mr. Weil, hope is not lost, after all. +But why, <i>why</i> does she leave me in my loneliness +another night? Is there any way in which you can +explain this mystery?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil confessed his inability to do so. He +tried, however, to show the father the bright side of +the affair, and bade him rest tranquil in the certainty +that only a few hours separated him from the child +he adored. When Daisy came home she would explain +everything to his satisfaction. In the meantime +he ought to indulge in thankfulness for what +he had learned rather than in regrets.</p> + +<p>"Go to bed and get a good rest," he added. "I +will make a journey to the telegraph office in the city +and see if it is possible to trace this message. If I +learn anything I will ring you up on the telephone at +once. And remember, if you do not hear from me, +there is a proverb that no news is good news. +Daisy has promised to come home to-morrow. This +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>is something definite. An hour ago we were plunged +in despair. Now we have a certainty that should +buoy us up to the highest hope."</p> + +<p>Catching at this view of the case, Mr. Fern consented +to seek rest and Mr. Weil took the next train +to the city. Engaging a carriage he bade the driver +take him with all speed to Mr. Roseleaf's residence. +Notwithstanding the harsh manner in which he had +been treated by his late friend, he wanted to be the +first to inform him that Daisy had been heard from. +He was smarting, naturally, under the imputation +upon his own honor, and felt that the telegram in +his hand would at least remove that suspicion.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't help coming again, Shirley," he said, +when he was in the presence of the novelist. "I +know, despite the cruel manner you have assumed, +that you still love Daisy Fern and will be glad to +hear that she is safe from harm. Here is a telegram +that her father has just received, stating that she is +well and will be at home to-morrow."</p> + +<p>His face glowed with pleasure as he held out the +missive, but darkened again when Roseleaf declined +to take it in his hand. The young man had not +moved, apparently, from the chair in which he had +been seen three hours before, and his expression of +countenance was unchanged.</p> + +<p>"Does she say where she passed the night—<i>and +with whom</i>?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"No. But she says she is well and will return. +Is not that a great deal, when we have feared some +accident, perhaps a fatal one?"</p> + +<p>The novelist uttered a sneering laugh.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My God, Shirley, why do you treat me like this!" +exclaimed Mr. Weil, excitedly. "I have been your +friend in everything, as true to you as man could +be! If I had done the dastardly thing of which you +accuse me, why should I come to you at all? I +could have taken my bride and gone to the other +end of the earth. We need not have adopted these +contemptible measures. But although I <i>did</i> care for +this girl—more than I ever cared or ever shall care +for another—I knew it was <i>you</i> she loved and I did +all I could to aid you in your suit. Have you forgotten +how I brought her here, as you lay in that +very chair, and removed the misunderstandings that +had grown up between you? As God hears me, I have +no idea what caused her absence last night! I am +going now to the telegraph office to trace, if possible, +the message and find where she is at present, for I +want to relieve her father's mind still more."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf seemed partially convinced by this outburst. +He left his chair, and began slowly to arrange +his attire before the mirror.</p> + +<p>"If you are sincere," he said, "I will accompany +you. I will also do my best to discover the resting-place +of this young woman. You must remain with +me till she is found. If we do not see her before to-morrow +morning, we will walk into her presence at +Midlands together. Do you agree to this?"</p> + +<p>"With all my heart!" was the joyous reply.</p> + +<p>In ten minutes they entered the carriage at the +door, and were driven to the station from which the +telegram had been sent.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>"THIS ENDS IT, THEN?"</h3> + + +<p>There was nothing to be learned at the telegraph +office. As near as could be remembered a boy had +brought the message, paid for it and vanished. Only +one discovery amounted to anything. The original +dispatch was produced and proved to be in Daisy's +handwriting. Roseleaf attested to this, and he +knew the characters too well to be mistaken.</p> + +<p>It was not advisable, in Mr. Weil's opinion, to go +to the police, after the receipt of this word from the +missing girl. It would only add to the notoriety of +the family in case the press got hold of the news. +But he did think it wise to go to see Isaac Leveson +and find a man named Hazen, whose reputation as a +detective was great. He could rely on the absolute +silence of both of them. The ride to Isaac's was +consequently made next, and by good fortune Hazen +happened to be in. He listened gravely to the situation +as it was outlined by Mr. Weil, but expressed +his opinion that nothing would be gained by doing +anything before the next day.</p> + +<p>"That telegram is genuine," he said. "It follows +that, unless she is detained forcibly, she will be at +home to-morrow. The writing in this message is +not like that of a person under threats, like one compelled +to send a false statement. Your best way is to +wait till she comes home, providing it is not later +than she indicates, and hear her story. Perhaps it +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span>will explain the mystery. If she declines to do this, +I will undertake to probe it to the bottom, if you +wish."</p> + +<p>Mr. Roseleaf took no part in this discussion. He +was becoming convinced that Archie Weil was innocent +of any complicity in this affair, but he was still +disinclined to talk much.</p> + +<p>"Where shall we go now?" he asked, when they +came out of the restaurant.</p> + +<p>"To the Hoffman House?" said Weil, interrogatively. +"I believe with Hazen that we can do nothing +to-night."</p> + +<p>Very well, to the Hoffman House they would go. +But they had not been in Weil's room five minutes +when a boy came up with a telephonic message from +Mr. Fern, stating that Daisy was safe at Midlands.</p> + +<p>"Let us return without delay," said Weil, enthusiastically. +"We should not lose a moment in removing +this terrible cloud! Come, Shirley, we can +catch the six o'clock train if we hasten."</p> + +<p>Mechanically the younger man followed his companion +through the hall, down the elevator and into +a carriage at the door. Forty minutes later they +alighted from the train at Midlands and were soon in +the familiar parlor at Mr. Fern's. A servant who had +admitted them, stated that Miss Daisy had been +home about two hours but that she was now lying +down. He would inquire whether she would receive +the visitors.</p> + +<p>What seemed an interminable time followed before +the appearance of Mr. Fern and his daughter. +When at last they came in together, leaning on each +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>other, they were two as forlorn objects as one can +imagine. The sight of his sweetheart's woe-begone +face smote Roseleaf like a blow. He regretted to +the bottom of his heart the cruel things he had +thought and said of her.</p> + +<p>"Daisy!" he exclaimed, stepping forward. +"Daisy—my—"</p> + +<p>He could get no further, for Mr. Fern, with a majestic +motion of his hand, waved him back. The presence +of the intended bridegroom was evidently not +agreeable to the old gentleman.</p> + +<p>"Sit down," said Mr. Fern, in a quavering voice, +addressing himself wholly to Weil. "I telephoned +<i>to you</i> that my daughter had returned, for I knew <i>you</i> +would be anxious." He bore with special stress on +the word "you." "I—I did not know that you intended +to bring—any other person."</p> + +<p>The allusion to Roseleaf was so direct, that he +could not help attempting some kind of a reply.</p> + +<p>"Who could be more anxious than I?" he asked, in +a tone that was very sweet and tender; in vivid contrast, +the old man thought, to his manner of the preceding +evening. "No one has a greater interest to +learn where she has been these long, desolate +hours."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern abandoned his intention not to recognize +the fact that Roseleaf was present, and turned upon +him with a fierce glare in his sunken eyes.</p> + +<p>"What right have <i>you</i> to ask questions?" he demanded, +pressing the trembling form of his daughter +to his own. "You were the first to doubt her—even +her innocence—this lamb that would have given her +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span>life for you only yesterday! She has returned to <i>me</i>, +and henceforth she is <i>mine</i>! You could not have +her though you came on your knees! You wish to +know where she has been! Well, you never <i>will</i>! +She will not tell you! It is her own affair. I am +speaking for <i>her</i> when I say that we desire no more +of your visits to this house; we are through with +you, thank God!"</p> + +<p>It would be hard to tell which of the two men who +listened to this was the more surprised. Mr. Weil +felt his heart sink as well as did Roseleaf. Daisy +clung to her father, without raising her eyes, and +there was nothing to indicate that she disputed his +assertions.</p> + +<p>All was over between her and Roseleaf! Nothing +could bring them together again! And she did not +mean to divulge the cause of her remaining away a +day and a night—that day and night that had been +expected to precede and succeed her marriage.</p> + +<p>Shirley rose slowly. He bent his eyes earnestly +on the father and daughter, and his voice was +firm.</p> + +<p>"When one is dismissed, there is nothing for him +but to go. I regret sincerely what I said last night, +when the horror of this thing came suddenly upon +me. I love you, Daisy, and I know by what you +have told me so often that you love me. Are the +foolish utterances of a distracted man to separate us +forever? Conceive the agony I was in when at the +very moment I was to start for my wedding I heard +that my bride could not be found! If I had not +adored you passionately would I have been on +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>the verge of madness, saying and doing things +without reason and excuse? I am ordered to leave +you, my sweetheart, and if you do not bid me stay I +can only obey the mandate. But I love you more at +this moment than ever. All I ask to know is why +you made this flight. If your answer is satisfactory +there will be nothing on my part to prevent our +marriage."</p> + +<p>Archie Weil wished that he could have led this +young man aside for just a moment, to show him +that this was no time to make demands or exact conditions. +He had no doubt that Daisy would explain +everything, a little later. All that was wanted now +was a revocation of the dismissal that Mr. Fern had +pronounced. But he could not control the stormy +ocean upon which they rode.</p> + +<p>"You seem singularly obtuse," came the shaking +voice of the old gentleman. "It is not for <i>you</i> to +dictate terms. We want to see you no more. Is +not that clear enough?"</p> + +<p>It certainly did not seem to be. Roseleaf lingered, +wondering if these were really to be the last phrases +he would hear in that house—in that very room +where he had expected to hear the words that would +make this sweet girl his for life.</p> + +<p>"Daisy," he said, addressing himself once more to +the silent figure, "I cannot believe you have so soon +learned to hate me!"</p> + +<p>She looked up at the solemn face and then dropped +her eyes again.</p> + +<p>"You will tell me where you were?" he pleaded. +"It is my right to know."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p> + +<p>She looked up again, with a wild horror in her +features.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I <i>cannot</i>!" she cried. "I <i>never</i> can tell you. +I never <i>can</i>!"</p> + +<p>This statement shocked more than one person in +that room. Up to this moment Mr. Fern had only +understood, from the disjointed expressions of his +daughter when she entered the house, that she did +not wish to be questioned at that time. She had +also explained to him that she had sent the telegram +to make the coast clear of all except her parent, as +she did not wish to meet others on her first arrival. +When he had urged the duty of informing Mr. Weil +she had acquiesced, not dreaming that Mr. Roseleaf +would be in his company.</p> + +<p>And now the old man felt that there was more in +the answer she had given than he had suspected—something +very like a confession of wrong. Mr. +Weil felt this also, though he could not believe Daisy +meant anything very heinous, and Shirley Roseleaf +had a dagger in his breast as he reflected what interpretation +might be given to her words.</p> + +<p>"You <i>cannot</i>!" he repeated, ignoring the position +in which he stood, and the presence of the others. +"<i>You must!</i>"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil made haste to allay the storm that he +saw was still rising.</p> + +<p>"Let us be considerate," he said. "Miss Fern is +not well. She is tired and nervous. To-morrow, +when she has rested, she will be only too glad to tell +us the history of her strange disappearance."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern looked uneasily from his daughter to the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>gentlemen and back again. He loved her dearly, +and in this new danger that seemed to threaten her—danger +perhaps even to her reputation—he wanted +more than ever to shield her from all harm. Whatever +had happened she was his child. She should +not be baited and badgered by any one. But Daisy +did not give him time to speak in her defense. She +answered Mr. Weil almost as soon as the question +left his lips.</p> + +<p>"It cannot be. Not to-morrow, nor at any other +time, can I tell you—or any person—anything. You +must never ask me. It would merely give me pain, +and heaven knows I shall suffer enough without it. +Let me say a little more, for this is the last time I +shall ever speak of these things. To you, Mr. Weil, +I want to give my warmest thanks. You have been +a true friend to me and mine. I do not mean to +seem ungrateful, but I can tell you no more. And +as for you, Shirley," she turned with set eyes to the +novelist, "you know what we were to each other. +It is all ended now. Even if you had expressed no +disbelief in me when you heard I had disappeared, +it would be just the same. I hold no hard feelings +against you, whatever my father may say. It is +simply good-by. I shall not remain here much +longer. Do not let this make you unhappy any +longer than you can help. Now, you must excuse +me, for my strength is gone."</p> + +<p>Daisy had been much longer saying these things +than the reader will be in perusing them. They had +come in gasps, as from one in severe pain, and there +were pauses of many seconds. When she had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>finished she rose, and leaning heavily on the feeble +old man who escorted her, walked slowly out of the +room.</p> + +<p>"Well, this ends it, then," said Roseleaf, gloomily, +following the fair figure with heavy eyes.</p> + +<p>"No, Shirley, it does not; it <i>shall</i> not!" replied +Weil. "There is some dreadful mistake here, and a +little time will clear it away. Have patience."</p> + +<p>The novelist gazed at the speaker with a strange +look.</p> + +<p>"I have treated you like a brute," he said, slowly. +"And I have treated Mr. Fern just as badly. My +punishment is well deserved. But how can this puzzle +of her absence be accounted for! Of course she +would have had to satisfy me on that point before I +could have married her."</p> + +<p>The listener turned giddily toward a window.</p> + +<p>"And yet you talk of love!" he said, recovering. +"If that girl had done me the honor she did you I +would not have <i>asked</i> her such a question—I would +have refused to <i>listen</i> if it gave her the slightest pain +to tell."</p> + +<p>"I wonder she did not love you instead of me—for +she did love me once," was the sober reply. "You +would be a thousand times better, more suitable, +than I."</p> + +<p>There was no reply to this, but the two men walked +slowly out of the house and to the station, where +they took the next train for the city. On the way +they talked little, and at the Grand Central Depot +they separated.</p> + +<p>Lawrence Gouger, who had in some strange way +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>learned the news of Miss Fern's return, was awaiting +Roseleaf in his rooms.</p> + +<p>"Well, I hear the missing one is found," he said, as +the novelist came in.</p> + +<p>"Yes. She is with her father. But the peculiar +thing is that she closes her lips absolutely about her +absence. She not only refuses to speak now, but +announces that her refusal is final."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger hesitated what card to play.</p> + +<p>"When does the marriage take place?" he asked, +finally.</p> + +<p>"With me? Never. I have been thrown over. +Unless she had explained I could not have married +her, any way; could I?"</p> + +<p>The critic said he did not know. It would certainly +have been awkward.</p> + +<p>"And what is your theory?" he added. "Do you +still lay anything to Weil?"</p> + +<p>"No. I am completely nonplussed. But, never +mind. It is over."</p> + +<p>Roseleaf stretched himself, and yawned.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Gouger, I almost doubt if I have +really been in love at all. I feel a queer sense of +relief at being out of it, though there is a dull pain, +too, that isn't exactly comfortable. I told Archie +coming in that she should have married <i>him</i>. Upon +my soul I wish she would. She's an awful nice little +thing, and he has a heart that is genuine enough for +her. Well, it's odd, anyway."</p> + +<p>Astonishment was written on the face of the other +gentleman as he heard these statements.</p> + +<p>"You have at least gained one point," he said, im<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>pressively. +"You have done the best part of the +greatest novel that ever was written. Sit down as soon +as you can and finish it, and we shall see your name +so high up on the temple of fame that no contemporary +of this generation can reach it."</p> + +<p>"So high the letters will be indistinguishable, I +fear," responded Roseleaf, with a laugh. "Where do +you think I can get the heartiest supper in New +York? I am positively starved. I don't believe I've +eaten a thing since yesterday. If you can help me +any to clear the board, let us go together."</p> + +<p>This invitation was accepted, and Roseleaf began +making a more particular toilet, taking great pains +with the set of his cravat and spending at least ten +minutes extra on his hair when he had finished shaving +himself. He never had allowed a barber to +touch his face.</p> + +<p>"You won't lose any time on the novel, will you?" +asked Gouger, anxiously, while these preparations +were in progress. "You must take hold of it while +the events are fresh in your mind."</p> + +<p>"All right. I'll begin again to-morrow morning, +and stick to the work till it's done. Where shall we +go to supper? I'll tell you—Isaac Leveson's."</p> + +<p>The critic could not conceal his surprise at the +overturn that had taken place so suddenly in the +young man's conduct. He stared at him with a look +that approached consternation.</p> + +<p>"You want to go there!" he exclaimed, unable to +control himself. "You wish to dine with some pretty +girl, eh?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf started violently.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, no! Not—yet!" he answered. "We can +get a supper room without that appendix. I wish to +be among men as mean as myself. I want to dine in +a house full of people who would cut a woman's +throat—or break her heart—and sleep soundly when +they had done it!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h3>AN UNDISCOVERABLE SECRET.</h3> + + +<p>The Ferns did not stay much longer at Midlands. +Crushed by their misfortunes neither cared to remain +near the scenes that had made them so unhappy, nor +where they would be likely to meet faces which kept +alive their grief. The father knew no more than at +first concerning the strange conduct of his daughter. +She had told him nothing, and he had not asked her +a single question. It was enough for him that she +was bowed with a great trouble. His only thought +was to mitigate her distress in every possible way. +He was old—how old he had not realized until that +week when she changed from a happy, laughing girl, +standing at the threshold of a marriage she longed +for, to a sombre shadow that walked silently by his +side. He was the one who under ordinary circumstances +should have received the care and the +thoughtfulness—but everything was altered now. +He guided and directed the younger feet, even +though his own were faltering and slow.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span></p> + +<p>Where they had gone no one seemed to know. +Archie Weil received one brief note from Mr. Fern +thanking him again in touching phrase for his many +kindnesses, and saying that Daisy wished to add her +most earnest wish for his happiness. The letter said +they were going away for some time; but no more. +He went one day to Midlands, hoping to learn +something from the servants, and found the home +entirely deserted. A neighbor told him a real estate +agent near by had the keys, but that the place was +neither for sale nor to rent. The agent, when found, +could add nothing to his stock of information. Mr. +Fern had merely mentioned that he was going on a +journey and asked to have a man sleep at the house +during his absence, as a precaution against robbery.</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil saw Roseleaf two or three times, but the +interviews were so unsatisfactory that he felt them +not worth repeating. The novelist told him, as he +had told Gouger, that he did not believe he had ever +really loved Daisy, and was actually relieved now +that the strain was ended. No persuasion could +turn him from this statement, which he made rather +in explanation of his present course than as a +defense of it. Gouger had persuaded him that a +love affair was necessary to develop his talents as a +writer. Before he knew what he was about, such an +affair had been precipitated upon him. He had felt +its pleasures and pains to the uttermost, and now it +was ended. All that was left as a result was a pile +of MSS. which the critic pronounced wonderful. It +was as if he had been in a trance, or mesmerized.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> +Henceforth he would confine his writings to actualities +or to poetic imaginings.</p> + +<p>Talking with a man who held these views was not +inspiring, to put it mildly, and Archie reluctantly +gave up all hopes of making Daisy Fern a happy +woman through this source. He had dreamed of +unraveling the mystery that surrounded her and +placing the young couple again in the position +which, by some horrible mischance, had been so +vitally changed in the short space of one day. +Though he still loved Daisy with all the warmth of his +nature, Archie had no thought of trying to win her +for himself. She had given the fullness of her +innocent heart to Roseleaf and he did not believe +she was one to change her affections to another so +soon as this.</p> + +<p>What had happened! What had happened! He +thought it over day by day, and night by night.</p> + +<p>Among the things he did before leaving New York—for +he felt that a journey was necessary for him—was +to seek out Millicent. He found the elder sister +adamant to every suggestion of love for her family. +She believed herself injured by them, and would +have nothing more to do with either. As to the +strange affair regarding Daisy she declared she had +no theory. She did not think it sufficiently interesting +even to try to formulate one. Her time was +given to writing, and she had found another assistant +that quite filled Roseleaf's place. The firm of +Scratch & Bytum had accepted her latest novel, as +she did not care to have anything more to do with +Mr. Gouger.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span></p> + +<p>When she mentioned the name of Roseleaf, Mr. +Weil looked at her intently, and saw that she uttered it +with the utmost calmness. She had hardened. Her +fancied grievances had made her a different woman. +She was cynical before, but now she was bitter. He +would not have believed that such an alteration +could have taken place in so short a time.</p> + +<p>"What is your new book about?" he asked, trying +to be polite.</p> + +<p>"Crime!" she answered briefly. "It deals with the +lowest of the low. It suits the mood I am in. I am +writing of things so terrible that they will hardly be +credited. To get at my facts I have to go into the +most depraved quarters, and associate with the +<i>canaille</i>. But I am going to make a hit that has not +been equaled in recent years!"</p> + +<p>He smiled sadly.</p> + +<p>"Roseleaf had the same expectation," he said. +"And yet he tells me that he is doing nothing on +that wonderful tale over which I have heard Gouger +rave so often. He has reached a point where he can +go no farther, and unless he rouses himself, all he has +done is merely wasted time."</p> + +<p>Millicent closed her eyes till they resembled those +of a cat at noonday.</p> + +<p>"Keep watch for mine," she said. "It will be all +I claim for it."</p> + +<p>During the winter Mr. Weil was in California. As +spring approached he returned to the East and +visited a well known resort in North Carolina, +where by one of those curious coincidences that happen +to travelers, he found himself placed at table +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>exactly opposite to Mr. Walker Boggs. The ordinary +salutations and explanations followed, and then Mr. +Boggs alluded to a more interesting subject.</p> + +<p>"I think I can surprise you," he remarked, "by +something that I learned the other day. Mr. Fern +and Miss Daisy are living within five miles of here."</p> + +<p>It was certainly news, and entirely unexpected at +that. Those people might be in Greenland, for all +Archie had known, and indeed he had supposed they +were on the other side of the ocean. He listened +with interest while Boggs went on to say that they +had hired an old plantation house and grounds +and were living a strictly secluded life. The narrator +had seen them in one of his drives through the +country, and had talked a few minutes with Mr. +Fern; but—and he said it with a touch of pique—he +had not been invited to visit them, nor had any +apology been made for the neglect.</p> + +<p>"By George, I thought it rather tough!" he +added, "considering the way you and I got him out +of that nigger's clutches."</p> + +<p>"But you must remember what he has since endured," +replied Archie, mildly.</p> + +<p>"And there's been no explanation, of any sort?"</p> + +<p>"Not the slightest. I'd give half I'm worth if I +could get a clue. It worries me all the time. A life +like that girl's ruined—simply ruined—in twenty-four +hours, and nobody able to tell why! It's +enough to drive a man frantic!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil did not drive immediately to Oakhurst, +which he learned was the name of the estate that Mr. +Fern rented, but he enclosed his card in a hotel en<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>velope +and sent it there by mail, without a word of +comment. If they thought it best to see him he +would be glad to go, otherwise he would not intrude +on their privacy.</p> + +<p>Several days after—mails were slow in the South—an +answer came. It briefly requested that Mr. +Weil and Mr. Boggs, if the latter were still in town, +would come to lunch on the following Wednesday. +Boggs fumed slightly at the apparent difference +made between him and Weil, but ended by going +with his friend to Oakhurst.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern did not look any worse than when Archie +had last seen him—indeed, if anything, he had improved +in appearance. Time helps most griefs to put +on a better face, and though the marks of what he +had passed through would not be likely to leave his +countenance, the utter hopelessness had in a measure +<a name="Page_278t" id="Page_278t"></a><a href="#Page_278tn">disappeared</a>. When Daisy came into the parlor, she +also wore a mien not quite so crushed as when she +left the room at Midlands with her words of farewell. +Whatever her trouble was, it had not left her +without something to live for. Her youth was doing +its work, and it seemed to the anxious eyes of the +onlooker that time would restore her nearly, if not +quite, to her former radiance.</p> + +<p>In the presence of Mr. Boggs, neither father nor +daughter cared to discuss the past. They talked of +the plantation on which they resided, of the pleasant +drives in the vicinity, and of matters connected with +the world in general, of which they had learned +through the newspapers. But after the lunch was +finished Archie found himself alone with Daisy, wan<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>dering +through the extensive oak forest that gave +the place its name.</p> + +<p>"How long shall you stay here?" he asked her, as +a prelude to the other questions he wanted to follow it.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," she replied. "We shall probably +go north during the warm weather, perhaps to the +White Mountains."</p> + +<p>He suggested that it must be rather lonesome at +Oakhurst.</p> + +<p>"Not for us," she said, quickly. "We are all in +all to each other, and require no thickly settled community +to satisfy us."</p> + +<p>"Daisy," he said, after a pause, "there are things +I must say to you, and I hope—with all my heart—you +will find a way to answer them. In the first +place, do you believe me, really, truly, your friend?"</p> + +<p>She placed her hand in his for answer. The action +meant more than any form of words.</p> + +<p>"Then, tell me—tell me as freely as if I were your +brother, your priest—why you stayed from home that +night."</p> + +<p>She withdrew the hand he held, to place it with +the other over her eyes.</p> + +<p>"It is impossible," she responded, with a gasp. +"I told you that I never could explain, and I never +can."</p> + +<p>He looked sorely disappointed.</p> + +<p>"I know no person on earth—not even my father," +she proceeded, giving him back the clasp she had +loosened, "that I would tell it to sooner than you. I +have not given him the least hint. I know it leaves +you to think a thousand things, and I can only throw +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>myself on your mercy; I can only ask you to remember +all you knew of me before that day, and +decide whether a girl can change her whole mental +and moral attitude in a moment."</p> + +<p>He drew her arm caressingly through his, and +breathed a sigh on her forehead.</p> + +<p>"Not for one second have I doubted your truth!" +he replied. "Believe that, Daisy, through everything. +But I hoped for an explanation, for something +that might assist me to punish the guilty ones, +for such there must have been."</p> + +<p>The face that she turned toward him was full of +terror.</p> + +<p>"Why do you say that?" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Because—"</p> + +<p>"No, no!" she cried, interrupting him. "I do not +want to hear you! We must not talk on the subject! +There is nothing to be told, nothing to be +guessed. This must be alluded to no more between +us. It must end here and now!"</p> + +<p>Thoroughly disappointed, he could do no more than +acquiesce in the decision, and he indicated as much +by a profound bow. Then she changed the conversation +by an abrupt allusion to Roseleaf. When he +told her, as he thought it wisest to do, how well the +young man had borne his loss, she said she was very +thankful. She had feared that he would suffer when +he came to his senses, and it was a mercy that this +reflection had been spared her.</p> + +<p>He spoke of her sister, and of the call he had +made upon her, suppressing, however, the disagreeable +features of her remarks. Daisy said she had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span>written twice and received no reply. It was evident +that the separation in the family was final.</p> + +<p>Toward evening the visitors drove back to their +hotel, discussing the strange events that had occurred. +Archie Weil did not close his eyes that +night. The love he had tried to suppress broke +forth in all its original fervor. He could not sleep +with the object of his adoration five miles away, so +lonely and so desolate.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The next day Mr. Boggs went away, and the next +after this, a new visitor carried from the north. On +coming out upon the veranda to smoke, Mr. Weil +found Shirley Roseleaf there.</p> + +<p>The surprise was mutual. Dying of ennui, Archie +was glad even to meet the novelist. They talked for +hours and afterward went to ride together. It appeared +that Roseleaf had come south to get material +for an article in the interest of the magazine on +which he was employed.</p> + +<p>One night, a week later, Roseleaf came into Weil's +room and asked if he would like to take a moonlight +canter with him. Glad of any means to vary the +awful monotony Archie accepted, and the horses +were soon mounted. Weil noticed that the route +was in the direction of Oakhurst, but as he supposed +Roseleaf knew nothing of the presence of the Ferns +there, and as the family were doubtless abed at this +time, he made no attempt to induce him to take an +opposite course. It was a sad pleasure to pass within +so short a distance of the roof that sheltered the +one he loved best. On they rode, until they were +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span>within a mile of Oakhurst, and then Roseleaf drew +his animal down to a walk. A little further he +turned sharply into a by-path and alighted.</p> + +<p>"What's all this?" asked Archie, stupefied with +astonishment.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<h3>"I PLAYED AND I LOST."</h3> + + +<p>Roseleaf did not immediately reply. He busied +himself by tying his horse to a tree, taking particular +pains to make the knot good and strong. He apparently +wanted a little time to think what form of +words to use.</p> + +<p>"I want you to see something that will interest +you," he said, finally, in the lowest tone that could +well be heard. "If you will follow my example and +accompany me some distance further I think you +will be paid for your trouble."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil was pale. He felt certain that this +strange visit had been premeditated, and that some +revelation regarding the Fern family was about to be +made. The dread of an unknown possibility for +which he had no preparation—affecting the girl for +whom he had so deep a love—unmanned him.</p> + +<p>"I have a right to ask you to explain," he responded. +"If your statement is satisfactory I will +accompany you gladly. I do not see the need of any +mystery in the matter."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span></p> + +<p>The younger man drew a long breath and looked +abstractedly at the ground for some moments. Then +he spoke again:</p> + +<p>"There are subjects," he said, "that one does not +like to discuss. There are names that one hesitates +to pronounce. If you will tie your horse and go +with me, your eyes and ears will make questions +unnecessary."</p> + +<p>A momentary suspicion flashed through the mind +of the other—a suspicion that he was being beguiled +to this lonely spot from a sinister motive that boded +his safety no good. But it was immediately dismissed, +and after another second of delay, Archie +slipped from his saddle and followed the example of +his companion.</p> + +<p>"Lead on," he said, laconically.</p> + +<p>Without waiting for a second invitation, Roseleaf +began to penetrate the wood. He found a footpath, +after going a short distance, and crept along it +slowly, taking evident pains not to make unnecessary +noise. They were going in the direction of Oakhurst, +and in less than ten minutes the chimneys of +that residence could be seen in front of them. A +little further and Roseleaf stopped, placing himself +in the attitude of an attentive listener.</p> + +<p>The silence was profound. A slight chill permeated +the atmosphere, but neither of the prowlers felt +cold. On the contrary, perspiration covered the +bodies of both of them. Roseleaf went, very slowly, +along the path, till he came near a fence, and +then, diverging from it, drew himself quietly into a +thick copse, motioning Weil to follow. Here the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>leader sank to the ground, with a motion which indicated +that the journey was temporarily, at least, at +an end, and the second member of the party followed +his example.</p> + +<p>Half an hour passed with nothing to indicate the +reason for these most peculiar actions. Half an +hour that was interminable to Mr. Weil, torn with a +thousand fears as to what it might all portend. At +last, however, a faint sound broke the stillness. +Some one was approaching. Roseleaf touched the +shoulder of his companion to indicate the necessity +of absolute silence.</p> + +<p>Hardly ten feet away there passed a tall, athletic +form, walking with a quick stride, as of one who has +no suspicion that he is watched by unfriendly eyes. +As the man's face became visible in the moonlight it +was well that Roseleaf had a pressure of warning on +his companion's shoulder. It was almost impossible +for the latter to restrain an exclamation that would +have ruined everything.</p> + +<p>It was the face of Hannibal, the negro!</p> + +<p>Horrified, Archie turned his bloodshot eyes toward +Roseleaf. What could this strange visit of Hannibal's +to that vicinity presage? Did he intend to +murder the master of the house and abduct the +daughter? What was he doing there, at an hour +not much short of midnight? The terrors of his +previous imaginings gave way to yet more horrible +ones.</p> + +<p>But the mute appeal that he shot at his companion +produced no answer, except a resolute shake +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>of the head—an absolute prohibition against the +least sound or movement.</p> + +<p>Hannibal reached the fence and, without any +attempt at concealment, climbed over it into the +enclosure where were situated the house and outbuildings +of the Oakhurst estate. He acted like one +who knows his ground and has no occasion to pick +his way. He went, however, but a little farther in +the direction of the residence. In a place where the +shadow of a smokehouse hid him from the possible +view of any one looking from the windows, he +waited in an attitude of expectation.</p> + +<p>The difficulty of controlling himself grew stronger +and stronger for Archie Weil. He wanted to end +this terrible doubt—to spring over that fence, pinion +this fellow by the throat and demand what business +he had on those premises at that hour. Roseleaf +realized all that was passing in his mind, and kept +his hand still on his shoulder, at the same time warning +him by signs that the least movement would +ruin everything. It seemed to Archie, when he +thought it over afterward, that he had never endured +such pain. He knew beyond reasonable doubt that +Hannibal was awaiting some one by appointment. +Who could it be? That was the stupendous question +that Roseleaf might have answered in a whisper, +but that he preferred for some mysterious reason his +friend should discover in the natural course of events. +And that course was horribly, torturously slow!</p> + +<p>Everything has an end, and the dread of the +watcher changed to another feeling as he saw distinctly +one of the outer doors of the residence open +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>and Daisy Fern's form come out. Without glancing +to the right or the left she walked in the direction +where the negro was waiting. For an instant, overcome +by his apprehensions, Archie closed both his +eyes in despair. The voice of Roseleaf was at last +heard in his ear, a whisper nearly inaudible, conjuring +him not to betray his presence whatever the +provocation.</p> + +<p>When Archie opened his eyes again he saw that +Hannibal stood in an attitude of respect. When the +girl approached he bowed, without offering any +more intimate courtesy. Daisy had the look of one +who has made up her mind to endure an unpleasant +interview and desires to end it as quickly as possible.</p> + +<p>"Well?" she said, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"I am going to-morrow," he replied, in a voice +that shook with emotion.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And, as I told you, I want to say good-by once +more."</p> + +<p>Archie breathed a trifle easier. He could not tell +what fears had crowded upon him—they were indistinct +in their horribleness—but some of them had +already flown.</p> + +<p>"You are as cold as ever," continued the rich +voice of the negro, in a cadence that was meant to be +reproachful.</p> + +<p>"Do you think I could be anything else?" was the +quick reply, as if forced from lips that had meant to +remain silent. "Has your conduct been such as to +make me like or respect you?"</p> + +<p>The negro's eyes fell before her indignant gaze.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," he answered, humbly. "I expect nothing; +I ask nothing. I can see my mistakes now. And +yet, it would have been no different had I played the +part of an angel toward you. The entire question +with you was settled in advance by the fact that my +skin was black."</p> + +<p>The pressure on Weil's shoulder grew heavier, +from time to time, as his companion realized his +temptation to break from his covert.</p> + +<p>"If it had been as white as any man's who ever +lived," replied Daisy, boldly, "your conduct would +have earned the contempt of a self-respecting person! +A blackmailer, an abductor, a conspirator +against the peace of mind of an old man and a young +girl who never harmed you! I wonder you can talk +of other reasons when you created so many by your +wicked acts!"</p> + +<p>Hannibal shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"It is true, nevertheless," he replied. "I am a +negro. In a moment of insanity I dreamed I was a +Man! I dreamed I might gain for my wife a woman +whose ancestors had been born in a more northerly +clime than my own. To gain that end I took the +only course that seemed open. I possessed myself +of an influence that would make her father fear me. +Well, I played and I lost—and then, like other players +and losers, even white ones, I was desperate. +You were to be married to another—a man I hated. +Life had lost its only charm, I could not bear that +you should be his bride. My torture was intense. I +asked but for death."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span></p> + +<p>These revelations, so novel to at least one of the +listeners, smote him with terrific force.</p> + +<p>"You asked for more!" said the girl, hoarsely. +"You asked for my death as well as your own. And +you wanted me to die in such a situation that all the +world would say I had perished willingly with you. +Could anything more cowardly be conceived! Was +anything more dastardly ever devised! It was the +morning of my wedding day; my father was waiting +for me at home; my promised husband was preparing +for the bridal; my friends were invited to +the ceremony. What were all these to you? With +Mephistophelian cunning you sent me a letter in another +person's handwriting, saying that, if I would +come to a certain address, and pay fifty dollars, several +forged notes given by my father would be returned +to me. You knew I would respond. You +knew I would tell no one where I was going, as I +did not expect to be detained more than an hour, +and there was apparently the strongest reasons for +secrecy. And when I was completely in your clutches +you gave me the alternative of <i>marrying</i> you—ugh!—or +of taking the poison you had so carefully prepared. +Oh, how <i>could</i> you! how <i>could</i> you, when +you professed to <i>like</i> me!"</p> + +<p>There was a low gurgle in Archie Weil's throat, +that he could not suppress. Fearful that it might +be heard in that dead silence, Roseleaf shook his +companion slightly. Mingled with his other emotions +there now came to Weil a stupefied wonder at +the apparent coolness of the novelist.</p> + +<p>"When one is willing to die for his love, it should +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>not be questioned," said the negro. "I could not +have you in life—I wanted you in death. I wanted +the world, which had despised me, to think a beautiful +woman had preferred to die with me rather than +marry a man she did not wish to wed. But why +should we recall that dreadful day and night? You +won the victory. You, with your superior finesse, +triumphed over the African as your race has always +triumphed over mine. I demanded love or death. +You dissuaded me from both. And the next day I +permitted you to depart, and saw vanish with you +the last hope of happiness I shall ever feel."</p> + +<p>The rich voice of the speaker broke completely at +the close, but the girl who heard him seemed to feel +no sympathy for his distress.</p> + +<p>"Always yourself!" she exclaimed. "Do you +ever think of the life you left to <i>me</i>—a life hardly +more kind than the murder you contemplated. Before +you opened the portals that you had meant +for my tomb you made me swear never to reveal +where I had passed those hours. Never, no matter +what the provocation, was I to utter one word to +implicate you in the tragedy that had ruined two +households. <i>You</i> were the one to be protected—<i>I</i> +the one to suffer! Had it not been for the sacrifice +to my reputation in being found there with you +dead—no explanation being possible from my closed +lips—I would have accepted the alternative and +swallowed the poison rather than live to bear what I +do to-day!"</p> + +<p>Weil closed his eyes again. His brain was swimming.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And you are sure," asked the negro, after a +pause, "that you have not violated that promise? +You can still swear that you have never, even by a +hint, given the least cause of suspicion against me?"</p> + +<p>"Never!" said the girl. "I consider my oath +binding, notwithstanding the manner in which it +was obtained. You may live in what peace your +conscience allows you, free at least from that fear."</p> + +<p>The negro evidently believed her, for he heaved a +sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>"Well, good-by," he said.</p> + +<p>"Good-by," she replied. "And—you are not to +come again, remember. There is nothing to be +gained from another meeting between us. If—if +you want money—I can send it to you."</p> + +<p>He lifted his head rather proudly at the last suggestion.</p> + +<p>"I do not want any," he said. "I am not low +enough for that. I took the sum from you to go to +France, because I hoped—in my infatuation—that I +could make myself something that you would not +despise. If I had wanted money I could have got +thousands out of your father, and I could still, notwithstanding +the pretence of those men that they +wrote the signatures I saw him forge. No, I mean +to give you back what I had from you, if ever I can +compose my mind enough to go to work and earn +it. I have no ambition. I stay in my mother's +cabin, day after day, unable to make the least effort. +Perhaps I can do something—in time."</p> + +<p>The negro took a step away, and then turned, as if +unable to go so abruptly.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good-by," he said, again.</p> + +<p>"Good-by," answered Daisy, impassively. "I +want to tell you, now I think of it, where I got that +$1,000 I gave you. It was lent to me by the man +you hated so, Mr. Roseleaf."</p> + +<p>Hannibal did not seem to care for this information.</p> + +<p>"He did not lend it for any good-will to me," he +replied. "I have heard, by-the-way, that he did not +mind losing you—this man for whom you spurned a +heart that worshiped your very footprints. I believe +some day I'll take a shot at him."</p> + +<p>The girl shuddered.</p> + +<p>"It would be like you," she said, "if no one +was looking, and he did not know of your presence. +I don't believe, with all your claims, there is a manly +trait in you."</p> + +<p>The tall form drew itself up and the athletic arms +were folded firmly.</p> + +<p>"Take care!" said the red lips, sharply, and the +ivory white teeth gleamed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am not afraid," replied Daisy. "My maid +is watching us from behind the blinds of my room. +I told her my own story about why I was to meet +you, but should harm happen to me the alarm bell +would ring out."</p> + +<p>Startled visibly at this information, Hannibal +glanced in the direction indicated, and then began +to take his departure in earnest.</p> + +<p>"All right," he said, as he mounted the fence. +"Keep your word and I'll keep mine. But if you +play any tricks, remember that's a game for two."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span></p> + +<p>The men could not arise without startling Daisy, +who would undoubtedly have uttered a loud scream +had they suddenly appeared before her vision. They +saw her stand there for at least ten minutes, before +she went into the house. When she was out of sight, +Weil crawled into a safer place and rose to his feet.</p> + +<p>"I am going to follow that cur!" he muttered, between +his teeth.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow is soon enough," was the calm reply +of his friend. "I know where he lives."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + +<h3>ABSOLUTELY BLAMELESS.</h3> + + +<p>Most men who are by nature excitable surprise +their friends on occasions by exhibiting great calmness. +Shirley Roseleaf, who had often been thrown +into the greatest heat by far less important happenings +than the one just narrated, seemed a picture of +repose as he walked through the wood with his +friend in the direction of the horses they had tethered.</p> + +<p>"How did you discover they were going to have this +meeting?" asked Weil, nervously. "I am all at sea."</p> + +<p>"I have been on his track ever since the day I was +to have been married," was the reply. "I didn't intend +to leave a mystery like that unsolved. I discovered +that the Ferns were living here, and that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> +Hannibal originated a few miles further on. I found +that Miss Daisy was still a little afraid of him, that +he was using an influence over her which was to say +the least strange. Before I got at the truth I had +some queer misgivings, you may believe."</p> + +<p>Mr. Weil stared at his companion.</p> + +<p>"But how did you learn all this?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Oh," said Roseleaf, with a slight laugh, "I've +been in this neighborhood for two months. They +haven't met once but I heard every word they said. +Little by little I gained the truth of the matter. +And to-night, as it was perhaps the last time they +would be together, I wanted you to understand it +perfectly."</p> + +<p>Archie frowned at the thoughts that crept in upon +his brain.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me for saying that you don't appear to +mind it much," he muttered. "If you have heard +many conversations like the one to which I just +listened, and could go away without expressing the +thoughts you ought to feel, you are made up differently +from me."</p> + +<p>"That may be so, too," smiled the other, good-humoredly. +"But remember that things are changed. +I once was a man in love—now I am simply a writer +of romance."</p> + +<p>The elder man shivered.</p> + +<p>"Could one be actually in love with a girl like that +and then recover from it?" he asked, half to himself.</p> + +<p>"I don't think I ever was very much in love," was +the quick reply. "But never mind that. Let us +talk of Hannibal. You spoke of going after him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> +What would you have done had you carried out that +intention?"</p> + +<p>Weil had not thought of the matter in this concrete +form. He had wanted to punish the negro for +his crimes against the woman he so dearly loved, +against the old man for whom he had such a warm +affection. How he would have accomplished this he +had not decided. The first thing was to follow and +tax the wretch with his offense. Subsequent events +would have depended on the way Hannibal met the +accusation. Certainly the temper of the pursuer +would have been warm, and his conduct might have +been severe.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," he said. "I should have told +him for one thing that he would have to reckon with +something more than a weak girl or a poor old man +if he annoyed that family again. In case he had +been impertinent I cannot say what I might have +been tempted to do."</p> + +<p>"All the more reason for congratulating yourself," +replied Roseleaf, as they reached the horses, "that +you did not follow him. He has promised to keep +away from the Ferns, and I think they have seen the +last of him. What is done can't be undone, ugly as +it is. Now," he continued, vaulting into his saddle, +"your course is reasonably plain. You must visit +Miss Daisy soon, let her know that the extent of her +misfortune is in your possession, and after a reasonable +time, ask her to marry you."</p> + +<p>Archie Weil, who had also mounted his horse, +came near falling from the back of the animal at +this very abrupt suggestion.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is just what you should do," continued +Roseleaf, without allowing him to speak. "You are +desperately in love. Daisy likes you very well, and +it would take but little effort on your part to induce +even a warmer sentiment. Her father thinks you +one of the angels that came down to earth and +forgot to return to heaven. She ought not to go +through life alone. Her only trouble is the suspicion +that rests on her name—a suspicion she considers +herself bound in honor to do nothing to lift. Show +her that you know how innocent she is, and you will +bring a new light to her eyes, a new smile to her +lips."</p> + +<p>"But," asked Archie, catching at the straw, "how +can I tell her—how can I explain the source of my +information?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf laughed.</p> + +<p>"By the novel method of using the truth, or at +least a part of it," he said. "Tell her you were out +riding and saw Hannibal, and followed him. You +needn't count me into it. Why, you've got to let her +know, or else I have. It's a thing she would almost +give her life to have revealed without her aid. Go +like a man and take that heavy weight off her young +soul."</p> + +<p>Finally Weil consented. He would not discuss +the question of whether he would afterwards speak +of the hope that lay nearest his heart. But he would +go to her, as Roseleaf suggested, and relieve her of +the strain that had worn so deeply. He would go +the very next day. The sooner it was accomplished +the better. The more he thought of it the more de<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>lighted +he grew that he could carry such tidings. +He could make Daisy happier. That was enough +for him—at present. If he could make himself +happy at a future date—but there was time enough +for that.</p> + +<p>He sat upright in his saddle and exulted as his +horse bounded nimbly over the ground. Why was +it not already day, that he might turn the beast in +the opposite direction! The hours would be very +long before the sun rose and he could start on his +joyful errand. The sombre hue of his countenance +disappeared before the contentment that began to +fill his breast.</p> + +<p>He slept well, notwithstanding the fact that he +expected to lie awake all night when he retired. In +the morning, on going down to breakfast, he found +that Shirley had left still earlier, leaving word that +he had started on a quest for game. Weil did not +mind. He had enough before him for one day. He +was going to see Daisy, and he had that to tell which +would lighten the load she had so long felt compelled +to carry.</p> + +<p>He waited until after nine o'clock, feeling that +some regard must be paid to <i>les convenances</i>, even on +such an important occasion as this. When he was in +the saddle he rode as slowly as he could bring himself +to do, to make his arrival still later. At last he +reached the gate of Oakhurst, and when he had summoned +the porter he sent him for Mr. Fern, stating +that he had happened to ride in that direction and +wanted merely to make a short call.</p> + +<p>It was but a few minutes before the servant re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span>turned, +and the hospitable master of the premises +came with him. Mr. Fern <a name="Page_297t" id="Page_297t"></a><a href="#Page_297tn">upbraided</a> Weil for using +so much ceremony, remarking that although he was +living in a retired way, there was always one friend +he was glad to see. Giving up the horse, Archie +accompanied his host to the house, where the latter +said he would send at once for Daisy.</p> + +<p>"A minute," interpolated Archie. "I want a little +talk with you first, alone."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern looked up curiously. He believed he +knew what his visitor was about to say. He had +long suspected the feelings which Archie entertained +for Daisy. He knew also that his daughter would +consent to wed no man, no matter who, while there +hung over her fair fame the terrible mystery of her +wedding night.</p> + +<p>"I want to tell you," pursued Archie, before his +host could interrupt, "that I have made a great discovery—one +of the utmost moment to your family. +I know what happened on that day so sad to all of +us, and—listen to me, Mr. Fern!—I know that your +child is absolutely blameless in the matter."</p> + +<p>The listener's face grew very white. He understood +imperfectly, but it seemed to him that a tale +he could not bear to hear was about to be forced +upon him.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Weil," he said, earnestly, "I hope you will +not continue this subject. I do not know what +occurred—I do not wish to know. I have consulted +my daughter's sentiments entirely. She prefers to +have the veil unlifted, and I respect her wish."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p> + +<p>The visitor could hardly contain himself for impatience.</p> + +<p>"That has been true hitherto," he replied. "But +Miss Daisy herself will be more than delighted when +she knows I am aware of the entire facts—which she +has been prevented, by a promise extracted from her, +from revealing. Call her, let me tell her that I +know everything, and how I know it, and you will +see the happiest girl in America."</p> + +<p>Mr. Fern shook his head doubtfully. He was +much afraid of doing something to injure Daisy's +feelings. He could not believe she wanted to have +the trouble that had crushed her raked up by any +one. Archie persisted, however, and his arguments +at last won the day.</p> + +<p>"You do not think I would come here with any +tidings I did not believe agreeable?" he said, interrogatively. +"You know I care too much for—for +both of you—to do that."</p> + +<p>When Miss Daisy was summoned, which she was +at last, and Mr. Weil gently let drop a hint of what +he had to tell, the girl was hardly less agitated than +her father had been. Instead, however, as the visitor +expected, of relying on her natural protector +during the expected recital, she whispered to Mr. +Fern, who obediently rose and let her lead him out +of the room. Presently she returned, and took a +chair opposite to Mr. Weil. Her face was so +pathetic, her attitude so entreating, that he quite +forgot what he had come to tell, and leaning toward +her, took her hands in his.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Daisy," he said, "I—I—" and he could go no +further.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know," she answered, in a low voice. +"But there is a reason why I cannot listen to you. I +have told you that before. I ought not even to say +as much as this. I should not even remain in the +room while you explain the least thing."</p> + +<p>He choked down the rising in his throat and hastened, +lest she should follow literally the sentiment +she had outlined and leave him to himself.</p> + +<p>"This has all been true, until now," he said. "You +were under a promise, an oath. But—Daisy, last +night I heard all that passed between you and your +persecutor, and there is no longer any need for mystery +between us."</p> + +<p>She gasped, as if her breath was going.</p> + +<p>"You—you heard!"</p> + +<p>"Everything. I was within forty feet of you. +Are you sorry that the awful cloud is blown away—that +your perfect innocence is proved without a +violation of your plighted word?"</p> + +<p>For the girl was crying, slowly, without hysteria, +crying with both her hands tightly clasped over her +eyes.</p> + +<p>"<i>I</i> did not need it, not I," continued the man, +earnestly. "I knew you had done nothing of your +free will that the whole world might not know. But +I knew, too, that you would be pleased to have your +innocence established. And I was glad for another +reason. I love you, Daisy. I have loved you a very +long time. Your sister was right in that. Had you +not shown such a marked preference for my friend I +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span>would have done my best to win you, months and +months ago. While you felt that you were an object +of suspicion I knew you would not consent to +be my wife. Now, that obstacle is gone and—Daisy—I +want you."</p> + +<p>The hands were withdrawn from the tear-stained +face, a handkerchief was hastily passed over it, and +Daisy turned half away from the speaker.</p> + +<p>"You will not refuse, my love," he murmured, +bending again toward her. "You will promise?"</p> + +<p>One of her hands strayed toward him, and was +clasped joyfully in his own.</p> + +<p>"But, in relation to that other matter," said Daisy, +some moments later, when the sweet tokens of love +had been given and taken, "I must be as silent as +before. I have listened to you, but I have not replied. +You can understand the reason. Never +speak of it to me again, if you do not wish to inflict +pain. It is something I cannot discuss."</p> + +<p>"I may tell your father, though," he whispered.</p> + +<p>"It would be best not. He is content now. No, +I beg you, say nothing to any one."</p> + +<p>And he promised, like the lover he was, and sealed +it with another kiss on her pure mouth.</p> + +<p>"I may tell him of—of our love?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; we will tell him of that together."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + +<h3>TRAPPING A WOLF.</h3> + + +<p>When Shirley Roseleaf left the hotel that morning +he carried a fishing rod, a rifle, a gamebag and +other acoutrements of the sportsman. In his earlier +years, before he ever came to the city, he had been +accounted something of an expert with these implements. +Since being in this country where there was +so much to tempt a Nimrod he had made a number +of similar excursions. Although it was some distance +to the locality where he intended to go the +young man did not take a conveyance of any kind. +He walked briskly over the road, breathing the pure +air of that early hour, and whistling in a low tone to +himself as he went along.</p> + +<p>Among the other things he carried was a light +lunch, for he did not care to break his fast so +early in the day. He had, besides, a contrivance +for making coffee and for broiling the fish he +expected to catch. Even if his jaunt lasted till night +his physical needs were well provided for. One +would not have imagined, to see his free and easy +swing over the road, that he had anything of greater +moment on his mind than to watch for some stray +rabbit, or a possible deer track.</p> + +<p>Not less than six miles from his starting point, he +came to a small lake, to reach which he had followed +a narrow path that led through the wood. On the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span>shore was a primitive rowboat, or rather canoe, +which he had purchased on another occasion from a +native for an insignificant price. Into this boat the +novelist stepped, and after safely depositing his traps, +took up the paddle and used it skillfully. When he +had reached approximately the centre of the lake, he +sat down, prepared his fishing tackle and began to +angle for the denizens of the water below.</p> + +<p>With the patience of a true fisherman Roseleaf sat +quietly for two hours, during which time he had +drawn out but few specimens. The long walk had, +however, given him the appetite he needed, and he +now pulled his frail craft toward the shore, with the +intention of lighting a fire and preparing a meal. But +even when he had nearly reached land he saw splinters +flying beneath his feet, and immediately after heard a +dull sound which showed what had caused the +trouble.</p> + +<p>A stray bullet, from some careless hunter, had +penetrated his canoe. The hole was large enough to +render the boat useless, for the water began to come +in rapidly. With two more stout movements of the +paddle Roseleaf forced his craft against the shore and +sprang upon dry land. Then he quietly picked up +the things he had brought with him, and walked a +little away from the scene.</p> + +<p>"These fellows are getting altogether too careless," +he muttered, as he inspected his damp belongings. +"A little more and that thing would have +been tearing splinters in me."</p> + +<p>Scraping some dead wood together, he soon had a +fire started, and the cooking of his breakfast was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>begun. He went about the work methodically, +whistling again in that low key he had used when on +the way from his hotel, and stopping now and then +as the noise of a woodbird or some wild quadruped +of the smaller kind came to his ears. He sniffed the +coffee that was boiling furiously and the freshly +caught fish that sent out an appetizing aroma. No +meal served at the Hoffman, the Imperial or the far-famed +Delmonico restaurant, could equal this primitive +repast, for him.</p> + +<p>Finally, all was ready. Helping himself to a large +plateful of the delicious food, and pouring out a +huge tin cup of the coffee, Roseleaf sat down as if +to take his ease while breakfasting. But, instead of +touching the viands he had been at such pains to +prepare, the next thing he did was to fall prone on +the ground. And at the same instant a second bullet +whizzed past him and buried itself with a tearing of +bark and wood in the tree just behind him.</p> + +<p>If Roseleaf had laid down with suddenness he rose +with no less speed. As he sprang to his feet he +picked up his rifle. He made a dozen steps forward, +and then, bringing the weapon to his shoulder, +cried to some one in front of him:</p> + +<p>"Halt, or I fire!"</p> + +<p>A human form that had been creeping away on its +hands and knees, now stood upright. It was perhaps +thirty yards from the speaker, and when it faced him +he saw that the countenance was black.</p> + +<p>"Don't come any nearer and don't go any farther +off," said the novelist, gravely. "You are at a con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>venient +distance. I can shoot you best where you +stand."</p> + +<p>The negro looked considerably crestfallen. He +seemed doubtful whether to break and run or stay +and try to face it out.</p> + +<p>"I can't help an accident," he said, at last, when +the other remained covering him with the rifle.</p> + +<p>"No," was the answer. "An accident is liable to +happen to any one, they say. But two accidents, of +the same kind, on the same day—accidents that +might either of them have been fatal if you were not +such an awfully bad marksman—are too many. +When <i>I</i> get ready to fire, there will be no accident."</p> + +<p>The negro was plainly uneasy. He cast his eyes +on the ground and writhed.</p> + +<p>"You have dropped your gun," said Roseleaf. +"That was right. It would have incommoded your +flight, and its only cartridge was used. You would +have had no time to reload. I know that gun very +well; I have heard it many times in the last six +weeks. I knew the sound of it to-day when you +fired the first time. A rifle has a voice, like a man; +did you know that? I knew it was your gun and +that you were at the end of it. With that information +in my possession, of course you couldn't catch +me napping twice. I pretended to watch my cooking, +but in reality I watched nothing but you. +There is no need that you should say anything, Hannibal. +You could not tell me much, if you tried."</p> + +<p>The speaker examined his rifle carefully, still keeping +the muzzle turned toward the person he was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>addressing. The latter did not seem to grow less +uneasy.</p> + +<p>"I spent some time last evening," continued Roseleaf, +presently, "in listening to a little conversation you +had with a certain young lady living a mile or so from +this spot. That surprises you, does it? I thought it +might. I learned how you had ruined her peace of +mind, how you had artfully contrived to make her +appear the opposite of what she really was. Now, +you have tried twice within the last hour to murder +me. For this I could have forgiven you. What you +did to that young woman is, however, a more serious +matter. I don't think anything less than pulling this +trigger will expiate that."</p> + +<p>He placed the rifle to his shoulder again, as he +spoke, and glanced along the sight. The negro half +turned, as if of a mind to attempt an escape, and +then, realizing the hopelessness of such a move, sank +on his knees and raised his hands piteously.</p> + +<p>"If you have anything to say, be quick!" said the +hard voice of the man who held the rifle.</p> + +<p>Then Hannibal blurted out his story. He told +how he had been led, step by step, to hope that he +might rise above his station, until the wild idea entered +his brain that he could even make Daisy Fern +love and marry him. He pleaded the disappointments +he had suffered, the terrible revulsion of feeling +he had undergone, the broken life he had been +obliged to take up. He did not want to be killed. +If allowed to go he would swear by all that was +good never to cross the path of the Ferns, or Roseleaf, +or any of their friends again. When his +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>treaties brought no verbal response he grew louder +in his tone, feeling that something must be done to +move the deaf ears to which he addressed his petition.</p> + +<p>"If I allowed you to leave here, you would try to +shoot me the next time you had a chance," said the +novelist. "I should merely be giving my life in exchange +for yours, which I do not consider a good +bargain."</p> + +<p>"No, I swear it before God!" came the trembling +words in reply.</p> + +<p>"I cannot trust you."</p> + +<p>A slight sound attracted the attention of Roseleaf +as he uttered the latter words. It was the sound +that oars make when dipped in water. With a quick +glance to one side he beheld a rowboat, in which +were seated Archie Weil and Daisy Fern, and they +were coming directly toward him.</p> + +<p>"Here are some of the others you have wronged," +he said, pointing. "I will wait to see if their opinions +agree with mine."</p> + +<p>Daisy saw him first, as Weil was handling the +oars, and she called her companion's attention to +him. Archie called his name.</p> + +<p>"Come here!" was Roseleaf's reply. "I have +winged a black duck and I cannot leave."</p> + +<p>A few more movements of the oars brought the +boat to the shore, and the surprise of its occupants +can be imagined when they saw the tableau that +awaited them. Hannibal was still groveling on the +earth, and the attitude of Roseleaf plainly showed the +cause of the negro's terror.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What has he done?" was the first question, and +it was Daisy's voice that asked it.</p> + +<p>"Let him tell," replied Roseleaf, nonchalantly. +"Tell the lady what you did, Hannibal."</p> + +<p>With a courage born of his knowledge of the young +lady's kind heart, Hannibal now turned his attention +toward her. He begged her to plead with his would-be +executioner to give him one more chance for his +life, and reiterated his promises to cease meddling +with all of their affairs if this was granted. As he +spoke Daisy crept nearer to Roseleaf's side, and when +he paused for a moment to gain breath, she laid her +fair hand on the rifle.</p> + +<p>"You would not kill a fellow creature?" she said, +gently.</p> + +<p>"A fellow creature?" he retorted. "No! But a +wolf, a snake, a vulture—yes."</p> + +<p>She shook her head slowly, while Mr. Weil looked +on, uncertain what to do or say. He wanted more +than anything else in his life to lay hands upon the +cause of all her woes.</p> + +<p>"You have not told me yet what he has done," +she said.</p> + +<p>"He shall tell you," replied Roseleaf, sharply. +"Stand up, Hannibal, and answer truly the questions +I am about to propound to you."</p> + +<p>The crouching figure tottered to his feet. The +negro was weak from fear.</p> + +<p>"Did you try twice this morning to murder me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the shaking voice. "But I was +insane with my troubles—I did not realize what I +was doing—I—"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span></p> + +<p>Daisy's slight hand, still on the barrel of the rifle, +was bearing it steadily to the ground.</p> + +<p>"Once," she said to Roseleaf, impressively, "you +told me you loved me! Have you regard enough +left to grant me a favor?"</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>"There are favors," he said, "that are crimes. It +is one's duty to exterminate vermin, in the interest +of the human race."</p> + +<p>But, even as he spoke, she was having her way. +Her slight strength had taken the weapon from +him.</p> + +<p>Then, with the face of a forgiving angel she turned +toward the negro and uttered very softly one word, +"Go!"</p> + +<p>Glancing at the others to see if he might safely +follow this direction, Hannibal disappeared in the +thick woods behind him. He walked with an unsteady +step. There was a strange lightness in his +brain. Some distance away he found the boat in +which he had come, and entered it, staggeringly. +Pushing from the shore with a feeble touch on his +paddle he set out for his home.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The negroes who found his body, a week later, +could not decide whether he had perished by accident +or by deliberate intention. The boat was not +capsized, but it was partially filled with water, indicating +either that he had tried to sink the craft or +had leaned too heavily to one side in something like +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>a stupor. When his gun was discovered on the +shore, new speculations were set in motion.</p> + +<p>Those who knew him recalled that he had been +moody for a long time—in fact, ever since he came +from the north. They remembered him as a young +fellow, four or five years previous, not very different +from his mates; and they had stared in wonder when +he returned with fine clothes and money in his +pocket. The dislike between him and his old acquaintances +was mutual. They could not understand +him; and what an inferior mind does not comprehend +it always views with suspicion.</p> + +<p>A grave was made near the border of the lake, and +the single word "<span class="smcap">Hannibal</span>" was written on the +board that marked the spot. But later some envious +hand scrawled beneath it:</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">He wanted to be a gentleman!</span>"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + +<h3>"THE GREATEST NOVEL."</h3> + + +<p>Archie Weil and Daisy Fern were married in June. +There was no need of waiting longer. It was a case +of true love sanctified by suffering and devotion. +The bright eyes and ruddy cheeks of the bride testified +to her renewed health and spirits. The news +of Hannibal's death—albeit it brought a tear to her +eyes, had removed the only shadow that stretched +across her pathway.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p> + +<p>Shirley Roseleaf did not come to the wedding, to +which he was the only invited guest. He wrote +that an important mission from his magazine made +it impossible to accept the invitation, but he sent a +handsome present and a letter to Archie, congratulating +him in the warmest manner.</p> + +<p>For some time Lawrence Gouger had been urging +the novelist to hasten the wonderful story that was +to make his fortune and give a new impetus to the +house of Cutt & Slashem. They had consulted together +a hundred times, and the thirty chapters already +finished seemed to leave but a few weeks' +steady work to be accomplished. Shortly after +the wedding Gouger went to Roseleaf's rooms, one +evening, and begged him to lose no further time.</p> + +<p>"What is there to wait for now?" he asked. +"All the dramatic incidents have occurred. You +only need to wind up with a glory of fireworks, showing +virtue triumphant and vice buried under a North +Carolina sycamore. Come, my dear boy, when may +I expect to see the work completed?"</p> + +<p>Roseleaf did not answer for some seconds.</p> + +<p>"There is a part of this story that you do not +comprehend," he said, finally. "A chapter is yet to +be written at which you have not guessed."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" exclaimed the listener.</p> + +<p>"Yes," nodded the other. "So far the character +that is supposed to represent myself appears that of +a heartless, cold, unfeeling wretch. Do you think +I shall be satisfied to leave it that way?"</p> + +<p>The critic stared at the speaker in astonishment.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I—I do not understand," he replied.</p> + +<p>"I thought not," said Roseleaf, soberly. "Well, +this story, to be truthful, must do justice to the one +who is supposed to personate its author. And, in +the first place, to avoid all circumlocution, let me tell +you there has never been a moment since I first +loved Daisy Fern that she has not been the dearest +thing on this earth to me!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger could not reconcile this statement with +the events that had taken place, and his puzzled +countenance said as much.</p> + +<p>"I acted like a villain, did I not," continued Roseleaf, +after a slight pause, "when the news was brought +that she had disappeared? I seemed to have no faith +in her, no confidence in Archie, no trust in that poor +old man, her father. Why? I was so madly, insanely +in love that every possible phantasy got possession of +my excited brain. To lose her was to deprive me of +all hope, all ambition, all care for life. So far, I acted +my real self. If what I supposed true had been +proven I think there would have been a murder. +Not of Daisy; ah, no! but of the man who had +robbed me of my treasure. Then I went to Midlands +with Archie and I saw her. I heard her speak, and +like a lightning flash it came to me. He was as honorable +as a man could be and she cared more for him +than for my unworthy self. She had contrasted us +and discovered how much he was my superior. And +I said to myself at that moment, 'I will give her up! +If it costs me my happiness as long as I live I will +give her up! No matter what happens, I will unite +these people, who have been so faithful to me and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>toward whom I have acted the part of a cur and a +coward!'"</p> + +<p>The young man was speaking with perfect composure, +but with intense earnestness.</p> + +<p>"The first thing to be done," he continued, "was +to take myself out of their way. The next was to +unravel the mystery that had made the trouble. I +knew, when my mind had resumed its natural state, +that, whatever had occurred, Daisy was blameless. +I knew that something far out of the common line +had caused her to commit the act which had cast a +blight over her reputation. For weeks I could find +no clue. Then, one day, in the street, I saw Hannibal, +the negro for whom she had borrowed my money +and who I supposed was still in France. I cannot +help the quick temper I have inherited, and I confess +that the sight of that fellow aroused my suspicions +against this girl, only they took a new and more horrible +form.</p> + +<p>"I remembered distinctly what a strong hold Hannibal +had on the Fern family. I recalled, with frightful +distinctness, the manner in which he attended +Daisy at table, his interest in her health, the $1,000 she +had given him, her quick movement to prevent my +striking him when his answers insulted us both. Perhaps—but +I will not dilate on the things that came to +my distorted imagination. It was enough for me to +put a detective on his track. I engaged Hazen, and +in three days he came to tell me that a white woman +had passed the night with Hannibal at a house on +Seventh Avenue, the date corresponding with the +one on which I was to have been married!"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span></p> + +<p>Gouger listened spellbound. It seemed to him +that the most exciting chapter of this weird tale was +yet to be written.</p> + +<p>"If I had lost control of my senses before," pursued +Roseleaf, "what do you suppose happened +when this information was brought to me? But +then I found an excuse for my beloved one. I considered +her the victim of one of those forms of +hypnotism of which there can no longer be any +doubt. She could not have gone there without the +demoniac influence of a stronger personality. He +had charmed her from her home by the exercise of +diabolic arts. My fury was entirely for him. I +sought him at once, only to learn that he had left +the city a few days before, leaving absolutely no +trace. I could not give over the hunt, however. If +he was on the earth I must find him and be avenged +for the wrong he had done. It occurred to me that +an influence so strong as he had exerted would not +be given up. Wherever the Ferns had gone, he +would probably be found. I discovered the whereabouts +of the family, after a great deal of effort, and +went to North Carolina. With the patience of a dog +and the cunning of a fox I laid in wait for weeks, +and one night I saw and heard Daisy Fern and +Hannibal in conversation!"</p> + +<p>There was no movement on the part of the critic. +He sat as still as a block of stone.</p> + +<p>"When they began to speak I could have sworn +that my recent guesses were correct ones. It was at +about the hour of midnight, and she had crept +quietly and alone out of her house to meet this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span> +African. But the first dozen sentences that were +uttered gave me a new version of the affair. It was +by no mesmeric power, but by a threat of injury to +her father that this fellow held her under bond. I +learned that Mr. Fern had done something—I could +not then tell what—which rendered him liable to +imprisonment. I learned, also, beyond question—for +they spoke without restraint, supposing themselves +alone—that, whatever the purpose of Hannibal +when Daisy came to his rooms on the day she +was to have been married, it had not been +accomplished. She was afraid of him, but only for her +father's sake. And I discovered beside, though not +with perfect clearness, that a promise of secrecy accounted +for her refusal to explain the cause of that +absence which had altered the whole course of our +lives.</p> + +<p>"I have said I had watched with patience. I +determined to continue my watch till I understood +the entire situation. About once a week they met in +the way I have described, and as the next date was +always arranged in my hearing there was no difficulty +in my keeping the appointment. In the meantime +I learned that Hannibal was born in the vicinity, +that he was living a hermit life, and that nobody +knew of the surreptitious visits he was paying to +Oakhurst. Then one day I heard that Archie was +at the hotel, and thinking it time that I let him into +the secret I went there, pretending I had just arrived +from the north, when in reality I had been boarding +for months five miles away. The rest you know. I +was enabled to prove to him as well as to myself +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>what had actually happened. Since then justice has +been done to us all."</p> + +<p>Mr. Gouger had to speak at last.</p> + +<p>"To <i>you</i>?" he asked. "Do you admit that all this +is just to you?"</p> + +<p>"Without doubt," said Roseleaf. "I forfeited +every right to the woman I had insulted by my suspicions. +There are certain metals that can only be +tried by fire. I was placed in the crucible, and found +wanting."</p> + +<p>The critic shook his head sagely.</p> + +<p>"You are a regular Roman father to your own +delinquencies," he answered. "But tell me another +thing. Would you have shot Hannibal if Mr. Weil +and Miss Fern had not made their appearance?"</p> + +<p>"I have not the least doubt of it. He was in my +eyes at that moment a crawling adder, whose fangs +were liable to penetrate the flesh of some one if he +was not put out of the way. But I am more than +glad I was spared the infliction of his punishment."</p> + +<p>Gouger wore a strange look.</p> + +<p>"And yet he had one most human quality," +said he.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I admit that now," was the reply. "In his +passionate, barbaric way, he certainly loved. When +I revise my novel I shall try to deal fairly with +him."</p> + +<p>"And you will finish it very soon now?"</p> + +<p>"As soon as possible."</p> + +<p>A month later Lawrence Gouger received at his +office a package marked on the outside, "From Shir<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span>ley +Roseleaf." He could hardly control his excitement +until he had untied the strings, taken off the +wrappings and disclosed the tin box inside. It was +a square box, just the right size for manuscript paper +such as he had seen Roseleaf use, and the heart of +the enthusiast beat high as he took it in his hands. +A jewel case filled with the costliest stones would +not have seemed to him more precious. The fame +of a new author would soon resound through the +world! Cutt & Slashem would have the greatest +work of fiction of recent years in their next catalogue! +And he, Lawrence Gouger, would be given +the credit of discovering—one might almost say of +inventing—this wonder!</p> + +<p>Opening the box, the critic looked at its contents +and then dropped it with an exclamation. It contained +nothing but a small sealed envelope and <i>a +heap of ashes</i>!</p> + +<p>Ashes! Ashes made from recently burned +paper!</p> + +<p>When he recovered enough to open the envelope, +this note was found within:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">To Lawrence Gouger, Esq:—Dear Sir</span>: Enclosed +herewith you will find the novel for which you have waited +so long. I hope it will please you in all respects, as I certainly +have taken the greatest pains with it.</p> + +<p>"On reading it over I thought it best to more thoroughly +disguise the personality of the characters, lest any of them +might be injured by its publication. There was the happiness +of a newly-made bride to be considered; her husband's +ease of mind; her father's serene old age; her sister's +feelings. There was even a black man who had perhaps +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span>suffered enough, and a critic employed by a large publishing +firm who would not like his true character made manifest +in type. In order to protect these people I have applied +a match to the pages. You can best tell whether I +have performed the work too well.</p> + +<p>"If this novel does not bring me the fame you anticipate +I shall not much care; I have lost some of my ambitions. +If it fails to add to my fortune, never mind; a single man +has no great need of wealth.</p> + +<p>"I go to-night on board a steamer which sails for Europe +at daybreak. When you read this I shall be on the sea. I +have secured a position as resident correspondent abroad +for one of the great newspapers. Perhaps I never shall +return. Truly your friend, S. R."</p></div> + +<p>"<i>The idiot!</i>" cried the reader, as he finished perusing +this letter. "<i>The imbecile!</i> Was there ever +such a fool born on this earth!"</p> + +<p>Then he apostrophised the heap of ashes that lay in +the box before him.</p> + +<p>"There never was and never will be so great a work +of fiction as you were yesterday! And yet a little +touch of flame, and all was extinguished! How like +you were to man! Let him have the brain of a +Shakespeare, and a pound weight falling on his skull +ends everything.</p> + +<p>"There was a flood in Hungary last week, in which +a thousand people were drowned. There was an +earthquake in Peru where five hundred perished. A +vessel went down off the Caroline Islands. Taken all +together, they did not equal to this world your loss.</p> + +<p>"The poet knew what he was saying: 'Great wits +are sure to madness near allied.' Oh, to think that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>a mind that could execute your thrilling pages knew +no more than to destroy them!</p> + +<p>"I will not cast you, sublime ashes, to the winds +of heaven! I will keep you reverently, as one preserves +the cloak of a great man, or the bones of a +mastodon. Behold, I close you again in your +covers, where the eye of no mortal shall henceforth +behold you."</p> + +<p>With the words the disappointed critic performed +the action. And to this day visitors to his room +read with wonder the inscription he has placed on +the box:</p> + +<p>"<i>The greatest novel that ever was written.</i>"</p> + + +<p> </p> +<p class="center"><b>THE END.</b></p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<div class="trans_note"> +<p class="center"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a><big>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:</big></p> + +<p class="noindent">Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as +possible, including obsolete and variant spellings. Obvious +typographical errors in punctuation (misplaced quotes and the like) have +been fixed. Corrections [in brackets] in the text are noted below:</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +<a name="Page_vtn" id="Page_vtn"></a>Table of Contents: typographical error corrected<br /> + +I. A Rejected Manuscript <a href="#Page_vt">1[9]</a><br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_41tn" id="Page_41tn"></a>page 41: possible typographical error queried (not changed in the text)<br /> + +<a href="#Page_41t">would[wouldn't]</a> touch the mooney, maundering mess. It makes +my flesh creep, sometimes, to read it." +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_106tn" id="Page_106tn"></a>page 106: duplicate word removed<br /> + +playing at love with each other, might afterwards +find that <a href="#Page_106t">[that]</a> they were experimenting with fire. +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_108tn" id="Page_108tn"></a>page 108: possible typographical error queried (not changed in the text)<br /> + +arm around her again, checking himself with difficulty +from <a href="#Page_108t">completeing[completing]</a> the movement) "and dull, +and wanting in manners, but you are the only young +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_116tn" id="Page_116tn"></a>page 116: typographical errors corrected<br /> + +about this matter. She <a href="#Page_116t1">shought[thought]</a> the innocent man at +her side had not quite <a href="#Page_116t2">guaged[gauged]</a> the interest that Mr. +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_118tn" id="Page_118tn"></a>page 118: typographical error corrected<br /> + +caught her passionately in his arms, and knew no +better way to bring her to <a href="#Page_118t">consiousness[consciousness]</a> than to rain +kisses on her cheeks. As might be expected this +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_126tn" id="Page_126tn"></a>page 126: typographical error corrected<br /> + +abilities of Mr. Weil, and he had no idea of <a href="#Page_126t">dispuing[disputing]</a> +the conclusions of that wise guide. +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_133tn" id="Page_133tn"></a>page 133: typographical error corrected<br /> + +"To me? He would not dare<a href="#Page_133t">?[!]</a> What angers +me is the way he speaks to the rest of you. He +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_149tn" id="Page_149tn"></a>page 149: typographical errors corrected<br /> + +called the Good side nothing stronger <a href="#Page_149t1">that[than]</a> wines +were found on the bill of fare. On the Wicked side +every decoction <a href="#Page_149t2">know[known]</a> to the modern drinker was to +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_155tn" id="Page_155tn"></a>page 155: typographical error corrected<br /> + +sexes. He half believed that Jennie Pelham and +Mrs. <a href="#Page_155t">Delevan[Delavan]</a> were sitting by his bed, more brazen +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_194tn" id="Page_194tn"></a>page 194: typographical error corrected<br /> + +young novelist. More than this, she would have <a href="#Page_194t">sufficent[sufficient]</a> +on hand to send the future amounts that Hannibal +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_251tn" id="Page_251tn"></a>page 251: typographical error corrected<br /> + +Roseleaf waved him back with a <a href="#Page_251t">sweeep[sweep]</a> of his +arm. +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_278tn" id="Page_278tn"></a>page 278: typographical error corrected<br /> + +countenance, the utter hopelessness had in a measure +<a href="#Page_278t">diappeared[disappeared]</a>. When Daisy came into the parlor, she +<br /><br /> + +<a name="Page_297tn" id="Page_297tn"></a>page 297: typographical error corrected<br /> + +came with him. Mr. Fern <a href="#Page_297t">upraided[upbraided]</a> Weil for using +so much ceremony, remarking that although he was +</p></div> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BLACK ADONIS***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 26599-h.txt or 26599-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/6/5/9/26599">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/5/9/26599</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution.</p> + + + +<pre> +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license)</a>. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a> + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a> + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/26599-h/images/fcover.jpg b/26599-h/images/fcover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..250a0e3 --- /dev/null +++ b/26599-h/images/fcover.jpg |
