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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/6045-h.zip b/6045-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..df12977 --- /dev/null +++ b/6045-h.zip diff --git a/6045-h/6045-h.htm b/6045-h/6045-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f436605 --- /dev/null +++ b/6045-h/6045-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,18268 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!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 content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + The Hollow of Her Hand, by George Barr McCutcheon + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Hollow of Her Hand, by George Barr McCutcheon + +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 + + +Title: The Hollow of Her Hand + +Author: George Barr McCutcheon + + +Release Date: July, 2004 [EBook #6045] +First Posted: October 23, 2002 +Last Updated: May 11, 2019 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND *** + + + + +Etext produced by Charles Aldarondo, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + </h1> + <h2> + By George Barr McCutcheon + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I — MARCH COMES IN LIKE THE LION + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II — THE PASSING OF A NIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III — HETTY CASTLETON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV — WHILE THE MOB WAITED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V — DISCUSSING A SISTER-IN-LAW </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI — SOUTHLOOK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII — A FAITHFUL CRAYON-POINT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII — IN WHICH HETTY IS WEIGHED + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX — HAWKRIGHT's MODEL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X — THE GHOST AT THE FEAST </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI — MAN PROPOSES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII — THE APPROACH OF A MAN NAMED + SMITH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII — MR. WRANDALL PERJURES + HIMSELF </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV — IN THE SHADOW OF THE MILL + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV — SARA WRANDALL FINDS THE TRUTH + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI — THE SECOND ENCOUNTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII — CROSSING THE CHANNEL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII — BATTLING OLD BONES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX — VIVIAN AIRS HER OPINIONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX — ONCE MORE AT BURTON'S INN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI — DISTURBING NEWS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII — THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII — SARA WRANDALL'S DECISION + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV — THE JURY OF FOUR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV — RENUNCIATION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I — MARCH COMES IN LIKE THE LION + </h2> + <p> + The train, which had roared through a withering gale of sleet all the way + up from New York, came to a standstill, with many an ear-splitting sigh, + alongside the little station, and a reluctant porter opened his vestibule + door to descend to the snow-swept platform: a solitary passenger had + reached the journey's end. The swirl of snow and sleet screaming out of + the blackness at the end of the station-building enveloped the porter in + an instant, and cut his ears and neck with stinging force as he turned his + back against the gale. A pair of lonely, half-obscured platform lights + gleamed fatuously at the top of their icy posts at each end of the + station; two or three frost-encrusted windows glowed dully in the side of + the building, while one shone brightly where the operator sat waiting for + the passing of No. 33. + </p> + <p> + The train itself was dark. Frosty windows, pelted for miles by the furious + gale, white outside but black within, protected the snug travellers who + slept the sleep of the hurried and thought not of the storm that beat + about their ears nor wondered at the stopping of the fast express at a + place where it had never stopped before. Far ahead the panting engine shed + from its open fire-box an aureole of glaring red as the stoker fed coal + into its rapacious maw. The unblinking head-light threw its rays into the + thick of the blinding snow storm, fruitlessly searching for the rails + through drifts denser than fog and filled with strange, half-visible + shapes. + </p> + <p> + An order had been issued for the stopping of the fast express at B—, + a noteworthy concession in these days of premeditated haste. Not in the + previous career of flying 33 had it even so much as slowed down for the + insignificant little station, through which it swooped at midnight the + whole year round. Just before pulling out of New York on this eventful + night the conductor received a command to stop 33 at B—— and + let down a single passenger, a circumstance which meant trouble for every + despatcher along the line. + </p> + <p> + The woman who got down at B—— in the wake of the shivering but + deferential porter, and who passed by the conductors without lifting her + face, was without hand luggage of any description. She was heavily veiled, + and warmly clad in furs. At eleven o'clock that night she had entered the + compartment in New York. Throughout the thirty miles or more, she had sat + alone and inert beside the snow-clogged window, peering through veil and + frost into the night that whizzed past the pane, seeing nothing yet + apparently intent on all that stretched beyond. As still, as immobile as + death itself she had held herself from the moment of departure to the + instant that brought the porter with the word that they were whistling for + B—-. Without a word she arose and followed him to the vestibule, + where she watched him as he unfastened the outer door and lifted the trap. + A single word escaped her lips and he held out his hand to receive the + crumpled bill she clutched in her gloved fingers. He did not look at it. + He knew that it would amply reward him for the brief exposure he endured + on the lonely, wind-swept platform of a station, the name of which he did + not know. + </p> + <p> + She took several uncertain steps in the direction of the station windows + and stopped, as if bewildered. Already the engine was pounding the air + with quick, vicious snorts in the effort to get under way; the vestibule + trap and door closed with a bang; the wheels were creaking. A bitter wind + smote her in the face; the wet, hurtling sleet crashed against the thin + veil, blinding her. + </p> + <p> + The door of the waiting-room across the platform opened and a man rushed + toward her. + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Wrandall?" he called above the roar of the wind. + </p> + <p> + She advanced quickly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "What a night!" he said, as much to himself as to her. "I'm sorry you + would insist on coming to-night. To-morrow morning would have satisfied + the—" + </p> + <p> + "Is this Mr. Drake?" + </p> + <p> + They were being blown through the door into the waiting-room as she put + the question. Her voice was muffled. The man in the great fur coat put his + weight against the door to close it. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. I have done all that could be done under the + circumstances. I am sorry to tell you that we still have two miles to go + by motor before we reach the inn. My car is open,—I don't possess a + limousine,—but if you will lie down in the tonneau you will find + some protection from—" + </p> + <p> + She broke in sharply, impatiently. "Pray do not consider me, Mr. Drake. I + am not afraid of the blizzard." + </p> + <p> + "Then we'd better be off," said he, a note of anxiety in his voice,—a + certain touch of nervousness. "I drive my own car. The road is good, but I + shall drive cautiously. Ten minutes, perhaps. I—I am sorry you + thought best to brave this wretched—" + </p> + <p> + "I am not sorry for myself, Mr. Drake, but for you. You have been most + kind. I did not expect you to meet me." + </p> + <p> + "I took the liberty of telephoning to you. It was well that I did it early + in the evening. The wires are down now, I fear." He hesitated for a + moment, staring at her as if trying to penetrate the thick, wet veil. "I + may have brought you on a fool's errand. You see, I—I have seen Mr. + Wrandall but once, in town somewhere, and I may be wrong. Still, the + coroner,—and the sheriff,—seemed to think you should be + notified,—I might say questioned. That is why I called you up. I + trust, madam, that I am mistaken." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she said shrilly, betraying the intensity of her emotion. It was as + if she lacked the power to utter more than a single word, which signified + neither acquiescence nor approval. + </p> + <p> + He was ill-at-ease, distressed. "I have engaged a room for you at the inn, + Mrs. Wrandall. You did not bring a maid, I see. My wife will come over + from our place to stay with you if you—" + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. "Thank you, Mr. Drake. It will not be necessary. I + came alone by choice. I shall return to New York to-night." + </p> + <p> + "But you—why, you can't do that," he cried, holding back as they + started toward the door. "No trains stop here after ten o'clock. The + locals begin running at seven in the morning. Besides—" + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him. "May we not start now, Mr. Drake? I am—well, + you must see that I am suffering. I must see, I must know. The suspense—" + She did not complete the sentence, but hurried past him to the door, + throwing it open and bending her body to the gust that burst in upon them. + </p> + <p> + He sprang after her, grasping her arm to lead her across the icy platform + to the automobile that stood in the lee of the building. + </p> + <p> + Disdaining his command to enter the tonneau, she stood beside the car and + waited until he cranked it and took his place at the wheel. Then she took + her seat beside him and permitted him to tuck the great buffalo robe about + her. No word was spoken. The man was a stranger to her. She forgot his + presence in the car. + </p> + <p> + Into the thick of the storm the motor chugged. Grim and silent, the man at + the wheel, ungoggled and tense, sent the whirring thing swiftly over the + trackless village street and out upon the open country road. The woman + closed her eyes and waited. + </p> + <p> + You would know the month was March. He said: "It comes in like a lion," + but apparently the storm swallowed the words for she made no response to + them. + </p> + <p> + They crossed the valley and crept up the tree-covered hill, where the + force of the gale was broken. If she heard him say: "Fierce, wasn't it?" + she gave no sign, but sat hunched forward, peering ahead through the snow + at the blurred lights that seemed so far away and yet were close at hand. + </p> + <p> + "Is that the inn?" she asked as he swerved from the road a few moments + later. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. We're here." + </p> + <p> + "Is—is he in there?" + </p> + <p> + "Where you see that lighted window upstairs." He tooted the horn + vigorously as he drew up to the long, low porch. Two men dashed out from + the doorway and clumsily assisted her from the car. + </p> + <p> + "Go right in, Mrs. Wrandall," said Drake. "I join you in a jiffy." + </p> + <p> + She walked between the two men into the feebly lighted office of the inn. + The keeper of the place, a dreary looking person with dread in his eyes, + hurried forward. She stopped stock-still. Some one was brushing the + stubborn, thickly caked snow from her long chinchilla coat. + </p> + <p> + "You must let me get you something hot to drink, madam," the landlord was + saying dolorously. + </p> + <p> + She struggled with her veil, finally tearing it away from her face. Then + she took in the rather bare, cheerless room with a slow, puzzled sweep of + her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you," she replied. + </p> + <p> + "It won't be any trouble, madam," urged the other. "It's right here. The + sheriff says it's all right to serve it, although it is after hours. I run + a respectable, law-abiding house. I wouldn't think of offering it to + anyone if it was in violation—" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Burton," interposed a big man, approaching. "Let the lady + choose for herself. If she wants it, she'll say so. I am the sheriff, + madam. This gentleman is the coroner, Dr. Sheef. We waited up for you + after Mr. Drake said you'd got the fast train to stop for you. To-morrow + morning would have done quite as well. I'm sorry you came to-night in all + this blizzard." + </p> + <p> + He was staring as if fascinated at the white, colourless face of the woman + who with nervous fingers unfastened the heavy coat that enveloped her + slender figure. She was young and strikingly beautiful, despite the + intense pallor that overspread her face. Her dark, questioning, dreading + eyes looked up into his with an expression he was never to forget. It + combined dread, horror, doubt and a smouldering anger that seemed to + overcast all other emotions that lay revealed to him. + </p> + <p> + "This is a—what is commonly called a 'road-house'?" she asked dully, + her eyes narrowing suddenly as if in pain. + </p> + <p> + The inn-keeper made haste to resent the implied criticism. + </p> + <p> + "My place is a respectable, law-abiding—" + </p> + <p> + The sheriff waved him aside. + </p> + <p> + "It is an inn during the winter, Mrs. Wrandall, and a road-house in the + summer, if that makes it plain to you. I will say, however, that Burton + has always kept well within the law. This is the first—er—real + bit of trouble he's had, and I won't say it's his fault. Keep quiet, + Burton. No one is accusing you of anything wrong. Don't whine about it." + </p> + <p> + "But my place is ruined," groaned the doleful one. "It's got a black eye + now. Not that I blame you, madam, but you can see how—" + </p> + <p> + He quailed before the steady look in her eyes, and turned away mumbling. + </p> + <p> + There were half a dozen men in the room, besides the speakers, sober-faced + fellows who conversed in undertones and studiously kept their backs to the + woman who had just come among them. They were grouped about the roaring + fireplace in the lower end of the room. Steam arose from their heavy + winters garments. Their caps were still drawn far down over their ears. + These were men who had been out in the night. + </p> + <p> + "There is a fire in the reception-room, madam," said the coroner; "and the + proprietor's wife to look out for you if you should require anything. Will + you go in there and compose yourself before going upstairs? Or, if you + would prefer waiting until morning, I shall not insist on the—er—ordeal + to-night." + </p> + <p> + "I prefer going up there to-night," said she steadily. + </p> + <p> + The men looked at each other, and the sheriff spoke. "Mr. Drake is quite + confident the—the man is your husband. It's an ugly affair, Mrs. + Wrandall. We had no means of identifying him until Drake came in this + evening, out of curiosity you might say. For your sake, I hope he is + mistaken." + </p> + <p> + "Would you mind telling me something about it before I go upstairs? I am + quite calm. I am prepared for anything. You need not hesitate." + </p> + <p> + "As you wish, madam. You will go into the reception-room, if you please. + Burton, is Mrs. Wrandall's room quite ready for her?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall not stay here to-night," interposed Mrs. Wrandall. "You need not + keep the room for me." + </p> + <p> + "But, my dear Mrs. Wrandall—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall wait in the railway station until morning if necessary. But not + here." + </p> + <p> + The coroner led the way to the cosy little room off the office. She + followed with the sheriff. The men looked worn and haggard in the bright + light that met them, as if they had not known sleep or rest for many + hours. + </p> + <p> + "The assistant district attorney was here until eleven, but went home to + get a little rest. It's been a hard case for all of us—a nasty one," + explained the sheriff, as he placed a chair in front of the fire for her. + She sank into it limply. + </p> + <p> + "Go on, please," she murmured, and shook her head at the nervous little + woman who bustled up and inquired if she could do anything to make her + more comfortable. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff cleared his throat. "Well, it happened last night. All day + long we've been trying to find out who he is, and ever since eight o'clock + this morning we've been searching for the woman who came here with him. + She has disappeared as completely as if swallowed by the earth. Not a sign + of a clew—-not a shred. There's nothing to show when she left the + inn or by what means. All we know is that the door to that room up there + was standing half open when Burton passed by it at seven o'clock this + morning—-that is to say, yesterday morning, for this is now + Wednesday. It is quite clear, from this, that she neglected to close the + door tightly when she came out, probably through haste or fear, and the + draft in the hall blew it wider open during the night. Burton says the inn + was closed for the night at half-past ten. He went to bed. She must have + slipped out after every one was sound asleep. There were no other guests + on that floor. Burton and his wife sleep on this floor, and the servants + are at the top of the house and in a wing. No one heard a sound. We have + not the remotest idea when the thing happened, or when she left the place. + Dr. Sheef says the man had been dead for six or eight hours when he first + saw him, and that was very soon after Burton's discovery. Burton, on + finding the door open, naturally suspected that his guests had skipped out + during the night to avoid paying the bill, and lost no time in entering + the room. + </p> + <p> + "He found the man lying on the bed, sprawled out, face upward and as dead + as a mack—I should say, quite dead. He was partly dressed. His coat + and vest hung over the back of a chair. A small service carving knife, + belonging to the inn, had been driven squarely into his heart and was + found sticking there. Burton says that the man, on their arrival at the + inn, about nine o'clock at night, ordered supper sent up to the room. The + tray of dishes, with most of the food untouched, and an empty champagne + bottle, was found on the service table near the bed. One of the chairs was + overturned. The servant who took the meal to the room says that the woman + was sitting at the window with her wraps on, motor veil and all, just as + she was when she came into the place. The man gave all the directions, the + woman apparently paying no attention to what was going on. The waitress + left the room without seeing her face. She had instructions not to come + for the tray until morning. + </p> + <p> + "That was the last time the man was seen alive. No one has seen the woman + since the door closed after the servant, who distinctly remembers hearing + the key turn in the lock as she went down the hall. It seems pretty clear + that the man ate and drank but not the woman. Her food remained untouched + on the plate and her glass was full. 'Gad, it must have been a merry + feast! I beg your pardon, Mrs. Wrandall!" + </p> + <p> + "Go on, please," said she levelly. + </p> + <p> + "That's all there is to say so far as the actual crime is concerned. There + were signs of a struggle,—but it isn't necessary to go into that. + Now, as to their arrival at the inn. The blizzard had not set in. Last + night was dark, of course, as there is no moon, but it was clear and + rather warm for the time of year. The couple came here about nine o'clock + in a high power runabout machine, which the man drove. They had no + hand-baggage and apparently had run out from New York. Burton says he was + on the point of refusing them accommodations when the man handed him a + hundred dollar bill. It was more than Burton's cupidity could withstand. + They did not register. The state license numbers had been removed from the + automobile, which was of foreign make. Of course, it was only a question + of time until we could have found out who the car belonged to. It is + perfectly obvious why he removed the numbers." + </p> + <p> + At this juncture Drake entered the room. Mrs. Wrandall did not at first + recognise him. + </p> + <p> + "It has stopped snowing," announced the new-comer. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it is Mr. Drake," she murmured. "We have a little French car, painted + red," she announced to the sheriff without giving Drake another thought. + </p> + <p> + "And this one is red, madam," said the sheriff, with a glance at the + coroner. Drake nodded his head. Mrs. Wrandall's body stiffened + perceptibly, as if deflecting a blow. "It is still standing in the garage, + where he left it on his arrival." + </p> + <p> + "Did no one see the face of—of the woman?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, + rather querulously. "It seems odd that no one should have seen her face," + she went on without waiting for an answer. + </p> + <p> + "It's not strange, madam, when you consider ALL the circumstances. She was + very careful not to remove her veil or her coat until the door was locked. + That proves that she was not the sort of woman we usually find + gallavanting around with men regardless of—ahem, I beg your pardon. + This must be very distressing to you." + </p> + <p> + "I am not sure, Mr. Sheriff, that it IS my husband who lies up there. + Please remember that," she said steadily. "It is easier to hear the + details now, before I KNOW, than it will be afterward if it should turn + out to be as Mr. Drake declares." + </p> + <p> + "I see," said the sheriff, marvelling. + </p> + <p> + "Besides, Mr. Drake is not POSITIVE," put in the coroner hopefully. + </p> + <p> + "I am reasonably certain," said Drake. + </p> + <p> + "Then all the more reason why I should have the story first," said she, + with a shiver that no one failed to observe. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff resumed his conclusions. "Women of the kind I referred to a + moment ago don't care whether they're seen or not. In fact, they're rather + brazen about it. But this one was different. She was as far from that as + it was possible for her to be. We haven't been able to find any one who + saw her face or who can give the least idea as to what she looks like, + excepting a general description of her figure, her carriage, and the + out-door garments she wore. We have reason to believe she was young. She + was modestly dressed. Her coat was one of those heavy ulster affairs, such + as a woman uses in motoring or on a sea-voyage. There was a small sable + stole about her neck. The skirt was short, and she wore high black shoes + of the thick walking type. Judging from Burton's description she must have + been about your size and figure, Mrs. Wrandall. Isn't that so, Mrs. + Burton?" + </p> + <p> + The inn-keeper's wife spoke. "Yes, Mr. Harben, I'd say so myself. About + five feet six, I'd judge; rather slim and graceful-like, in spite of the + big coat." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall was watching the woman's face. "I am five feet six," she + said, as if answering a question. + </p> + <p> + The sheriff cleared his throat somewhat needlessly. + </p> + <p> + "Burton says she acted as if she were a lady," he went on. "Not the kind + that usually comes out here on such expeditions, he admits. She did not + speak to any one, except once in very low tones to the man she was with, + and then she was standing by the fireplace out in the main office, quite a + distance from the desk. She went upstairs alone, and he gave some orders + to Burton before following her. That was the last time Burton saw her. The + waitress went up with a specially prepared supper about half an hour + later." + </p> + <p> + "It seems quite clear, Mrs. Wrandall, that she robbed the man after + stabbing him," said the coroner. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall started. "Then she was NOT a lady, after all," she said + quickly. There was a note of relief in her voice. It was as if she had put + aside a half-formed conclusion. + </p> + <p> + "His pockets were empty. Not a penny had been left. Watch, cuff-links, + scarf pin, cigarette case, purse and bill folder,—all gone. Burton + had seen most of these articles in the office." + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it—but no! Why should I be the one to offer a suggestion that + might be construed as a defence for this woman?" + </p> + <p> + "You were about to suggest, madam, that some one else might have taken the + valuables—is that it?" cried the sheriff. + </p> + <p> + "Had you thought of it, Mr. Sheriff?" + </p> + <p> + "I had not. It isn't reasonable. No one about this place is suspected. We + have thought of this, however: the murderess may have taken all of these + things away with her in order to prevent immediate identification of her + victim. She may have been clever enough for that. It would give her a + start." + </p> + <p> + "Not an unreasonable conclusion, when you stop to consider, Mr. Sheriff, + that the man took the initiative in that very particular," said Mrs. + Wrandall in such a self-contained way that the three men looked at her in + wonder. Then she came abruptly to her feet. "It is very late, gentlemen. I + am ready to go upstairs, Mr. Sheriff." + </p> + <p> + "I must warn you, madam, that Mr. Drake is reasonably certain that it is + your husband," said the coroner uncomfortably. "You may not be prepared + for the shock that—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall not faint, Dr. Sheef. If it IS my husband I shall ask you to + leave me alone in the room with him for a little while." The final word + trailed out into a long, tremulous wail, showing how near she was to the + breaking point in her wonderful effort at self-control. The men looked + away hastily. They heard her draw two or three deep, quavering breaths; + they could almost feel the tension that she was exercising over herself. + </p> + <p> + The doctor turned after a moment and spoke very gently, but with + professional firmness. "You must not think of venturing out in this + wretched night, madam. It would be the worst kind of folly. Surely you + will be guided by me—by your own common sense. Mrs. Burton will be + with you—" + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Dr. Sheef," she interposed calmly. "If what we all fear should + turn out to be the truth, I could not stay here. I could not breathe. I + could not live. If, on the other hand, Mr. Drake is mistaken, I shall + stay. But if it is my husband, I cannot remain under the same roof with + him, even though he be dead. I do not expect you to understand my + feelings. It would be asking too much of men,—too much." + </p> + <p> + "I think I understand," murmured Drake. + </p> + <p> + "Come," said the sheriff, arousing himself with an effort. + </p> + <p> + She moved swiftly after him. Drake and the coroner, following close behind + with Mrs. Burton, could not take their eyes from the slender, graceful + figure. She was a revelation to them. Feeling as they did that she was + about to be confronted by the most appalling crisis imaginable, they could + not but marvel at her composure. Drake's mind dwelt on the stories of the + guillotine and the heroines who went up to it in those bloody days without + so much as a quiver of dread. Somehow, to him, this woman was a heroine. + </p> + <p> + They passed into the hall and mounted the stairs. At the far end of the + corridor, a man was seated in front of a closed door. He arose as the + party approached. The sheriff signed for him to open the door he guarded. + As he did so, a chilly blast of air blew upon the faces of those in the + hall. The curtains in the window of the room were flapping and whipping in + the wind. Mrs. Wrandall caught her breath. For the briefest instant, it + seemed as though she was on the point of faltering. She dropped farther + behind the sheriff, her limbs suddenly stiff, her hand going out to the + wall as if for support. The next moment she was moving forward resolutely + into the icy, dimly lighted room. + </p> + <p> + A single electric light gleamed in the corner beside the bureau. Near the + window stood the bed. She went swiftly toward it, her eyes fastened upon + the ridge that ran through the centre of it: a still, white ridge that + seemed without beginning or end. + </p> + <p> + With nervous fingers, the attendant lifted the sheet at the head of the + bed and turned it back. As he let it fall across the chest of the dead + man, he drew back and turned his face away. + </p> + <p> + She bent forward and then straightened her figure to its full height, + without for an instant removing her gaze from the face of the man who lay + before her: a dark-haired man grey in death, who must have been beautiful + to look upon in the flush of life. + </p> + <p> + For a long time she stood there looking, as motionless as the object on + which she gazed. Behind her were the tense, keen-eyed men, not one of whom + seemed to breathe during the grim minutes that passed. The wind howled + about the corners of the inn, but no one heard it. They heard the beating + of their hearts, even the ticking of their watches, but not the wail of + the wind. + </p> + <p> + At last her hands, claw-like in their tenseness, went slowly to her + temples. Her head drooped slightly forward, and a great shudder ran + through her body. The coroner started forward, expecting her to collapse. + </p> + <p> + "Please go away," she was saying in an absolutely emotionless voice. "Let + me stay here alone for a little while." + </p> + <p> + That was all. The men relaxed. They looked at each other with a single + question in their eyes. Was it quite safe to leave her alone with her + dead? They hesitated. + </p> + <p> + She turned on them suddenly, spreading her arms in a wide gesture of + self-absolution. Her sombre eyes swept the group. + </p> + <p> + "I can do no harm. This man is mine. I want to look at him for the last + time—alone. Will you go?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean, madam, that you intend to—" began the coroner in + alarm. + </p> + <p> + She clasped her hands. "I mean that I shall take my last look at him now—and + here. Then you may do what you like with him. He is your dead—not + mine. I do not want him. Can you understand? <i>I</i> DO NOT WANT THIS + DEAD THING. But there is something I would say to him, something that I + must say. Something that no one must hear but the good God who knows how + much he has hurt me. I want to say it close to those grey, horrid ears. + Who knows? He may hear me!" + </p> + <p> + Wondering, the others backed from the room. She watched them until they + closed the door. + </p> + <p> + Listening, they heard her lower the window. It squealed like a thing in + fear. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes passed. The group in the hall conversed in whispers. + </p> + <p> + "Why did she put the window down?" asked the wife of the inn-keeper, + crossing herself. + </p> + <p> + Drake shook his head. "I wonder what she is saying to him," he muttered. + </p> + <p> + "A wonderful nerve," said Dr. Sheef. "Positively wonderful. I've never + seen anything like it." + </p> + <p> + "Her own husband, too," said Mrs. Burton. "Why, I—I should have said + she'd go into hysterics. Such a handsome man he was." + </p> + <p> + "I guess, from what I've heard of this fellow, Wrandall, he's not been an + angel," volunteered the sheriff. + </p> + <p> + Drake shook his head once more. + </p> + <p> + "He ain't one now, I'll bet on that," said the man who stood guard. "He's + in hell if ever a man—" + </p> + <p> + "Sh!" whispered the woman in horror. "God forgive you for uttering words + like that!" + </p> + <p> + "Every one in the city knows what sort of a man he's been," said Drake. + </p> + <p> + "He comes of a fine family," said the coroner. "One of the best in New + York. I guess he's never been much of a credit to it, however." + </p> + <p> + "They say he ran after chorus girls," said Mrs. Burton. The men grinned. + </p> + <p> + "I've an idea she's had the devil's own time with him," mused the sheriff, + with a jerk of his head in the direction of the door. + </p> + <p> + "Poor thing," said the inn-keeper's wife. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Drake, taking a deep breath, "she won't have to worry any + more about his not coming home nights. I say, this business will create a + fearful sensation, sheriff. The Four Hundred will have a conniption fit." + </p> + <p> + "We've got to land that girl, whoever she is," grated the official. "Now + that we know who he is, it shouldn't be hard to pick out the women he's + been trailing with lately. Then we can sift 'em down until the right one + is left. It ought to be easy." + </p> + <p> + "I'm not so sure of it," said the coroner, shaking his head. "I have a + feeling that she isn't one of the ordinary type. It wouldn't surprise me + if she belongs to—well, you might say, the upper ten. Somebody's + wife, don't you see. That will make it rather difficult, especially as her + tracks have been pretty well covered." + </p> + <p> + "It beats me, how she got away without leaving a single sign behind her," + acknowledged the sheriff. "She's a wonder, that's all I've got to say." + </p> + <p> + At that instant the door opened and Mrs. Wrandall appeared. She stopped + short, confronting the huddled group, dry-eyed but as pallid as a ghost. + Her eyes were wide, apparently unseeing; her colourless lips were parted + in the drawn rigidity that suggested but one thing to the professional man + who looks: the RISIS SARDONICUS of the strychnae victim. With a low cry, + the doctor started forward, fully convinced that she had swallowed the + deadly drug. + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake, madam," he began. But as he spoke, her expression + changed; she seemed to be aware of their presence for the first time. Her + eyes narrowed in a curious manner, and the rigid lips seemed to surge with + blood, presenting the effect of a queer, swift-fading smile that lingered + long after her face was set and serious. + </p> + <p> + "I neglected to raise the window, Dr. Sheef," she said in a low voice. "It + was very cold in there." She shivered slightly. "Will you be so kind as to + tell me what I am to do now? What formalities remain for me—" + </p> + <p> + The coroner was at her side. "Time enough for that, Mrs. Wrandall. The + first thing you are to do is to take something warm to drink, and pull + yourself together a bit—" + </p> + <p> + She drew herself up coldly. "I am quite myself, Dr. Sheef. Pray do not + alarm yourself on my account. I shall be obliged to you, however, if you + will tell me what I am to do as speedily as possible, and let me do it so + that I may leave this—this unhappy place without delay. No! I mean + it, sir. I am going to-night—unless, of course," she said, with a + quick look at the sheriff, "the law stands in the way." + </p> + <p> + "You are at liberty to come and go as you please, Mrs. Wrandall," said the + sheriff, "but it is most fool-hardy to think of—" + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Mr. Sheriff," she said, "for letting me go. I thought perhaps + there might be legal restraint." She sent a swift glance over her + shoulder, and then spoke in a high, shrill voice, indicative of extreme + dread and uneasiness: + </p> + <p> + "Close the door to that room!" + </p> + <p> + The door was standing wide open, just as she had left it. Startled, the + coroner's deputy sprang forward to close it. Involuntarily, all of her + listeners looked in the direction of the room, as if expecting to see the + form of the murdered man advancing upon them. The feeling, swiftly gone, + was most uncanny. + </p> + <p> + "Close it from the INSIDE," commanded the coroner, with unmistakable + emphasis. The man hesitated, and then did as he was ordered, but not + without a curious look at the wife of the dead man, whose back was toward + him. + </p> + <p> + "He will not find anything disturbed, doctor," said she, divining his + thought. "I had the feeling that something was creeping toward us out of + that room." + </p> + <p> + "You have every reason to be nervous, madam. The situation has been most + extraordinary,—most trying," said the coroner. "I beg of you to come + downstairs, where we may attend to a few necessary details without delay. + It has been a most fatiguing matter for all of us. Hours without sleep, + and such wretched weather." + </p> + <p> + They descended to the warm little reception-room. She sent at once for the + inn-keeper, who came in and glowered at her as if she were wholly + responsible for the blight that had been put upon his place. + </p> + <p> + "Will you be good enough to send some one to the station with me in your + depot wagon?" she demanded without hesitation. + </p> + <p> + He stared. "We don't run a 'bus in the winter time," he said gruffly. + </p> + <p> + She opened the little chatelaine bag that hung from her wrist and + abstracted a card which she submitted to the coroner. + </p> + <p> + "You will find, Dr. Sheef, that the car my husband came up here in belongs + to me. This is the card issued by the State. It is in my name. The factory + number is there. You may compare it with the one on the car. My husband + took the car without obtaining my consent." + </p> + <p> + "Joy riding," said Burton, with an ugly laugh. Then he quailed before the + look she gave him. + </p> + <p> + "If no other means is offered, Dr. Sheef, I shall ask you to let me take + the car. I am perfectly capable of driving. I have driven it in the + country for two seasons. All I ask is that some one be directed to go with + me to the station. No! Better than that, if there is some one here who is + willing to accompany me to the city, he shall be handsomely paid for + going. It is but little more than thirty miles. I refuse to spend the + night in this house. That is final." + </p> + <p> + They drew apart to confer, leaving her sitting before the fire, a stark + figure that seemed to detach itself entirely from its surroundings and + their companionship. At last, the coroner came to her side and touched her + arm. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what the district attorney and the police will say to it, + Mrs. Wrandall, but I shall take it upon myself to deliver the car to you. + The sheriff has gone out to compare the numbers. If he finds that the car + is yours, he will see to it, with Mr. Drake, that it is made ready for + you. I take it that we will have no difficulty in—" He hesitated, at + a loss for words. + </p> + <p> + "In finding it again in case you need it for evidence?" she supplied. He + nodded. "I shall make it a point, Dr. Sheef, to present the car to the + State after it has served my purpose to-night. I shall not ride in it + again." + </p> + <p> + "The sheriff has a man who will ride with you to the station or the city, + whichever you may elect. Now, may I trouble you to make answer to certain + questions I shall write out for you at once? The man is Challis Wrandall, + your husband? You are positive?" + </p> + <p> + "I am positive. He is—or was—Challis Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later, she was ready for the trip to New York City. The clock + in the office marked the hour as one. A toddied individual in a great + buffalo coat waited for her outside, hiccoughing and bandying jest with + the half-frozen men who had spent the night with him in the forlorn hope + of finding THE GIRL. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall gave final instructions to the coroner and his deputy, who + happened to be the undertaker's assistant. She had answered all the + questions that had been put to her, and had signed the document with a + firm, untrembling hand. Her veil had been lowered since the beginning of + the examination. They did not see her face; they only heard the calm, low + voice, sweet with fatigue and dread. + </p> + <p> + "I shall notify my brother-in-law as soon as I reach the city," she said. + "He will attend to everything. Mr. Leslie Wrandall, I mean. My husband's + only brother. He will be here in the morning, Dr. Sheef. My own apartment + is not open. I have been staying in a hotel since my return from Europe + two days ago. But I shall attend to the opening of the place to-morrow. + You will find me there." + </p> + <p> + The coroner hesitated a moment before putting the question that had come + to his mind as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Two days ago, madam? May I inquire where your husband has been living + during your absence abroad? When did you last see him alive?" + </p> + <p> + She did not reply for many seconds, and then it was with a perceptible + effort. + </p> + <p> + "I have not seen him since my return until—to-night," she replied, a + hoarse note creeping into her voice. "He did not meet me on my return. His + brother Leslie came to the dock. He—he said that Challis, who came + back from Europe two weeks ahead of me, had been called to St. Louis on + very important, business. My husband had been living at his club, I + understand. That is all I can tell you, sir." + </p> + <p> + "I see," said the coroner gently. + </p> + <p> + He opened the door for her and she passed out. A number of men were + grouped about the throbbing motor-car. They fell away as she approached, + silently fading into the shadows like so many vast, unwholesome ghosts. + The sheriff and Drake came forward. + </p> + <p> + "This man will go with you, madam," said the sheriff, pointing to an + unsteady figure beside the machine. "He is the only one who will undertake + it. They're all played out, you see. He has been drinking, but only on + account of the hardships he has undergone to-night. You will be quite safe + with Morley." + </p> + <p> + No snow was falling, but a bleak wind blew meanly. The air was free from + particles of sleet; wetly the fall of the night clung to the earth where + it had fallen. + </p> + <p> + "If he will guide me to the Post-road, that is all I ask," said she + hurriedly. Involuntarily she glanced upward. The curtains in an upstairs + window were blowing inward and a dim light shone out upon the roof of the + porch. She shuddered and then climbed up to the seat and took her place at + the wheel. + </p> + <p> + A few moments later, the three men standing in the middle of the road + watched the car as it rushed away. + </p> + <p> + "By George, she's a wonder!" said the sheriff. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II — THE PASSING OF A NIGHT + </h2> + <p> + The sheriff was right. Sara Wrandall was an extraordinary woman, if I may + be permitted to modify his rather crude estimate of her. It is difficult + to understand, much less to describe a nature like hers. Fine-minded, + gently bred women who can go through an ordeal such as she experienced + without breaking under the strain are rare indeed. They must be wonderful. + It is hard to imagine a more heart-breaking crisis in life than the one + which confronted her on this dreadful night, and yet she had faced it with + a fortitude that seems almost unholy. + </p> + <p> + She had loved her handsome, wayward husband. He had hurt her deeply more + times than she chose to remember during the six years of their married + life, but she had loved him in spite of the wounds up to the instant when + she stood beside his dead body in the cold little room at Burton's Inn. + She went there loving him as he had lived, yet prepared, almost foresworn, + to loathe him as he had died, and she left him lying there alone in that + dreary room without a spark of the old affection in her soul. Her love for + him died in giving birth to the hatred that now possessed her. While he + lived it was not in her power to control the unreasoning resistless thing + that stands for love in woman: he WAS her love, the master of her + impulses. Dead, he was an unwholesome, unlovely clod, a pallid thing to be + scorned, a hulk of worthless clay. His blood was cold. He could no longer + warm her with it; it could no longer kill the chill that his misdeeds cast + about her tender sensitiveness; his lips and eyes never more could smile + and conquer. He was a dead thing. Her love was a dead thing. They lay + separate and apart. The tie was broken. With love died the final spark of + respect she had left for him in her tired, loyal, betrayed heart. He was + at last a thing to be despised, even by her. She despised him. + </p> + <p> + She sent the car down the slope and across the moonless valley with small + regard for her own or her companion's safety. It swerved from side to + side, skidded and leaped with terrifying suddenness, but held its way as + straight as the bird that flies, driven by a steady hand and a mind that + had no thought for peril. A sober man at her side would have been afraid; + this man swayed mildly to and fro and chuckled with drunken glee. + </p> + <p> + Her bitter thoughts were not of the dead man back there, but of the live + years that she was to bury with him: years that would never pass beyond + her ken, that would never die. He had loved her in his wild, ruthless way. + He had left her times without number in the years gone by, but he had + always come back, gaily unchastened, to remould the love that waited with + dog-like fidelity for the touch of his cunning hand. But he had taken his + last flight. He would not come back again. It was all over. Once too often + he had tried his reckless wings. She would not have to forgive him again. + Uppermost in her mind was the curiously restful thought that his troubles + were over, and with them her own. A hand less forgiving than hers had + struck him dead. + </p> + <p> + Somehow, she envied the woman to whom that hand belonged. It had been her + divine right to kill, and yet another took it from her. + </p> + <p> + Back there at the inn she had said to the astonished sheriff: + </p> + <p> + "Poor thing, if she can escape punishment for this, let it be so. I shall + not help the law to kill her simply because she took it in her own hands + to pay that man what she owed him. I shall not be the one to say that he + did not deserve death at her hands, whoever she may be. No, I shall offer + no reward. If you catch her, I shall be sorry for her, Mr. Sheriff. + Believe me, I bear her no grudge." + </p> + <p> + "But she robbed him," the sheriff had cried. + </p> + <p> + "From my point of view, Mr. Sheriff, that hasn't anything to do with the + case," was her significant reply. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, I am not defending HIM." + </p> + <p> + "Nor am I defending her," she had retorted. "It would appear that she is + able to defend herself." + </p> + <p> + Now, on the cold, trackless road, she was saying to herself that she did + have a grudge against the woman who had destroyed the life that belonged + to her, who had killed the thing that was hers to kill. She could not + mourn for him. She could only wonder what the poor, hunted terrified + creature would do when taken and made to pay for the thing she had done. + </p> + <p> + Once, in the course of her bitter reflections, she spoke aloud in a + shrill, tense voice, forgetful of the presence of the man beside her: + </p> + <p> + "Thank God, they will see him now as I have seen him all these years. They + will know him as they have never known him. Thank God for that!" + </p> + <p> + The man looked at her stupidly and muttered something under his breath. + She heard him, and recalling her wits, asked which turn she was to take + for the station. The fellow lopped back in the seat, too drunk to reply. + </p> + <p> + For a moment she was dismayed, frightened. Then she resolutely reached out + and shook him by the shoulder. She had brought the car to a full stop. + </p> + <p> + "Arouse yourself, man!" she cried. "Do you want to freeze to death? Where + is the station?" + </p> + <p> + He straightened up with an effort, and, after vainly seeking light in the + darkness, fell back again with a grunt, but managed to wave his hand + toward the left. She took the chance. In five minutes she brought the car + to a standstill beside the station. Through the window she saw a man with + his feet cocked high, reading. He leaped to his feet in amazement as she + entered the waiting-room. + </p> + <p> + "Are you the agent?" she demanded. + </p> + <p> + "No, ma'am. I'm simply stayin' here for the sheriff. We're lookin' for a + woman—Say!" He stopped short and stared at the veiled face with + wide, excited eyes. "Gee whiz! Maybe you—" + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not the woman you want. Do you know anything about the trains?" + </p> + <p> + "I guess I'll telephone to the sheriff before I—" + </p> + <p> + "If you will step outside you will find one of the sheriff's deputies in + my automobile, helplessly intoxicated. I am Mrs. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "Oh," he gasped. "I heard 'em say you were coming up to-night. Well, say! + What do you think of—" + </p> + <p> + "Is there a train in before morning?" + </p> + <p> + "No ma'am. Seven-forty is the first." + </p> + <p> + She waited a moment. "Then I shall have to ask you to come out and get + your fellow-deputy. He is useless to me. I mean to go on in the machine. + The sheriff understands." + </p> + <p> + The fellow hesitated. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot take him with me, and he will freeze to death if I leave him in + the road. Will you come?" + </p> + <p> + The man stared at her. + </p> + <p> + "Say, IS it your husband?" he asked agape. + </p> + <p> + She nodded her head. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll go out and have a look at the fellow you've got with you," + said he, still doubtful. + </p> + <p> + She stood in the door while he crossed over to the car and peered at the + face of the sleeper. + </p> + <p> + "Steve Morley," he said. "Fuller'n a goat." + </p> + <p> + "Please remove him from the car," she directed. + </p> + <p> + Later on, as he stood looking down at the inert figure in the big rocking + chair, and panting from his labours, he heard her say patiently: + </p> + <p> + "And now will you be so good as to direct me to the Post-road." + </p> + <p> + He scratched his head. "This is mighty queer, the whole business," he + declared, assailed by doubts. "Suppose you are NOT Mrs. Wrandall, but—the + other one. What then?" + </p> + <p> + As if in answer to his question, the man Morley opened his blear-eyes and + tried to get to his feet. + </p> + <p> + "Wha—what are we doin' here, Mis' Wran'all? Wha's up?" + </p> + <p> + "Stay where you are, Steve," said the other. "It's all right." Then he + went forth and pointed the way to her. "It's a long ways to Columbus + Circle," he said. "I don't envy you the trip. Keep straight ahead after + you hit the Post-road." He stood there listening until the whir of the + motor was lost in the distance. "She'll never make it," he said to + himself. "It's more than a strong man could do on roads like these. She + must be crazy." + </p> + <p> + Coming to the Post-road, she increased the speed of the car, with the + sharp wind behind her, her eyes intent on the white stretch that leaped up + in front of the lamps like a blank wall beyond which there was nothing but + dense oblivion. But for the fact that she knew that this road ran straight + and unobstructed into the outskirts of New York, she might have lost + courage and decision. The natural confidence of an experienced driver was + hers. She had the daring of one who has never met with an accident, and + who trusts to the instincts rather than to an actual understanding of + conditions. With her, it was not a question of her own capacity and + strength, but a belief in the fidelity of the engine that carried her + forward. It had not occurred to her that the task of guiding that heavy, + swerving thing through the unbroken road was something beyond her powers + of endurance. She often had driven it a hundred miles and more without + resting, or without losing zest in the enterprise: then why should she + fear the small matter of thirty miles, even under the most trying of + conditions? + </p> + <p> + The restless, driving desire to be as far as possible from that horrid + sight at the inn, with all that went to make it repellant, put strength + into her arms. The car swung from one side of the road to the other, + picking its way through the opaque desert, reeling from rut to rut past + hideous shadows and deeper into the black abyss that lay ahead. No + friendly light gleamed by the wayside; the world was black and cold and + dead. She alone was on the highway, the only human creature who defied the + night. Off there on either side people lived, and slept, and were in + darkness just as she was, but not in dreadful darkness. They were not + pursued by ghosts; they were not running away from a Thing! They slept and + were at peace, and their lights were out for they were not afraid in the + dark. She thought of it: she was alone! No other creature was abroad—not + one! + </p> + <p> + Sharply there came to her mind the question: was she the only one abroad + in this black little world? What of the other woman? The one who was being + hunted? Where was she? And what of the ghost at HER heels? + </p> + <p> + The car bounded over a railroad crossing. She recalled the directions + given by the man at the station and hastily applied the brake. There was + another and more dangerous crossing a hundred yards ahead. She had been + warned particularly to take it carefully, as there was a sharp curve in + the road beyond. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she jammed down the emergency brake, a startled exclamation + falling from her lips. Not twenty feet ahead, in the middle of the road + and directly in line with the light of the lamps, stood a black, + motionless figure—the figure of a woman whose head was lowered and + whose arms hung limply at her sides. + </p> + <p> + The woman in the car bent forward over the wheel, staring hard. Many + seconds passed. At last the forlorn object in the roadway lifted her face + and looked vacantly into the glare of the lamps. Her eyes were wide-open, + her face a ghastly white. + </p> + <p> + "God in heaven!" struggled from the stiffening lips of Sara Wrandall. Her + fingers tightened on the wheel. + </p> + <p> + She knew. This was the woman! + </p> + <p> + The long brown ulster; the limp, fluttering veil! "A woman about your size + and figure," the sheriff had said. + </p> + <p> + The figure swayed and then moved a few steps forward. Blinded by the + lights, she bent her head and shielded her eyes with her hand the better + to glimpse the occupant of the car. + </p> + <p> + "Are you looking for me?" she cried out shrilly, at the same time + spreading her arms as if in surrender. It was almost a wail. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall caught her breath. Her heart began to beat once more. + </p> + <p> + "Who are you? What do you want?" she cried out, without knowing what she + said. + </p> + <p> + The girl started. She had not expected to hear the voice of a woman. She + staggered to the side of the road, out of the line of light. + </p> + <p> + "I—I beg your pardon," she cried,—it was like a wail of + disappointment,—"I am sorry to have stopped you." + </p> + <p> + "Come here," commanded the other, still staring. + </p> + <p> + The unsteady figure advanced. Halting beside the car, she leaned across + the spare tires and gazed into the eyes of the driver. Their faces were + not more than a foot apart, their eyes were narrowed in tense scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want?" repeated Mrs. Wrandall, her voice hoarse and + tremulous. + </p> + <p> + "I am looking for an inn. It must be near by. I do—" + </p> + <p> + "An inn?" with a start. + </p> + <p> + "I do not recall the name. It is not far from a village, in the hills." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean Burton's?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. That's it. Can you direct me?" The voice of the girl was faint; she + seemed about to fall. + </p> + <p> + "It is six or eight miles from here," said Mrs. Wrandall, still looking in + wonder at the miserable nightfarer. + </p> + <p> + The girl's head sank; a moan of despair came through her lips, ending in a + sob. + </p> + <p> + "So far as that?" she murmured. Then she drew herself up with a fine show + of resolution. "But I must not stop here. Thank you." + </p> + <p> + "Wait!" cried the other. The girl turned to her once more. "Is—is it + a matter of life or death?" + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence. "Yes. I must find my way there. It is—death." + </p> + <p> + Sara Wrandall laid her heavily gloved hand on the slim fingers that + touched the tire. + </p> + <p> + "Listen to me," she said, a shrill note of resolve ringing in her voice. + "I am going to New York. Won't you let me take you with me?" + </p> + <p> + The girl drew back, wonder and apprehension struggling for the mastery of + her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "But I am bound the other way. To the inn. I must go on." + </p> + <p> + "Come with me," said Sara Wrandall firmly. "You must not go back there. I + know what has happened there. Come! I will take care of you. You must not + go to the inn." + </p> + <p> + "You know?" faltered the girl. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. You poor thing!" There was infinite pity in her voice. + </p> + <p> + The girl laid her head on her arms. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall sat above her, looking down, held mute by warring emotions. + The impossible had come to pass. The girl for whom the whole world would + be searching in a day or two, had stepped out of the unknown and, by the + most whimsical jest of fate, into the custody of the one person most + interested of all in that self-same world. It was unbelievable. She + wondered if it were not a dream, or the hallucination of an overwrought + mind. Spurred by the sudden doubt as to the reality of the object before + her, she stretched out her hand and touched the girl's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Instantly she looked up. Her fingers sought the friendly hand and clasped + it tightly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if you will only take me to the city with you! If you only give me + the chance," she cried hoarsely. "I don't know what impulse was driving me + back there. I only know I could not help myself. You really mean it? You + WILL take me with you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Don't be afraid. Come! Get in," said the woman in the car rapidly. + "You—you are real?" + </p> + <p> + The girl did not hear the strange question. She was hurrying around to the + opposite side of the car. As she crossed before the lamps, Mrs. Wrandall + noticed with dulled interest that her garments were covered with mud; her + small, comely hat was in sad disorder; loose wisps of hair fluttered with + the unsightly veil. Her hands, she recalled, were clad in thin suede + gloves. She would be half-frozen. She had been out in all this terrible + weather,—perhaps since the hour of her flight from the inn. + </p> + <p> + The odd feeling of pity grew stronger within her. She made no effort to + analyse it, nor to account for it. Why should she pity the slayer of her + husband? It was a question unasked, unconsidered. Afterwards she was to + recall this hour and its strange impulses, and to realise that it was not + pity, but mercy that moved her to do the extraordinary thing that + followed. + </p> + <p> + Trembling all over, her teeth chattering, her breath coming in short + little moans, the girl struggled up beside her and fell back in the seat. + Without a word, Sara Wrandall drew the great buffalo robe over her and + tucked it in about her feet and legs and far up about her body, which had + slumped down in the seat. + </p> + <p> + "You are very, very good," chattered the girl, almost inaudibly. "I shall + never forget—" She did not complete the sentence, but sat upright + and fixed her gaze on her companion's face. "You—you are not doing + this just to turn me over to—to the police? They must be searching + for me. You are not going to give me up to them, are you? There will be a + reward I—" + </p> + <p> + "There is no reward," said Sara Wrandall sharply. "I do not mean to give + you up. I am simply giving you a chance to get away. I have always felt + sorry for the fox when the time for the kill drew near. That's the way I + feel." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, thank you! Thank you! But what am I saying? Why should I permit you + to do this for me? I meant to go back there and have it over with. I know + I can't escape. It will have to come, it is bound to come. Why put it off? + Let them take me, let them do what they will with me. I—" + </p> + <p> + "Hush! We'll see. First of all, understand me: I shall not turn you over + to the police. I will give you the chance. I will help you. I can do no + more than that." + </p> + <p> + "But why should you help me? I—I—Oh, I can't let you do it! + You do not understand. I—have—committed—a—terrible—" + she broke off with a groan. + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said the other, something like grimness in her level + tones. "I have been tempted more than once myself." The enigmatic remark + made no impression on the listener. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder how long ago it was that it all happened," muttered the girl, as + if to herself. "It seems ages,—oh, such ages." + </p> + <p> + "Where have you been hiding since last night?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, + throwing in the clutch. The car started forward with a jerk, kicking up + the snow behind it. + </p> + <p> + "Was it only last night? Oh, I've been—" The thought of her + sufferings from exposure and dread was too much for the wretched creature. + She broke out in a soft wail. + </p> + <p> + "You've been out in all this weather?" demanded the other. + </p> + <p> + "I lost my way. In the hills back there. I don't know where I was." + </p> + <p> + "Had you no place of shelter?" + </p> + <p> + "Where could I seek shelter? I spent the day in the cellar of a farmer's + house. He didn't know I was there. I have had no food." + </p> + <p> + "Why did you kill that man?" + </p> + <p> + "There was nothing left for me to do but that." + </p> + <p> + "And why did you rob him?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I had ample time to think of all that. You may tell the officers they + will find everything hidden in that farmhouse cellar. God knows I did not + want them. I am not a thief. I'm not so bad as that." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall marvelled. "Not so bad as that!" And she was a murderess, a + wanton! + </p> + <p> + "You are hungry? You must be famished." + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not hungry. I have not thought of food." She said it in such a + way that the other knew what her whole mind had been given over to since + the night before. + </p> + <p> + A fresh impulse seized her. "You shall have food and a place where you can + sleep—and rest," she said. "Now please don't say anything more. I do + not want to know too much. The least you say to-night, the better for—for + both of us." + </p> + <p> + With that she devoted all of her attention to the car, increasing the + speed considerably. Far ahead she could see twinkling, will-o'-the-wisp + lights, the first signs of thickly populated districts. They were still + eight or ten miles from the outskirts of the city and the way was arduous. + She was conscious of a sudden feeling of fatigue. The chill of the night + seemed to have made itself felt with abrupt, almost stupefying force. She + wondered if she could keep her strength, her courage,—her nerves. + </p> + <p> + The girl was English. Mrs. Wrandall was convinced of the fact almost + immediately. Unmistakably English and apparently of the cultivated type. + In fact, the peculiarities of speech that determines the London show-girl + or music-hall character were wholly lacking. Her voice, her manner, even + under such trying conditions, were characteristic of the English woman of + cultivation. Despite the dreadful strain under which she laboured, there + were evidences of that curious serenity which marks the English woman of + the better classes: an inborn composure, a calm orderliness of the + emotions. Mrs. Wrandall was conscious of a sense of surprise, of a wonder + that increased as her thoughts resolved themselves into something less + chaotic than they were at the time of contact with this visible condition. + </p> + <p> + For a mile or more, she sent the car along with reckless disregard for + comfort or safety. Her mind was groping for something tangible in the way + of intentions. What was she to do with this creature? What was to become + of her? At what street corner should she turn her adrift? The idea of + handing her over to the police did not enter her thoughts for an instant. + Somehow she felt that the girl was a stranger to the city. She could not + explain the feeling, yet it was with her and very persistent. Of course, + there was a home of some sort, or lodgings, or friends, but would the girl + dare show herself in familiar haunts? + </p> + <p> + She had said to the sheriff that she hoped the slayer of her husband would + never be caught. She recalled her words, and she remembered how sincere + she had been in uttering them. But she had not figured on herself as an + instrument in furthering the hope to the point of actual realisation. What + could be more incongruous, more theatric,—yes, more bizarre, than + her attitude at this moment? It seemed impossible that this shrinking, + inert heap at her side was a living thing; a woman who had slain a fellow + creature, and that creature the man who had been her husband for six + years. It seemed utterly beyond sense or reason that she should be helping + this murderess to escape, that she should be showing her the slightest + sign of mercy. And yet, it was all true. She was helping her, she was + befriending her. + </p> + <p> + She found herself wondering why the poor wretch had not made way with + herself. Escape seemed out of the question. That must have been clear to + her from the beginning, else why was she going back there to give herself + up? What better way out of it all than self-destruction? Sara Wrandall + reached a sudden conclusion. She would advise the girl to leave the car + when they reached the centre of a certain bridge that spanned the river! + No one would find her... + </p> + <p> + Even as the thought took shape in her mind, she experienced a great sense + of awe, so overwhelming that she cried out with the horror of it. She + turned her head for a quick glance at the mute, wretched face showing + white above the robe, and her heart ached with sudden pity for her. The + thought of that slender, alive thing going down to the icy waters—her + soul turned sick with the dread of it! + </p> + <p> + In that instant, Sara Wrandall—no philanthropist, no sentimentalist—made + up her mind to give this erring one more than an even chance for + salvation. She would see her safely across THAT bridge and many others. + God had directed the footsteps of this girl so that she should fall in + with the one best qualified to pass judgment on her. It was in that + person's power to save her or destroy her. The commandment, "Thou shalt + not kill," took on a broader meaning as she considered the power that was + hers: the power to kill. + </p> + <p> + Back of all these finely human impulses was the mysterious arbiter that + makes great decisions for all of us, from which there can be no appeal, + and which brooks no argument: Self. Self it was that put a single question + to her and answered it as well: what personal grievance had she against + this unhappy girl? None whatever. Self it was therefore that slyly thanked + her for an unspeakable blessing: she had brought to an end not only the + life of her husband but the false position she herself had been obliged to + maintain through a mistaken sense of duty and self-respect. And who was to + say, outside the law, that this frail girl had not just cause to slay? + </p> + <p> + A great relaxation came over Sara Wrandall. It was as if every nerve, + every muscle in her body had reached the snapping point and suddenly had + given way. For a moment her hands were weak and powerless; her head fell + forward. In an instant she conquered,—but only partially,—the + strange feeling of lassitude. Then she realised how tired she was, how + fiercely the strain had told on her body and brain, how much she had + really suffered. + </p> + <p> + Her blurred eyes turned once more for a look at the girl, who sat there, + just as she had been sitting for miles, her white face standing out with + almost unnatural clearness, and as rigid as that of the sphinx. + </p> + <p> + The girl spoke. "Do they hang women in this country?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall started. "In some of the States," she replied, and was + unable to account for the swift impulse to evade. + </p> + <p> + "But in this State?" persisted the other, almost without a movement of the + lips. + </p> + <p> + "They send them to the electric chair—sometimes," said Mrs. + Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence between them, broken finally by the girl. + </p> + <p> + "You have been very kind to me, madam. I have no means of expressing my + gratitude. I can only say that I shall bless you to my dying hour. May I + trouble you to set me down at the bridge? I remember crossing one. I shall + be able to—" + </p> + <p> + "No!" cried Mrs. Wrandall shrilly, divining the other's intention at once. + "You shall not do that. I too thought of that as a way out of it for you, + but—no, it must not be that. Give me a few minutes to think. I will + find a way." + </p> + <p> + The girl turned toward her. Her eyes were burning. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean that you will help me to get away?" she cried, slowly, + incredulously. + </p> + <p> + "Let me think!" + </p> + <p> + "You will lay yourself liable—" + </p> + <p> + "Let me think, I say." + </p> + <p> + "But I mean to surrender myself to—" + </p> + <p> + "An hour ago you meant to do it, but what were you thinking of ten minutes + ago? Not surrender. You were thinking of the bridge. Listen to me now: I + am sure that I can save you. I do not know all the—all the + circumstances connected with your association with—with that man + back there at the inn. Twenty-four hours passed before they were able to + identify him. It is not unlikely that to-morrow may put them in possession + of the name of the woman who went with him to that place. They do not know + it to-night, of that I am positive. You covered your trail too well. But + you must have been seen with him during the day or the night—" + </p> + <p> + The other broke in eagerly: "I don't believe any one knows that I—that + I went out there with him. He arranged it very—carefully. Oh, what a + beast he was!" The bitterness of that wail caused the woman beside her to + cry out as if hurt by a sharp, almost unbearable pain. For an instant she + seemed about to lose control of herself. The car swerved and came + dangerously near to leaving the road. + </p> + <p> + A full minute passed before she could trust herself to speak. Then it was + with a deep hoarseness in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "You can tell me about it later on, not now. I don't want to hear it. Tell + me, where do you live?" + </p> + <p> + The girl's manner changed so absolutely that there could be but one + inference: she was acutely suspicious. Her lips tightened and her figure + seemed to stiffen in in the seat. + </p> + <p> + "Where do you live?" repeated the other sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Why should I tell you that? I do not know you. You—" + </p> + <p> + "You are afraid of me?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I don't know what to say, or what to do," came from the lips of the + hunted one. "I have no friends, no one to turn to, no one to help me. You—you + can't be so heartless as to lead me on and then give me up to—God + help me, I—I should not be made to suffer for what I have done. If + you only knew the circumstances. If you only knew—" + </p> + <p> + "Stop!" cried the other, in agony. + </p> + <p> + The girl was bewildered. "You are so strange. I don't understand—" + </p> + <p> + "We have but two or three miles to go," interrupted Mrs. Wrandall. "We + must think hard and—rapidly. Are you willing to come with me to my + hotel? You will be safe there for the present. To-morrow we can plan + something for the future." + </p> + <p> + "If I can only find a place to rest for a little while," began the other. + </p> + <p> + "I shall be busy all day, you will not be disturbed. But leave the rest to + me. I shall find a way." + </p> + <p> + It was nearly three o'clock when she brought the car to a stop in front of + a small, exclusive hotel not far from Central Park. The street was dark + and the vestibule was but dimly lighted. No attendant was in sight. + </p> + <p> + "Slip into this," commanded Mrs. Wrandall, beginning to divest herself of + her own fur coat. "It will cover your muddy garments. I am quite warmly + dressed. Don't worry. Be quick. For the time being you are my guest here. + You will not be questioned. No one need know who you are. It will not + matter if you look distressed. You have just heard of the dreadful thing + that has happened to me. You—" + </p> + <p> + "Happened to you?" cried the girl, drawing the coat about her. + </p> + <p> + "A member of my family has died. They know it in the hotel by this time. I + was called to the death bed—to-night. That is all you will have to + know." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am sorry—" + </p> + <p> + "Come, let us go in. When we reach my rooms, you may order food and drink. + You must do it, not I. Please try to remember that it is I who am + suffering, not you." + </p> + <p> + A sleepy night watchman took them up in the elevator. He was not even + interested. Mrs. Wrandall did not speak, but leaned rather heavily on the + arm of her companion. The door had no sooner closed behind them when the + girl collapsed. She sank to the floor in a heap. + </p> + <p> + "Get up!" commanded her hostess sharply. This was not the time for soft, + persuasive words. "Get up at once. You are young and strong. You must show + the stuff you are made of now if you ever mean to show it. I cannot help + you if you quail." + </p> + <p> + The girl looked up piteously, and then struggled to her feet. She stood + before her protectress, weaving like a frail reed in the wind, pallid to + the lips. + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon," she murmured. "I will not give way like that again. I + dare say I'm faint. I have had no food, no rest—but never mind that + now. Tell me what I am to do. I will try to obey." + </p> + <p> + "First of all, get out of those muddy, frozen things you have on." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall herself moved stiffly and with unsteady limbs as she began + to remove her own outer garments. The girl mechanically followed her + example. She was a pitiable object in the strong light of the electrolier. + Muddy from head to foot, water-stained and bedraggled, her face streaked + with dirt, she was the most unattractive creature one could well imagine. + </p> + <p> + These women, so strangely thrown together by Fate, maintained an unbroken + silence during the long, fumbling process of partial disrobing. They + scarcely looked at one another, and yet they were acutely conscious of the + interest each felt in the other. The grateful warmth of the room, the + abrupt transition from gloom and cheerlessness to comfortable obscurity, + had a more pronounced effect on the stranger than on her hostess. + </p> + <p> + "It is good to feel warm once more," she said, an odd timidness in her + manner. "You are very good to me." + </p> + <p> + They were in Mrs. Wrandall's bed-chamber, just off the little + sitting-room. Three or four trunks stood against the walls. + </p> + <p> + "I dismissed my maid on landing. She robbed me," said Mrs. Wrandall, + voicing the relief that was uppermost in her mind. She opened a closet + door and took out a thick eider-down robe, which she tossed across a + chair. "Now call up the office and say that you are speaking for me. Say + to them that I must have something to eat, no matter what the hour may be. + I will get out some clean underwear for you, and—Oh, yes; if they + ask about me, say that I am cold and ill. That is sufficient. Here is the + bath. Please be as quick about it as possible." + </p> + <p> + Moving as if in a dream, the girl did as she was told. Twenty minutes + later there was a knock at the door. A waiter appeared with a tray and + service table. He found Mrs. Wrandall lying back in a chair, attended by a + slender young woman in a pink eiderdown dressing-gown, who gave hesitating + directions to him. Then he was dismissed with a handsome tip, produced by + the same young woman. + </p> + <p> + "You are not to return for these things," she said as he went out. + </p> + <p> + In silence she ate and drank, her hostess looking on with gloomy interest. + It was no shock to Mrs. Wrandall to find that the girl, who was no more + than twenty-two or three, possessed unusual beauty. Her great eyes were + blue,—the lovely Irish blue,—her skin was fair and smooth, her + features regular and of the delicate mould that defines the well-bred + gentlewoman at a glance. Her hair, now in order, was dark and thick and + lay softly about her small ears and neck. She was not surprised, I repeat, + for she had never known Challis Wrandall to show interest in any but the + most attractive of her sex. She found herself smiling bitterly as she + looked. + </p> + <p> + To herself she was saying: "It isn't so hard to bear when I realise that + he betrayed me for one who is so much more beautiful than I. He loved me + because I am beautiful. His every defection proves it. The others have all + been beautiful. And to think that this gentle, slender creature should + have been the one to give him his death-blow. It seems incredible. If it + had been struck by some outraged husband, strong of arm and fierce with + vengeance, I could understand. But—but this young, pretty, soft-eyed + thing!" + </p> + <p> + But who may know the thoughts of the other occupant of that little + sitting-room? Who can put herself in the place of that despairing, hunted + creature who knew that blood was on the hands with which she ate, and + whose eyes were filled with visions of the death-chair? + </p> + <p> + So great was her fatigue that long before she finished the meal her tired + lids began to droop, her head to nod in spasmodic surrenders to an + overpowering desire for sleep. Suddenly she dropped the fork from her + fingers and sank back in the comfortable chair, her head resting against + the soft, upholstered back. Her lids fell, her hands dropped to the arms + of the chair. A fine line appeared between her dark eyebrows,—indicative + of pain. + </p> + <p> + For many minutes Sara Wrandall watched the haggardness deepen in the face + of the unconscious sleeper. Then, even as she wondered at the act, she + went over and took up one of the slim hands in her own. The hand of an + aristocrat! It lay limp in hers, and helpless. Long, tapering fingers and + delicately pink with the return of warmth. + </p> + <p> + Rousing herself from the mute contemplation of her charge, she shook the + girl's shoulder. Instantly she was awake and staring, alarm in her dazed, + bewildered eyes. + </p> + <p> + "You must go to bed," said Mrs. Wrandall quietly. "Don't be afraid. No one + will think of coming here." + </p> + <p> + The girl arose. As she stood before her benefactress, she heard her murmur + as if from afar-off: "Just about your size and figure," and wondered not a + little. + </p> + <p> + "You may sleep late. I have many things to do and you will not be + disturbed. Come, take off your clothes and get into my bed. To-morrow we + will plan further—" + </p> + <p> + "But, madam," cried the girl, "I cannot take your bed. Where are you to—" + </p> + <p> + "If I feel like lying down, I shall lie there beside you." + </p> + <p> + The girl stared. "Lie beside ME?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Oh, I am not afraid of you, child. You are not a monster. You are + just a poor, tired—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, please don't! Please!" cried the other, tears rushing to her eyes. + She raised Mrs. Wrandall's hand to her lips and covered it with kisses. + </p> + <p> + Long after she went to sleep, Sara Wrandall stood beside the bed, looking + down at the pain-stricken face, and tried to solve the problem that + suddenly had become a part of her very existence. + </p> + <p> + "It is not friendship," she argued fiercely. "It is not charity, it is not + humanity. It's the debt I owe, that's all. She did the thing for me that I + could not have done myself because I loved him. I owe her something for + that." + </p> + <p> + Later on she turned her attention to the trunks. Her decision was made. + With ruthless hands she dragged gown after gown from the "innovations" and + cast them over chairs, on the floor, across the foot of the bed: smart + things from Paris and Vienna; ball gowns, street gowns, tea gowns, + lingerie, blouses, hats, gloves and all of the countless things that a + woman of fashion and means indulges herself in when she goes abroad for + that purpose and no other to speak of. From the closets she drew forth New + York "tailor-suits" and other garments. + </p> + <p> + Until long after six o'clock she busied herself over this huge pile of + costly raiment, portions of which she had worn but once or twice, some not + at all, selecting certain dresses, hats, stockings, etc., each of which + she laid carelessly aside: an imposing pile of many hues, all bright and + gay and glittering. In another heap she laid the sombre things of black: a + meagre assortment as compared to the other. + </p> + <p> + Then she stood back and surveyed the two heaps with tired eyes, a curious, + almost scornful smile on her lips. "There!" she said with a sigh. "The + black pile is mine, the gay pile is yours," she went on, turning toward + the sleeping girl. "What a travesty!" + </p> + <p> + Then she gathered up the soiled garments her charge had worn and cast them + into the bottom of a trunk, which she locked. Laying out a carefully + selected assortment of her own garments for the girl's use when she arose, + Mrs. Wrandall sat down beside the bed and waited, knowing that sleep would + not come to her. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III — HETTY CASTLETON + </h2> + <p> + At half-past six she went to the telephone and called for the morning + newspapers. At the same time she asked that a couple of district messenger + boys be sent to her room with the least possible delay. The hushed, scared + voice of the telephone girl downstairs convinced her that news of the + tragedy was abroad; she could imagine the girl looking at the headlines + with awed eyes even as she responded to the call from room 416, and her + shudder as she realised that it was the wife of the dead man speaking. + </p> + <p> + One of the night clerks, pale and agitated, came up with the papers. He + inquired if there was anything he could do. He tried to tell her that it + was a dreadful, sickening thing, but the words stuck in his throat. She + stood before him, holding the door open; the light in the hall fell upon + her white, haggard face. He began to tremble all over, as if with the + ague. + </p> + <p> + "Will you be good enough to come in?" she inquired, quite steadily. "The + newspapers—have they printed the—the details?" + </p> + <p> + He entered and she closed the door. + </p> + <p> + "Just the—just the news that it was Mr. Wrandall," he replied + jerkily. "Later on they'll have—" + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him. "Let me have them, please." Without so much as a + glance at the headlines, she tossed the papers on the table. "I have sent + for two messenger boys. It is too early to accomplish much by telephone, I + fear. Will you be so kind as to telephone at seven o'clock or a little + after to my apartment?—You will find the number under Mr. Wrandall's + name. Please inform the butler or his wife that they may expect me by ten + o'clock, and that I shall bring a friend with me—a young lady. + Kindly have my motor sent to Haffner's garage, and looked after. When the + reporters come, as they will, please say to them that I will see them at + my own home at eleven o'clock." + </p> + <p> + "Can't I—we—I should say, don't you want us to send word to + your—your friends, Mrs. Wrandall,—the family, I mean? No + trouble to do it, and—" + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, no. The messengers will attend to all that is necessary. When + my lawyer arrives, please send him here to me. Mr. Carroll. Thank you." + </p> + <p> + The clerk, considerably relieved, took his departure in some haste, and + she was left with the morning papers, each of which she scanned rapidly. + The details, of course, were meagre. There was a double-leaded account of + her visit to the inn and her extraordinary return to the city. Her chief + interest, however, did not rest in these particulars, but in the + speculations of the authorities as to the identity of the mysterious woman—and + her whereabouts. There was the likelihood that she was not the only one + who had encountered the girl on the highway or in the neighbourhood of the + inn. So far as she could glean from the reports, however, no one had seen + the girl, nor was there the slightest hint offered as to her identity. The + papers of the previous afternoon had published lurid accounts of the + murder, with all of the known details, the name of the victim at that time + still being a mystery. She remembered reading the story with no little + interest. The only new feature in the case, therefore, was the + identification of Challis Wrandall by his "beautiful wife," and the + sensational manner in which it had been brought about. With considerable + interest she noted the hour that these despatches had been received from + "special correspondents," and wondered where the shrewd, lynx-eyed + reporters napped while she was at the inn. All of the despatches were + timed three o'clock and each paper characterised its issue as an "Extra," + with Challis Wrandall's name in huge type across as many columns as the + dignity of the sheet permitted. + </p> + <p> + Not one word of the girl! Absolute mystery! + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall returned to her post beside the bed of the sleeper in the + adjoining room. Deliberately she placed the newspapers on a chair near the + girl's pillow, and then raised the window shades to let in the hard grey + light of early morn. + </p> + <p> + It was not her present intention to arouse the wan stranger, who slept as + one dead. So gentle was her breathing that the watcher stared in some fear + at the fair, smooth breast that seemed scarcely to rise and fall. For a + long time she stood beside the bed, looking down at the face of the + sleeper, a troubled expression in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder how many times you were seen with him, and where, and by whom," + were the questions that ran in a single strain through her mind. "Where do + you come from? Where did you meet him? Who is there that knows of your + acquaintance with him?" + </p> + <p> + There was no kindly light in her eyes, nor was there the faintest sign of + animosity. Merely the look of one who calculates in the interest of a + well-shaped purpose. She was estimating the difficulties that were likely + to attend the carrying out of a design as yet half-formed and quixotic. + There were many things to be considered. At present she was working in + utter darkness. What would the light bring forth? + </p> + <p> + Her lawyer came in great haste and perturbation at eight o'clock, in + response to the letter delivered by one of the messengers. A second letter + had gone by like means to her husband's brother, Leslie Wrandall, + instructing him to break the news to his father and mother and to come to + her apartment after he had attended to the removal of the body to the + family home near Washington Square. She made it quite plain that she did + not want Challis Wrandall's body to lie under the roof that sheltered her. + </p> + <p> + His family had resented their marriage. Father, mother and sister had + objected to her from the beginning, not because she was unworthy, but + because her tradespeople ancestry was not so remote as his. She found a + curious sense of pleasure in returning to them the thing they prized so + highly and surrendered to her with such bitterness of heart. She had not + been good enough for him: that was their attitude. Now she was returning + him to them, as one would return an article that had been tested and found + to be worthless. She would have no more of him! + </p> + <p> + Leslie, three years younger than Challis, did not hold to the views that + actuated the remaining members of the family in opposing her as an + addition to the rather close corporation known far and wide as "the + Wrandalls." He had stood out for her in a rather mild but none-the-less + steadfast manner, blandly informing his mother on mere than one occasion + that Sara was quite too good for Challis, any way you looked at it: an + attitude which provoked sundry caustic references to his own lamentable + shortcomings in the matter of family pride and—intelligence. + </p> + <p> + He and Sara had been good friends after a fashion. He was a bit of a snob + but not much of a prig. She had the feeling about him that if he could be + weaned away from the family he might stand for something fine in the way + of character. But he was an adept at straddling fences, so that he was + never fully on one side or the other, no matter which way he leaned. + </p> + <p> + He had not been deeply attached to his brother. Their ways were wide + apart. All his life he had known Challis for what he was; his heart if not + his hand was against him. From the first, he had regarded Sara's marriage + as a bad bargain for her, and toward the last bluntly told her so. Not + once but many times had he taken it upon himself to inform her that she + was a fool to put up with all the beastly things Challis was doing. He + characterised as infatuation the emotion she was prone to call love when + they met to discuss the escapades of the careless Challis, for she always + went to him with her troubles. In direct opposition to his counselling, + she invariably forgave the erring lover who was her husband. Once Leslie + had said to her, in considerable heat: "You act as if you were his + mistress, instead of his wife. Mistresses have to forgive; wives don't." + And she had replied: "Yes, but I'd much rather have him a lover than a + husband." A remark which Leslie never quite fathomed, being somewhat + literal himself. + </p> + <p> + Carroll, her lawyer, an elderly man of vast experience, was not surprised + to find her quite calm and reasonable. He had come to know her very well + in the past few years. He had been her father's lawyer up to the time of + that excellent tradesman's demise, and he had settled the estate with such + unusual despatch that the heirs,—there were many of them,—regarded + him as an admirable person and—kept him busy ever afterward + straightening out their own affairs. Which goes to prove that policy is + often better than honesty. + </p> + <p> + "I quite understand, my dear, that while it is a dreadful shock to you, + you are perfectly reconciled to the—er—to the—well, I + might say the culmination of his troubles," said Mr. Carroll tactfully, + after she had related for his benefit the story of the night's adventure, + with reservation concerning the girl who slumbered in the room beyond. + </p> + <p> + "Hardly that, Mr. Carroll. Resigned, perhaps. I can't say that I am + reconciled. All my life I shall feel that I have been cheated," she said. + </p> + <p> + He looked up sharply. Something in her tone puzzled him. "Cheated, my + dear? Oh, I see. Cheated out of years and years of happiness. I see." + </p> + <p> + She bowed her head. Neither spoke for a full minute. + </p> + <p> + "It's a horrible thing to say, Sara, but this tragedy does away with + another and perhaps more unpleasant alternative: the divorce I have been + urging you to consider for so long." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we are spared all that," she said. Then she met his gaze with a + sudden flash of anger in her eyes. "But I would not have divorced him—never. + You understood that, didn't you?" + </p> + <p> + "You couldn't have gone on for ever, my dear child, enduring the—" + </p> + <p> + She stopped him with a sharp exclamation. "Why discuss it now? Let the + past take care of itself, Mr. Carroll. The past came to an end night + before last, so far as I am concerned. I want advice for the future, not + for the past." + </p> + <p> + He drew back, hurt by her manner. She was quick to see that she had + offended him. + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, my best of friends," she cried earnestly. + </p> + <p> + He smiled. "If you will take PRESENT advice, Sara, you will let go of + yourself for a spell and see if tears won't relieve the tension under—" + </p> + <p> + "Tears!" she cried. "Why should I give way to tears? What have I to weep + for? That man up there in the country? The cold, dead thing that spent its + last living moments without a thought of love for me? Ah, no, my friend; I + shed all my tears while he was alive. There are none left to be shed for + him now. He exacted his full share of them. It was his pleasure to wring + them from me because he knew I loved him." She leaned forward and spoke + slowly, distinctly, so that he would never forget the words. "But listen + to me, Mr. Carroll. You also know that I loved him. Can you believe me + when I say to you that I hate that dead thing up there in Burton's Inn as + no one ever hated before? Can you understand what I mean? I hate that dead + body, Mr. Carroll. I loved the life that was in it. It was the life of him + that I loved, the warm, appealing life of him. It has gone out. Some one + less amiable than I suffered at his hands and—well, that is enough. + I hate the dead body she left behind her, Mr. Carroll." + </p> + <p> + The lawyer wiped the cool moisture from his brow. + </p> + <p> + "I think I understand," he said, but he was filled with wonder. + "Extraordinary! Ahem! I should say—Ahem! Dear me! Yes, yes—I've + never really thought of it in that light." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say you haven't," she said, lying back in the chair as if suddenly + exhausted. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, my dear, have you breakfasted?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I hadn't given it a thought. Perhaps it would be better if I had some + coffee—" + </p> + <p> + "I will ring for a waiter," he said, springing to his feet. + </p> + <p> + "Not now, please. I have a young friend in the other room—a guest + who arrived last night. She will attend to it when she awakes. Poor thing, + it has been dreadfully trying for her." + </p> + <p> + "Good heaven, I should think so," said he, with a glance at the closed + door, "Is she asleep?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I shall not call her until you have gone." + </p> + <p> + "May I enquire—" + </p> + <p> + "A girl I met recently—an English girl," said she succinctly, and + forthwith changed the subject. "There are a few necessary details that + must be attended to, Mr. Carroll. That is why I sent for you at this early + hour. Mr. Leslie Wrandall will take charge—Ah!" she straightened up + suddenly. "What a farce it is going to be!" + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later he departed, to rejoin her at eleven o'clock, when the + reporters were to be expected. He was to do the talking for her. While he + was there, Leslie Wrandall called her up on the telephone. Hearing but one + side of the rather prolonged conversation, he was filled with wonder at + the tactful way in which she met and parried the inevitable questions and + suggestions coming from her horror-struck brother-in-law. Without the + slightest trace of offensiveness in her manner, she gave Leslie to + understand that the final obsequies must be conducted in the home of his + parents, to whom once more her husband belonged, and that she would abide + by all arrangements his family elected to make. Mr. Carroll surmised from + the trend of conversation that young Wrandall was about to leave for the + scene of the tragedy, and that the house was in a state of unspeakable + distress. The lawyer smiled rather grimly to himself as he turned to look + out of the window. He did not have to be told that Challis was the idol of + the family, and that, so far as they were concerned, he could do no wrong! + </p> + <p> + After his departure, Mrs. Wrandall gently opened the bedroom door and was + surprised to find the girl wide-awake, resting on one elbow, her staring + eyes fastened on the newspaper that topped the pile on the chair. + </p> + <p> + Catching sight of Mrs. Wrandall she pointed to the paper with a trembling + hand and cried out, in a voice full of horror: + </p> + <p> + "Did you place them there for me to read? Who was with you in the other + room just now? Was it some one about the—some one looking for me? + Speak! Please tell me. I heard a man's voice—" + </p> + <p> + The other crossed quickly to her side. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be alarmed. It was my lawyer. There is nothing to fear—at + present. Yes, I left the papers there for you to see. You can see what a + sensation it has caused. Challis Wrandall was one of the most widely known + men in New York. But I suppose you know that without my telling you." + </p> + <p> + The girl sank back with a groan. "My God, what have I done? What will come + of it all?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish I could answer that question," said the other, taking the girl's + hand in hers. Both were trembling. After an instant's hesitation, she laid + her other hand on the dark, dishevelled hair of the wild-eyed creature, + who still continued to stare at the headlines. "I am quite sure they will + not look for you here, or in my home." + </p> + <p> + "In your home?" + </p> + <p> + "You are to go with me. I have thought it all over. It is the only way. + Come, I must ask you to pull yourself together. Get up at once, and dress. + Here are the things you are to wear." She indicated the orderly pile of + garments with a wave of her hand. + </p> + <p> + Slowly the girl crept out of bed, confused, bewildered, stunned. + </p> + <p> + "Where are my own things? I—I cannot accept these. Pray give me my + own—" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall checked her. + </p> + <p> + "You must obey me, if you expect me to help you. Don't you understand that + I have had a—a bereavement? I cannot wear these things now. They are + useless to me. But we will speak of all that later on. Come, be quick; I + will help you to dress. First, go to the telephone and ask them to send a + waiter to—these rooms. We must have something to eat. Please do as I + tell you." + </p> + <p> + Standing before her benefactress, her fingers fumbling impotently at the + neck of the night-dress, the girl still continued to stare dumbly into the + calm, dark eyes before her. + </p> + <p> + "You are so good. I—I—" + </p> + <p> + "Let me help you," interrupted the other, deliberately setting about to + remove the night-dress. The girl caught it up as it slipped from her + shoulders, a warm flush suffusing her face, a shamed look springing into + her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, I can—get on very well. I only wanted to ask you a + question. It has been on my mind, waking and sleeping. Can you tell me + anything about—do you know his wife?" + </p> + <p> + The question was so abrupt, so startling that Mrs. Wrandall uttered a + sharp little cry. For a moment she could not reply. + </p> + <p> + "I am so sorry, so desperately sorry for her," added the girl plaintively. + </p> + <p> + "I know her," the other managed to say with an effort. + </p> + <p> + "If I had only known that he had a wife—" began the girl bitterly, + almost angrily. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall grasped her by the arm. "You did not know that he had a + wife?" she cried. + </p> + <p> + The girl's eyes flashed with a sudden, fierce fire in their depths. + </p> + <p> + "God in heaven, no! I did not know it until—Oh, I can't speak of it! + Why should I tell you about it? Why should you be interested in hearing + it?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall drew back and regarded the girl's set, unhappy face. There + was a curious light in her eyes that escaped the other's notice,—a + light that would have puzzled her not a little. + </p> + <p> + "But you WILL tell me—EVERYTHING—a little later," she said, + strangely calm. "Not now, but,—before many hours have passed. First + of all, you must tell me who you are, where you live,—everything + except what happened in Burton's Inn. I don't want to hear that at present—perhaps + never. Yes, on second thoughts, I will say NEVER! You are never to tell me + just what happened up there, or just what led up to it. Do you understand? + Never!" + </p> + <p> + The girl stared at her in amazement. "But I—I must tell some one," + she cried vehemently. "I have a right to defend myself—" + </p> + <p> + "I am not asking you to defend yourself," said Mrs. Wrandall shortly. + Then, as if afraid to remain longer, she rushed from the room. In the + doorway, she turned for an instant to say: "Do as I told you. Telephone. + Dress as quickly as you can." She closed the door swiftly. + </p> + <p> + Standing in the centre of the room, her hands clenched until the nails cut + the flesh, she said over and over again to herself: "I don't want to know! + I don't want to KNOW!" + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later she was critically inspecting the young woman who came + from the bedroom attired in a street dress that neither of them had ever + donned before. The girl, looking fresher, prettier and even younger than + when she had seen her last, was in no way abashed. She seemed to have + accepted the garments and the situation in the same spirit of resignation + and hope: as if she had decided to make the most of her slim chance to + profit by these amazing circumstances. + </p> + <p> + They sat opposite each other at the little breakfast table. + </p> + <p> + "Please pour the coffee," said Mrs. Wrandall. The waiter had left the room + at her command. The girl's hand shook, but she complied without a word. + </p> + <p> + "Now you may tell me who you are and—but wait! You are not to say + anything about what happened at the inn. Guard your words carefully. I am + not asking for a confession. I do not care to know what happened there. It + will make it easier for me to protect you. You may call it conscience. + Keep your big secret to yourself. NOT ONE WORD TO ME. Do you understand?" + </p> + <p> + "You mean that I am not to reveal, even to you, the causes which led up to—" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing—absolutely nothing," said Mrs. Wrandall firmly. + </p> + <p> + "But I cannot permit you to judge me, to—well, you might say to + acquit me,—without hearing the story. It is so vital to me." + </p> + <p> + "I can judge you without hearing all of the—the evidence, if that's + what you mean. Simply answer the questions I shall ask, and nothing more. + There are certain facts I must have from you if I am to shield you. You + must tell me the truth. I take it you are an English girl. Where do you + live? Who are your friends? Where is your family?" + </p> + <p> + The girl's face flushed for an instant and then grew pale again. + </p> + <p> + "I will tell you the truth," she said. "My name is Hetty Castleton. My + father is Col. Braid Castleton, of—of the British army. My mother is + dead. She was Kitty Glynn, at one time a popular music-hall performer in + London. She was Irish. She died two years ago. My father was a gentleman. + I do not say he IS a gentleman, for his treatment of my mother relieves + him from that distinction. He is in the Far East, China, I think. I have + not seen him in more than five years. He deserted my mother. That's all + there is to that side of my story. I appeared in two or three of the + musical pieces produced in London two seasons ago, in the chorus. I never + got beyond that, for very good reasons. I was known as Hetty Glynn. Three + weeks ago I started for New York, sailing from Liverpool. Previously I had + served in the capacity of governess in the family of John Budlong, a + brewer. They had a son, a young man of twenty. Two months ago I was + dismissed. A California lady, Mrs. Holcombe, offered me a situation as + governess to her two little girls soon afterward. I was to go to her home + in San Francisco. She provided the money necessary for the voyage and for + other expenses. She is still in Europe. I landed in New York a fortnight + ago and, following her directions, presented myself at a certain bank,—I + have the name somewhere—where my railroad tickets were to be in + readiness for me, with further instructions. They were to give me + twenty-five pounds on the presentation of my letter from Mrs. Holcombe. + They gave me the money and then handed me a cable-gram from Mrs. Holcombe, + notifying me that my services would not be required. There was no + explanation. Just that. + </p> + <p> + "On the steamer I met—HIM. His deck chair was next to mine. I + noticed that his name was Wrandall—'C. Wrandall' the card on the + chair informed me. I—" + </p> + <p> + "You crossed on the steamer with him?" interrupted Mrs. Wrandall quickly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Had—had you seen him before? In London?" + </p> + <p> + "Never. Well, we became acquainted, as people do. He—he was very + handsome and agreeable." She paused for a moment to collect herself. + </p> + <p> + "Very handsome and agreeable," said the other slowly. + </p> + <p> + "We got to be very good friends. There were not many people on board, and + apparently he knew none of them. It was too cold to stay on deck much of + the time, and it was very rough. He had one of the splendid suites on the—" + </p> + <p> + "Pray omit unnecessary details. You landed and went—where?" + </p> + <p> + "He advised me to go to an hotel—I can't recall the name. It was + rather an unpleasant place. Then I went to the bank, as I have stated. + After that I did not know what to do. I was stunned, bewildered. I called + him up on the telephone and—he asked me to meet him for dinner at a + queer little cafe, far down town. We—" + </p> + <p> + "And you had no friends, no acquaintances here?" + </p> + <p> + "No. He suggested that I go into one of the musical shows, saying he + thought he could arrange it with a manager who was a friend. Anything to + tide me over, he said. But I would not consider it, not for an instant. I + had had enough of the stage. I—I am really not fitted for it. + Besides, I AM qualified—well qualified—to be governess—but + that is neither here nor there. I had some money—perhaps forty + pounds. I found lodgings with some people in Nineteenth street. He never + came there to see me. I can see plainly now why he argued it would not be—well, + he used the word 'wise.' But we went occasionally to dine together. We + went about in a motor—a little red one. He—he told me he loved + me. That was one night about a week ago. I—" + </p> + <p> + "I don't care to hear about it," cried the other. "No need of that. Spare + me the silly side of the story." + </p> + <p> + "Silly, madam? In God's name, do you think it was silly to me? Why—why, + I believed him! And, what is more, I believe that he DID love me—even + now I believe it." + </p> + <p> + "I have no doubt of it," said Mrs. Wrandall calmly. "You are very pretty—and + charming." + </p> + <p> + "I—I did not know that he had a wife until—well, until—" + She could not go on. + </p> + <p> + "Night before last?" + </p> + <p> + The girl shuddered. Mrs. Wrandall turned her face away and waited. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing more I can tell you, unless you permit me to tell ALL," + the girl resumed after a moment of hesitation. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall arose. + </p> + <p> + "I have heard enough. This afternoon I will send my butler with you to the + lodging house in Nineteenth street. He will attend to the removal of your + personal effects to my home, and you will return with him. It will be + testing fate, Miss Castleton, this visit to your former abiding place, but + I have decided to give the law its chance. If you are suspected, a watch + will be set over the house in which you lived. If you are not suspected, + if your association with—with Wrandall is quite unknown, you will + run no risk in going there openly, nor will I be taking so great a chance + as may appear in offering you a home, for the time being at least, as + companion—or secretary or whatever we may elect to call it for the + benefit of all enquirers. Are you willing to run the risk—this + single risk?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly willing," announced the other without hesitation. Indeed, her + face brightened. "If they are waiting there for me, I shall go with them + without a word. I have no means of expressing my gratitude to you for—" + </p> + <p> + "There is time enough for that," said Mrs. Wrandall quickly. "And if they + are not there, you will return to me? You will not desert me now?" + </p> + <p> + The girl's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Desert you? Why do you put it in + that way? I don't understand." + </p> + <p> + "You will come back to me?" insisted the other. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Why,—why, it means everything to me. It means life,—more + than that, most wonderful friend. Life isn't very sweet to me. But the joy + of giving it to you for ever is the dearest boon I crave. I DO give it to + you. It belongs to you. I—I could die for you." + </p> + <p> + She dropped to her knees and pressed her lips to Sara Wrandall's hand; hot + tears fell upon it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall laid her free hand on the dark, glossy hair and smiled; + smiled warmly for the first time in—well, in years she might have + said to herself if she had stopped to consider. + </p> + <p> + "Get up, my dear," she said gently. "I shall not ask you to die for me—if + you DO come back. I may be sending you to your death, as it is, but it is + the chance we must take. A few hours will tell the tale. Now listen to + what I am about to say,—to propose. I offer you a home, I offer you + friendship and I trust security from the peril that confronts you. I ask + nothing in return, not even a word of gratitude. You may tell the people + at your lodgings that I have engaged you as companion and that we are to + sail for Europe in a week's time if possible. Now we must prepare to go to + my own home. You will see to packing my—that is, our trunks—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it—it must be a dream!" cried Hetty Castleton, her eyes + swimming. "I can't believe—" Suddenly she caught herself up, and + tried to smile. "I don't see why you do this for me. I do not deserve—" + </p> + <p> + "You have done me a service," said Mrs. Wrandall, her manner so peculiar + that the girl again assumed the stare of perplexity and wonder that had + been paramount since their meeting: as if she were on the verge of + grasping a great truth. + </p> + <p> + "What CAN you mean?" + </p> + <p> + Sara laid her hands on the girl's shoulders and looked steadily into the + puzzled eyes for a moment before speaking. + </p> + <p> + "My girl," she said, ever so gently, "I shall not ask what your life has + been; I do not care. I shall not ask for references. You are alone in the + world and you need a friend. I too am alone. If you will come to me I will + do everything in my power to make you comfortable and—contented. + Perhaps it will be impossible to make you happy. I promise faithfully to + help you, to shield you, to repay you for the thing you have done for me. + You could not have fallen into gentler hands than mine will prove to be. + That much I swear to you on my soul, which is sacred. I bear you no + ill-will. I have nothing to avenge." + </p> + <p> + Hetty drew back, completely mystified. + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" she murmured, still staring. + </p> + <p> + "I am Challis Wrandall's wife." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV — WHILE THE MOB WAITED + </h2> + <p> + The next day but one, in the huge old-fashioned mansion of the Wrandalls + in lower Fifth Avenue, in the drawing-room directly beneath the chamber in + which Challis was born, the impressive but grimly conventional funeral + services were held. + </p> + <p> + Contrasting sharply with the sombre, absolutely correct atmosphere of the + gloomy interior was the exterior display of joyous curiosity that must + have jarred severely on the high-bred sensibilities of the chief mourners, + not to speak of the invited guests who had been obliged to pass between + rows of gaping bystanders in order to reach the portals of the house of + grief, and who must have reckoned with extreme distaste the cost of + subsequent departure. A dozen raucous-voiced policemen were employed to + keep back the hundreds that thronged the sidewalk and blocked the street. + Curiosity was rampant. Ever since the moment that the body of Challis + Wrandall was carried into the house of his father, a motley, varying crowd + of people shifted restlessly in front of the mansion, filled with gruesome + interest in the absolutely unseen, animated by the sly hope that something + sensational might happen if they waited long enough. + </p> + <p> + Men, women, children struggled for places nearest the tall iron fence + surrounding the spare yard, and gazed with awed but wistful eyes at the + curtained windows and at the huge bow of crepe on the massive portals. In + hushed voices they spoke of the murder and expressed a single opinion + among them all: the law ought to make short work of her! If this thing had + happened in England, said they who scoff at our own laws, there wouldn't + be any foolishness about the business: the woman would be buried in + quick-lime before you could know what you were talking about. The law in + this country is a joke, said they, with great irritability. Why can't we + do the business up, sharp and quick, as they do in England? Get it over + with, that's the ticket. What's the sense of dragging it out for a year? + Send 'em to the chair or hang 'em while everybody's interested, not when + the thing's half forgotten. Who wants to see a person hanged after the + crime's been forgotten? And then, think of the saving to the State? Hang + 'em, men or women, and in a couple of years' time there wouldn't be a + tenth part of the murders we have now. Statistics prove, went on the wise + ones, that only one out of every hundred is hanged. What's that? The jury + system is rotten! No sirree, we are 'way behind England in that respect. + Just look at that big murder case in London last month! Remember it? + Murderer was hanged inside of three weeks after he was caught. That's the + way to do it! And the London police catch 'em too. Our police stand around + doing nothing until the criminal has got a week's start, and then—oh, + well, what can you expect? "Now if I was at the head of the New York + department I'd have that woman behind the bars before night, that's what + I'd do. You bet your life, I would," said more than one. And no one + questioned his ability to do so. + </p> + <p> + And then all of them would growl at the policemen who pushed them back + from the gates, and call them "scabs" and "mutts" in repressed tones, and + snarl under their breath that they wouldn't be pushing people around like + that if they didn't have stars and clubs and a great idea of their own + importance. "If it wasn't for the family at home dependin' on me for + support, I'd take a punch at that stiff, so help me God, even if I went to + the Island for it!" + </p> + <p> + And so it WAS and ever shall be, world without end. + </p> + <p> + Newsboys, hoarse-voiced and pipe-voiced, mingled with the crowd, and + shrieked their extras under the very noses of the always-aloof Wrandalls, + who up to this day had turned them up at the sight of a vulgar extra, but + who now looked down them with a trembling of the nostrils that left no + room for doubt as to their present state of mind. + </p> + <p> + Up to the very portals these assiduous peddlers yelped for pennies and + gave in exchange the latest headlines. "All about Mr. Challis Wran'all's + fun'ral!" "Horrible extry!" Ding-donging the thing in the very ears of the + dead man himself! + </p> + <p> + Motor after motor, carriage after carriage, rolled up to the curb and + emptied its sober-faced, self-conscious occupants in front of the door + with the great black bow; with each arrival the crowd surged forward, and + names were muttered in undertones, passing from lip to lip until every one + in the street knew that Mr. So-and-So, Mrs. This-or-That, the + What-do-you-call-ems and others of the city's most exclusive but most + garishly advertised society leaders had entered the house of mourning. It + was a great show for the plebeian spectators. Much better than Miss + So-and-So's wedding, said one woman who had attended the aforesaid + ceremony as a unit in the well-dressed mob that almost wrecked the + carriages in the desire to see the terrified bride. Better than a circus, + said a man who held his little daughter above the heads of the crowd so + that she might see the fine lady in a wild-beast fur. Swellest funeral New + York ever had, remarked another, excepting one 'way back when he was a + kid. + </p> + <p> + At the corner below stood two patrol wagons, also waiting. + </p> + <p> + Inside the house sat the carefully selected guests, hushed and stiff and + gratified. (Not because they were attending a funeral, but because the + occasion served to separate them from the chaff: they were the elect.) It + would be going too far to intimate that they were proud of themselves, but + it is not stretching it very much to say that they counted noses with + considerable satisfaction and were glad that they had not been left out. + The real, high-water mark in New York society was established at this + memorable function. It was quite plain to every one that Mrs. Wrandall,—THE + Mrs. Wrandall,—had made out the list of guests to be invited to the + funeral of her son. It was a blue-stocking affair. You couldn't imagine + anything more so. Afterwards, the two hundred who were there looked with + utmost pity and not a little scorn on the other two hundred who failed to + get in, notwithstanding there was ample room in the spacious house for all + of them. There wasn't a questionable guest in the house, unless one were + to question the right of the dead man's widow to be there—and, after + all, she was upstairs with the family. Even so, she was a Wrandall—remotely, + of course, but recognisable. + </p> + <p> + Yes, they counted noses, so to say. As one after the other arrived and was + ushered into the huge drawing-room, he or she was accorded a + congratulatory look from those already assembled, a tribute returned with + equal amiability. Each one noted who else was there, and each one said to + himself that at last they really had something all to themselves. It was + truly a pleasure, a relief, to be able to do something without being + pushed about by people who didn't belong but thought they did. They sat + back,—stiffly, of course,—and in utter stillness confessed + that there could be such a thing as the survival of the fittest. Yes, + there wasn't a nose there that couldn't be counted with perfect serenity. + It was a notable occasion. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall, the elder, had made out the list. She did not consult her + daughter-in-law in the matter. It is true that Sara forestalled her in a + way by sending word, through Leslie, that she would be pleased if Mrs. + Wrandall would issue invitations to as many of Challis's friends as she + deemed advisable. As for herself, she had no wish in the matter; she would + be satisfied with whatever arrangements the family cared to make. + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed, from the foregoing, that Mrs. Wrandall, the + elder, was not stricken to the heart by the lamentable death of her idol. + He WAS her idol. He was her first-born, he was her love-born. He came to + her in the days when she loved her husband without much thought of + respecting him. She was beginning to regard him as something more than a + lover when Leslie came, so it was different. When their daughter Vivian + was born, she was plainly annoyed but wholly respectful. Mr. Wrandall was + no longer the lover; he was her lord and master. The head of the house of + Wrandall was a person to be looked up to, to be respected and admired by + her, for he was a very great man, but he was dear to her only because he + was the father of Challis, the first-born. + </p> + <p> + In the order of her nature, Challis therefore was her most dearly beloved, + Vivian the least desired and last in her affections as well as in + sequence. + </p> + <p> + Strangely enough, the three of them perfected a curiously significant + record of conjugal endowments. Challis had always been the wild, wayward, + unrestrained one, and by far the most lovable; Leslie, almost as good + looking but with scarcely a noticeable trace of the charm that made his + brother attractive; Vivian, handsome, selfish and as cheerless as the wind + that blows across the icebergs in the north. Challis had been born with a + widely enveloping heart and an elastic conscience; Leslie with a brain and + a soul and not much of a heart, as things go; Vivian with a soul alone, + which belonged to God, after all, and not to her. Of course she had a + heart, but it was only for the purpose of pumping blood to remote + extremities, and had nothing whatever to do with anything so unutterably + extraneous as love, charity or self-sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Redmond Wrandall he was a very proper and dignified gentleman, + and old for his years. + </p> + <p> + Secretly, Vivian was his favourite. Moreover, possessing the usual + contrariness of man, and having been at one time or other, a hot-blooded + lover, he professed—also in secret—a certain admiration for + the beautiful, warm-hearted wife of his eldest son. He looked upon her + from a man's point of view. He couldn't help that. Not once, but many + times, had he said to himself that perhaps Challis was lucky to have got + her instead of one of the girls his mother had chosen for him out of the + minute elect. + </p> + <p> + It may be seen, or rather surmised, that if the house of Wrandall had not + been so admirably centred under its own vine and fig tree, it might have + become divided against itself without much of an effort. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Redmond Wrandall was the vine and fig tree. + </p> + <p> + And now they had brought her dearly beloved son home to her, murdered and—disgraced. + If it had been either of the others, she could have said: "God's will be + done." Instead, she cried out that God had turned against her. + </p> + <p> + Leslie had had the bad taste—or perhaps it was misfortune—to + blurt out an agonised "I told you so" at a time when the family was + sitting numb and hushed under the blight of the first horrid blow. He did + not mean to be unfeeling. It was the truth bursting from his unhappy lips. + </p> + <p> + "I knew Chal would come to this—I knew it," he had said. His arm was + about the quivering shoulders of his mother as he said it. + </p> + <p> + She looked up, a sob breaking in her throat. For a long time she looked + into the face of her second son. + </p> + <p> + "How can you—how dare you say such a thing as that?" she cried, + aghast. + </p> + <p> + He coloured, and drew her closer to him. + </p> + <p> + "I—I didn't mean it," he faltered. + </p> + <p> + "You have always taken sides against him," began his mother. + </p> + <p> + "Please, mother," he cried miserably. + </p> + <p> + "You say this to me NOW," she went on. "You who are left to take his place + in my affection.—Why, Leslie, I—I—" + </p> + <p> + Vivian interposed. "Les is upset, mamma darling. You know he loved Challis + as deeply as any of us loved him." + </p> + <p> + Afterwards the girl said to Leslie when they were quite alone: "She will + never forgive you for that, Les. It was a beastly thing to say." + </p> + <p> + He bit his lip, which trembled. "She's never cared for me as she cared for + Chal. I'm sorry if I've made it worse." + </p> + <p> + "See here, Leslie, was Chal so—so—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I meant what I said a while ago. It was sure to happen to him one + time or another. Sara's had a lot to put up with." + </p> + <p> + "Sara! If she had been the right sort of a wife, this never would have + happened." + </p> + <p> + "After all is said and done, Vivie, Sara's in a position to rub it in on + us if she's of a mind to do so. She won't do it, of course, but—I + wonder if she isn't gloating, just the same." + </p> + <p> + "Haven't we treated her as one of us?" demanded she, dabbing her + handkerchief in her eyes. "Since the wedding, I mean. Haven't we been kind + to her?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I think she understands us perfectly," said her brother. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder what she will do now?" mused Vivian, in that speech casting her + sister-in-law out of her narrow little world as one would throw aside a + burnt-out match. + </p> + <p> + "She will profit by experience," said he, with some pleasure in a superior + wisdom. + </p> + <p> + In Mrs. Wrandall's sitting-room at the top of the broad stairway, sat the + family,—that is to say, the IMMEDIATE family,—a solemn-faced + footman in front of the door that stood fully ajar so that the occupants + might hear the words of the minister as they ascended, sonorous and + precise, from the hall below. A minister was he who knew the buttered side + of his bread. His discourse was to be a beautiful one. He stood at the + front of the stairs and faced the assembled listeners in the hall, the + drawing-room and the entresol, but his infinitely touching words went up + one flight and lodged. + </p> + <p> + Sara Wrandall sat a little to the left of and behind Mrs. Redmond + Wrandall, about whom were grouped the three remaining Wrandalls, father, + son and daughter, closely drawn together. Well to the fore were Wrandall + uncles and cousins and aunts, and one or two carefully chosen + blood-relations to the mistress of the house, whose hand had long been set + against kinsmen of less exalted promise. + </p> + <p> + The room was dark. A forgotten French clock ticked madly and tinkled its + quarter-hours with surpassing sprightliness. Time went on regardless. One + of the Wrandall uncles, obeying a look from his wife, tiptoed across the + room and tried to find a way to subdue the jingling disturber. But it + chimed in his face, and he put his black kid glove over his lips. The + floor creaked horribly as he went back to his chair. + </p> + <p> + Beside Sara Wrandall, on the small pink divan, sat a stranger in this + sombre company: a young woman in black, whose pale face was uncovered, and + whose lashes were lifted so rarely that one could not know of the deep, + real pain that lay behind them, in her Irish blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + She had arrived at the house an hour or two before the time set for the + ceremony, in company with the widow. True to her resolution, the widow of + Challis Wrandall had remained away from the home of his people until the + last hour. She had been consulted, to be sure, in regard to the final + arrangements, but the meetings had taken place in her own apartment, many + blocks distant from the house in lower Fifth Avenue. The afternoon before + she had received Redmond Wrandall and Leslie, his son. She had not sent + for them. They came perfunctorily and not through any sense of obligation. + These two at least knew that sympathy was not what she wanted, but peace. + Twice during the two trying days, Leslie had come to see her. Vivian + telephoned. + </p> + <p> + On the occasion of his first visit, Leslie had met the guest in the house. + The second time he called, he made it a point to ask Sara all about her. + </p> + <p> + It was he who gently closed the door after the two women when, on the + morning of the funeral, they entered the dark, flower-laden room in which + stood the casket containing the body of his brother. He left them alone + together in that room for half an hour or more, and it was he who went + forward to meet them when they came forth. Sara leaned on his arm as she + ascended the stairs to the room where the others were waiting. The + ashen-faced girl followed, her eyes lowered, her gloved hands clenched. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall, the elder, kissed Sara and drew her down beside her on the + couch. To her own surprise, as well as that of the others, Sara broke down + and wept bitterly. After all, she was sorry for Challis's mother. It was + the human instinct; she could not hold out against it. And the older woman + put away the ancient grudge she held against this mortal enemy and + dissolved into tears of real compassion. + </p> + <p> + A little later she whispered brokenly in Sara's ear: "My dear, my dear, + this has brought us together. I hope you will learn to love me." + </p> + <p> + Sara caught her breath, but uttered no word. She looked into her + mother-in-law's eyes, and smiled through her tears. The Wrandalls, looking + on in amaze, saw the smile reflected in the face of the older woman. Then + it was that Vivian crossed quickly and put her arms about the shoulders of + her sister-in-law. The white flag on both sides. + </p> + <p> + Hetty Castleton stood alone and wavering, just inside the door. No + stranger situation could be imagined than the one in which this + unfortunate girl found herself at the present moment. She was virtually in + the hands of those who would destroy her; she was in the house of those + who most deeply were affected by her act on that fatal night. Among them + all she stood, facing them, listening to the moans and sobs, and yet her + limbs did not give way beneath her.... + </p> + <p> + Some one gently touched her arm. It was Leslie. She shrank back, a fearful + look in her eyes. In the semi-darkness he failed to note the expression. + </p> + <p> + "Won't you sit here?" he asked, indicating the little pink divan against + the wall. "Forgive me for letting you stand so long." + </p> + <p> + She looked about her, the wild light still in her eyes. She was like a rat + in a trap. + </p> + <p> + Her lips parted, but the word of thanks did not come forth. A strange, + inarticulate sound, almost a gasp, came instead. Pallid as a ghost, she + dropped limply to the divan, and dug her fingers into the satiny seat. As + if fascinated, she stared over the black heads of the three women + immediately in front of her at the full length portrait hanging where the + light from the hall fell full upon it: the portrait of a dashing youth in + riding togs. + </p> + <p> + A moment later Sara Wrandall came over and sat beside her. The girl + shivered as with a mighty chill when the warm hand of her friend fell upon + hers and enveloped it in a firm clasp. + </p> + <p> + "His mother kissed me," whispered Sara. "Did you see?" + </p> + <p> + The girl could not reply. She could only stare at the open door. A small, + hatchet-faced man had come up from below and was nodding his head to + Leslie Wrandall,—a man with short side whiskers, and a sepulchral + look in his eyes. Then, having received a sign from Leslie, he tiptoed + away. Almost instantly the voices of people singing softly came from some + distant, remote part of the house. + </p> + <p> + And then, a little later, the perfectly modulated voice of a man in + prayer. + </p> + <p> + Back of her, Wrandalls; beside her, Wrandalls; beneath her, friends of the + Wrandalls; outside, the rabble, those who would join with these black, + raven-like spectres in tearing her to pieces if they but knew! + </p> + <p> + Sitting, with his hand to his head, Leslie Wrandall found himself staring + at the face of this stranger among them; not with any definable interest, + but because she happened to be in his line of vision and her face was so + singularly white that it stood out in cameo-like relief against all this + ebony setting. + </p> + <p> + The droning voice came up from below, each well-chosen word distinct and + clear: tribute beautiful to the irreproachable character of the deceased. + Leslie watched the face of the girl, curiously fascinated by the set, + emotionless features, and yet without a conscious interest in her. He was + dully sensible to the fact that she was beautiful, uncommonly beautiful. + It did not occur to him to feel that she was out of place among them, that + she belonged downstairs. Somehow she was a part of the surroundings, like + the spectre at the feast. + </p> + <p> + If he could have witnessed all that transpired while Sara was in the room + below with her guest—her companion, as he had come to regard her + without having in fact been told as much,—he would have been lost in + a maze of the most overwhelming emotions. + </p> + <p> + To go back: The door had barely closed behind the two women when Hetty's + trembling knees gave way beneath her. With a low moan of horror, she + slipped to the floor, covering her face with her hands. + </p> + <p> + Sara knelt beside her. + </p> + <p> + "Come," she said gently, but firmly; "I must exact this much of you. If we + are to go on together, as we have planned, you must stand beside me at his + bier. Together we must look upon him for the last time. You must see him + as I saw him up there in the country. I had my cruel blow that night. It + is your turn now. I will not blame you for what you did. But if you expect + me to go on believing that you did a brave thing that night, you must + convince me that you are not a coward now. It is the only test I shall put + you to. Come; I know it is hard, I know it is terrible, but it is the true + test of your ability to go through with it to the end. I shall know then + that you have the courage to face anything that may come up." + </p> + <p> + She waited a long time, her hand on the girl's shoulder. At last Hetty + arose. + </p> + <p> + "You are right," she said hoarsely. "I should not be afraid." + </p> + <p> + Later on, they sat over against the wall beyond the casket, into which + they had peered with widely varying emotions. Sara had said: + </p> + <p> + "You know that I loved him." + </p> + <p> + The girl put her hands to her eyes and bowed her head. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how can you be so merciful to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Because he was not," said Sara, white-lipped. Hetty glanced at the + half-averted face with queer, indescribable expression in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then her nerves gave way. She shrank away from the casket, whimpering like + a frightened child, mouttering, almost gibbering in the extremity of + despair. She had lived in dread of this ordeal; it had been promised the + day before by Sara Wrandall, whose will was law to her. Now she had come + to the very apex of realisation. She felt that her mind was going, that + her blood was freezing. In response to a sudden impulse she sprang up and + ran, blindly and without thought, bringing up against the wall with such + force that she dropped to the floor, quite insensible. + </p> + <p> + When she regained her senses, she was lying back in Sara Wrandall's arms, + and a soft faraway voice was pleading with her to wake, to say something, + to open her eyes. + </p> + <p> + If Leslie Wrandall could have looked in upon them at that moment, or at + any time during the half an hour that followed, he would have known who + was the slayer of his brother, but it is doubtful if he could have had the + heart to denounce her to the world. + </p> + <p> + When they were ready to leave the room, Hetty had regained control of her + nerves to a most surprising extent, a condition unmistakably due to the + influence of the older woman. + </p> + <p> + "I can trust myself now, Mrs. Wrandall," said Hetty steadily as they + hesitated for an instant before turning the knob of the door. + </p> + <p> + "Then, I shall ask YOU to open the door," said Sara, drawing back. + </p> + <p> + Without a word or a look, Hetty opened the door and permitted the other to + pass out before her. Then she followed, closing it gently, even + deliberately, but not without a swift glance over her shoulder into the + depths of the room they were leaving. + </p> + <p> + Of the two, Sara Wrandall was the paler as they went up the broad + staircase with Leslie. + </p> + <p> + The funeral oration by the Rev. Dr. Maltby dragged on. Among all his + hearers there was but one who believed the things he said of Challis + Wrandall, and she was one of two persons who, so the saying goes, are the + last to find a man out; his mother and his sister. But in this instance + the mother was alone. The silent, attentive guests on the lower floor + listened in grim approval: Dr. Maltby was doing himself proud. Not one but + all of them knew that Maltby KNEW. And yet how soothing he was. + </p> + <p> + Thus afterwards, to his wife, on the way home after a fruitful silence, + spoke Colonel Berkimer, well known to the Tenderloin: + </p> + <p> + "When I die, my dear, I want you to be sure to have Maltby in for the + sermon. He's really wonderful." + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean to say you BELIEVED all that he said," cried his wife. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly NOT," he snapped. "That's the point." + </p> + <p> + Once at the end of a beautifully worded sentence, eulogistic of the dead + man's character as a son and husband, the tense silence of the room + upstairs was shattered by the utterance of a single, poignant word: + </p> + <p> + "God!" + </p> + <p> + It was so expressive of surprise, of scorn, of contempt, although spoken + in little more than a whisper, that every one in the room caught his or + her breath in a sharp little gasp, as if cringing from the effect of an + unexpected shock to a sensitive nerve. + </p> + <p> + Each looked at his neighbour and then in a shocked sort of way at every + one else, for no one could quite make out who had uttered the word, and + each wondered if, in a fit of abstraction, he could have done it himself. + It unmistakably had been the voice of a woman, but whose? Hetty knew, but + not by the slightest sign did she betray the fact that the woman who sat + beside her was the one to utter the brief but scathing estimate of the + minister's eulogy. + </p> + <p> + The hatchet-faced little undertaker stood in the open door again and + solemnly bowed his head to Leslie, lifting his dolorous eyebrows in lieu + of the verbal question. Receiving a simple nod in reply, he announced that + as soon as the guests had departed he would be pleased to have the family + descend to the carriages. + </p> + <p> + Outside, the shivering, half-frozen multitude edged its way up to the line + of blue-coats and again whispered the names of the departing guests, and + every neck was craned in the effort to secure the first view of the + casket, the silk-hatted pall-bearers and the weeping members of the + family. + </p> + <p> + "They'll be out with 'im in a minute now," said a hoarse-voiced man who + clung to the ornamental face of the tall gate and passed back the word, + for he could see beyond the stream of guests into the hallway of the + house. + </p> + <p> + "Git down out o' that," commanded a policeman tapping him sharply with his + night-stick. + </p> + <p> + "Aw, I ain't botherin' anybody—" + </p> + <p> + "Git down, I say!" + </p> + <p> + Grumbling, the man slunk back, and a woman took his place. This was better + for the crowd, as her voice was shriller and she had less compunction + about making herself heard. + </p> + <p> + A small boy crept beyond the line and peered, round-eyed, up the carpeted + steps. He received a sharp push from a night-stick and went blubbering + back into the crowd. + </p> + <p> + And all through the eager, seething mob went sharp-eyed men in plain + clothes, searching each face with crafty eyes, looking for the sign that + might betray the woman who had brought all this about. They were men from + the central office. Another of their ilk had the freedom of the house in + the guise of an undertaker's assistant. He watched the favoured few! + </p> + <p> + There is a saying that a strange, mysterious force drags the murderer to + the scene of his crime, whether he will or no, to look with others upon + the havoc he has wrought. He has been known to sit beside the bier of his + victim; he has been known to follow him to the tomb; he has been known to + betray himself at the very edge of the grave. A grim, fantastic thing is + conscience! + </p> + <p> + At last the crowd gave out a deep, hissing breath and surged forward. They + were bearing Challis Wrandall down the steps. The wall of policemen held + firm; the morbid hundreds fell back and glared with unblinking eyes at the + black thing that slowly crossed the sidewalk and slid noiselessly into the + yawning mouth of the hearse. No man in all that mob uncovered his head, no + woman crossed herself. Inwardly they reviled the police who kept them from + seeing all that they wanted to see. They were being cheated. + </p> + <p> + Then there was an eager shout from the foremost in the throng, and the + word went singing through the crowd, back to the outer fringe, where men + danced like so many jumping-jacks in the effort to see above the heads of + those in front. + </p> + <p> + "Here they come!" went the hoarse whisper, like the swish of the wind. + </p> + <p> + "Stand back, please!" + </p> + <p> + "That's his mother!" cried a shrill voice, triumphantly,—even + gladly. She was the first to give the news. + </p> + <p> + "Keep back!" growled the police, lifting their clubs. + </p> + <p> + "Which one is his wife?" + </p> + <p> + "Has she come out yet?" + </p> + <p> + "Get out of my way, damn you!" + </p> + <p> + "Say, if these cops was doing their duty they'd—" + </p> + <p> + "That's what I say! No wonder they never ketch anybody." + </p> + <p> + "Say, they don't seem to be takin' it very hard. I thought they'd be + cryin' like—" + </p> + <p> + "Is that his wife?" + </p> + <p> + "Poor little thing! Ouch! You big ruffian!" + </p> + <p> + "Swell business, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "She won't be sayin' 'Where's my wanderin' boy—'" + </p> + <p> + "If we had police in this city that could ketch a street car we'd—" + </p> + <p> + "That's old man Wrandall. I've waited on him dozens o' times." + </p> + <p> + "Did they have any children?" + </p> + <p> + Up in the front rank stood a slim little thing with yellow hair and + carmined lips, wrapped in costly furs yet shivering as if chilled to the + bone. Four plain clothes men were watching her narrowly. She was known to + have been one of Challis Wrandall's associates. When she shrank back into + the crowd and made her way to the outskirts, hurrying as if pursued by + ghosts, two men followed close behind, and kept her in sight for many + blocks. + </p> + <p> + The motors and carriages rolled away, and there was left only the + policemen and the unsatiated mob. They watched the undertaker's assistant + remove the great bow of black from the door of the house. + </p> + <p> + By the end of the week the murder of Challis Wrandall was forgotten by all + save the police. The inquest was over, the law was baffled, the city was + serenely waiting for its next sensation. No one cared. + </p> + <p> + Leslie Wrandall went down to the steamer to see his sister-in-law off for + Europe. + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye, Miss Castleton," he said, as he shook the hand of the slim + young Englishwoman at parting. "Take good care of Sara. She needs a + friend, a good friend, now. Keep her over there until she has—forgotten." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V — DISCUSSING A SISTER-IN-LAW + </h2> + <p> + "You remember my sister-in-law, don't you, Brandy?" was the question that + Leslie Wrandall put to a friend one afternoon, as they sat drearily in a + window of one of the fashionable up-town clubs, a little more than a year + after the events described in the foregoing chapters. Drearily, I have + said, for the reason that it was Sunday, and raining at that. + </p> + <p> + "I met Mrs. Wrandall a few years ago in Rome," said his companion, + renewing interest in a conversation that had died some time before of its + own exhaustion. "She's most attractive. I saw her but once. I think it was + at somebody's fete." + </p> + <p> + "She's returning to New York the end of the month," said Leslie. "Been + abroad for over a year. She had a villa at Nice this winter." + </p> + <p> + "I remember her quite well. I was of an age then to be particularly + sensitive to female loveliness. If I'd been staying on in Rome, I should + have screwed up the courage, I'm sure, to have asked her to sit for me." + </p> + <p> + "Lord love you, man, she's posed for half the painters in the world, it + seems to me. Like the duchesses that Romney and those old chaps used to + paint. It occurs to me those grand old dames did nothing but sit for + portraits, year in and year out, all their lives. I don't see where they + found time to scratch up the love affairs they're reported to have had. + There always must have been some painter or other hanging around. I + remember reading that the Duchess of—I can't remember the name—posed + a hundred and sixty-nine times, for nearly as many painters. Sara's not so + bad as all that, of course, but I don't exaggerate when I say she's been + painted a dozen times—and hung in twice as many exhibits." + </p> + <p> + "I know," said the other with a smile. "I've seen a few of them." + </p> + <p> + "The best of them all is hanging in her place up in the country, old man. + It's the one my brother liked. A Belgian fellow did it a couple of years + ago. Never been exhibited, so of course you haven't seen it. Challis + wouldn't consent to its being revealed to the vulgar gaze, he loved it so + much." + </p> + <p> + "I like that," resented Brandon Booth, with a mild glare. + </p> + <p> + "Lot of common, vulgar people do hang about picture galleries, you will + have to admit that, Brandy. They visit 'em in the winter time to get in + where it's warm, and in the summer time they go because it's nice and + shady. That's the sort I mean." + </p> + <p> + "What do you know about art or the people who—" + </p> + <p> + "I know all there is to know about it, old chap. Haven't we got + Gainsboroughs, and Turners, and Constables, and Corots hanging all over + the place? And a lot of others, too. Reynolds, Romney and Raeburn,—the + three R's. And didn't I tag along with mother to picture dealers' shops + and auctions when every blessed one of 'em was bought? I know ALL about + it, let me tell you. I can tell you what kind of an 'atmosphere' a + painting's got, with my eyes closed; and as for 'quality' and 'luminosity' + and 'broadness' and 'handling,' I know more this minute about such things + than any auctioneer in the world. I am a past master at it, believe me. + One can't go around buying paintings with his mother without getting a + liberal education in art. She began taking me when I was ten years old. + Challis wouldn't go, so she MADE me do it. Then I always had to go back + with her when she wanted to exchange them for something else the dealer + assured her she ought to have in our collection, and which invariably cost + three times as much. No, my dear fellow, you are very much mistaken when + you say that I don't know anything about art. I am a walking price-list of + all the art this side of the Dresden gallery. You should not forget that + we are a very old New York family. We've been collecting for over twenty + years." + </p> + <p> + Both laughed. He liked Wrandall best when he affected mockery of this + sort, although he was keenly alive to a certain breath of + self-glorification in his raillery. Leslie felt a delicious sense of + security in railing at family limitations: he knew that no one was likely + to take him seriously. + </p> + <p> + "Nevertheless, your mother has some really fine paintings in the + collection," proclaimed Booth amiably, also descending to snobbishness + without really meaning to do so. He considered Velasquez to be the + superior of all those mentioned by Wrandall, and there was the end to it, + so far as he was concerned. It was ever a source of wonder to him that + Mrs. Wrandall didn't "trade in" everything else she possessed for a single + great Velasquez. + </p> + <p> + "Getting back to Sara,—my sister-in-law,—why don't you ask her + to sit for you this summer? She's not going out, you know, and time will + hang so heavily on her hands that she will even welcome another portrait + agony." + </p> + <p> + "I can't ask her to—" + </p> + <p> + "I'll do the asking, if you say the word." + </p> + <p> + "Don't be an ass." + </p> + <p> + "I'm quite willing to be one, if it will help you out, old man," said + Leslie cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + "And make one of me as well, I suppose. She'd think me a frightful cub + after all those other fellows. After Sargent, ME! Ho, ho! She'd laugh in + my face." + </p> + <p> + "If you could paint that smile of hers, Brandy, you'd make Romney look + like an amateur. Most wonderful smile. It's a splendid idea. Let her laugh + in your face, as you say; then paint like the devil while she's doing it, + and your reputation is made for—" + </p> + <p> + "Will you have another drink?" + </p> + <p> + "No, thanks. I can change the subject without it. What time is it?" + </p> + <p> + Both looked at their watches, and put them back again without remark to + resume the interrupted contemplation of Fifth Avenue in the waning light + of a drab, drizzly day. A man in a shiny "slicker" was pushing a sweep and + shovel in the centre of the thoroughfare. They wondered how long it would + be before a motor struck him. + </p> + <p> + Brandon Booth was of an old Philadelphia family: an old and wealthy + family. Both views considered, he was qualified to walk hand in glove with + the fastidious Wrandalls. Leslie's mother was charmed with him because she + was also the mother of Vivian. The fact that he went in for portrait + painting and seemed averse to subsisting on the generosity of his father, + preferring to live by his talent, in no way operated against him, so far + as Mrs. Wrandall was concerned. That was HIS lookout, not hers; if he + elected to that sort of thing, all well and good. He could afford to be + eccentric; there remained, in the perspective he scorned, the bulk of a + huge fortune to offset whatever idiosyncrasies he might choose to + cultivate. Some day, in spite of himself, she contended serenely, he would + be very, very rich. What could be more desirable than fame, family and + fortune all heaped together and thrust upon one exceedingly interesting + and handsome young man? For he would be famous, she was sure of it. Every + one said that of him, even the critics, although she didn't have much use + for critics, retaining opinions of her own that seldom agreed with theirs. + It was enough for her that he was a Booth, and knew how to behave in a + drawing-room, because he belonged there and was not lugged in by the + scruff of an ill-fitting dress-suit to pose as a Bohemian celebrity. + Moreover, he was a level-headed, well-balanced fellow in spite of his + calling; which was saying a great deal, proclaimed the mother of Vivian in + opposition to her own argument that painters never made satisfactory or + even satisfying husbands: the artistic temperament and all that sort of + thing getting in the way of compatibility. + </p> + <p> + He had been the pupil of celebrated draughtsmen and painters in Europe, + and had exhibited a sincerity of purpose that was surprising, all things + considered. The mere fact that he was not obliged to paint in order to + obtain a living, was sufficient cause for wonder among the artists he met + and studied with or under. At first they regarded him as a youth with a + fancy that soon would pass, leaving him high and dry and safe on something + steadier than Art. They couldn't understand a rich man's son really having + aspirations, although they granted him temperament and ability. But he + went about it so earnestly, so systematically, that they were compelled to + alter the time-honoured tune and to sing praises instead of whistling + their insulting "I-told-you-sos." To the disgust of many, he had a real + purpose supported by talent, and that was what they couldn't understand in + a rich man's son. They hated to see their traditions spoiled. The only way + in which they could account for it all was that he was an American, and + Americans are always doing the things one doesn't expect them to do, + especially along grooves that ought to be kept closed by tradition. + </p> + <p> + When he said good-bye to his European friends and masters, and set his + face toward home, they took off their hats to him, so to speak, and agreed + that he had a brilliant future, without a thought of the legacy that one + day would be his. + </p> + <p> + His studio in New York was not a fashionable resting place. It was a + work-shop. You could have tea there, of course, and you were sure to meet + people you knew and liked, but it was quite as much of a work-shop as any + you could mention. He was not a dabbler in art, not a mere dauber of + pigments: he was an ARTIST. People argued that because he was a + thoroughbred and doomed to be rich, his conscious egotism would show + itself at once in the demand for ridiculously high prices. In that they + happily were fooled, not to say disappointed. He began by painting the + portrait of a well-known society woman of great wealth, who sat to him + because she wanted to "take him up," and who was absolutely disconsolate + when he announced, at the end of the sittings, that his price was five + hundred dollars. She would not believe her ears. + </p> + <p> + "Why, my dear Brandon, you will be ruined—utterly ruined—if it + becomes known that you ask less than five thousand," she had cried, almost + in tears. "No one will come to you." + </p> + <p> + He had smiled. "A master's price is for a master, not for a tyro. If they + want to pay five thousand dollars for a portrait, I can recommend a dozen + or more gentlemen whose work is worth it. Mine isn't. Some day I hope to + be able to say five thousand with a great deal more assurance than I now + say five hundred, Mrs. Wheeler, but it won't be until I have courage, not + nerve." + </p> + <p> + "But NOBODY will sit for a five hundred dollar portrait," she + expostulated. "Really, Brandon, I prefer to pay five thousand. I can't—I + simply cannot tell people that I paid only five—" + </p> + <p> + "Will you give six hundred?" he asked, his smile broadening. + </p> + <p> + "Absurd!" + </p> + <p> + "Seven hundred?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, it sounds as if you were jewing me up, not I trying to jew you + down," she cried, dismayed. + </p> + <p> + "That's the point," he said, with mock gravity. "If my price isn't what it + ought to be in your opinion, it is only fair that I should make + concessions. My picture is worth five hundred dollars, but I am willing to + do a little better than that by you. I will make it seven-fifty to you, + but not a cent more." + </p> + <p> + "Can't I jew you up any higher, dear boy?" + </p> + <p> + "No," with a smile; "but if you will consent to sit to me ten years from + now, I promise faithfully to ask five thousand of you without a blush." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, but ten years from now I should blush to even think of having my + portrait painted." + </p> + <p> + "Ten years will make no change in you," said he gallantly, "but I expect + them to make quite another artist of me." + </p> + <p> + And so his price was established for the time being. He offset the + chilling effect of the low figure by deliberately declining commissions to + paint women who fell below a rather severe standard of personal + attractiveness. Gross women were not allowed to crowd his canvases; ugly + ones who succeeded in tempting him were surprised to find how ugly they + really were when the portrait was finished. He made it a point never to + lie about a woman, not even on canvas. It made him very unpopular with + certain ladies who wanted to be lied about—on canvas. + </p> + <p> + As the result of his rather independent attitude, he had more commissions + than he could fill. When it got about that he cared to paint only + attractive women, his studio was besieged by ladies of a curious turn of + mind. If they discovered that he was willing to paint them, they + blissfully dropped the matter and went happily on their way. If they found + that his time was so fully occupied that he could not paint them they + urged him to reconsider—even offering to quadruple his price if he + would only "do" them. One exceedingly plain woman, who couldn't be + reconciled to Nature, offered him twenty thousand dollars if he would + paint her for the Metropolitan Museum. Another asked him if he was a pupil + of Gainsborough. Finding that he was not, she asked WHY not, with all the + money he had at his command. + </p> + <p> + He had been in New York for the better part of two years at the time he is + introduced into this narrative. Years of his life had been spent abroad, + yet he was not a stranger in a strange land when he took up his residence + in Gotham. Society opened its arms to him. It was like a home-coming. Had + he been a bridge player, his coronation might have been complete. + </p> + <p> + Booth was thirty,—perhaps a year or two older; tall, dark and + good-looking. The air of the thoroughbred marked him. He did not affect + loose flowing cravats and baggy trousers, nor was he careless about his + finger-nails. He was simply the ordinary, everyday sort of chap you would + meet in Fifth Avenue during parade hours, and you would take a second look + at him because of his face and manner but not on account of his dress. + Some of his ancestors came over ahead of the Mayflower, but he did not + gloat. + </p> + <p> + Leslie Wrandall was his closest friend and harshest critic. It didn't + really matter to Booth what Leslie said of his paintings: he quite + understood that he didn't know anything about them. + </p> + <p> + "When does Mrs. Wrandall return?" asked the painter, after a long period + of silence spent in contemplation of the gleaming pavement beyond the + club's window. + </p> + <p> + "That's queer," said Leslie, looking up. "I was thinking of Sara myself. + She sails next week. I've had a letter asking me to open her house in the + country. Her place is about two miles from father's. It hasn't been opened + in two years. Her father built it fifteen or twenty years ago, and left it + to her when he died. She and Challis spent several summers there." + </p> + <p> + "Vivian took me through it one afternoon last summer." + </p> + <p> + "It must have been quite as much of a novelty to her as it was to you, old + chap," said Leslie gloomily. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Vivian's a bit of a snob. She never liked the place because old man Gooch + built it out of worsteds. She never went there." + </p> + <p> + "But the old man's been dead for years." + </p> + <p> + "That doesn't matter. The fact is, Vivian didn't quite take to Sara until + after—well, until after Challis died. We're dreadful snobs, Brandy, + the whole lot of us. Sara was quite good enough for a much better man than + my brother. She really couldn't help the worsteds, you know. I'm very fond + of her, and always have been. We're pals. 'Gad, it was a fearful slap at + the home folks when Challis justified Sara by getting snuffed out the way + he did." + </p> + <p> + Booth made an attempt to change the subject, but Wrandall got back to it. + </p> + <p> + "Since then we've all been exceedingly sweet on Sara. Not because we want + to be, mind you, but because we're afraid she'll marry some chap who + wouldn't be acceptable to us." + </p> + <p> + "I should consider that a very neat way out of it," said Booth coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all. You see, Challis was fond of Sara, in spite of everything. He + left a will and under it she came in for all he had. As that includes a + third interest in our extremely refined and irreproachable business, it + would be a deuce of a trick on us if she married one of the common people + and set him up amongst us, willy-nilly. We don't want strange bed-fellows. + We're too snug—and, I might say, too smug. Down in her heart, mother + is saying to herself it would be just like Sara to get even with us by + doing just that sort of a trick. Of course, Sara is rich enough without + accepting a sou under the will, but she's a canny person. She hasn't + handed it back to us on a silver platter, with thanks; still, on the other + hand, she refuses to meddle. She makes us feel pretty small. She won't + sell out to us. She just sits tight. That's what gets under the skin with + mother." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't say that, Les, if I were in your place." + </p> + <p> + "It is a rather priggish thing to say, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Rather." + </p> + <p> + "You see, I'm the only one who really took sides with Sara. I forget + myself sometimes. She was such a brick, all those years." + </p> + <p> + Booth was silent for a moment, noting the reflective look in his + companion's eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose the police haven't given up the hope that sooner or later the—er—the + woman will do something to give herself away," said he. + </p> + <p> + "They don't take any stock in my theory that she made way with herself the + same night. I was talking with the chief yesterday. He says that any one + who had wit to cover up her tracks as she did, is not the kind to make way + with herself. Perhaps he's right. It sounds reasonable. 'Gad, I felt sorry + for the poor girl they had up last spring. She went through the third + degree, if ever any one did, but, by Jove, she came out of it all right. + The Ashtley girl, you remember. I've dreamed about that girl, Brandy, and + what they put her through. It's a sort of nightmare to me, even when I'm + awake. Oh, they've questioned others as well, but she was the only one to + have the screws twisted in just that way." + </p> + <p> + "Where is she now?" + </p> + <p> + "She's comfortable enough now. When I wrote to Sara about what she'd been + through, she settled a neat bit of money on her, and she'll never want for + anything. She's out West somewhere, with her mother and sisters. I tell + you, Sara's a wonder. She's got a heart of gold." + </p> + <p> + "I look forward to meeting her, old man." + </p> + <p> + "I was with her for a few weeks this winter. In Nice, you know. Vivian + stayed on for a week, but mother had to get to the baths. 'Gad, I believe + she hated to go. Sara's got a most adorable girl staying with her. A + daughter of Colonel Castleton, and she's connected in some way with the + Murgatroyds—old Lord Murgatroyd, you know. I think her mother was a + niece of the old boy. Anyhow, mother and Vivian have taken a great fancy + to her. That's proof of the pudding." + </p> + <p> + "I think Vivian mentioned a companion of some sort." + </p> + <p> + "You wouldn't exactly call her a companion," said Leslie. "She's got money + to burn, I take it. Quite keeps up with Sara in making it fly, and that's + saying a good deal for her resources. I think it's a pose on her part, + this calling herself a companion. An English joke, eh? As a matter of + fact, she's an old friend of Sara's and my brother's too. Knew them in + England. Most delightful girl. Oh, I say, old man, she's the one for you + to paint." Leslie waxed enthusiastic. "A type, a positive type. Never saw + such eyes in all my life. Dammit, they haunt you. You dream about 'em." + </p> + <p> + "You seem to be hard hit," said Booth indifferently. He was watching the + man in the "slicker" through moody eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, nothing like that," disclaimed Leslie, with unnecessary promptness. + "But if I were given to that sort of thing, I'd be bowled over in a + minute. Positively adorable face. If I thought you had it in you to paint + a thing as it really is, I'd commission you myself to do a miniature for + me, just to have it around where I could pick it up when I liked and hold + it between my hands, just as I've often wanted to hold the real thing." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come! You're dotty about her." + </p> + <p> + "Get Vivian to tell you about her," said Leslie sweepingly. "Come down and + have dinner with me to-night. She'll bear out—" + </p> + <p> + "I'll take your word for it. Thanks for the bid, but I can't come. Dining + at the Ritz with Joey and Linda. I think I'll be off." + </p> + <p> + He stretched himself, took the final, reluctant look of the artist at the + "slicker" man, and moved away. Leslie called after him: + </p> + <p> + "Wait till you see her." + </p> + <p> + "All right. I'll wait." + </p> + <p> + Sara Wrandall returned to New York at the end of the month, and Leslie met + her at the dock, as he did on an occasion fourteen months earlier. Then + she came in on a fierce gale from the wintry Atlantic; this time the air + was soft and balmy and sweet with the kindness of spring. It was May and + the sea was blue, the land was green. + </p> + <p> + Again she went to the small, exclusive hotel near the Park. Her apartment + was closed, the butler and his wife and all of their hastily recruited + company being in the country, awaiting her arrival from town. Leslie + attended to everything. He lent his resourceful man-servant and his motor + to his lovely sister-in-law, and saw to it that his mother and Vivian sent + flowers to the ship. Redmond Wrandall called at the hotel immediately + after banking hours, kissed his daughter-in-law, and delivered an + ultimatum second-hand from the power at home: she was to come to dinner + and bring Miss Castleton. A little quiet family dinner, you know, because + they were all in mourning, he said in conclusion, vaguely realising all + the while that it really wasn't necessary to supply the information, but, + for the life of him, unable to think of anything else to say under the + circumstances. Somehow it seemed to him that while Sara was in black she + was not in mourning in the same sense that the rest of them were. It + seemed only right to acquaint her with the conditions in his household. + And he knew that he deserved the scowl that Leslie bestowed upon him. + </p> + <p> + Sara accepted, much to his surprise and gratification. He had been rather + dubious about it. It would not have surprised him in the least if she had + declined the invitation, feeling, as he did, that he had in a way come to + her with a white flag or an olive branch or whatever it is that a + combative force utilises when it wants to surrender in the cause of + humanity. + </p> + <p> + Leslie was a very observing person. It might have been said of him that he + was always on the lookout for the things that most people were unlikely to + notice: the trivial things that really were important. He not only took in + his father's amiable blunder, but caught the curious expression in Hetty's + dark blue eyes, and the sharp almost inaudible catch of her breath. The + gleam was gone in an instant, but it made an impression on him. He found + himself wondering if the girl was a snob as well as the rest of them. The + look in her eyes betrayed unmistakable surprise and—yes, he was + quite sure of it—dismay when Sara accepted the invitation to dine. + Was it possible that the lovely Miss Castleton considered herself—but + no! Of course it couldn't be that. The Wrandalls were good enough for + dukes and duchesses. Still he could not get beyond the fact that he HAD + seen the look of disapproval. 'Gad, thought he, it was almost a look of + appeal. He made up his mind, as he stood there chatting with her, that he + would find out from Vivian what his mother had done to create an + unpleasant estimate of the family in the eyes of this gentle, refined + cousin of old Lord Murgatroyd. + </p> + <p> + He was quite as quick to detect the satirical smile in Sara's frank, + amused eyes as she graciously accepted the invitation to the home whose + doors had only been half-open to her in the past. It scratched his pride a + bit to think of the opinion she must have of the family, and he was + inexpressibly glad that she could not consistently class him with the + others. He found himself feeling a bit sorry for the old gentleman, and + hoped that he missed the touch of irony in Sara's voice. + </p> + <p> + Old Mr. Wrandall floundered from one invitation to another. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, Sara, my dear, you will want to go out to the cemetery + to-morrow, I shall be only too ready to accompany you. We have erected a + splendid—" + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you, Mr. Wrandall," she interrupted gently. "I shall not go to + the cemetery." + </p> + <p> + Leslie intervened. "You understand, don't you, father?" he said, rather + out of patience. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman lowered his head. "Yes, yes," he hastened to say. "Quite + so, quite so. Then we may expect you at eight, Sara, and you, Miss + Castleton. Mrs. Wrandall is looking forward to seeing you again. It isn't + often she takes a liking to—ahem! I beg your pardon, Leslie?" + </p> + <p> + "I was just going to suggest that we move along, dad. I fancy you want to + get at your trunks, Sara. Smuggled a few things through, eh? Women never + miss a chance to get a couple of dozen dresses through, as you'll discover + if you become a real American, Miss Castleton. It's in the blood." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall fell into another trap. "Now please remember that we are to + dine very informally," he hastened to say, his mind on the smuggled gowns. + It was his experience that gowns that escaped duty invariably were + "creations." + </p> + <p> + Leslie got him away. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were alone, Hetty turned to her friend. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Sara, can't you go without me? Tell them that I am ill—suddenly + ill. I—I don't think it right or honourable of me to accept—" + </p> + <p> + Sara shook her head, and the words died on the girl's lips. + </p> + <p> + "You must play the game, Hetty." + </p> + <p> + "It's—very hard," murmured the other, her face very white and bleak. + </p> + <p> + "I know, my dear," said Sara gently. + </p> + <p> + "If they should ever find out," gasped the girl, suddenly giving way to + the dread that had been lying dormant all these months. + </p> + <p> + "They will never know the truth unless you choose to enlighten them," said + Sara, putting her arm about the girl's shoulders and drawing her close. + </p> + <p> + "You never cease to be wonderful, Sara,—so very wonderful," cried + the girl, with a look of worship in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Sara regarded her in silence for a moment, reflecting. Then, with a swift + rush of tears to her eyes, she cried fiercely: + </p> + <p> + "You must never, never tell me all that happened, Hetty! You must not + speak it with your own lips." + </p> + <p> + Hetty's eyes grew dark with pain and wonder. + </p> + <p> + "That is the thing I can't understand in you, Sara," she said slowly. + </p> + <p> + "We must not speak of it!" + </p> + <p> + Hetty's bosom heaved. "Speak of it!" she cried, absolute agony in her + voice. "Have I not kept it locked in my heart since that awful day—" + </p> + <p> + "Hush!" + </p> + <p> + "I shall go mad if I cannot talk with you about—" + </p> + <p> + "No, no! It is the forbidden subject! I know all that I should know—all + that I care to know. We have not said so much as this in months—in + ages, it seems. Let sleeping dogs lie. We are better off, my dear. I could + not touch your lips again." + </p> + <p> + "I—I can't bear the thought of that!" + </p> + <p> + "Kiss me now, Hetty." + </p> + <p> + "I could die for you, Sara," cried Hetty, as she impulsively obeyed the + command. + </p> + <p> + "I mean that you shall live for me," said Sara, smiling through her tears. + "How silly of me to cry. It must be the room we are in. These are the same + rooms, dear, that you came to on the night we met. Ah, how old I feel!" + </p> + <p> + "Old? You say that to me? I am ages and ages older than you," cried Hetty, + the colour coming back to her soft cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "You are twenty-three." + </p> + <p> + "And you are twenty-eight." + </p> + <p> + Sara had a far away look in her eyes. "About your size and figure," said + she, and Hetty did not comprehend. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI — SOUTHLOOK + </h2> + <p> + Sara Wrandall's house in the country stood on a wooded knoll overlooking + the Sound. It was rather remotely located, so far as neighbours were + concerned. Her father, Sebastian Gooch, shrewdly foresaw the day when land + in this particular section of the suburban world would return dollars for + the pennies, and wisely bought thousands of acres: woodland, meadowland, + beachland and hills, inserted between the environs of New York City and + the rich towns up the coast. Years afterward he built a commodious summer + home on the choicest point that his property afforded, named it Southlook, + and transformed that particular part of his wilderness into a + millionaire's paradise, where he could dawdle and putter to his heart's + content, where he could spend his time and his money with a prodigality + that came so late in life to him that he made waste of both in his haste + to live down a rather parsimonious past. + </p> + <p> + Two miles and a half away, in the heart of a scattered colony of + purse-proud New Yorkers, was the country home of the Wrandalls, an + imposing place and older by far than Southlook. It had descended from + well-worn and time-stained ancestors to Redmond Wrandall, and, with others + of its kind, looked with no little scorn upon the modern, mushroom + structures that sprouted from the seeds of trade. There was no friendship + between the old and the new. Each had recourse to a bitter contempt for + the other, though consolation was small in comparison. + </p> + <p> + It was in the wooded by-ways of this despised domain that Challis Wrandall + and Sara, the earthly daughter of Midas, met and loved and defied all + things supernal, for matches are made in heaven. Their marriage did not + open the gates of Nineveh. Sebastian Gooch's paradise was more completely + ostracised than it was before the disaster. The Wrandalls spoke of it as a + disaster. + </p> + <p> + Clearly the old merchant was not over-pleased with his daughter's choice, + a conclusion permanently established by the alteration he made in his will + a year or two after the marriage. True, he left the vast estate to his + beloved daughter Sara, but he fastened a stout string to it, and with this + string her hands were tied. It must have occurred to him that Challis was + a profligate in more ways than one, for he deliberately stipulated in his + will that Sara was not to sell a foot of the ground until a period of + twenty years had elapsed. A very polite way, it would seem, of making his + investment safe in the face of considerable odds. + </p> + <p> + He lived long enough after the making of his will, I am happy to relate, + to find that he had made no mistake. As he preceded his son-in-law into + the Great Beyond by a scant three years, it readily may be seen that he + wrought too well by far. Seventeen unnecessary years of proscription + remained, and he had not intended them for Sara ALONE. He was not afraid + of Sara, but for her. + </p> + <p> + When the will was read and the condition revealed, Challis Wrandall took + it in perfect good humour. He had the grace to proclaim in the bosom of + his father's family that the old gentleman was a father-in-law to be proud + of. "A canny old boy," he had announced with his most engaging smile, + quite free from rancour or resentment. Challis was well acquainted with + himself. + </p> + <p> + And so the acres were strapped together snugly and firmly, without so much + as a town-lot protruding. + </p> + <p> + So impressed was Challis by the farsightedness of his father-in-law that + he forthwith sat him down and made a will of his own. He would not have it + said that Sara's father did a whit better by her than he would do. He left + everything he possessed to his wife, but put no string to it, blandly + implying that all danger would be past when she came into possession. + There was a sort of grim humour in the way he managed to present himself + to view as the real and ready source of peril. + </p> + <p> + Among certain of the Wrandall clan there was serious talk of contesting + the will. It was a distinct shock to all of them. Some one made bold to + assert that Challis was not in his right mind at the time it was executed. + For that matter, a couple of uncles on his mother's side were of the broad + opinion that he never had been mentally adequate. + </p> + <p> + During a family conference four days after the funeral, Leslie launched + forth at some length and with considerable heat, expressing an opinion + that met with small favour at the outset but which had its results later + on. + </p> + <p> + "Why," he declaimed, standing before the fireplace with his hands in his + pockets, "if Sara dreamed that we even so much as contemplate making a + fuss about Chal's will, she'd up and chuck the whole blooming legacy in + our faces, and be glad to do it. She's got plenty of her own. She doesn't + need the little that Challis left her. Then, what would we look like, tell + me that? What would the world say? Why, it would say that she didn't think + our money was clean enough to mix with old man Gooch's. She'd throw it in + our faces and the whole town would snicker." + </p> + <p> + "Figuratively speaking, young man, figuratively speaking," said one of the + uncles, a stockholder and director. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean by that?" + </p> + <p> + "That she—ahem! That she couldn't actually THROW it." + </p> + <p> + "I'm not so literal as you, Uncle George." + </p> + <p> + "Then why use the word THROW?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course, Uncle George, I don't mean to say she'd have it reduced to + gold coin and stand off and take shots at us. You understand that, don't + you?" + </p> + <p> + "Leslie," put in his father, "you have a most distressing way of—er—putting + it. Your Uncle George is not so dense as all that." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't use the word 'throw' in the first place," said Leslie, with a + shrug. "I said 'chuck.'" + </p> + <p> + "I distinctly heard you use the word 'throw,'" said Uncle George, very red + in the face. + </p> + <p> + "It was on the second occasion, George," said Mrs. Wrandall, loyal to + Leslie. + </p> + <p> + "In either case," said her son, "we'd be made ridiculous. That's the long + and short of it. Even if she HANDED it to us on a silver plate,—figuratively + speaking, Uncle George,—we'd be made to look like thirty cents." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'm damn—" began Uncle George, almost forgetting where he + was, but remembering in time. He was afraid to utter a word for the next + ten minutes, and Leslie was spared the interruptions. + </p> + <p> + It was decided that the will should stand. Later on, the alarming prospect + of Sara's perfect right to marry again came up to mar the peace of mind of + all the Wrandalls, and it grew to be horribly real without a single move + on her part to warrant the fears they were encouraging. + </p> + <p> + Sara and Hetty did not stay long in town. The newspapers announced the + return of Challis Wrandall's widow and reporters sought her out for + interviews. The old interest was revived and columns were printed about + the murder at Burton's Inn, with sharp editorial comments on the failure + of the police to clear up the mystery. + </p> + <p> + The woods were green and the earth was redolent of rich spring odours; + wild flowers peeped shyly from the leaf-strewn soil in the shadow of the + trees; some, more bold than others, came down to the roadway, and from the + banks and hedges smiled saucily upon all who passed; the hillsides were + like spotless carpets, the meadows a riot of clover hues. The world was + light with the life of the new-born year, for who shall say that the year + does not begin with the birth of spring? May! May, when the earth begins + to bear, not January when it sets out in sorrow to bury its dead. New + Year's day it is, when the first tiny flower of spring comes to life and + smiles oh the face of Mother Earth, and the sun is warm with the love of a + gentle father. + </p> + <p> + "I shall ask Leslie down for the week-end," said Sara, the third day after + their arrival in the country. The house was huge and lonely, and time hung + rather heavily despite the glorious uplift of spring. + </p> + <p> + Hetty looked up quickly from her book. A look of dismay flickered in her + eyes for an instant and then gave way to the calmness that had come to + dwell in their depths of late. Her lips parted in the sudden impulse to + cry out against the plan, but she checked the words. For a moment, her + dark, questioning eyes studied the face of her benefactress; then, as if + nothing had been revealed to her, she allowed her gaze to drift pensively + out toward the sunset sea. + </p> + <p> + They were sitting on the broad verandah overlooking the Sound. The dusk of + evening was beginning to steal over the earth. She laid her book aside. + </p> + <p> + "Will you telephone in to him after dinner, Hetty?" went on Sara, after a + long period of silence. + </p> + <p> + Again Hetty started. This time a look of actual pain flashed in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Would not a note by post be more certain to find him in the—" she + began hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + "I dislike writing notes," said Sara calmly. "Of course, dear, if you feel + that you'd rather not telephone to him, I can—" + </p> + <p> + "I dare say I am finicky, Sara," apologised Hetty in quick contrition. "Of + course, he is your brother. I should remem—" + </p> + <p> + "My brother-in-law, dear," said Sara, a trifle too literally. + </p> + <p> + "He will come often to your house," went on Hetty rapidly. "I must make + the best of it." + </p> + <p> + "He is your friend, Hetty. He admires you." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot see him through your eyes, Sara." + </p> + <p> + "But he IS charming and agreeable, you'll admit," persisted the other. + </p> + <p> + "He is very kind, and he is devoted to you. I should like him for that." + </p> + <p> + "You have no cause for disliking him." + </p> + <p> + "I do not dislike him. I—I am—Oh, you always have been so + thoughtful, so considerate, Sara, I can't understand your failing to see + how hard it is for me to—to—well, to endure his open-hearted + friendship." + </p> + <p> + Sara was silent for a moment. "You draw a pretty fine line, Hetty," she + said gently. + </p> + <p> + Hetty flushed. "You mean that there is little to choose between wife and + brother? That isn't quite fair. You know everything, he knows nothing. I + wear a mask for him; you have seen into the very heart of me. It isn't the + same." + </p> + <p> + Sara came over and stood beside the girl's chair. After a moment of + indecision, she laid her hand on Hetty's shoulder. The girl looked up, the + ever-recurring question in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "We haven't spoken of—of these things in many months, Hetty." + </p> + <p> + "Not since Mrs. Wrandall and Vivian came to Nice. I was upset—dreadfully + upset then, Sara. I don't know how I managed to get through with it." + </p> + <p> + "But you managed it," pronounced Sara. Her fingers seemed to tighten + suddenly on the girl's shoulder. "I think we were quite wonderful, both of + us. It wasn't easy for me." + </p> + <p> + "Why did we come back to New York, Sara?" burst out Hetty, clasping her + friend's hand as if suddenly spurred by terror. "We were happy over there. + And free!" + </p> + <p> + "Listen, my dear," said Sara, a hard note growing in her voice: "this is + my home. I do not love it, but I can see no reason for abandoning it. That + is why we came back to New York." + </p> + <p> + Hetty pressed her friend's hand to her lips. "Forgive me," she cried + impulsively. "I shouldn't have complained. It was detestable." + </p> + <p> + "Besides," went on Sara evenly, "you were quite free to remain on the + other side. I left it to you." + </p> + <p> + "You gave me a week to decide," said Hetty, in a hurried manner of + speaking. "I—I took but twenty-four hours—less than that. Over + night, you remember. I love you, Sara. I could not leave you. All that + night I could feel you pulling at my heart-strings, pulling me closer and + closer, and holding me. You were in your room, I in mine, and yet all the + time you seemed to be bending over me in the darkness, urging me to stay + with you and love you and be loved by you. It couldn't have been a dream." + </p> + <p> + "It was not a dream," said Sara, with a queer smile. + </p> + <p> + "You DO love me?" tensely. + </p> + <p> + "I DO love you," was the firm answer. Sara was staring out across the + water, her eyes big and as black as night itself. She seemed to be looking + far beyond the misty lights that bobbled with nearby schooners, far beyond + the yellow mass on the opposite shore where a town lay cradled in the + shadows, far into the fast darkening sky that came up like a wall out of + the east. + </p> + <p> + Hetty's fingers tightened in a warmer clasp. Unconsciously perhaps, Sara's + grip on the girl's shoulder tightened also: unconsciously, for her + thoughts were far away. The younger woman's pensive gaze rested on the + peaceful waters below, taking in the slow approach of the fog that was + soon to envelop the land. Neither spoke for many minutes: inscrutable + thinkers, each a prey to thoughts that leaped backward to the beginning + and took up the puzzle at its inception. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder—" began Hetty, her eyes narrowing with the intensity of + thought. She did not complete the sentence. + </p> + <p> + Sara answered the unspoken question. "It will never be different from what + it is now, unless you make it so." + </p> + <p> + Hetty started. "How could you have known what I was thinking?" she cried + in wonder. + </p> + <p> + "It is what you are always thinking, my dear. You are always asking + yourself when will I turn against you." + </p> + <p> + "Sara!" + </p> + <p> + "Your own intelligence should supply the answer to all the questions you + are asking of yourself. It is too late for me to turn against you." She + abruptly removed her hand from Hetty's shoulder and walked to the edge of + the verandah. For the first time, the English girl was conscious of pain. + She drew her arm up and cringed. She pulled the light scarf about her bare + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + The butler appeared in the doorway. + </p> + <p> + "The telephone, if you please, Miss Castleton. Mr. Leslie Wrandall is + calling." + </p> + <p> + The girl stared. "For me, Watson?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Miss. I forgot to say that he called up this afternoon while you + were out," very apologetically, with a furtive glance at Mrs. Wrandall, + who had turned. + </p> + <p> + "Loss of memory, Watson, is a fatal affliction," she said, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. I don't see 'ow it 'appened." + </p> + <p> + "It is not likely to happen again." + </p> + <p> + "No, madam." + </p> + <p> + Hetty had risen, visibly agitated. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I say to him, Sara?" she cried. + </p> + <p> + "Apparently it is he who has something to say to you," said the other, + still smiling. "Wait and see what it is. Please don't neglect to say that + we'd like to have him over Sunday." + </p> + <p> + "A box of flowers has just come up from the station for you, Miss," said + Watson. + </p> + <p> + Hetty was very white as she passed into the house. Mrs. Wrandall resumed + her contemplation of the fog-screened Sound. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I fetch you a wrap, ma'am?" asked Watson, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + "I am coming in, Watson. Open the box of flowers for Miss Castleton. Is + there a fire in the library?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Leslie will be out on Saturday. Tell Mrs. Conkling." + </p> + <p> + "The evening train, ma'am?" + </p> + <p> + "No. The eleven-thirty. He will be here for luncheon." + </p> + <p> + When Hetty hurried into the library a few minutes later, her manner was + that of one considerably disturbed by something that has transpired almost + on the moment. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were reflectors of a + no uncertain distress of mind. Mrs. Wrandall was standing before the + fireplace, an exquisite figure in the slinky black evening gown which she + affected in these days. Her perfectly modelled neck and shoulders gleamed + like pink marble in the reflected glow of the burning logs. She wore no + jewellery, but there was a single white rose in her dark hair, where it + had been placed by the whimsical Hetty an hour earlier as they left the + dinner table. + </p> + <p> + "He is coming out on the eleven-thirty, Sara," said the girl nervously, + "unless you will send the motor in for him. The body of his car is being + changed and it's in the shop. He must have been jesting when he said he + would pay for the petrol—I should have said gasoline." + </p> + <p> + Sara laughed. "You will know him better, my dear," she said. "Leslie is + very light-hearted." + </p> + <p> + "He suggested bringing a friend," went on Hetty hurriedly. "A Mr. Booth, + the portrait painter." + </p> + <p> + "I met him in Italy. He is charming. You will like HIM, too, Hetty." The + emphasis did not escape notice. + </p> + <p> + "It seems that he is spending a fortnight in the village, this Mr. Booth, + painting spring lambs for rest and recreation, Mr. Leslie says." + </p> + <p> + "Then he is at our very gates," said Sara, looking up suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if he can be the man I saw yesterday at the bridge," mused + Hetty. "Is he tall?" + </p> + <p> + "I really can't say. He's rather vague. It was six or seven years ago." + </p> + <p> + "It was left that Mr. Wrandall is to come out on the eleven-thirty," + explained Hetty. "I thought you wouldn't like sending either of the motors + in." + </p> + <p> + "And Mr. Booth?" + </p> + <p> + "We are to send for him after Mr. Wrandall arrives. He is stopping at the + inn, wherever that may be." + </p> + <p> + "Poor fellow!" sighed Sara, with a grimace. "I am sure he will like us + immensely if he has been stopping at the inn." + </p> + <p> + Hetty stood staring down at the blazing logs for a full minute before + giving expression to the thought that troubled her. + </p> + <p> + "Sara," she said, meeting her friend's eyes with a steady light in her + own, "why did Mr. Wrandall ask for me instead of you? It is you he is + coming to visit, not me. It is your house. Why should—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear," said Sara glibly, "I am merely his sister-in-law. It wouldn't + be necessary to ask me if he should come. He knows he is welcome." + </p> + <p> + "Then why should he feel called upon to—" + </p> + <p> + "Some men like to telephone, I suppose," said the other coolly. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if you will ever understand how I feel about—about certain + things, Sara." + </p> + <p> + "What, for instance?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, his very evident interest in me," cried the girl hotly. "He sends + me flowers,—this is the second box this week,—and he is so + kind, so VERY friendly, Sara, that I can't bear it—I really can't." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall stared at her. "You can't very well send him about his + business," she said, "unless he becomes more than friendly. Now, can you?" + </p> + <p> + "But it seems so—so horrible, so beastly," groaned the girl. + </p> + <p> + Sara faced her squarely. "See here, Hetty," she said levelly, "we have + made our bed, you and I. We must lie in it—together. If Leslie + Wrandall chooses to fall in love with you, that is his affair, not ours. + We must face every condition. In plain words, we must play the game." + </p> + <p> + "What could be more appalling than to have him fall in love with me?" + </p> + <p> + "The other way 'round would be more dramatic, I should say." + </p> + <p> + "Good God, Sara!" cried the girl in horror. "How can you even speak of + such a thing?" + </p> + <p> + "After all, why shouldn't—" began Sara, but stopped in the middle of + her suggestion, with the result that it had its full effect without being + uttered in so many cold-blooded words. The girl shuddered. + </p> + <p> + "I wish, Sara, you would let me unburden myself completely to you," she + pleaded, seizing her friend's hands. "You have forbidden me—" + </p> + <p> + Sara jerked her hands away. Her eyes flashed. "I do not want to hear it," + she cried fiercely. "Never, never! Do you understand? It is your secret. I + will not share it with you. I should hate you if I knew everything. As it + is, I love you because you are a woman who suffered at the hand of one who + made me suffer. There is nothing more to say. Don't bring up the subject + again. I want to be your friend for ever, not your confidante. There is a + distinction. You may be able to see how very marked it is in our case, + Hetty. What one does not know, seldom hurts." + </p> + <p> + "But I want to justify myself—" + </p> + <p> + "It isn't necessary," cut in the other so peremptorily that the girl's + eyes spread into a look of anger. Whereupon Sara Wrandall threw her arm + about her and drew her down beside her on the chaise-longue. "I didn't + mean to be harsh," she cried. "We must not speak of the past, that's all. + The future is not likely to hurt us, dear. Let us avoid the past." + </p> + <p> + "The future!" sighed the girl, staring blankly before her. + </p> + <p> + "To appreciate what it is to be," said the other, "you have but to think + of what it might have been." + </p> + <p> + "I know," said Hetty, in a low voice. "And yet I sometimes wonder if—" + </p> + <p> + Sara interrupted. "You are paying me, dear, instead of the law," she said + gently. "I am not a harsh creditor, am I?" + </p> + <p> + "My life belongs to you. I give it cheerfully, even gladly." + </p> + <p> + "So you have said before. Well, if it belongs to me, you might at least + permit me to develop it as I would any other possession. I take it as an + investment. It will probably fluctuate." + </p> + <p> + "Now you are jesting!" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," said Sara laconically. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Hetty set forth for her accustomed tramp over the roads + that wound through the estate. Sara, the American, dawdled at home, + resenting the chill spring drizzle that did not in the least discourage + the Englishwoman. The mistress of the house and of the girl's destiny + stood in the broad French window watching her as she strode springily, + healthily down the maple lined avenue in the direction of the gates. The + gardeners doffed their caps to her as she passed, and also looked after + her with surreptitious glances. + </p> + <p> + There was a queer smile on Sara's lips that remained long after the girl + was lost to view beyond the lodge. It was still on her lips but gone from + her eyes as she paused beside the old English table to bury her nose in + one of the gorgeous roses that Leslie had sent out to Hetty the day + before. They were all about the room, dozens of them. The girl had + insisted on having them downstairs instead of in her own little + sitting-room, for which they plainly were intended. + </p> + <p> + A nasty sea turn had brought lowering grey skies and a dreary, enveloping + mist that never quite assumed the dignity of a drizzle and yet blew wet + and cold to the very marrow of the bones. Hetty was used to such weather. + Her English blood warmed to it. As she strode briskly across the + meadow-land road in the direction of the woods that lay ahead, a soft + ruddy glow crept up to her cheeks, and a sparkle of joy into her eyes. She + walked strongly, rapidly. Her straight, lithe young figure was a joyous + thing to behold. High boots, short skirt, a loose jacket and a broad felt + hat made up her costume. She was graceful, adorable; a young, healthy, + beautiful creature in whom the blood surged quickly, strongly: the type of + woman men are wont to classify as "ineffably feminine," though why we + should differentiate is no small mystery unless there really is such a + thing as one woman possessing an adorably feminine quality denied to her + sisters. Be that as it may, there IS a distinction and men pride + themselves on knowing it. Hetty was alluringly feminine. Leaving out the + matter of morals, whatever they are, and coming right up to her as an + example of her sex, pure and simple if you please, we are bound to say + that she was perfect. The best thing we can say of Challis Wrandall is + that he took the same view of her that we should, and fell in love with + her. He would have married her if he could, there isn't much doubt as to + that, no matter what she had been before he knew her or what she was at + the time of his discovery. No more is it to be considered unique that his + brother should have experienced a similar interest in her, knowing even + less. + </p> + <p> + She was the sort of girl one falls in love with and remembers it the rest + of his life. + </p> + <p> + Take her now, for instance, as she swings along the highway, fresh, trim + and graceful, her chin uptilted, her cheeks warm, her eyes clear and as + blue as sapphires, and we experience the most intense, unreasoning desire + to be near her, at her side, where hands could touch her and the very + spell of her creep out over one to make a man of him. + </p> + <p> + The kind of woman one wants to draw close to him because his heart is + sweet. + </p> + <p> + She had the blood of a fellow creature on her hands—the blood of one + of us—and yet we men will overlook one commandment for another. It + is a matter of choice. + </p> + <p> + What of her present position in the house and in the heart of the one + woman who of all those we know is abnormally unfeminine in that she + subordinates the natural and instinctive animosity of woman toward another + who robs her of a husband, no matter how unworthy or how hateful he may + have been to her behind the screen with which she hides her sores from the + world. The answer is ready: Hetty was a slave bound to an extraordinary + condition. There had been no coercion on the part of Challis Wrandall's + wife; no actual restraint had been set upon the girl. The situation was a + plain one from every point of view: Hetty owed her life to Sara, she would + have paid with her life's blood the debt she owed. It had become perfectly + natural for her to consider herself a willing, grateful prisoner—a + prisoner on parole. She would not, could not abuse the parole. She loved + her gaoler with a love that knew no bounds; she loved the walls Sara had + thrown up about her; she was content to live and die in the luxurious + cell, attended by love and kindness and mercy. After all, Hetty was even + more feminine than we seem able to convey in words. + </p> + <p> + Not in that she lacked in pride or sensitiveness, but that she possessed + to a self-satisfying degree the ability to subordinate both of these to a + loyalty that had no bounds. There were fine feelings in Hetty. She was + honest with herself. She did not look beyond her present horizon for + brighter skies. They were as bright as they could ever be, of that she was + sure; her hopes lay within the small circumference that Sara Wrandall made + possible for her. She knew that her peril, her ruin lay in the desire to + step outside that narrow circle, for out there the world was cold and + merciless. + </p> + <p> + She lived as one charmed by some powerful influence, and was content. Not + once had the fear entered her soul that Sara would turn against her. Her + trust in Wrandall's wife was infinite. In her simple, devoted heart she + could feel no prick of dread so far as the present was concerned. The past + was dreadful, but it was the past, and its loathsomeness was moderated by + subtle contrast with the present. As for the future, it belonged to Sara + Wrandall. It was safe. + </p> + <p> + If Sara were to decide that she must be given up to the law, all well and + good. She could meet her fate with a smile for Sara, and with love in her + heart. She could pay in full if the demand was made by the wife of the man + she had left in the grim little upstairs room at Burton's Inn on that + never-to-be-forgotten night in March. + </p> + <p> + The one great, inexplicable mystery to her was the heart of Sara Wrandall. + She could not fathom it. + </p> + <p> + She could understand her own utter subjection to the will of the other + woman; she could explain it satisfactorily to herself, and she could have + explained it to the world. Self-preservation in the beginning, + self-surrender as time went on, self-sacrifice as the prerogative. + </p> + <p> + And so it was, on this grey spring day, that she gazed undaunted at the + world, with the shadows all about her, and hummed a sprightly tune through + warm red lips that were kissed by the morning mist. + </p> + <p> + She came to the bridge by the mill, long since deserted and now a thing of + ruin and decay. A man in knickerbockers stood leaning against the rail, + idly gazing down at the trickling stream below. The brier pipe that formed + the circuit between hand and lips sent up soft blue coils to float away on + the drizzle. + </p> + <p> + She passed behind him, with a single furtive, curious glance at his + handsome, undisturbed profile, and in that glance recognised him as the + man she had seen the day before. + </p> + <p> + When she was a dozen rods away, the tall man turned his face from the + stream and sent after her the long-restrained look. There was something + akin to cautiousness in that look of his, as if he were afraid that she + might turn her head suddenly and catch him at it. Something began stirring + in his heart, the nameless something that awakens when least expected. He + felt the subtle, sweet femininity of her as she passed. It lingered with + him as he looked. + </p> + <p> + She turned the bend in the road a hundred yards away. For many minutes he + studied the stream below without really seeing it. Then he straightened + up, knocked the ashes from his pipe, and set off slowly in her wake, + although he had been walking in quite the opposite direction when he came + to the bridge,—and on a mission of some consequence, too. + </p> + <p> + There was the chance that he would meet her coming back. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII — A FAITHFUL CRAYON-POINT + </h2> + <p> + Leslie Wrandall came out on the eleven-thirty. Hetty was at the station + with the motor, a sullen resentment in her heart, but a welcoming smile on + her lips. The sun shone brightly. The Sound glared with the white of + reflected skies. + </p> + <p> + "I thought of catching the eight o'clock," he cried enthusiastically, as + he dropped his bag beside the motor in order to reach over and shake hands + with her. "That would have gotten me here hours earlier. The difficulty + was that I didn't think of the eight o'clock until I awoke at nine." + </p> + <p> + "And then you had the additional task of thinking about breakfast," said + Hetty, but without a trace of sarcasm in her manner. + </p> + <p> + "I never think of breakfast," said he amiably. "I merely eat it. Of + course, it's a task to eat it sometimes, but—well, how are you? How + do you like it out here?" + </p> + <p> + He was beside her on the broad seat, his face beaming, his gay little + moustache pointing upward at the ends like oblique brown exclamation + points, so expansive was his smile. + </p> + <p> + "I adore it," she replied, her own smile growing in response to his. It + was impossible to resist the good nature of him. She could not dislike + him, even though she dreaded him deep down in her heart. Her blood was hot + and cold by turns when she was with him, as her mind opened and shut to + thoughts pleasant and unpleasant with something of the regularity of a + fish's gills in breathing. + </p> + <p> + "I knew you would. It's great. You won't care much for our place, Miss + Castleton. Sara's got the pick of the coast in that place of hers. Trust + old Sebastian Gooch to get the best of everything. If my dad or my + grand-dad had possessed a tenth of the brain that that old chap had, we'd + have our own tabernacle up there on the point, instead of sulking at his + back gate. That's really where we're located, you know. His back gate + opens smack in the face of our front one. I think he did it with malice + aforethought, too. His back gate is two miles from the house. It wasn't + really necessary to go so far for a back gate as all that, was it? To make + it worse, he put a big sign over it for us to read: 'NO TRESPASSING. THIS + MEANS YOU.' Sara took it down after the old boy died." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose by that time the desire to trespass was gone," she said. "One + doesn't enjoy freedom of that sort." + </p> + <p> + "I've come to believe that the only free things we really covet are passes + to the theatre. We never get over that, I'm sure. I'd rather have a pass + to the theatre than a ten dollar bill any time. I say, it was nice of you + to come down to meet me. It was more than I—er—expected." He + almost said "hoped for." + </p> + <p> + "Sara was too busy about the house to come," she explained quickly. "And I + had a few errands to do in the village." + </p> + <p> + "Don't spoil it!" + </p> + <p> + "I am a horribly literal person," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Better that than literally horrible," he retorted, rather proud of + himself for it. "It's wonderful, the friendship between you two girls—Sara's + not much more than a girl, you see. You're so utterly unlike in every + way." + </p> + <p> + "It isn't strange to me," said she simply, but without looking at him. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, I can understand it," he went on. "I've always liked Sara. + She's bully. Much too good for my brother, God rest his soul. He never—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't utter a thing like that, even in jest," she cried, shocked by + his glib remark. + </p> + <p> + He flushed. "You didn't know Challis," he said almost surlily. + </p> + <p> + She held her breath. + </p> + <p> + After a moment, the points of his little moustache went up again in the + habitual barometrical smile. Rather a priggish, supercilious smile, she + thought, taking a glance at his face. + </p> + <p> + "I say I can understand it, but mother and Vivian will never be able to + get it through those tough skulls of theirs. They really don't like Sara. + Snobs, both of 'em—of the worst kind, too. Why, mother has always + looked upon Sara as a—e—-a sort of brigandess, the kind that + steals children and holds them for ransom. Of course, old man Gooch was as + common as rags—utterly impossible, you know—but that shouldn't + stand against Sara. By the way, her father called her Sallie. Her mother + was a very charming woman, they say. We never knew her. For that matter, + we never knew the old man until he became prominent as a father-in-law." + </p> + <p> + The girl was silent. He went on. + </p> + <p> + "Mother likes you. She doesn't say it in so many words, but I can see that + she wonders how you can have anything in common with Sara. She prides + herself on being able to distinguish blue blood at a glance. Silly notion + she's got, but—" + </p> + <p> + "Please don't go on, Mr. Wrandall," cried Hetty in distress. + </p> + <p> + "I'm not saying she isn't friendly to Sara nowadays," he explained. "She's + changed a good deal in the last few months. I think she's broadening out a + bit. Since that visit to Nice, she's been quite different. As a matter of + fact, she expects to see a good bit of Sara and you this summer. It's like + a spring thaw, by Jove, it is." + </p> + <p> + "When does she come to the country?" asked Hetty, bent on breaking his + train of confidence. + </p> + <p> + "In three or four weeks. But, as I was saying, the mater has taken a great + fancy to you. She—" + </p> + <p> + "It's very nice of her." + </p> + <p> + "She prides herself, as I said before, but she always makes sure by asking + questions." + </p> + <p> + "Questions?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Although she could see through you as if you were plate glass, she + made it a point to ask Sara all the questions she could think of. Over in + Nice, you know. Of course Sara told her everything, and now she's quite + sure she can't be mistaken in people. Really, Miss Castleton, she's very + amusing sometimes, mother is." + </p> + <p> + Hetty was looking straight ahead, her face set. + </p> + <p> + "What did Sara tell her about me?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, all that was necessary to prove to mother that she was right. As if + it really made any difference, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Please explain." + </p> + <p> + "What is there to explain? She merely gave your pedigree, as we'd say at + the dog show, begging your pardon, ma'am. Pedigrees are a sort of hobby + with the mater. She collects 'em wherever she goes." + </p> + <p> + He gave his moustache a little twist. + </p> + <p> + "Then my references are satisfactory, so to speak," said she, with a wry + little smile. + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly," said he, with conviction; "if we are to put any dependence in + the intelligence office." + </p> + <p> + "Doesn't it stagger Mrs. Wrandall somewhat to reconcile my pedigree to the + position I occupy in Sara's household—that of companion, so to say?" + asked Hetty, a slight curl to her lip. + </p> + <p> + He looked rather blank. "I don't believe she looks at you in just that + light," said he uncomfortably. + </p> + <p> + "I fancy you'd better enlighten her." + </p> + <p> + "Let well enough alone," quoted he glibly. + </p> + <p> + "But I AM a companion," insisted Hetty, a little spot of red in each + cheek. + </p> + <p> + "In a sense, I suppose," said he affably. "Of course, Sara puts you down + as a friend." + </p> + <p> + "I think you'd better understand my real position, Mr. Wrandall," said she + firmly. + </p> + <p> + "I do," said he. "You are Sara's friend. That's enough for me. The fact + that your father was or is a distinguished English army officer, and some + sort of a cousin to a lord, and that you have the entre to fashionable + London drawing-rooms, is quite enough for mother. That qualifies you to be + companion to anybody, she'd say. And there's the end to it." + </p> + <p> + She was looking at him in amazement. Her lips were slightly parted and her + eyes were wide. For a moment she was puzzled. Then a swift smile illumined + her face. She understood. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, in London, it really isn't anything to boast about, getting + into drawing-rooms," she said, vastly amused. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is over here," said he promptly. + </p> + <p> + "And it isn't always open sesame to be related to a peer." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose not." + </p> + <p> + "Nevertheless, I am glad that your mother and Miss Vivian take me for what + I am. Do you, by any chance, go in for pedigree, Mr. Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + The shaft of irony sped over his head. + </p> + <p> + "Only in dogs and horses," he replied promptly. "It means a lot when it + comes to buying a dog or a horse." + </p> + <p> + "How do you feel when you've been sold?" + </p> + <p> + "I take my medicine." + </p> + <p> + "As a good sportsman should." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say you think I'm a deuce of a prig for saying the things—" + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary, I appreciate your candour." + </p> + <p> + "Don't hesitate to say it. I'm used to being called a prig. My brother + Challis always considered me one. I think he meant snob. But that was + because our ideals weren't the same. By the way, you ought to like + Vivian." + </p> + <p> + "That depends." + </p> + <p> + "On Vivian, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Not precisely. I should say it depends on your sister's attitude toward + Sara." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, she likes Sara well enough. Viv's not particularly narrow, Miss + Castleton." + </p> + <p> + Hetty bestowed a smile upon him. + </p> + <p> + "That's comforting, Mr. Wrandall," she said, and he was silent for a + moment, reflecting. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know," said he, as if a light had suddenly burst in upon him, + "you've got more poise than any girl I've ever seen?" + </p> + <p> + "It's my bringing up, sir," she said mockingly. + </p> + <p> + "Ancestral habit," he explained, with a polite bow. + </p> + <p> + "Pedigreeable manners, perhaps." + </p> + <p> + "I wish the mater could have heard you say that." admiringly. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you adore the country at this time of the year?" + </p> + <p> + "When I get to heaven I mean to have a place in the country the year + round," he said conclusively. + </p> + <p> + "And if you don't get to heaven?" + </p> + <p> + "I suppose I'll take a furnished flat somewhere." + </p> + <p> + Sara was waiting for them at the bottom of the terrace as they drove up. + He leaped out and kissed her hand. + </p> + <p> + "Much obliged," he murmured, with a slight twist of his head in the + direction of Hetty, who was giving orders to the chauffeur. + </p> + <p> + "You're quite welcome," said Sara, with a smile of understanding. "She's + lovely, isn't she?" + </p> + <p> + "Enchanting!" said he, almost too loudly. + </p> + <p> + Hetty walked up the long ascent ahead of them. She did not have to look + back to know that they were watching her with unfaltering interest. She + could feel their gaze. + </p> + <p> + "Absolutely adorable," he added, enlarging his estimate without really + being aware that he voiced it. + </p> + <p> + Sara shot a look at his rapt face, and turned her own away to hide the + queer little smile that flickered briefly and died away. + </p> + <p> + Hetty, pleading a sudden headache, declined to accompany them later on in + the day when they set forth in the car to "pick up" Brandon Booth at the + inn. They were to bring him over, bag and baggage, to stay till Tuesday. + </p> + <p> + "He will be wild to paint her," declared Leslie when they were out of + sight around the bend in the road. He had waved his hat to Hetty just + before the trees shut off their view of her. She was standing at the top + of the steps beside one of the tall Italian vases. + </p> + <p> + Sara did not respond. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, Sara, is she the niece or the grand-daughter of old Lord + Murgatroyd? I'm a bit mixed." + </p> + <p> + "Her father is Colonel Castleton, of the Indian Army, and he is the eldest + son of a second son, if you don't find that too difficult to solve. The + second son aforesaid mentioned, so to speak, was the brother of Lord + Murgatroyd. That would make Colonel Castleton his Lordship's nephew, but + utterly without prospects of coming into a title, as there are several + healthy British obstacles in the way. I suppose one would call Hetty a + grand-niece." + </p> + <p> + "Mother wasn't quite certain whether you said niece or grand-daughter," + explained Leslie. "Her mother's dead, I take it. Who was she?" + </p> + <p> + "Why are you so curious?" + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it quite natural?" + </p> + <p> + "Her mother was a Glynn. You have heard of the Glynns, of course?" She + trusted to his vanity and was rewarded. The question was a sort of + reproach. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," he replied, without hesitation. The mere fact that she spoke + of them as "THE Glynns" was sufficient. It was proof enough that they were + people one ought to know, by name at least, if one were to profess + intelligence regarding the British aristocracy. As a matter of fact, he + had not heard of the Glynns, but that didn't matter. "The Irish Glynns, + you mean?" he ventured, taking a chance at hitting the mark. He had a + faint recollection of hearing her say that Hetty was part Irish. + </p> + <p> + "You have only to look into her eyes to know she's Irish," she said + diplomatically. + </p> + <p> + "I've never seen such eyes," he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "She's a darling," said Sara and changed the subject, knowing full well + that he would come back to it before long. "Is it true that Vivian and Mr. + Booth are interested in each other?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes and no," he replied, with a profound sigh. "That is to say, she's + interested in him and he isn't interested in her—in the way I take + you to mean it. I suspect it's an easy matter for a girl to fall in love + with Brandy. He's a corking fine chap." + </p> + <p> + "Then it would be very nice for Vivian, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, quite so—quite so. His forbears came over with Noah, according + to mother. You know mother, Sara." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed I do," said she with conviction. + </p> + <p> + He laughed without restraint. "Mother can rattle off the best families in + the Bible without missing a name, beginning with the Honourable Adam. Of + course, she knows the Glynns and the Castletons and the Murgatroyds, + although I dare say they haven't had much to do with the Bible. Come to + think of it, she did go to the trouble of looking up the Castleton family + in the Debrett." + </p> + <p> + "She did?" exclaimed Sara, with a slight narrowing of the eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. She established the connection all right enough. She's keen for Miss + Castleton." + </p> + <p> + "Oh," said she, relieved. After a moment: "And you?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm mad about her," he said simply, and then, for some unaccountable + reason, gave over being loquacious and lapsed into a state of almost + lugubrious quiet. + </p> + <p> + She glanced at his face, furtively at first, as if uncertain of his mood, + then with a prolonged stare that was frankly curious and amused. + </p> + <p> + "Don't lose your head, Leslie," she said softly, almost purringly. + </p> + <p> + He started. "Oh, I say, Sara, I'm not likely to—" + </p> + <p> + "Stranger things have happened," she interrupted, with a shake of her + head. "I can't afford to have you making love to her and getting tired of + the game, as you always do, dear boy, just as soon as you find she's in + love with you. She is too dear to be hurt in that way. You mustn't—" + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord!" he cried; "what a bounder you must take me for! Why, if I + thought she'd—But nonsense! Let's talk about something else. + Yourself, for instance." + </p> + <p> + She leaned back with a smile on her lips, but not in her eyes; and drew a + long, deep breath. He was hard hit. That was what she wanted to know. + </p> + <p> + They found Booth at the inn. He was sitting on the old-fashioned porch, + surrounded by bags and boys. As he climbed into the car after the bags, + the boys grinned and jingled the coins in their pockets and ventured, + almost in unison, the intelligence that they would all be there if he ever + came back again. Big and little, they had transported his easel and + canvases from place to place for three weeks or more and his departure was + to be regarded as a financial calamity. + </p> + <p> + "I could go to ten circuses this summer if that many of 'em was to come to + town," said one small citizen as Croesus rode away in a cloud of village + dust. + </p> + <p> + "Gee, I wish to goodness he'd come back," was the soulful cry of another. + </p> + <p> + "I don't like them pictures he paints, though, do you?" observed another, + more critical than avaricious. + </p> + <p> + "Naw!" was the scornful reply, also in unison. + </p> + <p> + From which it may be gathered that Mr. Brandon Booth was not cherished for + art's sake alone, but for its relation to Mammon. + </p> + <p> + The object of their comments was making himself agreeable to the lady who + was to be his hostess for the next few days. Leslie, perhaps in the desire + to be alone with his reflections, sat forward with the chauffeur, and paid + little or no heed to that unhappy person's comments on the vile condition + of ALL village thorough-fares, New York City included. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, Sara," he said, suddenly breaking in on the conversation that + went on at his back, and thereby betraying a secret wish that was taking + shape in his mind, "what have you done with the little red runabout you + had a year or two ago?" + </p> + <p> + She started. "You mean—" + </p> + <p> + As she hesitated, he went on. "It would come in very handy for twosome + tours." + </p> + <p> + "I disposed of it some time ago, Leslie," said she. "I thought you'd + remember." + </p> + <p> + "Oh,—er—by Jove!" he stammered in confusion. + </p> + <p> + He remembered that she had GIVEN it away a day or two after that awful + night in March, and he recalled her reason for doing so. He twisted the + tiny end of his moustache with unnecessary vigour—I might say fury. + It was a most unhappy FAUX PAS. + </p> + <p> + "Softening of the brain," he muttered, in dismal apology to himself. + </p> + <p> + "And you painted those wretched little boys instead of the beautiful + things that Nature provides for us out here, Mr. Booth?" Sara was saying + to the artist beside her. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, I managed to get in a bit of Nature, even at that," said he, + with a smile. "Boys are pretty close to earth, you know. To be perfectly + honest, I did it in order to get away from the eminently beautiful but + unnatural things I'm required to paint at home." + </p> + <p> + "Your subjects wouldn't care for that," she warned him, in some amusement. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, as to that, the comments of the boys on the things I did up here + weren't altogether flattering to me, so I'm chastened. They were more than + frank about them. We live to learn." + </p> + <p> + "Where are the canvases?" + </p> + <p> + "I immortalised them, one and all, by destroying them by fire and sword, + only the sword happened to be a penknife. They made a most excellent + bonfire." + </p> + <p> + "And so, you've nothing to show for your fortnight?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes. A most desirable invitation to forget my failures at your + expense." + </p> + <p> + "Poof!" + </p> + <p> + "I don't blame you. It WAS inane. Still, I can't help saying, Mrs. + Wrandall, that it is a desirable invitation. You won't say 'poof' to that, + because I won't listen to it." + </p> + <p> + "On the other hand, it's very good of you to come." + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me I'm always in debt to Leslie, with slim prospect of ever + squaring accounts," said he whimsically. "But for him, I couldn't have + come." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose we will see you at the Wrandall place this summer." + </p> + <p> + "I'm coming out to paint Leslie's sister in June, I believe. And that + reminds me, I came upon an uncommonly pretty girl not far from your place + the other day—and yesterday, as well—some one I've met before, + unless I'm vastly mistaken. I wonder if you know your neighbours well + enough—by sight, at least—to venture a good guess as to who I + mean." + </p> + <p> + She appeared thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, there are dozens of pretty girls in the neighbourhood. Can't you + remember where you met—" She stopped suddenly, a swift look of + apprehension in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + He failed to note the look or the broken sentence. He was searching in his + coat pocket for something. Selecting a letter from the middle of a small + pocket, he held it out to her. + </p> + <p> + "I sketched this from memory. She posed all too briefly for me," he said. + </p> + <p> + On the back of the envelope was a remarkably good likeness of Hetty + Castleton, done broadly, sketchily with a crayon point, evidently drawn + with haste while the impression was fresh, but long after she had passed + out of range of his vision. + </p> + <p> + "I know her," said Sara quietly. "It's very clever, Mr. Booth." + </p> + <p> + "There is something hauntingly familiar about it," he went on, looking at + the sketch with a frown of perplexity. "I've seen her somewhere, but for + the life of me I can't place her. Perhaps in a crowded street, or the + theatre, or a railway train—just a fleeting glimpse, you know. But + in any event, I got a lasting impression. Queer things like that happen, + don't you think so?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall leaned forward and spoke to Leslie. As he turned, she handed + him the envelope, without comment. + </p> + <p> + "Great Scott!" he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Booth is a mind reader," she explained. "He has been reading your + thoughts, dear boy." + </p> + <p> + Booth understood, and grinned. + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean to say—" began the dumfounded Leslie, still staring + at the sketch. "Upon my word, it's a wonderful likeness, old chap. I + didn't know you'd ever met her." + </p> + <p> + "Met her?" cried Booth, an amiable conspirator. "I've never met her." + </p> + <p> + "See here, don't try anything like that on me. How could you do this if + you've never seen—" + </p> + <p> + "He IS a mind reader," cried Sara. + </p> + <p> + "Haven't you been thinking of her steadily for—well, we'll say ten + minutes?" demanded Booth. + </p> + <p> + Leslie reddened. "Nonsense!" + </p> + <p> + "That's a mental telepathy sketch," said the artist, complacently. + </p> + <p> + "When did you do it?" + </p> + <p> + "This instant, you might say. See! Here is the crayon point. I always + carry one around with me for just such—" + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Leslie blandly, at the same time putting the envelope in + his own pocket; "we'll let it go at that. If you're so clever at mind + pictures, you can go to work and make another for yourself. I mean to keep + this one." + </p> + <p> + "I say," began Booth, dismayed. + </p> + <p> + "One's thoughts are his own," said the happy possessor of the sketch. He + turned his back on them. + </p> + <p> + Sara was contrite. "He will never give it up," she lamented. + </p> + <p> + "Is he really hard hit?" asked Booth in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder," mused Sara. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, he's welcome to the sketch, confound him." + </p> + <p> + "Would you like to paint her?" + </p> + <p> + "Is this a commission?" + </p> + <p> + "Hardly. I know her, that's all. She is a very dear friend." + </p> + <p> + "My heart is set on painting some one else, Mrs. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" + </p> + <p> + "When I know you better, I'll tell you who she is." + </p> + <p> + "Could you make a sketch of this other one from memory?" she asked + lightly. + </p> + <p> + "I think so. I'll show you one this evening. I have my trusty crayon about + me always, as I said before." + </p> + <p> + Later in the afternoon Booth came face to face with Hetty. He was + descending the stairs and met her coming up. The sun streamed in through + the tall windows at the turn in the stairs, shining full in her uplifted + face as she approached him from below. He could not repress the start of + amazement. She was carrying a box of roses in her arms—red roses + whose stems protruded far beyond the end of the pasteboard box and reeked + of a fragrant dampness. + </p> + <p> + She gave him a shy, startled smile as she passed. He had stopped to make + room for her on the turn. Somewhat dazed he continued on his way down the + steps, to suddenly remember with a twinge of dismay that he had not + returned her polite smile, but had stared at her with most unblinking + fervour. In no little shame and embarrassment, he sent a swift glance over + his shoulder. She was walking close to the banister rail on the floor + above. As he glanced up their eyes met, for she too had turned to peer. + </p> + <p> + Leslie Wrandall was standing near the foot of the stairs. There was an + eager, exalted look in his face that slowly gave way to well-assumed + unconcern as his friend came upon him and grasped his arm. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Leslie, is—is she staying here?" cried Booth, lowering his + voice to an excited half-whisper. + </p> + <p> + "Who?" demanded Wrandall vacantly. His mind appeared to be elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + "Why, that's the girl I saw on the road—Wake up! The one on the + envelope, you ass. Is she the one you were telling me about in the club—the + Miss What's-Her-Name who—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you mean Miss Castleton. She's just gone upstairs. You must have met + her on the steps." + </p> + <p> + "You know I did. So THAT is Miss Castleton." + </p> + <p> + "Ripping, isn't she? Didn't I tell you so?" + </p> + <p> + "She's beautiful. She IS a type, just as you said, old man,—a really + wonderful type. I saw her yesterday—and the day before." + </p> + <p> + "I've been wondering how you managed to get a likeness of her on the back + of an envelope," said Leslie sarcastically. "Must have had a good long + look at her, my boy. It isn't a snap-shot, you know." + </p> + <p> + Booth flushed. "It is an impression, that's all. I drew it from memory, + 'pon my soul." + </p> + <p> + "She'll be immensely gratified, I'm sure." + </p> + <p> + "For heaven's sake, Les, don't be such a fool as to show her the thing," + cried Booth in consternation. "She'd never understand." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you needn't worry. She has a fine sense of humour." + </p> + <p> + Booth didn't know whether to laugh or scowl. He compromised with himself + by slipping his arm through that of his friend and saying heartily: + </p> + <p> + "I wish you the best of luck, old boy." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks," said Leslie drily. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII — IN WHICH HETTY IS WEIGHED + </h2> + <p> + Booth and Leslie returned to the city on Tuesday. The artist left behind + him a "memory sketch" of Sara Wrandall, done in the solitude of his room + long after the rest of the house was wrapped in slumber on the first night + of his stay at Southlook. It was as sketchily drawn as the one he had made + of Hetty, and quite as wonderful in the matter of faithfulness, but + utterly without the subtle something that made the other notable. The + craftiness of the artist was there, but the touch of inspiration was + lacking. + </p> + <p> + Sara was delighted. She was flattered, and made no pretence of disguising + the fact. + </p> + <p> + The discussion which followed the exhibition of the sketch at luncheon, + was very animated. It served to excite Leslie to such a degree that he + brought forth from his pocket the treasured sketch of Hetty, for the + purpose of comparison. + </p> + <p> + The girl who had been genuinely enthusiastic over the picture of Sara, and + who had not been by way of knowing that the first sketch existed, was + covered with confusion. Embarrassment and a shy sense of gratification + were succeeded almost at once by a feeling of keen annoyance. The fact + that the sketch was in Leslie's possession—and evidently a thing to + be cherished—took away all the pleasure she may have experienced + during the first few moments of interest. + </p> + <p> + Booth caught the angry flash in her eyes, preceding the flush and + unaccountable pallor that followed almost immediately. He felt guilty, and + at the same time deeply annoyed with Leslie. Later on he tried to explain, + but the attempt was a lamentable failure. She laughed, not unkindly, in + his face. + </p> + <p> + Leslie had refused to allow the sketch to leave his hand. If she could + have gained possession of it, even for an instant, the thing would have + been torn to bits. But it went back into his commodious pocket-book, and + she was too proud to demand it of him. + </p> + <p> + She became oddly sensitive to Booth's persistent though inoffensive + scrutiny as time wore on. More than once she had caught him looking at her + with a fixedness that betrayed perplexity so plainly that she could not + fail to recognise an underlying motive. He was vainly striving to refresh + his memory: that was clear to her. There is no mistaking that look in a + person's eyes. It cannot be disguised. + </p> + <p> + He was as deeply perplexed as ever when the time came for him to depart + with Leslie. He asked her point blank on the last evening of his stay if + they had ever met before, and she frankly confessed to a short memory for + faces. It was not unlikely, she said, that he had seen her in London or in + Paris, but she had not the faintest recollection of having seen him before + their meeting in the road. + </p> + <p> + Urged by Sara, she had reluctantly consented to sit to him for a portrait + during the month of June. He put the request in such terms that it did not + sound like a proposition. It was not surprising that he should want her + for a subject; in fact, he put it in such a way that she could not but + feel that she would be doing him a great and enduring favour. She imposed + but one condition: the picture was never to be exhibited. He met that, + with bland magnanimity, by proffering the canvas to Mrs. Wrandall, as the + subject's "next best friend," to "have and to hold so long as she might + live," "free gratis," "with the artist's compliments," and so on and so + forth, in airy good humour. + </p> + <p> + Leslie's aid had been solicited by both Sara and the painter in the final + effort to overcome the girl's objections. He was rather bored about it, + but added his voice to the general clamour. With half an eye one could see + that he did not relish the idea of Hetty posing for days to the handsome, + agreeable painter. Moreover, it meant that Booth, who could afford to + gratify his own whims, would be obliged to spend a month or more in the + neighbourhood, so that he could devote himself almost entirely to the + consummation of this particular undertaking. Moreover, it meant that + Vivian's portrait was to be temporarily disregarded. + </p> + <p> + Sara Wrandall was quick to recognise the first symptoms of jealousy on the + part of her brother-in-law. She had known him for years. In that time she + had been witness to a dozen of his encounters in the lists of love, or + what he chose to designate as love, and had seen him emerge from each with + an unscarred heart and a smiling visage. Never before had he shown the + slightest sign of jealousy, even when the affair was at its rosiest. The + excellent ego which mastered him would not permit him to forget himself so + far as to consider any one else worthy of a feeling of jealousy. But now + he was flying an alien flag. He was turning against himself and his smug + convictions. He was at least annoyed, if not jealous. Doubtless he was + surprised at himself; perhaps he wondered what had come over him. + </p> + <p> + Sara noted these signs of self-abasement (it could be nothing else where a + Wrandall was concerned), and smiled inwardly. The new idol of the + Wrandalls was in love, selfishly, insufferably in love as things went with + all the Wrandalls. They hated selfishly, and so they loved. Her husband + had been their king. But their king was dead, long live the king! Leslie + had put on the family crown,—a little jauntily, perhaps,—cocked + over the eye a bit, so to speak—but it was there just the same, + annoyingly plain to view. + </p> + <p> + Sara had tried to like him. He had been her friend, the only one she could + claim among them all. And yet, beneath his genial allegiance, she could + detect the air of condescension, the bland attitude of a superior who + defends another's cause for the reason that it gratifies Nero. She + experienced a thrill of malicious joy in contemplating the fall of Nero. + He would bring down his house about his head, and there would be no Rome + to pay the fiddler. + </p> + <p> + In the train that Tuesday morning, Booth elected to chaff his friend on + the progress of his campaign. They were seated opposite to each other in + the almost empty parlour car. + </p> + <p> + "Buck up, old chap," he counselled scoffingly. "Don't look so + disconsolate. You're coming out again at the end of the week." + </p> + <p> + Leslie had been singularly reticent for a matter of ten miles or more + after leaving the little station behind. His attention seemed to be + engaged strictly in the study of objects beyond the car window. + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" he demanded curtly. + </p> + <p> + "I say you're lucky enough to be asked again for the end of the—" + </p> + <p> + "I've got a standing invitation, if that's what you mean. Sara gives me a + meal ticket, as it were. Nothing extraordinary in my going out whenever I + like, is there?" His manner was a trifle offish. + </p> + <p> + Booth laughed. "In spite of your disagreeable remark, I wish you good + luck, old man." + </p> + <p> + "What the devil are you driving at, Brandy?" + </p> + <p> + "I only meant to cheer you up a bit, that's all." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks!" + </p> + <p> + There was another interval of silence. Leslie furtively studied the face + of his friend, who had resumed his dreamy contemplation of the roof of the + car, his hands clasped behind his head, his legs outstretched. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Brandy," he ventured at last, a trace of embarrassment in his + manner, "if you've nothing better to do, come down and dine with us + to-night—en famille. Viv said over the 'phone this morning that we + are dining alone in state. Come along, old chap, and wake us up. What + say?" + </p> + <p> + A clever mind-reader could have laid bare the motive in this cordial, even + eager invitation. He was seeking to play Vivian against Hetty in the game, + which seemed to have taken on a new turn. + </p> + <p> + Booth was not a mind-reader, although in jest he had posed as one. "I'm + quite sure I've nothing better to do," he said. "I'd suggest, however, + that you let the invitation come from some one in authority. Your mother, + for instance." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense," cried the other blithely. "You know you've got a meal ticket + at our house, good for a million punches. Still I'll have Vivian call you + up this afternoon." + </p> + <p> + "If she wants me, I'll come," said Booth in the most matter-of-fact way. + </p> + <p> + Leslie settled down with a secret sigh of relief. He regained his usual + loquaciousness. The points of his little moustache resumed their + uprightness. + </p> + <p> + "How do you like Sara?" he asked. It was a casual question, with no real + meaning behind it as it was uttered. No sooner had it left his lips, + however, than a new and rather staggering idea entered his mind,—a + small thing at first but one that grew with amazing swiftness. + </p> + <p> + "She is splendid," said Booth warmly. + </p> + <p> + "I thought you'd like her," said Leslie, the idea growing apace: It did + not occur to him that he might be nurturing disloyalty to the interests of + his own sister. Things of that sort never bothered Leslie. When all was + said and done, Vivian had but a slim chance at best, so why champion a + faint hope? "Why don't you do a portrait of her? It would be a wonderful + thing, old chap." + </p> + <p> + He sat up a trifle straighter in his chair. + </p> + <p> + "She hasn't asked me to, which is the best reason in the world. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I can fix that." His lively imagination was full of it now. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks. Don't bother." + </p> + <p> + "And there's this to be said for a portrait of Sara," went on Leslie, + rather too eagerly: "she wouldn't object to having it exhibited in the + galleries. 'Gad, it would do you a world of good, Brandy." + </p> + <p> + The other's eyes narrowed. "I suppose I am to infer that Mrs. Wrandall + courts publicity." + </p> + <p> + "Not at all," cried the other impatiently. "What I mean is this: she's + taken a fancy to you, and if her portrait could be the means of helping + you—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, cut that out, Les,—cut it out," growled Booth coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Well, in any event, if you want to paint her, I can fix it for you," + announced his companion. + </p> + <p> + "If you don't mind, old chap, I'll tackle Miss Castleton first," said + Booth, dismissing the matter with a yawn. + </p> + <p> + "I hate the word tackle," said Leslie. + </p> + <p> + On a bright, sunny afternoon two weeks later, Mrs. Redmond Wrandall + received her most intimate friend in her boudoir. They were both in ample + black. Mrs. Rowe-Martin, it seems, had suffered a recent bereavement—with + an aspect of permanency,—in the loss of a four thousand dollar + Airdale who had stopped traffic in Fifth Avenue for twenty minutes while a + sympathetic crowd viewed his gory remains, and an unhappy but garrulous + taxi-cab driver tried to account for his crime. He never even thought of + the insanity dodge. The Airdale was given a most impressive funeral and + was buried in pomp with all his medals, ribbons, tags, collars and + platinum leashes, but minus a few of the uncollected parts of his anatomy. + While it had been a complete catastrophe, he was by no means a complete + carcass. + </p> + <p> + Be that as it may, his mistress went into mourning, denying herself so + many diversions that not a few of her friends became alarmed and advised + her husband to put her in a sanitarium. He was willing, poor chap, but not + she. She couldn't see the sense of confining her grief to the four walls + of a sanitarium while the four winds of heaven were at her disposal. + </p> + <p> + The most distressing feature of the great Airdale's taking-off lay in the + fact that his descendants—he had several sets of great-grandchildren—appeared + to be uncommonly ordinary brutes, without a symptom of good breeding in + the lot of them. They were so undeviatingly gauche and middle-class, that + already the spiteful tongues of envy had begun to question his right to + the medals and ribbons acquired at the bench shows, where Mrs. Rowe-Martin + was considered one of the immortals. She could have got a blue ribbon on a + yellow dog any time. Of course, in defence of her exotic Airdale, she + unblinkingly fell back on the paraphrase: "It's a wise father that knows + his own son"; or the other way round, just as you please. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rowe-Martin professedly was middle-aged—that is to say, just + rounding fifty. As a woman is always fifty until she is sixty, just as it + is nine o'clock until the stroke of ten, there may be some question as to + which end of the middle-aged period she was rounding, but as that isn't + material to the development of this story, we will give her the benefit of + the doubt and merely say that sensibly she dressed in black. + </p> + <p> + She was Mrs. Wrandall's closest friend and confidante. It was Mrs. + Rowe-Martin who rushed over and gave the smelling salts to Mrs. Wrandall + when that excellent lady collapsed on hearing that her son Challis was + going to marry the daughter of old Sebastian Gooch. It was she who acted + as spokeswoman for the distressed mother and told the world—that is + to say, THEIR world—that Sara was a scheming, designing creature, + whose sole aim in life was to get into the smart set by the easiest way. + It was she who comforted Mrs. Wrandall, after the lamentable deed was + done, by proclaiming from the house-tops that old man Gooch's daughter + should never enter society if she could prevent it, and went so far as to + invite Challis to all of her affairs without asking his wife to accompany + him, quite as if she didn't know that he had a wife. (In speaking of her + to Challis, she invariably alluded to Sara as Miss Gooch, for something + over a year after the wedding—and might have gone on for ever had + not Mrs. Wrandall, senior, upset everything by giving a reception in + honour of her daughter-in-law: a bolt from a clear sky, you may be sure, + that left Mrs. Rowe-Martin stunned and bleeding on the battlefield of a + mistaken cause.) She never quite got over that bit of treachery on the + part of her very best friend, although she made the best of it by slyly + confiding to other stupefied persons that Challis's father had taken the + bit in his mouth,—God knows why!—and that Mrs. Wrandall + thought best to humour him for the time being, at least. And it was she + who came to Mrs. Wrandall in her greatest trial and performed the gentlest + deeds that one woman can do for another when all the world has gone black + and hateful to her. When you put her to the real test, a woman will always + rise above herself, no matter how lofty she may have considered herself + beforehand. + </p> + <p> + They were drinking tea, with the lemon left out. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin, "I quite agree with you. Leslie should + be thinking of it." + </p> + <p> + "It means so much to me, Harriet, his getting the right sort of girl. I + feel confident that he is interested—very deeply interested in Miss + Castleton." + </p> + <p> + "I am so glad you like her." + </p> + <p> + "She is a dear." + </p> + <p> + "My sister has met her in London, and at one or two of the country places. + I was inquiring only yesterday. When I mentioned that she is related to + Lord Murgatroyd, Frances remembered her quite well. She sees a lot of + them, you know, during the season," explained Mrs. Rowe-Martin affably. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall concealed her curiosity. In the most casual way she + remarked: + </p> + <p> + "I must ask Miss Castleton if she remembers Mrs. Roodleigh." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I fancy she won't recall her," her friend made haste to say. "Young + girls are not likely to remember elderly persons whom they meet—Oh, + you might say in passing, for that's what it really is, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Still, if Frances knows the Murgatroyds so intimately it isn't likely—" + </p> + <p> + "Did I say she knew them intimately?" protested the other, somewhat + plaintively. "How like me! So stupid! As a matter of fact, my dear, I + don't believe Frances knows them at all—except as one knows people + in a general sort of way. Drawing-rooms, you know, and all that sort of + thing. Of course, every one knows Lord and Lady Murgatroyd. Just as they + might know the Duke of—well any one of the great dukes, for that + matter." + </p> + <p> + "Or King George," added Mrs. Wrandall softly, without a perceptible trace + of spite. + </p> + <p> + "She has met them, of course," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin defensively. Somehow, + a defence was called for; she couldn't sit there and say nothing. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall changed the subject, or at least divided it. She put the + chaff aside, for that was what Mrs. Rowe-Martin's revelations amounted to. + </p> + <p> + "Leslie is such a steady, unimpressionable boy, you see," she said, + apropos of nothing. + </p> + <p> + "And so good looking," added her friend beamingly. + </p> + <p> + "It wouldn't be like him to make a mistake where his own happiness and + welfare are concerned," said the subject's mother, speaking more truth + than she knew, but not more than Mrs. Rowe-Martin knew. That lady knew + Leslie like a book. + </p> + <p> + "And he is really devoted to her?" + </p> + <p> + "I fear so," said her hostess, with a faint sigh. The other sighed also. + </p> + <p> + "My dear, it would be perfectly lovely. Why do you say that?" + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it's the way all mothers feel. Of course, I want to be sure + that he is to be very, very happy." + </p> + <p> + "That is perfectly natural. And he WILL be happy." + </p> + <p> + If either of them recalled the strenuous efforts Mrs. Wrandall had made a + couple of years before to get her only daughter married off to a + degenerate young English duke, the thought was submerged in the present + sea of sentimentality. It speaks well for Vivian's character that she + flatly refused to be given in marriage, although it appeared to be the + fashion at the time. It was the year of the coronation. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Castleton is a most uncommon girl," said Mrs. Wrandall, again + apropos of nothing that had gone before. + </p> + <p> + "Most English girls are," agreed her friend, scenting something. + </p> + <p> + "I mean to say, she is so unlike the girls one sees in society. My husband + says she's level-headed. Sound as a rivet, he also says. Nothing silly or + flip about her, he adds when he is particularly enthusiastic, and he knows + I hate the word 'flip.' Of course he means flippant. He is very much taken + with her." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rowe-Martin pondered a moment before risking her next remark. + </p> + <p> + "I can't quite understand her taking up with Sara Gooch in this fashion. + You know what I mean. Sara is the last person in the world you'd think a + gently bred person would—" Here she pulled herself up with a jerk. + "I mean, of course, a gently bred girl. Naturally she would appeal to men—and + gently bred men, at that. But this present intimacy—well, isn't it + rather extraordinary?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall drained her cup, without taking her eyes from the face of + her friend. + </p> + <p> + "You must remember, my dear Harriet, that Miss Castleton looks upon Sara + as a Wrandall, not a Gooch. She was the wife of a Wrandall. That covers + everything so far as the girl is concerned. I dare say she finds Sara + amusing, interesting, and we all know she is kindness itself. It doesn't + surprise me that Miss Castleton admires her, or that she loves her. Sara + has improved in the last seven or eight years." She said this somewhat + loftily. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rowe-Martin was most amiable. "She has, indeed, thanks to + propinquity." + </p> + <p> + "And her own splendid intelligence," added Mrs. Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it wonderful how superior they are when it comes to intelligence?" + cried her friend, almost plaintively. "I've noticed it in shop-girls and + manicures, over and over again." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you got the effect by contrast," said Mrs. Wrandall, pouring a + little more tea into her friend's cup. Mrs. Rowe-Martin was silent. "Sara + deserves a lot of credit. She has made a position for herself, a very + decided position. We are all quite proud of her." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rowe-Martin was on very intimate terms with the Wrandall family + skeleton. She could afford to be plain spoken. + </p> + <p> + "It is hard to reconcile your present attitude, my dear, to the position + you held a few years ago. Heaven knows you weren't proud of her then. She + was dirt beneath your feet." + </p> + <p> + "My dear Harriet," said Mrs. Wrandall, without so much as the flutter of + an eyelid, "I am not saying that I would select her as a daughter-in-law, + even to-day. Don't misunderstand me." + </p> + <p> + "I am not underestimating her splendid intelligence," said Mrs. + Rowe-Martin sharply, and her hostess was so long in working it out that it + was allowed to pass unresented. "I dare say she will marry again," went on + the speaker blandly. + </p> + <p> + Sara's mother-in-law was startled. + </p> + <p> + "It's rather early to suggest such a thing, isn't it?" she asked + reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + "Forgive me," cried Mrs. Rowe-Martin, but she did not attempt to unsay the + words. She meant them to sink in when she uttered them. It was commonly + predicted in society that Challis Wrandall's wife would further elevate + herself by wedding the most dependable nobleman who came along, and + without any appreciable consideration for the feelings of her late + husband's family. + </p> + <p> + "It is quite natural—and right—that she should marry," said + Mrs. Wrandall, after a moment's deliberation. "She is young and beautiful + and we sincerely hope she will find some one—But, my dear, aren't we + drifting? We were speaking of Leslie." + </p> + <p> + "And Miss Castleton. You are quite satisfied, then? You don't feel that he + would be making a mistake?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall touched her handkerchief to the corners of her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "We could not possibly raise any objection to Miss Castleton, if that is + what you mean, Harriet," she said. + </p> + <p> + "I am so glad you feel that way about it, my dear," said her friend, + touching her handkerchief to her lips. "It would grieve me more than I can + tell you if I thought you would have to go through with another experience + like that of—Forgive me! I won't distress you by recalling those + awful days. Poor, susceptible Challis!" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Mrs. Wrandall firmly; "Leslie is safe. We feel quite sure of + him." + </p> + <p> + The visitor was reflective. "I suppose there is no doubt that Miss + Castleton will accept him," she mused aloud. + </p> + <p> + "We are assuming, of course, that Leslie means to ask her," said Leslie's + mother, with infinite patience. + </p> + <p> + "I only mentioned it because it is barely possible she may have other fish + to fry." + </p> + <p> + "Fish?" + </p> + <p> + "A figure of speech, my dear." + </p> + <p> + And it set Mrs. Wrandall to thinking. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX — HAWKRIGHT's MODEL + </h2> + <p> + Brandon Booth took a small cottage on the upper road, half way between the + village and the home of Sara Wrandall, and not far from the abhorred "back + gate" that swung in the teeth of her connections by marriage. He set up + his establishment in half a day and, being settled, betook himself off to + dine with Sara and Hetty. All his household cares, like the world, rested + snugly on the shoulders of an Atlas named Pat, than whom there was no more + faithful servitor in all the earth, nor in the heavens, for that matter, + if we are to accept his own estimate of himself. In any event, he was a + treasure. Booth's house was always in order. Try as he would, he couldn't + get it out of order. Pat's wife saw to that. She was the cook, + housekeeper, steward, seamstress, nurse and everything else except the + laundress, and she would have been that if Booth hadn't put his foot down + on it. He was rather finicky about his bosoms, it seems—and his + cuffs, as well. + </p> + <p> + Pat and Mary had been in the Booth family since the flood, so to speak. As + far back as Brandon could remember, the quaint Irishman had been the same + wrinkled, nut-brown, merry-eyed comedian that he was to-day, and Mary the + same serene, blarneying wife of the man. They were not a day older than + they were in the beginning. He used to wonder if Methuselah knew them. + When he set up bachelor quarters for himself in New York, his mother + bestowed these priceless domestic treasures upon him. They journeyed up + from Philadelphia and complacently took charge of his destinies; no matter + which way they led or how diversified they may have been in conception, + Brandon's destinies always came safely around the circle to the starting + point with Pat and Mary atop of them, as chipper as you please and none + the worse for erosion. + </p> + <p> + They stoutly maintained that one never gets too old to learn, a conclusion + that Brandon sometimes resented. + </p> + <p> + He had been obliged to discharge three chauffeurs because Pat did not get + on well with them, and he had found it quite impossible to keep a dog for + the simple reason that Mary insisted on keeping a cat—a most + unamiable, belligerent cat at that. He would have made home a hell for any + well-connected dog. + </p> + <p> + As he swung jauntily down the tree-lined road that led to Sara's portals, + Booth was full of the joy of living. Dusk was falling. A soft bronze + glowed in the western sky. Over the earth lay the tranquil purple of spent + refulgence, the after-glow of a red day, for the sun had shone hot since + early morn through a queer, smoky screen of haze. There was a deep + stillness over everything. Indolent Nature slept in the shadows, as if at + rest after the weary day, with scarcely a leaf stirring. And yet there was + a subtle coolness in the air, the feel of a storm that was yet unborn—the + imperceptible shudder of a tempest that was drawing its first breath. + </p> + <p> + Before the night was half gone, the storm would be upon them, to revel for + a while and then pass on, leaving behind it the dank smell of a grateful + earth. + </p> + <p> + But Booth had no thought for the thing that was afar off. He was thinking + of the quarter-of-an-hour that came next in the wheel of time, whose + minutes were to check off the results of a fortnight's anticipation. He + had not seen either of the ladies of Southlook in the past two weeks, but + he had been under the spell of them so sharply that they were seldom out + of his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Sara was at the bottom of the terrace, moving among the flower beds in the + formal garden. He distinguished her from a distance: a slender, graceful + figure in black. A black scarf edged with maribou covered her shoulders, + the line of a white neck separating it from the raven hue of her hair. He + paused at the lower gate to look. Then his gaze was drawn to the gleaming + white figure at the top of the terrace, outlined distinctly against the + blue-black sky that hung over the Sound. Hetty stood there, straight and + motionless, looking out over the water. So still was the evening wind that + not a flutter of her soft gown was noticeable. She was like a statue. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of his footsteps on the gravel, Sara looked up and instantly + smiled her welcome. When Sara smiled the heart of man responded, long in + advance of his lips. Hers was the inviting, mysterious smile of the + Orient, with the eyes half shaded by drooping, languorous lids: dusky, + shadowy eyes that looked at you as through a veil, and yet were as clear + as crystal once you lost the illusion. + </p> + <p> + "It is so nice to see you again," she said, giving him her hand. + </p> + <p> + "'My heart's in the highlands,'" he quoted, waving a vague tribute to the + heavens. "And it's nice of you to see me," he added gracefully. Then he + pointed up the terrace. "Isn't she a picture? 'Gad, it's lovely—the + whole effect. That picture against the sky—" + </p> + <p> + He stopped short, and the sentence was never finished, although she waited + for him to complete it before remarking: + </p> + <p> + "Her heart is not in the highlands." + </p> + <p> + "You mean—something's gone wrong—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no," she said, still smiling; "nothing like that. Her heart is in the + lowlands. You would consider Washington Square to be in the lowlands, + wouldn't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see," he said slowly. "You mean she's thinking of Leslie." + </p> + <p> + "Who knows? It was a venture on my part, that's all. She may be thinking + of you, Mr. Booth." + </p> + <p> + "Or some chap in old England, that's more like it," he retorted. "She + can't be thinking of me, you know. No one ever thinks of me when I'm out + of view. Out of sight, out of mind. No; she's thinking of something a long + way off—or some one, if you choose to have it that way." + </p> + <p> + "In that case, it isn't good for her to be thinking of things so remote. + Shall we shout 'halloa the house'?" + </p> + <p> + He shot a glance at her and responded gallantly: "If she isn't thinking of + us, why should we be thinking of her? Is it too near the dinner hour for + you to let me sit here and rest before attempting to climb all those + steps? And will you sit beside me, as the good Omar might have said?" He + was fanning himself with his straw hat. + </p> + <p> + She searched his face for a second, a smiling but inscrutable expression + in her eyes, and then sat down on the rustic bench at the foot of the + terrace. + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't you let me send the motor for you?" she asked, as he took his + place beside her. + </p> + <p> + "I mean to have an appetite in the country," he said, taking a deep, full + breath. "Motors don't aid the appetite. Aeroplanes are better. I had a + flight with a friend up in Westchester last week. I was very hungry when I + came down." + </p> + <p> + "We'll all be flying before we really know it," said she. "Hetty tried it + in France this spring. Have you seen Leslie this week?" + </p> + <p> + "I've been in Philadelphia for a few days. Is he coming out on Friday?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes. He comes so often nowadays that we call him a commuter." + </p> + <p> + "Attractive spot, this," said he, with a significant glance up the + terrace. + </p> + <p> + "So it would appear." + </p> + <p> + "He's really keen about her?" + </p> + <p> + She did not reply, but her smile meant more than words. + </p> + <p> + "I am eager to get at the portrait," said he, after a moment. + </p> + <p> + "Leslie tells me that you want to do me also," said she carelessly. + </p> + <p> + He flushed. "Confound him! I suppose it annoys you, Mrs. Wrandall. He + shouldn't carry tales." + </p> + <p> + "But do you?" + </p> + <p> + "I should say I do," he cried warmly. "For my own pleasure and + satisfaction, you understand. There's nothing I'd like better." + </p> + <p> + "We'll see how successfully you flatter Hetty," said she. "If it is + possible to make her prettier than she really is, you may paint me. I + shall be the first to fall at your feet and implore you to make me + beautiful." + </p> + <p> + His eyes gleamed. "If I fail in that," said he warmly, "it will be because + I am without integrity." + </p> + <p> + Again she smiled upon him with half-closed, shadowy eyes, and shook her + head. Then she arose. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go in. Hetty is eager to see you again." + </p> + <p> + They started up the terrace. His face clouded. + </p> + <p> + "I have had a feeling all along that she'd rather not have this portrait + painted, Mrs. Wrandall. A queer sort of feeling that she doesn't just like + the idea of being put on canvas." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense," she said, without looking at him. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, I could understand her not caring to give up the time to it. + It's a nuisance, I know. But it isn't that sort of feeling I have about + her attitude. There's something else. Doesn't she like me?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course she does," she exclaimed. "How ridiculous. She will love it, + once the picture is under way. It is the beginning of it that disturbs + her. Isn't that always the way?" + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid you don't know women," said he banteringly. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, have you been able to recall where you first saw her, or is + your memory still a blank?" she asked suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "I can't think where it was or when," said he, "but I am absolutely + positive I've seen her before. Her face is not the kind one forgets, you + know." + </p> + <p> + "It may come to you unexpectedly." + </p> + <p> + "It's maddening, not to be able to remember." + </p> + <p> + The dusk of night hid the look of relief that came into her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Hetty met them at the top of the steps. The electric porch lights had just + been turned on by the butler. The girl stood in the path of the light. + Booth was never to forget the loveliness of her in that moment. He carried + the image with him on the long walk home through the black night. (He + declined Sara's offer to send him over in the car for the very reason that + he wanted the half-hour of solitude in which to concentrate all the + impressions she had made on his fancy.) + </p> + <p> + The three of them stood there for a few minutes, awaiting the butler's + announcement. Sara's arm was about Hetty's shoulders. He was so taken up + with the picture they presented that he scarcely heard their light + chatter. They were types of loveliness so full of contrast that he + marvelled at the power of Nature to create women in the same mould and yet + to model so differently. + </p> + <p> + They were as near alike in height, figure and carriage as two women could + be, and yet there was a subtle distinction that left him conscious of the + fact that two vastly different strains of blood ran through their veins. + Apart, he would not have perceived this marked difference in them. Hetty + represented the violet, Sara the pansy. The distinction may be subtile. + However, it was the estimate he formed in that moment of comparison. + </p> + <p> + The English girl's soft white gown was cut low in the neck, her shapely + arms were bare. Sara's black covered her arms and shoulders, even to the + slender throat. The hair of both was black and rich and alive with the + gloss of health. The eyes of one were blue and velvety, even in the glare + of light that fell from above; those of the other were black, Oriental, + mysterious. + </p> + <p> + As they entered the vestibule, a servant came up with the word that Miss + Castleton was wanted at the telephone, "long distance from New York." + </p> + <p> + The girl stopped in her tracks. Booth looked at her in mild surprise, a + condition which gave way an instant later to perplexity. The look of + annoyance in her eyes could not be disguised or mistaken. + </p> + <p> + "Ask him to call me up later, Watson," she said quietly. + </p> + <p> + "This is the third time he has called, Miss Castleton," said the man. "You + were dressing, if you please, ma'am, the first time—" + </p> + <p> + "I will come," she interrupted sharply, with a curious glance at Sara, who + for some reason avoided meeting Booth's gaze. + </p> + <p> + "Tell him we shall expect him on Friday," said Mrs. Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "By George!" thought Booth, as she left them. "I wonder if it can be + Leslie. If it IS—well, he wouldn't be flattered if he could have + seen the look in her eyes." + </p> + <p> + Later on, he had no trouble in gathering that it WAS Leslie Wrandall who + called, but he was very much in the dark as to the meaning of that + expressive look. He only knew that she was in the telephone room for ten + minutes or longer, and that all trace of emotion was gone from her face + when she rejoined them with a brief apology for keeping them waiting. + </p> + <p> + He left at ten-thirty, saying good-night to them on the terrace. Sara + walked to the steps with him. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think her voice is lovely?" she asked. Hetty had sung for them. + </p> + <p> + "I dare say," he responded absently. "Give you my word, though, I wasn't + thinking of her voice. SHE is lovely." + </p> + <p> + He walked home as if in a dream. The spell was on him. + </p> + <p> + Far in the night, he started up from the easy chair in which he had been + smoking and dreaming and racking his brain by turns. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" he exclaimed aloud. "I remember! I've got it! And to-morrow + I'll prove it." + </p> + <p> + Then he went to bed, with the storm from the sea pounding about the house, + and slept serenely until Pat and Mary wondered whether he meant to get up + at all. + </p> + <p> + "Pat," said he at breakfast, "I want you to go to the city this morning + and fetch out all of the STUDIOS you can find about the place. The old + ones are in that Italian hall seat and the late ones are in the studio. + Bring all of them." + </p> + <p> + "There's a divvil of a bunch of thim," said Pat ruefully. + </p> + <p> + He was not to begin sketching the figure until the following day. After + luncheon, however, he had an appointment to inspect Hetty's wardrobe, + ostensibly for the purpose of picking out a gown for the picture. As a + matter of fact, he had decided the point to his own satisfaction the night + before. She should pose for him in the dainty white dress she had worn on + that occasion. + </p> + <p> + While they were going over the extensive assortment of gowns, with Sara as + the judge from whom there seemed to be no appeal, he casually inquired if + she had ever posed before. + </p> + <p> + Two ladies' maids were engaged in flinging the costly garments about as if + they represented so much rubbish. The floor was littered with silks and + satins and laces. He was accustomed to this ruthless handling of exquisite + fabrics by eager ladies of wealth: it was one way these pampered women had + of showing their contempt for possession. Gowns came from everywhere by + the armload; from closets, presses and trunks, ultimately landing in a + conglomerate heap on the floor when cast aside as undesirable by the + artist, the model and the censor. + </p> + <p> + He watched her closely as he put the question. She was holding up a + beautiful point lace creation for his inspection, and there was a pleading + smile on her lips. It must have been her favourite gown. The smile faded + away. The hand that dangled the garment before his eyes suddenly became + motionless, as if paralysed. In the next instant, she recovered herself, + and, giving the lace a quick fillip that sent its odour of sachet leaping + to his nostrils, responded with perfect composure. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't there a distinction between posing for an artist, and sitting for + one's portrait?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + He was silent. The fact that he did not respond seemed to disturb her + after a moment or two. She made the common mistake of pressing the + question. + </p> + <p> + "Why do you ask?" was her inquiry. When it was too late she wished she had + not uttered the words. He had caught the somewhat anxious note in her + voice. + </p> + <p> + "We always ask that, I think," he said. "It's a habit." + </p> + <p> + "Oh," she said doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "And by the way, you haven't answered." + </p> + <p> + She was busy with the gown for a time. At last she looked him full in the + face. + </p> + <p> + "That's true," she agreed; "I haven't answered, have I? No, Mr. Booth, + I've never posed for a portrait. It is a new experience for me. You will + have to contend with a great deal of stupidity on my part. But I shall try + to be plastic." + </p> + <p> + He uttered a polite protest, and pursued the question no farther. Her + answer had been so palpably evasive that it struck him as bald, even + awkward. + </p> + <p> + Pat, disgruntled and irritable to the point of profanity,—he was a + privileged character and might have sworn if he felt like it without + receiving notice,—came shambling up the cottage walk late that + afternoon, bearing two large, shoulder-sagging bundles. He had walked from + the station,—a matter of half-a-mile,—and it was hot. His + employer sat in the shady porch, viewing his approach. + </p> + <p> + "Have you got them?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + Pat dropped the bundles on the lower step and stared, speechless. Then he + mopped his drenched, turkey-red face with his handkerchief. He got his + breath after a spell of contemptuous snorting. + </p> + <p> + "Have I got what?" he demanded sarcastically. "The measles?" + </p> + <p> + "The STUDIOS, Patrick," said Booth reprovingly. + </p> + <p> + "No, sor," said Pat; "I came absolutely empty-handed, as you may have + seen, sor." + </p> + <p> + "I knew I couldn't be mistaken. I was confident I saw nothing in your + hands." + </p> + <p> + "I kept thim closed, sor, so's you couldn't see what was r'ally in thim. + I've been wid you long enough, sor, to know how you hate the sight av + blisthers." + </p> + <p> + "They must be quite a novelty to you, Patrick. I should think you'd be + proud of them." + </p> + <p> + "Where am I to put them, sor?" + </p> + <p> + "The blisters?" + </p> + <p> + "Yis, sor." + </p> + <p> + "On this table, if you please. And you might cut the strings while you're + about it." + </p> + <p> + Pat put the bundles on the wicker table and cut the heavy twine in + dignified silence. Carefully rolling it up in a neat ball, he stuck it in + his pocket. Then he faced his employer. + </p> + <p> + "Is there annyt'ing else, sor?" + </p> + <p> + "I think not, at present." + </p> + <p> + "Not aven a cup av tea, sor?" + </p> + <p> + "No, thanks." + </p> + <p> + "Thin, if you will excuse me, I'll go about me work. I've had a pleasant + day off, sor, thanks to ye. It's hard to go back to work afther such a + splindid spell of idleness. Heigho! I'd like to be a gintleman av leisure + all the time, that I would, sor. The touch I've had av it to-day may be + the sp'iling av me. If you're a smart man, Mr. Brandon Booth, ye'll not be + letting me off for a holiday like this again very soon." + </p> + <p> + Booth laughed outright. Pat's face wrinkled into a slow, forgiving grin. + </p> + <p> + "I love you, Pat," cried the painter, "in spite of the way you bark at + me." + </p> + <p> + "It's a poor dog that don't know his own master," said Pat magnanimously. + "Whin you're t'rough wid the magazines, I'll carry thim down to the + cellar, sor." + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter with the attic?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing at all, at all. I was only finking they'd be handier for you to + get at in the cellar. And it's a dom sight cooler down there." + </p> + <p> + With that he departed, blinking slyly. + </p> + <p> + The young man drew a chair up to the table and began the task of working + out the puzzle that now seemed more or less near to solution. He had a + pretty clear idea as to the period he wanted to investigate. To the best + of his recollection, the Studios published three or four years back held + the key. He selected the numbers and began to run through them. One after + another they were cast aside without result. In any other cause he would + have tired of the quest, but in this his curiosity was so commanding that + he stuck to the task without complaint. He was positive in his mind that + what he desired was to be found inside the covers of one of these + magazines. He was searching for a vaguely remembered article on one of the + lesser-known English painters who had given great promise at the time it + was published but who dropped completely out of notice soon afterward + because of a mistaken notion of his own importance. If Booth's memory + served him right, the fellow came a cropper, so to speak, in trying to + ride rough shod over public opinion, and went to the dogs. He had been + painting sensibly up to that time, but suddenly went in for the most + violent style of impressionism. That was the end of him. + </p> + <p> + There had been reproductions of his principal canvases, with sketches and + studies in charcoal. One of these pictures had made a lasting impression + on Booth: the figure of a young woman in deep meditation standing in the + shadow of a window casement from which she looked out upon the world + apparently without a thought of it. A slender young woman in vague reds + and browns, whose shadowy face was positively illuminated by a pair of + wonderful blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + He came upon it at last. For a long time he sat there gazing at the face + of Hetty Castleton, a look of half-wonder, half-triumph in his eyes. There + could be no doubt as to the identity of the subject. The face was hers, + the lovely eyes were hers: the velvety, dreamy, soulful eyes that had + haunted him for years, as he now believed. In no sense could the picture + be described as a portrait. It was a study, deliberately arranged and + deliberately posed for in the artist's studio. He was mystified. Why + should she, the daughter of Colonel Castleton, the grand-niece of an earl, + be engaged in posing for what evidently was meant to be a commercial + product of this whilom artist? + </p> + <p> + He remembered the painting itself as he had seen it in the exhibition at + the National Academy when this fellow—Hawkright was his name—was + at the top of his promise as a painter. He remembered going back to it + again and again and marvelling at the subtle, delicate beauty of the + thing. Now he knew that it was the face, and not the art of the painter + that had affected him so enduringly. The fellow had shown other paintings, + but he recalled that none of them struck him save this one. After all, it + WAS the face that made the picture memorable. + </p> + <p> + Turning from this skilfully coloured full page reproduction, he glanced at + first casually over the dozen or more sketches and studies on the + succeeding pages. Many of them represented studies of women's heads and + figures, with little or no attempt to obtain a likeness. Some were + half-draped, showing in a sketchy way the long graceful lines of the + half-nude figure, of bare shoulders and breasts, of gauze-like fabrics + that but illy concealed impressive charms. Suddenly his eyes narrowed and + a sharp exclamation fell from his lips. He bent closer to the pages and + studied the drawings with redoubled interest. + </p> + <p> + Then he whistled softly to himself, a token of simple amazement. The head + of each of these remarkable studies suggested in outline the head and + features of Hetty Castleton! She had been Hawkright's model! + </p> + <p> + The next morning at ten he was at Southlook, arranging his easel and + canvas in the north end of the long living-room, where the light from the + tall French windows afforded abundant and well-distributed light for the + enterprise in hand. Hetty had not yet appeared. Sara, attired in a loose + morning gown, was watching him from a comfortable chair in the corner, one + shapely bare arm behind her head; the free hand was gracefully employed in + managing a cigarette. He was conscious of the fact that her lazy, + half-alert gaze was upon him all the time, although she pretended to be + entirely indifferent to the preparations. Dimly he could see the faint + smile of interest on her lips. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove," he exclaimed with sudden fervour, "I wish I could get you just + as you are, Mrs. Wrandall. Do you mind if I sketch you in—just to + preserve the pose for the future—" + </p> + <p> + "Never!" she cried and forthwith changed her position. She laughed at the + look of disappointment in his face. + </p> + <p> + "You've no idea how—er—attractive—" he began confusedly, + but broke off with a laugh. "I beg your pardon. I couldn't help it." + </p> + <p> + "The potent appeal of a cigarette," she surmised shrewdly. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all," he said promptly. He was a bit red in the face as he turned + to busy himself with the tubes and brushes. When he glanced at her again, + he found that she had resumed her former attitude. + </p> + <p> + Hetty came in at that moment, calm, serene and lovelier than ever in the + clear morning light. She was wearing the simple white gown he had chosen + the day before. If she was conscious of the rather intense scrutiny he + bestowed upon her as she gave him her hand in greeting, she did not appear + to be in the least disturbed. + </p> + <p> + "You may go away, Sara," she said firmly. "I shall be too dreadfully + self-conscious if you are looking on." + </p> + <p> + Booth looked at her rather sharply. Sara indolently abandoned her + comfortable chair and left them alone in the room. + </p> + <p> + "Shall we try a few effects, Miss Castleton?" he inquired, after a period + of constraint that had its effect on both of them. + </p> + <p> + "I am in your hands," she said simply. + </p> + <p> + He made suggestions. She fell into the positions so easily, so naturally, + so effectively, that he put aside all previous doubts and blurted out: + </p> + <p> + "You have posed before, Miss Castleton." + </p> + <p> + She smiled frankly. "But not for a really truly portrait," she said. "Such + as this is to be." + </p> + <p> + He hesitated an instant. "I think I recall a canvas by Maurice Hawkright," + he said, and at once experienced a curious sense of perturbation. It was + not unlike fear. + </p> + <p> + Instead of betraying the confusion or surprise he expected, Miss Castleton + merely raised her eyebrows inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + "What has that to do with me, Mr. Booth?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + He laughed awkwardly. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you know his work?" he inquired, with a slight twist of his lip. + </p> + <p> + "I may have seen his pictures," she replied, puckering her brow as if in + reflection. + </p> + <p> + He stared for a second. + </p> + <p> + "Why do you look at me in that way, Mr. Booth?" she cried, with a nervous + little laugh. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to say you—er—that is, you don't know Hawkright's + work?" + </p> + <p> + "Is that so very strange?" she inquired plaintively. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove," he muttered, quite taken aback. "I don't understand. I'm + flabbergasted." + </p> + <p> + "Please explain yourself," she said stiffly. + </p> + <p> + "You must have a double somewhere, Miss Castleton," said he, still + staring. "Some one who looks enough like you to be—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh," she cried, with a bright smile of understanding. "I see! Yes, I have + a double—a really remarkable double. Have you never seen Hetty + Glynn, the actress?" + </p> + <p> + "I am sure I have not," he said, taking a long breath. It was one of + relief, he remembered afterward. "If she is so like you as all that, I + COULDN'T have forgotten her." + </p> + <p> + "She is quite unknown, I believe," she went on, ignoring the implied + compliment. "A chorus-girl, or something like that. They say she is + wonderfully like me—or was, at least, a few years ago." + </p> + <p> + He was silent for a few minutes, studying her face and figure with the + critical eye of the artist. As he turned to the canvas with his crayon + point, he remarked, with an unmistakable note of relief in his voice: + </p> + <p> + "That explains everything. It must have been Hetty Glynn who posed for all + those things of Hawkright's." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say," said she indifferently. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X — THE GHOST AT THE FEAST + </h2> + <p> + The next day he appeared bright and early with his copy of the Studio. + </p> + <p> + "There," he said, holding it before her eyes. She took it from his hands + and stared long and earnestly at the reproduction. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think it like me?" she inquired innocently. + </p> + <p> + "Amazingly like you," he declared with conviction. + </p> + <p> + She turned the page. He was watching her closely. As she looked upon the + sketches of the half-nude figure a warm blush covered her face and neck. + She did not speak for a full minute, and he was positive that her fingers + tightened their grasp on the magazine. + </p> + <p> + "The same model," he said quietly. + </p> + <p> + She nodded her head. + </p> + <p> + "Hetty Glynn, I am sure," she said, after a pause, without lifting her + eyes. Her voice was low, the words not very distinct. + </p> + <p> + He drew a long breath, and she looked up quickly. What he saw in her + honest blue eyes convicted her. + </p> + <p> + Sara Wrandall came into the room at that moment. Hetty hastily closed the + magazine and held it behind her. Booth had intended to show the + reproduction to Mrs. Wrandall, but the girl's behaviour caused him to + change his mind. He felt that he possessed a secret that could not be + shared with Sara Wrandall, then or afterward. Moreover, he decided that he + would not refer to the Hawkright picture again unless the girl herself + brought up the subject. All this flashed through his mind as he stepped + forward to greet the newcomer. + </p> + <p> + When he turned again to Hetty, the magazine had disappeared. He never saw + it afterward, and, what is more to the point, he never asked her to + produce it. + </p> + <p> + There was a marked change in Hetty's manner after that when they were left + alone together. She seemed inert, distrait and at times almost unfriendly. + There were occasions, however, when she went to the other extreme in + trying to be at ease with him. These transitions were singularly marked. + He could not fail to notice them. As for himself, he was uncomfortable, + ill-at-ease. An obvious barrier had sprung up between them. + </p> + <p> + When Sara was present, the girl seemed to be her old self, but at no other + time. Frequently during the sittings of the next few days he caught her + looking at him without apparently being aware of the intensity of her + gaze. He had the feeling that she was trying to read his thoughts, but + what impressed him more than anything else was the increasing look of + wonder and appeal that lurked in her deep, questioning eyes. It seemed + almost as if she were pleading for mercy with them. + </p> + <p> + He thought hard over the situation. The obvious solution came to him: she + had been at one time reduced to the necessity of posing, a circumstance + evidently known to but few and least of all to Sara Wrandall, from whom + the girl plainly meant to keep the truth. This conviction distressed him, + but not in the way that might have been expected. He had no scruples about + sharing the secret or in keeping it inviolate; his real distress lay in + the fear that Mrs. Wrandall might hear of all this from other and perhaps + ungentle sources. As for her posing for Hawkright, it meant little or + nothing to him. In his own experience, two girls of gentle birth had + served as models for pictures of his own making, and he fully appreciated + the exigencies that had driven them to it. One had posed in the + "altogether." She was a girl of absolutely irreproachable character, who + afterwards married a chap he knew very well, and who was fully aware of + that short phase in her life. That feature of the situation meant nothing + to him. He was in no doubt concerning Hetty. She was what she appeared to + be: a gentlewoman. + </p> + <p> + He began to experience a queer sense of pity for her. Her eyes haunted him + when they were separated; they dogged him when they were together. More + than once he was moved to rush over and take her in his arms, and implore + her to tell him all, to trust him with everything. At such times the + thought of holding the slim, warm, ineffably feminine body in his arms was + most distracting. He rather feared for himself. If such a thing were to + happen,—and it might happen if the impulse seized him at the + psychological moment of least resistance,—the result in all + probability would be disastrous. She would turn on him like an injured + animal and rend him! Alas, for that leveller called reason! It spoils many + good intentions. + </p> + <p> + He admitted to himself that he was under the spell of her. It was not + love, he was able to contend; but it was a mysterious appeal to something + within him that had never revealed itself before. He couldn't quite + explain what it was. + </p> + <p> + In his solitary hours at the cottage on the upper road, he was wont to + take his friend Leslie Wrandall into consideration. As a friend, was it + not his duty to go to him with his sordid little tale? Was it right to let + Wrandall go on with his wooing when there existed that which might make + all the difference in the world to him? He invariably brought these + deliberations to a close by relaxing into a grim smile of amusement, as + much as to say: "Serve him right, anyway. Trust him to sift her + antecedents thoroughly. He's already done it, and he is quite satisfied + with the result. Serve them all right, for that matter." + </p> + <p> + But then there was Hetty Glynn. What of her? Hetty Glynn, real or + mythical, was a disturbing factor in his deductions. If there was a real + Hetty Glynn and she was Hetty Castleton's double, what then? + </p> + <p> + On the fifth day of a series of rather prolonged and tedious sittings, he + was obliged to confine his work to an hour and a half in the forenoon. + Mrs. Wrandall was having a few friends in for auction-bridge immediately + after luncheon. She asked him to stay over and take a hand, but he + declined. He did not play bridge. + </p> + <p> + Leslie was coming out on an evening train. Booth, in commenting on this, + again remarked a sharp change in Hetty's manner. They had been conversing + somewhat buoyantly up to the moment he mentioned Leslie's impending visit. + In a flash her manner changed. A quick but unmistakable frown succeeded + her smiles, and for some reason she suddenly relapsed into a state of + reserve that was little short of sullen. He was puzzled, as he had been + before. + </p> + <p> + The day was hot. Sara volunteered to take him home in the motor. An errand + in the village was the excuse she gave for riding over with him. + Heretofore she had sent him over alone with the chauffeur. + </p> + <p> + She looked very handsome, very tempting, as she came down to the car. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove," he said to himself, "she is wonderful!" + </p> + <p> + He handed her into the car with the grace of a courtier, and she smiled + upon him serenely, as a princess might have smiled in the days when + knighthood was in flower. + </p> + <p> + When she sat him down at his little garden gate, he put the question that + had been seething in his mind all the way down the shady stretch they had + traversed. + </p> + <p> + "Have you ever seen Hetty Glynn, the English actress?" + </p> + <p> + Sara was always prepared. She knew the question would come when least + expected. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes," she replied, with interest. "Have you noticed the resemblance? + They are as like as two peas in a pod. Isn't it extraordinary?" + </p> + <p> + He was a bit staggered. "I have never seen Hetty Glynn," he replied. + </p> + <p> + "Oh? You have seen photographs of her?" she inquired casually. + </p> + <p> + "What has become of her?" he asked, ignoring her question. "Is she still + on the stage?" + </p> + <p> + "Heaven knows," she replied lightly. "Miss Castleton and I were speaking + of her last night. We were together the last time I saw her. Who knows? + She may have married into the nobility by this time. She was a very poor + actress, but the loveliest thing in the world—excepting OUR Hetty, + of course." + </p> + <p> + If he could have seen the troubled look in her eyes as she was whirled off + to the village, he might not have gone about the cottage with such a + blithesome air. He was happier than he had been in days, and all because + of Hetty Glynn! + </p> + <p> + Leslie Wrandall did not arrive by the evening train. He telephoned late in + the afternoon, not to Hetty but to Sara, to say that he was unavoidably + detained and would not leave New York until the next morning. + </p> + <p> + Something in his voice, in his manner of speaking, disturbed her. She went + to bed that night with two sources of uneasiness threatening her peace of + mind. She scented peril. + </p> + <p> + The motor met him at the station and Sara was waiting for him in the cool, + awning-covered verandah as he drove up. There was a sullen, dissatisfied + look in his face. She was stretched out comfortably, lazily, in a great + chaise-longue, her black little slippers peeping out at him with perfect + abandonment. + </p> + <p> + "Hello," he said shortly. She gave him her hand. "Sorry I couldn't get out + last night." He shook her hand rather ungraciously. + </p> + <p> + "We missed you," she said. "Pull up a chair. I was never so lazy as now. + Dear me, I am afraid I'll get stout and gross." + </p> + <p> + "Spring fever," he announced. He was plainly out of sorts. "I'll stand, if + you don't mind. Beastly tiresome, sitting in a hot, stuffy train." + </p> + <p> + He took a couple of turns across the porch, his eyes shifting in the + eager, annoyed manner of one who seeks for something that, in the correct + order of things, ought to be plainly visible. + </p> + <p> + "Please sit down, Leslie. You make me nervous, tramping about like that. + We can't go in for half an hour or more." + </p> + <p> + "Can't go in?" he demanded, stopping before her. He began to pull at his + little moustache. + </p> + <p> + "No. Hetty's posing. They won't permit even me to disturb them." + </p> + <p> + He glared. With a final, almost dramatic twist he gave over jerking at his + moustache, and grabbed up a chair, which he put down beside her with a + vehemence that spoke plainer than words. + </p> + <p> + "I say," he began, scowling in the direction of the doorway, "how long is + he going to be at this silly job?" + </p> + <p> + "Silly job? Why, it is to be a masterpiece," she cried. + </p> + <p> + "I asked you how long?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how can I tell? Weeks, perhaps. One can't prod a genius." + </p> + <p> + "It's all tommy-rot," he growled. "I suppose I'd better take the next + train back to town." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you like talking with me?" she inquired, with a pout. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I do," he made haste to say. "But do you mean to say they won't + let anybody in where—Oh, I say! This is rich!" + </p> + <p> + "Spectators upset the muse, or words to that effect." + </p> + <p> + He stared gloomily at his cigarette case for a moment. Then he carefully + selected a cigarette and tapped it on the back of his hand. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Sara, I'm going to get this off my chest," he said bluntly. + "I've been thinking it over all week. I don't like this portrait painting + nonsense." + </p> + <p> + "Dear me! Didn't you suggest it?" she inquired innocently, but all the + time her heart was beating violent time to the song of triumph. + </p> + <p> + He was jealous. It was what she wanted, what she had hoped for all along. + Her purpose now was to encourage the ugly flame that tortured him, to fan + it into fury, to make it unendurable. She knew him well: his supreme + egoism could not withstand an attack upon its complacency. Like all the + Wrandalls, he had the habit of thinking too well of himself. He possessed + a clearly-defined sense of humour, but it did not begin to include + self-sacrifice among its endowments. He had never been able to laugh at + himself for the excellent reason that some things were truly sacred to + him. + </p> + <p> + She realised this, and promptly laughed at him. He stiffened. + </p> + <p> + "Don't snicker, Sara," he growled. He took time to light his cigarette, + and at the same time to consider his answer to her question. "In a way, + yes. I suggested a sort of portrait, of course. A sketchy thing, something + like that, you know. But not an all-summer operation." + </p> + <p> + "But she doesn't mind," explained Sara. "In fact, she is enjoying it. She + and Mr. Booth get on famously together." + </p> + <p> + "She likes him, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. Why shouldn't she like him? He is adorable." + </p> + <p> + He threw his cigarette over the railing. "Comes here every day, I + suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "My dear Leslie, he is to do me as soon as he has finished with her. I + don't like your manner." + </p> + <p> + "Oh," he said in a dull sort of wonder. No one had ever cut him short in + just that way before. "What's up, Sara? Have I done anything out of the + way?" + </p> + <p> + "You are very touchy, it seems to me." + </p> + <p> + "I'm sore about this confounded portrait monopoly." + </p> + <p> + "I'm sorry, Leslie. I suppose you will have to give in, however. We are + three to one against you,—Hetty, Mr. Booth and I." + </p> + <p> + "I see," he said, rather blankly. Then he drew his chair closer. "See + here, Sara, you know I'm terribly keen about her. I think about her, I + dream about her, I—oh, well, here it is in a nutshell: I'm in love + with her. Now do you understand?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how you could help being in love with her," she said calmly. + "I believe it is a habit men have where she is concerned." + </p> + <p> + "You're not surprised?" he cried, himself surprised. + </p> + <p> + "Not in the least." + </p> + <p> + "I mean to ask her to marry me," he announced with finality. This was + intended to bowl her over completely. + </p> + <p> + She looked at him for an instant, and then shook her head. "I'd like to be + able to wish you good luck." + </p> + <p> + He stared. "You don't mean to say she'd be fool enough—" he began + incredulously, but caught himself up in time. "Of course, I'd have to take + my chances," he concluded, with more humility than she had ever seen him + display. "Do you know of any one else?" + </p> + <p> + "No," she said seriously. "She doesn't confide in me to that extent, I + fear. I've never asked." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think there was any one back there in England?" He put it in the + past tense, so to speak, as if there could be no question about the + present. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I dare say." + </p> + <p> + He was regaining his complacency. "That's neither here nor there," he + declared. "The thing I want you to do, Sara, is to rush this confounded + portrait. I don't like the idea, not a little bit." + </p> + <p> + "I don't blame you for being afraid of the attractive Mr. Booth," she + said, with a significant lifting of her eyebrows. + </p> + <p> + "I'm going to have it over with before I go up to town, my dear girl," he + announced, in a matter-of-fact way. "I've given the whole situation a + deuce of a lot of thought, and I've made up my mind to do it. I'm not the + sort, you know, to delay matters once my mind's made up. By Jove, Sara, + YOU ought to be pleased. I'm not such a rotten catch, if I do say it who + shouldn't." + </p> + <p> + She was perfectly still for a long time, so still that she did not appear + to be breathing. Her eyes grew darker, more mysterious. If he had taken + the pains to notice, he would have seen that her fingers were rigid. + </p> + <p> + "I AM pleased," she said, very softly, even gently. + </p> + <p> + She could have shrieked the words. + </p> + <p> + He showed no elation. Why should he? He took it as a matter of course. + Settling back in his chair, he lit another cigarette, first offering the + case to her, but she shook her head. Then he lapsed into a satisfied + discussion of the situation as it appeared to him. All the while she was + regarding him with a thoroughly aroused light in her dark eyes. She was + breathing quickly again, and there were moments when she felt a shudder + rush through her veins, as of exquisite excitement. + </p> + <p> + How she hated all these smug Wrandalls! + </p> + <p> + "I came to the decision yesterday," he went on, tapping the arm of the + chair with his finger tips, as if timing his words with care and + precision. "Spoke to dad about it at lunch. I was for coming out on the + five o'clock, as I'd planned, but he seemed to think I'd better talk it + over with the mater first. Not that she would be likely to kick up a row, + you know, but—well, for policy's sake. See what I mean? Decent thing + to do, you know. She never quite got over the way you and Chal stole a + march on her. God knows I'm not like Chal." + </p> + <p> + Her eyes narrowed again. "No," she said, "you are not like your brother." + </p> + <p> + "Chal was all right, mind you, in what he did," he added hastily, noting + the look. "I would do the same, 'pon my soul I would, if there were any + senseless objections raised in my case. But, of course, it WAS right for + me to talk it over with her, just the same. So I stayed in and gave them + all the chance to say what they thought of me—and, incidentally, of + Hetty. Quite the decent thing, don't you think? A fellow's mother is his + mother, after all. See what I mean?" + </p> + <p> + "And she was appeased?" she said, in a dangerously satirical tone. + </p> + <p> + "Hardly the word, old girl, but we'll let it stand. She WAS appeased. + Wanted to be sure, of course, if I knew my own mind, and all that. Just as + if I didn't! Ha! Ha! I was considerate enough to ask her if she was + satisfied I wasn't marrying beneath the family dignity. 'Gad, she got off + a rather neat one at that. Said I might marry under the family tree if I + felt like it. Rather good, eh, for mother? I said I preferred a church. + Nothing al fresco for me." + </p> + <p> + "She is quite satisfied, then, that you are not throwing yourself away on + Miss Castleton," said Sara, with a deep breath, which he mistook for a + sigh. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, trust mother to nose into things. She knows Miss Castleton's pedigree + from the ground up. There's Debrett, you see. What's more, you can't fool + her in a pinch. She knows blood when she sees it. Father hasn't the same + sense of proportion, however. He says you never can tell." + </p> + <p> + Sara was startled. "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it's nothing to speak of; only a way he has of grinding mother once + in a while. He uses you as an example to prove that you never can tell, + and mother has to admit that he's right. You have upset every one of her + pet theories. She sees it now, but—whew! She couldn't see it in the + old days, could she?" + </p> + <p> + "I fear not," said she in a low voice. Her eyes smouldered. "It is quite + natural that she should not want you to make the mistake your brother + made." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, please don't put it that way, Sara. You make me feel like a + confounded prig, because that's what it comes to, with them, don't you + know. And yet my attitude has always been clear to them where you're + concerned. I was strong for you from the beginning. All that silly rot + about—" + </p> + <p> + "Please, please!" she burst out, quivering all over. + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon," he stammered. "You—you know how I mean it, dear + girl." + </p> + <p> + "Please leave me out of it, Leslie," she said, collecting herself. After a + moment she went on calmly: "And so you are going to marry my poor little + Hetty, and they are all pleased with the arrangement." + </p> + <p> + "If she'll have me," he said with a wink, as if to say there wasn't any + use doubting it. "They're tickled to death." + </p> + <p> + "Vivian?" + </p> + <p> + "Viv's a snob. She says Hetty's much too good for me, blood and bone. What + business, says she, has a Wrandall aspiring to the descendant of Henry the + Eighth." + </p> + <p> + "What!" + </p> + <p> + "The Murgatroyds go back to old Henry, straight as a plummet. 'Gad, what + Vivvy doesn't know about British aristocracy isn't worth knowing. She + looked it up the time they tried to convince her she ought to marry the + duke. But she's fond of Hetty. She says she's a darling. She's right: + Hetty is too good for me." + </p> + <p> + Sara swished her gown about and rose gracefully from the chaise-longue. + Extending her hand to him she said, and he was never to forget the deep + thrill in her voice: + </p> + <p> + "Well, I wish you good luck, Leslie. Don't take no for an answer." + </p> + <p> + "Lord, if she SHOULD say no," he gasped, confronted by the possibility of + such stupidity on Hetty's part. "You don't think she will?" + </p> + <p> + Her answer was a smile of doubt, the effect of which was to destroy his + tranquillity for hours. + </p> + <p> + "It is time for luncheon. I suppose we'll have to interrupt them. Perhaps + it is just as well, for your sake," she said tauntingly. + </p> + <p> + He grinned, but it was a sickly effort. + </p> + <p> + "You're the one to spoil anything of that sort," he said, with some + ascerbity. + </p> + <h3> + "I?" + </h3> + <p> + "Certainly," he said with so much meaning in the word that she flushed. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see," she mused, with understanding. "Can't you trust Vivian to do + that for you?" There was intense irony in the question. + </p> + <p> + He laughed disdainfully. "Vivvy wouldn't stand a ghost of a chance with + you, take it from me." He stopped abruptly at the doorway, a frown of + recollection creasing his seamless brow. "Oh, that reminds me, there is + something else I want to discuss with you, Sara. After luncheon will be + time enough. Remind me of it, will you?" + </p> + <p> + "Not if it is to be unpleasant," she replied, with a sudden chill in her + heart. + </p> + <p> + "It's this, in a word: Viv would like to have Miss Castleton over to spend + a month or so with her after the—well, after the house is open." He + came near to saying after the engagement was announced. + </p> + <p> + Sara's decision was made at once. Her face hardened. + </p> + <p> + "That is quite out of the question, Leslie," she said. + </p> + <p> + "We can discuss it, can't we?" he demanded loftily. + </p> + <p> + She did not condescend to reply. They were now in the wide hallway, and + she was a step or two ahead of him. Voices could be heard in the recess at + the lower end of the hall, beyond the staircase, engaged in what appeared + to be a merry exchange of opinions. He caught the sound of a low laugh + from Booth. There was something acutely subdued about it, as if a warning + had been whispered by some one. Leslie's sensitive imagination pictured + the unseen girl with her finger to her lips. + </p> + <p> + He caught up with Sara, and, curiously red in the face, snapped out with + dogged insistence: + </p> + <p> + "Mother is set on having her come, Sara. Can't you see the way the land + lays? They—" + </p> + <p> + Hetty and Booth came into view at that instant, and his lips were closed. + The painter was laying a soft, filmy scarf over the girl's bare shoulders + as he followed close behind her. + </p> + <p> + "Hello!" he cried, catching sight of Wrandall. "Train late, old chap? + We've been expecting you for the last hour. How are you?" + </p> + <p> + He came up with a frank, genuine smile of pleasure on his lips, his hand + extended. Leslie rose to the occasion. His self-esteem was larger than his + grievance. He shook Booth's hand heartily, almost exuberantly. + </p> + <p> + "Didn't want to disturb you, Brandy," he cried, cheerily. "Besides, Sara + wouldn't let me." He then passed on to Hetty, who had lagged behind. + Bending low over her hand, he said something commonplace in a very low + tone, at the same time looking slyly out of the corner of his eye to see + if Booth was taking it all in. Finding that his friend was regarding him + rather fixedly, he obeyed a sudden impulse and raised the girl's slim hand + to his lips. As suddenly he released her fingers and straightened up with + a look of surprise in his eyes; he had distinctly heard the agitated catch + in her throat. She was staring at her hand in a stupefied sort of way, + holding it rigid before her eyes for a moment before thrusting it behind + her back as if it were a thing to be shielded from all scrutiny save her + own. + </p> + <p> + "You must not kiss it again, Mr. Wrandall," she said in a low, intense + voice. Then she passed him by and hurried up the stairs, without so much + as a glance over her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + He blinked in astonishment. All of a sudden there swept over him the + unique sensation of shyness—most unique in him. He had never been + abashed before in all his life. Now he was curiously conscious of having + overstepped the bounds, and for the first time to be shown his place by a + girl. This to him, who had no scruples about boundary lines! + </p> + <p> + All through luncheon he was volatile and gay. There was a bright spot in + his cheek, however, that betrayed him to Sara, who already suspected the + temper of his thoughts. He talked aeroplaning without cessation, directing + most of his conversation to Booth, yet thrilled with pleasure each time + Hetty laughed at his sallies. He was beginning to feel like a half-baked + schoolboy in her presence, a most deplorable state of affairs he had to + admit. + </p> + <p> + "If you hate the trains so much, and your automobile is out of whack, why + don't you try volplaning down from the Metropolitan tower?" demanded Booth + in response to his lugubrious wail against the beastly luck of having to + go about in railway coaches with a lot of red-eyed, nose-blowing people + who hadn't got used to their spring underwear as yet. + </p> + <p> + "Sinister suggestion, I must say," he exclaimed. "You must be eager to see + my life blood scattered all over creation. But, speaking of volplaning, + I've had three lessons this week. Next week Bronson says I'll be flying + like a gull. 'Gad, it's wonderful. I've had two tumbles, that's all,—little + ones, of course,—net result a barked knee and a peeled elbow." + </p> + <p> + "Watch out you're not flying like an angel before you get through with it, + Les," cautioned the painter. "I see that a well-known society leader in + Chicago was killed yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I love the danger there is in it," said Wrandall carelessly. "That's + what gives zest to the sport." + </p> + <p> + "I love it, too," said Hetty, her eyes a-gleam. "The glorious feel of the + wind as you rush through it! And yet one seems to be standing perfectly + still in the air when one is half a mile high and going fifty miles an + hour. Oh, it is wonderful, Mr. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "I'll take you out in a week or two, Miss Castleton, if you'll trust + yourself with me." + </p> + <p> + "I will go," she announced promptly. + </p> + <p> + Booth frowned. "Better wait a bit," he counselled. "Risky business, Miss + Castleton, flying about with fledgelings." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, come now!" expostulated Wrandall with some heat. "Don't be a wet + blanket, old man." + </p> + <p> + "I was merely suggesting she'd better wait till you've got used to your + wings." + </p> + <p> + "Jimmy Van Wickle took his wife with him the third time up," said Leslie, + as if that were the last word in aeroplaning. + </p> + <p> + "It's common report that she keeps Jimmy level, no matter where she's got + him," retorted Booth. + </p> + <p> + "I dare say Miss Castleton can hold me level," said Leslie, with a + profound bow to her. "Can't you, Miss Castleton?" + </p> + <p> + She smiled. "Oh, as for that, Mr. Wrandall, I think we can all trust you + to cling pretty closely to your own level." + </p> + <p> + "Rather ambiguous, that," he remarked dubiously. + </p> + <p> + "She means you never get below it, Leslie," said Booth, enjoying himself. + </p> + <p> + "That's the one great principle in aeroplaning," said Wrandall, quick to + recover. "Vivian says I'll break my neck some day, but admits it will be a + heroic way of doing it. Much nobler than pitching out of an automobile or + catapulting over a horse's head in Central Park." He paused for effect + before venturing his next conclusion. "It must be ineffably sublime, being + squashed—or is it squshed?—after a drop of a mile or two, + isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + He looked to see Miss Castleton wince, and was somewhat dashed to find + that she was looking out of the window, quite oblivious to the peril he + was in figuratively for her special consideration. + </p> + <p> + Booth was acutely reminded that the term "prig" as applied to Leslie was a + misnomer; he hated the thought of the other word, which reflectively he + rhymed with "pad." + </p> + <p> + It occurred to him early in the course of this rather one-sided discussion + that their hostess was making no effort to take part in it, whether from + lack of interest or because of its frivolous nature he was, of course, + unable to determine. Later, he was struck by the curious pallor of her + face, and the lack-lustre expression of her eyes. She seldom removed her + gaze from Wrandall's face, and yet there persisted in the observer's mind + the rather uncanny impression that she did not hear a word her + brother-in-law was saying. He, in turn, took to watching her covertly. At + no time did her expression change. For reasons of his own, he did not + attempt to draw her into the conversation, fascinated as he was by the + study of that beautiful, emotionless face. Once he had the queer sensation + of feeling, rather than seeing, a haunted look in her eyes, but he put it + down to fancy on his part. Doubtless, he concluded, the face or voice or + manner of her husband's brother recalled tragic memories from which she + could not disengage herself. But undoubtedly there was something peculiar + in the way she looked at Leslie through those dull, unblinking eyes. It + was some time before Booth realised that she made but the slightest + pretence of touching the food that was placed before her by the footman. + </p> + <p> + And Leslie babbled on in blissful ignorance of, not to say disregard for, + this strange ghost at the feast, for, to Booth's mind, the ghost of + Challis Wrandall was there. + </p> + <p> + Turning to Miss Castleton with a significant look in his eyes, meant to + call her attention to Mrs. Wrandall, he was amazed to find that every + vestige of colour had gone from the girl's face. She was listening to + Wrandall and replying in monosyllables, but that she was aware of the + other woman's abstraction was not for an instant to be doubted. Suddenly, + after a quick glance at Sara's face, she looked squarely into Booth's + eyes, and he saw in hers an expression of actual concern, if not alarm. + </p> + <p> + Leslie was in the middle of a sentence when Sara laughed aloud, without + excuse or reason. The next instant she was looking from one to the other + in a dazed sort of way, as if coining out of a dream. + </p> + <p> + Wrandall turned scarlet. There had been nothing in his remarks to call for + a laugh, he was quite sure of that. Flushing slightly, she murmured + something about having thought of an amusing story, and begged him to go + on, she wouldn't be rude again. + </p> + <p> + He had little zest for continuing the subject and sullenly disposed of it + in a word or two. + </p> + <p> + "What the devil was there to laugh at, Brandy?" he demanded of his friend + after the women had left them together on the porch a few minutes later. + Hetty had gone upstairs with Mrs. Wrandall, her arm clasped tightly about + the older woman's waist. + </p> + <p> + "I dare say she was thinking about you falling a mile or two," said Booth + pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + But he was perplexed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI — MAN PROPOSES + </h2> + <p> + The young men cooled their heels for an hour before word was brought down + to them that Mrs. Wrandall begged to be excused for the afternoon on + account of a severe headache. Miss Castleton was with her, but would be + down later on. Meanwhile they were to make themselves at home, and so on + and so forth. + </p> + <p> + Booth took his departure, leaving Leslie in sole possession of the porch. + He was restless, nervous, excited; half-afraid to stay there and face + Hetty with the proposal he was determined to make, and wholly afraid to + forsake the porch and run the risk of missing her altogether if she came + down as signified. Several things disturbed him. One was Hetty's + deplorable failure to hang on his words as he had fondly expected her to + do; and then there was that very—disquieting laugh of Sara's. A + hundred times over he repeated to himself that sickening question: "What + the devil was there to laugh at?" and no answer suggested itself. He was + decidedly cross about it. + </p> + <p> + Another hour passed. His heels were quite cool by this time, but his blood + was boiling. This was a deuce of a way to treat a fellow who had gone to + the trouble to come all the way out in a stuffy train, by Jove, it was! + With considerable asperity he rang for a servant and commanded him to + fetch a time table, and to be quick about it, as there might be a train + leaving before he could get back if it took him as long to find it as it + took other people to remember their obligations! His sarcasm failed to + impress Murray, who said he thought there was a schedule in Mrs. + Wrandall's room, and he'd get it as soon as the way was clear, if Mr. + Wrandall didn't mind waiting. + </p> + <p> + "If I minded waiting," snapped Leslie, "I wouldn't be here now." + </p> + <p> + "It's the thing most people object to in the country, sir," said Murray + consolingly. "Waiting for trains, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And the sunset," added Mr. Wrandall pointedly, with a westward glare. + </p> + <p> + "We don't mind that, sir. We rather look forward to it. It means one day + less of waiting for the trains." It was rather cryptic, but Leslie was too + deeply absorbed in self-pity to take account of the pathos in Murray's + philosophy. + </p> + <p> + "What time is it, Murray?" + </p> + <p> + "Five-twenty, Mr. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "That's all, Murray." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir." + </p> + <p> + As the footman was leaving, Sara's automobile whirled up to the + porte-cochere. + </p> + <p> + "Who is going out, Murray?" he called in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Castleton, sir. For the air, sir." + </p> + <p> + "The deuce you say!" gasped the harassed Mr. Wrandall. It was a pretty + kettle of fish! + </p> + <p> + Hetty appeared a few minutes later, attired for motoring. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, there you are," she said, espying him. "I am going for a spin. Want + to come along?" + </p> + <p> + He swallowed hard. The ends of his moustache described a pair of + absolutely horizontal exclamation points. "If you don't mind being + encumbered," he remarked sourly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't in the least mind," said she sweetly. + </p> + <p> + "Where are you going?" he asked without much enthusiasm. He wasn't to be + caught appearing eager, not he. Besides, it wasn't anything to be flippant + about. + </p> + <p> + "Yonder," she said, with a liberal sweep of her arm, taking in the whole + landscape. "And be home in time to dress for dinner," she added, as if to + relieve his mind. + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord!" he groaned, "do we have to eat again?" + </p> + <p> + "We have to dress for it, at least," she replied. + </p> + <p> + "I'll go," he exclaimed, and ambled off to secure a cap and coat. + </p> + <p> + "Sara has planned for a run to Lenox to-morrow if it doesn't rain," she + informed him on his return. + </p> + <p> + "Oh," he said, staring. "Booth gets a day off on the portrait then." + </p> + <p> + "Being Sunday," she smiled. "We knock off on Sundays and bank holidays. + But, after all, he doesn't really get a holiday. He is to go with us, poor + fellow." + </p> + <p> + He looked as though he expected nothing. He could only sit back and wonder + what the deuce Sara meant by behaving like this. + </p> + <p> + It was not by way of being a profitable excursion, if we are to judge by + the amount of pleasure Leslie derived from the two hours' spin through the + cool, leafy byways of the forest with the object of his heart's desire on + the seat beside him. He tried to screw up his courage to the point of + asking her why he shouldn't kiss her band, which might have opened the way + to more profound interrogations, but somehow he felt unable to cope with + the serenity that confronted him. Moreover, he had a horrible conviction + that the chauffeur was a brute with abnormally long ears and a + correspondingly short sense of honour. No, it was not the time or the + place for love-making. He would have to be content to bide his time till + after dinner, which now began to lose some of its disadvantages. There was + a most engaging nook, he remembered, in the corner of the garden facing + the Sound, where the shadows were deep; where sentiment could thrive on + its own ecstasy; where no confounded menial dared to show his face—although + he had to admit that the chauffeur was most punctilious in that respect. + </p> + <p> + And so he was satisfied to sit back in the corner of the seat and feed his + senses on the lovely creature before him. He had never seen her so + beautiful, so utterly worth having as now. He was conscious of a great, + overwhelming sense of pride, somewhat smothering in its vastness. She was + a creature to be proud of! His heart was very full. + </p> + <p> + They returned at seven. Dinner was unusually merry. Sara appeared to have + recovered from her indisposition; there was colour in her cheeks and life + in her smile. He took it to be an omen of good fortune, and was + immeasurably confident. The soft cool breezes of the star-lit night blew + visions of impending happiness across his lively imagination; fanned his + impatience with gentle ardour; filled him with supressed sighs of + contentment, and made him willing to forego the delight of conquest that + he might live the longer in serene anticipation of its thrills. + </p> + <p> + Ten o'clock came. He arose and stretched himself in a sort of ecstasy. His + heart was thumping loudly, his senses swam. Walking to the verandah rail + he looked out across the moonlit Sound, then down at the selected nook + over against the garden wall—spot to be immortalised!—and + actually shivered. In ten minutes' time, or even less, she would be down + there in his arms! Exquisite meditations! + </p> + <p> + He turned to her with an engaging smile, in which she might have discerned + a prophecy, and asked her to come with him for a stroll along the wall. + And so he cast the die. + </p> + <p> + Hetty sent a swift, appealing look at Sara's purposely averted face. + Leslie observed the act, but misinterpreted its meaning. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it is quite warm," he said quickly. "You won't need a wrap," he + added, and in spite of himself his voice trembled. Of course she wouldn't + need a wrap! + </p> + <p> + "I have a few notes to write," said Sara, rising. She deliberately avoided + the look in Hetty's eyes. "You will find me in the library." + </p> + <p> + She stood in the doorway and watched them descend to the terrace, a + sphinx-like smile on her lips. Hetty seemed very tall and erect, as one + going to meet a soldier's fate. + </p> + <p> + Then Sara entered the house and sat down to wait. + </p> + <p> + A long time after a door closed stealthily in a distant part of the house—the + sun-parlour door, she knew by direction. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later an upstairs door creaked on its hinges. Some one had + come in from the mellow night, and some one had been left outside. + </p> + <p> + Many minutes passed. She sat there at her father's writing table and + waited for the other to come in. At last quick, heavy footfalls sounded on + the tiled floor outside and then came swiftly down the hall toward the + small, remote room in which she sat. She looked up as he unceremoniously + burst into the room. + </p> + <p> + He came across and stood over her, an expression of utter bewilderment in + his eyes. There was a ghastly smile on his lips. + </p> + <p> + "Damn it all, Sara," he said shrilly, "she—-she turned me down." + </p> + <p> + He seemed incapable of comprehension. + </p> + <p> + She was unmoved. Her eyes narrowed, but that was the only sign of emotion. + </p> + <p> + "I—I can't believe—" he began querulously. "Oh, what's the + use? She won't have me. 'Gad! I'm trembling like a leaf. Where's Watson? + Have him get me something to drink. Never mind! I'll get it from the + sideboard. I'm—I'm damned!" + </p> + <p> + He dropped heavily into a chair at the end of the table and looked at her + with glazed eyes. As she stared back at him she had the curious feeling + that he had shrunk perceptibly, that his clothes hung rather limply on + him. His face seemed to have lost all of its smart symmetry; there was a + looseness about the mouth and chin that had never been there before. The + saucy, arrogant moustache sloped dejectedly. + </p> + <p> + "I fancy you must have gone about it very badly," she said, pursing her + lips. + </p> + <p> + "Badly?" he gasped. "Why—why, good heavens, Sara, I actually pleaded + with her," he went on, quite pathetically. "All but got down on my knees + to her. Damn me, if I can understand myself doing it either. I must have + lost my head completely. Begged like a love-sick school-boy! And she kept + on saying no—no—no! And I, like a blithering ass, kept on + telling her I couldn't live without her, that I'd make her happy, that she + didn't know what she was saying, and—But, good Lord, she kept on + saying no! Nothing but no! Do—do you think she meant to say no? + Could it have been hysteria? She said it so often, over and over again, + that it might have been hysteria. I never thought of that. I—" + </p> + <p> + "No, Leslie, it wasn't hysteria, you may be sure of that," she said + deliberately. "She meant it, old fellow." + </p> + <p> + He sagged deeper in the chair. + </p> + <p> + "I—I can't get it through my head," he muttered. + </p> + <p> + "As I said before, you did it badly," she said. "You took too much for + granted. Isn't that true?" + </p> + <p> + "God knows I didn't EXPECT her to refuse me," he exclaimed, glaring at + her. "Would I have been such a fool as to ask her if I thought there was + the remotest chance of being—" The very thought of the word caused + it to stick in his throat. He swallowed hard. + </p> + <p> + "You really love her?" she demanded. + </p> + <p> + "Love her?" There was a sob in his voice. "I adore her, Sara. I can't live + without her. And the worst of it is, I love her now more than I did + before, Oh, it's appalling! It's horrible! What am I to do, Sara? What AM + I to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Be a man for a little while, that's all," she said coolly. + </p> + <p> + "Don't joke with me," he groaned. + </p> + <p> + "Go to bed, and when you see her in the morning tell her that you + understand. Thank her for what she has done for you. Be—" + </p> + <p> + "Thank her?" he almost shouted. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; for destroying all that is detestable in you, Leslie,—your + self-conceit, your arrogance, your false notions concerning yourself,—in + a word, your egotism." + </p> + <p> + He blinked incredulously. "Do you know what you're saying?" he gasped. + </p> + <p> + She went on as if she hadn't heard him. + </p> + <p> + "Assure her that she is to feel no compunction for what she has done, that + you are content to be her loyal, devoted friend to the end of your days." + </p> + <p> + "But, hang it, Sara, I LOVE her!" + </p> + <p> + "Don't let her suspect that you are humiliated. On the contrary, give her + to understand that you are cleansed and glorified." + </p> + <p> + "What utter tommy—" + </p> + <p> + "Wait! Believe me, it is your only chance. You will have to learn some + time that you can't ride rough-shod among angels. Think it over, old + fellow. You have had a good lesson. Profit by it." + </p> + <p> + "You mean I'm to sit down and twirl my thumbs and let some other chap snap + her up under my very nose? Well, I guess not!" + </p> + <p> + "Not necessarily. If you take it manfully, she may discover a new interest + in you. Don't breathe a word of love to her. Go on as if nothing had + happened. Don't forget that I told you in the beginning not to take no for + an answer." + </p> + <p> + He drooped once more, biting his lip. "I don't see how I can ever tell + mother that she refused—" + </p> + <p> + "Why tell her?" she inquired, rising. + </p> + <p> + His eyes brightened. "By Jove, I shan't," he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "I am going up to the poor child now," she went on. "I dare say you have + frightened her almost to death. Naturally she is in great distress. I + shall try to convince her that her decision does not alter her position in + this house. I depend on you to do your part, Leslie. Make it easy for her + to stay on with me." + </p> + <p> + He mellowed to the verge of tears. + </p> + <p> + "I can't keep on coming out here after this, as I've been doing, Sara." + </p> + <p> + "Don't be silly! Of course you can. This will blow over." + </p> + <p> + "Blow over?" he almost gasped. + </p> + <p> + "I mean the first effects. Try being a martyr for a while, Leslie. It + isn't a bad plan, I can assure you. It may interest you to know that + Challis proposed to me three times before I accepted him, and yet I—I + loved him from the beginning." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" he exclaimed, coming to his feet with a new light in his eyes. + The hollows in his cheeks seemed to fill out perceptibly. + </p> + <p> + "Good-night!" + </p> + <p> + "I say, Sara dear, you'll—you'll help me a bit, won't you? I mean, + you'll talk it over with her and—" + </p> + <p> + "My sympathy is entirely with Miss Castleton," she said from the doorway. + His jaw dropped. + </p> + <p> + He was still ruminating over the callousness of the world in respect to + lovers when she mounted the stairs and tapped firmly on Hetty's door. + </p> + <p> + His hopes began to revive. A new thought had entered in and lodged + securely among them, bracing them up amazingly. "By Jove," he said to + himself, staring hard at the floor, "I dare say I did go about it badly. + Sara was clever enough to see it. I must have taken her off her feet with + my confounded earnestness. Girls do lose their heads, bless 'em, if you go + at them with a rush. I'm sure she'll look at it differently when she's had + time to compose herself." He was perplexed, however, over something he had + not revealed to Sara, and his sudden frown proved that it was still + disturbing him. "I can't for the life of me understand why she should have + been so damned horrified at the idea." + </p> + <p> + He started for the dining-room, recalling his need of a drink, but changed + his mind in the hall. Grabbing up his hat and stick, he darted out of the + house and was soon swinging briskly down the moonlit avenue. He had come + to the conclusion that a long walk would prove settling; and moreover it + wasn't a stupid idea to go over and have his drink with Brandon Booth. The + longer he walked, the more springy his stride. Sara was quite right; he + HAD gone about it badly. He'd go about it differently next time. + </p> + <p> + Half way to Booth's cottage his pace slackened. A disconcerting thought + struck him, almost like a dash of cold water in the face: Was she in love + with Booth? He sat down on the rugged stone fence to ponder. A cold + perspiration broke out all over him. When he next resumed his walk, his + back was towards Booth's cottage. He attributed the perspiration to the + violence of his exercise. + </p> + <p> + Hetty Castleton was standing in the middle of her room when Sara entered. + From her position, it was evident that she had stopped short in her + nervous, excited pacing of the floor. She was very pale but there was a + dogged, set expression about her mouth. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, dear," she said, in a manner that showed she had been expecting + the visit. "Have you seen him?" + </p> + <p> + Sara closed the door, and then stood with her back against it, regarding + her agitated friend with serious, compassionate eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. He is terribly upset. It was a blow to him, Hetty." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry for him, Sara. He was so dreadfully in earnest. But, thank + God, it is over!" She threw back her head and breathed deeply. "That + horrible, horrible nightmare is ended. I suppose it had to be. But the + mockery of it—think of it, Sara!—the damnable mockery of it!" + </p> + <p> + "Poor Leslie!" sighed the other. "Poor old Leslie." + </p> + <p> + Hetty's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, I AM sorry for him. He didn't deserve + it. God in heaven, if he really knew everything! If he knew why I could + not listen to him, why I almost screamed when he held my hands in his and + begged—actually begged me to—Oh, it was ghastly, Sara!" + </p> + <p> + She covered her face with her hands, and swayed as if about to fall. Sara + came quickly to her side. Putting an arm about the quivering shoulders, + she led the girl to the broad window seat and threw open the blinds. + </p> + <p> + "Don't speak of it, dearest,—don't think of THAT. Sit here quietly + in the air and pull yourself together. Let me talk to you. Let me tell you + how deeply distressed I am, not only on your account, but his." + </p> + <p> + They were silent for a long time, the girl lying still and almost + breathless against the other's shoulders. She was still wearing the + delicate blue dinner gown, but in her fingers was the exquisite pearl + necklace Sara had given her for Christmas. She had taken it off and had + forgotten to drop it in her jewel box. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose he will go up to the city early," she said monotonously. + </p> + <p> + "Leslie is a better loser than you think, my dear," said Sara, looking out + over the tops of the cedars. "He will not run away." + </p> + <p> + Hetty looked up in alarm. "You mean he will persist in—in his + attentions," she cried. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no. I don't believe you will find him to be the bugbear you imagine. + He can take defeat like a man. He is devoted to you, he is devoted to me. + Your decision no doubt wrecks his fondest hope in life, but it doesn't + make a weakling of him." + </p> + <p> + "I don't quite understand—" + </p> + <p> + "He is sustained by the belief that he has paid you the highest honour a + man can pay to a woman. There is no reason why he should turn his back on + you, as a sulky boy might do. No, my dear, I think you may count on him as + your best, most loyal friend from this night on. He has just said to me + that his greatest pain lies in the fear that you may not be willing to + accept him as a simple, honest, unpresuming friend since—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Sara, if he will only be that and nothing more!" cried the girl + wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + Sara smiled confidently. "I fancy you haven't much to fear in that + direction, my dear. It isn't in Leslie Wrandall's make-up to court a + second repulse. He is all pride. The blow it suffered to-night can't be + repeated—at least, not by the same person." + </p> + <p> + "I am so sorry it had to be Leslie," murmured Hetty. + </p> + <p> + "Be nice to him, Hetty. He deserves that much of you, to say the least. I + should miss him if he found it impossible to come here on account of—" + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't have that happen for the world," cried the girl in distress. + "He is your dearest friend. Send me away, Sara, if you must. Don't let + anything stand in the way of your friendship for Leslie. You depend on him + for so much, dear. I can't bear the thought of—" + </p> + <p> + "Hush, dearest! You are first in my love. Better for me to lose all the + others and still have you." + </p> + <p> + The girl looked at her in wonder for a long time. "Oh, I know you mean it, + Sara, but—but how can it be true?" + </p> + <p> + "Put yourself in my place," was all that Sara said in reply, and her + companion had no means of translating the sentence. + </p> + <p> + She could only remain mute and wondering, her eyes fixed on that other + mystery: the cameo face in the moon that hung high above the sombre + forest. + </p> + <p> + "If it were not for the trip to Lenox," she murmured plaintively. + </p> + <p> + "The trip is off," announced Sara. She too was staring at the cloudless + sky. "There will be rain tomorrow." + </p> + <p> + "It is very clear to-night, Sara." + </p> + <p> + "Do you hear that little wail in the trees—as if a child were + whimpering out there? That is the plaint of the fairies who live in the + buds and twigs, in the flower cups and mosses. They famish, their gods + will hear. Their gods hear when ours is deaf. You will see. There will be + clouds over us to-morrow and we will breathe the mist." + </p> + <p> + The girl shivered. + </p> + <p> + Many minutes afterward she said, as one who marvels: "I hear the promise + in the wind, Sara,—the new, cool wind." + </p> + <p> + "The gods are whispering. Soon the fairies and elves will come forth to + revel. Ah, what a wonderful thing the night is!" + </p> + <p> + "The fairies," mused the girl. "You believe in them?" + </p> + <p> + "Resolutely." + </p> + <p> + "And I too." + </p> + <p> + "We will never grow old, my dear," said Sara. "That is what the fairies + are for: to keep those who love them young." + </p> + <p> + Hetty had relaxed. Her soft young body was warm again; that ineffably + feminine charm was revived in her. + </p> + <p> + "Poor Leslie," murmured Sara, a long time afterward, a dreamy note in her + voice. "I can't put him out of my thoughts. He will never get over it. I + have never seen one so stricken and yet so brave. He would have been more + than a husband to you, Hetty. It is in him to be a slave to the woman he + loves. I know him well, poor boy." + </p> + <p> + Hetty was silent, brooding. Sara resumed her thoughtful observations. + </p> + <p> + "Why should you let what happened months ago stand in the way of—" + </p> + <p> + She got no farther than that. With an exclamation of horror, the girl + sprang away from her and glowered at her with dilated eyes. + </p> + <p> + "My God, Sara!" she whispered hoarsely. "Are you mad?" + </p> + <p> + The other sighed. "I suppose you must think it of me," she said dismally. + "We are made differently, you and I. If I cared for a man, nothing in all + this world could stand between me and him. My love would fortify me + against the enemy we are prone to call conscience. It would justify me in + slaying the thing we call conscience. In your heart, Hetty, you have not + wronged Leslie Wrandall by any act of yours. You owe him no reparation. On + the contrary, it is not far out of the way to say that he owes you + something, but of course it is a claim for recompense and resolves itself + into a sentimental debt, so there's really no use discussing it." + </p> + <p> + Hetty was still staring. "You don't mean to say you would have me marry + Challis Wrandall's brother?" she said, in a sort of stupefaction. + </p> + <p> + Sara shook her head. "I mean this: you would be justified in permitting + Leslie to glorify that which his brother desecrated; your womanhood, my + dear." + </p> + <p> + "My God, Sara!" again fell in a hoarse whisper from the girl's lips. + </p> + <p> + "I simply voice my point of view," explained Sara calmly. "As I said + before, we look at things differently." + </p> + <p> + "I can't believe you mean what you have said," cried Hetty. "Why—why, + if I loved him with all my heart, soul and body I could not even think of—Oh, + I shudder to think of it!" + </p> + <p> + "I love you," continued Sara, fixing her mysterious eyes on those of the + girl, "and yet you took from me something more than a brother. I love you, + knowing everything, and I am paying in full the debt he owes to you. + Leslie, knowing nothing, is no less your debtor. All this is paradoxical, + I know, my dear, but we must remember that while other people may be + indebted to us, we also owe something to ourselves. We ought to take pay + from ourselves. Please do not conclude that I am urging or even advising + you to look with favour upon Leslie Wrandall's honourable, sincere + proposal of marriage. I am merely trying to convince you that you are + entitled to all that any man can give you in this world of ours,—we + women all are, for that matter." + </p> + <p> + "I was sure that you couldn't ask me to marry him. I couldn't believe—" + </p> + <p> + "Forget what I have said, dearest, if it grieves you," cried Sara warmly. + She arose and drew the girl close to her. "Kiss me, Hetty." Their lips + met. The girl's eyes were closed, but Sara's were wide open and gleaming. + "It is because I love you," she said softly, but she did not complete the + sentence that burned in her brain. To herself she repeated: "It is because + I love you that I would scourge you with Wrandalls!" + </p> + <p> + "You are very good to me, Sara," sobbed Hetty. + </p> + <p> + "You WILL be nice to Leslie?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes! If he will only let me be his friend." + </p> + <p> + "He asks no more than that. Now, you must go to bed." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, without warning, she held the girl tightly in her arms. Her + breathing was quick, as of one moved by some sharp sensation of terror. + When Hetty, in no little wonder, opened her eyes Sara's face was turned + away, and she was looking over her shoulder as if cause for alarm had come + from behind. + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" cried Hetty anxiously. + </p> + <p> + She saw the look of dread in her companion's eyes, even as it began to + fade. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," muttered Sara. "Something, I can't tell what, came over + me. I thought some one was stealing up behind me. How silly of me." + </p> + <p> + "Ah," said Hetty, with an odd smile, "I can understand how you felt." + </p> + <p> + "Hetty, will you take me in with you to-night?" whispered Sara nervously. + "Let me sleep with you. I can't explain it, but I am afraid to be alone + to-night." The girl's answer was a glad smile of acquiescence. "Come with + me, then, to my bedroom while I change. I have the queerest feeling that + some one is in my room. I don't want to be alone. Are you afraid?" + </p> + <p> + Hetty held back, her face blanching. + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not afraid," she cried at once, and started toward the door. + </p> + <p> + "There IS some one in this room," said Sara a few moments later, when they + were in the big bedroom down the hall. + </p> + <p> + "I—I wonder," murmured Hetty. + </p> + <p> + And yet neither of them looked about in search for the intruder! + </p> + <p> + Far into the night Sara sat in the window of Hetty's dressing-room, her + chin sunk low in her hands, staring moodily into the now opaque night, her + eyes sombre and unblinking, her body as motionless as death itself. The + cooling wind caressed her and whispered warnings into her unheeding ears, + but she sat there unprotected against its chill, her night-dress damp with + the mist that crept up with sinister stealth from the sea. + </p> + <p> + In the flats below, a vast army of frogs shrilled in ceaseless chatter; + night birds and insects responded to the bedlam challenge; the hoarse + monotonous grunts of a fog-horn came up from the Sound. There were people + out there, asleep in passage. + </p> + <p> + A cat mewed piteously somewhere in the garden. She was curiously disturbed + by this. She hated cats. There had never been one on the place before. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII — THE APPROACH OF A MAN NAMED SMITH + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Redmond Wrandall, grey and gaunt and somewhat wistful, rode slowly + through the leafy lane, attended some little distance behind by Griggs the + groom, who slumped in the saddle and thought only of the sylvan dell to + curse it with poetic license. (Ever since Mr. Wrandall had been thrown by + his horse in the Park a few years before his wife had insisted on having a + groom handy in case he lost his seat again: hence Griggs.) It sometimes + got on Mr. Wrandall's nerves, having Griggs lopping along like that, but + there didn't seem to be any way out of it, nor was there the remotest + likelihood that the groom himself might one day be spilled and broken in + many places while engaged in this obnoxious espionage. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall was grey because he was old, he was gaunt because he was old, + and he usually was somewhat wistful for the same reason. He nourished the + lament that he had grown old before his time, despite the sixty odd years + that lay behind him. He was always a trifle annoyed with himself for not + having demanded more of his youth. Griggs, therefore, was a physical + insult, any way you looked at him: his very presence in the road behind + was a blatant, house-top sort of proclamation that he, Redmond Wrandall, + was in his dotage, and that was something Mr. Wrandall would never have + admitted if he had had anything to say about it. + </p> + <p> + To-day he was riding over to Southlook to visit his daughter-in-law and + one whom he looked upon as a prospective daughter-in-law. It was Wednesday + and the family had been in the country since Monday. His wife and Vivian + had motored over on Tuesday. They were letting no grass grow under their + feet, notwithstanding a sudden and unexplained period of procrastination + on the part of Leslie, who had gone off for a fortnight's fishing in + Maine. Moreover, so far as they knew, he had departed without proposing to + Miss Castleton: an oversight which deprived his mother of at least two + weeks of activity along obvious lines. Naturally, it was quite impossible + to discuss the future with Miss Castleton under the circumstances, and it + was equally out of the question to discuss it with security in the very + constricted circle that Mrs. Wrandall affected in the country. It really + was too bad of Leslie! He should have known better. + </p> + <p> + Half way to Southlook, Mr. Wrandall, turning a bend in the road, caught + sight of two people walking some distance ahead: a man and a woman. They + were several hundred yards away, and travelling in the direction he was + going. He pulled his horse down to a walk, a circumstance that for the + moment escaped the attention of Griggs, who rode alongside before he quite + realised what had happened. + </p> + <p> + "Griggs," said his master, staring at the pedestrians, "when did my son + return?" + </p> + <p> + Griggs grasped the situation at a glance—a rather vague and + imperfect glance, however. "This morning, sir," he replied promptly, + although he was as much at sea as his master. + </p> + <p> + "I understood Mrs. Wrandall to say he was not expected before Saturday." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. He came unexpected, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Mr. Wrandall, with an indulgent smile, "we will not ride them + down." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed, sir," consented Griggs, with a wink that Mr. Wrandall did not + see. + </p> + <p> + The pleased, satisfied smile grew on Redmond Wrandall's gaunt old face: + not reminiscent, I am bound to say, yet reflective. + </p> + <p> + The tall young man and the girl far ahead apparently were not aware of the + scrutiny. They appeared to be completely absorbed in each other. At last, + coming to a footpath diverging from the macadam, they stopped and + parleyed. Then they turned into this narrow, tortuous path over the + hillside and were lost to view. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall's smile broadened as he touched his horse lightly with the + crop. Coming to the obscure little bypath, he shot a surreptitious glance + into the fastnesses of the wood, but did not slacken his speed. No one was + in sight. + </p> + <p> + "I dare say the danger is past, Griggs," he said humorously. "They are + safe." + </p> + <p> + "I believe you, sir," said Griggs, also forgetting himself so far as to + steal a look over his right shoulder. + </p> + <p> + It was Mr. Wrandall's design to ride on to Southlook and surprise Leslie + and his inamorata at the lodge gates, where he would wait for them. + Arriving there, he dismounted and turned his steed over to Griggs, with + instructions to ride on. He would join Mr. Leslie and Miss Castleton and + walk with them for the remainder of the distance. + </p> + <p> + He sat down on the rustic bench and lighted a cigar. The lodge-keeper + saluted him from the garden below. Later the keeper's small son came up + and from the opposite side of the roadway regarded him with the wide, + curious gaze of a four-year-old. Mr. Wrandall disliked children. He made + no friendly overtures. The child stood his ground, which was in a sense + disconcerting, although he couldn't tell why. He felt like saying "shoo!" + Presently the keeper's collie came up and sniffed his puttees, all the + while looking askance. Mr. Wrandall said: "Away with you," and the dog + retreated with some dignity to the steps where he laid down and fixed his + eyes on the stranger. + </p> + <p> + Half-an-hour passed. Mr. Wrandall frowned as he looked at his watch. + Another quarter of an hour went by. He changed his position, and the dog + lifted his head, without wagging his tail. + </p> + <p> + "'Pon my soul," said Mr. Wrandall in some annoyance. + </p> + <p> + Just then the dog and the child deflected their common stare. He was at + first grateful, then interested. The child was beaming, the dog's tail was + thumping a merry tattoo on the wooden step. Footsteps crunched on the + gravel and he turned to look, although it was not the direction from which + he expected his son and Miss Castleton. + </p> + <p> + He came to his feet, plainly perplexed. Miss Castleton approached, but the + fellow beside her was not Leslie. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, Mr. Wrandall?" called out the young man cheerily, crossing + the road. + </p> + <p> + "Good afternoon, Brandon," said Mr. Wrandall, nonplussed. "How do you do, + Miss Castleton? Delighted to see you looking so well. Where did you leave + my son?" + </p> + <p> + "Haven't seen him," said Booth. "Is he back?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Redmond Wrandall swallowed hard. + </p> + <p> + "I was so informed," he replied, with an effort. + </p> + <p> + "Are you not coming up to the house, Mr. Wrandall?" inquired Miss + Castleton, and he thought he detected a note of appeal in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," he announced, taking his place beside her. To himself he was + saying: "This young blade has been annoying her, confound him." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Castleton had a note from Leslie this morning, saying he wouldn't + start home till Friday," said Booth, puzzled. "You don't mind my saying + so, Miss Castleton?" + </p> + <p> + "Not at all. I am sure he said Friday." + </p> + <p> + "I fancy he did say Friday," said Mr. Wrandall. "I think Griggs had been + drinking." + </p> + <p> + "Griggs?" inquired the two in unison. + </p> + <p> + He volunteered no more than that. He was too busily engaged in wondering + what his son could be thinking of, to leave this delightful girl to the + tender mercies of a handsome, fascinating chap like Brandon Booth. He + didn't relish the look of things. She was agitated, suspiciously so; and + Booth wasn't what one would describe as perfectly at ease. There was + something in the air, concluded Leslie's father. + </p> + <p> + "I hear you are coming over to spend a fortnight with us, Miss Castleton," + said he pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + Hetty started. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Wrandall," she said, although he + had spoken very distinctly. + </p> + <p> + "Leslie mentioned it a—oh, some time ago, my dear. This is the first + time I have seen you, otherwise I should have added my warmest appeal for + you to come early and to stay late. Ha-ha! Hope you will find your way to + our place, Brandon. You are always a most welcome visitor." + </p> + <p> + The girl walked on in silence, her lips set with curious firmness. Booth + looked at her and indulged in a queer little smile, to which she responded + with a painful flush. + </p> + <p> + "Vivian expects to have a few friends out at the same time—very + quietly, you know, and without much of a hurrah. Young ladies you ought to + know in New York, my dear Miss Castleton. I dare say you will remember all + of them, Brandon." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say," said Booth, without interest. + </p> + <p> + "I understand the portrait is finished," went on the old gentleman, + blissfully oblivious to the disturbance he had created. "Mrs. Wrandall + says it is wonderful, Brandon. You won't mind showing it to me? I am very + much interested." + </p> + <p> + "Glad to have you see it, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks." + </p> + <p> + He slackened his pace, an uneasy frown appearing between his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I am almost afraid to tell Sara the news we have had from town this + morning. She is so opposed to notoriety and all that sort of thing. Poor + girl, she's had enough to drive one mad, I fear, with all that wretched + business of a year ago." + </p> + <p> + Hetty stopped in her tracks. She went very white. + </p> + <p> + "What news, Mr. Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + "They say they have stumbled upon a clew,—an absolutely indisputable + clew. Smith had me on the wire this morning. He is the chief operative, + you understand, Miss Castleton. He informs me that his original theory is + quite fully substantiated by this recent discovery. If you remember, he + gave it as his opinion a year ago that the woman was not—er—I + may say, of the class catalogued as fast. He is coming out to-morrow to + see me." + </p> + <p> + Things went suddenly black before her eyes, but in an instant she regained + control of herself. + </p> + <p> + "They have had many clews, Mr. Wrandall," she complained, shaking her + head. + </p> + <p> + "I know," he replied; "and this one may be as futile as the rest. Smith + appears to be absolutely certain this time, however." + </p> + <p> + "I understood that Mrs. Wrandall—I mean Mrs. Challis Wrandall—refused + to offer a reward," said Booth. "These big detective agencies are not keen + about—" + </p> + <p> + "There is a ten thousand dollar reward still standing, Brandon," said Mr. + Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + Again the girl started. + </p> + <p> + "That isn't generally known, sir," observed the painter. "Leslie told me + there was no reward." + </p> + <p> + "It was privately arranged," explained Leslie's father. + </p> + <p> + They came in sight of the house at that moment, and the subject was + dropped, for Sara was approaching them in earnest conversation with Mr. + Carroll, her lawyer. + </p> + <p> + They met at the edge of the lower basin, where the waters trickled down + from an imposing Italian fountain on the level above, forming a deep, + clear pool to which the lofty sky lent unfathomable depths. To the left of + the basin there was a small tea-house, snug in the shadow of the cypresses + that lined the crest of the hill. A series of rough stone steps wound down + to the water's edge and the boathouse. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Carroll is the bearer of startling news, Mr. Wrandall," said Sara, + after the greetings. There was a trace of the sardonic in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed?" said Mr. Wrandall gravely. + </p> + <p> + "I was not aware, sir," said the old lawyer stiffly, and with a positive + glare, "that your detectives were such unmitigated asses as they now + appear to be." + </p> + <p> + "I fail to understand, Mr. Carroll," with considerable loftiness. + </p> + <p> + "That confounded rascal Smith called to see me this morning, sir. He is a + rogue, sir. He—" + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, Mr. Carroll," protested Mr. Wrandall, in a far from + conciliatory manner. + </p> + <p> + "It seems, in short, that he has been working on a very intimate clew," + said Sara, staring fixedly at her father-in-law's face. + </p> + <p> + "So he informed me over the 'phone this morning," said he, rather taken + a-back. "However, he did not go into the details. I am here, Sara, to tell + you that he is coming out to-morrow. I want to ask you to come over to my + place at—" + </p> + <p> + "That is out of the question, sir," exclaimed Mr. Carroll vehemently. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Mr. Carroll—" began Wrandall angrily, but Sara interrupted + him to suggest that they talk it over in the tea-house. She would ring for + tea. + </p> + <p> + "If you will excuse me, Mrs. Wrandall, I think I will be off," said Booth. + </p> + <p> + "Please stay, Mr. Booth," she urged. "I would like to have you here." + </p> + <p> + She fell behind with Hetty. The girl's eyes were glassy. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be alarmed," she whispered. + </p> + <p> + Booth pressed the button for her. "Thank you. You will be surprised, Mr. + Wrandall, to hear that the new clew leads to a member of your own family." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall was in the act of sitting down. At her words he dropped. His + eyes bulged. + </p> + <p> + "Good God!" + </p> + <p> + "It appears that Mr. Smith suspects—ME!" said she coolly. + </p> + <p> + Her father-in-law's lips moved, but no sound issued. His face was livid. + </p> + <p> + "The stupid fool!" hissed the irate Mr. Carroll. + </p> + <p> + There was deathly silence for a moment following this outburst. Every face + was pale. In Hetty's there was an expression of utter horror. Her lips too + were moving. + </p> + <p> + "He has, it seems, put one thing and another together, as if it were a + picture puzzle," went on Sara. "His visit to Mr. Carroll this morning was + for the purpose of ascertaining how much it would be worth to me if he + dropped the case—NOW." + </p> + <p> + "The infernal blackmailer!" gasped Mr. Wrandall, finding his voice. "I + will have him kicked off the place if he comes to me with—My dear, + my dear! You cannot mean what you say." + </p> + <p> + He was in a shocking state of bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + "I'd advise you to call off your infernal blackmailer, Mr. Redmond + Wrandall," snarled Mr. Carroll, pacing back and forth. + </p> + <p> + "My dear sir," stammered the other, "I—I—do you mean to imply + that I know anything about this infamous business?" + </p> + <p> + "He is your dog, not ours," declared the lawyer, pacing the brick floor. + </p> + <p> + "Peace, gentlemen," admonished Sara. "Let us discuss it calmly." + </p> + <p> + "Calmly?" gasped Mr. Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "Calmly!" snapped the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + "At least deliberately. It appears, Mr. Wrandall, that Smith has been + working on the theory all along that it was I who went to the inn with + Challis. You recall the description given of the woman? She was of my size + and figure, they said at the time. Well, he has—" + </p> + <p> + "It is infamous!" shouted Mr. Wrandall, springing to his feet. "He shall + hear from me to-night. I shall have him lodged in jail before—" + </p> + <p> + "You will do nothing of the sort," interrupted Sara firmly. "I think you + will do well to hear his side of the story. And remember, sir, that it + would be very difficult for me to establish an alibi." + </p> + <p> + "Bless me!" groaned the old man. Then his eyes brightened. "But Miss + Castleton can prove that for you, my dear. Don't forget Miss Castleton." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Castleton did not come to me, you should remember, until after the—the + trouble. It occurred the second night after my arrival from Europe. Mr. + Smith has discovered that I was not in my rooms at the hotel that night." + </p> + <p> + "You were not?" fell from Mr. Wrandall's lips. "Where were you?" + </p> + <p> + "I spent the night in our apartment—alone." She shivered as with a + chill as she uttered these words. + </p> + <p> + "What!" + </p> + <p> + "Leslie met me at the dock. He said that Challis had gone away from town + for a day or two. The next day I telephoned to the garage and asked them + to send the big car to me as I wanted to make some calls. They said that + Mr. Wrandall had discharged the chauffeur a week or two before and had + been using my little French runabout for a few days, driving it himself. I + then instructed them to send the runabout around with one of their own + drivers. You can imagine my surprise when I was told that Mr. Wrandall had + taken the car out that morning and had not returned with it." + </p> + <p> + "I see," said Mr. Wrandall, beads of perspiration standing on his + forehead. + </p> + <p> + "He had not left town. I will not try to describe my feelings. Late in the + afternoon, I called them up again. He had not returned. It was then that I + thought of going to the apartment, which had been closed all winter. + Watson and his wife were to go in the next day by my instructions. Challis + had been living at a club, I believe. Somehow, I had the feeling that + during the night my husband would come to the apartment—perhaps not + alone. You understand. I went there and waited all night. That is the + story. Of course, it is known that I did not spend the night at the hotel. + Mr. Smith evidently has learned as much. It is on this circumstance that + he bases his belief." + </p> + <p> + Booth was leaning forward, breathless with interest. + </p> + <p> + "May I enquire, Mr. Carroll, how the clever Mr. Smith accounts for the + secrecy observed by Mr. Wrandall and his companion, if, as he proclaims, + you were the woman? Is it probable that husband and wife would have been + so mysterious?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll answered. "He is rather ingenious as to that, Mr. Booth. You + must understand that he does not specifically charge my cli—Mrs. + Wrandall with the murder of her husband. He merely arranges his theories + so that they may be applied to her with a reasonable degree of assurance. + He only goes this far in his deductions: If, as he has gleaned, Challis + Wrandall was engaged in an illicit—er—we'll say distraction—with + some one unknown to Sara his wife, what could be more spectacular than her + discovery of the fact and the subsequently inspired decision to lay a trap + for him? Of course, it is perfect nonsense, but it is the way he goes + about it. It has been established beyond a doubt that Wrandall met the + woman at a station four miles down the line from Burton's Inn. She came + out on one of the local trains, got off at this station as prearranged, + and found him waiting for her. Two men, you will recall, testified to that + effect at the inquest sixteen months ago. She was heavily veiled. She got + in the motor and drove off with him. This was at half past eight o'clock + in the evening. Smith makes this astounding guess; the woman instead of + being the person expected, was in reality his wife, who had by some means + intercepted a letter. Our speculative friend Smith is not prepared to + suggest an arrest on these flimsy claims, but he believes it to be worth + Mrs. Wrandall's while to have the case permanently closed, rather than + allow these nasty conclusions to get abroad. They would spread like + wildfire. Do you see what I mean?" + </p> + <p> + "It is abominable!" cried Hetty, standing before them with flashing eyes. + "I KNOW she did not—" + </p> + <p> + "Hetty, my dear!" cried Sara sharply. + </p> + <p> + The girl looked at her for a moment in a frenzied way, and then turned + aside, biting her lips to keep back the actual confession that had rushed + up to them. + </p> + <p> + "It is blackmail," repeated Mr. Wrandall miserably. + </p> + <p> + "In the most diabolical form," augmented Carroll. "The worst of it is, + Wrandall, we can't stop his tongue unless we fairly choke him with + greenbacks. All he has to do is to give the confounded yellow journals an + inkling of his suspicions, and the job is done. It seems to be pretty well + understood that the crime was not committed by a person in the ordinary + walks of life, but by one who is secure in the protection of mighty + influences. There are those who believe that his companion was one of the + well-known and prominent young matrons in the city, many of whom were at + one time or another interested in him in a manner not at all + complimentary. Smith suggests—mind you, he merely suggests—that + the person who was to have met Wrandall in the country that night was so + highly connected that she does not dare reveal herself, although + absolutely innocent of the crime. Or, it is possible on the other hand, he + says, that she may consider herself extremely lucky in failing to keep her + appointment and thereby alluring him to take up with another, after she + had written the letter breaking off the engagement,—said letter not + having been received by him because it had fallen into the hands of his + wife. Do you see? It is ingenious, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "What is to be done?" groaned Mr. Wrandall, in a state of collapse. He was + sitting limply back in the chair, crumpled to the chin. + </p> + <p> + "The sanest thing, I'd suggest," said Booth sarcastically, "is the capture + of the actual perpetrator of the deed." + </p> + <p> + "But, confound them," growled Carroll, "they say they can't." + </p> + <p> + "I shall withdraw my offer of reward," proclaimed the unhappy father, + struggling to his feet. "I never dreamed it could come to such a pass as + this. You DO believe me, don't you, Sara, my child—my daughter? God + hear me, I never—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh," said she cuttingly, "you, at least, are innocent, Mr. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + He looked at her rather sharply. + </p> + <p> + "The confounded fellow is coming to see me to-morrow," he went on after a + moment of indecision. "I shall be obliged to telephone to the city for my + attorney to come out also. I don't believe in taking chances with these + scoundrels. They—" + </p> + <p> + "May I enquire, sir, why you entrusted the matter to a third rate + detective agency when there are such reputable concerns as the Pinkertons + or—" began Mr. Carroll bitingly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall held up his hand deprecatingly. + </p> + <p> + "We had an idea that an unheard of agency might accomplish more than one + of the famous organisations." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you see what has come of it," growled the other. + </p> + <p> + "I was opposed to the reward, sir," declared Mr. Wrandall with some heat. + "Not that I was content to give up the search, but because I felt sure + that the guilty person would eventually reveal herself. They always do, + sir. It is the fundamental principle of criminology. Soon or late they + falter. My son Leslie is of a like opinion. He has declared all along that + the mystery will be cleared up if we are quiescent. A guilty conscience + takes its own way to relieve itself. If you keep prodding it with sharp + sticks you encourage fear, and stealth, and all that sort of thing, + without really getting anywhere in the end. Give a murderer a free rope + and he'll hang himself, is my belief. Threaten him with that self-same + rope, and he'll pay more attention to dread than to conscience, and your + ends are defeated." + </p> + <p> + Sara was inwardly nervous. She stole a glance at the white, emotionless + face of the girl across the table, and was filled with apprehension. + </p> + <p> + "Can you be sure, Mr. Wrandall," she began earnestly, "that justice isn't + the antidote for the poisonous thing we call a conscience? Suppose this + woman to have been fully justified in doing what she did, does it follow + that conscience can force her to admit, even to herself, that she is + morally guilty of a crime against man? I doubt it, sir." + </p> + <p> + She was prepared for a subtle change in Hetty's countenance and was not + surprised to see the light of hope steal back into her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Fully justified?" murmured the old gentleman painfully. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps we would better not go into that question too intimately," + suggested Mr. Carroll. + </p> + <p> + "My son Leslie has peculiar views along the very line—" began Mr. + Wrandall, in great distress of mind. He fell into a reflective mood and + did not finish the sentence. + </p> + <p> + "I shall see this man Smith," announced Sara calmly. + </p> + <p> + Her father-in-law stood over her, his face working. "My dear," he said, "I + promise you this absurd business shall go no farther. Don't let it trouble + you in the least. I will attend to Smith. If there is no other way to + check his vile insinuations, I will pay his price. You are not to be + submitted to these dreadful—" + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him. "You will do nothing of the kind, Mr. Wrandall," she + said levelly. "Do you want to convince him that I AM guilty?" + </p> + <p> + "God in heaven, no!" + </p> + <p> + "Then why pay him the reward you have offered for the person who is + guilty?" + </p> + <p> + "It is an entirely different propo—" + </p> + <p> + "It amounts to the same thing, sir. He tells you he has discovered the + woman you want and you fulfil your part of the bargain by paying him for + his services. That closes the transaction, so far as he is concerned. He + goes his way fully convinced that he has put his hands on the criminal, + and then proceeds to wash them in private instead of in public. No. Let me + see this man. I insist." + </p> + <p> + "He will be at my place to-morrow at eleven," said Wrandall resignedly. "I + wish Leslie were here. He is so level-headed." + </p> + <p> + Sara laid her hand on his arm. He looked up and found her regarding him + rather fixedly. + </p> + <p> + "It would be just as well as to keep this from Mrs. Wrandall and Vivian," + she said meaningly. + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Sara. It would distress them beyond words." + </p> + <p> + She smiled faintly. "May I enquire whether Mr. Smith is to report to you + or to Mrs. Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + He flushed. "My wife—er—made the arrangements with him, Sara," + he said, but added quickly: "With my sanction, of course. He reports to + me. As a matter of fact, now that I think of it, he advised me to say + nothing to my wife until he had talked with me." + </p> + <p> + "Inasmuch as he has already talked it over with me, through counsel, I + don't see any reason why we should betray his gentle confidence, do you?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I suppose not," said he uncomfortably. + </p> + <p> + "Then, bring him here at eleven, Mr. Wrandall," said she serenely. "He has + already paved the way. I imagine he expects to find me at home. Put the + things here, Watson." + </p> + <p> + Watson had appeared with the tray. It being a very hot day, he did not + bring tea. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII — MR. WRANDALL PERJURES HIMSELF + </h2> + <p> + Smith arrived at eleven, somewhat after the fashion of the Hawkshaws of + "yellow back" fame, who, if our memory serves us right, were so punctual + that their appearance anywhere was described as being in the "nick o' + time," only in this instance he was expected and did not "drop from the + sky," as the saying goes. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall met him at the station and escorted him in a roundabout way + to Southlook, carefully avoiding the main village thoroughfare and High + street, where the fashionable colony was intrenched. Mr. Smith, being an + experienced detective, was not surprised to find (after the introduction), + that Mr. Wrandall's attorney had been a fellow-passenger from town. If he + was impressed, he did not once betray the fact during the four mile spin + to Sara's. On the contrary, he seemed to be entirely absorbed in the + scenery. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall had said, without shaking hands: "We will repair at once to + Mrs. Challis Wrandall's house, Mr. Smith. She is expecting you. I have + informed her of your mission." + </p> + <p> + "I think we'd better discuss the matter between ourselves, Mr. Wrandall, + before putting it up to—" + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing in connection with this unhappy affair, sir, that cannot + be discussed first-hand with her," said his employer stiffly. + </p> + <p> + "Just as you like, sir," said Smith indifferently. "I have talked it over + with old man Carroll. He understands." + </p> + <p> + "I am quite sure he does, Mr. Smith," said the other, with emphasis. Mr. + Smith successfully hid a smile. + </p> + <p> + He took his seat beside the chauffeur. + </p> + <p> + "I am surprised," he observed to the driver, as a "feeler," "that you + haven't changed bodies." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Wrandall ordered the limousine, sir," said the chauffeur. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see. Keeps it on hand for rainy days, I suppose." + </p> + <p> + "It's Mrs. Wrandall's idea," explained the man. "Women are fussy about + their hair. We always have a limousine handy." + </p> + <p> + "It is a handy thing to have about," said Mr. Smith drily, as he looked + out of the corner of his eye and remarked the two men behind him. They + were in very close conversation. + </p> + <p> + "The boss usually takes the other car. He likes the wind in his face, he + says. I don't know why he ordered the limousine to-day." + </p> + <p> + "Probably there's something in the wind to-day he doesn't like," remarked + Smith, after which he devoted himself assiduously to the road ahead, not + being a practiced motorist. + </p> + <p> + As they were ascending the steps in Sara's exotic garden, Smith ventured a + somewhat sinister remark. + </p> + <p> + "These steps are not good for a man with a weak heart, Mr. Wrandall. I + hope yours is sound." + </p> + <p> + "Quite, Mr. Smith. Have no fear," said Mr. Wrandall, with an acute sense + of divination. "You will also find it to be in the right place." + </p> + <p> + "Umph," said Mr. Smith. + </p> + <p> + Sara did not keep them waiting long in the morning room. She came in soon + after they were announced, followed by Mr. Carroll, who had spent the + night at Southlook. Hetty Castleton was not in evidence. + </p> + <p> + She motioned them to seats after Mr. Wrandall had ceremoniously introduced + his lawyer, and as unceremoniously neglected to do as much for Smith. + </p> + <p> + "This is Mr. Smith, I presume," said she, with a slight uplifting of her + eyebrows. She took a chair facing the detective. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my dear," said her father-in-law. "Joseph Smith." + </p> + <p> + "Benjamin, if you please," corrected Mr. Smith. + </p> + <p> + "I regret to state that my memory for names does not go back to the Old + Testament," said Wrandall, with a frosty smile. + </p> + <p> + "There are no Smiths in the Old Testament," said the detective grimly. + </p> + <p> + "I understand, Mr. Smith, that you are prepared to charge me with the + murder of my husband." + </p> + <p> + She said it very quietly, very levelly. Smith was a bit staggered. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I—er—hardly that, Mrs. Wrandall," he said, + disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + "Will you be good enough to come to the point at once?" + </p> + <p> + "My report in this matter, madam, is to be made to Mr. Wrandall here, as I + understand it," said the detective, his jaw stiffening. "We don't, as a + rule, report our findings to—well, to the person we suspect. It + isn't what you'd call regular. Mr. Wrandall has employed me to make the + investigation. He can hardly expect me to reveal my findings to you." + </p> + <p> + "My dear Sara—" began Mr. Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "As this is a rather intimate conference, Mr. Smith," interrupted Sara, + with a gracious smile for her father-in-law, "I fancy we have nothing to + gain, one way or another, by recriminations. You have already consulted + Mr. Carroll, and I have talked it over with Mr. Wrandall. That was to have + been expected, I believe. As I understand the situation, you are somewhat + curious to know just how much it is worth to me to have the matter + dropped." + </p> + <p> + Smith eyed her steadily. + </p> + <p> + "That is the case, precisely," he said briefly. + </p> + <p> + "Then you are not really interested in having the guilty person brought to + justice?" + </p> + <p> + "I am not an officer of the law, madam. I am a private individual, working + for private ends. It is for Mr. Wrandall to say whether my discoveries + shall be related in court. I respectfully submit that I am acting within + my rights. My deductions have been formed. That is as far as I can go + without his authority. He has offered a reward, and he has gone farther + than that by engaging us to devote our time, brains and energies to the + case. I am in this position at present: our firm cannot accept the reward + he has offered without deliberately declaring to the world that we can put + our hand on the slayer of his son. As I cannot produce the actual proof + that we have found that person, I am in honour compelled to submit our + findings so far as they have gone, and then either to withdraw from the + matter or carry it on to the end, as he may elect. Our time is worth + something, madam. We have made a careful and exhaustive investigation. We + have come to the point where we can go no farther without more or less + publicly associating you with our theories. I spoke to Mr. Carroll + yesterday, it is true, and I am here to-day to lay my facts before Mr. + Wrandall—and his attorney, I see. Mr. Carroll chose to call me a + blackmailer. He may be correct in his legal way of looking at it. But he + is wrong in assuming that MY motives are criminal. I submit that they are + fair, open and above board." + </p> + <p> + There was a moment's silence following this astonishingly succinct summing + up of his position. The three men had not taken their eyes from his + shrewd, frank face during that clever speech. They had nothing to say. It + had been agreed among them that Sara was to do the talking. They were to + do the watching. + </p> + <p> + "You put the case very fairly, Mr. Smith," said she seriously. "I think + your position is clear enough, assuming of course that you have any real + evidence to support your theories, whatever they may be. I am perfectly + free to say that you interest me." + </p> + <p> + "Interest you?" he said, in some exasperation. He had expected her to fly + into a passion. "Don't you take me seriously, madam?" + </p> + <p> + "As far as you have gone, yes." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall could hold in no longer. He was most uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Smith, out with it. Let us have your story. My daughter-in-law + is not in the least alarmed. You've been on the wrong track, of course. + But that isn't the point. What we want now is to find out just where we + stand." + </p> + <p> + "You put it in a rather compromising way, Mr. Wrandall. The pronoun 'we' + is somewhat general, if you will permit me to say so. Do you expect me to + discuss my findings in the presence of Mrs. Wrandall and her counsel?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, sir, certainly. You need have no hesitancy on that score. I + dare say you came here knowing that what you were to say would go no + further than these four walls." + </p> + <p> + "Would you say that, sir, if I were to submit proof that would make it + look so black for Mrs. Wrandall that you couldn't very well doubt her + complicity in the crime, even though you saw fit to let it go no further + than these four walls?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall hesitated. A heavy frown appeared between his eyes; his + fingers worked nervously on the arm of the chair. + </p> + <p> + "I may say to you, Mr. Smith, that if you produce conclusive proof I shall + do my duty as a law-respecting citizen. I would not hesitate on that + score." + </p> + <p> + Sara looked at him through half-closed lids. His jaws were firmly set. + </p> + <p> + Smith seemed to be reflecting. He did not speak for a long interval. + </p> + <p> + "In the first place, it struck me as odd that the man's wife did not take + more interest in the search that was made immediately after the kill—after + the tragedy. Not only that, but it is of record that she deliberately + informed the police that she didn't care whether they caught the guilty + party or not. Isn't that true?" + </p> + <p> + The question was directed to no one in particular. + </p> + <p> + It was Sara who answered. + </p> + <p> + "Quite true, Mr. Smith. And if it will interest you in the least, I repeat + that I don't care even now." + </p> + <p> + "You were asked if you would offer a reward in addition to the small one + announced by the authorities. Why didn't you offer a reward?" + </p> + <p> + "Because I did not care to make it an object for well-meaning detectives + to pry into the affairs of indiscreet members of society," she said. + </p> + <p> + "I see," said he reflectively. "May I be so bold as to ask why you don't + want to have the guilty punished?" + </p> + <p> + She looked at Mr. Wrandall before offering a reply to this direct + question. + </p> + <p> + "I can't answer that question without publicly wounding Mr. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "We understand each other, Sara," said the old man painfully. "I think you + would better answer his question." + </p> + <p> + "Because my husband courted the fate that befell him, Mr. Smith. That is + my reply. While I do not know what actually transpired at the inn, I am + reasonably certain that my husband's life was taken by some one who had + suffered at his hands. I can say no more." + </p> + <p> + "The eye for an eye principle, eh?" There was deep sarcasm in the way he + said it. As she did not respond to the challenge, he abruptly changed + tactics. "Where were you on the night of the murder, Mrs. Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + She smiled. "I thought you knew, Mr. Smith." + </p> + <p> + "I have reason to believe that you were at Burton's Inn," he said bluntly. + </p> + <p> + "But you wouldn't be at all sure about it if I said I wasn't there, would + you, Mr. Smith?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't quite get you, Mrs. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "I mean to say, if I made it worth your while to change your opinion," she + said flatly. + </p> + <p> + He cleared his throat. "You couldn't change my opinion, so there's an end + to that. You could stop me right where I am, if that's what you mean. I'm + perfectly frank about it, gentlemen. You needn't look as if you'd like to + kill me. I'm not anxious to go on with the investigation. I don't know + enough up to date to be sure of a conviction, but I guess I could get the + proof if it is to be found. This is a family affair, I take it. Mr. + Wrandall here doesn't want to—" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall struck the arm of his chair a violent blow with his clenched + fist. + </p> + <p> + "You have no authority, sir, to make such a statement!" he exclaimed. "I + want it distinctly understood that I would give half of what I possess to + have the slayer of my son brought to justice." + </p> + <p> + "But you don't want this thing to go any further so far as Mrs. Challis + Wrandall is concerned," said Smith coolly. + </p> + <p> + "Of course not, you miserable scoundrel!" cried the other in a rage. + "She's no more guilty than I am." + </p> + <p> + "Don't call names, Mr. Wrandall," said Smith, a steely glitter in his + eyes. "I am prepared to lay before you certain facts that I have + unravelled, but I am not willing to give them to Mrs. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "My daughter-in-law spent the night at her own apartment, waiting for my + son," said Wrandall, regaining control of himself. "That is positively + known to me, sir. Positively!" + </p> + <p> + "How can you be sure of that, Mr. Wrandall?" asked Smith sharply. + </p> + <p> + The gaunt old face, suddenly very much older than it had been before, took + on a stern, defiant expression. + </p> + <p> + "I spoke with her over the telephone at half past nine o'clock that + night," said he steadily. + </p> + <p> + Smith was not the only one to be surprised by this startling declaration. + Sara Wrandall's eyes widened ever so slightly, and one might have detected + a sharp catch in her breath. + </p> + <p> + "She called you up?" asked Smith, after a moment to collect his wits. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall was not to be trapped. He had made up his mind to lie for + Sara in this hour of need, and he had considered well his methods. + </p> + <p> + "No. I called up the apartment." + </p> + <p> + "How did you know she was at her apartment?" + </p> + <p> + "I did not know it. I called up to speak with my son. She answered the + call, Mr. Smith." + </p> + <p> + He arose from the chair. Smith also came slowly to his feet, the look of + astonishment still on his face. + </p> + <p> + "And now, sir," went on the old man, levelling a bony finger at him, "I + think we can dispense with your services. I will give you credit for one + thing: you are plain-spoken and above board. You want money and you don't + beat about the bush. If you will instruct your office to send to me a bill + for services, I will pay it. I engaged you, and I am ready to pay for my + stupidity. My car will take you back to the station." + </p> + <p> + Smith picked up his hat and fumbled with it for a moment, plainly + dismayed. + </p> + <p> + "If I have been on the wrong lead, Mr. Wrandall, I am willing to drop it + and start all over again. I suppose your reward still stands. I am sure we + can—" + </p> + <p> + "It does not stand, sir. I shall withdraw it this very day. God knows if I + had thought it would lead us to this pass, it should never have been + offered. Now, go, sir." + </p> + <p> + Smith held his ground doggedly. "There are a few points I'd like to—" + </p> + <p> + "No!" + </p> + <p> + "For the sake of justice and—" + </p> + <p> + Sara interrupted the man. She had crossed to Mr. Wrandall's side, a queer + light in her eyes. Her hand fell upon his trembling old arm and he felt a + thrill pass from her warm, strong fingers into the very core of his body. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Smith, will you give me an off-hand estimate of what your services + amount to in dollars and cents up to date?" + </p> + <p> + "You don't owe me anything, Mrs. Wrandall," said Smith, flushing a dull + red. + </p> + <p> + "You came here to give me a chance, Mr. Smith, feeling that I was actually + implicated. You had a price fixed in your mind. You still have your + doubts, in spite of what Mr. Wrandall says. It occurred to you that it + would be worth considerable to me if the investigation went no farther. + You realised that you could not have brought this crime home to me, + because you could not have found REAL, satisfying evidence. But you could + have gone to the newspapers with your suspicions, and you could have made + one-half the world believe that an innocent person was guilty of a foul + crime. The world loves its sensations. It would have gloated over the + little you could have given it, and it would have damned me unheard. I owe + you something for sparing me a fate so wretched as that. Your price: What + is it?" + </p> + <p> + "Sara!" cried Mr. Wrandall, aghast. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Mrs. Wrandall," cried Carroll, blinking his eyes, "you are not + thinking of—" + </p> + <p> + "I am thinking of paying Mr. Smith his price," said Sara calmly. + </p> + <p> + "Why, damn it all," roared Carroll, "you countenance his ridiculous + assertions—" + </p> + <p> + "No; I do nothing of the sort, Mr. Carroll, and Mr. Smith knows it quite + as well as you do. He still has it in his power to set the tongues to + wagging. We can't get around that, gentlemen. I want to pay him to drop + the case entirely. The reward has been withdrawn. Will it satisfy your + cupidity, Mr. Smith, if I agree to pay to you a like amount?" + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord!" gasped Smith, staggered. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot permit—" began Mr. Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + She looked him squarely in the eye and the words died on his lips. + </p> + <p> + "I prefer to have it my way," she said. "I will not accept favours from + Mr. Smith—nor any other man." Wrandall alone caught the significance + of the last four words. She would not accept the favour of a lie from him! + And yet she would not humiliate by denying him in the presence of others. + "Mr. Carroll will attend to this matter for me, Mr. Smith, if you will + call at his office at your convenience. I shall make but a single + stipulation in addition to the one involved: you are to drop the case + altogether. Mr. Wrandall has already dismissed you. You are under no + further obligations to him or his family. I respectfully submit to all of + you, gentlemen, that when the investigations go so far astray as they have + gone in this instance, it isn't safe to let them continue with the + possible chance of proving unwholesome to other innocent persons, toward + whom, in some justice, attention might be drawn. The young woman now in + the far West is a sickening example. I refer to the Ashtley girl. If, by + any chance, the right person should be taken, I will do my part, Mr. + Wrandall, with the same purpose if not the same spirit that actuates you, + but I am opposed to baring skeletons to gratify the morbid curiosity of a + public that despises all of us because, unhappily, we are what we are. I + trust I make myself plain to you. I loved my husband. I have no desire to + know the names of women who were his—we will say—who were in + love with him." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall bowed his head and said not a word. His attorney, who had + been a silent listener from the beginning, spoke for the first time. + </p> + <p> + "If Mr. Smith will call at my office to-morrow, I will attend to the + closing of this matter to his entire satisfaction. Mr. Wrandall has + already authorised me to settle in full for his time and—patience." + </p> + <p> + "I don't like to take money in this way—" + </p> + <p> + "We won't discuss ethics, Mr. Smith." + </p> + <p> + "Just as you like, then. I'm only too happy to be off the job. Good + morning, madam. Good morning, gentlemen." + </p> + <p> + He stalked from the room. Watson was waiting in the hall. + </p> + <p> + "This way," he said, indicating the big front door. + </p> + <p> + Smith grinned sheepishly. "'Gad, they don't even think I can find a front + door," he said. + </p> + <p> + Redmond Wrandall turned to the two men after he heard the door of his + automobile slam in the porte-cochere. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen, I believe it is unnecessary to announce to you that I did not + speak over the telephone with my daughter-in-law on that wretched night," + he said slowly. + </p> + <p> + They nodded their heads. + </p> + <p> + "I am not a good liar. Do you think the fellow believed me?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Sara instantly. "He is accustomed to better lying than you can + supply. But it doesn't in the least matter. He knows, however, that you + spoke the truth when you said I was in my apartment, even though you are + not sure of it yourself, Mr. Wrandall. I will not presume to thank you for + what you did, but I shall never forget it, sir." + </p> + <p> + He regarded her rather austerely for a moment. "I am glad you do not thank + me, Sara," he said. "You are not to feel that you are under the slightest + obligation to me." + </p> + <p> + "I regret that you felt it necessary to perjure yourself," she said + levelly, and then broke into a soft little laugh as she laid her hand on + his arm once more. "Come! Let us have a semi-public view of Hetty's + portrait." + </p> + <p> + He looked up alertly at the mention of the girl's name. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, where is Miss Castleton?" he asked, drawing a long breath as + if the air had suddenly become wholesome. + </p> + <p> + "She is back yonder in the living-room, having her last sitting to Brandon + Booth. Just a few finishing touches, that's all. I hear them laughing. The + day's work is done." + </p> + <p> + She led the way down the long hall, followed by the old gentlemen, who + came three abreast, hoary retainers at the heels of youth. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV — IN THE SHADOW OF THE MILL + </h2> + <p> + Later on Sara, in sober reflection, endorsed what had appeared at the time + to be a whimsical, quixotic proceeding on her part. She brought herself + completely to the point where she could view her action with complacency. + At first, there was an irritating, nagging fear that Mr. Wrandall had been + genuinely soul-sacrificing in his effort to defend her; that his decisive + falsehood was a sincere declaration of loyalty to her and not the + transparent outburst of one actuated by a sort of fanatical selfishness, + in that he dreaded the further dragging in the dust of the name of + Wrandall, and all that in spite of his positive belief that she was being + wrongly, unfairly attacked. She knew that her father-in-law had no doubt + in his mind that she could successfully combat any charge Smith might + bring against her; that her innocence would prevail even in the opinion of + the scheming detective. But behind all this was the Wrandall conclusion + that a skin was to be saved, and that skin the one which covered the + Wrandall pride. + </p> + <p> + His lie was not glorifying. She even consented that it might be the first + deliberate falsehood this honourable, discriminating gentleman had told in + all his life. At the moment, he may have been actuated by a motive that + deceived him, but even unknown to him the Wrandall self-interest was at + work. He was not lying for her, but for the Wrandalls! And she would have + to remain his debtor all her life because of that amiable falsehood! + </p> + <p> + She intuitively felt the force of that secret motive almost the instant it + found expression, and she resented it even as she applauded it in the + first wave of inward enthusiasm. She might have marked it down to his + credit, and loved him a little for it, had not his rather distorted + integrity impelled him to confess his transgression to the lawyers, + whereas it was perfectly plain that they appreciated his distortion of the + truth without having it explained to them in so many words. That virtuous + little speech of his was all-illuminating; it let in a great light and + laid bare the weakness that was too strong for him. + </p> + <p> + Her abrupt change of front, her suddenly formed resolve to pay the man his + price, was the result of a natural opposition to the elder Wrandall. She + acted hastily, even ruthlessly, in direct contradiction to her original + intentions, but she now felt that she had acted wisely. There could be no + doubt in the mind of the keen-witted Smith that Mr. Wrandall had lied; his + lips therefore were sealed, not by the declaration, but by her own + surprising offer to remunerate. + </p> + <p> + When she told Hetty what she had done, the girl, who had been tortured by + doubts and misgivings, threw herself into her arms and sobbed out her + gratitude. + </p> + <p> + "I could die for you, Sara. I could die a thousand deaths," she cried. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I dare say Smith is quite delighted," said Sara carelessly. "He had + come up against a brick wall, don't you see. He could go no further. There + was but one thing for him to do and he did it. He had no case, but he felt + that he ought to be paid just the same. Mr. Wrandall would never have paid + him, he was sure of that. His game failed. He thinks better of me now than + he ever did before, and I have made a friend of him, strange as it may + appear." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I hope so." + </p> + <p> + Sara stroked her cheek gently. "Don't be afraid, Hetty. We are quite + safe." + </p> + <p> + Hetty secretly gloated over that little pronoun 'we.' It spelt security. + </p> + <p> + "And wasn't it splendid of Mr. Wrandall to say what he did?" she mused, + lying back among the cushions with a sigh of relaxation. + </p> + <p> + Sara did not at once reply. She smiled rather oddly. + </p> + <p> + "It was," she said succinctly. "I am sure Leslie will go into raptures + over his father's decline and fall." + </p> + <p> + "Must he be told?" in some dismay. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. Every son should know his own father," she explained, with a + quiet laugh. + </p> + <p> + The next day but one was overcast. On cloudy, bleak days Hetty Castleton + always felt depressed. Shadowless days, when the sun was obscured, filled + her with a curious sense of apprehension, as if when the sun came out + again he would not find the world as he had left it. She did not mope; it + was not in her nature. She was more than ever mentally alert on such days, + for the very reason that the world seemed to have lapsed into a state of + indifference, with the sun nowhere to be seen. There was a queer sensation + of dread in knowing that that great ball of fire was somewhere in the + vault above her and yet unlocated in the sinister pall that spread over + the skies. Her fancy ofttimes pictured him sailing in the west when he + should be in the east, dodging back and forth in impish abandon behind the + screen, and she wondered at such times if he would be where he belonged + when the clouds lifted. + </p> + <p> + Leslie was to return from the wilds on the following day. Early in the + morning Booth had telephoned to enquire if she did not want to go for a + long walk with him before luncheon. The portrait was finished, but he + could not afford to miss the morning hour with her. He said as much to her + in pressing his invitation. + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow Leslie will be here and I shan't see as much of you as I'd + like," he explained, rather wistfully. "Three is a crowd, you know. I've + got so used to having you all to myself, it's hard to break off suddenly." + </p> + <p> + "I will be ready at eleven," she said, and was instantly surprised to find + that her voice rang with new life, new interest. The greyness seemed to + lift from the view that stretched beyond the window; she even looked for + the sun in her eagerness. + </p> + <p> + It was then that she knew why the world had been bleaker than usual, even + in its cloak of grey. + </p> + <p> + A little before eleven she set out briskly to intercept him at the gates. + Unknown to her, Sara sat in her window, and viewed her departure with + gloomy eyes. The world also was grey for her. + </p> + <p> + They came upon each other unexpectedly at a sharp turn in the avenue. + Hetty coloured with a sudden rush of confusion, and had all she could do + to meet his eager, happy eyes as he stood over her and proclaimed his + pleasure in jerky, awkward sentences. Then they walked on together, a + strange shyness attending them. She experienced the faintness of breath + that comes when the heart is filled with pleasant alarms. As for Booth, + his blood sang. He thrilled with the joy of being near her, of the feel of + her all about him, of the delicious feminine appeal that made her so + wonderful to him. He wanted to crush her in his arms, to keep her there + for ever, to exert all of his brute physical strength so that she might + never again be herself but a part of him. + </p> + <p> + They uttered commonplaces. The spell was on them. It would lift, but for + the moment they were powerless to struggle against it. At length he saw + the colour fade from her cheeks; her eyes were able to meet his without + the look in them that all men love. Then he seemed to get his feet on the + ground again, and a strange, ineffably sweet sense of calm took possession + of him. + </p> + <p> + "I must paint you all over again," he said, suddenly breaking in on one of + her remarks. "Just as you are to-day,—an outdoor girl, a glorious + outdoor girl in—" + </p> + <p> + "In muddy boots," she laughed, drawing her skirt away to reveal a shapely + foot in an American walking shoe. + </p> + <p> + He smiled and gave voice to a new thought. "By Jove, how much better + looking our American shoes are than the kind they wear in London!" + </p> + <p> + "Sara insists on American shoes, so long as I am with her. I don't think + our boots are so villainous, do you?" + </p> + <p> + "Just the same, I'm going to paint you again, boots and all. You—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how tired you will become of me!" + </p> + <p> + "Try me!" + </p> + <p> + "Besides, you are to do Sara at once. She has consented to sit to you. She + will be wonderful, Mr. Booth, oh, how wonderful!" + </p> + <p> + There was no mistaking the sincerity of this rapt opinion. + </p> + <p> + "Stunning," was his brief comment. "By the way, I've hesitated about + asking how she and Mr. Wrandall came out with the detective chap." + </p> + <p> + Her face clouded. "It was so perfectly ridiculous, Mr. Booth. The man is + satisfied that he was wrong. The matter is ended." + </p> + <p> + "Pure blackmail, I'd call it. I hope it isn't ended so far as she is + concerned. I'd have him in jail so quick his—" + </p> + <p> + "She's tender-hearted, and sensitive. No real harm has been done. She + refuses to prosecute him." + </p> + <p> + "You can't mean it." + </p> + <p> + "If you knew her as I do, you would understand." + </p> + <p> + "But her lawyer, what had he to say about it? And Mr. Wrandall? I should + have thought they—" + </p> + <p> + "I believe they quite approve of what she has done. Nothing will come of + it." + </p> + <p> + He walked on in silence for a couple of rods. "I have a feeling they will + never know who killed Challis Wrandall," he said. "It is a mystery that + can't be solved by deduction or theory, and there is nothing else for them + to work on, as I understand the case. The earth seems to have been + generous enough to swallow her completely. She's safe unless she chooses + to confess, and that isn't likely. To be perfectly frank with you, Miss + Castleton, I rather hope they never get her. He was something of a beast, + you know." + </p> + <p> + She was looking straight ahead. "You used the word generous, Mr. Booth. Do + you mean that she deserves pity?" + </p> + <p> + "Without knowing all the circumstances, I would say yes. I've had the + feeling that she was more sinned against than sinning." + </p> + <p> + "Would you believe that she acted in self-defence?" + </p> + <p> + "It is quite possible." + </p> + <p> + "Then, will you explain why she does not give herself up to the + authorities and assert her innocence? There is no proof to the contrary." + She spoke hurriedly, with an eagerness which he mistook for doubt. + </p> + <p> + "For one reason, she may be a good woman who was indiscreet. She may have + some one else to think of besides herself. A second reason: she may lack + moral courage." + </p> + <p> + "Moral courage!" + </p> + <p> + "It is one thing to claim self-defence and another thing to get people to + believe in it. I suppose you know what Leslie thinks about it?" + </p> + <p> + "He has not discussed it with me." + </p> + <p> + "He believes his brother deserved what he got." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" + </p> + <p> + "For that reason he has not taken an active part in hounding her down." + </p> + <p> + She was silent for a long time, so long indeed that he turned to look at + her. + </p> + <p> + "A thoroughly decent, fair-minded chap is Leslie Wrandall," he pronounced, + for want of something better to say. "Still, I'm bound to say, I'm sorry + he is coming home to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + The red crept into her cheeks again. + </p> + <p> + "I thought you were such pals," she said nervously. + </p> + <p> + "I expect to be his best man if he ever marries," said he, whacking a + stone at the road-side with his walking stick. Then he looked up at her + furtively and added, with a quizzical smile: "Unless something happens." + </p> + <p> + "What COULD happen?" + </p> + <p> + "He MIGHT marry the girl I'm in love with, and, in that case, I'd have to + be excused." + </p> + <p> + "Where shall we walk to this morning?" she asked abruptly. He had drawn + closer to her in the roadway. "Is it too far to the old stone mill? That's + where I first saw you, if you remember." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, let us go there," she said, but her heart sank. She knew what was + coming. Perhaps it were best to have it over with; to put it away with the + things that were to always be her lost treasures. It would mean the end of + their companionship, the end of a love dream. She would have to lie to + him: to tell him she did not love him. + </p> + <p> + One would go many a fruitless day in quest of a more attractive pair than + they as they strode swiftly down the shady road. They lagged not, for they + were strong and healthy, and walking was a joy to them, not an exercise. + She kept pace beside him, with her free stride; half a head shorter than + he, she did not demand it of him that he should moderate his stride to + suit hers. He was tall and long-limbed, but not camel-like in his manner + of walking, as so many tall men are apt to be. His eyes were bright with + the excitement that predicted a no uncertain encounter, although he had no + definite purpose in mind. There was something singularly wistful, + unfathomable, in her velvety blue eyes that gave him hope, he knew not + why. + </p> + <p> + Coming to the jog in the broad macadam, they were striking off into the + narrow road that led to the quaint old mill, long since abandoned in the + forest glade beyond, when their attention was drawn to a motor-car, which + was slowing down for the turn into Sara's domain. A cloud of dust swam in + the air far behind the machine. + </p> + <p> + A bare-headed man on the seat beside the driver, waved his hand to them, + and two women in the tonneau bowed gravely. Both Hetty and Booth flushed + uncomfortably, and hesitated in their progress up the forest road. + </p> + <p> + The man was Leslie Wrandall. His mother and sister were in the back seat + of the touring car. + </p> + <p> + "Why—why, it was Leslie," cried Booth, looking over his shoulder at + the rapidly receding car. "Shall we turn back, Miss Castleton?" + </p> + <p> + "No," she cried instantly, with something like impatience in her voice. + "And spoil our walk?" she added in the next breath, adding a nervous + little laugh. + </p> + <p> + "It seems rather—" he began dubiously. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, let us have our day," she cried sharply, and led the way into the + by-road. + </p> + <p> + They came, in the course of a quarter-of-an-hour, to the bridge over the + mill-race. Beyond, in the mossy shades, stood a dilapidated, centurion + structure known as Rangely's Mill, a landmark with a history that included + incidents of the revolutionary war, when eager patriots held secret + meetings inside its walls and plotted under the very noses of Tory + adherents to the crown. + </p> + <p> + Pausing for a few minutes on the bridge, they leaned on the rail and + looked down into the clear, mirror-like water of the race. Their own eyes + looked up at them; they smiled into their own faces. And a fleecy white + cloud passed over the glittering stream and swept through their faces, off + to the bank, and was gone for ever. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he looked up from the water and fixed his eyes on her face. He + had seen her clear blue eyes fill with tears as he gazed into them from + the rail above. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my dear!" he cried. "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + She put her handkerchief to her eyes as she quickly turned away. In + another instant, she was smiling up at him, a soft, pleading little smile + that went straight to his heart. + </p> + <p> + "Shall we start back?" she asked, a quaver in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "No," he exclaimed. "I've got to go on with it now, Hetty. I didn't intend + to, but—come, let us go up and sit on that familiar old log in the + shade of the mill. You must, dear!" + </p> + <p> + She suffered him to lead her up the steep bank beyond and through the + rocks and rotten timbers to the great beam that protruded from the + shattered foundations of the mill. The rickety old wheel, weather-beaten + and sad, rose above them and threatened to topple over if they so much as + touched its flimsy supports. + </p> + <p> + He did not release her hand after drawing her up beside him. + </p> + <p> + "You must know that I love you," he said simply. + </p> + <p> + She made no response. Her hand lay limp in his. She was staring straight + before her. + </p> + <p> + "You DO know it, don't you?" he went on. + </p> + <p> + "I—God knows I don't want you to love me. I never meant that you + should—" she was saying, as if to herself. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it's hopeless," he said dumbly, as her voice trailed off in a + whisper. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is utterly hopeless," she said, and she was white to the lips. + </p> + <p> + "I—I shan't say anything more," said he. "Of course, I understand + how it is. There's some one else. Only I want you to know that I love you + with all my soul, Hetty. I—I don't see how I'm going to get on + without you. But I—I won't distress you, dear." + </p> + <p> + "There isn't any one else, Brandon," she said in a very low voice. Her + fingers tightened on his in a sort of desperation. "I know what you are + thinking. It isn't Leslie. It never can be Leslie." + </p> + <p> + "Then,—then—" he stammered, the blood surging back into his + heart—"there may be a chance—" + </p> + <p> + "No, no!" she cried, almost vehemently. "I can't let you go on hoping. It + is wrong—-so terribly wrong, You must forget me. You must—" + </p> + <p> + He seized her other hand and held them both firmly, masterfully. + </p> + <p> + "See here, my—look at me, dearest! What is wrong? Tell me! You are + unhappy. Don't be afraid to tell me. You—you DO love me?" + </p> + <p> + She drew a long breath through her half-closed lips. Her eyes darkened + with pain. + </p> + <p> + "No. I don't love you. Oh, I am so sorry to have given you—" + </p> + <p> + He was almost radiant. "Tell me the truth," he cried triumphantly. "Don't + hold anything back, darling. If there is anything troubling you, let me + shoulder it. I can—I will do anything in the world for you. Listen: + I know there's a mystery somewhere. I have felt it about you always. I + have seen it in your eyes, I have always sensed it stealing over me when + I'm with you—this strange, bewildering atmosphere of—" + </p> + <p> + "Hush! You must not say anything more," she cried out. "I cannot love you. + There is nothing more to be said." + </p> + <p> + "But I know it now. You do love me. I could shout it to—" The + miserable, whipped expression in her eyes checked this outburst. He was + struck by it, even dismayed. "My dearest one, my love," he said, with + infinite tenderness, "what is it? Tell me!" + </p> + <p> + He drew her to him. His arm went about her shoulders. The final thrill of + ecstasy bounded through his veins. The feel of her! The wonderful, subtle, + feminine feel of her! His brain reeled in a new and vast whirl of + intoxication. + </p> + <p> + She sat there very still and unresisting, her hand to her lips, uttering + no word, scarcely breathing. He waited. He gave her time. After a little + while her fingers strayed to the crown of her limp, rakish panama. They + found the single hat-pin and drew it out. He smiled as he pushed the hat + away and then pressed her dark little head against his breast. Her blue + eyes were swimming. + </p> + <p> + "Just this once, just this once," she murmured with a sob in her voice. + Her hand stole upward and caressed his brown cheek and throat. Tears of + joy started in his eyes—tears of exquisite delight. + </p> + <p> + "Good God, Hetty, I—I can't do without you," he whispered, shaken by + his passion. "Nothing can come between us. I must have you always like + this." + </p> + <p> + "Che sara, sara," she sighed, like the breath of the summer wind as it + sings in the trees. + </p> + <p> + The minutes passed and neither spoke. His rapt gaze hung upon the glossy + crown that pressed against him so gently. He could not see her eyes, but + somehow he felt they were tightly shut, as if in pain. + </p> + <p> + "I love you, Hetty. Nothing can matter," he whispered at last. "Tell me + what it is." + </p> + <p> + She lifted her head and gently withdrew herself from his embrace. He did + not oppose her, noting the serious, almost sombre look in her eyes as she + turned to regard him steadfastly, an unwavering integrity of purpose in + their depths. + </p> + <p> + She had made up her mind to tell him a part of the truth. "Brandon, I am + Hetty Glynn." + </p> + <p> + He started, not so much in surprise as at the abruptness with which she + made the announcement. + </p> + <p> + "I have been sure of it, dear, from the beginning," he said quietly. + </p> + <p> + Then her tongue was loosed. The words rushed to her lips. "I was + Hawkright's model for six months. I posed for all those studies, and for + the big canvas in the academy. It was either that or starvation. Oh, you + will hate me—you must hate me." + </p> + <p> + He laid his hand on her hair, a calm smile on his lips. "I can't love and + hate at the same time," he said. "There was nothing wrong in what you did + for Hawkright. I am a painter, you know. I understand. Does—does + Mrs. Wrandall know all this?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes—everything. She knows and understands. She is an angel, + Brandon, an angel from heaven. But," she burst forth, "I am not altogether + a sham. I AM the daughter of Colonel Castleton, and I AM the cousin of all + the Murgatroyds,—the poor relation. It isn't as if I were the scum + of the earth, is it? I AM a Castleton. My father comes of a noble family. + And, Brandon, the only thing I've ever done in my life that I am really + ashamed of is the deception I practised on you when you brought that + magazine to me and faced me with it. I did not lie to you. I simply let + you believe I was not the—the person you thought I was. But I + deceived you—" + </p> + <p> + "No, you did not deceive me," he said gently. "I read the truth in your + dear eyes." + </p> + <p> + "There are other things, too. I shall not speak of them, except to repeat + that I have not done anything else in all my life that I should be ashamed + of." Her eyes were burning with earnestness. He could not but understand + what she meant. + </p> + <p> + Again he stroked her hair. "I am sure of that," he said. + </p> + <p> + "My mother was Kitty Glynn, the actress. My father, a younger son, fell in + love with her. They were married against the wishes of his father, who cut + him off. He was in the service, and he was brave enough to stick. They + went to one of the South African garrisons, and I was born there. Then to + India. Then back to London, where an aunt had died, leaving my father + quite a comfortable fortune. But his old friends would have nothing to do + with him. He had lived—well, he had made life a hell for my mother + in those frontier posts. He deserted us in the end, after he had + squandered the fortune. My mother made no effort to compel him to provide + for her or for me. She was proud. She was hurt. To-day he is in India, + still in the service, a martinet with a record for bravery on the field of + battle that cannot be taken from him, no matter what else may befall. I + hear from him once or twice a year. That is all I can tell you about him. + My mother died three years ago, after two years of invalidism. During + those years I tried to repay her for the sacrifice she had made in giving + me the education, the—" She choked up for a second, and then went + bravely on. "Her old manager made a place for me in one of his companies. + I took my mother's name, Hetty Glynn, and—well, for a season and a + half I was in the chorus. I could not stay there. I COULD not," she + repeated with a shudder. "I gave it up after my mother's death. I was + fairly well equipped for work as a children's governess, so I engaged + myself to—" + </p> + <p> + She stopped in dismay for he was laughing. + </p> + <p> + "And now do you know what I think of you, Miss Hetty Glynn?" he cried, + seizing her hands and regarding her with a serious, steadfast gleam in his + eyes. "You are the pluckiest, sandiest girl I've ever known. You are the + kind that heroines are made of. There is nothing in what you've told me + that could in the least alter my regard for you, except to increase the + love I thought could not be stronger. Will you marry me, Hetty?" + </p> + <p> + She jerked her hands away, and held them clenched against her breast. + </p> + <p> + "No! I cannot. It is impossible, Brandon. If I loved you less than I do, I + might say yes, but—no, it is impossible." + </p> + <p> + His eyes narrowed. A grey shadow crept over his face. + </p> + <p> + "There can be only one obstacle so serious as all that," he said slowly. + "You—you are already married." + </p> + <p> + "No!" she cried, lifting her pathetic eyes to his. "It isn't that. Oh, + please be good to me! Don't ask me to say anything more. Don't make it + hard for me, Brandon. I love you—I love you. To be your wife would + be the most glorious—No, no! I must not even think of it. I must put + it out of my mind. There IS a barrier, dearest. We cannot surmount it. + Don't ask me to tell you, for I cannot. I—I am so happy in knowing + that you love me, and that you still love me after I have told you how + mean and shameless I was in deceiving—" + </p> + <p> + He drew her close and kissed her full on the trembling lips. She gasped + and closed her eyes, lying like one in a swoon. Soft, moaning sounds came + from her lips. He could not help feeling a vast pity for her, she was so + gentle, so miserably hurt by something he could not understand, but knew + to be monumental in its power to oppress. + </p> + <p> + "Listen, dearest," he said, after a long silence; "I understand this much, + at least: you can't talk about it now. Whatever it is, it hurts, and God + knows I don't want to make it worse for you in this hour when I am so + selfishly happy. Time will show us the way. It can't be insurmountable. + Love always triumphs. I only ask you to repeat those three little words, + and I will be content. Say them." + </p> + <p> + "I love you," she murmured. + </p> + <p> + "There! You are mine! Three little words bind you to me for ever. I will + wait until the barrier is down. Then I will take you." + </p> + <p> + "The barrier grows stronger every day," she said, staring out beyond the + tree-tops at the scudding clouds. "It never can be removed." + </p> + <p> + "Some day you will tell me—everything?" + </p> + <p> + She hesitated long. "Yes, before God, Brandon, I will tell you. Not now, + but—some day. Then you will see why—why I cannot—" She + could not complete the sentence. + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe there is anything you can tell me that will alter my + feelings toward you," he said firmly. "The barrier may be insurmountable, + but my love is everlasting." + </p> + <p> + "I can only thank you, dear, and—love you with all my wretched + heart." + </p> + <p> + "You are not pledged to some one else?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "That's all I want to know," he said, with a deep breath. "I thought it + might be—Leslie." + </p> + <p> + "No, no!" she cried out, and he caught a note of horror in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "Does—does he know this—this thing you can't tell me?" he + demanded, a harsh note of jealousy in his voice. + </p> + <p> + She looked up at him, hurt by his tone. "Sara knows," she said. "There is + no one else. But you are not to question her. I demand it of you." + </p> + <p> + "I will wait for you to tell me," he said gently. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV — SARA WRANDALL FINDS THE TRUTH + </h2> + <p> + Sara had kept the three Wrandalls over for luncheon. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," said Mrs. Redmond Wrandall, as she stood before Hetty's + portrait at the end of the long living-room, "I must say that Brandon has + succeeded in catching that lovely little something that makes her so—what + shall I say?—so mysterious? Is that what I want? The word is as + elusive as the expression." + </p> + <p> + "Subtle is the word you want, mother," said Vivian, standing beside + Leslie, tall, slim and aristocratic, her hands behind her back, her manner + one of absolute indifference. Vivian was more than handsome; she was + striking. + </p> + <p> + "There isn't anything subtle about Hetty," said Sara, with a laugh. "She's + quite ingenuous." + </p> + <p> + Leslie was pulling at his moustache, and frowning slightly. The sunburn on + his nose and forehead had begun to peel off in chappy little flakes. + </p> + <p> + "Ripping likeness, though," was his comment. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, perfect," said his mother. "Really wonderful. It will make Brandon + famous." + </p> + <p> + "She's so healthy-looking," said Vivian. + </p> + <p> + "English," remarked Leslie, as if that covered everything. + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense," cried the elder Mrs. Wrandall, lifting her lorgnette again. + "Pure, honest, unmixed blood, that's what it is. There is birth in that + girl's face." + </p> + <p> + "You're always talking about birth, mother," said her son sourly, as he + turned away. + </p> + <p> + "It's a good thing to have," said his mother with conviction. + </p> + <p> + "It's an easy thing to get in America," said he, pulling out his cigarette + case. "Have a cigarette, mother? Sara?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll take one, Les," said Vivian. She selected one and passed the case on + to her mother. Sara shook her head. + </p> + <p> + "No, thanks," she said. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Redmond Wrandall laid her cigarette down without attempting to light + it, a sudden frostiness in her manner. Vivian and Leslie blew long plumes + of smoke from the innermost recesses of their lungs. + </p> + <p> + "Nerves?" asked Vivian mildly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't like Leslie's brand," explained Sara. + </p> + <p> + "They're excellent, I think," said Mrs. Wrandall, and thereupon accepted a + light from Leslie. + </p> + <p> + "Well, let's be off," said he, somewhat irritably. "Tell Miss Castleton + we're sorry to have missed her." + </p> + <p> + It was then that Sara prevailed upon them to stop for luncheon. "She + always takes these long walks in the morning, and she will be disappointed + if she finds you haven't waited—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, as for that—" began Leslie and stopped, but he could not have + been more lucid if he had uttered the sentence in full. + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't you pick her up and bring her home with you?" asked Sara, as + they moved off in the direction of the porch. + </p> + <p> + "She seemed to be taking Brandy out for his morning exercise," said he + surlily. "Far be it from me to—Umph!" + </p> + <p> + Sara repressed the start of surprise. She thought Hetty was alone. + </p> + <p> + "She will bring him in for luncheon, I suppose," she said carelessly, + although there was a slight contraction of the eyelids. "He is a + privileged character." + </p> + <p> + It was long past the luncheon hour when Hetty came in, flushed and warm. + She was alone and she had been walking rapidly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am so sorry to be late," she apologised, darting a look of anxiety + at Sara. "We grew careless with time. Am I shockingly late?" + </p> + <p> + She was shaking hands with Mrs. Redmond Wrandall as she spoke. Leslie and + Vivian stood by, rigidly awaiting their turn. Neither appeared to be + especially cordial. + </p> + <p> + "What is the passing of an hour, my dear," said the old lady, "to one who + is young and can spare it?" + </p> + <p> + "I did not expect you—I mean to say, nothing was said about + luncheon, was there, Sara?" She was in a pretty state of confusion. + </p> + <p> + "No," said Leslie, breaking in; "we butted in, that's all. How are you?" + He clasped her hand and bent over it. She was regarding him with slightly + dilated eyes. He misinterpreted the steady scrutiny. "Oh, it will all peel + off in a day or two," he explained, going a shade redder. + </p> + <p> + "When did you return?" she asked. "I thought to-morrow was—" + </p> + <p> + "Leslie never has any to-morrows, Miss Castleton," explained Vivian. "He + always does to-morrow's work to-day. That's why he never has any troubles + ahead of him." + </p> + <p> + "What rot!" exclaimed Leslie. + </p> + <p> + "Where is Mr. Booth?" inquired Sara. "Wouldn't he come in, Hetty?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I didn't think to ask him to stop for luncheon," she replied, and + then hurried off to her room to make herself presentable. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be long," called out Sara. + </p> + <p> + "We are starving," added Vivian. + </p> + <p> + "Vivian!" exclaimed her mother, in a shocked voice. + </p> + <p> + "Well, <i>I</i> am," declared her daughter promptly. + </p> + <p> + "You know you NEVER eat anything in the middle of the day," said her + mother, frowning. As Sara was paying no attention to their remarks, Mrs. + Wrandall was obliged to deliver the supplemental explanation to Leslie, + who hadn't the remotest interest in the matter. "She's so silly about + getting fat." + </p> + <p> + Hetty was in a state of nervous excitement during the luncheon. The + encounter with Booth had not resulted at all as she had fancied it would. + She had betrayed herself in a most disconcerting manner, and now was more + deeply involved than ever before. She had been determined at the outset, + she had failed, and now he had a claim—an incontestable claim + against her. She found it difficult to meet Sara's steady, questioning + gaze. She wanted to be alone. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you have heard nothing recent from poor Lord Murgatroyd," Mrs. + Wrandall was saying to her, in a most sympathetic tone. + </p> + <p> + Hetty scarcely grasped the importance of the remark. She looked rather + blankly at their guest. + </p> + <p> + Sara stepped into the breach. "What do the morning despatches say, Mrs. + Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + "He is sinking rapidly, I fear. Of course, his extreme age is against him. + How old is he, Miss Castleton?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I haven't the remotest idea, Mrs. Wrandall," said the girl. "He + is very, very old." + </p> + <p> + "Ninety-two, the Sun says," supplied Vivian. + </p> + <p> + There was an unaccountable silence. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose there is—ah—really no hope," said Mrs. Redmond + Wrandall at last. + </p> + <p> + "I fear not," said Hetty composedly. "Except for the heirs-at-law." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall sat up a little straighter in her chair. "Dear me," she + said. + </p> + <p> + "They've been waiting for a good many years," commented Hetty, without + emotion. "Of course, Mrs. Wrandall, you understand that I am not one of + those who will profit by his death. The estate is entailed. I am quite + outside the walls." + </p> + <p> + "I did not know the—ah—" + </p> + <p> + "My father may come in for a small interest. He is in England at present + on furlough. But there are a great many near relatives to be fed before + the bowl of plenty gets to him." + </p> + <p> + "Dear, dear!" murmured Mrs. Wrandall, quite appalled by her way of putting + it. Leslie looked at her and coughed. "What a delicious dressing you have + for these alligator pears, Sara," she went on, veering quickly. "You must + tell me how it is made." + </p> + <p> + After luncheon, Leslie drew Sara aside. + </p> + <p> + "I must say she doesn't seem especially overjoyed to see me," he growled. + "She's as cool as ice." + </p> + <p> + "What do you expect, Leslie?" she demanded with some asperity. + </p> + <p> + "I can't stand this much longer, Sara," he said. "Don't you see how things + are going? She's losing her heart to Booth." + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how we can prevent it." + </p> + <p> + "By gad, I'll have another try at it—to-night. I say, has she said—anything?" + </p> + <p> + "She pities you," said she, a malicious joy in her soul. "That's akin to + something else, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Confound it all, I don't want to be pitied!" + </p> + <p> + "Then I'd advise you to defer your 'try' at it," she remarked. + </p> + <p> + "I'm mad about her, Sara. I can't sleep, I can't think, I can't—yes, + I CAN eat, but it doesn't taste right to me. I've just got to have it + settled. Why, people are beginning to notice the change in me. They say + all sorts of things. About my liver, and all that sort of thing. I'm going + to settle it to-night. It's been nearly three weeks now. She's surely had + time to think it over; how much better everything will be for her, and all + that. She's no fool, Sara. And do you know what Vivian's doing this very + instant over there in the corner? She's inviting her to spend a fortnight + over at our place. If she comes,—well, that means the engagement + will be announced at once." + </p> + <p> + Sara did not marvel at his assurance in the face of what had gone before. + She knew him too well. In spite of the original rebuff, he was thoroughly + satisfied in his own mind that Hetty Castleton would not be such a fool as + to refuse him the second time. + </p> + <p> + "It is barely possible, Leslie," she said, "that she may consider Brandon + Booth quite as good a catch as you, and infinitely better looking at the + present moment." + </p> + <p> + "It's this beastly sunburn," he lamented, rubbing his nose gently, + thinking first of his person. An instant later he was thinking of the + other half of the declaration. "That's just what I've been afraid of," he + said. "I told you what would happen if that portrait nonsense went on for + ever. It's your fault, Sara." + </p> + <p> + "But I have reason to believe she will not accept him, if it goes so far + as that. You are quite safe in that direction." + </p> + <p> + "'Gad, I'd hate to risk it," he muttered. "I have a feeling she's in love + with him." + </p> + <p> + Vivian approached. "Sara, you must let me have Miss Castleton for the + first two weeks in July," she said serenely. + </p> + <p> + "I can't do it, Vivian," said the other promptly. "I can't bear the + thought of being alone in this big old barn of a place. Nice of you to + want her, but—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't be selfish, Sara," cried Vivian. + </p> + <p> + "You don't know how much I depend on her," said Sara. + </p> + <p> + "I'd ask you over, too, dear, if there weren't so many others coming. I + don't know where we're going to put them. You understand, don't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly," said her sister-in-law, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "But I've been counting on—Hetty." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Sara," broke in Leslie, "you COULD go up to Bar Harbour with the + Williamsons at that time. Tell her about the invitation, Vivie." + </p> + <p> + "It isn't necessary," said Sara coldly. "I scarcely know the Williamsons." + She hesitated an instant and then went on with sardonic dismay: "They're + in trade, you know." + </p> + <p> + "That's nothing against 'em," protested he. "Awfully jolly people—really + ripping. Ain't they, Viv?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know them well enough to say," said Vivian, turning away. "I only + know we're all snobs of the worst sort." + </p> + <p> + "Just a minute, Viv," he called out. "What does Miss Castleton say about + coming?" It was an eager question. Much depended on the reply. + </p> + <p> + "I haven't asked her," said his sister succinctly. "How could I, without + first consulting Sara?" + </p> + <p> + "Then, you don't intend to ask her?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'll fix it up with Sara," said he confidently. + </p> + <p> + "Eh, Sara?" + </p> + <p> + "I'd suggest that you 'fix it up' with Miss Castleton," said Sara + pointedly. + </p> + <p> + Vivian shot a swift glance over her shoulder at her sister-in-law, and + then broke into a good-humoured laugh. She joined Hetty and Mrs. Redmond + Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "Sometimes I feel that I really like Vivian," observed Sara, as much to + herself as to Leslie. "She's above the board, at least." + </p> + <p> + "Disagreeable as the devil at times, though," said he, biting his lip. + </p> + <p> + After the Wrandalls had departed, Sara took Hetty off to her room. The + girl knew what was coming. + </p> + <p> + "Hetty," said the older woman, facing her after she had closed the door of + her boudoir, "what is going on between you and Brandon Booth? I must have + the truth. Are you doing anything foolish?" + </p> + <p> + "Foolish? Heaven help me, no! It—it is a tragedy," cried Hetty, + meeting her gaze with one of utter despair. + </p> + <p> + "What has happened? Tell me!" + </p> + <p> + "What am I to do, Sara darling? He—he has told me that he—he—" + </p> + <p> + "Loves you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "And you have told him that his love is returned?" + </p> + <p> + "I couldn't help it. I was carried away. I did not mean to let him see + that I—" + </p> + <p> + "You are such a novice in the business of love," said Sara sneeringly. + "You are in the habit of being carried away, I fear." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Sara!" + </p> + <p> + "You must put a stop to all this at once. How can you think of marrying + him, Hetty Glynn? Send him—" + </p> + <p> + "I do not intend to marry him," said the girl, suddenly calm and + dignified. + </p> + <p> + "I am to draw but one conclusion, I suppose," said the other, regarding + the girl intently. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Is it necessary to ask that question?" + </p> + <p> + The puzzled expression remained in the girl's eyes for a time, and then + slowly gave way to one of absolute horror. + </p> + <p> + "How dare you suggest such a thing?" she cried, turning pale, then + crimson. "How dare you?" + </p> + <p> + Sara laughed shortly. "Isn't the inference a natural one? You are + forgetting yourself." + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said the girl, through pallid lips. Her eyes were dark + with pain and misery. "You think I am altogether bad." She drooped + perceptibly. + </p> + <p> + "You went to Burton's Inn," sententiously. + </p> + <p> + "But, Sara, you must believe me. I did not know he was—married. For + God's sake, do me the justice to—" + </p> + <p> + "But you went there with him," insisted the other, her eyes hard as steel. + "It doesn't matter whether he was married—or free. You WENT." + </p> + <p> + Hetty threw herself upon her companion's breast and wound her strong young + arms about her. + </p> + <p> + "Sara, Sara, you must let me explain—you must let me tell you + everything. Don't stop me! You have refused to hear my plea—" + </p> + <p> + "And I still refuse!" cried Sara, throwing her off angrily. "Good God, do + you think I will listen to you? If you utter another word, I will—strangle + you!" + </p> + <p> + Hetty shrank back, terrified. Slowly she moved backward in the direction + of the door, never taking her eyes from the impassioned face of her + protector. + </p> + <p> + "Don't, Sara, please don't!" she begged. "Don't look at me like that! I + promise—I promise. Forgive me! I would not give you an instant's + pain for all the world. You would suffer, you would—" + </p> + <p> + Sara suddenly put her hands over her eyes. A single moan escaped her lips—a + hoarse gasp of pain. + </p> + <p> + "Dearest!" cried Hetty, springing to her side. + </p> + <p> + Sara threw her head up and met her with a cold, repelling look. + </p> + <p> + "Wait!" she commanded. "The time has come when you should know what is in + my mind, and has been for months and months. It concerns you. I expect you + to marry Leslie Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + Hetty stopped short. + </p> + <p> + "How can you jest with me, Sara?" she cried, suddenly indignant. + </p> + <p> + "I am not jesting," said Sara levelly. + </p> + <p> + "You—you—really mean—what you have just said?" The + puzzled look gave way to one of revulsion. A great shudder swept over her. + </p> + <p> + "Leslie Wrandall must pay his brother's debt to you." + </p> + <p> + "My God!" fell from the girl's stiff lips. "You—you must be going + mad—mad!" + </p> + <p> + Sara laughed softly. "I have meant it almost from the beginning," she + said. "It came to my mind the day that Challis was buried. It has never + been out of it for an instant since that day. Now you understand." + </p> + <p> + If she expected Hetty to fall into a fit of weeping, to collapse, to plead + with her for mercy, she was soon to find herself mistaken. The girl + straightened up suddenly and met her gaze with one in which there was the + fierce determination. Her eyes were steady, her bosom heaved. + </p> + <p> + "And I have loved you so devotedly—so blindly," she said, in low + tones of scorn. "You have been hating me all these months while I thought + you were loving me. What a fool I have been! I might have known. You + COULDN'T love me." + </p> + <p> + "When Leslie asks you to-night to marry him, you are to say that you will + do so," said Sara, betraying no sign of having heard the bitter words. + </p> + <p> + "I shall refuse, Sara," said Hetty, every vestige of colour gone from her + face. + </p> + <p> + "There is an alternative," announced the other deliberately. + </p> + <p> + "You will expose me to—him? To his family?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall turn you over to them, to let them do what they will with you. If + you go as his wife, the secret is safe. If not, they may have you as you + really are, to destroy, to annihilate. Take your choice, my dear." + </p> + <p> + "And you, Sara?" asked the girl quietly. "What explanation will you have + to offer for all these months of protection?" + </p> + <p> + Her companion stared. "Has the prospect no terror for you?" + </p> + <p> + "Not now. Not since I have found you out. The thing I have feared all + along has come to pass. I am relieved, now that you show me just where I + truly stand. But, I asked: what of you?" + </p> + <p> + "The world is more likely to applaud than to curse me, Hetty. It likes a + new sensation. My change of heart will appear quite natural." + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure that the world will applaud your real design? You hate the + Wrandalls. Will they be charitable toward you when the truth is given out? + Will Leslie applaud you? Listen, please: I am trying to save you from + yourself, Sara. You will fail in everything you have hoped for. You will + be more accursed than I. The world will pity me, it may even forgive me. + It will listen to my story, which is more than you will do, and it will + believe me. Ah, I am not afraid now. At first I was in terror. I had no + hope of escape. All that is past. To-day I am ready to take my chances + with the big, generous world. Men will try me, and men are not made of + stone and steel. They punish but they do not avenge when they sit in jury + boxes. They are not women! Good God, Sara, is there a man living to-day + who could have planned this thing you have cherished all these months? Not + one! And all men will curse you for it, even though they send me to prison + or to the—chair. But they will not condemn me. They will hear my + story and they will set me free. And then, what of you?" + </p> + <p> + Sara stood perfectly rigid, regarding this earnest reasoner with growing + wonder. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," she said, "you would better be thinking of yourself, not of + me." + </p> + <p> + "Why, when I tell my story, the world will hate you, Sara Wrandall. You + have helped me, you have been good to me, no matter what sinister motive + you may have had in doing so. It is my turn to help you." + </p> + <p> + "To help me!" cried Sara, astonished in spite of herself. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. To save you from execration—and even worse." + </p> + <p> + "There is no moral wrong in marriage with Leslie Wrandall," said Sara, + returning to her own project. + </p> + <p> + "No moral wrong!" cried Hetty, aghast. "No, I suppose not," she went on, a + moment later. "It is something much deeper, much blacker than moral wrong. + There is no word for it. And if I marry him, what then? Wherein lies your + triumph? You can't mean that—God in Heaven! You would not go to them + with the truth when it was too late for him to—to cast me off!" + </p> + <p> + "I am no such fool as that. The secret would be for ever safe in that + event. My triumph, as you call it, we will not discuss." + </p> + <p> + "How you must hate me, to be willing to do such an infamous thing to me!" + </p> + <p> + "I do not hate you, Hetty." + </p> + <p> + "In heaven's name, what do you call it?" + </p> + <p> + "Justification. Listen to me now. I am saying this for your good sense to + seize and appreciate. Would it be right in me to allow you to marry any + other man, knowing all that I know? There is but one man you can in + justice marry: the one who can repair the wreck that his own blood + created. Not Brandon Booth, nor any man save Leslie Wrandall. He is the + man who must pay." + </p> + <p> + "I do not intend to marry," said Hetty. + </p> + <p> + "But Leslie will marry some one, and I intend that it shall be you. He + shall marry the ex-chorus girl, the artist's model, the—the + prostitute! Wait! Don't fly at me like that! Don't assume that look of + virtuous horror! Let me say what I have to say. This much of your story + shall they know, and no more. They will be proud of you!" + </p> + <p> + Hetty's eyes were blazing. "You use that name—you call me THAT—and + yet you have kissed me, caressed me—loved me!" she cried hoarse with + passion. + </p> + <p> + "He will ask you to-night for the second time. You will accept him. That + is all." + </p> + <p> + "You must take back what you have just said to me—of me,—Sara + Wrandall. You must unsay it! You must beg my pardon for THAT!" + </p> + <p> + "I draw no line between mistress and prostitute." + </p> + <p> + "But I—" + </p> + <p> + "Enough!" + </p> + <p> + "You wrong me vilely! You must let me—" + </p> + <p> + "I have an excellent memory, and it serves me well." + </p> + <p> + Hetty suddenly threw herself upon the couch and buried her face in her + arms. Great sobs shook her slender frame. + </p> + <p> + Sara stood over her and watched for a long time with pitiless eyes. Then a + queer, uneasy, wondering light began to develop in those dark, ominous + eyes. She leaned forward the better to listen to the choked, inarticulate + words that were pouring from the girl's lips. At last, moved by some power + she could not have accounted for, she knelt beside the quivering body, and + laid her hand, almost timorously, upon the girl's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "Hetty,—Hetty, if I have wronged you in—in thinking that of + you,—I—I—" she began brokenly. Then she lifted her eyes, + and the harsh light tried to steal back into them. "No, no! What am I + saying? What a fool I am to give way—" + </p> + <p> + "You have wronged me—terribly, terribly!" came in smothered tones + from the cushions. "I did not dream you thought that of me." + </p> + <p> + "What was I to think?" + </p> + <p> + Hetty lifted her head and cried out: "You would not let me speak! You + refused to hear my story. You have been thinking this of me all along, + holding it against me, damning me with it, and I have been closer to you + than—My God, what manner of woman are you?" + </p> + <p> + Sara seized her hands and held them in a fierce, tense grip. Her eyes were + glowing with a strange fire. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me—tell me now, on your soul, Hetty;—were you—were + you—" + </p> + <p> + "No! No! On my soul, no!" + </p> + <p> + "Look into my eyes!" + </p> + <p> + The girl's eyes did not falter. She met the dark, penetrating gaze of the + other and, though dimmed by tears, her blue eyes were steadfast and + resolute. Sara seemed to be searching the very soul of her, the soul that + laid itself bare, denuded of every vestige of guile. + </p> + <p> + "I—I think I believe you," came slowly from the lips of the + searcher. "You are looking the truth. I can see it. Hetty, Hetty, I—I + don't understand myself. It is so—so overwhelming, so tremendous. It + is so incredible. Am I really believing you? Is it possible that I have + been wrong in—" + </p> + <p> + "Let me tell you everything," cried the girl, suddenly throwing her arms + about her. + </p> + <p> + "Not now! Wait! Give me time to think. Go away now. I want to be alone." + She arose and pushed the girl toward the door. Her eyes were fixed on her + in a wondering, puzzled sort of way, and she was shaking her head as if + trying to discredit the new emotion that had come to displace the one + created ages ago. + </p> + <p> + Slowly Hetty Castleton retreated toward the door. With her hand on the + knob, she paused. + </p> + <p> + "After what has happened, Sara, you must not expect me to stay with you + any longer. I cannot. You may give me up to the law, but—" + </p> + <p> + Some one was tapping gently on the door. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I see who it is?" asked the girl, after a long period of silence. + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + It was Murray. "Mr. Leslie has returned, Miss Castleton, and asks if he + may see you at once. He says it is very important." + </p> + <p> + "Tell him I will be down in a few minutes, Murray." + </p> + <p> + After the door closed, she waited until the footman's steps died away on + the stairs. + </p> + <p> + "I shall say no to him, Sara, and I shall say to him that you will tell + him why I cannot be his wife. Do you understand? Are you listening to me?" + </p> + <p> + Sara turned away without a word or look of response. + </p> + <p> + Hetty quietly opened the door and went out. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI — THE SECOND ENCOUNTER + </h2> + <p> + Booth trudged rapidly homeward after leaving Hetty at the lodge. He was + throbbing all over with the love of her. The thrill of conquest was in his + blood. She had raised a mysterious barrier; all the more zest to the + inevitable victory that would be his. He would delight in overcoming + obstacles—the bigger the better,—for his heart was valiant and + the prize no smaller than those which the ancient knights went out to + battle for in the lists of love. He had held her in his arms, he had + kissed her, he had breathed of her fragrant hair, he had felt the beating + of her frightened heart against his body. With the memory of all this to + lift him to the heights of divine exaltation, he was unable to conjure up + a finer triumph than the winning of her after the manner of the knights of + old, to whom opposition was life, denial a boon. + </p> + <p> + It was enough for the present to know that she loved him. + </p> + <p> + What if she were Hetty Glynn? What if she had been an artist's model? The + look he had had into the soul of her through those pure blue eyes was + all-convincing. She was worthy of the noblest love. + </p> + <p> + After luncheon—served with some exasperation by Patrick an hour and + a half later than usual—he smoked his pipe on the porch and stared + reminiscently at the shifting clouds above the tree-tops, and with a + tenderness about the lips that must have surprised and gratified the + stubby, ill-used brier, inanimate confederate in many a lofty plot. He + recalled all she had said to him in that sylvan confessional, and was + content. His family? Pooh! He had a soul of his own. It needed its mate. + </p> + <p> + He did not see the Wrandall motor at his garden gate until a lusty voice + brought him down from the clouds into the range of earthly sounds. Then he + dashed out to the gate, bareheaded and coatless, forgetting that he had + been sitting in the obscurity of trailing vines and purple blossoms the + while he thought of her. + </p> + <p> + Leslie was sitting on the wide seat between his mother and sister. + </p> + <p> + "Glad to see you back, old man," said Booth, reaching in to shake hands + with him. "Day early, aren't you? Good-afternoon, Mrs. Wrandall. Won't you + come in?" + </p> + <p> + He looked at Vivian as he gave the invitation. + </p> + <p> + "No, thanks," she replied. "Won't you come to dinner this evening?" + </p> + <p> + He hesitated. "I'm not quite sure whether I can, Vivian. I've got a + half-way sort of—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, do, old chap," cut in Leslie, more as a command than an entreaty. + "Sorry I can't be there myself, but you'll fare quite as well without me. + I'm dining at Sara's. Wants my private ear about one thing and another—see + what I mean?" + </p> + <p> + "We shall expect you, Brandon," said Mrs. Wrandall, fixing him with her + lorgnette. + </p> + <p> + "I'll come, thank you," said he. + </p> + <p> + He felt disgustingly transparent under that inquisitive glass. + </p> + <p> + Wrandall stepped out of the car. "I'll stop off for a chat with Brandy, + mother." + </p> + <p> + "Shall I send the car back, dear?" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind. I'll walk down." + </p> + <p> + The two men turned in at the gate as the car sped away. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Booth, "it's good to see you. Pat!" He called through a + basement window. "Come up and take the gentleman's order." + </p> + <p> + "No drink for me, Brandy. I've been in the temperance State of Maine for + two weeks. One week more of it and I'd have been completely pickled. I + shall always remember Maine." He dropped into a broad wicker chair and + felt tenderly of his nose. "'Gad, I'm not quite sure that the sun did it, + old man. It was dreadful." + </p> + <p> + Booth grinned. "Do any fishing?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. The first day. Oh, you needn't look at me like that. I'm back in the + narrow path." After a moment of painful reflection, he added, "We didn't + see water after the first day. I'm just beginning to get used to the taste + of it again." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Pat," said Booth, as the servant appeared in the doorway. + "Mr. Wrandall is not suffering." + </p> + <p> + "You know I'm not a drinking man," declared Leslie, a pathetic note of + appeal in his voice. "I hate the stuff." + </p> + <p> + "It is a good thing to let alone." + </p> + <p> + "And don't I let it alone? You never saw me tight in your life." + </p> + <p> + Booth sat down on the porch rail, hooked his toes in the supports and + proceeded to fill his pipe. Then he struck a match and applied it, Leslie + watching him with moody eyes. + </p> + <p> + "How do you like the portrait, old man?" he inquired between punctuating + puffs. + </p> + <p> + "It's bully. Sargent never did anything finer. Ripping." + </p> + <p> + "I owe it all to you, Les." + </p> + <p> + "To me?" + </p> + <p> + "You induced her to sit to me." + </p> + <p> + "So I did," said Leslie sourly. "I was Mr. Fix-it sure enough." He allowed + a short interval to elapse before taking the plunge. "I suppose, old chap, + if I should happen to need your valuable services as best man in the near + future, you'd not disappoint me?" + </p> + <p> + Booth eyed him quizzically. "I trust you're not throwing yourself away, + Les," he said drily. "I mean to say, on some one—well, some one not + quite up to the mark." + </p> + <p> + Leslie regarded him with some severity. "Of course not, old chap. What the + devil put that into your head?" + </p> + <p> + "I thought that possibly you'd been making a chump of yourself up in the + Maine woods." + </p> + <p> + "Piffle! Don't be an ass. What's the sense pretending you don't know who + she is?" + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it's Hetty Castleton," said Booth, puffing away at his pipe. + </p> + <p> + "Who else?" + </p> + <p> + "Think she'll have you, old man?" asked Booth, after a moment. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," replied the other, a bit dashed. "You might wish me luck, + though." + </p> + <p> + Booth knocked the burnt tobacco from the bowl of his pipe. A serious line + appeared between his eyes. He was a fair-minded fellow, without guile, + without a single treacherous instinct. + </p> + <p> + "I can't wish you luck, Les," he said slowly. "You see I'm—I'm in + love with her myself." + </p> + <p> + "The devil!" Leslie sat bolt upright and glared at him. "I might have + known! And—and is SHE in love with you?" + </p> + <p> + "My dear fellow, you reveal considerable lack of tact in asking that + question." + </p> + <p> + "What I want to know is this," exclaimed Wrandall, very pale but very hot: + "is she going to marry you?" + </p> + <p> + Booth smiled. "I'll be perfectly frank with you. She says she won't." + </p> + <p> + Leslie gulped. "So you've asked her?" + </p> + <p> + "Obviously." + </p> + <p> + "And she said she wouldn't? She refused you? Turned you down?" His little + moustache shot up at the ends and a joyous, triumphant laugh broke from + his lips. "Oh, this is rich! Ha, ha! Turned you down, eh? Poor old Brandy! + You're my best friend, and dammit I'm sorry. I mean to say," he went on in + some embarrassment, "I'm sorry for you. Of course, you can hardly expect + me to—er—" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not," accepted Booth amiably. "I quite understand." + </p> + <p> + "Then, since she's refused you, you might wish ME better luck." + </p> + <p> + "That would mean giving up hope." + </p> + <p> + "Hope?" exclaimed Leslie quickly. "You don't mean to say you'll annoy her + with your—" + </p> + <p> + "No, I shall not annoy her," replied his friend, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I should hope not," said Leslie with a scowl. "Turned you down, eh? + 'Pon my soul!" He appeared to be relishing the idea of it. "Sorry, old + chap, but I suppose you understand just what that means." + </p> + <p> + Booth's lips hardened for an instant, then relaxed into a queer, almost + pitying smile. + </p> + <p> + "And you want me to be your best man?" he said reflectively. + </p> + <p> + Leslie arose. His chest seemed to swell a little; assuredly he was + breathing much easier. He assumed an air of compassion. + </p> + <p> + "I shan't insist, old fellow, if you feel you'd rather not—er—See + what I mean?" It then occurred to him to utter a word or two of kindly + advice. "I shouldn't go on hoping if I were you, Brandy. 'Pon my soul, I + shouldn't. Take it like a man. I know it hurts but—Pooh! What's the + use aggravating the pain by butting against a stone wall?" + </p> + <p> + His companion looked out over the tree-tops, his hands in his trouser + pockets, and it must be confessed that his manner was not that of one who + is oppressed by despair. + </p> + <p> + "I think I'm taking it like a man, Les," he said. "I only hope you'll take + it as nicely if she says nay to you." + </p> + <p> + An uneasy look leaped into Leslie's face. He seemed noticeably less + corpulent about the chest. He wondered if Booth knew anything about his + initial venture. A question rose to his lips, but he thought quickly and + held it back. Instead, he glanced at his watch. + </p> + <p> + "I must be off. See you to-morrow, I hope." + </p> + <p> + "So long," said Booth, stopping at the top of the steps while his visitor + skipped down to the gate with a nimbleness that suggested the formation of + a sudden resolve. + </p> + <p> + Leslie did not waste time in parting inanities; he strode off briskly in + the direction of home, but not without a furtive glance out of the tail of + his eye as he disappeared beyond the hedge-row at the end of Booth's + garden. That gentleman was standing where he had left him, and was filling + his pipe once more. + </p> + <p> + The day was warm, and Leslie was in a dripping perspiration when he + reached home. He did not enter the house but made his way direct to the + garage. + </p> + <p> + "Get out the car at once, Brown," was his order. + </p> + <p> + Three minutes later he was being driven over the lower road toward + Southlook, taking good care to avoid Booth's place by the matter of a mile + or more. He was in a fever of hope and eagerness. It was very plain to him + why she had refused to marry Booth. The iron was hot. He didn't intend to + lose any time in striking. + </p> + <p> + And now we know why he came again to Sara's in the middle of a blazing + afternoon, instead of waiting until the more seductive shades of night had + fallen, when the moon sat serene in the seat of the Mighty. + </p> + <p> + He didn't have to wait long for Hetty. Up to the instant of her appearance + in the door, he had revelled in the thought that the way was now paved + with roses. But with her entrance, he felt his confidence and courage + slipping. Perhaps that may explain the abruptness with which he proceeded + to go about the business in hand. + </p> + <p> + "I couldn't wait till to-night," he explained as she came slowly across + the room toward him. She was half way to him before he awoke to the fact + that he was standing perfectly still. Then he started forward, somehow + impelled to meet her at least half-way. "You'll forgive me, Hetty, if I + have disturbed you." + </p> + <p> + "I was not lying down, Mr. Wrandall," she said quietly. There was nothing + ominous in the words, but he experienced a sudden sensation of cold. + "Won't you sit down? Or would you rather go out to the terrace?" + </p> + <p> + "It's much more comfortable here, if you don't mind. I—I suppose you + know what it is I want to say to you. You—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she interrupted wearily; "and knowing as much, Mr. Wrandall, it + would not be fair of me to let you go on." + </p> + <p> + "Not fair?" he said, in honest amazement. "But, my dear, I—" + </p> + <p> + "Please, Mr. Wrandall," she exclaimed, with a pleading little smile that + would have touched the heart of any one but Leslie. "Please don't go on. + It is quite as impossible now as it was before. I have not changed." + </p> + <p> + He could only say, mechanically: "You haven't?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I am sorry if you have thought that I might come to—" + </p> + <p> + "Think, for heaven's sake, think what you are doing!" he cried, feeling + for the edge of the table with a support-seeking hand. "I—I had + Sara's word that you were not—" + </p> + <p> + "Unfortunately Sara cannot speak for me in a matter of this kind. Thank + you for the honour you would—" + </p> + <p> + "Honour be hanged!" he blurted out, losing his temper. "I love you! It's a + purely selfish thing with me, and I'm blowed if I consider it an honour to + be refused by any woman. I—" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Wrandall!" she cried, fixing him with her flashing, indignant eyes. + "You are forgetting yourself." She was standing very straight and slim and + imperious before him. + </p> + <p> + He quailed. "I—I beg your pardon. I—I—" + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing more to be said," she went on icily. "Good-bye." + </p> + <p> + "Would you mind telling me whether there is any one else?" he asked, as he + turned toward the door. + </p> + <p> + "Do you really feel that you have the right to ask that question, Mr. + Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + He wet his lips with his tongue. "Then, there IS some one!" he cried, + rapping the table with his knuckles. He didn't realise till afterward how + vigorously he rapped. "Some confounded English nobody, I suppose." + </p> + <p> + She smiled, not unkindly. "There is no English nobody, if that answers + your question." + </p> + <p> + "Then, will you be kind enough to offer a reason for not giving me a fair + chance in a clear field? I think it's due—" + </p> + <p> + "Can't you see how you are distressing me? Must I again go through that + horrid scene in the garden? Can't you take a plain no for an answer?" + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord!" he gasped, and in those two words he revealed the complete + overturning of a life-long estimate of himself. It seemed to take more + than his breath away. + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye," she said with finality. + </p> + <p> + He stared at the door through which she disappeared, his hopes, his + conceit, his self-regard trailing after her with shameless disloyalty to + the standards he had set for them, and then, with a rather ghastly smile + of self-commiseration on his lips, he slipped out of the house, jumped + into the motor car, and gave a brief but explicit command to the + chauffeur, who lost no time in assisting his master to turn tail in + ignominious flight. + </p> + <p> + Hetty was gloomily but resolutely employed in laying out certain of her + personal belongings, preparatory to packing them for departure, when Sara + entered her room. + </p> + <p> + They regarded each other steadily, questioningly for a short space of + time. + </p> + <p> + "Leslie has just called up to ask 'what the devil' I meant by letting him + make a fool of himself," said Sara, with a peculiar little twisted smile + on her lips. + </p> + <p> + Hetty offered no comment, but after a moment gravely and rather wistfully + called attention to her present occupation by a significant flaunt of her + hand and a saddened smile. + </p> + <p> + "I see," said Sara, without emotion. "If you choose to go, Hetty, I shall + not oppose you." + </p> + <p> + "My position here is a false one, Sara. I prefer to go." + </p> + <p> + "This morning I should have held a sword over your head." + </p> + <p> + "It is very difficult for me to realise all that has happened." + </p> + <p> + "You are free to depart. You are free in every sense of the word. Your + future rests with yourself, my dear." + </p> + <p> + "It hurts me more than I can tell to feel that you have been hating me all + these months." + </p> + <p> + "It hurts me—now." + </p> + <p> + Hetty walked to the window and looked out. + </p> + <p> + "What are your plans?" Sara inquired, after an interval. + </p> + <p> + "I shall seek employment—and wait for you to act." + </p> + <p> + "I? You mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall not run away, Sara. Nor do I intend to reveal myself to the + authorities. I am not morally guilty of crime. A year ago I feared the + consequences of my deed, but I have learned much since then. I was a + stranger in a new world. In England we have been led to believe that you + lynch women here as readily as you lynch men. I now know better than that. + From you alone I learned my greatest lesson. You revealed to me the true + meaning of human kindness. You shielded me who should not. Even now I + believe that your first impulse was a tender one. I shall not forget it, + Sara. You will live to regret the baser thought that came later on. I have + loved you—yes, almost as a good dog loves his master. It is not for + me to tell the story of that night and all these months to the world. I + would not be betraying myself, but you. You would be called upon to + explain, not I. And you would be the one to suffer. When you met me on the + road that night I was on my way back to the inn to give myself into + custody. You have made it impossible for me to do so now. My lips are + sealed. It rests with you, Sara." + </p> + <p> + Sara joined her in the broad window. There was a strangely exalted look in + her face. A gilded bird-cage hung suspended in the casement. Without a + word, she threw open the window screen. The gay little canary in the + gilded cage cocked his head and watched her with alert eyes. Then she + reached up and gently removed the cage from its fastenings. Putting it + down upon the window sill, she opened the tiny door. The bird hopped about + his prison in a state of great excitement. + </p> + <p> + Hetty looked on, fascinated. + </p> + <p> + At last a yellow streak shot out through the open door and an instant + later resolved itself into the bobbing, fluttering dicky-bird that had + lived in a cage all its life without an hour of freedom. For a few seconds + it circled over the tree-tops and then alighted on one of the branches. + One might well have imagined that he could hear its tiny heart beating + with terror. Its wings were half-raised and fluttering, its head jerking + from side to side in wild perturbation. Taking courage, Master Dicky + hopped timorously to a nearby twig, and then ventured a flight to a + tree-top nearer the window casement. Perched in its topmost branches he + cheeped shrilly, as if there was fear in his little breast. + </p> + <p> + In silence the two women in the window watched the agitated movements of + the bird. The same thought was in the mind of each, the same question, the + same intense wish. + </p> + <p> + A brown thrush sped through the air, close by the timid canary. Like a + flash it dropped to the twigs lower down, its wings palpitating in violent + alarm. + </p> + <p> + "Dicky!" called Sara Wrandall, and then cheeped between her teeth. + </p> + <p> + A moment later Dicky was fluttering about the eaves; his circles grew + smaller, his winging less rhythmic, till at last with a nervous little + flutter he perched on the top of the window shutter, so near that they + might have reached to him with their hands. He sat there with his head + cocked to one side. + </p> + <p> + "Dicky!" called Sara again. This time she held out her finger. For some + time he regarded it with indifference, not to say disfavour. Then he took + one more flight, but much shorter than the first, bringing up again at the + shutter-top. A second later he hopped down and his little talons gripped + Sara's finger with an earnestness that left no room for doubt. + </p> + <p> + She lowered her hand until it was even with the open door of the gilded + cage. He shot inside with a whir that suggested a scramble. With his wings + folded, he sat on his little trapeze and cheeped. She closed and fastened + the door, and then turned to Hetty. + </p> + <p> + "My symbol," she said softly. + </p> + <p> + There were tears in Hetty's eyes. + </p> + <p> + Leslie did not turn up at his father's place in the High Street that night + until Booth was safely out of the way. He spent a dismal evening at the + boat club. + </p> + <p> + His father and mother were in the library when he came in at half-past + ten. From a dark corner of the garden he had witnessed Booth's early + departure. Vivian had gone down to the gate in the low-lying hedge with + her visitor. She came in a moment after Leslie's entrance. + </p> + <p> + "Hello, Les," she said, bending an inquiring eye upon him. "Isn't this + early for you?" + </p> + <p> + Her brother was standing near the fireplace. + </p> + <p> + "There's a heavy dew falling, Mater," he said gruffly. "Shan't I touch a + match to the kindling?" + </p> + <p> + His mother came over to him quickly, and laid her hand on his arm. + </p> + <p> + "Your coat is damp," she said anxiously. "Yes, light the fire." + </p> + <p> + "It's very warm in this room," said Mr. Wrandall, looking up from his + book. They were always doing something for Leslie's comfort. + </p> + <p> + No one seemed to notice him. Leslie knelt and struck a match. + </p> + <p> + "Well?" said Vivian. + </p> + <p> + "Well what?" he demanded without looking up. + </p> + <p> + His sister took a moment for thought. "Is Hetty coming to stay with us in + July?" + </p> + <p> + He stood erect, first rubbing his knee to dislodge the dust,—then + his palms. + </p> + <p> + "No, she isn't coming," he said. He drew a very long breath—the + first in several hours—and then expelled it vocally. "She has + refused to marry me." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall turned a leaf in his book; it sounded like the crack of doom, + so still had the room become. + </p> + <p> + Vivian had the forethought to push a chair toward her mother. It was a + most timely act on her part, for Mrs. Wrandall sat down very abruptly and + very limply. + </p> + <p> + "She—WHAT?" gasped Leslie's mother. + </p> + <p> + "Turned me down—cold," said Leslie briefly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall laid his book on the table without thinking to put the + bookmark in place. Then he arose and removed his glasses, fumbling for the + case. + </p> + <p> + "She—she—WHAT?" he demanded. + </p> + <p> + "Sacked me," replied his son. + </p> + <p> + "Please do not jest with me, Leslie," said his mother, trying to smile. + </p> + <p> + "He isn't joking, mother," said Vivian, with a shrug of her fine + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "He—he MUST be," cried Mrs. Wrandall impatiently. "What did she + REALLY say, Leslie?" + </p> + <p> + "The only thing I remember was 'good-bye,'" said he, and then blew his + nose violently. + </p> + <p> + "Poor old Les!" said Vivian, with real feeling. + </p> + <p> + "It was Sara Gooch's doing!" exclaimed Mrs. Wrandall, getting her breath + at last. + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense," said Mr. Wrandall, picking up his book once more and turning + to the place where the bookmark lay, after which he proceeded to re-read + four or five pages before discovering his error. + </p> + <p> + No one spoke for a matter of five minutes or more. Then Mrs. Wrandall got + up, went over to the library table and closed with a snap the bulky blue + book with the limp leather cover, saying as she held it up to let him see + that it was the privately printed history of the Murgatroyd family: + </p> + <p> + "It came by post this evening from London. She is merely a fourth cousin, + my son." + </p> + <p> + He looked up with a gleam of interest in his eye. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII — CROSSING THE CHANNEL + </h2> + <p> + Booth, restless with a vague uneasiness that had come over him during the + night, keeping him awake until nearly dawn, was hard put during the early + hours of the forenoon to find occupation for his interest until a + seasonable time arrived for appearing at Southlook. He was unable to + account for this feeling of uncertainty and irritation. + </p> + <p> + At nine he set out to walk over to Southlook, realising that he should + have to spend an hour in profitless gossip with the lodge-keeper before + presenting himself at the villa, but somehow relishing the thought that + even so he would be nearer to Hetty than if he remained in his own + door-yard. + </p> + <p> + Half-way there he was overtaken by Sara's big French machine returning + from the village. The car came to a standstill as he stepped aside to let + it pass, and Sara herself leaned over and cordially invited him to get in + and ride home with her. + </p> + <p> + "What an early bird you are," he exclaimed as he took his seat beside her. + </p> + <p> + She was not in a mood for airy persiflage, as he soon discovered. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Castleton has gone up to town, Mr. Booth," she said rather + lifelessly. "I have just taken her to the station. She caught the + eight-thirty." + </p> + <p> + He was at once solicitous. "No bad news, I hope?" There was no thought in + his mind that her absence was other than temporary. + </p> + <p> + "She is not coming back, Brandon." She had not addressed him as Brandon + before. + </p> + <p> + He stared. "You—you mean—" The words died on his lips. + </p> + <p> + "She is not coming back," she repeated. + </p> + <p> + An accusing gleam leaped into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "What has happened, Mrs. Wrandall?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + She was quick to perceive the change in his voice and manner. + </p> + <p> + "She prefers to live apart from me. That is all." + </p> + <p> + "When was this decision reached?" + </p> + <p> + "But yesterday. Soon after she came in from her walk with you." + </p> + <p> + "Do—do you mean to imply that THAT had anything to do with her + leaving your home?" he demanded, with a flush on his cheek. + </p> + <p> + She met his look without flinching. "It was the beginning." + </p> + <p> + "You—you criticised her? You took her to task—" + </p> + <p> + "I notified her that she was to marry Leslie Wrandall, if she marries any + one at all," she said in a perfectly level tone. + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord, Mrs. Wrandall!" + </p> + <p> + "But she is not going to marry Leslie." + </p> + <p> + "I know it—I knew it yesterday," he cried triumphantly. "She loves + me, Sara. Didn't she say as much to you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Brandon, she loves you. But she will not be your wife." + </p> + <p> + "What is all this mystery? Why can't she be my wife? What is there to + prevent?" + </p> + <p> + She regarded him with dark, inscrutable eyes. Many seconds passed before + she spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Would you want her for your wife if you knew she had belonged to another + man?" + </p> + <p> + He turned very cold. The palms of his hands were wet, as with ice-water. + Something dark seemed to flit before his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I will not believe that of her," he said, shaking his head with an air of + finality. + </p> + <p> + "That is not an answer to my question." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I would still want her," he declared steadily. + </p> + <p> + "I merely meant to put you to the harshest test," she said, and there was + relief in her voice. "She is a good girl, she is pure. I asked my question + because until yesterday I had reason to doubt her." + </p> + <p> + "Good heavens, how could you doubt those honest, guiltless eyes of—" + </p> + <p> + She shook her head sadly. "To answer you I would have to reveal the secret + that makes it impossible for her to become your wife, and that I cannot, + will not do." + </p> + <p> + "Is it fair to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps not, but it is fair to her, and that is why I must remain + silent." + </p> + <p> + "Before God, I shall know the truth,—from her, if not from you,—and—" + </p> + <p> + "If you love her, if you will be kind to her, you will let her go her way + in peace." + </p> + <p> + He was struck by the somewhat sinister earnestness of her words. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me where I may find her," he said, setting his jaw. + </p> + <p> + "It will not be difficult for you to find her," she said, frowning, "if + you insist on pursuing her." + </p> + <p> + "You drive her away from your house, Sara Wrandall, and yet expect me to + believe that your motives are friendly. Why should I accept your word as + final?" + </p> + <p> + "I did not drive her away, nor did I ask her to stay." + </p> + <p> + He stared hard at her. + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord, what is the meaning of all this?" he cried in perplexity. + "What am I to understand?" + </p> + <p> + The car had come to a stop under the porte cochere. She laid her hand on + his arm. + </p> + <p> + "If you will come in with me, Brandon, I will try to make some things + clear to you." + </p> + <p> + He left in half-an-hour, walking rapidly down the drive, his coat buttoned + closely, although the morning was hot and breathless. He held in his hand + a small scrap of paper on which was written: "If I loved you less, I would + come to you now and lie to you. If you love me, Brandon, you will let me + go my way. It is the only course. Sara is my friend, and she is yours. Be + guided by her, and believe in my love for you. Hetty." + </p> + <p> + And now, as things go in fairy stories, we should prepare ourselves to see + Hetty pass through a season in drudgery and hardship, with the ultimate + quintessence of joy as the reward for her trials and tribulations. + Happily, this is not a fairy tale. There are some things more fantastic + than fairy tales, if they are not spoiled in the telling. Hetty did not go + forth to encounter drudgery, disdain and obloquy. By no manner of means! + She went with a well-filled purse, a definite purpose ahead and a + determined factor behind. + </p> + <p> + In a manner befitting her station as the intimate friend of Mrs. Challis + Wrandall, as the cousin of the Murgatroyds, as the daughter of Colonel + Castleton of the Indian Corps, as a person supposed to be possessed of + independent means withal, she went, with none to question, none to cavil. + </p> + <p> + Sara had insisted on this, as much for her own sake as for Hetty's; she + argued, and she had prevailed in the end. What would the world think, what + would their acquaintances think, and above all what would the high and + mighty Wrandalls think if she went with meek and lowly mien? + </p> + <p> + Why should they make it possible for any one to look askance? + </p> + <p> + And so it was that she departed in state, with a dozen trunks and boxes; + an obsequiously attended seat in the parlour-car was hers; a telegram in + her bag assured her that rooms were being reserved for herself and maid at + the Ritz-Carlton; alongside it reposed a letter to Mr. Carroll, + instructing him to provide her with sufficient funds to carry out the plan + agreed upon; and in the seat behind sat the lady's maid who had served her + for a twelve-month and more. + </p> + <p> + The timely demise of the venerable Lord Murgatroyd afforded the most + natural excuse for her trip to England. The old nobleman gave up the + ghost, allowing for difference in time, at the very moment when Mrs. + Redmond Wrandall was undoing a certain package from London, which turned + out to be a complete history of what his forebears had done in the way of + propagation since the fourteenth century. + </p> + <p> + Hetty did not find it easy to accommodate her pride to the plan which was + to give her a fresh and rather imposing start in the world. She was to + have a full year in which to determine whether she should accept toil and + poverty as her lot, or emulate the symbolic example of Dicky the canary + bird. At the end of the year, unless she did as Dicky had done, her source + of supplies would be automatically cut off and she would be entirely + dependent upon her own wits and resources. In the interim, she was a + probationary person of leisure. It had required hours of persuasion on the + part of Sara Wrandall to bring her into line with these arrangements. + </p> + <p> + "But I am able and willing to work for my living," had been Hetty's + stubborn retort to all the arguments brought to bear upon her. + </p> + <p> + "Then let me put it in another light. It is vital to me, of course, that + you should keep up the show of affluence for a while at least. I think I + have made that clear to you. But here is another side to the matter; the + question of recompense." + </p> + <p> + "Recompense?" cried Hetty sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Without your knowing it, I have virtually held you a prisoner all these + months, condemned in my own judgment if not in the sight of the law. I + have taken the law unto myself. You were not convicted of murder in this + Unitarian court of mine, but of another sin. For fifteen months you have + been living under the shadow of a crime you did not commit. I was + reserving complete punishment for you in the shape of an ignoble marriage, + which was to have served two bitter ends. Well, I have had the truth from + you. I believe you to be absolutely innocent of the charge I held over + you, for which I condemned you without a hearing. Then, why should I not + employ my own means of making restitution?" + </p> + <p> + "You have condescended to believe in me. That is all I ask." + </p> + <p> + "True, that is all you ask. But is it altogether the fair way out of it? + To illustrate: our criminal laws are less kind to the innocent than to the + guilty. Our law courts find a man guilty and he is sent to prison. Later + on, he is found to be innocent—absolutely innocent. What does the + State do in the premises? It issues a formal pardon,—a mockery, pure + and simple,—and the man is set free. It all comes to a curt, belated + apology for an error on the part of justice. No substantial recompense is + offered. He is merely pardoned for something he didn't do. The State, + which has wronged him, condescends to pardon him! Think of it! It is the + same as if a man knocked another down and then said, before he removed his + foot from the victim's neck: 'I pardon you freely.' My father was opposed + to the system we have—that all countries have—of pardoning men + who have been unjustly condemned. The innocent victim is pardoned in the + same manner as the guilty one who comes in for clemency. I accept my + father's contention that an innocent man should not be shamed and + humiliated by a PARDON. The court which tried him should re-open the case + and honourably ACQUIT him of the crime. Then the State should pay to this + innocent man, dollar for dollar, all that he might have earned during his + term of imprisonment, with an additional amount for the suffering he has + endured. Not long ago in an adjoining State a man, who had served + seventeen years of a life sentence for murder, was found to be wholly + innocent. What happened? A PARDON was handed to him and he walked out of + prison, broken in spirit, health and purse. His small fortune had been + wiped out in the futile effort to prove his innocence. He gave up + seventeen years of his life and then WAS PARDONED for the sacrifice. He + should have been paid for every day spent in prison. That was the very + least they could have done." + </p> + <p> + "I see now what you mean," mused Hetty. "I have never thought of it in + that way before." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it comes to this in our case, Hetty: I have tried you all over + again in my own little court and I have acquitted you of the charge I had + against you. I do not offer you a silly pardon. You must allow me to have + my way in this matter, to choose my own means of compensating you for—" + </p> + <p> + "You saved my life," protested Hetty, shaking her head obstinately. + </p> + <p> + "My dear, I appreciate the fact that you are English," said Sara, with a + weary smile, "but won't you PLEASE see the point?" + </p> + <p> + Then Hetty smiled too, and the way was easier after that for Sara. She + gained her quixotic point, and Hetty went away from Southlook feeling that + no woman in all the world was so bewildering as Sara Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + When she sailed for England, two days later, the newspapers announced that + the beautiful and attractive Miss Castleton was returning to her native + land on account of the death of Lord Murgatroyd, and would spend the year + on the Continent, where probably she would be joined later on by Mrs. + Wrandall, whose period of mourning and distress had been softened by the + constant and loyal friendship of "this exquisite Englishwoman." + </p> + <p> + Four hundred miles out at sea, she was overtaken by wireless messages from + three persons. + </p> + <p> + Brandon Booth's message said: "I am sailing to-morrow on a faster ship + than yours. You will find me waiting for you on the landing stage." Her + heart gave a leap to dizzy heights, and, try as she would, she could not + crush it back to the depths in which it had dwelt for days. + </p> + <p> + The second bit of pale green paper contained a cry from a most unexpected + source: "Cable your London address. S. refuses to give it to me. I think I + understand the situation. We want to make amends for what you have had to + put up with during the year. She has shown her true nature at last." It + was signed "Leslie." + </p> + <p> + From Sara came these cryptic words: "For each year of famine there will + come seven years of plenty." + </p> + <p> + All the way across the Atlantic she lived in a state of subdued + excitement. Conflicting emotions absorbed her waking hours but her dreams + were all of one complexion: rosy and warm and full of a joyousness that + distressed her vastly when she recalled them to mind in the early morning + hours. During the day she intermittently hoped and feared that he would be + on the landing stage. In any event, she was bound to find unhappiness. If + he were there her joy would be short-lived and blighting; if he were not + there, her disappointment would be equally hard to bear. + </p> + <p> + He was there. She saw him from the deck of the tender as they edged up to + the landing. His tall figure loomed in the front rank against the rail + that held back the crowd; his sun-bronzed face wore a look of eager + expectancy; from her obscured position in the shadow of the deck building, + purposely chosen for reasons only too obvious, she could even detect the + alert, swift-moving scrutiny that he fastened upon the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Later on, he stood looking down into her serious blue eyes; her hands were + lying limp in his. His own eyes were dark with earnestness, with the + restraint that had fastened itself upon him. Behind her stood the + respectful but immeasurably awed maid, who could not, for the life of her, + understand how a man could be on both sides of the Atlantic at one and the + same time. + </p> + <p> + "Thank the Lord, Hetty, say I, for the five day boats," he was saying. + </p> + <p> + "You should not have come, Brandon," she cried softly, and the look of + misery in her eyes was tinged with a glow she could not suppress. "It only + makes everything harder for me. I—I—Oh, I wish you had not + come!" + </p> + <p> + "But isn't it wonderful?" he cried, "that I should be here and waiting for + you! It is almost inconceivable. And you were in the act of running away + from me, too. Oh, I have that much of the tale from Sara, so don't look so + hurt about it." + </p> + <p> + "I am so sorry you came," she repeated, her lip trembling. + </p> + <p> + Noting her emotion, he gave her hands a fierce, encouraging pressure and + immediately released them. + </p> + <p> + "Come," he said gently; "I have booked for London. Everything is arranged. + I shall see to your luggage. Let me put you in the carriage first." + </p> + <p> + As she sat in the railway carriage, waiting for him to return, she tried + in a hundred ways to devise a means of escape, and yet she had never loved + him so much as now. Her heart was sore, her desolation never so complete + as now. + </p> + <p> + He came back at last and took his seat beside her in the compartment, + fanning himself with his hat. The maid very discreetly stared out of the + window at the hurrying throng of travellers on the platform. One other + person occupied the compartment with them, a crabbed Englishman who seemed + to resent the fact that his seat was not next the window, and that maids + should be encouraged to travel first class. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it really wonderful?" whispered Booth once more, quite as if he + couldn't believe it himself. She smiled rather doubtfully. He was sitting + quite close to her and leaning forward. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman got up and went into the corridor to consult the conductor. + One might have heard him say he'd very much prefer going into another + compartment where it wouldn't be necessary for him to annoy a beastly + American bride and groom—her maid and perhaps later on his man—all + the way up to London. + </p> + <p> + "How I love you—Hetty—how I adore you!" Booth whispered + passionately. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Brandon!" + </p> + <p> + "And I don't mean to give you up," he added, his lean jaw setting hard. + </p> + <p> + "You must—oh, you must," she cried miserably. "I mean it, Brandon—" + </p> + <p> + The Englishman came back and took his seat. He glared at Booth through his + eye-glass, and that young gentleman sat up in sudden embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + "What are your plans?" asked he, turning his back on their + fellow-passenger. + </p> + <p> + "Please don't ask me," she pleaded. "You must give it up, Brandon. Let me + go my own way." + </p> + <p> + "Not until I have the whole story from you. You see, I am not easily + thwarted, once I set my heart on a thing. I gathered this much from Sara: + the obstacle is NOT insurmountable." + </p> + <p> + "She—said—that?" + </p> + <p> + "In effect, yes," he qualified. + </p> + <p> + "What did she tell you?" demanded Hetty, laying her hand on his arm. + </p> + <p> + "I will confess she didn't reveal the secret that you consider a barrier, + but she went so far as to say that it was very dark and dreadful," he said + lightly. They were speaking in very low tones. "When I pinned her down to + it, she added that it did not in any sense bear upon your honour. But + there is time enough to talk about this later on. For the present, let's + not discuss the past. I know enough of your history from your own lips as + well as what little I could get out of Sara, to feel sure that you are, in + a way, drifting. I intend to look after you, at least until you find + yourself. Your sudden break with Sara has been explained to me. Leslie + Wrandall is at the back of it. Sara told me that she tried to force you to + marry him. I think you did quite right in going away as you did, but, on + the other hand, was it quite fair to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it was most fair," she said, compressing her lips. + </p> + <p> + He frowned. + </p> + <p> + "We can't possibly be of the same opinion," he said seriously. + </p> + <p> + "You wouldn't say that if you knew everything." + </p> + <p> + "How long do you intend to stay in London?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. When does this train arrive there?" + </p> + <p> + "At four o'clock, I think. Will you go to an hotel or to friends?" He put + the question very delicately. + </p> + <p> + She smiled faintly. "You mean the Murgatroyds?" + </p> + <p> + "Your father is here, I am informed. And you must have other friends or + relatives who—" + </p> + <p> + "I shall go to a small hotel I know near Trafalgar Square," she + interrupted quietly. "You must not come there to see me, Brandon." + </p> + <p> + "I shall expect you to dine with me at—say Prince's this evening," + was his response to this. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head and then turned to look out of the window. He sat back + in his seat and for many miles, with deep perplexity in his eyes, studied + her half-averted face. The old uneasiness returned. Was this obstacle, + after all, so great that it could not be overcome? + </p> + <p> + They lunched together, but were singularly reserved all through the meal. + A plan was growing in her brain, a cruel but effective plan that made her + despise herself and yet contained the only means of escape from an even + more cruel situation. + </p> + <p> + He drove with her from the station to the small hotel off Trafalgar + Square. There were no rooms to be had. It was the week of Ascot and the + city was still crowded with people who awaited only the royal sign to + break the fetters that bound them to London. Somewhat perturbed, she + allowed him to escort her to several hotels of a like character. Failing + in each case, she was in despair. At last she plucked up the courage to + say to him, not without constraint and embarrassment: + </p> + <p> + "I think, Brandon, if you were to allow me to apply ALONE to one of these + places I could get in without much trouble." + </p> + <p> + "Good Lord!" he gasped, going very red with dismay. "What a fool I—" + </p> + <p> + "I'll try the Savoy," she said quickly, and then laughed at him. His face + was the picture of distress. + </p> + <p> + "I shall come for you at eight," he said, stopping the taxi at once. + "Good-bye till then." + </p> + <p> + He got out and gave directions to the chauffeur. Then he did a very + strange thing. He hailed another taxi and, climbing in, started off in the + wake of the two women. From a point of vantage near the corridor leading + to the "American bar," he saw Hetty sign her slips and move off toward the + lift. Whereupon, seeing that she was quite out of the way, he approached + the manager's office and asked for accommodations. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing left, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Not a thing?" + </p> + <p> + "Everything has been taken for weeks, sir. I'm sorry." + </p> + <p> + "Sorry, too. I had hoped you might have something left for a friend who + expects to stop here—a Miss Castleton." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Castleton has just applied. We could not give her anything." + </p> + <p> + "Eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Fortunately we could let her have rooms until eight this evening. We were + more than pleased to offer them to her for a few hours, although they are + reserved for parties coming down from Liverpool tonight." + </p> + <p> + Booth tried the Cecil and got a most undesirable room. Calling up the + Savoy on the telephone, he got her room. The maid answered. She informed + him that Miss Castleton had just that instant gone out and would not + return before seven o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose she will not remove her trunks from the station until she finds + a permanent place to lodge," he inquired. "Can I be of any service?" + </p> + <p> + "I think not, sir. She left no word, sir." + </p> + <p> + He hung up the receiver and straightway dashed over to the Savoy, hoping + to catch her before she left the hotel. Just inside the door he came to an + abrupt stop. She was at the news and ticket booth in the lobby, closely + engaged in conversation with the clerk. Presently the latter took up the + telephone, and after a brief conversation with some one at the other end, + turned to Hetty and nodded his head. Whereupon she nodded her own adorable + head and began the search for her purse. Booth edged around to an obscure + spot and saw her pay for and receive something in return. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" he said to himself, amazed. + </p> + <p> + She passed near him, without seeing him, and went out into the court. He + watched her turn into the Strand. + </p> + <p> + When the night boat from Dover to Calais slipped away from her moorings + that evening, Hetty Castleton and her maid were on board, with all their + bags and trunks, and Brandon Booth was supposed to be completely at sea in + the heart of that glittering London-town. + </p> + <p> + The night was fog-laden and dripping, and the crossing promised to be + unpleasant. Wrapped in a thick sea-ulster Hetty sat huddled up in the lea + of the deck-house, sick at heart and miserable. She reproached herself for + the scurvy trick she was playing on him, reviled herself and yet pitied + herself. After all, she was doing him a good turn in forcing him to + despise her for the shameless way in which she treated his devotion, his + fairness, his loyalty. He would be happier in the end for the brief spasm + of pain and disgust he was to experience in this second revelation of her + unworthiness. + </p> + <p> + Crouching there in the shadow, with the foghorn chortling hoarsely over + the shabby trick,—so it seemed to her,—she stared back at the + misty glow of the pier and tried to pierce the distance that lay between + her and the lights of London, so many leagues away. HE was there, in the + glitter and glamour of it all, but black with disappointment and wonder. + Oh, it was a detestable thing she had done! Her poor heart ached for him. + She could almost see the despair, the bewilderment in his honest eyes as + he sat in his room, hours after the discovery of her flight, defeated, + betrayed, disillusioned. + </p> + <p> + There were but few people crossing. Sailors stood by the rail, peering + into the fog, but it seemed to her that no one else was afoot on board the + steamer. Already the boat was beginning to show signs of the uneasy trip + ahead. Many foghorns, far and near, were barking their lugubrious + warnings; the choppy waves were slashing against the vessel with a steady + beat; the bobbling of the ship increased as it plunged deeper into the + cross-seas. But she had no thought of the ship, the channel or the perils + that surrounded her. Her mind was back in London with her heart, and there + was nothing ahead of her save the dread of tomorrow's sunlight. + </p> + <p> + She was a good sailor. A dozen times, perhaps, she had crossed the English + Channel, in fair weather and foul, and never with discomfort. Her maid, + she knew, was in for a wretched brawl with the waves, but Hetty was too + wise a sailor to think of trying to comfort the unhappy creature. Misery + does not always love company. + </p> + <p> + A tall man came shambling down the narrow space along the rail and stopped + directly in front of her. She started in alarm as he reached out his hand + to support himself against the deck house. As he leaned forward, he + laughed. + </p> + <p> + "You were thinking of me, Hetty," said the man. + </p> + <p> + For a long time she stared at him, transfixed, and then, with a low moan, + covered her eyes with her hands. + </p> + <p> + "Is it true—is it a dream?" she sobbed. + </p> + <p> + He dropped down beside her and gathered her in his strong, eager arms. + </p> + <p> + "You WERE thinking of me, weren't you? And reproaching yourself, and + hating yourself for running away like this? I thought so. Well, you might + just as well try to dodge the smartest detective in the world as to give + me the slip now, darling." + </p> + <p> + "You—you spied on me?" she cried, in muffled tones. She lay very + limp in his arms. + </p> + <p> + "I did," he confessed, without shame. "'Gad, when I think of what I might + be doing at this moment if I hadn't found you out in time! Think of me + back there in London, racing about like a madman, searching for you in + every—" + </p> + <p> + "Please, please!" she implored. + </p> + <p> + "But luck was with me. You can't get away, Hetty. I shan't let you out of + my sight again. I'll camp in front of your door and you'll see me wither + and die of sleeplessness, for one or the other of my eyes will always be + open." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am so tired, so miserable," she murmured. + </p> + <p> + "Poor little sweetheart!" + </p> + <p> + "I wish you would hate me." + </p> + <p> + "Lie where you are, dearest, and—forget!" + </p> + <p> + "If I only could—forget!" + </p> + <p> + "Rest. I will hold you tight and keep you warm. We're in for a nasty + crossing, but it is paradise for me. I am mad with the delight of having + you here, holding you close to me, feeling you in my arms. The wilder the + night the better, for I am wild with the joy of it all. I love you! I love + you!" He strained her closer to him in a sort of paroxysm. + </p> + <p> + She was quiet for a long time. Then she breathed into his ear: + </p> + <p> + "You will never know how much I was longing for you, just as you are now, + Brandon, and in the midst of it all you came. It is like a fairy story, + and oh, I shall always believe in fairies." + </p> + <p> + All about them were the sinister sounds of the fog—the hoots, the + growls and groans of lost things in the swirl of the North Sea current, + creeping blindly through the guideless mist. To both of them, the night + had a strangely symbolic significance: whither were they drifting and + where lay the unseen port? + </p> + <p> + A huge liner from one of the German ports slipped across their bows with + hoarse blasts of warning. They saw the misty glow of her lights for an + instant, and even as they drew the sharp breath of fear, the night resumed + its mantle and their own little vessel seemed to come to life again after + the shock of alarm and its engines throbbed the faster, just as the + heartbeats quicken when reaction sets in. + </p> + <p> + A long time afterward the throbbing ceased, bell-buoys whistled and + clanged about them; the sea suddenly grew calm and lifeless; they slid + over it as if it were a quavering sheet of ice; and lights sneaked out of + the fog and approached with stealthy swiftness. Bells rang below and above + them, sailors sprang up from everywhere and calls were heard below; the + rattling of chains and the thumping of heavy luggage took the place of + that steady, monotonous beat of the engines. People began to infest the + deck, limp and groaning, harassed but voiceless. A mighty sigh seemed to + envelop the whole ship—a sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that these two arose stiffly from their sheltered bench and + gave heed to the things that were about them. + </p> + <p> + The Channel was behind them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII — BATTLING OLD BONES + </h2> + <p> + They journeyed to Paris by the night mail. He was waiting for her on the + platform when she descended from the wagon lit in the Gare du Nord. Sleepy + passengers crowded with them into the customs department. She, alone among + them all, was smiling brightly, as if the world could be sweet at an hour + when, by all odds, it should be sleepiest. + </p> + <p> + "I was up and on the lookout for you at Amiens," he declared, as they + walked off together. "You might have got off there, you know," with a wry + grin. + </p> + <p> + "I shall not run away from you again, Brandon," she said earnestly. "I + promise, on my honour." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove," he cried, "that's a relief!" Then he broke into a happy laugh. + </p> + <p> + "I shall go to the Ritz," she said, after her effects had been examined + and were ready for release. + </p> + <p> + "I thought so," he announced calmly. "I wired for rooms before I left + London." + </p> + <p> + "Really, this is ridic—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't frown like that, Hetty," he pleaded. + </p> + <p> + As they rattled and bounced over the cobble-stones in a taxi-metre on the + way to the Place Vendome, he devoted the whole of his conversation to the + delicious breakfast they were to have, expatiating glibly on the wonderful + berries that would come first in that always-to-be-remembered meal. She + was ravenously hungry by the time they reached the hotel, just from + listening to his dissertation on chops and rolls and coffee as they are + served in Paris, to say nothing of waffles and honey and the marmalade + that no Englishman can do without. + </p> + <p> + Alone in his room, however, he was quite another person. His calm + assurance took flight the instant he closed the door and moodily began to + prepare for his bath. Resolution was undiminished, but the facts in the + case were most desolating. Whatever it was that stood between them, there + was no gainsaying its power to influence their lives. It was no trifle + that caused her to take this second flight, and the sooner he came to + realise the seriousness of opposition the better. + </p> + <p> + He made up his mind on one point in that half-hour before breakfast: if + she asked him again to let her go her way in peace, it was only fair to + her and right that he should submit to the inevitable. She loved him, he + was sure of it. Then there must be a very good reason for her perplexing + attitude toward him. He would make one more attempt to have the truth from + her. Failing in that, he would accept the situation as hopeless, for the + time being at least. She should know that he loved her deeply enough for + that. + </p> + <p> + She joined him in the little open-air cafe, and they sat down at a table + in a remote corner. There were few people breakfasting. In her tender blue + eyes there was a look of sadness that haunted him, even as she smiled and + called him beloved. + </p> + <p> + "Hetty, darling," he said, leaning forward and laying his hand on hers, + "can't you tell me what it is?" + </p> + <p> + She was prepared for the question. In her heart she knew the time had come + when she must be fair with him. He observed the pallor that stole, into + her warm, smooth cheeks as she regarded him fixedly for a long time before + replying. + </p> + <p> + "There is only one person in the world who can tell you, Brandon. It is + for her to decide. I mean Sara Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + He felt a queer, sickening sensation of uneasiness sneak into existence. + In the back of his mind, a hateful fear began to shape itself. For a long + time he looked into her sombre eyes, and as he looked the fear that was + hateful took on something of a definite shape. + </p> + <p> + "Did you know her husband?" he asked, and somehow he knew what the answer + would be. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she replied, after a moment. She was startled. Her lips remained + parted. + </p> + <p> + He watched her closely. "Has this—this secret anything to do with + Challis Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + "It has," said she, meeting his gaze steadily. + </p> + <p> + His hands clutched the edge of the table in a grip that turned the + knuckles white. + </p> + <p> + "Hetty!" he cried, in a hoarse whisper. "You—can't mean that you—" + </p> + <p> + "You must go to Sara," she cried hurriedly. "Haven't I told you that she + is the one—" + </p> + <p> + "Were you in love with that infernal scoundrel?" he demanded fiercely. + </p> + <p> + "Sara knows everything. She will tell you—" + </p> + <p> + "Were you carrying on an affair with him while professing to be the friend + of his wife? Tell me that! Did she find you out and—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Brandon, why will you persist?" she cried, her eyes aflame. "I can + tell you no more. Why do you glare at me as if I were the meanest thing on + earth? Is this love? Is this your idea of greatness? Isn't it enough for + you to know that Sara is my loyal, devoted friend; that she—" + </p> + <p> + "Wait!" he commanded darkly. "Is it possible that she did not discover + your secret until the day you left her house so abruptly? Does that + explain your sudden departure?" + </p> + <p> + "I can answer that," she said quietly. "She has known everything from the + day I met her. I have not said anything, Brandon, to lead you to believe + that I was in love with Challis Wrandall, have I?" + </p> + <p> + His eyes softened. "No, you haven't. I—I hope you will forget what I + said. You see, I knew Wrandall's reputation. He had no sense of honour. He—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I HAVE!" she said levelly. + </p> + <p> + He flushed. "I am a beast! I'll put it in this way, then: Was he in love + with you?" + </p> + <p> + "You are still unfair. I shall not answer." + </p> + <p> + He was silent for a long time. "And Sara's lips are sealed," he mused, + still possessed of doubts and fears. + </p> + <p> + "Until she elects to tell the story, dearest love, my lips are also + sealed. I love you better than anything else in all this world. I could + willingly offer up my life for you, but—well, my life does not + belong to me. It is Sara's." + </p> + <p> + "For heaven's sake, Hetty, what is all this?" he cried in desperation. + </p> + <p> + "I can say no more. It is useless to insist, Brandon. If you can wrest the + story from her, all well and good. You will hate me then, dear love. But + it cannot be helped. I am prepared." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me this much: when you refused to marry Leslie, was your course + inspired by what had happened in—in connection with Challis + Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + "You forget that it is YOU that I love," she responded simply. + </p> + <p> + "But why should Sara urge you to marry Leslie if there is anything—" + </p> + <p> + "Hush! Here is the waiter. Come to my sitting-room after breakfast. I have + something to say to you. We must come to a definite understanding. This + cannot go on." + </p> + <p> + He was with her for an hour in that pinched little sitting-room, and left + her there without a vestige of rancour in his soul. She would not give an + inch in the stand she had taken, but something immeasurably great in his + make-up rose to the occasion and he went forth with the conviction that he + had no right to demand more of her than she was ready to give. He was + satisfied to abide by her decision. The spell of her was over him more + completely than ever before. + </p> + <p> + Two days later he saw her off at the Gare de Lyons, bound for Interlaken. + There was a complete understanding between them. She wanted to be quite + alone in the Alpine town; he was not to follow her there. She had reserved + rooms at the Schweitzerhof, and the windows of her sitting-room looked + straight up the valley to the snow-covered crest of the Jungfrau. She + remembered these rooms; as a young girl she had occupied them with her + father and mother. By some hook or crook, Booth arranged by wire for her + to have them again, not an easy matter at that season of the year. Later + she was to go on to Lucerne, and then to Venice. + </p> + <p> + The slightest shred of hope was left for Booth. Even though he might + accomplish the task he had set unto himself—the conquest of Sara in + respect to the untold story—he still had Hetty's dismal prophecy + that after he learned the truth he would come to see why they could not be + married. But he would not despair. + </p> + <p> + "We'll see," was all that he said in response to her forlorn cry that they + were parting for ever. There was a grimness in the way he said it that + gave her something to cherish during the months to come; the hope that he + WOULD come back and take her in spite of herself. + </p> + <p> + He sailed from Cherbourg on the first steamship calling there. Awake, he + thought of her; asleep, he dreamed of Challis Wrandall. There was + something uncanny in the persistence with which that ruthless despoiler of + peace forced his way into his dreams, to the absolute exclusion of all + else. The voyage home was made horrid by these nightly reminders of a man + he scarcely knew, yet dreaded. He became more or less obsessed by the idea + that an evil spell had descended upon him in the shape of a ghostly + influence. + </p> + <p> + The weeks passed slowly for Hetty. There were no letters from Sara, but an + occasional line or so from Mr. Carroll. She had made Brandon Booth promise + that he would not write to her, nor was he to expect anything from her. If + her intention was to cut herself off entirely from her recent world and + its people, as she might have done in another way by pursuing the + time-honoured and rather cowardly plan of entering a convent, she was soon + to discover that success in the undertaking brought a deeper sense of + exile than she could have imagined herself able to endure at the outset. + She found herself more utterly alone and friendless than at any time in + her life. The chance companions she formed at Interlaken,—despite a + well-meant reserve,—served only to increase her feeling of + loneliness and despair. The very natural attentions of men, young and old, + depressed her, instead of encouraging that essentially feminine thing + called vanity. She lived as one without an aim, without a single purpose + except to close one day that she might begin the next. + </p> + <p> + After a time, she went on to Lucerne. Here the life on the surface was + gayer, and she was roused from her state of lethargy in spite of herself. + Once, from her little balcony in the National, she saw two of her old + acquaintances in the chorus at the Gaiety. They were wearing many pearls. + Another time, she met them in the street. She was rather quietly dressed. + They did not notice her. But the prosperous Hebraic gentlemen who attended + them were not so careless. + </p> + <p> + One day a card was brought to her rooms. For the next two weeks she had a + true and unavoidable friend in Lucerne. It would appear that Mrs. + Rowe-Martin had not been apprised of the rift in the Wrandall lute. She + had no reason to consider the exclusive Miss Castleton as anything but the + most desirable of companions. Mrs. Rowe-Martin was not long in finding out + (though how she did it, heaven knows!), that Lord Murgatroyd's grandniece + was no longer the intimate of that impossible person, Sara Gooch. She + couldn't think of Sara without thinking of Gooch. + </p> + <p> + But at last Mrs. Rowe-Martin departed, much to Hetty's secret relief, but + not before she had increased the girl's burthens by introducing her into a + cold-nosed cosmopolitan set from which there were but three ways of + escape. She refused to marry one of them, denied another the privilege of + making love to her, and declined to play auction bridge with all of them. + They were not long in dropping her, although it must be said there was + real regret among the men. + </p> + <p> + From Mrs. Rowe-Martin and others she heard that Mrs. Redmond Wrandall and + Vivian were to be in Scotland in October, for somebody-or-other's + christening, and that Leslie had been doing some really wonderful flying + at Pau. + </p> + <p> + "I am SO glad, my dear," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin, "that you refused to marry + Leslie. He is a cad. Besides, you would have been in a perpetual state of + nerves over his flying." + </p> + <p> + Of Sara, there was no news, as might have been expected. Mrs. Rowe-Martin + made it very clear that Sara was a respectable person,—but heavens! + </p> + <p> + The chill days of autumn came and the crowd began to dwindle. Hetty made + preparations to join in the exodus. As the days grew short and bleak, she + found herself thinking more and more of the happy-hearted, symbolic + dicky-bird on a faraway window ledge. His life was neither a travesty nor + a tragedy; hers was both of these. + </p> + <p> + Something told her too that Brandon Booth had wormed the truth out of + Sara, and that she would never see him again. It hurt her to think that + while Sara believed in her, the man who loved her did not. It is a way men + have. + </p> + <p> + On the eve of her departure, an event transpired that was to alter the + whole course of her life; or, more properly speaking, it was destined to + put her back into an old groove. + </p> + <p> + She was walking along the quay, in the dusk of early evening, her mind + full of the next day's journey over the mountains to Milan. The wind was + cold; about her neck there was a boa of white ostrich feathers, one end of + which fluttered gaily over her shoulder. She was continually turning + half-way about against the wind to reclaim the truant end of the boa. It + was in the act of doing so on one occasion that her attention was drawn to + two men who sauntered across the avenue from the approach to the + Schweitzerhof. + </p> + <p> + She stopped still in her tracks, petrified by amazement—and alarm, + if we may anticipate the sensation by a second or two. + </p> + <p> + One of the men was Leslie Wrandall, the other—her own father! + </p> + <p> + In a flash came the impulse to avoid them, to fly before they recognised + her. But even as she turned and started off with a sudden acceleration of + speed, a shout assailed her ears, and then came the swift rush of + footsteps over the hard pavement. + </p> + <p> + "Hetty! As I live!" cried Leslie, planting himself in front of her. His + astonishment alone kept him from laying hands upon her, to make sure that + she was really there. "Well, of all the—" + </p> + <p> + She extended her hand. "This is a surprise," she said, with admirable + control. "I hadn't the faintest notion you were in Lucerne." + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" he mumbled, shaking hands with her but still dazed and + uncertain. He suddenly remembered his companion. Turning with a shout, he + brought the soldierly, middle-aged gentleman about-face with scant + ceremony. "Hey! Colonel Castleton! See who's here! Doesn't this bowl you + over completely?" + </p> + <p> + Colonel Castleton, sallow, ascetic, deliberate in his movements, raised + his glass to his eye as he came toward them. + </p> + <p> + "'Pon my soul!" burst from his astonished lips a second afterward. He + stopped short and his jaw dropped in a most unmilitary fashion. "'Pon my + soul! It CAN'T be my daughter!" He seemed to be having difficulty not only + with his head but with his feet; neither appeared to be operating + intelligently. As a matter of fact, he stood for an instant on his toes + and then on his heels. He was perilously near to being bowled over + completely and literally. + </p> + <p> + Hetty was the first to recover. She advanced with a fair assumption of + warmth in her manner. Her heart, belying her, was as cold as ice. + </p> + <p> + "Father!" she cried, holding out her hands. + </p> + <p> + He grasped them, and looked wildly about. + </p> + <p> + "Kiss me!" she whispered imperatively. + </p> + <p> + He stooped and brushed her cheek with his long moustache. + </p> + <p> + "Good God!" he muttered, still incredulous. + </p> + <p> + She turned to the excited Leslie with a quavering smile on her lips. + </p> + <p> + "We haven't seen each other in twelve years, Mr. Wrandall," she said. + </p> + <p> + "'Pon my soul!" added her father for the third time, thereby reaching the + limit of emphasis, having placed it differently each time. + </p> + <p> + Leslie surprised himself by rising to the occasion. It occurred to him + that they would like to be alone for a little while at least. + </p> + <p> + "Then, I'll stroll on, Colonel," he said. "By Jove!" The mild expletive + was a tribute to Providence. + </p> + <p> + Not a word was spoken by father or daughter until Wrandall was many rods + away. + </p> + <p> + "Where did you meet Leslie Wrandall?" she demanded, showing which way her + thoughts ran. They were far from filial. + </p> + <p> + "Aviation field—somewhere," said he in a vague sort of way. "Pau, I + dare say. What are you doing here? I hear you've cut loose from Wrandall's + sister-in-law. Was that a sensible thing to do?" + </p> + <p> + "I fancy you've been misinformed," said she in an emotionless voice, but + offered no further word of explanation. + </p> + <p> + "Shan't we sit down here on this bench, my dear?" suggested the Colonel, + distinctly ill at ease. + </p> + <p> + "For the sake of appearances, yes," she assented. + </p> + <p> + Leslie, looking over his shoulder from a distance, saw them sitting + together on one of the outer benches. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" he said to himself once more, this time with accumulative + perplexity. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Hetty, my child," began the Colonel nervously, "it's all + nonsense your taking the stand you do toward me. I am your father. I + repeat, it's all nonsense—damned nonsense. You've got to—" + </p> + <p> + "Has it taken you all these years to find out that it's nonsense?" she + demanded, her eyes flashing. "It's no good arguing, father. I don't like + you. There is a very good reason why I should despise you. We won't go + into it. After this meeting, we go our separate ways again. This, it + seems, was unavoidable. I shan't ask anything of you, and I advise you to + ask nothing of me." + </p> + <p> + "My God, that a child should utter such words to a father!" he groaned. + </p> + <p> + "A father!" she cried so scornfully that he must have shrivelled had he + been any one else but Colonel Castleton of the Indian Corps. As it was, he + had the grace to turn a very bright red. "A noble father you have been! + And what a splendid, self-sacrificing husband you were. No! I can't forget + how my mother lived and died. You call it nonsense. Well, I call it + something else. You took a most effective way to punish my poor mother for + having the temerity to marry an English gentleman. Thank God, I have my + mother to look back to for my own ideas of gentility." + </p> + <p> + "You never understood the way things went wrong between your mother and + me," he said harshly. "She wasn't all you may be pleased to think she was. + She—" + </p> + <p> + "How dare you insinuate—" + </p> + <p> + "She chucked me. That's the sum and sub—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I was old enough to know that she left you—chucked you, if you + will—and to know why she did it. I—I suppose you are looked + upon by—these people here—Leslie Wrandall and every one else, + as a fine English gentleman, a cousin of the great Lord Murgatroyd. Are + you?" + </p> + <p> + "Confound you, Hetty, how dare you use such a tone in speaking to me?" he + exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "They THINK you are a gentleman, do they?" + </p> + <p> + "THINK? Why, dammit, I am a gentleman. The only ungentlemanly thing I ever + did in my life was to—" He checked the angry words, biting his lips + to keep them down. + </p> + <p> + "Was to desert your wife," she supplied scathingly. + </p> + <p> + "No! To marry her!" He blurted it out in his rage. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" she cried, shrinking farther away from him, cut to the quick. + </p> + <p> + He regarded her with cold, fishy eyes. She was uncommonly pretty, he was + bound to admit that. Her mother's eyes, her mother's exquisite skin, but + singularly like certain Castleton portraits that he knew. It somehow + galled him to find that there was quite as much of the blue-blooded + Castleton in her as there was commonplace Glynn; galled him more + particularly because she was his own flesh and blood after all and, in + spite of that, could taunt him with it. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't mean to hurt you, Hetty," he said, to his own surprise. The + touch of tenderness had a brief life. He scowled an instant later. "We + won't discuss the past, if you please. God knows I don't want to dig up + rotten bones. You are against your own father. That's enough for me. I + shan't impose myself upon you. You—" + </p> + <p> + "Why couldn't you have treated her with—" began Hetty hotly. + </p> + <p> + "Sh! No more of that, I say. I will not be upbraided by my own child. Now, + see here, what do you mean by letting a chance like that get away from + you?" He jerked his head in the direction Leslie had taken. + </p> + <p> + "Chance?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. This Wrandall fellow. 'Gad, I've known him less than a fortnight and + he's told me every secret he ever knew. Why don't you marry him? He's not + a bad sort." + </p> + <p> + "That is my affair," said she coldly. + </p> + <p> + "I'd take him like a shot if I was a gel in your shoes." + </p> + <p> + "He told you I had refused to marry him?" + </p> + <p> + "A hundred times." + </p> + <p> + "Did you reward his confidence by relating the WHOLE history of the + Castleton family?" + </p> + <p> + He stared at her. "Good Lord, do you think I'm an ass?" + </p> + <p> + "What have you told him?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing. I permitted him to do all the telling. He gave me a highly + commendable account of myself, of you, of the fine old family of Glynns + and—God knows what all. He restored my pride, 'pon my soul he did." + The Colonel laughed as he twisted his moustache with ironic fondness. + </p> + <p> + She was quite still for a minute or two. "I heard you were in England," + she said, changing the subject. + </p> + <p> + "It may interest you to know that the old man overlooked us completely," + he said, striking the calf of his leg with his thin walking-stick. + </p> + <p> + "Why should he leave anything to you?" + </p> + <p> + "And why not, curse him?" he growled. "Am I not his brother's son? What do + you mean by asking a question like that?" + </p> + <p> + "I think I will say good-bye to you now, father," she said deliberately. + "We may never see each other again." She arose and stood before him, cold + and proud, without a spark of emotion in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + He sat still, looking up at her in surprise. "Do you think you're doing + the right thing, Hetty?" he asked, annoyed in spite of himself. "Remember + that I am your father. I can and will overlook all you have said and done—" + </p> + <p> + "If you will go to her grave and kneel there and ask her pardon, I may + think differently of you because, after all, I am your daughter. You will + not find her buried among the stately Castletons, but in a poor little + spot far, far away from them. I can tell you how to find it. You have + never inquired, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + His eyes narrowed. "By Jove, you are a mean little beggar!" + </p> + <p> + "Mean?" she cried, clenching her hands. Then she laughed suddenly, + shrilly. "Oh, if my mother could hear you say that to me!" + </p> + <p> + "Damme!" he exclaimed, coming to his feet in considerable agitation. "Do + you want people to hear us ragging each other? Don't go into hysterics, + Hetty! See here, do you forget that I have written to you—loving + letters they were—from the heart—written, I say, over and over + again and what do I get in return? Not a single stroke of the pen from + you, except the note a year ago telling me where you were and—" + </p> + <p> + "And that was merely to relieve your anxiety when you found I'd given up + my work on the stage and might become a burden on you. Oh, I read between + your lines." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing of the sort. I never wanted you to go on the stage. Why have you + persistently refused to answer my subsequent letters?" + </p> + <p> + "Because I read between the lines in all of them," she said levelly. + </p> + <p> + "You have no right to say that I expected you to get money out of that + bally Wrandall woman—the goods merchant's daughter. That's downright + insulting in you. I shan't let it go undefend—" + </p> + <p> + "You knew I couldn't lend you a thousand pounds, father," said she, very + slowly and distinctly. + </p> + <p> + He coughed, perhaps in apology to her but more than likely to himself. + </p> + <p> + "You are at liberty," she went on, "to tell Mr. Leslie Wrandall all there + is to tell about me. He doesn't know, but it won't matter much if he does + have the truth concerning me. Tell him all if you like." + </p> + <p> + "My child," said he, with a fine display of wounded dignity, "I am not + quite the rotter you think I am." + </p> + <p> + He did not feel called upon to explain to her that he had already borrowed + a thousand pounds from her disappointed suitor, and was setting his nets + for another thousand or two. + </p> + <p> + "It really won't matter," she said wearily. "Good-bye. I am leaving at + nine to-morrow for Italy." + </p> + <p> + "See you at dinner? Or afterward, just for a—" + </p> + <p> + "I think not. I do not care to see Mr. Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "Think it over again, Hetty. Don't—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, father! How can you say such things to me?" she cried, a break in her + voice. + </p> + <p> + "Good God, my dear, isn't it natural for a father to want to see his + daughter well provided for?" + </p> + <p> + She turned away. + </p> + <p> + "I am contemplating a visit to the States shortly," he remarked, following + after her. + </p> + <p> + She whirled on him. "What!" + </p> + <p> + "Young Wrandall has asked me over for a month or two about the first of + the year. His people are in Scotland now, I hear." + </p> + <p> + "Are you THROUGH with India?" she asked in a very low voice. + </p> + <p> + "Resigned," said he succinctly. + </p> + <h3> + "TRULY?" + </h3> + <p> + He flushed and muttered an oath. She understood. He had been "kicked out!" + </p> + <p> + "Hello!" called out a sprightly voice from the gathering darkness, and the + next moment Leslie joined them. "Have dinner with us to-night, Hetty? Just + the three of us. Please do." + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you, Mr. Wrandall. I am getting ready to leave to-morrow. + Packing and all that sort of thing." + </p> + <p> + "Did Colonel Castleton tell you that I'm off for New York on Saturday? + Mother and Viv are to get the boat at Southampton. I thought you'd be + interested to know what's just turned up over there?" + </p> + <p> + "What has happened?" she cried quickly. + </p> + <p> + Leslie hesitated. A curious gleam stole into his eyes. Was it of triumph? + </p> + <p> + "Father's got rather old-fashioned ideas about certain things," he + observed, by way of preface. "He writes that Sara is contemplating a + second venture into the state of wedded bliss." + </p> + <p> + Hetty stared at him. "I—I don't believe it," she said flatly. "How + can it be possible? She sees no one." + </p> + <p> + He laughed. "You're wrong there," said he mendaciously. "She's been seeing + a great deal of a certain mutual friend of ours—all summer long." + </p> + <p> + "You mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Brandon Booth. Father says that rumour has it they are to be married + after the holidays. I fancy he needed consolation, after what happened to + him earlier in the year. He was pretty hard hit, believe me." After a + moment, he went on boldly: "I ought to be in a position to sympathise with + him, I suppose, but I don't. It isn't in me to—" + </p> + <p> + "You say they are to be married?" cried Hetty, dazed and bewildered. + </p> + <p> + They had fallen behind Colonel Castleton, who walked on stiffly ahead of + them. + </p> + <p> + Leslie treated her to his most engaging smile. + </p> + <p> + "Looks very Goochy, doesn't it? I'm coming to believe more than ever that + blood will tell. Sara knew what she was doing when she cleared her decks + for action a few months ago. 'Gad, I understand now why she was so eager + to bring off the—well, another match we know about. Pretty canny, + eh?" + </p> + <p> + "It is incredible," said she, with unnecessary vehemence. + </p> + <p> + "Not in the least. Clever person, Sara is. Sets her heart on a thing, and—woof! + she gets it, whether or no. Now, don't misunderstand me. I'm fond of + Brandon Booth. We all are. We don't object to him as a sort of family + attachment. But if she's going to marry him, we want to know where we + stand in a business way. You see, he will not only step into my brother + Chal's shoes at home, but at the office. And, heaven knows, Brandy is not + a good business man. He's great on portraits, but—I beg pardon!" + </p> + <p> + "I must leave you here, Mr. Wrandall. Good-bye!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I say, can't we see something of—" + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid not." + </p> + <p> + He kept pace with her through the hall. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose your father told you that I—I haven't altogether given up + hope of—you." + </p> + <p> + "He spoke of going to America with you, if that's what you mean," she said + coldly, and left him at the foot of the staircase. + </p> + <p> + Leslie's hand trembled as it went up to his moustache. "I can't understand + her beastly obstinacy," he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX — VIVIAN AIRS HER OPINIONS + </h2> + <p> + Chief among Booth's virtues was his undeviating loyalty to a set purpose. + He went back to America with the firm intention to clear up the mystery + surrounding Hetty Castleton, no matter how irksome the delay in achieving + his aim or how vigorous the methods he would have to employ. Sara + Wrandall, to all purposes, held the key; his object in life now was to + induce her to turn it in the lock and throw open the door so that he might + enter in and become a sharer in the secrets beyond. + </p> + <p> + A certain amount of optimistic courage attended him in his campaign + against what had been described to him as the impossible. He could see no + clear reason why she should withhold the secret under the new conditions, + when so much in the shape of happiness was at stake. It was in this spirit + of confidence that he prepared to confront her on his arrival in New York, + and it was the same unbounded faith in the belief that nothing evil could + result from a perfectly just and honourable motive that gave him the + needed courage. + </p> + <p> + He stayed over night in New York, and the next morning saw him on his way + to Southlook. There was something truly ingenuous in his desire to get to + the bottom of the matter without fear or apprehension. At the very worst, + he maintained, there could be nothing more reprehensible than a passing + infatuation, long since dispelled, or perhaps a mildly sinister episode in + which virtue had been triumphant and vice defeated with unpleasant results + to at least one person, and that person the husband of Sara Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + Pat met him at the station and drove him to the little cottage on the + upper road. + </p> + <p> + "Ye didn't stay long," said he reflectively, after he had put the bag up + in front. He took up the reins. + </p> + <p> + "Not very," replied his master. + </p> + <p> + After a dozen rods or more, Pat tried again. + </p> + <p> + "Just siventeen days, I make it." + </p> + <p> + "Seems longer." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you'll be after going back soon." + </p> + <p> + "Why should you think that, Patrick?" + </p> + <p> + "Because you don't seem to be takin' much interest in your surroundin's + here," said Pat loftily. He delivered a smart smack on the crupper with + his stubby whip, and pursed his lips for the companionship to be derived + from whistling. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you know why I went to Europe," said Booth, laying his hand + affectionately on the man's arm. + </p> + <p> + "Sure I do," said Pat, forgetting to whistle. "And was it bad luck you + had, sor?" + </p> + <p> + "A temporary case of it, I'm afraid." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the Irishman, looking up at his employer with the most + profound encouragement in his wink, "if it's anny help to you, sor, I'll + say that I've niver found bad luck to be annything but timporary. And, + believe ME, I've had plinty of it. Mary was dom near three years makin' up + her mind to say yis to me." + </p> + <p> + "And since then you've had no bad luck?" said Booth, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + "Plinty of it, begob, but I've had some one besides meself to blame for + it. There's a lot in that, Mr. Brandon. Whin a man marries, he simply + divides his luck into two parts, good and bad, and if he's like most men + he puts the bulk av the bad luck on his wife and kapes to himself all he + can av the good for a rainy day. That's what makes him a strong man and + able to meet trouble when it comes. The beauty av the arrangement is that + bad luck is only timporary and a woman enjoys talking about it, while good + luck is wid us nine-tinths of the time, whether we know it or not, and we + don't have to talk about it." + </p> + <p> + This was fine philosophy, but Booth discerned the underlying motive. + </p> + <p> + "Have you been quarrelling?" + </p> + <p> + "I have NOT," said Pat wrathfully. "But I won't say as much for Mary. The + point av me argument is that I have all the good luck in havin' married + her, and she claims to have had all the bad luck in marryin' me. Still, as + I said before,'tis but timporary. The good luck lasts and the bad don't. + She'll be after tellin' me so before sundown. That's like all women. + You'll find it out for yourself wan o' these days, Mr. Brandon, and ye'll + be dom proud ye're a man and can enjoy your good luck when ye get it. The + bad luck's always fallin' behind ye, and ye can always look forward to the + good luck. So don't be down-hearted. She'll take you, or me name's not + what it ought to be." + </p> + <p> + Booth was inclined to accept this unique discourse as a fair-weather sign. + </p> + <p> + "Take these bags upstairs, Pat," said he on their arrival at the cottage, + "and then come down and drive me over to Mrs. Wrandall's." + </p> + <p> + "Will ye be after stayin' for lunch with her, Mr. Brandon?" inquired Pat, + climbing over the wheel. + </p> + <p> + "I can't answer that question now." + </p> + <p> + "Hiven help both av us if Mary's good luncheon goes to waste," said Pat + ominously. "That's all I have to say. She'll take it out av both av us." + </p> + <p> + "Tell her I'll be here for lunch," said Booth, with alacrity. From which + it may be perceived that master and man were of one mind when it came to + considering the importance of Mary. + </p> + <p> + Pat studied his watch for a moment with a calculating eye. + </p> + <p> + "It's half-past eliven now, sor," he announced. "D'ye think ye can make + it?" + </p> + <p> + Booth reflected. "I think not," he said. "I'll have luncheon first." + Whereupon he leaped from the trap and went in to tell Mary how happy he + was to be where he could enjoy home-cooking. + </p> + <p> + At four he was delivered at Sara's door by the astute Patrick, announced + by the sedate Watson and interrogated by the intelligent Murray, who + seemed surprised to hear that he would NOT have anything cool to drink. + Sara sent word that she would be down in fifteen minutes, but, as a matter + of fact, appeared in less than three. + </p> + <p> + She came directly to the point. + </p> + <p> + "Well," she said, with her mysterious smile, "she sent you back to me, I + see." He was still clasping her hand. + </p> + <p> + "Have you heard from her?" he asked quickly. + </p> + <p> + "No. But I knew just what would happen. I told you it would prove to be a + wild goose chase. Where is she?" + </p> + <p> + He sat down beside her on the cool, white covered couch. + </p> + <p> + "In Switzerland. I put her on the train the night before I sailed. Yes, + she did send me back to you. Now I'm here, I want the whole story, Sara. + What is it that stands between us?" + </p> + <p> + For an hour he pleaded with her, all to no purpose. She steadfastly + refused to divulge the secret. Not even his blunt reference to Challis + Wrandall's connection with the affair found a vulnerable spot in her + armour. + </p> + <p> + "I shan't give it up, Sara," he said, at the end of his earnest harangue + against the palpably unfair stand both she and Hetty were taking. "I mean + to harass you, if you please, until I get what I'm after. It is of the + most vital importance to me. Quite as much so, I am sure, as it appears to + be to you. If Hetty will say the word, I'll take her gladly, just as she + is, without knowing what all this is about. But, you see, she won't + consent. There must be some way to override her. You both admit there is + no legal barrier. You tell me to-day that there is no insanity in her + family, and a lot of other things that I've been able to bring out by + questioning, so I am more than ever certain that the obstacle is not so + serious as you would have me believe. Therefore, I mean to pester you + until you give in, my dear Sara." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," she said resignedly. "When may I expect a renewal of the + conflict?" + </p> + <p> + "Would to-morrow be convenient?" he asked quaintly. + </p> + <p> + She returned his smile. "Come to luncheon." + </p> + <p> + "Have I your permission to start the portrait?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. As soon as you like." + </p> + <p> + He left her without feeling that he had gained an inch along the road to + success. That night, in the gloaming of his star-lit porch, he smoked many + a pipeful and derived therefrom a profound estimate of the value of tact + and discretion as opposed to bold and impulsive measures in the handling + of a determined woman. He would make haste slowly, as the saying goes. + Many an unexpected victory is gained by dilatory tactics, provided the + blow is struck at the psychological moment of least resistance. + </p> + <p> + The weeks slipped by. He was with her almost daily. Other people came to + her house, some for rather protracted visits, others in quest of pillage + at the nightly bridge table, but he was seldom missing. There were times + when he thought he detected a tendency to waver, but each cunning attempt + on his part to encourage the impulse invariably brought a certain mocking + light into her eyes and he veered off in defeat. Something kept telling + him, however, that the hour was bound to come when she would falter in her + resolution; when frankness would meet frankness, and the veil be lifted. + </p> + <p> + A rather impossible relative in the person of an aunt came to spend the + month of August with Sara—her father's sister. She was a true, + unvarnished Gooch. Booth shuddered at times when she emerged flat-foot + from the background and revelled in the Goochiness that would not stay + put, no matter how hard she tried to subdue it. She was a good soul,—much + too good, in fact,—and her efforts to live up to requirements were + not only ludicrous but exasperating. Sara was quite serene about her, + however. She made no excuses for the old lady; in fact, she appeared to be + quite devoted to her. Booth was beginning to appreciate something of the + horror the Wrandalls must have felt when Challis took unto himself a + Gooch. He berated himself in secret for his snobbishness and in public + made atonement by being expansively polite to Mrs. Coburn. The good lady + had the habit of telling every one what a wonderful person Sebastian Gooch + had been, sometimes comparing him not unfavourably with Napoleon Bonaparte + and George Washington: he was like the Corsican in getting the better of + his adversaries, no matter how he had to go about it, but like the Father + of his Country in the matter of veracity. So far as she knew, Sebastian + had never told a lie. To Mrs. Coburn, Sebastian was Saint Sebastian. + </p> + <p> + The portrait was finished before Mrs. Coburn left. She liked everything + about it except the gown, the drapery and—yes, the hands. They were + too long and tapering. No Gooch ever had a hand like that. The Gooch hands + were broad and strong: like her own. All this, notwithstanding the fact + that Sara's hand lay exposed all the time she was speaking, a physical + contradiction to her assertion. + </p> + <p> + She stayed the month and then re-entered Yonkers. + </p> + <p> + There were no letters from Hetty, no word of any description. If Sara knew + anything of the girl's movements she did not take Booth into her + confidence. + </p> + <p> + Leslie Wrandall went abroad in August, ostensibly to attend the aviation + meets in France and England. His mother and sister sailed in September, + but not before the entire colony of which they were a part had begun to + discuss Sara and Booth with a relish that was obviously distasteful to the + Wrandalls. + </p> + <p> + Where there is smoke there is fire, said all the gossips, and forthwith + proceeded to carry fagots. + </p> + <p> + A week or so before sailing, Mrs. Redmond Wrandall had Booth in for + dinner. I think she said en famille. At any rate, Sara was not asked, + which is proof enough that she was bent on making it a family affair. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, Booth sat in the screened upper balcony with Vivian. He + liked her. She was a keen-witted, plain-spoken young woman, with few false + ideals and no subtlety. She was less snobbish than arrogant. Of all the + Wrandalls, she was the least self-centred. Leslie never quite understood + her for the paradoxical reason that she thoroughly understood him. + </p> + <p> + "You know, Brandon," she said, after a long silence between them, "they've + been setting my cap for you for a long, long time." She blew a thin stream + of cigarette smoke toward the moon. + </p> + <p> + He started. It was a bolt from a clear sky. "The deuce!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she went on in the most casual tone, "mother's had her heart set on + it for months. You were supposed to be mine at first sight, I believe. + Please don't look so uneasy. I'm not going to propose to you." She laughed + her little ironic laugh. + </p> + <p> + "So that is the way things stood, eh?" he said, still a little amazed by + her candour. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. And what is more to the point, I am quite sure I should have said + yes if you had asked me. Sounds odd, doesn't it? Rather amusing, too, + being able to discuss it so unreservedly, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Good heavens, Viv!" he cried uncomfortably. "I—I had no idea you + cared—" + </p> + <p> + "Cared!" she cried, as he paused. "I don't care two pins for you in that + way. But I would have married you, just the same, because you are worth + marrying. I'd very much rather have you for a husband than any man I know, + but as for loving you! Pooh! I'd love you in just the way mother loves + father, and I wouldn't have been a bit more trouble to you than she is to + him." + </p> + <p> + "'Gad, you don't mind what you say!" + </p> + <p> + "Failing to nab you, Brandy, I dare say I'll have to come down to a duke + or, who knows? maybe a mere prince. It isn't very enterprising, is it? And + certainly it isn't a gay prospect. Really, I had hoped you would have me. + I flatter myself, I suppose, but, honestly now, we would have made a + rather nice looking couple, wouldn't we?" + </p> + <p> + "You flatter me," he said. + </p> + <p> + "But," she resumed, calmly exhaling, "you very foolishly fell in love with + some one else, and it wasn't necessary for me to pretend that I was in + love with you—which I should have done, believe me, if you had given + me the chance. You fell in love, first with Hetty Castleton." + </p> + <p> + "First?" he cried, frowning. + </p> + <p> + "And now you are heels over head in love with my beautiful sister-in-law. + Which all goes to prove that I would have made just the kind of wife you + need, considering your tendency to fluctuate. But how dreadful it would + have been for a sentimental, loving girl like Hetty!" + </p> + <p> + He sat bolt upright and stared hard at her. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Viv, what the dickens are you driving at? I'm not in love with + Sara—not in the least,—and—" He checked himself sharply. + "What an ass I am! You're guying me." + </p> + <p> + "In any event, I am right about Hetty," she said, leaning forward, her + manner quite serious. + </p> + <p> + "If it will ease your mind," he said stiffly, "I plead guilty with all my + heart." + </p> + <p> + She favoured him with a slight frown of annoyance. + </p> + <p> + "And you deny the fluctuating charge?" + </p> + <p> + "Most positively. I can afford to be honest with you, Viv. You are a + corker. I love Hetty Castleton with all my soul." + </p> + <p> + She leaned back in her chair. "Then why don't you dignify your soul by + being honest with HER?" + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + For a half-minute she was silent. "Are you and I of the same stripe, after + all? Would you marry Sara without loving her, as I would have done by you? + It doesn't seem like you, Brandon." + </p> + <p> + "Good heaven, I'm not going to marry Sara!" he blurted out. "It's never + entered my head." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps it has entered hers." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense! She isn't going to marry anybody. And she knows how I feel + toward Hetty. If it came to the point where I decided to marry without + love, 'pon my soul, Viv, I believe I'd pick you out as the victim." + </p> + <p> + "Wonderful combination!" she said with a frank laugh. "The quintessence of + 'no love lost.' But to resume! Do you know that people are saying you are + to be married before the winter is over?" + </p> + <p> + "Let 'em say it," he said gruffly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well," she said, despatching it all with a gesture, "if that's the + way you feel about it, there's no more to be said." + </p> + <p> + He was ashamed. "I beg your pardon, I shouldn't have said that." + </p> + <p> + "You see," she went on, reverting to the original topic, "people who know + Sara are likely to credit her with motives you appear to be totally + ignorant of. She set her heart on my brother Challis, when she was a great + deal younger than she is now, and she got him. If age and experience count + for anything, how capable she must be by this time." + </p> + <p> + He was too wise to venture an opinion. "I assure you she has no designs on + me." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps not. But I fancy that even you could not escape as St. Anthony + did. She is most alluring." + </p> + <p> + "You don't like her." + </p> + <p> + "Obviously. And yet I don't dislike her. She has the virtue of + consistency, if one may use the expression. She loved my brother. Leslie + says she should have hated him. We have tried to like her. I think I have + come nearer to it than any of the others, not excepting Leslie, who has + always been her champion. I suppose you know that he was your rival at one + time." + </p> + <p> + "He mentioned it," said Booth drily. + </p> + <p> + "I should have been very much disappointed in her if she had accepted + him." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed?" + </p> + <p> + "I sometimes wonder if Sara spiked Leslie's guns for him." + </p> + <p> + "I can tell you something you don't know, Vivian," said he. "Sara was + rather keen about making a match there." + </p> + <p> + Vivian's smile was slow but triumphant. "That is just what I thought. + There you are! Doesn't that explain Sara?" + </p> + <p> + "In a measure, yes. But, you see, it developed that Hetty cared for some + one else, and that put a stop to everything." + </p> + <p> + "Am I to take it that you are the some one else?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said he soberly. + </p> + <p> + "Then, may I ask why she went away so suddenly?" + </p> + <p> + "You may ask but I can't answer." + </p> + <p> + "Do you want my opinion? She went away because Sara, failing in her plan + to marry her off to Leslie, decided that it would be fatal to a certain + project of her own if she remained on the field of action. Do I make + myself clear?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you are away off in your conclusions, Viv." + </p> + <p> + "Time will tell," was her cabalistic rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + Her father appeared on the lawn below and called up to them. + </p> + <p> + "You are wanted at the telephone, Brandon. I've just been talking to + Sara." + </p> + <p> + "Did she call you up, father?" asked Vivian, leaning over the rail. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. About nothing in particular, however." + </p> + <p> + She turned upon Booth with a mocking smile. He felt the colour rush to his + face, and was angry with himself. + </p> + <p> + He went in to the telephone. Almost her first words were these: + </p> + <p> + "What has Vivian been telling you about me, Brandon?" + </p> + <p> + He actually gasped. "Good heavens, Sara!" + </p> + <p> + He heard her low laugh. "So she HAS been saying things, has she?" she + asked. "I thought so. I've had it in my bones to-night." + </p> + <p> + He was at a loss for words. It was positively uncanny. As he stood there, + trying to think of a trivial remark, her laugh came to him again over the + wire, followed by a drawling "good-night," and then the soughing of the + wind over the "open" wire. + </p> + <p> + The next day he called her up on the telephone quite early. He knew her + habits. She would be abroad in her gardens by eight o'clock. He remembered + well that Leslie, in commenting on her absurdly early hours, had once said + that her "early bird" habit was hereditary: she got it from Sebastian. + </p> + <p> + "What put it into your head, Sara, that Vivian was saying anything + unpleasant about you last night?" + </p> + <p> + "Magic," she replied succinctly. + </p> + <p> + "Rubbish!" + </p> + <p> + "I have a magic tapestry that transports me, hither and thither, and by + night I always carry Aladdin's lamp. So, you see, I see and hear + everything." + </p> + <p> + "Be sensible." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. I will be sensible. If you intend to be influenced by what + Vivian or her mother said to you last night, I think you'd be wise to + avoid me from this time on." + </p> + <p> + Prepared though he was, he blinked his eyes and said something she didn't + quite catch. + </p> + <p> + She went on: "Moreover, in addition to my attainments in the black art, I + am quite as clever as Mr. Sherlock Holmes in some respects. I really do + some splendid deducing. In the first place, you were asked there and I was + not. Why? Because I was to be discussed. You see—" + </p> + <p> + "Marvellous!" he interrupted loudly. + </p> + <p> + "You were to be told that I have cruel designs upon you." + </p> + <p> + "Go on, please." + </p> + <p> + "And all that sort of thing," she said sweepingly, and he could almost see + the inclusive gesture with her free hand. He laughed but still marvelled + at the shrewdness of her perceptions. + </p> + <p> + "I'll come over this afternoon and show you wherein you are wrong," he + began, but she interrupted him with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + "I am starting for the city before noon, by motor, to be gone at least a + fortnight." + </p> + <p> + "What! This is the first I've heard of it." + </p> + <p> + Again she laughed. "To be perfectly frank with you, I hadn't heard of it + myself until just now. I think I shall go down to the Homestead with the + Carrolls." + </p> + <p> + "Hot Springs?" + </p> + <p> + "Virginia," she added explicitly. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Sara, what does all this mean? You—" + </p> + <p> + "And if you should follow me there, Vivian's estimate of us will not be so + far out of the way as we'd like to make it." + </p> + <p> + True to her word, she was gone when he drove over later on in the day. + Somehow, he experienced a feeling of relief. Not that he was oppressed by + the rather vivacious opinions of Vivian and her ilk, but because something + told him that Sara was wavering in her determination to withhold the + secret from him and fled for perfectly obvious reasons. + </p> + <p> + He had two commissions among the rich summer colonists. One, a full length + portrait of young Beardsley in shooting togs, was nearly finished. The + other was to be a half-length of Mrs. Ravenscroft, who wanted one just + like Hetty Castleton's, except for the eyes, which she admitted would have + to be different. Nothing was said of the seventeen years' difference in + their ages. Vivian had put off posing until Lent. + </p> + <p> + The Wrandalls departed for Scotland, and other friends of his began to + desert the country for the city. The fortnight passed and another week + besides. Mrs. Ravenscroft decided to go to Europe when the picture was + half-finished. + </p> + <p> + "You can finish it when I come back in December, Mr. Booth," she said. + "I'll have several new gowns to choose from, too." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be busy all winter, Mrs. Ravenscroft," he said coldly. + </p> + <p> + "How annoying," she said calmly, and that was the end of it all. She had + made the unpleasant discovery that it WASN'T going to be in the least like + Hetty Castleton's, so why bother about it? + </p> + <p> + Booth waited until Sara came out to superintend the closing of her house + for the winter. He called at Southlook on the day of her arrival. He was + struck at once by the curious change in her appearance and manner. There + was something bleak and desolate in the vividly brilliant face: the tired, + wistful, harassed look of one who has begun to quail and yet fights on. + </p> + <p> + "Will you go out with me to-morrow, Brandon, for an all-day trip in the + car?" she asked, as they stood together before the open fireplace on this + late November afternoon. Her eyes were moody, her voice rather lifeless. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," he said, watching her closely. Was the break about to come? + </p> + <p> + "I will stop for you at nine." After a short pause, she looked up and + said: "I suppose you would like to know where I am taking you." + </p> + <p> + "It doesn't matter, Sara." + </p> + <p> + "I want you to go with me to Burton's Inn." + </p> + <p> + "Burton's Inn?" + </p> + <p> + "That is the place where my husband was killed," she said, quite steadily. + </p> + <p> + He started. "Oh! But—do you think it best, Sara, to open old wounds + by—" + </p> + <p> + "I have thought it all out, Brandon. I want to go there—just once. I + want to go into that room again." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX — ONCE MORE AT BURTON'S INN + </h2> + <p> + Again Sara Wrandall found herself in that never-to-be-forgotten room at + Burton's Inn. On that grim night in March, she had entered without fear or + trembling because she knew what was there. Now she quaked with a mighty + chill of terror, for she knew not what was there in the quiet, now + sequestered room. Burton had told them on their arrival after a long drive + across country that patrons of the inn invariably asked which room it was + that had been the scene of the tragedy, and, on finding out, refused + point-blank to occupy it. In consequence, he had been obliged to transform + it into a sort of store and baggage room. + </p> + <p> + Sara stood in the middle of the murky room, for the shutters had long been + closed to the light of day, and looked about her in awe at the + heterogeneous mass of boxes, trunks, bundles and rubbish, scattered over + the floor without care or system. She had closed the door behind her and + was quite alone. Light sneaked in through the cracks in the shutters, but + so meagrely that it only served to increase the gloom. A dismantled + bedstead stood heaped up in the corner. She did not have to be told what + bed it was. The mattress was there too, rolled up and tied with a thick + garden rope. She knew there were dull, ugly blood-stains upon it. Why the + thrifty Burton had persevered in keeping this useless article of + furniture, she could only surmise. Perhaps it was held as an inducement to + the morbidly curious who always seek out the gruesome and gloat even as + they shudder. + </p> + <p> + For a long time she stood immovable just inside the door, recalling the + horrid picture of another day. She tried to imagine the scene that had + been enacted there with gentle, lovable Hetty Glynn and her whilom husband + as the principal characters. The girl had told the whole story of that + ugly night. Sara tried to see it as it actually had transpired. For months + this present enterprise had been in her mind: the desire to see the place + again, to go there with old impressions which she could leave behind when + ready to emerge in a new frame of mind. It was here that she meant to + shake off the shackles of a horrid dream, to purge herself of the last + vestige of bitterness, to cleanse her mind of certain thoughts and + memories. + </p> + <p> + Downstairs Booth waited for her. He heard the story of the tragedy from + the surly inn-keeper, who crossly maintained that his business had been + ruined. Booth was vaguely impressed, he knew not why, by Burton's + description of the missing woman. "I'd say she was about the size of Mrs. + Wrandall herself, and much the same figger," he said, as he had said a + thousand times before. "My wife noticed it the minute she saw Mrs. + Wrandall. Same height and everything." + </p> + <p> + A bell rang sharply and Burton glanced over his shoulder at the indicator + on the wall behind the desk. He gave a great start and his jaw sagged. + </p> + <p> + "Great Scott!" he gasped. A curious greyness stole over his face. "It's—it's + the bell in that very room. My soul, what can—" + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Wrandall is up there, isn't she?" demanded Booth. + </p> + <p> + "It ain't rung since the night he pushed the button for—Oh, gee! + You're right. She IS up there. My, what a scare it gave me." He wiped his + brow. Turning to a boy, he commanded him to answer the bell. The boy went + slowly, and as he went he removed his hands from his pockets. He came back + an instant later, more swiftly than he went, with the word that "the lady + up there" wanted Mr. Booth to come upstairs. + </p> + <p> + She was waiting for him in the open doorway. A shaft of bright sunlight + from a window at the end of the hall fell upon her. Her face was + colourless, haggard. He paused for an instant to contrast her as she stood + there in the pitiless light with the vivid creature he had put upon canvas + so recently. + </p> + <p> + She beckoned to him and turned back into the room. He followed. + </p> + <p> + "This is the room, Brandon, where my husband met the death he deserved," + she said quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Deserved? Good heavens, Sara, are you—" + </p> + <p> + "I want you to look about you and try to picture how this place looked on + the night of the murder. You have a vivid imagination. None of this + rubbish was here. Just a bed, a table and two chairs. There was a carpet + on the floor. There were two people here, a man and a woman. The woman had + trusted the man. She trusted him until the hour in which he died. Then she + found him out. She had come to this place, believing it was to be her + wedding night. She found no minister here. The man laughed at her and + scoffed. Then she knew. In horror, shame, desperation she tried to break + away from him. He was strong. She was a good woman; a virtuous, honourable + woman. She saved herself." + </p> + <p> + He was staring at her with dilated eyes. Slowly the truth was being borne + in upon him. + </p> + <p> + "The woman was—Hetty?" came hoarsely from his stiffening lips. "My + God, Sara!" + </p> + <p> + She came close to him and spoke in a half-whisper. "Now you know the + secret. Is it safe with you?" + </p> + <p> + He opened his lips to speak, but no words came forth. Paralysis seemed to + have gripped not only his throat but his senses. He reeled. She grasped + his arm in a tense, fierce way, and whispered: + </p> + <p> + "Be careful! No one must hear what we are saying." She shot a glance down + the deserted hall. "No one is near. I made sure of that. Don't speak! + Think first—think well, Brandon Booth. It is what you have been + seeking for months:—the truth. You share the secret with us now. + Again I ask, is it safe with you?" + </p> + <p> + "My God!" he muttered again, and passed his hand over his eyes. His brow + was wet. He looked at his fingers dumbly as if expecting to find them + covered with blood. + </p> + <p> + "Is it safe with you?" for the third time. + </p> + <p> + "Safe? Safe?" he whispered, following her example without knowing that he + did so. "I—I can't believe you, Sara. It can't be true." + </p> + <p> + "It IS true." + </p> + <p> + "You have known—all the time?" + </p> + <p> + "From that night when I stood where we are standing now." + </p> + <p> + "And—and—SHE?" + </p> + <p> + "I had never seen her until that night. I saved her." + </p> + <p> + He dropped suddenly upon the trunk that stood behind him, and buried his + face in his hands. For a long time she stood over him, her interest + divided between him and the hall, wherein lay their present peril. + </p> + <p> + "Come," she said at last. "Pull yourself together. We must leave this + place. If you are not careful, they will suspect something downstairs." + </p> + <p> + He looked up with haggard eyes, studying her face with curious intentness. + </p> + <p> + "What manner of woman are you, Sara?" he questioned, slowly, wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + "I have just discovered that I am very much like other women, after all," + she said. "For awhile I thought I was different, that I was stronger than + my sex. But I am just as weak, just as much to be pitied, just as much to + be scorned as any one of my sisters. I have spoiled a great act by + stooping to do a mean one. God will bear witness that my thoughts were + noble at the outset; my heart was soft. But, come! There is much more to + tell that cannot be told here. You shall know everything." + </p> + <p> + They went downstairs and out into the crisp autumn air. She gave + directions to her chauffeur. They were to traverse for some distance the + same road she had taken on that ill-fated night a year and a half before. + In course of time the motor approached a well-remembered railway crossing. + </p> + <p> + "Slow down, Cole," she said. "This is a mean place—a very mean + place." Turning to Booth, who had been sitting grim and silent beside her + for miles, she said, lowering her voice: "I remember that crossing yonder. + There is a sharp curve beyond. This is the place. Midway between the two + crossings, I should say. Please remember this part of the road, Brandon, + when I come to the telling of that night's ride to town. Try to picture + this spot—this smooth, straight road as it might be on a dark, + freezing night in the very thick of a screaming blizzard, with all the + world abed save—two women." + </p> + <p> + In his mind he began to draw the picture, and to place the two women in + the centre of it, without knowing the circumstances. There was something + fascinating in the study he was making, something gruesome and full of + sinister possibilities for the hand of a virile painter. He wondered how + near his imagination was to placing the central figures in the picture as + they actually appeared on that secret night. + </p> + <p> + At sunset they went together to the little pavilion at the end of the pier + which extended far out into the Sound. Here they were safe from the ears + of eavesdroppers. The boats had been stowed away for the winter. The wind + that blew through the open pavilion, now shorn of all its comforts and + luxuries, was cold, raw and repelling. No one would disturb them here. + </p> + <p> + With her face set toward the sinking east, she leaned against one of the + thick posts, and, in a dull, emotionless voice, laid bare the whole story + of that dreadful night and the days that followed. She spared no details, + she spared not herself in the narration. + </p> + <p> + He did not once interrupt her. All the time she was speaking he was + studying the profile of her face as if fascinated by its strange + immobility. For the matter of a full half-hour he sat on the rail, his + back against a post, his arms folded across the breast of the thick ulster + he wore, staring at her, drinking in every word of the story she told. A + look of surprise crept into his face when she came to the point where the + thought of marrying Hetty to the brother of her victim first began to + manifest itself in her designs. For a time the look of incredulity + remained, to be succeeded by utter scorn as she went on with the recital. + Her reasons, her excuses, her explanations for this master-stroke in the + way of compensation for all that she had endured at the hands of the + scornful Wrandalls, all of whom were hateful to her without exception, + stirred him deeply. He began to understand the forces that compelled her + to resort to this Machiavellian plan for revenge on them. She admitted + everything: her readiness to blight Hetty's life for ever; her utter + callousness in laying down these ugly plans; her surpassing + vindictiveness; her reflections on the triumph she was to enjoy when her + aims were fully attained. She confessed to a genuine pity for Hetty + Castleton from the beginning, but it was outweighed by that thing she + could only describe as an obsession!...How she hated the Wrandalls!...Then + came the real awakening: when the truth came to her as a revelation from + God. Hetty had not been to blame. The girl was innocent of the one sin + that called for vengeance so far as she was concerned. The slaying of + Challis Wrandall was justified! All these months she had been harbouring a + woman she believed to have been his mistress as well as his murderess. It + was not so much the murderess that she would have foisted upon the + Wrandalls as a daughter, but the mistress!...She loved the girl, she had + loved her from that first night. Back of it all, therefore, lay the stern, + unsuspected truth: from the very beginning she instinctively had known + this girl to be innocent of guile....Her house of cards fell down. There + was nothing left of the plans on which it had been constructed. It had all + been swept away, even as she strove to protect it against destruction, and + the ground was strewn with the ashes of fires burnt out....She was shocked + to find that she had even built upon the evil spot! Almost word for word + she repeated Hetty's own story of her meeting with Challis Wrandall, and + how she went, step by step and blindly, to the last scene in the tragedy, + when his vileness, his true nature was revealed to her. The girl had told + her everything. She had thought herself to be in love with Wrandall. She + was carried away by his protestations. She was infatuated. (Sara smiled to + herself as she spoke of this. She knew Challis Wrandall's charm!) The girl + believed in him implicitly. When he took her to Burton's Inn it was to + make her his wife, as she supposed. He had arranged everything. Then came + the truth. She defended herself.... + </p> + <p> + "I came upon her in the road on that wild night, Brandon, at the place I + pointed out. Can you picture her as I have described her? Can you picture + her despair, her hopelessness, her misery? I have told you everything, + from beginning to end. You know how she came to me, how I prepared her for + the sacrifice, how she left me. I have not written to her. I cannot. She + must hate me with all her soul, just as I have hated the Wrandalls, but + with greater reason, I confess. She would have given herself up to the law + long ago, if it had not been for exposing me to the world as her defender, + her protector. She knew she was not morally guilty of the crime of murder. + In the beginning she was afraid. She did not know our land, our laws. In + time she came to understand that she was in no real peril, but then it was + too late. A confession would have placed me in an impossible position. You + see, she thought of me all this time. She loved me as no woman ever loved + another. Was not I the wife of the man she had killed, and was not I the + noblest of all women in her eyes? God! And to think of what I had planned + for her!" + </p> + <p> + This was the end of the story. + </p> + <p> + The words died away in a sort of whimpering wail, falling in with the wind + to be lost to his straining ears. Her head drooped, her arms hung limply + at her side. + </p> + <p> + For a long time he sat there in silence, looking out over the darkening + water, unwilling, unable indeed, to speak. His heart was full of + compassion for her, mingling strangely with what was left of scorn and + horror. What could he say to her? + </p> + <p> + At last she turned to him. "Now you know all that I can tell you of Hetty + Castleton,—of Hetty Glynn. You could not have forced this from me, + Brandon. She WOULD not tell you. It was left for me to do in my own good + time. Well, I have spoken. What have you to say?" + </p> + <p> + "I can only say, Sara, that I thank God for EVERYTHING," he said slowly. + </p> + <p> + "For everything?" + </p> + <p> + "I thank God for you, for her and for everything. I thank God that she + found him out in time, that she killed him, that you shielded her, that + you failed to carry out your devilish scheme, and that your heart is very + sore to-day." + </p> + <p> + "You do not despise me?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I am sorry for you." + </p> + <p> + Her eyes narrowed. "I don't want you to feel sorry for me." + </p> + <p> + "You don't understand. I am sorry for you because you have found yourself + out and must be despising yourself." + </p> + <p> + "You have guessed the truth. I despise myself. But what could be expected + of me?" she asked ironically. "As the Wrandalls would say, 'blood will + tell.'" + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense! Don't talk like that! It is quite unworthy of you. In spite of + everything, Sara, you are wonderful. The very thing you tried to do, the + way you went about it, the way you surrender, makes for greatness in you. + If you had gone on with it and succeeded, that fact alone would have put + you in the class with the great, strong, virile women of history. It—" + </p> + <p> + "With the Medicis, the Borgias and—" she began bitterly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, with them. But they were great women, just the same. You are + greater, for you have more than they possessed: a conscience. I wish I + could tell you just what I feel. I haven't the words. I—" + </p> + <p> + "I only want you to tell me the truth. Do you despise me?" + </p> + <p> + "Again I say that I do not. I can only say that I regard you with—yes, + with AWE." + </p> + <p> + "As one might think of a deadly serpent." + </p> + <p> + "Hardly that," he said, smiling for the first time. He crossed over and + laid his hand on her shoulder. "Don't think too meanly of yourself. I + understand it all. You lived for months without a heart, that's all." + </p> + <p> + "You put it very gently." + </p> + <p> + "I think I'm right. Now, you've got it back, and it's hungry for the + sweet, good things of life. You want to be happy. You want to love again + and to be loved. You don't want to be pitied. I understand. It's the + return of a heart that went away long months ago and left an empty place + that you filled with gall. The bitterness is gone. There is something + sweet in its place. Am I not right?" + </p> + <p> + She hesitated. "If you mean that I want to be loved by my enemies, + Brandon, you are wrong," she said clearly. "I have not been chastened in + that particular." + </p> + <p> + "You mean the Wrandalls?" + </p> + <p> + "It is not in my nature to love my enemies. We stand on the same footing + as before, and always shall. They understand me, I understand them. I am + glad that my project failed, not for their sake, but for my own." + </p> + <p> + He was silent. This woman was beyond him. He could not understand a nature + like this. + </p> + <p> + "You say nothing. Well, I can't ask you to understand. We will not discuss + my enemies, but my friends. What do you intend to do in respect to Hetty?" + </p> + <p> + "I am going to make her my wife," he said levelly. + </p> + <p> + She turned away. It was now quite dark. He could not see the expression on + her face. + </p> + <p> + "What you have heard does not weaken your love for her?" + </p> + <p> + "No. It strengthens it." + </p> + <p> + "You know what she has done. She has taken a life with her own hands. Can + you take her to your bosom, can you make her the mother of your own + children? Remember, there is blood on her hands." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, but her heart is clean!" + </p> + <p> + "True," she said moodily, "her heart is clean." + </p> + <p> + "No cleaner than yours is now, Sara." + </p> + <p> + She uttered a short, mocking laugh. "It isn't necessary to say a thing + like that to me." + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon." + </p> + <p> + Her manner changed abruptly. She turned to him, intense and serious. + </p> + <p> + "She is so far away, Brandon. On the other side of the world, and she is + full of loathing for me. How am I to regain what I have lost? How am I to + make her understand? She went away with that last ugly thought of me, with + the thought of me as I appeared to her on that last, enlightening day. All + these months it has been growing more horrible to her. It has been beside + her all the time. All these months she has known that I pretended to love + her as—" + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe you know Hetty as well as you think you do," he broke in. + "You forget that she loved you with all her soul. You can't kill love so + easily as all that. It will be all right, Sara. You must write and ask her + to come back. It—" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, but you don't know!" Then she related the story of the liberated + canary bird. "Hetty understands. The cage door is open. She may return + when she chooses, but—don't you see?—she must come of her own + free will." + </p> + <p> + "You will not ask her to come?" + </p> + <p> + "No. It is the test. She will know that I have told you everything. You + will go to her. Then she may understand. If she forgives she will come + back. There is nothing else to say, nothing else to consider." + </p> + <p> + "I shall go to her at once," he said resolutely. + </p> + <p> + She gave him a quick, searching glance. + </p> + <p> + "She may refuse to marry you, even now, Brandon." + </p> + <p> + "She CAN'T!" he cried. An instant later his face fell. "By Jove, I—I + suppose the law will have to be considered now. She will at least have to + go through the form of a trial." + </p> + <p> + She whirled on him angrily. "The law? What has the law to do with it? + Don't be a fool!" + </p> + <p> + "She ought to be legally exonerated," he said. + </p> + <p> + Her fingers gripped his arm fiercely. "I want you to understand one thing, + Brandon. The story I have told you was for your ears alone. The secret + lives with us and dies with us." + </p> + <p> + He looked his relief. "Right! It must go no farther. It is not a matter + for the law to decide. You may trust me." + </p> + <p> + "I am cold," she said. He heard her teeth chatter distinctly as she pulled + the thick mantle closer about her throat and shoulders. "It is very raw + and wet down here. Come!" + </p> + <p> + As she started off along the long, narrow pier, he sprang after her, + grasping her arm. She leaned rather heavily against him for a few steps + and then drew herself up. Her teeth still chattered, her arm trembled in + his clasp. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, Sara, this is bad," he cried, in distress. "You're chilled to + the marrow." + </p> + <p> + "Nerves," she retorted, and he somehow felt that her lips were set and + drawn. + </p> + <p> + "You must get to bed right away. Hot bath, mustard, and all that. I'll not + stop for dinner. Thanks just the same. I will be over in the morning." + </p> + <p> + "When will you sail?" she asked, after a moment. + </p> + <p> + "I can't go for ten days, at least. My mother goes into the hospital next + week for an operation, as I've told you. I can't leave until after that's + over. Nothing serious, but—well, I can't go away. I shall write to + Hetty to-night, and cable her to-morrow. By the way, I—I don't know + just where to find her. You see, we were not to write to each other. It + was in the bargain. I suppose you don't know how I can—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I can tell you precisely where she is. She is in Venice, but leaves + there to-morrow for Rome, by the Express." + </p> + <p> + "Then you have been hearing from her?" he cried sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Not directly. But I will say this much: there has not been a day since + she landed in England that I have not received news of her. I have not + been out of touch with her, Brandon, not even for an hour." + </p> + <p> + "Good heaven, Sara! You don't mean to say you've had her shadowed by—by + detectives," he exclaimed, aghast. + </p> + <p> + "Her maid is a very faithful servant," was her ambiguous rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI — DISTURBING NEWS + </h2> + <p> + He walked home swiftly through the early night, his brain seething with + tumultuous thoughts. The revelations of the day were staggering; the whole + universe seemed to have turned topsy-turvy since that devastating hour at + Burton's Inn. Somehow he was not able to confine his thoughts to Hetty + Castleton alone. She seemed to sink into the background, despite the + absolution he had been so ready, so eager to grant her on hearing the + story from Sara's lips. Not that his resolve to search her out and claim + her in spite of everything was likely to weaken, but that the absorbing + figure of Sara Wrandall stood out most clearly in his reflections. + </p> + <p> + What an amazing creature she was! He could not drive her out of his + thoughts, even when he tried to concentrate them on the one person who was + dearest to him of all in all the world, his warm-hearted, adorable Hetty. + Strange contrasts suggested themselves to him as he strode along, head + bent and shoulders hunched. He could not help contrasting the two women. + He loved Hetty; he would always love her, of that he was positive. She was + Sara's superior in every respect, infinitely so, he argued. And yet there + was something in Sara that could crowd this adored one, this perfect one + out of his thoughts for the time being. He found it difficult to + concentrate his thoughts on Hetty Castleton. + </p> + <p> + How white and ill Sara had looked when she said good-night to him at the + door! The memory of her dark, mysterious eyes haunted him; he could see + them in the night about him. They had been full of pain; there were + torrents of tears behind them. They had glistened as if burnished by the + fires of fever. + </p> + <p> + Even as he wrote his long, triumphant letter to Hetty Castleton, the + picture of Sara Wrandall encroached upon his mental vision. He could not + drive it out. He thought of her as she had appeared to him early in the + spring; through all the varying stages of their growing intimacy; through + the interesting days when he vainly tried to translate her matchless + beauty by means of wretched pigments; up to this present hour in which she + was revealed, and yet not revealed, to him. Her vivid face was always + before him, between his eyes and the thin white paper on which he + scribbled so eagerly. Her feverish eyes were looking into his; she was + reading what he wrote before it appeared on the surface of the sheet! + </p> + <p> + His letter to Hetty was a triumph of skill and diplomacy, achieved after + many attempts. He found it hard not to say too much, and quite as + difficult not to say too little. He spent hours over this all-important + missive. At last it was finished. He read and re-read it, searching for + the slightest flaw: a fatal word or suggestion that might create in her + mind the slightest doubt as to his sincerity. She was sure to read this + letter a great many times, and always with the view to finding something + between the lines: such as pity, resignation, an enforced conception of + loyalty, or even faith! He meant that she should find nothing there but + love. It was full of tenderness, full of hope, full of promise. He was + coming to her with a steadfast, enduring love in his heart, he wanted her + now more than ever before. + </p> + <p> + There was no mention of Challis Wrandall, and but once was Sara's name + used. There was nothing in the letter that could have betrayed their joint + secret to the most acute outsider, and yet she would understand that he + had wrung everything from Sara's lips. Her secret was his. + </p> + <p> + He decided that it would not be safe to anticipate the letter by a + cablegram. It was not likely that any message he could send would have the + desired effect. Instead of reassuring her, in all probability it would + create fresh alarm. + </p> + <p> + Sleep did not come to him until after three o'clock. At two he got up and + deliberately added a postscript to the letter he had written. It was in + the nature of a poignant plea for Sara Wrandall. Even as he penned the + lines, he shuddered at the thought of what she had planned to do to Hetty + Castleton. Staring hard at the black window before him, the pen still in + his hand, he allowed his thoughts to dwell so intimately on the subject of + his well-meant postcript that her ashen face with its burning eyes seemed + to take shape in the night beyond. It was a long time before he could get + rid of the illusion. Afterwards he tried to conjure up Hetty's face and to + drive out the likeness of the other woman, and found that he could not + recall a single feature in the face of the girl he loved! + </p> + <p> + When he reached Southlook in the morning, he found that nearly all of the + doors and windows were boarded up. Wagons were standing in the + stable-yard, laden with trunks and crates. Servants without livery were + scurrying about the halls. There was an air of finality about their + movements. The place was being desolated. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," said Watson, in reply to his question, "we ARE in a rush. Mrs. + Wrandall expects to close the 'ouse this evening, sir. We all go up this + afternoon. I suppose you know, sir, we 'ave taken a new apartment in + town." + </p> + <p> + "No!" exclaimed Booth. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, we 'ave, sir. They've been decorating it for the pawst two + weeks. Seems like she didn't care for the old one we 'ad. As a matter of + fact, I didn't care much for it, either. She's taken one of them + hexpensive ones looking out over the Park, sir. You know we used to look + out over Madison Avenue, sir, and God knows it wasn't hinspirin'. Yes, + sir, we go up this afternoon. Mrs. Wrandall will be down in a second, + thank you, sir." + </p> + <p> + Booth actually was startled by her appearance when she entered the room a + few minutes later. She looked positively ill. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Sara," he cried anxiously, "this is too bad. You are making + yourself ill. Come, come, this won't do." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be all right in a day or two," she said, with a weary little + gesture. "I have been nervous. The strain was too great, Brandon. This is + the reaction, the relaxation you might say." + </p> + <p> + "Your hand is hot, your eyes look feverish. You'd better see your doctor + as soon as you get to town. An ounce of prevention, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Well," she said, with a searching look into his eyes, "have you written + to her?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Posted it at seven o'clock this morning." + </p> + <p> + "I trust you did not go so far as to—well, to volunteer a word in my + behalf. You were not to do that, you know." + </p> + <p> + He looked uncomfortable. "I'm afraid I did take your name in vain," he + equivocated. "You are a—a wonderful woman, Sara," he went on, moved + to the remark by a curious influence that he could not have explained any + more than he could have accounted for the sudden gush of emotion that took + possession of him. + </p> + <p> + She ignored the tribute. "You will persuade her to come to New York with + you?" + </p> + <p> + "For your sake, Sara, if she won't come for mine." + </p> + <p> + "She knows the cage is open," was her way of dismissing the subject. "I am + glad you came over. I have a letter from Leslie. It came this morning. You + may be interested in what he has to say of Hetty—and of yourself." + She smiled faintly. "He is determined that you shall not be without a + friend while he is alive." + </p> + <p> + "Les isn't such a rotter, Sara. He's spoiled, but he is hardly to be + blamed for that." + </p> + <p> + "I will read his letter to you," she said, and there was no little + significance in the way she put it. She held the letter in her hand, but + he had failed to notice it before. Now he saw that it was a crumpled ball + of paper. He was obliged to wait for a minute or two while she restored it + to a readable condition. "He was in London when this was written," she + explained, turning to the window for light. She glanced swiftly over the + first page until she found the place where she meant to begin. "'I suppose + Hetty Castleton has written that we met in Lucerne two weeks ago,'" she + read. "'Curious coincidence in connexion with it, too. I was with her + father, Col. Braid Castleton, when we came upon her most unexpectedly. I + ran across him in Paris just before the aviation meet, and got to know him + rather well. He's a fine chap, don't you think? I confess I was somewhat + surprised to learn that he didn't know she'd left America. He explained it + quite naturally, however. He'd been ill in the north of Ireland and must + have missed her letters. Hetty was on the point of leaving for Italy. We + didn't see much of her. But, by Jove, Sara, I am more completely gone on + her than ever. She is adorable. Now that I've met her father, who had the + beastly misfortune to miss old Murgatroyd's funeral, I can readily see + wherein the saying "blood will tell" applies to her. He is a prince. He + came over to London with me the day after we left Hetty in Lucerne, and I + had him in to meet mother and Vivian at Clarridge's. They like him + immensely. He set us straight on a good many points concerning the Glynn + and Castleton families. Of course, I knew they were among the best over + here, but I didn't know how fine they were until we prevailed on him to + talk a little about himself. You will be glad to hear that he is coming + over with us on the Mauretania. She sails the 27th. We'll be on the water + by the time you get this letter. It had been our intention to sail last + week, but the Colonel had to go to Ireland for a few days to settle some + beastly squabbles among the tenants. Next year he wants me to come over + for the shooting. He isn't going back to India for two years, you may be + interested to hear. Two years' leave. Lots of influence, believe me! We've + been expecting him back in London since day before yesterday. I dare say + he found matters worse than he suspected and has been delayed. He has been + negotiating for the sale of some of his property in Belfast—factory + sites, I believe. He is particularly anxious to close the deal before he + leaves England. Had to lift a mortgage on the property, however, before he + could think of making the sale. I staked him to four thousand pounds, to + tide him over. Of course, he is eager to make the sale. 'Gad, I almost had + to beg him to take the money. Terribly proud and haughty, as the butler + would say. He said he wouldn't sleep well until he has returned the filthy + lucre. We are looking for him back any hour now. But if he shouldn't get + here by Friday, we will sail without him. He said he would follow by the + next boat, in case anything happened that he didn't catch the + Mauretania.'" + </p> + <p> + Sara interrupted herself to offer an ironic observation: "If Hetty did not + despise her father so heartily, I should advise you to look farther for a + father-in-law, Brandon. The Colonel is a bad lot. Estates in the north of + Ireland! Poor Leslie!" She laughed softly. + </p> + <p> + "He'll not show up, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it," she said. "He may be charged to profit and loss in + Leslie's books. This part of the letter will interest you," she went on, + as if all that had gone before was of no importance to him. "'I hear + interesting news concerning you, my dear girl. My heartiest + congratulations if it is all true. Brandy is one in a million. I have + hoped all along to have him as a full-fledged brother-in-law, but I'm + satisfied to have him as a sort of step-brother-in-law, if that's the way + you'd put it. Father writes that every one is talking about it, and saying + what a fine thing it is. He has a feeling of delicacy about approaching + you in the matter, and I fancy it's just as well until everything is + settled. I wish you'd let me make a suggestion, however. Wouldn't it be + wise to let us all get together and talk over the business end of the + game? Brandy's a fine chap, a corker, in fact, but the question is: has he + got it in him to take Challis's place in the firm? You've got to consider + the future as well as the present, my dear. We all do. With his artistic + temperament he might play hob with your interests, and ours too, for that + matter. Wouldn't it be wise for me to sound him a bit before we take him + into the firm? Forgive me for suggesting this, but, as you know, your + interests are mine, and I'm terribly keen about seeing you get the best of + everything. By the way, wasn't he a bit gone on Hetty? Passing fancy, of + course, and not deep enough to hurt anybody. Good old Brandy!'" + </p> + <p> + "There is more, Brandon, but it's of no consequence," she said, tossing + the letter upon the table. "You see how the land lays." + </p> + <p> + Booth was pale with annoyance. "By Jove, Sara, what an insufferable ass he + is!" + </p> + <p> + "The shoe pinches?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it's such perfect rot! I'm sorry on your account. Have you ever heard + of such gall?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, he is merely acting as the family spokesman. I can see them now in + solemn conclave. They think it their indisputable right to select a + husband for me, to pass upon him, to accept or decline him as they see + fit, to say whether he is a proper man to hang up his hat and coat in the + offices of Wrandall & Co." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to say—" + </p> + <p> + "Let's not talk about it, Brandon. It is too silly." + </p> + <p> + They fell to discussing her plans for the immediate future, although the + minds of both were at work with something else. + </p> + <p> + "Now that I have served my purpose, I suppose you will not care to see so + much of me," she said, as he prepared to take leave of her. + </p> + <p> + "Served your purpose? What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I should have put it differently. You have been most assiduous in your + efforts to force the secret from me. It has been accomplished. Now do you + understand?" + </p> + <p> + "That isn't fair, Sara," he protested. "If you'll let me come to see you, + in spite of what the gossips and Mr. Redmond Wrandall predict, you may be + sure I will be as much in evidence as ever. I suppose I have been a bit of + a nuisance, hanging on as I have." + </p> + <p> + "I admire your perseverance. More than that, I admire your courage in + accepting the situation as you have. I only hope you may win her over to + your way of thinking, Brandon. Good-bye." + </p> + <p> + "I shall go up to town to-morrow, kit and bag. When shall I see you? We + have a great deal left to talk about before I sail." + </p> + <p> + "Come when you like." + </p> + <p> + "You really want me to come?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly." + </p> + <p> + He studied her pale, tired face for a moment, and then shook his head. + "You must take care of yourself," he said. "You are unstrung. Get a good + rest and—and forget certain things if you can. Everything will come + out all right in the end." + </p> + <p> + "It depends on what one is willing to accept as the end," she said. + </p> + <p> + The next morning she received an expected visitor at her apartment. + Expecting him, she made a desperate effort to appear as strong and + unconcerned as she had been on the occasion of a former meeting. There was + little in her appearance to suggest worry, illness or alarm when she + entered the rather unsettled little library and confronted the redoubtable + Mr. Smith. + </p> + <p> + The detective had dropped her a line earlier in the week asking for an + audience at the earliest possible moment. + </p> + <p> + "You are worried, madam," he said, after he had carefully closed the door + leading to the hall, "and so am I." + </p> + <p> + "What do you want now?" she demanded. "You have received your money. There + is nothing else that we—" + </p> + <p> + "Beg pardon, Mrs. Wrandall, but there is something else. I'm not after + more money, as you may suspect. The size of the matter is, I'm here to put + you wise to what's going on without your knowing anything about it. Right + or wrong, I'm still interested in this case of yours. Understand me, I + haven't lifted a finger since that day in the country. I've quit cold, + just as I said I would. The trouble is, other people are still nosing + around." + </p> + <p> + "Sit down, Mr. Smith. Now, tell me what you are here for." + </p> + <p> + Smith followed her example and sat down, drawing a chair quite close to + hers. He lowered his voice. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I've got next to something I think you ought to know. Maybe old man + Wrandall is back of it, but I don't think he is. You see, so far as + outsiders are concerned, that reward still stands. A murder's a murder and + that's all there is to it. There are men in this business who are going to + hunt for that woman until they get her. See what I mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Please go on. I suppose some one else suspects me, and may have to be + bought off," she said so significantly that he turned a bright red. + </p> + <p> + "Now don't think that of me, Mrs. Wrandall. I am not in on this, I swear. + You paid me of your own free will and I laid down on the job. I don't deny + that I expected you to do it. I'm not what you'd call a model of virtue + and integrity. I served time in the pen a good many years ago. They say it + takes a thief to catch a thief. That's not true. A detective has to be + dead honest or the thief catches him. I think most of the men in my + business are honest. They have to be. You may not agree with me, but I + thought I was doing the square thing by you last summer. I had a theory + and I was honest in believing it was the right one. I thought you'd pay me + to drop the matter. I'm now dead sure I was wrong in suspecting you for a + minute. I'm no fool. I—" + </p> + <p> + Sara interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + "Will you be good enough to come to the point, Mr. Smith?" she said + coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Well," he said, leaning forward and speaking very deliberately, "I've + come here to tell you that the police haven't quit on the job. They're + about to make a worse mistake than I made." + </p> + <p> + She felt herself turn pale. It required a great effort of the will to + suppress the start that might have betrayed her to the keen-eyed observer. + </p> + <p> + "That would be impossible, Mr. Smith," she said, shaking her head and + smiling. + </p> + <p> + "They've been watching that Ashtley girl you sent out West just after the—er—thing + happened. The show-girl, you'll remember." + </p> + <p> + He must have observed the swift look of relief that leaped into her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "What arrant stupidity," she cried, unable to choose her words. "Why, that + unhappy girl is dying a slow and awful death. Surely they can't be + hounding her now. Her innocence was clearly established at the time. That + is why I felt it to be my duty to help her. She went out to her old home, + to die or to get well. They must be fools." + </p> + <p> + "I'm just telling you, Mrs. Wrandall, that's all. Maybe you can call 'em + off, if you know for a certainty that she's innocent." There was something + accusing in his manner. + </p> + <p> + She became very cautious. "My opinion was formed upon the girl's story, + and by what the police said after investigating it thoroughly." + </p> + <p> + "It's a way the police have, madam. They were not satisfied at the time. + They simply gave her the rope, that's all. All this time they've had men + watching her, day by day, out there in Montana. They say they've got new + evidence, a lot of it." + </p> + <p> + "It is perfectly ridiculous," she cried, very much distressed. "And it + must be stopped. I shall see the authorities at once." + </p> + <p> + "You may be too late. I heard last night that she is to be re-arrested out + there and put through a fierce examination. They believe she's weakening + and will confess if they go after her hard enough." + </p> + <p> + "Confess? How can she confess when she knows she is innocent?" she said + sharply. + </p> + <p> + "You don't know much about the third degree, Mrs. Wrandall. I've known + innocent people to confess under the bullying—" + </p> + <p> + "It must be stopped! Do you hear me? This: thing cannot go on." She began + to pace the floor in her agitation. "Yes, I have heard of those third + degree atrocities. You are right, they may brow-beat the poor, sick thing + into a confession. Does she know they have been watching her?" + </p> + <p> + "Sure. That's part of the game. They make it a point to get on the nerves. + Something is bound to give, sooner or later. They've got her scared to + death. She knows they're simply waiting for a chance to catch her unawares + and trip her up. I tell you, it's a fearful strain. Strong men go down + under it time and again. What must it be to this half-dead girl, who + hasn't much to be proud of in life at the very best?" + </p> + <p> + "Tell me what to do," she cried, sitting down again, her eyes suddenly + filling with tears. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, ma'am. You see, if we had a grain of proof to work on, we + might be able to turn 'em back, but there's the rub. We can't say they're + wrong without having something up our sleeves to show that we are right. + See what I mean?" + </p> + <p> + "But I tell you she is innocent!" + </p> + <p> + "Can you swear to that, Mrs. Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I believe I can," she said, and then experienced a sharp sense of + dismay. What possessed her to say it? "That is, I could stake my—" + </p> + <p> + "All that won't count for anything, if they get a signed confession out of + her. Now we both know she is innocent. I'm willing to do what I can to + help you. Turn about is fair play. If you want to send me out there, I'll + try to spike their guns. Maybe I can get there in time to put fresh heart + in the girl. She's safe if she doesn't go to pieces and say something she + oughtn't to say." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, this is dreadful," she cried, harassed beyond words. + </p> + <p> + "It sure is. You see, the police work on the theory that some one's just + got to be guilty of that crime. If it ain't the girl out yonder, then who + is it? They know her private history. She said enough when she was in + custody last year to show that she might have had a pretty good reason for + going after your husband—begging your pardon. You remember she said + he'd given her the go-by not more than two days before he was killed. + They'd been good friends up to then. All of a sudden he chucks her, + without ceremony. She admits she was sore about it. She says she would + have done him dirt if she had had the chance. Well, that's against her. + She did prove an alibi, as you remember, but they're easy to frame up if + necessary. I don't think she was clever enough to do the job and get away + as slick as the real one did. She was a booze-fighter in those days. They + always mess things up. A mighty smooth party did that job. Some one with a + good deal more at stake than that poor, reckless girl who didn't care much + what became of her. But the trouble is here: they've got her half crazy + with fear. First thing we know, she'll go clear off her head and BELIEVE + she did it. Then the law will be satisfied. She's so far gone, I hear, + that she won't live to be brought to trial, of course. There's some + consolation in that." + </p> + <p> + "Consolation!" cried Sara bitterly. "She is bad, as bad as a woman can be, + I know, but I can't feel anything but pity for her now." + </p> + <p> + "I guess your husband made her what she was," said Smith deliberately. "I + don't suppose you ever dreamed what was going on." + </p> + <p> + She regarded him with a fixed stare. "You are mistaken, Mr. Smith," she + said, and it was his turn to stare. "Come back this evening at six. I must + consult Mr. Carroll. We will decide what action to take." + </p> + <p> + "I'd advise you to be quick about it, Mrs. Wrandall. Something's bound to + happen soon. The time is ripe. I know for a positive fact that they're + expecting news from out there every day. It'd be a God's blessing if the + poor wretch could die before they get a chance at her." + </p> + <p> + She started. "A God's blessing," she repeated dully. + </p> + <p> + "Pretty hard lines, though," he mused, fumbling with his hat near the + door. "Even death wouldn't clear her of the suspicion. Pretty tough to be + branded a murderess, no matter whether you're in the grave or out of it. + I'll be back at six." + </p> + <p> + She stood perfectly still, and, although her lips were parted, she allowed + him to go without a word in, response to his sombre declaration. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later Mr. Carroll was on his way to her apartment, vastly + perturbed by the call that had come to him over the telephone. + </p> + <p> + While waiting for him to appear, Sara Wrandall deliberately set herself to + the task of concocting a likely and plausible excuse for intervention in + behalf of the wretched show-girl. She prepared herself for his argument + that the police might be right after all, and that it would be the better + part of wisdom to shift the burden to their shoulders. She knew she would + be called upon to discount some very sensible advice from the faithful old + lawyer. Her reasons would have to be good ones, not mere whims. He was not + likely to be moved by sentimentality. Moreover, he had once expressed + doubt as to the girl's innocence. + </p> + <p> + It did not once occur to her that it was Mr. Carroll's business to respect + the secrets of his clients. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII — THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + </h2> + <p> + To her secret amazement, the old lawyer did not offer a single protest + when she repeated her convictions that the girl was innocent and should be + protected against herself as well as against the police. There was + something very disquieting in the way he acquiesced. She began to + experience a vague, uneasy sense of wonder and apprehension. + </p> + <p> + "I am beginning to agree with that amiable scoundrel, Smith," he said, + fixing his inscrutable gaze on the snapping coals in the fireplace. "A + cleverer woman than this Miss—er—What's-Her-Name managed that + affair at Burton's Inn." + </p> + <p> + She watched his face closely. Somehow she felt that he was about to + mention the name of the woman he suspected, and it seemed to her that her + heart stood still during the moment of suspense. + </p> + <p> + He lifted his eyes to her face. She saw something in them that set her to + trembling. + </p> + <p> + "Why not be fair with me, Sara?" he asked calmly. She stared at him, + transfixed. "Who killed Challis Wrandall?" + </p> + <p> + She opened her lips to protest against this startling question, but + something rushed up from within to completely change the whole course of + her conduct; something she could not explain but which swept away every + vestige of strength, and left her weak and trembling, open-mouthed and + pallid, with the liberated truth surging up from its prison to give itself + into the keeping of this staunch, loyal old friend and counsellor. + </p> + <p> + Carroll heard her through to the very end of the story without an + interruption. Then he crossed over and laid his hands on her shoulders; + there was a gleam of relief and satisfaction in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry you did not come to me with all this in the beginning, Sara. A + few words from me,—kindly words, my dear,—would have shown you + the error of your ways and you would have cast out the ugly devils that + beset you. You would not have planned the thing you are so ashamed of now. + Together we could have protected Hetty and she would not be your accuser + now. You began nobly. I am sorry you have the other part of it to look + back upon. But you may rest assured of one thing: you and Miss Castleton + have nothing to fear. We will keep the secret, if needs be, but if it + should come to the worst no harm would result to her through the law. The + main thing now is to protect that unhappy girl out West against the + inquisition." + </p> + <p> + She sat with bowed head. + </p> + <p> + When Smith returned at six o'clock, he found not only Mr. Carroll waiting + for him but Brandon Booth as well. His instructions were clearly defined + and concise. He was to proceed without delay to Montana, where he was to + bolster up the frail girl's courage and prevent if possible the disaster. + Moreover, he was to assure her that Challis Wrandall's wife forgave her + and would contest every effort made by the police to lay the crime at her + door. He was empowered to engage legal counsel on his arrival in the + Western town and to fight every move of the police, not only in behalf of + the girl herself, but of Sara Wrandall, who thus publicly pronounced her + faith in the young woman's innocence. + </p> + <p> + It was all very cleverly thought out, and Smith went away without being + much wiser than when he came. Before departing he offered this rather + sinister conclusion for Sara's benefit: + </p> + <p> + "Of course, Mrs. Wrandall, you understand that the police will wonder why + you take such an interest in this girl. They're bound to think, and so + will every one else, that you know a good deal more about the case than + you've given out. See what I mean?" + </p> + <p> + "They are at liberty to think what they like, Mr. Smith," said she. + </p> + <p> + After Smith had gone, the three discussed the advisability of acquainting + Hetty with the deplorable conditions that had arisen. + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe it would be wise to tell her," said Booth reflectively. + "She'd be sure to sacrifice herself rather than let harm come to this + girl. We couldn't stop her." + </p> + <p> + "No, she must not be told," said Sara, with finality. + </p> + <p> + "She is almost sure to find this out for herself some time," said the + lawyer dubiously. "I think we'd better take her into our confidence. It is + only right and just, you know." + </p> + <p> + "Not at present, not at present," said Sara irritably. "It would ruin + everything." + </p> + <p> + Booth appreciated her reasons for delay much more clearly than they + appeared to the matter-of-fact lawyer. + </p> + <p> + "The girl may die at any time," he explained, addressing Mr. Carroll, but + not without a queer thrill of shame. + </p> + <p> + "That is not what I meant, Brandon," she exclaimed. "I want Hetty to come + back with but one motive in her heart. Can't you see?" + </p> + <p> + As Booth and the lawyer walked down Fifth Avenue toward the club where + they were to dine together, the latter, after a long silence, made a + remark that disturbed the young man vastly. + </p> + <p> + "She's going all to pieces, Booth. Bound to collapse. That's the way with + these strong-minded, secret, pent-up natures. She has brooded all these + months and she's been living a lie. Well, the break has come. She's told + you and me. Now, do you know what I'm afraid will happen?" + </p> + <p> + "I think I know what's in your mind," said the younger man seriously. "You + are afraid she'll tell others?" + </p> + <p> + The lawyer tapped his forehead significantly. "It may result in THAT." + </p> + <p> + "Never!" cried the other emphatically. "It will never be that way with + her, Mr. Carroll. Her head is as clear as—" + </p> + <p> + "Brain fever," interrupted Carroll, with a gloomy shake of his head. + "Delirium and all that sort of thing. Haven't you noticed how ill she + looks? Feverish, nervous, irritable? Well, there you are." + </p> + <p> + "It is a dreadful state of affairs," groaned Booth. + </p> + <p> + "Not especially pleasant for you, my friend." + </p> + <p> + "God knows it isn't!" + </p> + <p> + "I believe, if I were in your place, I'd rather have the truth told + broadcast than to live for ever with that peril hanging over me. It would + be better for Miss Castleton, too." + </p> + <p> + "I am not worrying over that, sir," said the other earnestly. "I shall be + able and ready to defend her, no matter what happens. To be perfectly + honest with you, I don't believe she's accountable to any one but God in + this matter. The law has no claim against her, except in a perfunctory + way. I don't deny that it is only right and just that Wrandall's family + should know the truth, if she chooses to reveal it to them. If she + doesn't, I shall be the last to suggest it to her." + </p> + <p> + "On that point I thoroughly agree with you. The Wrandall family should + know the truth. It is—well, I came near to using the word diabolical—to + keep them in ignorance. There is something owing to the Wrandalls, if not + to the law." + </p> + <p> + "Of course they would make a merciless effort to prosecute her," said + Booth, feeling the cold sweat start on his brow. + </p> + <p> + "I am not so sure of that, my friend," was the rather hopeful opinion of + the old man. He appeared to be weighing something in his mind, for as they + walked along he shook his head from time to time and muttered under his + breath, the while his companion maintained a gloomy silence. + </p> + <p> + The perceptions of the astute old lawyer were not far out of the way, as + developments of the next day were to prove. When Booth called in the + afternoon at Sara's apartment, he was met by the news that she was quite + ill and could see no one,—not even him. The doctor had been summoned + during the night and had returned in the morning, to find that she had a + very high temperature. The butler could not enlighten Booth further than + this, except to add that a nurse was coming in to take charge of Mrs. + Wrandall, more for the purpose of watching her symptoms than for anything + else, he believed. At least, so the doctor had said. + </p> + <p> + Two days passed before the distressed young man could get any definite + news concerning her condition. He unconsciously began to think of it as a + malady, not a mere illness, due of course to the remark Carroll had + dropped. It was Carroll himself who gave a definite report of Sara. He met + the lawyer coming away from the apartment when he called to inquire. + </p> + <p> + "She isn't out of her head, or anything like that," said Carroll uneasily, + "but she's in a bad way, Booth. She is worrying over that girl out West, + of course, but I'll tell you what I think is troubling her more than + anything else. Down in her heart she realises that Hetty Castleton has got + to be brought face to face with the Wrandalls." + </p> + <p> + "The deuce you say!" + </p> + <p> + "To-day I saw her for the first time. Almost immediately she asked me if I + thought the Wrandalls would treat Hetty fairly if they ever found out the + truth about her. I said I thought they would. I didn't have the heart to + tell her that their grievance undoubtedly would be shifted from Hetty to + her, and that they wouldn't be likely to forgive her for the stand she'd + taken. She doesn't seem to care, however, what the Wrandalls think of her. + By the way, have you any influence over Hetty Castleton?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish I were sure that I had," said Booth. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think she would come if you sent her a cablegram?" + </p> + <p> + "I am going over—" + </p> + <p> + "She will have your letter in a couple of days, according to Sara, who + seems to have a very faithful correspondent in the person of that maid. I + shudder to think of the cable tolls in the past few months! I sometimes + wonder if the maid suspects anything more than a loving interest in Miss + Castleton. What I was about to suggest is this: Couldn't you cable her on + Friday saying that Sara is very ill? This is Tuesday. We'll be having word + from Smith to-morrow, I should think." + </p> + <p> + "I will cable, of course, but Sara must not know that I've done it." + </p> + <p> + "Can you come to my office to-morrow afternoon?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. To-morrow night I shall go over to Philadelphia, to be gone till + Friday. I hope it will not be necessary for me to stay longer. You never + can tell about these operations." + </p> + <p> + "I trust everything will go well, Brandon." + </p> + <p> + Several things of note transpired before noon on Friday. + </p> + <p> + The Wrandalls arrived from Europe, without the recalcitrant Colonel. Mr. + Redmond Wrandall, who met them at the dock, heaved a sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + "He will be over on the Lusitania, next sailing," said Leslie, who for + some reason best known to himself wore a troubled look. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall's face fell. "I hope not," he said, much to the indignation + of his wife and the secret uneasiness of his son. "These predatory + connections of the British nobility—" + </p> + <p> + "Predatory!" gasped Mrs. Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "—are a blood-sucking lot," went on the old gentleman firmly. "If he + comes to New York, Leslie, I'll stake my head he won't be long in + borrowing a few thousand dollars from each of us. And he'll not seek to + humiliate us by attempting to pay it back. Oh, I know them." + </p> + <p> + Leslie swallowed rather hard. "What's the news here, Dad?" he asked + hastily. "Anybody dead?" + </p> + <p> + "Sara is quite ill, I hear. Slow fever of some sort, Carroll tells me." + </p> + <p> + "Is she going to marry Brandy Booth?" asked his son. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall's face stiffened. "I fear I was a little hasty in my + conclusions. Brandon came to the office a few days ago and informed me in + rather plain words that there is absolutely nothing in the report." + </p> + <p> + "The deuce you say! 'Gad, I wrote her a rather intimate letter—" + Leslie got no farther than this. He was somewhat stunned and bewildered by + his private reflections. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall was lost in study for some minutes, paying no attention to + the remarks of the other occupants of the motor that whirled them across + town. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, my dear," he said to his wife, a trifle irrelevantly, "don't + you think it would be right for you and Vivian to drop in this afternoon + and see Sara? just to let her know that she isn't without—" + </p> + <p> + "It's out of the question, Redmond," said his wife, a shocked expression + in her face as much as to say that he must be quite out of his head to + suggest such a thing. "We shall be dreadfully busy for several days, + unpacking and—well, doing all sorts of NECESSARY things." + </p> + <p> + "She is pretty sick, I hear," mumbled he. + </p> + <p> + "Hasn't she got a nurse?" demanded his wife. + </p> + <p> + "I merely offered the suggestion in order—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, we'll see her next week. Any other news?" + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Booth, Brandon's mother, was operated on for something or other day + before yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, dear! The poor thing! Where?" + </p> + <p> + "Philadelphia, of course." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if—let me see, Leslie, isn't there a good train to + Philadelphia at four o'clock? I could go—" + </p> + <p> + "Really, my dear," said her husband sharply. + </p> + <p> + "You forget how busy we are, mother," said Vivian, without a smile. + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense!" said Mrs. Wrandall, in considerable confusion. "Was it a + serious operation, Redmond?" + </p> + <p> + "They cut a bone out of her nose, that's all. Brandon says her heart is + weak. They were afraid of the ether. She's all right, Carroll says." + </p> + <p> + "Goodness!" cried Mrs. Wrandall. One might have suspected a note of + disappointment in her voice. + </p> + <p> + "I shall go up to see Sara this afternoon," said Vivian calmly. "What's + the number of her new apartment?" + </p> + <p> + "YOU have been up to see her, of course," said Mrs. Wrandall acidly. + </p> + <p> + He fidgetted. "I didn't hear of her illness until yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "I'll go up with you, Viv," said Leslie. + </p> + <p> + "No, you won't," said his sister flatly. "I'm going to apologise to her + for something I said to Brandon Booth. You needn't tag along, Les." + </p> + <p> + At half-past five in the afternoon, the Wrandall limousine stopped in + front of the tall apartment building near the Park, a footman jerked open + the door, and Miss Wrandall stepped out. At the same moment a telegraph + messenger boy paused on the sidewalk to compute the artistic but puzzling + numerals on the imposing grilled doors of the building. + </p> + <p> + Miss Wrandall had herself announced by the obsequious doorman, and stood + by in patience to wait for the absurd rule of the house to be carried out: + "No one could get in without being announced from below," said the + doorman. + </p> + <p> + "I c'n get in all right, all right," said the messenger boy, "I got a + tellygram for de loidy." + </p> + <p> + "Go to the rear!" exclaimed the doorman, with some energy. + </p> + <p> + While Miss Wrandall waited in Sara's reception hall on the tenth floor, + the messenger, having traversed a more devious route, arrived with his + message. + </p> + <p> + Watson took the envelope and told him to wait. Five minutes passed. Miss + Wrandall grew very uncomfortable under the persistent though complimentary + gaze of the street urchin. He stared at her, wide-eyed and admiring, his + tribute to the glorious. She stared back occasionally, narrow-eyed and + reproving, HER tribute to the grotesque. + </p> + <p> + "Will you please step into the drawing-room, Miss Wrandall," said Watson, + returning. He led her across the small foyer and threw open a door. She + passed into the room beyond. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned to the boy who stood beside the hall seat, making change + for a quarter as he approached. "Here," he said, handing him the receipt + book and a dime, "that's for you." He dropped the quarter into his own + pocket, where it mingled with coins that were strangers to it up to that + instant, and imperiously closed the door behind the boy who failed to say + "thank you." Every man to his trade! + </p> + <p> + There was a woman in the drawing-room when Vivian entered, standing well + over against the windows with her back to the light. The visitor stopped + short in surprise. She had expected to find her sister-in-law in bed, + attended by a politely superior person in pure white. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Sara," she began, "I am SO glad to see you are up and—" + </p> + <p> + The other woman came forward. "But I am not Sara, Miss Wrandall," she + said, in a well-remembered voice. "How do you do?" + </p> + <p> + Vivian found herself looking into the face of Hetty Castleton. Instantly + she extended her hand. + </p> + <p> + "This IS a surprise!" she exclaimed. "When did you return? Leslie told me + your plans were quite settled when he saw you in Lucerne. Oh, I see! Of + course! How stupid of me. Sara sent for you." + </p> + <p> + "She has been quite ill," said Hetty, non-committally. "We got in + yesterday. I thought my place was here, naturally." + </p> + <p> + "Naturally," repeated Vivian, in a detached sort of way. "How is she + to-day? May I see her?" + </p> + <p> + "She is very much better. In fact, she is sitting up in her room." A warm + flush suffused her face, a shy smile appeared in her eyes. "She is + receiving two gentlemen visitors, to be perfectly honest, Miss Wrandall, + her lawyer, Mr. Carroll, and—Mr. Booth." + </p> + <p> + They were seated side by side on the uncomfortable Louis Seize divan in + the middle of the room. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps she won't care to see me, after an audience so fatiguing," said + Miss Wrandall sweetly. "And so exasperating," she added, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + Hetty looked her perplexity. + </p> + <p> + "But she will see you, Miss Wrandall—if you don't mind waiting. It + is a business conference they're having." + </p> + <p> + An ironic gleam appeared in the corner of Vivian's eye. "Oh," she said, + and waited. Hetty smiled uncertainly. All at once the tall American girl + was impressed by the wistful, almost humble look in the Englishwoman's + eyes, an appealing look that caused her to wonder not a little. Like a + flash she jumped at an obvious conclusion, and almost caught her breath. + This girl loved Booth and was losing him! Vivian exulted for a moment and + then, with an impulse she could not quite catalogue, laid her hand on the + other's slim fingers, and murmured somewhat hazily: "Never mind, never + mind!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you MUST wait," cried Hetty, not at all in touch with the other's + mood. "Sara expects to see you. The men will be out in a few minutes." + </p> + <p> + "I think I will run in to-morrow morning," said Vivian hastily. She arose + almost immediately and again extended her hand. "So glad to see you back + again, Miss Castleton. Come and see me. Give my love to Sara." + </p> + <p> + She took her departure in some haste, and in her heart she was rejoicing + that she had not succeeded in making a fool of herself by confessing to + Sara that she had said unkind things about her to Brandon Booth. + </p> + <p> + Hetty resumed her seat in the broad French window and stared out over the + barren tree-tops in the Park. A frightened, pathetic droop returned to her + lips. It had been there most of the day. + </p> + <p> + In Sara's boudoir, the doors of which were carefully closed, three persons + were in close, even repressed conference. The young mistress of the house + sat propped up in a luxurious chaise-longue, wan but intense. Confronting + her were the two men, leaning forward in their chairs. Mr. Carroll held in + his hand a number of papers, prominent among them being three or four + telegrams. Booth's face was radiant despite the serious matter that + occupied his mind. He had reached town early in the morning in response to + a telephone message from Carroll announcing the sudden, unannounced + appearance of Hetty Castleton at his offices on the previous afternoon. + The girl's arrival had been most unexpected. She walked in on Mr. Carroll, + accompanied by her maid, who had a distinctly sheepish look in her eyes + and seemed eager to explain something but could not find the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + With some firmness, Miss Castleton had asked Mr. Carroll to explain why + the woman had been set to spy upon her every movement, a demand the worthy + lawyer could not very well meet for the good and sufficient reason that he + wasn't very clear about it himself. Then Hetty broke down and cried, + confessing that she was eager to go to Mrs. Wrandall, at the same time + sobbing out something about a symbolic dicky-bird, much to Mr. Carroll's + wonder and perplexity. + </p> + <p> + He sent the maid from the room, and retired with Miss Castleton to the + innermost of his private offices, where without much preamble he informed + her that he knew everything. Moreover, Mr. Booth was in possession of all + the facts and was even then on the point of starting for Europe to see + her. Of course, his letter had failed to reach her in time. There was + quite a tragic scene in the seclusion of that remote little office, during + which Mr. Carroll wiped his eyes and blew his nose more than once, after + which he took it upon himself to despatch a messenger to Sara with the + word that he and Miss Castleton would present themselves within half an + hour after his note had been delivered. + </p> + <p> + A telegram already had come from Smith in the far-away Montana town, + transmitting news that disturbed him more than he cared to admit. The + showgirl was lying at the point of death, and he was having a very hard + time of it trying to keep the resolute authorities from swooping down upon + her for the ante-mortem statement they desired. It would appear that he + arrived just in time to put courage into the girl. He would see to it that + any statement she made would be the truth! But Mr. Carroll was not so sure + of Smith's ability to avert disaster. He knew something of the terrors of + the third degree. The police would fight hard for vindication. + </p> + <p> + The meeting between Sara and Hetty was affecting....Almost immediately the + former began to show the most singular signs of improvement. She laughed + and cried and joyously announced to the protesting nurse that she was + feeling quite well again! And, in truth, she got up from the couch on + which she reclined and insisted on being dressed for dinner. In another + room the amazed nurse was frantically appealing to Mr. Carroll to let her + send for the doctor, only to be confounded by his urbane announcement that + Mrs. Wrandall was as "right as a string" and, please God, she wouldn't + need the services of doctor or nurse again for years to come. Then he + asked the nurse if she had ever heard of a disease called "nostalgia." + </p> + <p> + She said she had heard of "home-sickness." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that's what ailed Mrs. Wrandall," he said. "Miss Castleton is the + CURE." + </p> + <p> + Booth came the next morning....Even as she lay passive in his arms, Hetty + denied him. Her arms were around his neck as she miserably whispered that + she could not, would not be his wife, notwithstanding her love for him and + his readiness to accept her as she was. She was obdurate, lovingly, + tenderly obdurate. He would have despaired but for Sara, to whom he + afterwards appealed. + </p> + <p> + "Wait," was all that Sara had said, but he took heart. He was beginning to + look upon her as a sorceress. A week ago he had felt sorry for her; his + heart had been touched by her transparent misery. To-day he saw her in + another light altogether; as the determined, resourceful, calculating + woman who, having failed to attain a certain end, was now intensely, + keenly interested in the development of another of a totally different + nature. He could not feel sorry for her to-day. + </p> + <p> + Hetty deliberately had placed herself in their hands, withdrawing from the + conference shortly before Vivian's arrival to give herself over to gloomy + conjectures as to the future, not only for herself, but for the man she + loved and the woman she worshipped with something of the fidelity of a + beaten dog. + </p> + <p> + Carroll had in his hand the second telegram from Smith, just received. + </p> + <p> + "This relieves the situation somewhat," he observed, with a deep sigh. + "She's dead, and she didn't give in, thanks to Smith. Rather clever of him + to get a signed statement, however, witnessed by the prosecuting attorney + and the chief of police. It puts an end to everything so far as she is + concerned." + </p> + <p> + "Read again, Mr. Carroll, what she had to say about me," said Sara, a + slight tremour of emotion in her voice. + </p> + <p> + He read from the lengthy telegram: "'She wants me to thank Mrs. Wrandall + for all she has done to make her last few months happy ones, such as they + were. She appreciates her kindness all the more because she realises that + her benefactress must have known everything. Almost the last words she + spoke were in the nature of a sort of prayer that God would forgive her + for what she had done to Mrs. Wrandall.'" + </p> + <p> + "Poor girl! She could not have known that it was justice, not sentiment + that moved me to provide for her," said Sara. + </p> + <p> + "Well, she is off our minds, at any rate," said the matter-of-fact lawyer. + "Now are you both willing to give serious consideration to the plan I + propose? Take time to think it over. No harm will come to Miss Castleton, + I am confident. There will be a nine days' sensation, but, after all, it + is the best thing for everybody. You propose living abroad, Booth, so what + are the odds if—" + </p> + <p> + "I shan't live abroad unless Hetty reconsiders her decision to not marry + me," said the young man dismally. "'Gad, Sara, you must convince her that + I love her better than—" + </p> + <p> + "I think she knows all that, Brandon. As I said before, wait! And now, Mr. + Carroll, I have this to say to your suggestion: I for one am relentlessly + opposed to the plan you advocate. There is no occasion for this matter to + go to the public. A trial, you say, would be a mere formality. I am not so + sure of that. Why put poor Hetty's head in the lion's mouth at this late + stage, after I have protected her so carefully all these months? Why take + the risk? We know she is innocent. Isn't it enough that we acquit her in + our hearts? No, I cannot consent, and I hold both of you to your + promises." + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing more I can say, my dear Sara," said Carroll, shaking his + head gloomily, "except to urge you to think it over very seriously. + Remember, it may mean a great deal to her—and to our eager young + friend here. Years from now, like a bolt from the sky, the truth may come + out in some way. Think of what it would mean then." + </p> + <p> + Sara regarded him steadily. "There are but four people who know the + truth," she said slowly. "It isn't likely that Hetty or Brandon will tell + the story. Professional honour forbids your doing so. That leaves me as + the sole peril. Is that what you would imply, my dear friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Not at all," he cried hastily, "not at all. I—" + </p> + <p> + "That's all tommy-rot, Sara," cried Booth earnestly. "We just COULDN'T + have anything to fear from you." + </p> + <p> + With curious inconsistency, she shook her head and remarked: "Of course, + you never could be quite easy in your minds. There would always be the + feeling of unrest. Am I to be trusted, after all? I have proved myself to + be a vindictive schemer. What assurance can you and Hetty have that I will + not turn against one or the other of you some time and crush you to + satisfy a personal grievance? How do you know, Brandon, that I am not in + love with you at this very—" + </p> + <p> + "Good heavens, Sara!" he cried, agape. + </p> + <p> + "—at this very moment?" she continued. "It would not be so very + strange, would it? I am very human. The power to love is not denied me. + Oh, I am merely philosophising. Don't look so serious. We will suppose + that I continued along my career as the woman scorned. You have seen how I + smart under the lash. Well?" + </p> + <p> + "But all that is impossible," said Booth, his face clearing. "You're not + in love with me, and never can be. That! for your philosophy!" + </p> + <p> + At the same instant he became aware of the singular gleam in her eyes; a + liquid, Oriental glow that seemed to reflect light on her lower lids as + she sat there with her face in the shadow. Once or twice before he had + been conscious of the mysterious, seductive appeal. He stared back at her, + almost defensively, but her gaze did not waver. It was he who first looked + away, curiously uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + "Still," she said slowly, "I think you would be wise to consider all + possible contingencies." + </p> + <p> + "I'll take chances, Sara," he said, with an odd buoyancy in his voice + that, for the life of him, he could not explain, even to himself. + </p> + <p> + "Even admitting that such should turn out to be the case," said Mr. + Carroll judicially, "I don't believe you'd go so far as to put your loyal + friends in jeopardy, Sara. So we will dismiss the thought. Don't forget, + however, that you hold them in the hollow of your hand. My original + contention was based on the time-honoured saying, 'murder will out.' We + never can tell what may turn up. The best laid plans of men and mice oft—" + </p> + <p> + Sara settled back among the cushions with a peremptory wave of her hand. + The loose, flowing sleeve fell away, revealing her white, exquisitely + modelled arm almost to the shoulder. For some strange, unaccountable + reason Booth's eyes fell. + </p> + <p> + "I am tired, wretchedly tired. It has been a most exhausting day," she + said, with a sudden note of weariness in her voice. Both men started up + apologetically. "I will think seriously of your plan, Mr. Carroll. There + is no hurry, I'm sure. Please send Miss Wrandall in to me, will you? + Perhaps you would better tell Hetty to come in as soon as Vivian leaves. + Come back to-morrow afternoon, Brandon. I shall be much more cheerful. By + the way, have you noticed that Dicky, out in the library, has been singing + all afternoon as if his little throat would split? It is very curious, but + to-day is the first time he has uttered a note in nearly five months. Just + listen to him! He is fairly riotous with song." + </p> + <p> + Booth leaned over and kissed the hand she lifted to him. "He is like the + rest of us, Sara, inordinately happy." A slight shiver ran through her + arm. He felt it. + </p> + <p> + "I am so afraid his exuberance of spirit may annoy Vivian," said she, with + a rare smile. "She detests vulgarity." + </p> + <p> + The men departed. She lay back in the chaise-longue, her eyes fixed on the + hand he had touched with his lips. + </p> + <p> + Watson tapped twice on the door. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Wrandall could not wait, ma'am," he said, opening the door softly. + "She will call again tomorrow." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Watson. Will you hand me the cigarettes?" + </p> + <p> + Watson hesitated. "The cigarettes, ma'am?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "But the doctor's orders, ma'am, begging your pardon for—" + </p> + <p> + "I have a new doctor, Watson." + </p> + <p> + "I beg pardon, ma'am!" + </p> + <p> + "The celebrated Dr. Folly," she said lightly. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII — SARA WRANDALL'S DECISION + </h2> + <p> + When Smith returned from the Far West, a few days after the events + narrated in the foregoing chapter, he repaired at once to Sara's + apartment, bringing with him not only the signed statement of the Ashtley + girl, but the well-worn and apparently cherished prayer-book that had been + her solace during the last few months of her life. On the fly-leaf she had + written: "I have nothing of God's earthly gifts to leave behind but this. + It has brought me riches, but it is a poor thing in itself. I bequeath it, + my only earthly possession, to the kind and merciful one who taught me + that there is good in this bad world of ours." It was inscribed to "Mrs. + Challis Wrandall." + </p> + <p> + "She made me promise to give it to you with my own hands, Mrs. Wrandall," + said Smith, in the library, putting as much emotion into his voice and + manner as he thought the occasion and the audience demanded. Miss + Castleton and Mr. Booth were also present. "She was a queer girl. I never + saw one just like her, believe me. Just after she signed that paper, I had + a chance to be alone with her for a minute or two. She asked me to stoop + over so's I could hear what she had to say, and she made me promise not to + say a word about it until after she was gone. Well, it will surprise you + just as much as it did me, what she had to say with her dying breath, so + to speak." He paused for the effect. + </p> + <p> + "What did she say to you?" demanded Sara. + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, do you know that that girl knew all along who it was that went + up to Burton's Inn that evening with your husband? What do you think of + that?" + </p> + <p> + There was not a sound in the room. Even the coals in the fireplace seemed + to take that instant to hush their blithe crackling. Smith's listeners + might have been absolutely breathless, they were so rigid. Each had the + grotesque fear that he was about to point his finger at Hetty Glynn and + call upon her to answer to an accusation from the grave. + </p> + <p> + The next moment they drew a deep, quivering breath of relief. The + detective went on, almost apologetically. "I tried to bluff her into + telling me who she was, Mrs. Wrandall, but she wouldn't fall for it. After + a little while, I saw it was no use questioning her. She was as firm as a + rock about it. And she was pretty near gone, I can tell you. As a matter + of fact, her heart went back on her suddenly not ten minutes later, sort + of surprising all of us. But she did manage to whisper a few things to me + while the others were conversing in the hall. She said that she saw + another girl with Mr. Wrandall about a week before the murder, a stranger + and a very pretty one. He knew how to pick out the pretty—I—I + beg your pardon, ma'am. That sort of slipped out. You see—" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind. I understand. Go on." + </p> + <p> + "Right after that he told her he was through with her. Chucked her, that's + the sum and substance of it, for the new one, whoever she was. She raised + a row with him about it, and he laughed at her. For nearly a week she + spied on him, and she saw him out in the car with the stranger at least + half a dozen times. Now comes the queer part of it, and the thing that + made her keep her lips closed at first, right after the killing—the + murder, I mean. She laid for him in front of his home on the very day of + the murder and swore she'd do something desperate if he didn't give the + other one up. He took her to a cheap restaurant on the West Side, and she + was sure that several waiters saw that they were quarrelling. To get her + out of the place, he induced her to get in his car and they went for a + ride out as far as Van Courtlandt Park. The police never got onto all + this. But she lived in terror for a few days, believing that the waiters + might remember them, although neither of them had ever been in the place + before. When she was taken up for examination, she still wondered if they + would be called on to identify her. Nothing doing. It was right then, Mrs. + Wrandall, that you stepped in and said that her alibi was sufficient, and + staked her for life out there in the West. She says she saw the other girl + after the murder, but she wouldn't say where it was or when. Of course, + she couldn't swear that this girl did the job up there at Burton's, but + she was pretty nearly dead certain she was the one who went up there with + him. She was just on the point of telling the police about this girl, to + save herself, when you helped her out of the fix, and then she got to + thinking strange things, she said. This is what she said to me, there on + her death-bed, and I want to tell you it gave me an idea of character that + I had never come across before in all my experience. She said that if Mrs. + Wrandall here could be fine enough to befriend her, knowing all you did, + ma'am, about her and your husband, it oughtn't to be hard for her to help + another erring girl by keeping her mouth shut. And that's just what she + did. She kept still. That sort of reasoning was new to me. But, when you + stop to think it over, maybe she was right. A word from her might have + sent a fellow creature to the chair. She had had her lesson in charity + from you, Mrs. Wrandall, and, while you didn't mean it to have that + effect, you undoubtedly spoiled the best chance we'll ever have to get the + real woman in the case." + </p> + <p> + There was a moment of tense silence. Booth was the first to risk the + effort at speech. + </p> + <p> + "And she wouldn't say a word more? She gave you no—no clue?" + </p> + <p> + "Not the faintest idea, sir. She took that girl's name to the grave with + her." + </p> + <p> + "Her name! She knew her name?" cried Sara, leaning forward. + </p> + <p> + "She heard it a day or two after you had her set free, Mrs. Wrandall. + Don't it beat all? Now, don't you see what might have happened if we'd let + the police put the screws on her out there? Why, the chances are, a + hundred to one, she would have broken down in the end, and told who this + other woman is. There is where we made a fatal mistake. But it's too late + now, confound it." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it's too late now," said Sara, relaxing in her chair. + </p> + <p> + "I'm telling you this, although maybe I wasn't expected to. She made me + promise not to tell the police. Well, I guess I can keep that promise. You + ain't the police." + </p> + <p> + "It is a most remarkable story, Mr. Smith," said Sara, "but I do not see + that it leads us anywhere. We are quite as much in the dark as before." + </p> + <p> + The detective studied the pattern in the rug at his feet, a defeated look + in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose I MIGHT have forced her to tell me, Mrs. Wrandall, but I—I + didn't have the heart to bully her. I suppose you'll always have it in for + me for letting the chance slip?" + </p> + <p> + "I think I have already told you, Mr. Smith, that I am not at all + curious." + </p> + <p> + With the departure of the detective, the three conspirators fell into an + agitated discussion of the revelations he had made; so grave had their + peril appeared to be at the opening of his narrative that they were still + in a state of perturbation from which they were not to recover for a long + time. Their cheeks were white and their eyes were dark with the dread that + remained even after the danger was past. Hetty's arms hung limp and + nerveless at her sides as she lay back in the chair and stared numbly at + her friends. + </p> + <p> + "Do you really believe she knew that I was the one?" she asked miserably. + "Do you think she knew my name?" she shuddered. + </p> + <p> + "What if she did?" demanded Booth with an assumption of indifference he + was not yet able to feel. "She was a brick to keep it to herself. The + danger's past, dearest. Don't let it worry you now." + </p> + <p> + "But just think of it! At any time she could have told this story to the + police and—Oh, wasn't it appalling? I thought my heart would never + beat again!" + </p> + <p> + "We never knew till now how close we were to the abyss," said Sara, + drawing the thin wrap closer about her shoulders. Suddenly she laughed. + "But why contemplate the disaster that didn't occur? We are more secure + than ever. This girl was the only one who knew, because no one else could + have had the same incentive to spy upon him, Hetty. She is dead. Your name + isn't likely to be shouted from the housetops, for the simple reason that + it is safely locked up in a grave." She hesitated for a moment and then + added: "In two graves, if it makes you feel more secure." + </p> + <p> + The others looked at her in open astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Booth was frowning. Sara glanced at his stern face and her eyes fell. "If + that sounded cold and unfeeling, I am sorry, Hetty. It was my unfortunate + way of trying to convince you that there is nothing left for you to fear." + </p> + <p> + She left them a moment later, bending over to kiss Hetty's cheek as she + passed by her chair. + </p> + <p> + "Now, you see what I mean, Brandon, when I insist that it would be a + mistake for you to marry me," said Hetty in a troubled voice. "We could + never be sure of immunity." + </p> + <p> + "You refer to that remark of hers?" + </p> + <p> + "She is a strange woman. I sometimes have the feeling that she wants to + keep me with her for ever. I feel that she will not let me go." + </p> + <p> + "That's pure nonsense, Hetty," he said. "She wants you to marry me, I am + positive." He may have thought his tone convincing, but something caused + her to regard him rather fixedly, as if she were trying to solve an + elusive puzzle. + </p> + <p> + He took her by the arms and raised her to her feet. Holding her quite + close, he looked down into her questioning eyes and said very seriously: + </p> + <p> + "You are suspicious, even of me, dearest. I want you. There is but one way + for you to be at peace with yourself: shift your cares over to my + shoulders. I will stand between you and everything that may come up to + trouble you. We love one another. Why should we sacrifice our love for the + sake of a shadow? For a week, dearest, I've been pleading with you; won't + you end the suspense to-day—end it now—and say you will be my + wife?" + </p> + <p> + The appeal was so gentle, so sincere, so full of longing that she wavered. + Her tender blue eyes, lately so full of dread, grew moist with the + ineffable sweetness of love, and capitulation was in them. Her warm, red + lips parted in a dear little smile of surrender. + </p> + <p> + "You know I love you," she said tremulously. + </p> + <p> + He kissed the lovely, appealing lips, not once but many times. + </p> + <p> + "God, how I worship you," he whispered passionately. "I can't go on + without you, darling. You are life to me. I love you! I love you!" + </p> + <p> + She drew back in his arms, the shadow chasing the light out of her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "We are both living in the present, we are both thinking only of it, + Brandon. What of the future? Can we foresee the future? Dear heart, I am + always thinking of your future, not my own. Is it right for me to bring + you—" + </p> + <p> + "And I am thinking only of your future," he said gravely. "The future that + shall be mine to shape and to make glad with the fulfilment of every + promise that love has in store for both of us. Put away the doubts, drive + out the shadows, dearest. Live in the light for ever. Love is light." + </p> + <p> + "If I were only sure that my shadows would not descend upon you, I—" + </p> + <p> + He drew her close and kissed her again. + </p> + <p> + "I am not afraid of your shadows. God be my witness, Hetty, I glory in + them. They do not reflect weakness, but strength and nobility. They make + you all the more worth having. I thank God that you are what you are, dear + heart." + </p> + <p> + "Give me a few days longer, Brandon," she pleaded. "Let me conquer this + strange thing that lies here in my brain. My heart is yours, my soul is + yours. But the brain is a rebel. I must triumph over it, or it will always + lie in wait for a chance to overthrow this little kingdom of ours. To-day + I have been terrified. I am disturbed. Give me a few days longer." + </p> + <p> + "I would not grant you the respite, were I not so sure of the outcome," he + said gently, but there was a thrill of triumph in the tones. Her eyes grew + very dark and soft and her lips trembled with the tide of love that surged + through her body. "Oh, how adorable you are!" he cried, straining her + close in a sudden ecstasy of passion. + </p> + <p> + The door-bell rang. They drew apart, breathing rapidly, their blood + leaping with the contact of opposing passions, their flesh quivering. With + a shy, sweet glance at him, she turned toward the door to await the + appearance of Watson. He could still feel her in his arms. + </p> + <p> + A drawling voice came to them from the vestibule, and a moment later + Leslie Wrandall entered the library, pulling off his gloves as he came. + </p> + <p> + "Hello," he said glibly. "I told that fellow downstairs it wasn't + necessary to announce me by telephone. Silly arrangement, I say. Why the + devil should they think everybody's a thief or a book agent or a constable + with a subpoena? He knows I'm one of the family. I'm likely to run in any + time, I told him, and—Oh, I say, I'm not butting in, am I, Miss + Castleton?" + </p> + <p> + He shook hands with both of them, and then offered his cigarette case to + Booth, first selecting one for himself. Hetty assured him that he was not + de trop, sheer profligacy on her part in view of his readiness to concede + the point without a word from her. + </p> + <p> + "Nipping wind," he said, taking his stand before the fireplace. "Where is + Sara? Never mind, don't bother her. I've got all the time in the world. By + the way, Miss Castleton, what is the latest news from your father?" + </p> + <p> + "I dare say you have later news than I," she said, a trace of annoyance in + her manner. + </p> + <p> + "I thought perhaps he had written you about his plans." + </p> + <p> + "My father does not know that I have returned to New York." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see. Of course. Um—um! By the way, I think the Colonel is a + corker. One of the most amiable thoroughbreds I've ever come across. + Ripping. He's never said anything to me about your antipathy toward him, + but I can see with half an eye that he is terribly depressed about it. + Can't you get together some way on—" + </p> + <p> + "Really, Mr. Wrandall, you are encouraging your imagination to a point + where words ultimately must fail you," she said very positively. Booth + could hardly repress a chuckle. + </p> + <p> + "It's not imagination on my part," said Leslie with conviction, failing + utterly to recognise the obvious. "I suppose you know that he is coming + over to visit me for six weeks or so. We became rattling good friends + before we parted. By Jove, you should hear him on old Lord Murgatroyd's + will! The quintessence of wit! I couldn't take it as he does. Expectations + and all that sort of thing, you know, going up like a hot air balloon and + bursting in plain view. But he never squeaked. Laughed it off. A British + attribute, I dare say. I suppose you know that he is obliged to sell his + estate in Ireland." + </p> + <p> + Hetty started. She could not conceal the look of shame that leaped into + her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I—I did not know," she murmured. + </p> + <p> + "Must be quite a shock to you. Sit down, Brandy. You look very picturesque + standing, but chairs were made to sit upon—or in, whichever is + proper." + </p> + <p> + Booth shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "I think I'll stand, if you don't mind, Les." + </p> + <p> + "I merely suggested it, old chap, fearing you might have overlooked the + possibilities. Yes, Miss Castleton, he left us in London to go up to + Belfast on this dismal business." There was something in the back of his + mind that he was trying to get at in a tactful manner. "By the way, is + this property entailed?" + </p> + <p> + "I know nothing at all about it, Mr. Wrandall," said she, with a pleading + glance at her lover, as if to inquire what stand she should take in this + distressing situation. + </p> + <p> + "If it is entailed he can't sell it," said Booth quietly. + </p> + <p> + "That's true," said Leslie, somewhat dubiously. Then, with a magnanimity + that covered a multitude of doubts he added: "Of course, I am only + interested in seeing that you are properly protected, Miss Castleton. I've + no doubt you hold an interest in the estates." + </p> + <p> + "I can't very well discuss a thing I know absolutely nothing about," she + said succinctly. + </p> + <p> + "Most of it is in building lots and factories in Belfast, of course." It + was more in the nature of a question than a declaration. "The old family + castle isn't very much of an asset, I take it." + </p> + <p> + "I fancy you can trust Colonel Castleton to make the best possible deal in + the premises," said Booth drily. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose so," said the other resignedly. "He is a shrewd beggar, I'm + convinced of that. Strange, however, that I haven't heard a word from him + since he left us in London, I've been expecting a cablegram from him every + day for nearly a fortnight, letting me know when to expect him." + </p> + <p> + Hetty had gone over to the window and was looking out over the darkening + park. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps he means to surprise you, old man," said Booth, with a smile that + Leslie did not in the least interpret. + </p> + <p> + With a furtive glance at the girl, whose back was toward them, he got up + from his chair and came quite close to Booth, frowning slightly as he + plucked at his moustache with nervous fingers. Lowering his voice to a + cautious half-whisper, he inquired: + </p> + <p> + "I say, Brandy, what do you know about him? Is he on the level, or is he a + damned old rascal?" + </p> + <p> + "Did you lend him any money?" asked Booth, with a malicious grin. + </p> + <p> + Leslie gulped. A fine perspiration broke out on his forehead. "Yes, I + did," he replied, and, on reflection, slyly kicked himself on the ankle, + making sure however that Hetty was still looking the other way. "Go on! + Break it rudely. He's no good, eh? A shark, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Believe me, I don't know anything about him, Les," said Booth, with a + sudden feeling of loyalty to the Colonel's daughter. "He may pay up." + </p> + <p> + Leslie snapped his fingers while they were on the way to his upper lip, + and almost missed his moustache by the digression. At any rate, he seemed + to be fumbling for it. + </p> + <p> + "I did it on her account," he explained, nodding his head in Hetty's + direction. He thought hard for a moment. "Of course, he won't be such a + blithering fool as to come over here, will he?" + </p> + <p> + "I shouldn't, if I had been able to get what I wanted at home, as he very + obviously did," said Booth pitilessly. "How much was it?" + </p> + <p> + Leslie waved his hand disdainfully. "Oh, a few hundred pounds, that's all. + No harm done." + </p> + <p> + "Are you going to California this winter for the flying?" asked Hetty, + coming toward them. + </p> + <p> + Sara entered at that juncture, and they all sat down to listen for half an + hour to Leslie's harangue on the way the California meet was being + mismanaged, at the end of which he departed. + </p> + <p> + He took Booth away with him, much to that young man's disgust. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know, Brandy, old fellow," said he as they walked down Fifth + Avenue in the gathering dusk of the early winter evening, "ever since I've + begun to suspect that damned old humbug of a father of hers, I've been + congratulating myself that there isn't the remotest chance of his ever + becoming my father-in-law. And, by George, you'll never know how near I + was to leaping blindly into the brambles. What a close call I had!" + </p> + <p> + Booth's sarcastic smile was hidden by the dusk. He made no pretence of + openly resenting the meanness of spirit that moved Leslie to these caddish + remarks. He merely announced in a dry, cutting voice: + </p> + <p> + "I think Miss Castleton is to be congratulated that her injury is no + greater than Nature made it in the beginning." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean by 'nature'?" + </p> + <p> + "Nature gave her a father, didn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Obviously." + </p> + <p> + "Well, why add insult to injury?" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove! Oh, I SAY, old man!" + </p> + <p> + They parted at the next corner. As Booth started to cross over to the + Plaza, Leslie called out after him: + </p> + <p> + "I say, Brandy, just a second, please. Are you going to marry Miss + Castleton?" + </p> + <p> + "I am." + </p> + <p> + "Then, I retract the scurvy things I said back there. I asked her to marry + me three times and she refused me three times. What I said about the + brambles was rotten. I'd ask her again if I thought she'd have me. There + you are, old fellow. I'm a rotten cad, but I apologise to you just the + same." + </p> + <p> + "You're learning, Leslie," said Booth, taking the hand the other held out + to him. + </p> + <p> + While the painter was dining at his club later on in the evening, he was + called to the telephone. Watson was on the wire. He said that Mrs. + Wrandall would like to know if Mr. Booth could drop in on her for a few + minutes after dinner, "to discuss a very important matter, if you please, + sir." At nine o'clock, Booth was in Sara's library, trying to grasp a new + and remarkable phase in the character of that amazing woman. + </p> + <p> + He found Hetty waiting for him when he arrived. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what it all means, Brandon," she said hurriedly, looking + over her shoulder as she spoke. "Sara says that she has come to a decision + of some sort. She wants us to hear her plan before making it final. I—I + don't understand her at all to-night." + </p> + <p> + "It can't be anything serious, dearest," he said, but something cold and + nameless oppressed him just the same. + </p> + <p> + "She asked me if I had finally decided to—to be your wife, Brandon. + I said I had asked you for two or three days more in which to decide. It + seemed to depress her. She said she didn't see how she could give me up, + even to you. She wants to be near me always. It is—it is really + tragic, Brandon." + </p> + <p> + He took he hands in his. + </p> + <p> + "We can fix that," said he confidently. "Sara can live with us if she + feels that way about it. Our home shall be hers when she likes, and as + long as she chooses. It will be open to her all the time, to come and go + or to stay, just as she elects. Isn't that the way to put it?" + </p> + <p> + "I suggested something of the sort, but she wasn't very much impressed. + Indeed, she appeared to be somewhat—yes, I could not have been + mistaken,—somewhat harsh and terrified when I spoke of it. + Afterwards she was more reasonable. She thanked me and—there were + tears in her eyes at the time—and said she would think it over. All + she asks is that I may be happy and free and untroubled all the rest of my + life. This was before dinner. At dinner she appeared to be brooding over + something. When we left the table she took me to her room and said that + she had come to an important decision. Then she instructed Watson to find + you if possible." + </p> + <p> + "'Gad, it's all very upsetting," he said, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + "I think her conscience is troubling her. She hates the Wrandalls, but I—I + don't know why I should feel as I do about it,—but I believe she + wants them to know!" + </p> + <p> + He stared for a moment, and then his face brightened. "And so do I, Hetty, + so do I! They ought to know!" + </p> + <p> + "I should feel so much easier if the whole world knew," said she + earnestly. + </p> + <p> + Sara heard the girl's words as she stood in the door. She came forward + with a strange,—even abashed,—smile, after closing the door + behind her. + </p> + <p> + "I don't agree with you, dearest, when you say that the world should know, + but I have come to the conclusion that you should be tried and acquitted + by a jury made up of Challis Wrandall's own flesh and blood. The Wrandalls + must know the truth." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV — THE JURY OF FOUR + </h2> + <p> + The Wrandalls sat waiting and wondering. They had been sent for and they + had deigned to respond, much to their own surprise. Redmond Wrandall + occupied a place at the head of the library table. At his right sat his + wife. Vivian and Leslie, by direction, took seats at the side of the long + table, which had been cleared of its mass of books and magazines. Lawyer + Carroll was at the other end of the table, perceptibly nervous and + anxious. Hetty sat a little apart from the others, a rather forlorn, + detached member of the conclave. Brandon Booth, pale-faced and alert, drew + up a chair alongside Carroll, facing Sara who alone remained standing, + directly opposite the four Wrandalls. + </p> + <p> + Not one of the Wrandalls knew why they, as a family, were there. They had + not the slightest premonition of what was to come. + </p> + <p> + The strong glare of an electric chandelier, seldom used in this quiet, + subdued little library, threw its light down upon the group, outlining + every feature with a sharpness that almost created shadows. It was a + trying light. No play of the emotions could be lost under its convicting + glow. A clock struck nine. Outside the first savage storm of the winter + was raging. + </p> + <p> + The Wrandalls had been routed from their comfortable fireside—for + what? They were asking the question of themselves and they were waiting + stonily for the answer. + </p> + <p> + "It is very stuffy in here," Vivian had said with a glance at the closed + doors after Sara had successfully placed her jury in the box. + </p> + <p> + "Keep still, Viv," whispered Leslie, with a fine assumption of awe. "It's + a spiritualistic meeting. You'll scare the spooks away." + </p> + <p> + It was at this juncture that Sara rose from her chair and faced them, as + calmly, as complacently as if she were about to ask them to proceed to the + dining-room instead of to throw a bomb into their midst that would shatter + their smug serenity for all time to come. With a glance at Mr. Carroll she + began, clearly, firmly and without a prefatory apology for what was to + follow. + </p> + <p> + "I have asked you to come here to-night to be my judges. I am on trial. + You are about to hear the story of my unspeakable perfidy. I only require + of you that you hear me to the end before passing judgment." + </p> + <p> + At her words, Hetty and Booth started perceptibly; a quick glance passed + between them, as if each was inquiring whether the other had caught the + extraordinary words of self-indictment. A puzzled frown appeared on + Hetty's brow. + </p> + <p> + "Perfidy?" interposed Mr. Wrandall. His wife's expression changed from one + of bored indifference to sharp inquiry. Leslie paused in the act of + lighting a cigarette. + </p> + <p> + "It is the mildest term I can command," said Sara. "I shall be as brief as + possible in stating the case, Mr. Wrandall. You will be surprised to hear + that I have taken it upon myself, as the wife of Challis Wrandall and, as + I regard it, the one MOST vitally concerned if not interested in the + discovery and punishment of the person who took his life,—I say I + have taken it upon myself to shield, protect and defend the unhappy young + woman who accompanied him to Burton's Inn on that night in March. She has + had my constant, my personal protection for more than twenty months." + </p> + <p> + The Wrandalls leaned forward in their chairs. The match burned Leslie's + fingers, and he dropped it without appearing to notice the pain. + </p> + <p> + "What is this you are saying?" demanded Redmond Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "When I left the inn that night, after seeing my husband's body in the + little upstairs room, I said to myself that the one who took his life had + unwittingly done me a service. He was my husband; I loved him, I adored + him. To the end of my days I could have gone on loving him in spite of the + cruel return he gave for my love and loyalty. I shall not attempt to tell + you of the countless lapses of fidelity on his part. You would not believe + me. But he always came back to me with the pitiful love he had for me, and + I forgave him his transgressions. These things you know. He confessed many + things to you, Mr. Wrandall. He humbled himself to me. Perhaps you will + recall that I never complained to you of him. What rancour I had was + always directed toward you, his family, who would see no wrong in your + king but looked upon me as dirt beneath his feet. There were moments when + I could have slain him with my own hands, but my heart rebelled. There + were times when he said to me that I ought to kill him for the things he + had done. You may now understand what I mean when I say that the girl who + went to Burton's Inn with him did me a service. I will not say that I + considered her guiltless at the time. On the contrary, I looked upon her + in quite a different way. I had no means of knowing then that she was as + pure as snow and that he would have despoiled her of everything that was + sweet and sacred to her. She took his life in order to save that which was + dearer to her than her own life, and she was on her way to pay for her + deed with her life if necessary when I came upon her and intervened." + </p> + <p> + "You—you know who she is?" said Mr. Wrandall, in a low, incredulous + voice. + </p> + <p> + "I have known almost from the beginning. Presently you will hear her + story, from her own lips." + </p> + <p> + Involuntarily four pairs of eyes shifted. They looked blankly at Hetty + Castleton. + </p> + <p> + Speaking swiftly, Sara depicted the scenes and sensations experienced + during that memorable motor journey to New York City. + </p> + <p> + "I could not believe that she was a vicious creature, even then. Something + told me that she was a tender, gentle thing who had fallen into evil hands + and had struck because she was unevil. I did not doubt that she had been + my husband's mistress, but I could not destroy the conviction that somehow + she had been justified in doing the thing she had done. My gravest mistake + was in refusing to hear her story in all of its details. I only permitted + her to acknowledge that she had killed him, no more. I did not want to + hear the thing which I assumed to be true. Therein lies my deepest fault. + For months and months I misjudged her in my heart, yet secretly loved her. + Now I understand why I loved her. It was because she was innocent of the + only crime I could lay at her feet. Now I come to the crime of which I + stand self-accused. I must have been mad all these months. I have no other + defence to offer. You may take it as you see it for yourselves. I do not + ask for pardon. After I deliberately had set about to shield this unhappy + girl,—to cheat the law, if you please,—to cheat you, perhaps,—I + conceived the horrible thought to avenge myself for ALL the indignities I + had sustained at the hands of you Wrandalls, and at the same time to even + my account with the one woman whom I could put my finger upon as having + robbed me of my husband's love. You see I put it mildly. I have hated all + of you, Mrs. Wrandall, even as you have hated me. To-day,—now,—I + do not feel as I did in other days toward you. I do not love you, still I + do not hate you. I do not forgive you, and yet I think I have come to see + things from your point of view. I can only repeat that I do not hate you + as I once did." + </p> + <p> + She paused. The Wrandalls were too deeply submerged in horror to speak. + They merely stared at her as if stupefied; as breathless, as motionless as + stones. + </p> + <p> + "There came a day when I observed that Leslie was attracted by the guest + in my house. On that day the plan took root in my brain. I—" + </p> + <p> + "Good God!" fell from Leslie's lips. "You—you had THAT in mind?" + </p> + <p> + "It became a fixed, inflexible purpose, Leslie. Not that I hated you as I + hated the rest, for you tried to be considerate. The one grudge I held + against you was that in seeking to sustain me you defamed your own + brother. You came to me with stories of his misdeeds; you said that he was + a scoundrel and that you would not blame me for 'showing him up.' Do you + not remember? And so my plot involved you; you were the only one through + whom I could strike. There were times when I faltered. I could not bear + the thought of sacrificing Hetty Castleton, nor was it easy to thoroughly + appease my conscience in respect to you. Still, if I could have had my way + a few months ago, if coercion had been of any avail, you would now be the + husband of your brother's slayer. Then I came to know that she was not + what I had thought she was. She was honest. My bubble burst. I came out of + the maze in which I had been living and saw clearly that what I had + contemplated was the most atrocious—" + </p> + <p> + "Atrocious?" cried Mrs. Redmond Wrandall between her set teeth. + "Diabolical! Diabolical! My God, Sara, what a devil you—" She did + not complete the sentence, but sank back in her chair and stared with + wide, horror-struck eyes at her rigid daughter-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Her husband, his hand shaking as if with palsy, pointed a finger at Hetty. + "And so YOU are the one we have been hunting for all these months, Miss + Castleton! You are the one we want! You who have sat at our table, you who + have smiled in our faces—" + </p> + <p> + "Stop, Mr. Wrandall!" commanded Sara, noting the ashen face of the girl. + "Don't let the fact escape you that I am the guilty person. Don't forget + that she owed her freedom, if not her life to me. I alone kept her from + giving herself up to the law. All that has transpired since that night in + March must be placed to my account. Hetty Castleton has been my prisoner. + She has rebelled a thousand times and I have conquered—not by + threats but by LOVE! Do you understand? Because of her love for me, and + because she believed that I loved her, she submitted. You are not to + accuse her, Mr. Wrandall. Accuse me! I am on trial here. Hetty Castleton + is a witness against me, if you choose to call upon her as such. If not, I + shall ask her to speak in my defence, if she can do so." + </p> + <p> + "This is lunacy!" cried Mr. Wrandall, coming to his feet. "I don't care + what your motives may have been. They do not make her any the less a + murderess. She—" + </p> + <p> + "We must give her over to the police—" began his wife, struggling to + her feet. She staggered. It was Booth who stepped quickly to her side to + support her. Leslie was staring at Hetty. + </p> + <p> + Vivian touched her father's arm. She was very pale but vastly more + composed than the others. + </p> + <p> + "Father, listen to me," she said. Her voice trembled in spite of her + effort to control it. "We are condemning Miss Castleton unheard. Let us + hear everything before we—" + </p> + <p> + "Good God, Vivian! Do you mean to—" + </p> + <p> + "How can we place any reliance on what she may say?" cried Mrs. Wrandall. + </p> + <p> + "Nevertheless," said Vivian firmly, "I for one shall not condemn her + unheard. I mean to be as fair to her as Sara has been. It shall not be + said that ALL the Wrandalls are smaller than Sara Gooch!" + </p> + <p> + "My child—" began her father incredulously. His jaw dropped + suddenly. His daughter's shot had landed squarely in the heart of the + Wrandall pride. + </p> + <p> + "If she has anything to say,"—said Mrs. Wrandall, waving Booth aside + and sinking stiffly into her chair. Her husband sat down. Their jaws set + hard. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Vivian," said Sara, surprised in spite of herself. "You are + nobler than I—" + </p> + <p> + "Please don't thank me, Sara," said Vivian icily. "I was speaking for Miss + Castleton." + </p> + <p> + Sara flushed. "I suppose it is useless to ask you to be fair to Sara + Gooch, as you choose to call me." + </p> + <p> + "Do you feel in your heart that we still owe you anything?" + </p> + <p> + "Enough of this, Vivian," spoke up her father harshly. "If Miss Castleton + desires to speak we will listen to her. I must advise you, Miss Castleton, + that the extraordinary disclosures made by my daughter-in-law do not + lessen your culpability. We do not insist on this confession from you. You + deliver it at your own risk. I want to be fair with you. If Mr. Carroll is + your counsel, he may advise you now to refuse to make a statement." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll bowed slightly in the general direction of the Wrandalls. "I + have already advised Miss Castleton to state the case fully and completely + to you, Mr. Wrandall. It was I who originally suggested this—well, + what you might call a private trial for her. I am firmly convinced that + when you have heard her story, you, as her judges, will acquit her of the + charge of murder. Moreover, you will be content to let your own verdict + end the matter, sparing yourselves the shame and ignominy of having her + story told in a criminal court for the delectation of an eager but + somewhat implacable world." + </p> + <p> + "Your language is extremely unpleasant, Mr. Carroll," said Mr. Wrandall + coldly. + </p> + <p> + "I meant to speak kindly, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean, sir, that we will let the matter rest after hearing the—" + </p> + <p> + "That is precisely what I mean, Mr. Wrandall. You will not consider her + guilty of a crime. Please bear in mind this fact: but for Sara and Miss + Castleton you would not have known the truth. Miss Castleton could not be + convicted in a court of justice. Nor will she be convicted here this + evening, in this little court of ours." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Castleton is not on trial," interposed Sara calmly. "I am the + offender. She has already been tried and proved innocent." + </p> + <p> + Leslie, in his impatience, tapped sharply on the table with his seal ring. + </p> + <p> + "Please let her tell the story. Permit me to say, Miss Castleton, that you + will not find the Wrandalls as harsh and vindictive as you may have been + led to believe." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wrandall passed her hand over her eyes. "To think that we have been + friendly to this girl all these—" + </p> + <p> + "Calm yourself, my dear," said her husband, after a glance at his son and + daughter, a glance of unspeakable helplessness. He could not understand + them. + </p> + <p> + As Hetty arose, Mrs. Wrandall senior lowered her eyes and not once did she + look up during the recital that followed. Her hands were lying limply in + her lap, and she breathed heavily, almost stertoriously. The younger + Wrandalls leaned forward with their clear, unwavering gaze fixed on the + earnest face of the young Englishwoman who had slain their brother. + </p> + <p> + "You have heard Sara accuse herself," said the girl slowly, + dispassionately. "The shock was no greater to you than it was to me. All + that she has said is true, and yet I—I would so much rather she had + left herself unarraigned. We were agreed that I should throw myself on + your mercy. Mr. Carroll said that you were fair and just people, that you + would not condemn me under the circumstances. But that Sara should seek to + take the blame is—" + </p> + <p> + "Alas, my dear, I AM to blame," said Sara, shaking her head. "But for me + your story would have been told months ago, the courts would have cleared + you, and all the world would have execrated my husband for the thing HE + did—my husband and your son, Mrs. Wrandall,—whom we both + loved. God believe me, I think I loved him more than all of you put + together!" + </p> + <p> + She sat down abruptly and buried her face in her arms on the edge of the + table. + </p> + <p> + "If I could only induce you to forgive her," began Hetty, throwing out her + hands to the Wrandalls, only to be met by a gesture of repugnance from the + grim old man. + </p> + <p> + "Your story, Miss Castleton," he said hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + "From the beginning, if you please," added the lawyer quietly. "Leave out + nothing." + </p> + <p> + Clearly, steadily and with the utmost sincerity in her voice and manner, + the girl began the story of her life. She passed hastily over the earlier + periods, frankly exposing the unhappy conditions attending her home life, + her subsequent activities as a performer on the London stage after Colonel + Castleton's defection; the few months devoted to posing for Hawkright the + painter, and later on her engagement as governess in the wealthy Budlong + family. She devoted some time and definiteness to her first encounter with + Challis Wrandall on board the westbound steamer, an incident that came to + pass in a perfectly natural way. Her deck chair stood next to his, and he + was not slow in making himself agreeable. It did not occur to her till + long afterwards that he deliberately had traded positions with an elderly + gentleman who occupied the chair on the first day out. Before the end of + the voyage they were very good friends.... + </p> + <p> + "When we landed in New York, he assisted me in many ways. Afterwards, on + learning that I was not to go California, I called him up on the telephone + to explain my predicament. He urged me to stay in New York; he guaranteed + that there would be no difficulty in securing a splendid position in the + East. I had no means of knowing that he was married. I accepted him for + what I thought him to be: a genuine American gentleman. They are supposed + to be particularly considerate with women. His conduct toward me was + beyond reproach, I have never known a man who was so courteous, so gentle. + To me, he was the most fascinating man in the world. No woman could have + resisted him, I am sure of that." + </p> + <p> + She shot a quick, appealing glance at Booth's hard-set face. Her lip + trembled for a second. + </p> + <p> + "I fell madly in love with him," she went on resolutely. "I dreamed of + him, I could hardly wait for the time to come when I was to see him. He + never came to the wretched little lodging house I have told you about. I—I + met him outside. One night he told me that he loved me, loved me + passionately. I—I said that I would be his wife. Somehow it seemed + to me that he regarded me very curiously for a moment or two. He seemed to + be surprised, uncertain. I remember that he laughed rather queerly. It did + not occur to me to doubt him. One day he came for me, saying that he + wanted me to see the little apartment he had taken, where we were to live + after we were married. I went with him. He said that if I liked it, I + could move in at once, but I would not consent to such an arrangement. For + the first time I began to feel that everything was not as it should be. I—I + remained in the apartment but a few minutes. The next day he came to me, + greatly excited and more demonstrative than ever before, to say that he + had arranged for a quiet, jolly little wedding up in the country. + Strangely enough I experienced a queer feeling that all was not as it + should be, but his eagerness his persistence dispelled the small doubt + that had begun even then to shape itself. I consented to go with him on + the next night to an inn out in the country, where a college friend who + was a minister of the gospel would meet us, driving over from his parish a + few miles away. I said that I preferred to be married in a church. He + laughed and said it could be arranged when we got to the inn and had + talked it over with the minister. Still uneasy, I asked why it was + necessary to employ secrecy. He told me that his family were in Europe and + that he wanted to surprise them by giving them a daughter who was actually + related to an English nobleman. The family had been urging him to marry a + stupid but rich New York girl and he—oh, well, he uttered a great + deal of nonsense about my beauty, my charm, and all that sort of thing—" + </p> + <p> + She paused for a moment. No one spoke. Her audience of judges, with the + exception of the elder Mrs. Wrandall, watched her as if fascinated. Their + faces were almost expressionless. With a perceptible effort, she resumed + her story, narrating events that carried it up to the hour when she walked + into the little upstairs room at Burton's Inn with the man who was to be + her husband. + </p> + <p> + "I did not see the register at the inn. I did not know till afterwards + that we were not booked. Once upstairs, I refused to remove my hat or my + veil or my coat until he brought his friend to me. He pretended to be very + angry over his friend's failure to be there beforehand, as he had + promised. He ordered a supper served in the room. I did not eat anything. + Somehow I was beginning to understand, vaguely of course, but surely—and + bitterly, Mr. Wrandall. Suddenly he threw off the mask. + </p> + <p> + "He coolly informed me that he knew the kind of girl I was. I had been on + the stage. He said it was no use trying to work the marriage game on him. + He was too old a bird and too wise to fall for that. Those were his words. + I was horrified, stunned. When I began to cry out in my fury, he laughed + at me but swore he would marry me even at that if it were not for the fact + that he already was married....I tried to leave the room. He held me. He + kissed me a hundred times before I could break away. I—I tried to + scream....A little later on, when I was absolutely desperate, I—I + snatched up the knife. There was nothing else left for me to do. I struck + at him. He fell back on the bed....I stole out of the house—oh, + hours and hours afterward it seemed to me. I cannot tell you how long I + stood there watching him....I was crazed by fear. I—I—" + </p> + <p> + Redmond Wrandall held up his hand. + </p> + <p> + "We will spare you the rest, Miss Castleton," he said, his voice hoarse + and unnatural. "There is no need to say more." + </p> + <p> + "You—you understand? You DO believe me?" she cried. + </p> + <p> + He looked down at his wife's bowed head, and received no sign from her; + then at the white, drawn faces of his children. They met his gaze and he + read something in their eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I—I think your story is so convincing that we—we could not + endure the shame of having it repeated to the world." + </p> + <p> + "I—I cannot ask you to forgive me, sir. I only ask you to believe + me," she murmured brokenly. "I—I am sorry it had to be. God is my + witness that there was no other way." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll came to his feet. There were tears in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I think, Mr. Wrandall, you will now appreciate my motives in—" + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Mr. Carroll, if I suggest that Miss Castleton does not require + any defence at present," said Mr. Wrandall stiffly. "Your motives were + doubtless good. Will you be so good as to conduct us to a room where we + may—may be alone for a short while?" + </p> + <p> + There was something tragic in the man's face. His son and daughter arose + as if moved by an instinctive realisation of a duty, and perhaps for the + first time in their lives were submissive to an influence they had never + quite recognised before: a father's unalterable right to command. For once + in their lives they were meek in his presence. They stepped to his side + and stood waiting, and neither of them spoke. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall laid his hand heavily on his wife's shoulder. She started, + looked up rather vacantly, and then arose without assistance. He did not + make the mistake of offering to assist her. He knew too well that to + question her strength now would be but to invite weakness. She was strong. + He knew her well. + </p> + <p> + She stood straight and firm for a few seconds, transfixing Hetty with a + look that seemed to bore into the very soul of her, and then spoke. + </p> + <p> + "You ask us to be your judges?" + </p> + <p> + "I ask you to judge not me alone but—your son as well," said Hetty, + meeting her look steadily. "You cannot pronounce me innocent without + pronouncing him guilty. It will be hard." + </p> + <p> + Sara raised her head from her arms. + </p> + <p> + "You know the way into my sitting-room, Leslie," she said, with singular + directness. Then she arose and drew her figure to its full height. "Please + remember that it is I who am to be judged. Judge me as I have judged you. + I am not asking for mercy." + </p> + <p> + Hetty impulsively threw her arms about the rigid figure, and swept a + pleading look from one to the other of the four stony-faced Wrandalls. + </p> + <p> + They turned away without a word or a revealing look, and slowly moved off + in the direction of the boudoir. They who remained behind stood still, + motionless as statues. It was Vivian who opened the library door. She + closed it after the others had passed through, and did not look behind. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour passed. Then the door was opened and the tall old man + advanced into the room. + </p> + <p> + "We have found against my son, Miss Castleton," he said, his lips + twitching. "He is not here to speak for himself, but he has already been + judged. We, his family, apologise to you for what you have suffered from + the conduct of one of us. Not one but all of us believe the story you have + told. It must never be re-told. We ask this of all of you. It is not in + our hearts to thank Sara for shielding you, for her hand is still raised + against us. We are fair and just. If you had come to US on that wretched + night and told the story of my son's infamy, WE, the Wrandalls, would have + stood between you and the law. The law could not have touched you then; it + shall not touch you now. Our verdict, if you choose to call it that, is + sealed. No man shall ever hear from the lips of a Wrandall the smallest + part of what has transpired here to-night. Mr. Carroll, you were right. We + thank you for the counsel that led this unhappy girl to place herself in + our hands." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, God, I thank thee—I thank thee!" burst from the lips of Sara + Wrandall. She strained Hetty to her breast. + </p> + <p> + "It is not for us to judge you, Sara," said Redmond Wrandall, speaking + with difficulty. "You are your own judge, and a harsh one you will find + yourself. As for ourselves, we can only look upon your unspeakable design + as the working of a temporarily deranged mind. You could never have + carried it out. You are an honest woman. At the last you would have + revolted, even with victory assured. Perhaps Leslie is the only one who + has a real grievance against you in this matter. I am convinced that he + loved Miss Castleton deeply. The worst hurt is his, and he has been your + most devoted advocate during all the years of bitterness that has existed + between you and us. You thought to play him a foul trick. You could not + have carried it to the end. We leave you to pass judgment on yourself." + </p> + <p> + "I have already done so, Mr. Wrandall," said Sara. "Have I not accused + myself before you? Have I not confessed to the only crime that has been + committed? I am not proud of myself, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You have hated us well." + </p> + <p> + "And you have hated me. The crime you hold me guilty of was committed + years ago. It was when I robbed you of your son. To this day I am the + leper in your path. I may be forgiven for all else, but not for allowing + Challis Wrandall to become the husband of Sebastian Gooch's daughter. That + is the unpardonable sin." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall was silent for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "You still are Sebastian Gooch's daughter," he said distinctly. "You can + never be anything else." + </p> + <p> + She paled. "This last transaction proves it, you would say?" + </p> + <p> + "This last transaction, yes." + </p> + <p> + She looked about her with troubled, questioning eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I—I wonder if THAT can be true," she murmured, rather piteously. + "Am I so different from the rest of you? Is the blood to blame?" + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense!" exclaimed Mr. Carroll nervously. "Don't be silly, Sara, my + child. That is not what Mr. Wrandall means." + </p> + <p> + Wrandall turned his face away. + </p> + <p> + "You loved as deeply as you hate, Sara," he said, with a curious twitching + of his chin. "My son was your god. We are not insensible to that. Perhaps + we have never realised until now the depth and breadth of your love for + him. Love is a bitter judge of its enemies. It knows no mercy, it knows no + reason. Hate may be conquered by love, but love cannot be conquered by + hate. You had reason to hate my son; Instead you persisted in your love + for him. We—we owe you something for that, Sara. We owe you a great + deal more than I find myself able to express in words." + </p> + <p> + Leslie entered the room at this instant. He had his overcoat on and + carried his gloves and hat in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "We are ready, father," he said thickly. + </p> + <p> + After a moment's hesitation, he crossed over to Hetty, who stood beside + Sara. + </p> + <p> + "I—I can now understand why you refused to marry me, Miss + Castleton," he said, in a queer, jerky manner. "Won't you let me say that + I wish you all the happiness still to be found in this rather uneven world + of ours?" + </p> + <p> + The crowning testimonial to an absolutely sincere ego! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV — RENUNCIATION + </h2> + <p> + On the third day after the singular trial of Hetty Castleton in Sara's + library, young Mrs. Wrandall's motor drew up in front of a lofty office + building in lower Broadway; its owner stepped down from the limousine and + entered the building. A few moments later she walked briskly into the + splendid offices of Wrandall & Co., private bankers and + steamship-owners. The clerks in the outer offices stared for a moment in + significant surprise, and then bowed respectfully to the beautiful silent + partner in the great concern. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time she had been seen in the offices since the tragic + event that had served to make her a member of the firm. A boy at the + information desk, somewhat impressed by her beauty and the trim elegance + of her long black broad-tail coat, to say nothing of the dark eyes that + shone through the narrow veil, forgot the dignity of his office and went + so far as to politely ask her who she wanted to see and "what name, + please." + </p> + <p> + The senior clerk rushed forward and transfixed the new boy with a glare. + </p> + <p> + "A new boy, Mrs. Wrandall," he made haste to explain. To the new boy's + surprise, the visitor was conducted with much bowing and scraping into the + private offices, where no one ventured except by special edict of the + powers. + </p> + <p> + "Who was it?" he asked, in some awe, of a veteran stenographer who came up + and sneered at him. + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Challis Wrandall, you little simpleton," said she, and for once he + failed to snap back. + </p> + <p> + It is of record that for nearly two whole days, he was polite to every + visitor who approached him and was generally worth his salt. + </p> + <p> + Sara found herself in the close little room that once had been her + husband's, but was now scrupulously held in reserve for her own use. + Rather a waste of space, she felt as she looked about the office. The + clerk dusted an easy chair and threw open the long unused desk near the + window. + </p> + <p> + "We are very glad to see you here, madam," he said. "This room hasn't been + used much, as you may observe. Is there anything I can do for you?" + </p> + <p> + She continued her critical survey of the room. Nothing had been changed + since the days when she used to visit her husband here on occasions of + rare social importance: such as calling to take him out to luncheon, or to + see that he got safely home on rainy afternoons. The big picture of a + steamship still hung on the wall across the room. Her own photograph, in a + silver frame, stood in one of the recesses of the desk. She observed that + there was a clean white blotter there, too; but the ink wells appeared to + be empty, if she was to judge by the look of chagrin on the clerk's face + as he inspected them. Photographs of polo scenes in which Wrandall was a + prominent figure, hung about the walls, with two or three pictures of his + favourite ponies, and one of a ragged gipsy girl with wonderful eyes, + carrying a monkey in a crude wooden cage strapped to her back. On closer + observation one would have recognised Sara's peculiarly gipsy-like + features in the face of the girl, and then one would have noticed the + caption written in red ink at the bottom of the photograph: "The + Trumbell's Fancy Dress Ball, January 10, '07. Sara as Gipsy Mab." + </p> + <p> + With a start, Sara came out of her painful reverie. She passed her hand + over her eyes, and seemed thereby to put the polite senior clerk back into + the picture once more. + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you. Is Mr. Redmond Wrandall down this afternoon?" + </p> + <p> + "He came in not ten minutes ago. Mr. Leslie Wrandall is also here. Shall I + tell Mr. Wrandall you wish to see him?" + </p> + <p> + "You may tell him, that I am here, if you please," she said. + </p> + <p> + "I am very sorry about the ink wells, madam," murmured the clerk. "We—we + were not expecting—" + </p> + <p> + "Pray don't let it disturb you, Mr. Bancroft. I shall not use them + to-day." + </p> + <p> + "They will be properly filled by to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you." + </p> + <p> + He disappeared. She relaxed in the familiar, comfortable old + leather-cushioned chair, and closed her eyes. There was a sharp little + line between them, but it was hidden by the veil. + </p> + <p> + The door opened slowly and Redmond Wrandall came into the room. She arose + at once. + </p> + <p> + "This is—er—an unexpected pleasure, Sara," he said, perplexed + and ill-at-ease. He stopped just inside the door he had been careful to + close behind him, and did not offer her his hand. + </p> + <p> + "I came down to attend to some business, Mr. Wrandall," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Business?" he repeated, staring. + </p> + <p> + She took note of the tired, haggard look in his eyes, and the tightly + compressed lips. + </p> + <p> + "I intend to dispose of my entire interest in Wrandall & Co.," she + announced calmly. + </p> + <p> + He took a step forward, plainly startled by the declaration. + </p> + <p> + "What's this?" he demanded sharply. + </p> + <p> + "We may as well speak plainly, Mr. Wrandall," she said. "You do not care + to have me remain a member of the firm, nor do I blame you for feeling as + you do about it. A year ago you offered to buy me out—or off, as I + took it to be at the time. I had reasons then for not selling out to you. + To-day I am ready either to buy or to sell." + </p> + <p> + "You—you amaze me," he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Does your offer of last December still stand?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I think we would better have Leslie in, Sara. This is most + unexpected. I don't quite feel up to—" + </p> + <p> + "Have Leslie in by all means," she said, resuming her seat. + </p> + <p> + He hesitated a moment, opened his lips as if to speak, and then abruptly + left the room. + </p> + <p> + Sara smiled. + </p> + <p> + Many minutes passed before the two Wrandalls put in an appearance. She + understood the delay. They were telephoning to certain legal advisers. + </p> + <p> + "What's this I hear, Sara?" demanded Leslie, extending his hand after a + second's hesitation. + </p> + <p> + She shook hands with him, not listlessly but with the vigour born of + nervousness. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what you've heard," she said pointedly. + </p> + <p> + His slim fingers went searching for the end of his moustache. + </p> + <p> + "Why,—why, about selling out to us," he stammered. + </p> + <p> + "I am willing to retire from the firm of Wrandall & Co.," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Father says the business is as good as it was a year ago, but I don't + agree with him," said the son, trying to look lugubrious. + </p> + <p> + "Then you don't care to repeat your original proposition?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, the way business has been falling off—" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you would prefer to sell out to me," she remarked quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all!" he said quickly, with a surprised glance at his father. "We + couldn't think of letting the business pass out of the Wrandall name." + </p> + <p> + "You forget that MY name is Wrandall," she rejoined. "There would be no + occasion to change the firm's name; merely its membership." + </p> + <p> + "Our original offer stands," said the senior Wrandall stiffly. "We prefer + to buy." + </p> + <p> + "And I to sell. Mr. Carroll will meet you to-morrow, gentlemen. He will + represent me as usual. Our business as well as social relations are about + to end, I suppose. My only regret is that I cannot further accommodate you + by changing my name. Still you may live in hope that time may work even + that wonder for you." + </p> + <p> + She arose. The two men regarded her in an aggrieved way for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "I have no real feeling of hostility toward you, Sara," said Leslie + nervously, "in spite of all that you said the other night." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid you don't mean that, deep down in your heart, Leslie," she + said, with a queer little smile. + </p> + <p> + "But I do," he protested. "Hang it all, we—we live in a glass house + ourselves, Sara. I dare say, in a way, I was quite as unpleasant as the + rest of the family. You see, we just can't help being snobs. It's in us, + that's all there is to it." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wrandall looked up from the floor, his gaze having dropped at the + first outburst from his son's lips. + </p> + <p> + "We—we prefer to be friendly, Sara, if you will allow us—" + </p> + <p> + She laughed and the old gentleman stopped in the middle of his sentence. + </p> + <p> + "We can't be friends, Mr. Wrandall," she said, suddenly serious. "The + pretence would be a mockery. We are all better off if we allow our paths, + our interests to diverge to-day." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you are right," said he, compressing his lips. + </p> + <p> + "I believe that Vivian and I could—but no! I won't go so far as to + say that either. There is something genuine about her. Strange to say, I + have never disliked her." + </p> + <p> + "If you had made the slightest effort to like us, no doubt we could have—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear Mr. Wrandall," she interrupted quickly, "I credit YOU with the + desire to be fair and just to me. You have tried to like me. You have even + deceived yourself at times. I—but why these gentle recriminations? + We merely prolong an unfortunate contest between antagonistic natures, + with no hope of genuine peace being established. I do not regret that I am + your daughter-in-law, nor do I believe that you would regret it if I had + not been the daughter of Sebastian Gooch." + </p> + <p> + "Your father was as little impressed with my son as I was with his + daughter," said Redmond Wrandall drily. "I am forced to confess that he + was the better judge. We had the better of the bargain." + </p> + <p> + "I believe you mean it, Mr. Wrandall," she said, a note of gratitude in + her voice. "Good-bye. Mr. Carroll will see you to-morrow." She glanced + quickly about the room. "I shall send for—for certain articles that + are no longer required in conducting the business of Wrandall & Co." + </p> + <p> + With a quaint little smile, she indicated the two photographs of herself. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove, Sara," burst out Leslie abruptly. "I wish you'd let ME have that + Gipsy Mab picture. I've always been dotty over it, don't you know. Ripping + study." + </p> + <p> + Her lip curled slightly. + </p> + <p> + "As a matter of fact," he explained conclusively, "Chal often said he'd + leave it to me when he died. In a joking way, of course, but I'm sure he + meant it." + </p> + <p> + "You may have it, Leslie," she said slowly. It is doubtful if he correctly + interpreted the movement of her head as she uttered the words. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks," said he. "I'll hang it in my den, if you don't object." + </p> + <p> + "We shall expect Mr. Carroll to-morrow, Sara," said his father, with an + air of finality. "Good-bye. May I ask what plans you are making for the + winter?" + </p> + <p> + "They are very indefinite." + </p> + <p> + "I say, Sara, why don't you get married?" asked Leslie, surveying the + Gipsy Mab photograph with undisguised admiration as he held it at arm's + length. "Ripping!" This to the picture. + </p> + <p> + She paused near the door to stare at him for a moment, unutterable scorn + in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "I've had a notion you were pretty keen about Brandy Booth," he went on + amiably. + </p> + <p> + She caught her breath. There was an instant's hesitation on her part + before she replied. + </p> + <p> + "You have never been very smart at making love guesses, Leslie," she said. + "It's a trick you haven't acquired." + </p> + <p> + He laughed uncomfortably. "Neat stroke, that." + </p> + <p> + Following her into the corridor outside the offices, he pushed the + elevator bell for her. + </p> + <p> + "I meant what I said, Sara," he remarked, somewhat doggedly. "You ought to + get married. Chal didn't leave much for you to cherish. There's no reason + why you should go on like this, living alone and all that sort of thing. + You're young and beautiful and—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, thank you, Leslie," she cried out sharply. + </p> + <p> + "You see, it's going to be this way: Hetty will probably marry Booth. + That's on dit, I take it. You're depending on her for companionship. Well, + she'll quit you cold after she's married. She will—" + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him peremptorily. + </p> + <p> + "If Challis did nothing else for me, Leslie, he at least gave me you to + cherish. Once more, good-bye." + </p> + <p> + The elevator stopped for her. He strolled back to his office with a + puzzled frown on his face. She certainly was inexplicable! + </p> + <p> + The angry red faded from her cheeks as she sped homeward in the + automobile. Her thoughts were no longer of Leslie but of another... She + sighed and closed her eyes, and her cheeks were pale. + </p> + <p> + Workmen from a picture dealer's establishment were engaged in hanging a + full length portrait in the long living-room of her apartment when she + reached home. She had sent to the country for Booth's picture of Hetty, + and was having it hung in a conspicuous place. For a long time she stood + in the middle of the room, studying the canvas. Hetty's Irish blue eyes + seemed to return the scrutiny, a questioning look in their painted depths. + The warm, half smiling lips appeared to be on the point of putting into + words the eager question that lay in her wondering eyes. + </p> + <p> + Passing the open library door, Sara paused for an instant to peer within. + Then she went on down the hall to her own sitting-room. The canary was + singing glibly in his cage by the window-side. + </p> + <p> + She threw aside her furs, and, without removing her hat, passed into the + bed-chamber at the left of the cosy little boudoir. This was Hetty's room. + Her own was directly opposite. On the girl's dressing-table, leaning + against the broad, low mirror, stood the unframed photograph of a man. + With a furtive glance over her shoulder, Sara crossed to the table and + took up the picture in her gloved hand. For a long time she stood there + gazing into the frank, good-looking face of Brandon Booth. She breathed + faster; her hand shook; her eyes were strained as if by an inward + suggestion of pain. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head slowly, as if in final renunciation of a secret hope or + the banishment of an unwelcome desire, and resolutely replaced the + photograph. Her lips were almost white as she turned away and re-entered + the room beyond. + </p> + <p> + "He belongs to her," she said, unconsciously speaking aloud; "and he is + like all men. She must not be unhappy." + </p> + <p> + Presently she entered the library. She had exchanged her tailor-suit for a + dainty house-gown. Hetty was still seated in the big lounging chair, + before the snapping fire, apparently not having moved since she looked in + on passing a quarter of an hour before. One of the girl's legs was curled + up under her, the other swung loose; an elbow rested on the arm of the + chair, and her cheek was in her hand. + </p> + <p> + Coming softly up from behind, Sara leaned over the back of the chair and + put her hands under her friend's chin, tenderly, lovingly. Hetty started + and shivered. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Sara, how cold your hands are!" + </p> + <p> + She grasped them in her own and fondly stroked them, as if to restore + warmth to the long, slim fingers which gave the lie to Mrs. Coburn's + declarations. + </p> + <p> + "I've been thinking all morning of what you and Brandon proposed to me + last night, dear," said Sara, looking straight over the girl's head, the + dark, languorous, mysterious glow filling her eyes. "It is good of you + both to want me, but—" + </p> + <p> + "Now don't say 'but,' Sara," cried Hetty. "We mean it, and you must let us + have our way." + </p> + <p> + "It would be splendid to be near you all the time, dear; it would be + wonderful to live with you as you so generously propose, but I cannot do + it. I must decline." + </p> + <p> + "And may I ask why you decline to live with me?" demanded Hetty + resentfully. + </p> + <p> + "Because I love you so dearly," said Sara. + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Hollow of Her Hand, by George Barr McCutcheon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND *** + +***** This file should be named 6045-h.htm or 6045-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/4/6045/ + +Etext produced by Charles Aldarondo, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +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. 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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 + + +Title: The Hollow of Her Hand + +Author: George Barr McCutcheon + +Posting Date: April 12, 2013 [EBook #6045] +Release Date: July, 2004 +First Posted: October 23, 2002 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: "The black pile is mine, the gay pile is yours," +she went on, turning toward the sleeping girl] + +THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + +By GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON + + + + + +CONTENTS + + + + +I MARCH COMES IN LIKE THE LION + +II THE PASSING OF A NIGHT + +III HETTY CASTLETON + +IV WHILE THE MOB WAITED + +V DISCUSSING A SISTER-IN-LAW + +VI SOUTHLOOK + +VII A FAITHFUL CRAYON-POINT + +VIII IN WHICH HETTY IS WEIGHED + +IX HAWKRIGHT'S MODEL + +X THE GHOST AT THE FEAST + +XI MAN PROPOSES + +XII THE APPROACH OF A MAN NAMED SMITH + +XIII MR. WRANDALL PERJURES HIMSELF + +XIV IN THE SHADOW OF THE MILL + +XV SARA WRANDALL FINDS THE TRUTH + +XVI THE SECOND ENCOUNTER + +XVII CROSSING THE CHANNEL + +XVIII RATTLING OLD BONES + +XIX VIVIAN AIRS HER OPINIONS + +XX ONCE MORE AT BURTON'S INN + +XXI DISTURBING NEWS + +XXII THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + +XXIII SARA WRANDALL'S DECISION + +XXIV THE JURY OF FOUR + +XXV RENUNCIATION + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +MARCH COMES IN LIKE THE LION + + +The train, which had roared through a withering gale of sleet +all the way up from New York, came to a standstill, with many an +ear-splitting sigh, alongside the little station, and a reluctant +porter opened his vestibule door to descend to the snow-swept +platform: a solitary passenger had reached the journey's end. The +swirl of snow and sleet screaming out of the blackness at the end +of the station-building enveloped the porter in an instant, and +cut his ears and neck with stinging force as he turned his back +against the gale. A pair of lonely, half-obscured platform lights +gleamed fatuously at the top of their icy posts at each end of the +station; two or three frost-encrusted windows glowed dully in the +side of the building, while one shone brightly where the operator +sat waiting for the passing of No. 33. + +The train itself was dark. Frosty windows, pelted for miles by the +furious gale, white outside but black within, protected the snug +travellers who slept the sleep of the hurried and thought not of +the storm that beat about their ears nor wondered at the stopping +of the fast express at a place where it had never stopped before. +Far ahead the panting engine shed from its open fire-box an aureole +of glaring red as the stoker fed coal into its rapacious maw. The +unblinking head-light threw its rays into the thick of the blinding +snow storm, fruitlessly searching for the rails through drifts +denser than fog and filled with strange, half-visible shapes. + +An order had been issued for the stopping of the fast express at +B--, a noteworthy concession in these days of premeditated haste. +Not in the previous career of flying 33 had it even so much as +slowed down for the insignificant little station, through which it +swooped at midnight the whole year round. Just before pulling out +of New York on this eventful night the conductor received a command +to stop 33 at B---- and let down a single passenger, a circumstance +which meant trouble for every despatcher along the line. + +The woman who got down at B---- in the wake of the shivering +but deferential porter, and who passed by the conductors without +lifting her face, was without hand luggage of any description. +She was heavily veiled, and warmly clad in furs. At eleven o'clock +that night she had entered the compartment in New York. Throughout +the thirty miles or more, she had sat alone and inert beside the +snow-clogged window, peering through veil and frost into the night +that whizzed past the pane, seeing nothing yet apparently intent +on all that stretched beyond. As still, as immobile as death itself +she had held herself from the moment of departure to the instant +that brought the porter with the word that they were whistling for +B---. Without a word she arose and followed him to the vestibule, +where she watched him as he unfastened the outer door and lifted +the trap. A single word escaped her lips and he held out his hand +to receive the crumpled bill she clutched in her gloved fingers. +He did not look at it. He knew that it would amply reward him for +the brief exposure he endured on the lonely, wind-swept platform +of a station, the name of which he did not know. + +She took several uncertain steps in the direction of the station +windows and stopped, as if bewildered. Already the engine was +pounding the air with quick, vicious snorts in the effort to get +under way; the vestibule trap and door closed with a bang; the +wheels were creaking. A bitter wind smote her in the face; the wet, +hurtling sleet crashed against the thin veil, blinding her. + +The door of the waiting-room across the platform opened and a man +rushed toward her. + +"Mrs. Wrandall?" he called above the roar of the wind. + +She advanced quickly. + +"Yes." + +"What a night!" he said, as much to himself as to her. "I'm sorry +you would insist on coming to-night. To-morrow morning would have +satisfied the--" + +"Is this Mr. Drake?" + +They were being blown through the door into the waiting-room as +she put the question. Her voice was muffled. The man in the great +fur coat put his weight against the door to close it. + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. I have done all that could be done under the +circumstances. I am sorry to tell you that we still have two miles +to go by motor before we reach the inn. My car is open,--I don't +possess a limousine,--but if you will lie down in the tonneau you +will find some protection from--" + +She broke in sharply, impatiently. "Pray do not consider me, Mr. +Drake. I am not afraid of the blizzard." + +"Then we'd better be off," said he, a note of anxiety in his +voice,--a certain touch of nervousness. "I drive my own car. The +road is good, but I shall drive cautiously. Ten minutes, perhaps. +I--I am sorry you thought best to brave this wretched--" + +"I am not sorry for myself, Mr. Drake, but for you. You have been +most kind. I did not expect you to meet me." + +"I took the liberty of telephoning to you. It was well that I +did it early in the evening. The wires are down now, I fear." He +hesitated for a moment, staring at her as if trying to penetrate +the thick, wet veil. "I may have brought you on a fool's errand. +You see, I--I have seen Mr. Wrandall but once, in town somewhere, +and I may be wrong. Still, the coroner,--and the sheriff,--seemed +to think you should be notified,--I might say questioned. That is +why I called you up. I trust, madam, that I am mistaken." + +"Yes," she said shrilly, betraying the intensity of her emotion. +It was as if she lacked the power to utter more than a single word, +which signified neither acquiescence nor approval. + +He was ill-at-ease, distressed. "I have engaged a room for you at +the inn, Mrs. Wrandall. You did not bring a maid, I see. My wife +will come over from our place to stay with you if you--" + +She shook her head. "Thank you, Mr. Drake. It will not be necessary. +I came alone by choice. I shall return to New York to-night." + +"But you--why, you can't do that," he cried, holding back as they +started toward the door. "No trains stop here after ten o'clock. +The locals begin running at seven in the morning. Besides--" + +She interrupted him. "May we not start now, Mr. Drake? I am--well, +you must see that I am suffering. I must see, I must know. The +suspense--" She did not complete the sentence, but hurried past +him to the door, throwing it open and bending her body to the gust +that burst in upon them. + +He sprang after her, grasping her arm to lead her across the icy +platform to the automobile that stood in the lee of the building. + +Disdaining his command to enter the tonneau, she stood beside the +car and waited until he cranked it and took his place at the wheel. +Then she took her seat beside him and permitted him to tuck the +great buffalo robe about her. No word was spoken. The man was a +stranger to her. She forgot his presence in the car. + +Into the thick of the storm the motor chugged. Grim and silent, +the man at the wheel, ungoggled and tense, sent the whirring thing +swiftly over the trackless village street and out upon the open +country road. The woman closed her eyes and waited. + +You would know the month was March. He said: "It comes in like a +lion," but apparently the storm swallowed the words for she made +no response to them. + +They crossed the valley and crept up the tree-covered hill, where +the force of the gale was broken. If she heard him say: "Fierce, +wasn't it?" she gave no sign, but sat hunched forward, peering ahead +through the snow at the blurred lights that seemed so far away and +yet were close at hand. + +"Is that the inn?" she asked as he swerved from the road a few +moments later. + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. We're here." + +"Is--is he in there?" + +"Where you see that lighted window upstairs." He tooted the horn +vigorously as he drew up to the long, low porch. Two men dashed +out from the doorway and clumsily assisted her from the car. + +"Go right in, Mrs. Wrandall," said Drake. "I join you in a jiffy." + +She walked between the two men into the feebly lighted office +of the inn. The keeper of the place, a dreary looking person with +dread in his eyes, hurried forward. She stopped stock-still. Some +one was brushing the stubborn, thickly caked snow from her long +chinchilla coat. + +"You must let me get you something hot to drink, madam," the landlord +was saying dolorously. + +She struggled with her veil, finally tearing it away from her face. +Then she took in the rather bare, cheerless room with a slow, +puzzled sweep of her eyes. + +"No, thank you," she replied. + +"It won't be any trouble, madam," urged the other. "It's right here. +The sheriff says it's all right to serve it, although it is after +hours. I run a respectable, law-abiding house. I wouldn't think of +offering it to anyone if it was in violation--" + +"Never mind, Burton," interposed a big man, approaching. "Let the +lady choose for herself. If she wants it, she'll say so. I am the +sheriff, madam. This gentleman is the coroner, Dr. Sheef. We waited +up for you after Mr. Drake said you'd got the fast train to stop +for you. To-morrow morning would have done quite as well. I'm sorry +you came to-night in all this blizzard." + +He was staring as if fascinated at the white, colourless face of +the woman who with nervous fingers unfastened the heavy coat that +enveloped her slender figure. She was young and strikingly beautiful, +despite the intense pallor that overspread her face. Her dark, +questioning, dreading eyes looked up into his with an expression +he was never to forget. It combined dread, horror, doubt and a +smouldering anger that seemed to overcast all other emotions that +lay revealed to him. + +"This is a--what is commonly called a 'road-house'?" she asked +dully, her eyes narrowing suddenly as if in pain. + +The inn-keeper made haste to resent the implied criticism. + +"My place is a respectable, law-abiding--" + +The sheriff waved him aside. + +"It is an inn during the winter, Mrs. Wrandall, and a road-house +in the summer, if that makes it plain to you. I will say, however, +that Burton has always kept well within the law. This is the +first--er--real bit of trouble he's had, and I won't say it's his +fault. Keep quiet, Burton. No one is accusing you of anything wrong. +Don't whine about it." + +"But my place is ruined," groaned the doleful one. "It's got a +black eye now. Not that I blame you, madam, but you can see how--" + +He quailed before the steady look in her eyes, and turned away +mumbling. + +There were half a dozen men in the room, besides the speakers, +sober-faced fellows who conversed in undertones and studiously kept +their backs to the woman who had just come among them. They were +grouped about the roaring fireplace in the lower end of the room. +Steam arose from their heavy winters garments. Their caps were +still drawn far down over their ears. These were men who had been +out in the night. + +"There is a fire in the reception-room, madam," said the coroner; +"and the proprietor's wife to look out for you if you should require +anything. Will you go in there and compose yourself before going +upstairs? Or, if you would prefer waiting until morning, I shall +not insist on the--er--ordeal to-night." + +"I prefer going up there to-night," said she steadily. + +The men looked at each other, and the sheriff spoke. "Mr. Drake is +quite confident the--the man is your husband. It's an ugly affair, +Mrs. Wrandall. We had no means of identifying him until Drake came +in this evening, out of curiosity you might say. For your sake, I +hope he is mistaken." + +"Would you mind telling me something about it before I go upstairs? +I am quite calm. I am prepared for anything. You need not hesitate." + +"As you wish, madam. You will go into the reception-room, if you +please. Burton, is Mrs. Wrandall's room quite ready for her?" + +"I shall not stay here to-night," interposed Mrs. Wrandall. "You +need not keep the room for me." + +"But, my dear Mrs. Wrandall--" + +"I shall wait in the railway station until morning if necessary. +But not here." + +The coroner led the way to the cosy little room off the office. +She followed with the sheriff. The men looked worn and haggard in +the bright light that met them, as if they had not known sleep or +rest for many hours. + +"The assistant district attorney was here until eleven, but went +home to get a little rest. It's been a hard case for all of us--a +nasty one," explained the sheriff, as he placed a chair in front +of the fire for her. She sank into it limply. + +"Go on, please," she murmured, and shook her head at the nervous +little woman who bustled up and inquired if she could do anything +to make her more comfortable. + +The sheriff cleared his throat. "Well, it happened last night. All +day long we've been trying to find out who he is, and ever since +eight o'clock this morning we've been searching for the woman who +came here with him. She has disappeared as completely as if swallowed +by the earth. Not a sign of a clew---not a shred. There's nothing +to show when she left the inn or by what means. All we know is that +the door to that room up there was standing half open when Burton +passed by it at seven o'clock this morning---that is to say, yesterday +morning, for this is now Wednesday. It is quite clear, from this, +that she neglected to close the door tightly when she came out, +probably through haste or fear, and the draft in the hall blew it +wider open during the night. Burton says the inn was closed for +the night at half-past ten. He went to bed. She must have slipped +out after every one was sound asleep. There were no other guests +on that floor. Burton and his wife sleep on this floor, and the +servants are at the top of the house and in a wing. No one heard +a sound. We have not the remotest idea when the thing happened, or +when she left the place. Dr. Sheef says the man had been dead for +six or eight hours when he first saw him, and that was very soon +after Burton's discovery. Burton, on finding the door open, naturally +suspected that his guests had skipped out during the night to avoid +paying the bill, and lost no time in entering the room. + +"He found the man lying on the bed, sprawled out, face upward and +as dead as a mack--I should say, quite dead. He was partly dressed. +His coat and vest hung over the back of a chair. A small service +carving knife, belonging to the inn, had been driven squarely into +his heart and was found sticking there. Burton says that the man, +on their arrival at the inn, about nine o'clock at night, ordered +supper sent up to the room. The tray of dishes, with most of the food +untouched, and an empty champagne bottle, was found on the service +table near the bed. One of the chairs was overturned. The servant +who took the meal to the room says that the woman was sitting at +the window with her wraps on, motor veil and all, just as she was +when she came into the place. The man gave all the directions, +the woman apparently paying no attention to what was going on. The +waitress left the room without seeing her face. She had instructions +not to come for the tray until morning. + +"That was the last time the man was seen alive. No one has seen +the woman since the door closed after the servant, who distinctly +remembers hearing the key turn in the lock as she went down the +hall. It seems pretty clear that the man ate and drank but not the +woman. Her food remained untouched on the plate and her glass was +full. 'Gad, it must have been a merry feast! I beg your pardon, +Mrs. Wrandall!" + +"Go on, please," said she levelly. + +"That's all there is to say so far as the actual crime is concerned. +There were signs of a struggle,--but it isn't necessary to go into +that. Now, as to their arrival at the inn. The blizzard had not +set in. Last night was dark, of course, as there is no moon, but +it was clear and rather warm for the time of year. The couple came +here about nine o'clock in a high power runabout machine, which +the man drove. They had no hand-baggage and apparently had run out +from New York. Burton says he was on the point of refusing them +accommodations when the man handed him a hundred dollar bill. +It was more than Burton's cupidity could withstand. They did not +register. The state license numbers had been removed from the +automobile, which was of foreign make. Of course, it was only a +question of time until we could have found out who the car belonged +to. It is perfectly obvious why he removed the numbers." + +At this juncture Drake entered the room. Mrs. Wrandall did not at +first recognise him. + +"It has stopped snowing," announced the new-comer. + +"Oh, it is Mr. Drake," she murmured. "We have a little French car, +painted red," she announced to the sheriff without giving Drake +another thought. + +"And this one is red, madam," said the sheriff, with a glance at +the coroner. Drake nodded his head. Mrs. Wrandall's body stiffened +perceptibly, as if deflecting a blow. "It is still standing in the +garage, where he left it on his arrival." + +"Did no one see the face of--of the woman?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, +rather querulously. "It seems odd that no one should have seen her +face," she went on without waiting for an answer. + +"It's not strange, madam, when you consider ALL the circumstances. +She was very careful not to remove her veil or her coat until the +door was locked. That proves that she was not the sort of woman +we usually find gallavanting around with men regardless of--ahem, +I beg your pardon. This must be very distressing to you." + +"I am not sure, Mr. Sheriff, that it IS my husband who lies up +there. Please remember that," she said steadily. "It is easier to +hear the details now, before I KNOW, than it will be afterward if +it should turn out to be as Mr. Drake declares." + +"I see," said the sheriff, marvelling. + +"Besides, Mr. Drake is not POSITIVE," put in the coroner hopefully. + +"I am reasonably certain," said Drake. + +"Then all the more reason why I should have the story first," said +she, with a shiver that no one failed to observe. + +The sheriff resumed his conclusions. "Women of the kind I referred +to a moment ago don't care whether they're seen or not. In fact, +they're rather brazen about it. But this one was different. She +was as far from that as it was possible for her to be. We haven't +been able to find any one who saw her face or who can give the least +idea as to what she looks like, excepting a general description of +her figure, her carriage, and the out-door garments she wore. We +have reason to believe she was young. She was modestly dressed. Her +coat was one of those heavy ulster affairs, such as a woman uses +in motoring or on a sea-voyage. There was a small sable stole about +her neck. The skirt was short, and she wore high black shoes of +the thick walking type. Judging from Burton's description she must +have been about your size and figure, Mrs. Wrandall. Isn't that +so, Mrs. Burton?" + +The inn-keeper's wife spoke. "Yes, Mr. Harben, I'd say so myself. +About five feet six, I'd judge; rather slim and graceful-like, in +spite of the big coat." + +Mrs. Wrandall was watching the woman's face. "I am five feet six," +she said, as if answering a question. + +The sheriff cleared his throat somewhat needlessly. + +"Burton says she acted as if she were a lady," he went on. "Not the +kind that usually comes out here on such expeditions, he admits. +She did not speak to any one, except once in very low tones to the +man she was with, and then she was standing by the fireplace out in +the main office, quite a distance from the desk. She went upstairs +alone, and he gave some orders to Burton before following her. +That was the last time Burton saw her. The waitress went up with +a specially prepared supper about half an hour later." + +"It seems quite clear, Mrs. Wrandall, that she robbed the man after +stabbing him," said the coroner. + +Mrs. Wrandall started. "Then she was NOT a lady, after all," she +said quickly. There was a note of relief in her voice. It was as +if she had put aside a half-formed conclusion. + +"His pockets were empty. Not a penny had been left. Watch, cuff-links, +scarf pin, cigarette case, purse and bill folder,--all gone. Burton +had seen most of these articles in the office." + +"Isn't it--but no! Why should I be the one to offer a suggestion +that might be construed as a defence for this woman?" + +"You were about to suggest, madam, that some one else might have +taken the valuables--is that it?" cried the sheriff. + +"Had you thought of it, Mr. Sheriff?" + +"I had not. It isn't reasonable. No one about this place is suspected. +We have thought of this, however: the murderess may have taken +all of these things away with her in order to prevent immediate +identification of her victim. She may have been clever enough for +that. It would give her a start." + +"Not an unreasonable conclusion, when you stop to consider, Mr. +Sheriff, that the man took the initiative in that very particular," +said Mrs. Wrandall in such a self-contained way that the three men +looked at her in wonder. Then she came abruptly to her feet. "It +is very late, gentlemen. I am ready to go upstairs, Mr. Sheriff." + +"I must warn you, madam, that Mr. Drake is reasonably certain that +it is your husband," said the coroner uncomfortably. "You may not +be prepared for the shock that--" + +"I shall not faint, Dr. Sheef. If it IS my husband I shall ask you +to leave me alone in the room with him for a little while." The +final word trailed out into a long, tremulous wail, showing how near +she was to the breaking point in her wonderful effort at self-control. +The men looked away hastily. They heard her draw two or three deep, +quavering breaths; they could almost feel the tension that she was +exercising over herself. + +The doctor turned after a moment and spoke very gently, but with +professional firmness. "You must not think of venturing out in this +wretched night, madam. It would be the worst kind of folly. Surely +you will be guided by me--by your own common sense. Mrs. Burton +will be with you--" + +"Thank you, Dr. Sheef," she interposed calmly. "If what we all fear +should turn out to be the truth, I could not stay here. I could +not breathe. I could not live. If, on the other hand, Mr. Drake is +mistaken, I shall stay. But if it is my husband, I cannot remain +under the same roof with him, even though he be dead. I do not +expect you to understand my feelings. It would be asking too much +of men,--too much." + +"I think I understand," murmured Drake. + +"Come," said the sheriff, arousing himself with an effort. + +She moved swiftly after him. Drake and the coroner, following +close behind with Mrs. Burton, could not take their eyes from the +slender, graceful figure. She was a revelation to them. Feeling as +they did that she was about to be confronted by the most appalling +crisis imaginable, they could not but marvel at her composure. +Drake's mind dwelt on the stories of the guillotine and the heroines +who went up to it in those bloody days without so much as a quiver +of dread. Somehow, to him, this woman was a heroine. + +They passed into the hall and mounted the stairs. At the far end +of the corridor, a man was seated in front of a closed door. He +arose as the party approached. The sheriff signed for him to open +the door he guarded. As he did so, a chilly blast of air blew upon +the faces of those in the hall. The curtains in the window of the +room were flapping and whipping in the wind. Mrs. Wrandall caught +her breath. For the briefest instant, it seemed as though she was +on the point of faltering. She dropped farther behind the sheriff, +her limbs suddenly stiff, her hand going out to the wall as if for +support. The next moment she was moving forward resolutely into +the icy, dimly lighted room. + +A single electric light gleamed in the corner beside the bureau. +Near the window stood the bed. She went swiftly toward it, her +eyes fastened upon the ridge that ran through the centre of it: a +still, white ridge that seemed without beginning or end. + +With nervous fingers, the attendant lifted the sheet at the head +of the bed and turned it back. As he let it fall across the chest +of the dead man, he drew back and turned his face away. + +She bent forward and then straightened her figure to its full +height, without for an instant removing her gaze from the face of +the man who lay before her: a dark-haired man grey in death, who +must have been beautiful to look upon in the flush of life. + +For a long time she stood there looking, as motionless as the object +on which she gazed. Behind her were the tense, keen-eyed men, not +one of whom seemed to breathe during the grim minutes that passed. +The wind howled about the corners of the inn, but no one heard it. +They heard the beating of their hearts, even the ticking of their +watches, but not the wail of the wind. + +At last her hands, claw-like in their tenseness, went slowly to +her temples. Her head drooped slightly forward, and a great shudder +ran through her body. The coroner started forward, expecting her +to collapse. + +"Please go away," she was saying in an absolutely emotionless voice. +"Let me stay here alone for a little while." + +That was all. The men relaxed. They looked at each other with a +single question in their eyes. Was it quite safe to leave her alone +with her dead? They hesitated. + +She turned on them suddenly, spreading her arms in a wide gesture +of self-absolution. Her sombre eyes swept the group. + +"I can do no harm. This man is mine. I want to look at him for the +last time--alone. Will you go?" + +"Do you mean, madam, that you intend to--" began the coroner in +alarm. + +She clasped her hands. "I mean that I shall take my last look at +him now--and here. Then you may do what you like with him. He is +your dead--not mine. I do not want him. Can you understand? _I_ DO +NOT WANT THIS DEAD THING. But there is something I would say to +him, something that I must say. Something that no one must hear +but the good God who knows how much he has hurt me. I want to say +it close to those grey, horrid ears. Who knows? He may hear me!" + +Wondering, the others backed from the room. She watched them until +they closed the door. + +Listening, they heard her lower the window. It squealed like a +thing in fear. + +Ten minutes passed. The group in the hall conversed in whispers. + +"Why did she put the window down?" asked the wife of the inn-keeper, +crossing herself. + +Drake shook his head. "I wonder what she is saying to him," he +muttered. + +"A wonderful nerve," said Dr. Sheef. "Positively wonderful. I've +never seen anything like it." + +"Her own husband, too," said Mrs. Burton. "Why, I--I should have +said she'd go into hysterics. Such a handsome man he was." + +"I guess, from what I've heard of this fellow, Wrandall, he's not +been an angel," volunteered the sheriff. + +Drake shook his head once more. + +"He ain't one now, I'll bet on that," said the man who stood guard. +"He's in hell if ever a man--" + +"Sh!" whispered the woman in horror. "God forgive you for uttering +words like that!" + +"Every one in the city knows what sort of a man he's been," said +Drake. + +"He comes of a fine family," said the coroner. "One of the best in +New York. I guess he's never been much of a credit to it, however." + +"They say he ran after chorus girls," said Mrs. Burton. The men +grinned. + +"I've an idea she's had the devil's own time with him," mused the +sheriff, with a jerk of his head in the direction of the door. + +"Poor thing," said the inn-keeper's wife. + +"Well," said Drake, taking a deep breath, "she won't have to worry +any more about his not coming home nights. I say, this business will +create a fearful sensation, sheriff. The Four Hundred will have a +conniption fit." + +"We've got to land that girl, whoever she is," grated the official. +"Now that we know who he is, it shouldn't be hard to pick out the +women he's been trailing with lately. Then we can sift 'em down +until the right one is left. It ought to be easy." + +"I'm not so sure of it," said the coroner, shaking his head. "I +have a feeling that she isn't one of the ordinary type. It wouldn't +surprise me if she belongs to--well, you might say, the upper ten. +Somebody's wife, don't you see. That will make it rather difficult, +especially as her tracks have been pretty well covered." + +"It beats me, how she got away without leaving a single sign behind +her," acknowledged the sheriff. "She's a wonder, that's all I've +got to say." + +At that instant the door opened and Mrs. Wrandall appeared. She +stopped short, confronting the huddled group, dry-eyed but as pallid +as a ghost. Her eyes were wide, apparently unseeing; her colourless +lips were parted in the drawn rigidity that suggested but one +thing to the professional man who looks: the RISIS SARDONICUS of +the strychnae victim. With a low cry, the doctor started forward, +fully convinced that she had swallowed the deadly drug. + +"For God's sake, madam," he began. But as he spoke, her expression +changed; she seemed to be aware of their presence for the first +time. Her eyes narrowed in a curious manner, and the rigid lips +seemed to surge with blood, presenting the effect of a queer, +swift-fading smile that lingered long after her face was set and +serious. + +"I neglected to raise the window, Dr. Sheef," she said in a low +voice. "It was very cold in there." She shivered slightly. "Will +you be so kind as to tell me what I am to do now? What formalities +remain for me--" + +The coroner was at her side. "Time enough for that, Mrs. Wrandall. +The first thing you are to do is to take something warm to drink, +and pull yourself together a bit--" + +She drew herself up coldly. "I am quite myself, Dr. Sheef. Pray do +not alarm yourself on my account. I shall be obliged to you, however, +if you will tell me what I am to do as speedily as possible, and +let me do it so that I may leave this--this unhappy place without +delay. No! I mean it, sir. I am going to-night--unless, of course," +she said, with a quick look at the sheriff, "the law stands in the +way." + +"You are at liberty to come and go as you please, Mrs. Wrandall," +said the sheriff, "but it is most fool-hardy to think of--" + +"Thank you, Mr. Sheriff," she said, "for letting me go. I thought +perhaps there might be legal restraint." She sent a swift glance +over her shoulder, and then spoke in a high, shrill voice, indicative +of extreme dread and uneasiness: + +"Close the door to that room!" + +The door was standing wide open, just as she had left it. Startled, +the coroner's deputy sprang forward to close it. Involuntarily, +all of her listeners looked in the direction of the room, as if +expecting to see the form of the murdered man advancing upon them. +The feeling, swiftly gone, was most uncanny. + +"Close it from the INSIDE," commanded the coroner, with unmistakable +emphasis. The man hesitated, and then did as he was ordered, but +not without a curious look at the wife of the dead man, whose back +was toward him. + +"He will not find anything disturbed, doctor," said she, divining +his thought. "I had the feeling that something was creeping toward +us out of that room." + +"You have every reason to be nervous, madam. The situation has been +most extraordinary,--most trying," said the coroner. "I beg of you +to come downstairs, where we may attend to a few necessary details +without delay. It has been a most fatiguing matter for all of us. +Hours without sleep, and such wretched weather." + +They descended to the warm little reception-room. She sent at once +for the inn-keeper, who came in and glowered at her as if she were +wholly responsible for the blight that had been put upon his place. + +"Will you be good enough to send some one to the station with me +in your depot wagon?" she demanded without hesitation. + +He stared. "We don't run a 'bus in the winter time," he said gruffly. + +She opened the little chatelaine bag that hung from her wrist and +abstracted a card which she submitted to the coroner. + +"You will find, Dr. Sheef, that the car my husband came up here in +belongs to me. This is the card issued by the State. It is in my +name. The factory number is there. You may compare it with the one +on the car. My husband took the car without obtaining my consent." + +"Joy riding," said Burton, with an ugly laugh. Then he quailed +before the look she gave him. + +"If no other means is offered, Dr. Sheef, I shall ask you to let +me take the car. I am perfectly capable of driving. I have driven +it in the country for two seasons. All I ask is that some one be +directed to go with me to the station. No! Better than that, if +there is some one here who is willing to accompany me to the city, +he shall be handsomely paid for going. It is but little more than +thirty miles. I refuse to spend the night in this house. That is +final." + +They drew apart to confer, leaving her sitting before the fire, +a stark figure that seemed to detach itself entirely from its +surroundings and their companionship. At last, the coroner came to +her side and touched her arm. + +"I don't know what the district attorney and the police will say +to it, Mrs. Wrandall, but I shall take it upon myself to deliver +the car to you. The sheriff has gone out to compare the numbers. If +he finds that the car is yours, he will see to it, with Mr. Drake, +that it is made ready for you. I take it that we will have no +difficulty in--" He hesitated, at a loss for words. + +"In finding it again in case you need it for evidence?" she supplied. +He nodded. "I shall make it a point, Dr. Sheef, to present the car +to the State after it has served my purpose to-night. I shall not +ride in it again." + +"The sheriff has a man who will ride with you to the station or +the city, whichever you may elect. Now, may I trouble you to make +answer to certain questions I shall write out for you at once? The +man is Challis Wrandall, your husband? You are positive?" + +"I am positive. He is--or was--Challis Wrandall." + +Half an hour later, she was ready for the trip to New York City. +The clock in the office marked the hour as one. A toddied individual +in a great buffalo coat waited for her outside, hiccoughing and +bandying jest with the half-frozen men who had spent the night with +him in the forlorn hope of finding THE GIRL. + +Mrs. Wrandall gave final instructions to the coroner and his deputy, +who happened to be the undertaker's assistant. She had answered all +the questions that had been put to her, and had signed the document +with a firm, untrembling hand. Her veil had been lowered since the +beginning of the examination. They did not see her face; they only +heard the calm, low voice, sweet with fatigue and dread. + +"I shall notify my brother-in-law as soon as I reach the city," she +said. "He will attend to everything. Mr. Leslie Wrandall, I mean. +My husband's only brother. He will be here in the morning, Dr. Sheef. +My own apartment is not open. I have been staying in a hotel since +my return from Europe two days ago. But I shall attend to the +opening of the place to-morrow. You will find me there." + +The coroner hesitated a moment before putting the question that +had come to his mind as she spoke. + +"Two days ago, madam? May I inquire where your husband has been +living during your absence abroad? When did you last see him alive?" + +She did not reply for many seconds, and then it was with a perceptible +effort. + +"I have not seen him since my return until--to-night," she replied, +a hoarse note creeping into her voice. "He did not meet me on +my return. His brother Leslie came to the dock. He--he said that +Challis, who came back from Europe two weeks ahead of me, had been +called to St. Louis on very important, business. My husband had +been living at his club, I understand. That is all I can tell you, +sir." + +"I see," said the coroner gently. + +He opened the door for her and she passed out. A number of men +were grouped about the throbbing motor-car. They fell away as she +approached, silently fading into the shadows like so many vast, +unwholesome ghosts. The sheriff and Drake came forward. + +"This man will go with you, madam," said the sheriff, pointing +to an unsteady figure beside the machine. "He is the only one who +will undertake it. They're all played out, you see. He has been +drinking, but only on account of the hardships he has undergone +to-night. You will be quite safe with Morley." + +No snow was falling, but a bleak wind blew meanly. The air was free +from particles of sleet; wetly the fall of the night clung to the +earth where it had fallen. + +"If he will guide me to the Post-road, that is all I ask," said +she hurriedly. Involuntarily she glanced upward. The curtains in +an upstairs window were blowing inward and a dim light shone out +upon the roof of the porch. She shuddered and then climbed up to +the seat and took her place at the wheel. + +A few moments later, the three men standing in the middle of the +road watched the car as it rushed away. + +"By George, she's a wonder!" said the sheriff. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE PASSING OF A NIGHT + + +The sheriff was right. Sara Wrandall was an extraordinary woman, +if I may be permitted to modify his rather crude estimate of her. +It is difficult to understand, much less to describe a nature like +hers. Fine-minded, gently bred women who can go through an ordeal +such as she experienced without breaking under the strain are +rare indeed. They must be wonderful. It is hard to imagine a more +heart-breaking crisis in life than the one which confronted her +on this dreadful night, and yet she had faced it with a fortitude +that seems almost unholy. + +She had loved her handsome, wayward husband. He had hurt her deeply +more times than she chose to remember during the six years of their +married life, but she had loved him in spite of the wounds up to +the instant when she stood beside his dead body in the cold little +room at Burton's Inn. She went there loving him as he had lived, +yet prepared, almost foresworn, to loathe him as he had died, and +she left him lying there alone in that dreary room without a spark +of the old affection in her soul. Her love for him died in giving +birth to the hatred that now possessed her. While he lived it +was not in her power to control the unreasoning resistless thing +that stands for love in woman: he WAS her love, the master of her +impulses. Dead, he was an unwholesome, unlovely clod, a pallid +thing to be scorned, a hulk of worthless clay. His blood was cold. +He could no longer warm her with it; it could no longer kill the +chill that his misdeeds cast about her tender sensitiveness; his +lips and eyes never more could smile and conquer. He was a dead +thing. Her love was a dead thing. They lay separate and apart. The +tie was broken. With love died the final spark of respect she had +left for him in her tired, loyal, betrayed heart. He was at last +a thing to be despised, even by her. She despised him. + +She sent the car down the slope and across the moonless valley +with small regard for her own or her companion's safety. It swerved +from side to side, skidded and leaped with terrifying suddenness, +but held its way as straight as the bird that flies, driven by a +steady hand and a mind that had no thought for peril. A sober man +at her side would have been afraid; this man swayed mildly to and +fro and chuckled with drunken glee. + +Her bitter thoughts were not of the dead man back there, but of the +live years that she was to bury with him: years that would never +pass beyond her ken, that would never die. He had loved her in his +wild, ruthless way. He had left her times without number in the +years gone by, but he had always come back, gaily unchastened, to +remould the love that waited with dog-like fidelity for the touch +of his cunning hand. But he had taken his last flight. He would +not come back again. It was all over. Once too often he had tried +his reckless wings. She would not have to forgive him again. +Uppermost in her mind was the curiously restful thought that his +troubles were over, and with them her own. A hand less forgiving +than hers had struck him dead. + +Somehow, she envied the woman to whom that hand belonged. It had +been her divine right to kill, and yet another took it from her. + +Back there at the inn she had said to the astonished sheriff: + +"Poor thing, if she can escape punishment for this, let it be so. +I shall not help the law to kill her simply because she took it +in her own hands to pay that man what she owed him. I shall not be +the one to say that he did not deserve death at her hands, whoever +she may be. No, I shall offer no reward. If you catch her, I shall +be sorry for her, Mr. Sheriff. Believe me, I bear her no grudge." + +"But she robbed him," the sheriff had cried. + +"From my point of view, Mr. Sheriff, that hasn't anything to do +with the case," was her significant reply. + +"Of course, I am not defending HIM." + +"Nor am I defending her," she had retorted. "It would appear that +she is able to defend herself." + +Now, on the cold, trackless road, she was saying to herself that +she did have a grudge against the woman who had destroyed the life +that belonged to her, who had killed the thing that was hers to +kill. She could not mourn for him. She could only wonder what the +poor, hunted terrified creature would do when taken and made to +pay for the thing she had done. + +Once, in the course of her bitter reflections, she spoke aloud in +a shrill, tense voice, forgetful of the presence of the man beside +her: + +"Thank God, they will see him now as I have seen him all these +years. They will know him as they have never known him. Thank God +for that!" + +The man looked at her stupidly and muttered something under his +breath. She heard him, and recalling her wits, asked which turn she +was to take for the station. The fellow lopped back in the seat, +too drunk to reply. + +For a moment she was dismayed, frightened. Then she resolutely +reached out and shook him by the shoulder. She had brought the car +to a full stop. + +"Arouse yourself, man!" she cried. "Do you want to freeze to death? +Where is the station?" + +He straightened up with an effort, and, after vainly seeking light +in the darkness, fell back again with a grunt, but managed to wave +his hand toward the left. She took the chance. In five minutes she +brought the car to a standstill beside the station. Through the +window she saw a man with his feet cocked high, reading. He leaped +to his feet in amazement as she entered the waiting-room. + +"Are you the agent?" she demanded. + +"No, ma'am. I'm simply stayin' here for the sheriff. We're lookin' +for a woman--Say!" He stopped short and stared at the veiled face +with wide, excited eyes. "Gee whiz! Maybe you--" + +"No, I am not the woman you want. Do you know anything about the +trains?" + +"I guess I'll telephone to the sheriff before I--" + +"If you will step outside you will find one of the sheriff's deputies +in my automobile, helplessly intoxicated. I am Mrs. Wrandall." + +"Oh," he gasped. "I heard 'em say you were coming up to-night. +Well, say! What do you think of--" + +"Is there a train in before morning?" + +"No ma'am. Seven-forty is the first." + +She waited a moment. "Then I shall have to ask you to come out and +get your fellow-deputy. He is useless to me. I mean to go on in +the machine. The sheriff understands." + +The fellow hesitated. + +"I cannot take him with me, and he will freeze to death if I leave +him in the road. Will you come?" + +The man stared at her. + +"Say, IS it your husband?" he asked agape. + +She nodded her head. + +"Well, I'll go out and have a look at the fellow you've got with +you," said he, still doubtful. + +She stood in the door while he crossed over to the car and peered +at the face of the sleeper. + +"Steve Morley," he said. "Fuller'n a goat." + +"Please remove him from the car," she directed. + +Later on, as he stood looking down at the inert figure in the +big rocking chair, and panting from his labours, he heard her say +patiently: + +"And now will you be so good as to direct me to the Post-road." + +He scratched his head. "This is mighty queer, the whole business," +he declared, assailed by doubts. "Suppose you are NOT Mrs. Wrandall, +but--the other one. What then?" + +As if in answer to his question, the man Morley opened his blear-eyes +and tried to get to his feet. + +"Wha--what are we doin' here, Mis' Wran'all? Wha's up?" + +"Stay where you are, Steve," said the other. "It's all right." +Then he went forth and pointed the way to her. "It's a long ways +to Columbus Circle," he said. "I don't envy you the trip. Keep +straight ahead after you hit the Post-road." He stood there listening +until the whir of the motor was lost in the distance. "She'll never +make it," he said to himself. "It's more than a strong man could +do on roads like these. She must be crazy." + +Coming to the Post-road, she increased the speed of the car, with +the sharp wind behind her, her eyes intent on the white stretch +that leaped up in front of the lamps like a blank wall beyond +which there was nothing but dense oblivion. But for the fact that +she knew that this road ran straight and unobstructed into the +outskirts of New York, she might have lost courage and decision. The +natural confidence of an experienced driver was hers. She had the +daring of one who has never met with an accident, and who trusts to +the instincts rather than to an actual understanding of conditions. +With her, it was not a question of her own capacity and strength, +but a belief in the fidelity of the engine that carried her forward. +It had not occurred to her that the task of guiding that heavy, +swerving thing through the unbroken road was something beyond her +powers of endurance. She often had driven it a hundred miles and +more without resting, or without losing zest in the enterprise: +then why should she fear the small matter of thirty miles, even +under the most trying of conditions? + +The restless, driving desire to be as far as possible from that +horrid sight at the inn, with all that went to make it repellant, +put strength into her arms. The car swung from one side of the road +to the other, picking its way through the opaque desert, reeling +from rut to rut past hideous shadows and deeper into the black +abyss that lay ahead. No friendly light gleamed by the wayside; the +world was black and cold and dead. She alone was on the highway, +the only human creature who defied the night. Off there on either +side people lived, and slept, and were in darkness just as she was, +but not in dreadful darkness. They were not pursued by ghosts; they +were not running away from a Thing! They slept and were at peace, +and their lights were out for they were not afraid in the dark. +She thought of it: she was alone! No other creature was abroad--not +one! + +Sharply there came to her mind the question: was she the only one +abroad in this black little world? What of the other woman? The +one who was being hunted? Where was she? And what of the ghost at +HER heels? + +The car bounded over a railroad crossing. She recalled the directions +given by the man at the station and hastily applied the brake. There +was another and more dangerous crossing a hundred yards ahead. She +had been warned particularly to take it carefully, as there was a +sharp curve in the road beyond. + +Suddenly she jammed down the emergency brake, a startled exclamation +falling from her lips. Not twenty feet ahead, in the middle of +the road and directly in line with the light of the lamps, stood +a black, motionless figure--the figure of a woman whose head was +lowered and whose arms hung limply at her sides. + +The woman in the car bent forward over the wheel, staring hard. Many +seconds passed. At last the forlorn object in the roadway lifted +her face and looked vacantly into the glare of the lamps. Her eyes +were wide-open, her face a ghastly white. + +"God in heaven!" struggled from the stiffening lips of Sara Wrandall. +Her fingers tightened on the wheel. + +She knew. This was the woman! + +The long brown ulster; the limp, fluttering veil! "A woman about +your size and figure," the sheriff had said. + +The figure swayed and then moved a few steps forward. Blinded by +the lights, she bent her head and shielded her eyes with her hand +the better to glimpse the occupant of the car. + +"Are you looking for me?" she cried out shrilly, at the same time +spreading her arms as if in surrender. It was almost a wail. + +Mrs. Wrandall caught her breath. Her heart began to beat once more. + +"Who are you? What do you want?" she cried out, without knowing +what she said. + +The girl started. She had not expected to hear the voice of a woman. +She staggered to the side of the road, out of the line of light. + +"I--I beg your pardon," she cried,--it was like a wail of +disappointment,--"I am sorry to have stopped you." + +"Come here," commanded the other, still staring. + +The unsteady figure advanced. Halting beside the car, she leaned +across the spare tires and gazed into the eyes of the driver. Their +faces were not more than a foot apart, their eyes were narrowed in +tense scrutiny. + +"What do you want?" repeated Mrs. Wrandall, her voice hoarse and +tremulous. + +"I am looking for an inn. It must be near by. I do--" + +"An inn?" with a start. + +"I do not recall the name. It is not far from a village, in the +hills." + +"Do you mean Burton's?" + +"Yes. That's it. Can you direct me?" The voice of the girl was +faint; she seemed about to fall. + +"It is six or eight miles from here," said Mrs. Wrandall, still +looking in wonder at the miserable nightfarer. + +The girl's head sank; a moan of despair came through her lips, +ending in a sob. + +"So far as that?" she murmured. Then she drew herself up with a +fine show of resolution. "But I must not stop here. Thank you." + +"Wait!" cried the other. The girl turned to her once more. "Is--is +it a matter of life or death?" + +There was a long silence. "Yes. I must find my way there. It +is--death." + +Sara Wrandall laid her heavily gloved hand on the slim fingers that +touched the tire. + +"Listen to me," she said, a shrill note of resolve ringing in her +voice. "I am going to New York. Won't you let me take you with me?" + +The girl drew back, wonder and apprehension struggling for the +mastery of her eyes. + +"But I am bound the other way. To the inn. I must go on." + +"Come with me," said Sara Wrandall firmly. "You must not go back +there. I know what has happened there. Come! I will take care of +you. You must not go to the inn." + +"You know?" faltered the girl. + +"Yes. You poor thing!" There was infinite pity in her voice. + +The girl laid her head on her arms. + +Mrs. Wrandall sat above her, looking down, held mute by warring +emotions. The impossible had come to pass. The girl for whom the +whole world would be searching in a day or two, had stepped out +of the unknown and, by the most whimsical jest of fate, into the +custody of the one person most interested of all in that self-same +world. It was unbelievable. She wondered if it were not a dream, +or the hallucination of an overwrought mind. Spurred by the sudden +doubt as to the reality of the object before her, she stretched +out her hand and touched the girl's shoulder. + +Instantly she looked up. Her fingers sought the friendly hand and +clasped it tightly. + +"Oh, if you will only take me to the city with you! If you only +give me the chance," she cried hoarsely. "I don't know what impulse +was driving me back there. I only know I could not help myself. +You really mean it? You WILL take me with you?" + +"Yes. Don't be afraid. Come! Get in," said the woman in the car +rapidly. "You--you are real?" + +The girl did not hear the strange question. She was hurrying around +to the opposite side of the car. As she crossed before the lamps, +Mrs. Wrandall noticed with dulled interest that her garments were +covered with mud; her small, comely hat was in sad disorder; loose +wisps of hair fluttered with the unsightly veil. Her hands, she +recalled, were clad in thin suede gloves. She would be half-frozen. +She had been out in all this terrible weather,--perhaps since the +hour of her flight from the inn. + +The odd feeling of pity grew stronger within her. She made no +effort to analyse it, nor to account for it. Why should she pity +the slayer of her husband? It was a question unasked, unconsidered. +Afterwards she was to recall this hour and its strange impulses, +and to realise that it was not pity, but mercy that moved her to +do the extraordinary thing that followed. + +Trembling all over, her teeth chattering, her breath coming in +short little moans, the girl struggled up beside her and fell back +in the seat. Without a word, Sara Wrandall drew the great buffalo +robe over her and tucked it in about her feet and legs and far up +about her body, which had slumped down in the seat. + +"You are very, very good," chattered the girl, almost inaudibly. +"I shall never forget--" She did not complete the sentence, but +sat upright and fixed her gaze on her companion's face. "You--you +are not doing this just to turn me over to--to the police? They +must be searching for me. You are not going to give me up to them, +are you? There will be a reward I--" + +"There is no reward," said Sara Wrandall sharply. "I do not mean to +give you up. I am simply giving you a chance to get away. I have +always felt sorry for the fox when the time for the kill drew near. +That's the way I feel." + +"Oh, thank you! Thank you! But what am I saying? Why should I permit +you to do this for me? I meant to go back there and have it over +with. I know I can't escape. It will have to come, it is bound to +come. Why put it off? Let them take me, let them do what they will +with me. I--" + +"Hush! We'll see. First of all, understand me: I shall not turn you +over to the police. I will give you the chance. I will help you. +I can do no more than that." + +"But why should you help me? I--I--Oh, I can't let you do it! You +do not understand. I--have--committed--a--terrible--" she broke +off with a groan. + +"I understand," said the other, something like grimness in her level +tones. "I have been tempted more than once myself." The enigmatic +remark made no impression on the listener. + +"I wonder how long ago it was that it all happened," muttered the +girl, as if to herself. "It seems ages,--oh, such ages." + +"Where have you been hiding since last night?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, +throwing in the clutch. The car started forward with a jerk, kicking +up the snow behind it. + +"Was it only last night? Oh, I've been--" The thought of her +sufferings from exposure and dread was too much for the wretched +creature. She broke out in a soft wail. + +"You've been out in all this weather?" demanded the other. + +"I lost my way. In the hills back there. I don't know where I was." + +"Had you no place of shelter?" + +"Where could I seek shelter? I spent the day in the cellar of a +farmer's house. He didn't know I was there. I have had no food." + +"Why did you kill that man?" + +"There was nothing left for me to do but that." + +"And why did you rob him?" + +"Ah, I had ample time to think of all that. You may tell the +officers they will find everything hidden in that farmhouse cellar. +God knows I did not want them. I am not a thief. I'm not so bad as +that." + +Mrs. Wrandall marvelled. "Not so bad as that!" And she was a +murderess, a wanton! + +"You are hungry? You must be famished." + +"No, I am not hungry. I have not thought of food." She said it in +such a way that the other knew what her whole mind had been given +over to since the night before. + +A fresh impulse seized her. "You shall have food and a place where +you can sleep--and rest," she said. "Now please don't say anything +more. I do not want to know too much. The least you say to-night, +the better for--for both of us." + +With that she devoted all of her attention to the car, increasing +the speed considerably. Far ahead she could see twinkling, will-o'-the-wisp +lights, the first signs of thickly populated districts. They were +still eight or ten miles from the outskirts of the city and the +way was arduous. She was conscious of a sudden feeling of fatigue. +The chill of the night seemed to have made itself felt with abrupt, +almost stupefying force. She wondered if she could keep her strength, +her courage,--her nerves. + +The girl was English. Mrs. Wrandall was convinced of the fact almost +immediately. Unmistakably English and apparently of the cultivated +type. In fact, the peculiarities of speech that determines the London +show-girl or music-hall character were wholly lacking. Her voice, +her manner, even under such trying conditions, were characteristic +of the English woman of cultivation. Despite the dreadful strain +under which she laboured, there were evidences of that curious +serenity which marks the English woman of the better classes: an +inborn composure, a calm orderliness of the emotions. Mrs. Wrandall +was conscious of a sense of surprise, of a wonder that increased as +her thoughts resolved themselves into something less chaotic than +they were at the time of contact with this visible condition. + +For a mile or more, she sent the car along with reckless disregard +for comfort or safety. Her mind was groping for something tangible +in the way of intentions. What was she to do with this creature? +What was to become of her? At what street corner should she turn +her adrift? The idea of handing her over to the police did not +enter her thoughts for an instant. Somehow she felt that the girl +was a stranger to the city. She could not explain the feeling, yet +it was with her and very persistent. Of course, there was a home +of some sort, or lodgings, or friends, but would the girl dare show +herself in familiar haunts? + +She had said to the sheriff that she hoped the slayer of her husband +would never be caught. She recalled her words, and she remembered how +sincere she had been in uttering them. But she had not figured on +herself as an instrument in furthering the hope to the point of actual +realisation. What could be more incongruous, more theatric,--yes, +more bizarre, than her attitude at this moment? It seemed impossible +that this shrinking, inert heap at her side was a living thing; a +woman who had slain a fellow creature, and that creature the man +who had been her husband for six years. It seemed utterly beyond +sense or reason that she should be helping this murderess to escape, +that she should be showing her the slightest sign of mercy. And +yet, it was all true. She was helping her, she was befriending her. + +She found herself wondering why the poor wretch had not made way +with herself. Escape seemed out of the question. That must have been +clear to her from the beginning, else why was she going back there +to give herself up? What better way out of it all than self-destruction? +Sara Wrandall reached a sudden conclusion. She would advise the girl +to leave the car when they reached the centre of a certain bridge +that spanned the river! No one would find her... + +Even as the thought took shape in her mind, she experienced a great +sense of awe, so overwhelming that she cried out with the horror +of it. She turned her head for a quick glance at the mute, wretched +face showing white above the robe, and her heart ached with sudden +pity for her. The thought of that slender, alive thing going down +to the icy waters--her soul turned sick with the dread of it! + +In that instant, Sara Wrandall--no philanthropist, no sentimentalist--made +up her mind to give this erring one more than an even chance for +salvation. She would see her safely across THAT bridge and many +others. God had directed the footsteps of this girl so that she +should fall in with the one best qualified to pass judgment on +her. It was in that person's power to save her or destroy her. The +commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," took on a broader meaning as +she considered the power that was hers: the power to kill. + +Back of all these finely human impulses was the mysterious arbiter +that makes great decisions for all of us, from which there can be +no appeal, and which brooks no argument: Self. Self it was that +put a single question to her and answered it as well: what personal +grievance had she against this unhappy girl? None whatever. Self it +was therefore that slyly thanked her for an unspeakable blessing: +she had brought to an end not only the life of her husband but the +false position she herself had been obliged to maintain through a +mistaken sense of duty and self-respect. And who was to say, outside +the law, that this frail girl had not just cause to slay? + +A great relaxation came over Sara Wrandall. It was as if every +nerve, every muscle in her body had reached the snapping point +and suddenly had given way. For a moment her hands were weak and +powerless; her head fell forward. In an instant she conquered,--but +only partially,--the strange feeling of lassitude. Then she realised +how tired she was, how fiercely the strain had told on her body +and brain, how much she had really suffered. + +Her blurred eyes turned once more for a look at the girl, who +sat there, just as she had been sitting for miles, her white face +standing out with almost unnatural clearness, and as rigid as that +of the sphinx. + +The girl spoke. "Do they hang women in this country?" + +Mrs. Wrandall started. "In some of the States," she replied, and +was unable to account for the swift impulse to evade. + +"But in this State?" persisted the other, almost without a movement +of the lips. + +"They send them to the electric chair--sometimes," said Mrs. +Wrandall. + +There was a long silence between them, broken finally by the girl. + +"You have been very kind to me, madam. I have no means of expressing +my gratitude. I can only say that I shall bless you to my dying +hour. May I trouble you to set me down at the bridge? I remember +crossing one. I shall be able to--" + +"No!" cried Mrs. Wrandall shrilly, divining the other's intention +at once. "You shall not do that. I too thought of that as a way out +of it for you, but--no, it must not be that. Give me a few minutes +to think. I will find a way." + +The girl turned toward her. Her eyes were burning. + +"Do you mean that you will help me to get away?" she cried, slowly, +incredulously. + +"Let me think!" + +"You will lay yourself liable--" + +"Let me think, I say." + +"But I mean to surrender myself to--" + +"An hour ago you meant to do it, but what were you thinking of ten +minutes ago? Not surrender. You were thinking of the bridge. Listen +to me now: I am sure that I can save you. I do not know all the--all +the circumstances connected with your association with--with that +man back there at the inn. Twenty-four hours passed before they +were able to identify him. It is not unlikely that to-morrow may +put them in possession of the name of the woman who went with him +to that place. They do not know it to-night, of that I am positive. +You covered your trail too well. But you must have been seen with +him during the day or the night--" + +The other broke in eagerly: "I don't believe any one knows that +I--that I went out there with him. He arranged it very--carefully. +Oh, what a beast he was!" The bitterness of that wail caused the +woman beside her to cry out as if hurt by a sharp, almost unbearable +pain. For an instant she seemed about to lose control of herself. +The car swerved and came dangerously near to leaving the road. + +A full minute passed before she could trust herself to speak. Then +it was with a deep hoarseness in her voice. + +"You can tell me about it later on, not now. I don't want to hear +it. Tell me, where do you live?" + +The girl's manner changed so absolutely that there could be but +one inference: she was acutely suspicious. Her lips tightened and +her figure seemed to stiffen in in the seat. + +"Where do you live?" repeated the other sharply. + +"Why should I tell you that? I do not know you. You--" + +"You are afraid of me?" + +"Oh, I don't know what to say, or what to do," came from the lips +of the hunted one. "I have no friends, no one to turn to, no one to +help me. You--you can't be so heartless as to lead me on and then +give me up to--God help me, I--I should not be made to suffer for +what I have done. If you only knew the circumstances. If you only +knew--" + +"Stop!" cried the other, in agony. + +The girl was bewildered. "You are so strange. I don't understand--" + +"We have but two or three miles to go," interrupted Mrs. Wrandall. +"We must think hard and--rapidly. Are you willing to come with me +to my hotel? You will be safe there for the present. To-morrow we +can plan something for the future." + +"If I can only find a place to rest for a little while," began the +other. + +"I shall be busy all day, you will not be disturbed. But leave the +rest to me. I shall find a way." + +It was nearly three o'clock when she brought the car to a stop in +front of a small, exclusive hotel not far from Central Park. The +street was dark and the vestibule was but dimly lighted. No attendant +was in sight. + +"Slip into this," commanded Mrs. Wrandall, beginning to divest +herself of her own fur coat. "It will cover your muddy garments. I +am quite warmly dressed. Don't worry. Be quick. For the time being +you are my guest here. You will not be questioned. No one need know +who you are. It will not matter if you look distressed. You have +just heard of the dreadful thing that has happened to me. You--" + +"Happened to you?" cried the girl, drawing the coat about her. + +"A member of my family has died. They know it in the hotel by this +time. I was called to the death bed--to-night. That is all you will +have to know." + +"Oh, I am sorry--" + +"Come, let us go in. When we reach my rooms, you may order food and +drink. You must do it, not I. Please try to remember that it is I +who am suffering, not you." + +A sleepy night watchman took them up in the elevator. He was not +even interested. Mrs. Wrandall did not speak, but leaned rather +heavily on the arm of her companion. The door had no sooner closed +behind them when the girl collapsed. She sank to the floor in a +heap. + +"Get up!" commanded her hostess sharply. This was not the time for +soft, persuasive words. "Get up at once. You are young and strong. +You must show the stuff you are made of now if you ever mean to +show it. I cannot help you if you quail." + +The girl looked up piteously, and then struggled to her feet. She +stood before her protectress, weaving like a frail reed in the +wind, pallid to the lips. + +"I beg your pardon," she murmured. "I will not give way like that +again. I dare say I'm faint. I have had no food, no rest--but never +mind that now. Tell me what I am to do. I will try to obey." + +"First of all, get out of those muddy, frozen things you have on." + +Mrs. Wrandall herself moved stiffly and with unsteady limbs as +she began to remove her own outer garments. The girl mechanically +followed her example. She was a pitiable object in the strong +light of the electrolier. Muddy from head to foot, water-stained +and bedraggled, her face streaked with dirt, she was the most +unattractive creature one could well imagine. + +These women, so strangely thrown together by Fate, maintained +an unbroken silence during the long, fumbling process of partial +disrobing. They scarcely looked at one another, and yet they were +acutely conscious of the interest each felt in the other. The +grateful warmth of the room, the abrupt transition from gloom and +cheerlessness to comfortable obscurity, had a more pronounced effect +on the stranger than on her hostess. + +"It is good to feel warm once more," she said, an odd timidness in +her manner. "You are very good to me." + +They were in Mrs. Wrandall's bed-chamber, just off the little +sitting-room. Three or four trunks stood against the walls. + +"I dismissed my maid on landing. She robbed me," said Mrs. Wrandall, +voicing the relief that was uppermost in her mind. She opened a +closet door and took out a thick eider-down robe, which she tossed +across a chair. "Now call up the office and say that you are speaking +for me. Say to them that I must have something to eat, no matter +what the hour may be. I will get out some clean underwear for you, +and--Oh, yes; if they ask about me, say that I am cold and ill. +That is sufficient. Here is the bath. Please be as quick about it +as possible." + +Moving as if in a dream, the girl did as she was told. Twenty minutes +later there was a knock at the door. A waiter appeared with a tray +and service table. He found Mrs. Wrandall lying back in a chair, +attended by a slender young woman in a pink eiderdown dressing-gown, +who gave hesitating directions to him. Then he was dismissed with +a handsome tip, produced by the same young woman. + +"You are not to return for these things," she said as he went out. + +In silence she ate and drank, her hostess looking on with gloomy +interest. It was no shock to Mrs. Wrandall to find that the girl, +who was no more than twenty-two or three, possessed unusual beauty. +Her great eyes were blue,--the lovely Irish blue,--her skin was +fair and smooth, her features regular and of the delicate mould +that defines the well-bred gentlewoman at a glance. Her hair, now +in order, was dark and thick and lay softly about her small ears +and neck. She was not surprised, I repeat, for she had never known +Challis Wrandall to show interest in any but the most attractive +of her sex. She found herself smiling bitterly as she looked. + +To herself she was saying: "It isn't so hard to bear when I realise +that he betrayed me for one who is so much more beautiful than I. +He loved me because I am beautiful. His every defection proves it. +The others have all been beautiful. And to think that this gentle, +slender creature should have been the one to give him his death-blow. +It seems incredible. If it had been struck by some outraged husband, +strong of arm and fierce with vengeance, I could understand. But--but +this young, pretty, soft-eyed thing!" + +But who may know the thoughts of the other occupant of that little +sitting-room? Who can put herself in the place of that despairing, +hunted creature who knew that blood was on the hands with which +she ate, and whose eyes were filled with visions of the death-chair? + +So great was her fatigue that long before she finished the meal her +tired lids began to droop, her head to nod in spasmodic surrenders +to an overpowering desire for sleep. Suddenly she dropped the fork +from her fingers and sank back in the comfortable chair, her head +resting against the soft, upholstered back. Her lids fell, her hands +dropped to the arms of the chair. A fine line appeared between her +dark eyebrows,--indicative of pain. + +For many minutes Sara Wrandall watched the haggardness deepen in +the face of the unconscious sleeper. Then, even as she wondered +at the act, she went over and took up one of the slim hands in her +own. The hand of an aristocrat! It lay limp in hers, and helpless. +Long, tapering fingers and delicately pink with the return of +warmth. + +Rousing herself from the mute contemplation of her charge, she shook +the girl's shoulder. Instantly she was awake and staring, alarm in +her dazed, bewildered eyes. + +"You must go to bed," said Mrs. Wrandall quietly. "Don't be afraid. +No one will think of coming here." + +The girl arose. As she stood before her benefactress, she heard +her murmur as if from afar-off: "Just about your size and figure," +and wondered not a little. + +"You may sleep late. I have many things to do and you will not be +disturbed. Come, take off your clothes and get into my bed. To-morrow +we will plan further--" + +"But, madam," cried the girl, "I cannot take your bed. Where are +you to--" + +"If I feel like lying down, I shall lie there beside you." + +The girl stared. "Lie beside ME?" + +"Yes. Oh, I am not afraid of you, child. You are not a monster. +You are just a poor, tired--" + +"Oh, please don't! Please!" cried the other, tears rushing to her +eyes. She raised Mrs. Wrandall's hand to her lips and covered it +with kisses. + +Long after she went to sleep, Sara Wrandall stood beside the bed, +looking down at the pain-stricken face, and tried to solve the +problem that suddenly had become a part of her very existence. + +"It is not friendship," she argued fiercely. "It is not charity, +it is not humanity. It's the debt I owe, that's all. She did the +thing for me that I could not have done myself because I loved him. +I owe her something for that." + +Later on she turned her attention to the trunks. Her decision was +made. With ruthless hands she dragged gown after gown from the +"innovations" and cast them over chairs, on the floor, across the +foot of the bed: smart things from Paris and Vienna; ball gowns, +street gowns, tea gowns, lingerie, blouses, hats, gloves and all +of the countless things that a woman of fashion and means indulges +herself in when she goes abroad for that purpose and no other to +speak of. From the closets she drew forth New York "tailor-suits" +and other garments. + +Until long after six o'clock she busied herself over this huge +pile of costly raiment, portions of which she had worn but once or +twice, some not at all, selecting certain dresses, hats, stockings, +etc., each of which she laid carelessly aside: an imposing pile of +many hues, all bright and gay and glittering. In another heap she +laid the sombre things of black: a meagre assortment as compared +to the other. + +Then she stood back and surveyed the two heaps with tired eyes, a +curious, almost scornful smile on her lips. "There!" she said with +a sigh. "The black pile is mine, the gay pile is yours," she went +on, turning toward the sleeping girl. "What a travesty!" + +Then she gathered up the soiled garments her charge had worn and +cast them into the bottom of a trunk, which she locked. Laying out +a carefully selected assortment of her own garments for the girl's +use when she arose, Mrs. Wrandall sat down beside the bed and +waited, knowing that sleep would not come to her. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +HETTY CASTLETON + + +At half-past six she went to the telephone and called for the morning +newspapers. At the same time she asked that a couple of district +messenger boys be sent to her room with the least possible delay. +The hushed, scared voice of the telephone girl downstairs convinced +her that news of the tragedy was abroad; she could imagine the girl +looking at the headlines with awed eyes even as she responded to +the call from room 416, and her shudder as she realised that it +was the wife of the dead man speaking. + +One of the night clerks, pale and agitated, came up with the papers. +He inquired if there was anything he could do. He tried to tell +her that it was a dreadful, sickening thing, but the words stuck +in his throat. She stood before him, holding the door open; the +light in the hall fell upon her white, haggard face. He began to +tremble all over, as if with the ague. + +"Will you be good enough to come in?" she inquired, quite steadily. +"The newspapers--have they printed the--the details?" + +He entered and she closed the door. + +"Just the--just the news that it was Mr. Wrandall," he replied +jerkily. "Later on they'll have--" + +She interrupted him. "Let me have them, please." Without so much +as a glance at the headlines, she tossed the papers on the table. +"I have sent for two messenger boys. It is too early to accomplish +much by telephone, I fear. Will you be so kind as to telephone at +seven o'clock or a little after to my apartment?--You will find +the number under Mr. Wrandall's name. Please inform the butler or +his wife that they may expect me by ten o'clock, and that I shall +bring a friend with me--a young lady. Kindly have my motor sent +to Haffner's garage, and looked after. When the reporters come, as +they will, please say to them that I will see them at my own home +at eleven o'clock." + +"Can't I--we--I should say, don't you want us to send word to +your--your friends, Mrs. Wrandall,--the family, I mean? No trouble +to do it, and--" + +"Thank you, no. The messengers will attend to all that is necessary. +When my lawyer arrives, please send him here to me. Mr. Carroll. +Thank you." + +The clerk, considerably relieved, took his departure in some +haste, and she was left with the morning papers, each of which she +scanned rapidly. The details, of course, were meagre. There was a +double-leaded account of her visit to the inn and her extraordinary +return to the city. Her chief interest, however, did not rest in +these particulars, but in the speculations of the authorities as +to the identity of the mysterious woman--and her whereabouts. There +was the likelihood that she was not the only one who had encountered +the girl on the highway or in the neighbourhood of the inn. So far +as she could glean from the reports, however, no one had seen the +girl, nor was there the slightest hint offered as to her identity. +The papers of the previous afternoon had published lurid accounts of +the murder, with all of the known details, the name of the victim +at that time still being a mystery. She remembered reading the +story with no little interest. The only new feature in the case, +therefore, was the identification of Challis Wrandall by his +"beautiful wife," and the sensational manner in which it had been +brought about. With considerable interest she noted the hour that +these despatches had been received from "special correspondents," +and wondered where the shrewd, lynx-eyed reporters napped while +she was at the inn. All of the despatches were timed three o'clock +and each paper characterised its issue as an "Extra," with Challis +Wrandall's name in huge type across as many columns as the dignity +of the sheet permitted. + +Not one word of the girl! Absolute mystery! + +Mrs. Wrandall returned to her post beside the bed of the sleeper +in the adjoining room. Deliberately she placed the newspapers on +a chair near the girl's pillow, and then raised the window shades +to let in the hard grey light of early morn. + +It was not her present intention to arouse the wan stranger, who +slept as one dead. So gentle was her breathing that the watcher +stared in some fear at the fair, smooth breast that seemed scarcely +to rise and fall. For a long time she stood beside the bed, looking +down at the face of the sleeper, a troubled expression in her eyes. + +"I wonder how many times you were seen with him, and where, and by +whom," were the questions that ran in a single strain through her +mind. "Where do you come from? Where did you meet him? Who is there +that knows of your acquaintance with him?" + +There was no kindly light in her eyes, nor was there the faintest +sign of animosity. Merely the look of one who calculates in the +interest of a well-shaped purpose. She was estimating the difficulties +that were likely to attend the carrying out of a design as yet +half-formed and quixotic. There were many things to be considered. +At present she was working in utter darkness. What would the light +bring forth? + +Her lawyer came in great haste and perturbation at eight o'clock, +in response to the letter delivered by one of the messengers. +A second letter had gone by like means to her husband's brother, +Leslie Wrandall, instructing him to break the news to his father +and mother and to come to her apartment after he had attended to +the removal of the body to the family home near Washington Square. +She made it quite plain that she did not want Challis Wrandall's +body to lie under the roof that sheltered her. + +His family had resented their marriage. Father, mother and sister had +objected to her from the beginning, not because she was unworthy, +but because her tradespeople ancestry was not so remote as his. She +found a curious sense of pleasure in returning to them the thing +they prized so highly and surrendered to her with such bitterness +of heart. She had not been good enough for him: that was their +attitude. Now she was returning him to them, as one would return +an article that had been tested and found to be worthless. She +would have no more of him! + +Leslie, three years younger than Challis, did not hold to the views +that actuated the remaining members of the family in opposing her +as an addition to the rather close corporation known far and wide +as "the Wrandalls." He had stood out for her in a rather mild but +none-the-less steadfast manner, blandly informing his mother on +mere than one occasion that Sara was quite too good for Challis, +any way you looked at it: an attitude which provoked sundry caustic +references to his own lamentable shortcomings in the matter of +family pride and--intelligence. + +He and Sara had been good friends after a fashion. He was a bit of +a snob but not much of a prig. She had the feeling about him that +if he could be weaned away from the family he might stand for +something fine in the way of character. But he was an adept at +straddling fences, so that he was never fully on one side or the +other, no matter which way he leaned. + +He had not been deeply attached to his brother. Their ways were +wide apart. All his life he had known Challis for what he was; +his heart if not his hand was against him. From the first, he had +regarded Sara's marriage as a bad bargain for her, and toward the +last bluntly told her so. Not once but many times had he taken it +upon himself to inform her that she was a fool to put up with all +the beastly things Challis was doing. He characterised as infatuation +the emotion she was prone to call love when they met to discuss +the escapades of the careless Challis, for she always went to him +with her troubles. In direct opposition to his counselling, she +invariably forgave the erring lover who was her husband. Once Leslie +had said to her, in considerable heat: "You act as if you were his +mistress, instead of his wife. Mistresses have to forgive; wives +don't." And she had replied: "Yes, but I'd much rather have him a +lover than a husband." A remark which Leslie never quite fathomed, +being somewhat literal himself. + +Carroll, her lawyer, an elderly man of vast experience, was not +surprised to find her quite calm and reasonable. He had come to +know her very well in the past few years. He had been her father's +lawyer up to the time of that excellent tradesman's demise, +and he had settled the estate with such unusual despatch that the +heirs,--there were many of them,--regarded him as an admirable +person and--kept him busy ever afterward straightening out their +own affairs. Which goes to prove that policy is often better than +honesty. + +"I quite understand, my dear, that while it is a dreadful shock to +you, you are perfectly reconciled to the--er--to the--well, I might +say the culmination of his troubles," said Mr. Carroll tactfully, +after she had related for his benefit the story of the night's +adventure, with reservation concerning the girl who slumbered in +the room beyond. + +"Hardly that, Mr. Carroll. Resigned, perhaps. I can't say that I +am reconciled. All my life I shall feel that I have been cheated," +she said. + +He looked up sharply. Something in her tone puzzled him. "Cheated, +my dear? Oh, I see. Cheated out of years and years of happiness. +I see." + +She bowed her head. Neither spoke for a full minute. + +"It's a horrible thing to say, Sara, but this tragedy does away +with another and perhaps more unpleasant alternative: the divorce +I have been urging you to consider for so long." + +"Yes, we are spared all that," she said. Then she met his gaze with +a sudden flash of anger in her eyes. "But I would not have divorced +him--never. You understood that, didn't you?" + +"You couldn't have gone on for ever, my dear child, enduring the--" + +She stopped him with a sharp exclamation. "Why discuss it now? Let +the past take care of itself, Mr. Carroll. The past came to an end +night before last, so far as I am concerned. I want advice for the +future, not for the past." + +He drew back, hurt by her manner. She was quick to see that she +had offended him. + +"I beg your pardon, my best of friends," she cried earnestly. + +He smiled. "If you will take PRESENT advice, Sara, you will let go +of yourself for a spell and see if tears won't relieve the tension +under--" + +"Tears!" she cried. "Why should I give way to tears? What have I +to weep for? That man up there in the country? The cold, dead thing +that spent its last living moments without a thought of love for +me? Ah, no, my friend; I shed all my tears while he was alive. +There are none left to be shed for him now. He exacted his full +share of them. It was his pleasure to wring them from me because +he knew I loved him." She leaned forward and spoke slowly, distinctly, +so that he would never forget the words. "But listen to me, Mr. +Carroll. You also know that I loved him. Can you believe me when +I say to you that I hate that dead thing up there in Burton's Inn +as no one ever hated before? Can you understand what I mean? I hate +that dead body, Mr. Carroll. I loved the life that was in it. It +was the life of him that I loved, the warm, appealing life of him. +It has gone out. Some one less amiable than I suffered at his hands +and--well, that is enough. I hate the dead body she left behind +her, Mr. Carroll." + +The lawyer wiped the cool moisture from his brow. + +"I think I understand," he said, but he was filled with wonder. +"Extraordinary! Ahem! I should say--Ahem! Dear me! Yes, yes--I've +never really thought of it in that light." + +"I dare say you haven't," she said, lying back in the chair as if +suddenly exhausted. + +"By the way, my dear, have you breakfasted?" + +"No. I hadn't given it a thought. Perhaps it would be better if I +had some coffee--" + +"I will ring for a waiter," he said, springing to his feet. + +"Not now, please. I have a young friend in the other room--a guest +who arrived last night. She will attend to it when she awakes. Poor +thing, it has been dreadfully trying for her." + +"Good heaven, I should think so," said he, with a glance at the +closed door, "Is she asleep?" + +"Yes. I shall not call her until you have gone." + +"May I enquire--" + +"A girl I met recently--an English girl," said she succinctly, and +forthwith changed the subject. "There are a few necessary details +that must be attended to, Mr. Carroll. That is why I sent for you +at this early hour. Mr. Leslie Wrandall will take charge--Ah!" she +straightened up suddenly. "What a farce it is going to be!" + +Half an hour later he departed, to rejoin her at eleven o'clock, +when the reporters were to be expected. He was to do the talking +for her. While he was there, Leslie Wrandall called her up on the +telephone. Hearing but one side of the rather prolonged conversation, +he was filled with wonder at the tactful way in which she met +and parried the inevitable questions and suggestions coming from +her horror-struck brother-in-law. Without the slightest trace of +offensiveness in her manner, she gave Leslie to understand that +the final obsequies must be conducted in the home of his parents, +to whom once more her husband belonged, and that she would abide by +all arrangements his family elected to make. Mr. Carroll surmised +from the trend of conversation that young Wrandall was about to +leave for the scene of the tragedy, and that the house was in a +state of unspeakable distress. The lawyer smiled rather grimly to +himself as he turned to look out of the window. He did not have to +be told that Challis was the idol of the family, and that, so far +as they were concerned, he could do no wrong! + +After his departure, Mrs. Wrandall gently opened the bedroom door +and was surprised to find the girl wide-awake, resting on one +elbow, her staring eyes fastened on the newspaper that topped the +pile on the chair. + +Catching sight of Mrs. Wrandall she pointed to the paper with a +trembling hand and cried out, in a voice full of horror: + +"Did you place them there for me to read? Who was with you in the +other room just now? Was it some one about the--some one looking +for me? Speak! Please tell me. I heard a man's voice--" + +The other crossed quickly to her side. + +"Don't be alarmed. It was my lawyer. There is nothing to fear--at +present. Yes, I left the papers there for you to see. You can see +what a sensation it has caused. Challis Wrandall was one of the most +widely known men in New York. But I suppose you know that without +my telling you." + +The girl sank back with a groan. "My God, what have I done? What +will come of it all?" + +"I wish I could answer that question," said the other, taking +the girl's hand in hers. Both were trembling. After an instant's +hesitation, she laid her other hand on the dark, dishevelled hair +of the wild-eyed creature, who still continued to stare at the +headlines. "I am quite sure they will not look for you here, or in +my home." + +"In your home?" + +"You are to go with me. I have thought it all over. It is the only +way. Come, I must ask you to pull yourself together. Get up at once, +and dress. Here are the things you are to wear." She indicated the +orderly pile of garments with a wave of her hand. + +Slowly the girl crept out of bed, confused, bewildered, stunned. + +"Where are my own things? I--I cannot accept these. Pray give me +my own--" + +Mrs. Wrandall checked her. + +"You must obey me, if you expect me to help you. Don't you understand +that I have had a--a bereavement? I cannot wear these things now. +They are useless to me. But we will speak of all that later on. +Come, be quick; I will help you to dress. First, go to the telephone +and ask them to send a waiter to--these rooms. We must have something +to eat. Please do as I tell you." + +Standing before her benefactress, her fingers fumbling impotently +at the neck of the night-dress, the girl still continued to stare +dumbly into the calm, dark eyes before her. + +"You are so good. I--I--" + +"Let me help you," interrupted the other, deliberately setting +about to remove the night-dress. The girl caught it up as it slipped +from her shoulders, a warm flush suffusing her face, a shamed look +springing into her eyes. + +"Thank you, I can--get on very well. I only wanted to ask you a +question. It has been on my mind, waking and sleeping. Can you tell +me anything about--do you know his wife?" + +The question was so abrupt, so startling that Mrs. Wrandall uttered +a sharp little cry. For a moment she could not reply. + +"I am so sorry, so desperately sorry for her," added the girl +plaintively. + +"I know her," the other managed to say with an effort. + +"If I had only known that he had a wife--" began the girl bitterly, +almost angrily. + +Mrs. Wrandall grasped her by the arm. "You did not know that he +had a wife?" she cried. + +The girl's eyes flashed with a sudden, fierce fire in their depths. + +"God in heaven, no! I did not know it until--Oh, I can't speak of +it! Why should I tell you about it? Why should you be interested +in hearing it?" + +Mrs. Wrandall drew back and regarded the girl's set, unhappy face. +There was a curious light in her eyes that escaped the other's +notice,--a light that would have puzzled her not a little. + +"But you WILL tell me--EVERYTHING--a little later," she said, +strangely calm. "Not now, but,--before many hours have passed. First +of all, you must tell me who you are, where you live,--everything +except what happened in Burton's Inn. I don't want to hear that at +present--perhaps never. Yes, on second thoughts, I will say NEVER! +You are never to tell me just what happened up there, or just what +led up to it. Do you understand? Never!" + +The girl stared at her in amazement. "But I--I must tell some one," +she cried vehemently. "I have a right to defend myself--" + +"I am not asking you to defend yourself," said Mrs. Wrandall shortly. +Then, as if afraid to remain longer, she rushed from the room. In +the doorway, she turned for an instant to say: "Do as I told you. +Telephone. Dress as quickly as you can." She closed the door swiftly. + +Standing in the centre of the room, her hands clenched until the +nails cut the flesh, she said over and over again to herself: "I +don't want to know! I don't want to KNOW!" + +A few minutes later she was critically inspecting the young woman +who came from the bedroom attired in a street dress that neither +of them had ever donned before. The girl, looking fresher, prettier +and even younger than when she had seen her last, was in no way +abashed. She seemed to have accepted the garments and the situation +in the same spirit of resignation and hope: as if she had decided +to make the most of her slim chance to profit by these amazing +circumstances. + +They sat opposite each other at the little breakfast table. + +"Please pour the coffee," said Mrs. Wrandall. The waiter had left +the room at her command. The girl's hand shook, but she complied +without a word. + +"Now you may tell me who you are and--but wait! You are not to say +anything about what happened at the inn. Guard your words carefully. +I am not asking for a confession. I do not care to know what happened +there. It will make it easier for me to protect you. You may call +it conscience. Keep your big secret to yourself. NOT ONE WORD TO +ME. Do you understand?" + +"You mean that I am not to reveal, even to you, the causes which +led up to--" + +"Nothing--absolutely nothing," said Mrs. Wrandall firmly. + +"But I cannot permit you to judge me, to--well, you might say to +acquit me,--without hearing the story. It is so vital to me." + +"I can judge you without hearing all of the--the evidence, if that's +what you mean. Simply answer the questions I shall ask, and nothing +more. There are certain facts I must have from you if I am to shield +you. You must tell me the truth. I take it you are an English girl. +Where do you live? Who are your friends? Where is your family?" + +The girl's face flushed for an instant and then grew pale again. + +"I will tell you the truth," she said. "My name is Hetty Castleton. +My father is Col. Braid Castleton, of--of the British army. My mother +is dead. She was Kitty Glynn, at one time a popular music-hall +performer in London. She was Irish. She died two years ago. My +father was a gentleman. I do not say he IS a gentleman, for his +treatment of my mother relieves him from that distinction. He is +in the Far East, China, I think. I have not seen him in more than +five years. He deserted my mother. That's all there is to that +side of my story. I appeared in two or three of the musical pieces +produced in London two seasons ago, in the chorus. I never got +beyond that, for very good reasons. I was known as Hetty Glynn. +Three weeks ago I started for New York, sailing from Liverpool. +Previously I had served in the capacity of governess in the family +of John Budlong, a brewer. They had a son, a young man of twenty. +Two months ago I was dismissed. A California lady, Mrs. Holcombe, +offered me a situation as governess to her two little girls soon +afterward. I was to go to her home in San Francisco. She provided +the money necessary for the voyage and for other expenses. She is +still in Europe. I landed in New York a fortnight ago and, following +her directions, presented myself at a certain bank,--I have the +name somewhere--where my railroad tickets were to be in readiness +for me, with further instructions. They were to give me twenty-five +pounds on the presentation of my letter from Mrs. Holcombe. They +gave me the money and then handed me a cable-gram from Mrs. Holcombe, +notifying me that my services would not be required. There was no +explanation. Just that. + +"On the steamer I met--HIM. His deck chair was next to mine. I +noticed that his name was Wrandall--'C. Wrandall' the card on the +chair informed me. I--" + +"You crossed on the steamer with him?" interrupted Mrs. Wrandall +quickly. + +"Yes." + +"Had--had you seen him before? In London?" + +"Never. Well, we became acquainted, as people do. He--he was very +handsome and agreeable." She paused for a moment to collect herself. + +"Very handsome and agreeable," said the other slowly. + +"We got to be very good friends. There were not many people on +board, and apparently he knew none of them. It was too cold to stay +on deck much of the time, and it was very rough. He had one of the +splendid suites on the--" + +"Pray omit unnecessary details. You landed and went--where?" + +"He advised me to go to an hotel--I can't recall the name. It was +rather an unpleasant place. Then I went to the bank, as I have stated. +After that I did not know what to do. I was stunned, bewildered. +I called him up on the telephone and--he asked me to meet him for +dinner at a queer little cafe, far down town. We--" + +"And you had no friends, no acquaintances here?" + +"No. He suggested that I go into one of the musical shows, saying +he thought he could arrange it with a manager who was a friend. +Anything to tide me over, he said. But I would not consider it, +not for an instant. I had had enough of the stage. I--I am really +not fitted for it. Besides, I AM qualified--well qualified--to +be governess--but that is neither here nor there. I had some +money--perhaps forty pounds. I found lodgings with some people in +Nineteenth street. He never came there to see me. I can see plainly +now why he argued it would not be--well, he used the word 'wise.' +But we went occasionally to dine together. We went about in a +motor--a little red one. He--he told me he loved me. That was one +night about a week ago. I--" + +"I don't care to hear about it," cried the other. "No need of that. +Spare me the silly side of the story." + +"Silly, madam? In God's name, do you think it was silly to me? +Why--why, I believed him! And, what is more, I believe that he DID +love me--even now I believe it." + +"I have no doubt of it," said Mrs. Wrandall calmly. "You are very +pretty--and charming." + +"I--I did not know that he had a wife until--well, until--" She +could not go on. + +"Night before last?" + +The girl shuddered. Mrs. Wrandall turned her face away and waited. + +"There is nothing more I can tell you, unless you permit me to tell +ALL," the girl resumed after a moment of hesitation. + +Mrs. Wrandall arose. + +"I have heard enough. This afternoon I will send my butler with +you to the lodging house in Nineteenth street. He will attend to +the removal of your personal effects to my home, and you will return +with him. It will be testing fate, Miss Castleton, this visit to +your former abiding place, but I have decided to give the law its +chance. If you are suspected, a watch will be set over the house +in which you lived. If you are not suspected, if your association +with--with Wrandall is quite unknown, you will run no risk in going +there openly, nor will I be taking so great a chance as may appear +in offering you a home, for the time being at least, as companion--or +secretary or whatever we may elect to call it for the benefit of +all enquirers. Are you willing to run the risk--this single risk?" + +"Perfectly willing," announced the other without hesitation. Indeed, +her face brightened. "If they are waiting there for me, I shall go +with them without a word. I have no means of expressing my gratitude +to you for--" + +"There is time enough for that," said Mrs. Wrandall quickly. "And +if they are not there, you will return to me? You will not desert +me now?" + +The girl's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Desert you? Why do you put +it in that way? I don't understand." + +"You will come back to me?" insisted the other. + +"Yes. Why,--why, it means everything to me. It means life,--more +than that, most wonderful friend. Life isn't very sweet to me. But +the joy of giving it to you for ever is the dearest boon I crave. +I DO give it to you. It belongs to you. I--I could die for you." + +She dropped to her knees and pressed her lips to Sara Wrandall's +hand; hot tears fell upon it. + +Mrs. Wrandall laid her free hand on the dark, glossy hair and smiled; +smiled warmly for the first time in--well, in years she might have +said to herself if she had stopped to consider. + +"Get up, my dear," she said gently. "I shall not ask you to die for +me--if you DO come back. I may be sending you to your death, as it +is, but it is the chance we must take. A few hours will tell the +tale. Now listen to what I am about to say,--to propose. I offer +you a home, I offer you friendship and I trust security from the +peril that confronts you. I ask nothing in return, not even a word +of gratitude. You may tell the people at your lodgings that I have +engaged you as companion and that we are to sail for Europe in a +week's time if possible. Now we must prepare to go to my own home. +You will see to packing my--that is, our trunks--" + +"Oh, it--it must be a dream!" cried Hetty Castleton, her eyes swimming. +"I can't believe--" Suddenly she caught herself up, and tried to +smile. "I don't see why you do this for me. I do not deserve--" + +"You have done me a service," said Mrs. Wrandall, her manner so +peculiar that the girl again assumed the stare of perplexity and +wonder that had been paramount since their meeting: as if she were +on the verge of grasping a great truth. + +"What CAN you mean?" + +Sara laid her hands on the girl's shoulders and looked steadily +into the puzzled eyes for a moment before speaking. + +"My girl," she said, ever so gently, "I shall not ask what your +life has been; I do not care. I shall not ask for references. You +are alone in the world and you need a friend. I too am alone. If +you will come to me I will do everything in my power to make you +comfortable and--contented. Perhaps it will be impossible to make +you happy. I promise faithfully to help you, to shield you, to repay +you for the thing you have done for me. You could not have fallen +into gentler hands than mine will prove to be. That much I swear +to you on my soul, which is sacred. I bear you no ill-will. I have +nothing to avenge." + +Hetty drew back, completely mystified. + +"Who are you?" she murmured, still staring. + +"I am Challis Wrandall's wife." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +WHILE THE MOB WAITED + + +The next day but one, in the huge old-fashioned mansion of +the Wrandalls in lower Fifth Avenue, in the drawing-room directly +beneath the chamber in which Challis was born, the impressive but +grimly conventional funeral services were held. + +Contrasting sharply with the sombre, absolutely correct atmosphere +of the gloomy interior was the exterior display of joyous curiosity +that must have jarred severely on the high-bred sensibilities +of the chief mourners, not to speak of the invited guests who had +been obliged to pass between rows of gaping bystanders in order to +reach the portals of the house of grief, and who must have reckoned +with extreme distaste the cost of subsequent departure. A dozen +raucous-voiced policemen were employed to keep back the hundreds +that thronged the sidewalk and blocked the street. Curiosity was +rampant. Ever since the moment that the body of Challis Wrandall +was carried into the house of his father, a motley, varying crowd +of people shifted restlessly in front of the mansion, filled with +gruesome interest in the absolutely unseen, animated by the sly +hope that something sensational might happen if they waited long +enough. + +Men, women, children struggled for places nearest the tall iron +fence surrounding the spare yard, and gazed with awed but wistful +eyes at the curtained windows and at the huge bow of crepe on the +massive portals. In hushed voices they spoke of the murder and +expressed a single opinion among them all: the law ought to make +short work of her! If this thing had happened in England, said +they who scoff at our own laws, there wouldn't be any foolishness +about the business: the woman would be buried in quick-lime before +you could know what you were talking about. The law in this country +is a joke, said they, with great irritability. Why can't we do the +business up, sharp and quick, as they do in England? Get it over +with, that's the ticket. What's the sense of dragging it out for a +year? Send 'em to the chair or hang 'em while everybody's interested, +not when the thing's half forgotten. Who wants to see a person +hanged after the crime's been forgotten? And then, think of the +saving to the State? Hang 'em, men or women, and in a couple of +years' time there wouldn't be a tenth part of the murders we have +now. Statistics prove, went on the wise ones, that only one out of +every hundred is hanged. What's that? The jury system is rotten! +No sirree, we are 'way behind England in that respect. Just look +at that big murder case in London last month! Remember it? Murderer +was hanged inside of three weeks after he was caught. That's the +way to do it! And the London police catch 'em too. Our police stand +around doing nothing until the criminal has got a week's start, and +then--oh, well, what can you expect? "Now if I was at the head of +the New York department I'd have that woman behind the bars before +night, that's what I'd do. You bet your life, I would," said more +than one. And no one questioned his ability to do so. + +And then all of them would growl at the policemen who pushed them +back from the gates, and call them "scabs" and "mutts" in repressed +tones, and snarl under their breath that they wouldn't be pushing +people around like that if they didn't have stars and clubs and a +great idea of their own importance. "If it wasn't for the family at +home dependin' on me for support, I'd take a punch at that stiff, +so help me God, even if I went to the Island for it!" + +And so it WAS and ever shall be, world without end. + +Newsboys, hoarse-voiced and pipe-voiced, mingled with the crowd, +and shrieked their extras under the very noses of the always-aloof +Wrandalls, who up to this day had turned them up at the sight of +a vulgar extra, but who now looked down them with a trembling of +the nostrils that left no room for doubt as to their present state +of mind. + +Up to the very portals these assiduous peddlers yelped for pennies +and gave in exchange the latest headlines. "All about Mr. Challis +Wran'all's fun'ral!" "Horrible extry!" Ding-donging the thing in +the very ears of the dead man himself! + +Motor after motor, carriage after carriage, rolled up to the curb +and emptied its sober-faced, self-conscious occupants in front +of the door with the great black bow; with each arrival the crowd +surged forward, and names were muttered in undertones, passing from +lip to lip until every one in the street knew that Mr. So-and-So, +Mrs. This-or-That, the What-do-you-call-ems and others of the +city's most exclusive but most garishly advertised society leaders +had entered the house of mourning. It was a great show for the +plebeian spectators. Much better than Miss So-and-So's wedding, +said one woman who had attended the aforesaid ceremony as a unit +in the well-dressed mob that almost wrecked the carriages in the +desire to see the terrified bride. Better than a circus, said a man +who held his little daughter above the heads of the crowd so that +she might see the fine lady in a wild-beast fur. Swellest funeral +New York ever had, remarked another, excepting one 'way back when +he was a kid. + +At the corner below stood two patrol wagons, also waiting. + +Inside the house sat the carefully selected guests, hushed and +stiff and gratified. (Not because they were attending a funeral, +but because the occasion served to separate them from the chaff: +they were the elect.) It would be going too far to intimate that +they were proud of themselves, but it is not stretching it very +much to say that they counted noses with considerable satisfaction +and were glad that they had not been left out. The real, high-water +mark in New York society was established at this memorable function. +It was quite plain to every one that Mrs. Wrandall,--THE Mrs. +Wrandall,--had made out the list of guests to be invited to the +funeral of her son. It was a blue-stocking affair. You couldn't +imagine anything more so. Afterwards, the two hundred who were +there looked with utmost pity and not a little scorn on the other +two hundred who failed to get in, notwithstanding there was ample +room in the spacious house for all of them. There wasn't a questionable +guest in the house, unless one were to question the right of the +dead man's widow to be there--and, after all, she was upstairs with +the family. Even so, she was a Wrandall--remotely, of course, but +recognisable. + +Yes, they counted noses, so to say. As one after the other arrived +and was ushered into the huge drawing-room, he or she was accorded +a congratulatory look from those already assembled, a tribute +returned with equal amiability. Each one noted who else was there, +and each one said to himself that at last they really had something +all to themselves. It was truly a pleasure, a relief, to be able to +do something without being pushed about by people who didn't belong +but thought they did. They sat back,--stiffly, of course,--and in +utter stillness confessed that there could be such a thing as the +survival of the fittest. Yes, there wasn't a nose there that couldn't +be counted with perfect serenity. It was a notable occasion. + +Mrs. Wrandall, the elder, had made out the list. She did not consult +her daughter-in-law in the matter. It is true that Sara forestalled +her in a way by sending word, through Leslie, that she would be pleased +if Mrs. Wrandall would issue invitations to as many of Challis's +friends as she deemed advisable. As for herself, she had no wish +in the matter; she would be satisfied with whatever arrangements +the family cared to make. + +It is not to be supposed, from the foregoing, that Mrs. Wrandall, +the elder, was not stricken to the heart by the lamentable death +of her idol. He WAS her idol. He was her first-born, he was her +love-born. He came to her in the days when she loved her husband +without much thought of respecting him. She was beginning to +regard him as something more than a lover when Leslie came, so it +was different. When their daughter Vivian was born, she was plainly +annoyed but wholly respectful. Mr. Wrandall was no longer the lover; +he was her lord and master. The head of the house of Wrandall was +a person to be looked up to, to be respected and admired by her, +for he was a very great man, but he was dear to her only because +he was the father of Challis, the first-born. + +In the order of her nature, Challis therefore was her most dearly +beloved, Vivian the least desired and last in her affections as +well as in sequence. + +Strangely enough, the three of them perfected a curiously significant +record of conjugal endowments. Challis had always been the wild, +wayward, unrestrained one, and by far the most lovable; Leslie, +almost as good looking but with scarcely a noticeable trace of the +charm that made his brother attractive; Vivian, handsome, selfish +and as cheerless as the wind that blows across the icebergs in the +north. Challis had been born with a widely enveloping heart and an +elastic conscience; Leslie with a brain and a soul and not much of +a heart, as things go; Vivian with a soul alone, which belonged to +God, after all, and not to her. Of course she had a heart, but it +was only for the purpose of pumping blood to remote extremities, and +had nothing whatever to do with anything so unutterably extraneous +as love, charity or self-sacrifice. + +As for Mr. Redmond Wrandall he was a very proper and dignified +gentleman, and old for his years. + +Secretly, Vivian was his favourite. Moreover, possessing the +usual contrariness of man, and having been at one time or other, a +hot-blooded lover, he professed--also in secret--a certain admiration +for the beautiful, warm-hearted wife of his eldest son. He looked +upon her from a man's point of view. He couldn't help that. Not +once, but many times, had he said to himself that perhaps Challis +was lucky to have got her instead of one of the girls his mother +had chosen for him out of the minute elect. + +It may be seen, or rather surmised, that if the house of Wrandall +had not been so admirably centred under its own vine and fig tree, +it might have become divided against itself without much of an +effort. + +Mrs. Redmond Wrandall was the vine and fig tree. + +And now they had brought her dearly beloved son home to her, +murdered and--disgraced. If it had been either of the others, she +could have said: "God's will be done." Instead, she cried out that +God had turned against her. + +Leslie had had the bad taste--or perhaps it was misfortune--to +blurt out an agonised "I told you so" at a time when the family +was sitting numb and hushed under the blight of the first horrid +blow. He did not mean to be unfeeling. It was the truth bursting +from his unhappy lips. + +"I knew Chal would come to this--I knew it," he had said. His arm +was about the quivering shoulders of his mother as he said it. + +She looked up, a sob breaking in her throat. For a long time she +looked into the face of her second son. + +"How can you--how dare you say such a thing as that?" she cried, +aghast. + +He coloured, and drew her closer to him. + +"I--I didn't mean it," he faltered. + +"You have always taken sides against him," began his mother. + +"Please, mother," he cried miserably. + +"You say this to me NOW," she went on. "You who are left to take +his place in my affection.--Why, Leslie, I--I--" + +Vivian interposed. "Les is upset, mamma darling. You know he loved +Challis as deeply as any of us loved him." + +Afterwards the girl said to Leslie when they were quite alone: +"She will never forgive you for that, Les. It was a beastly thing +to say." + +He bit his lip, which trembled. "She's never cared for me as she +cared for Chal. I'm sorry if I've made it worse." + +"See here, Leslie, was Chal so--so--" + +"Yes. I meant what I said a while ago. It was sure to happen to +him one time or another. Sara's had a lot to put up with." + +"Sara! If she had been the right sort of a wife, this never would +have happened." + +"After all is said and done, Vivie, Sara's in a position to rub it +in on us if she's of a mind to do so. She won't do it, of course, +but--I wonder if she isn't gloating, just the same." + +"Haven't we treated her as one of us?" demanded she, dabbing her +handkerchief in her eyes. "Since the wedding, I mean. Haven't we +been kind to her?" + +"Oh, I think she understands us perfectly," said her brother. + +"I wonder what she will do now?" mused Vivian, in that speech +casting her sister-in-law out of her narrow little world as one +would throw aside a burnt-out match. + +"She will profit by experience," said he, with some pleasure in a +superior wisdom. + +In Mrs. Wrandall's sitting-room at the top of the broad stairway, +sat the family,--that is to say, the IMMEDIATE family,--a solemn-faced +footman in front of the door that stood fully ajar so that the +occupants might hear the words of the minister as they ascended, +sonorous and precise, from the hall below. A minister was he who +knew the buttered side of his bread. His discourse was to be a +beautiful one. He stood at the front of the stairs and faced the +assembled listeners in the hall, the drawing-room and the entresol, +but his infinitely touching words went up one flight and lodged. + +Sara Wrandall sat a little to the left of and behind Mrs. Redmond +Wrandall, about whom were grouped the three remaining Wrandalls, +father, son and daughter, closely drawn together. Well to the fore +were Wrandall uncles and cousins and aunts, and one or two carefully +chosen blood-relations to the mistress of the house, whose hand +had long been set against kinsmen of less exalted promise. + +The room was dark. A forgotten French clock ticked madly and +tinkled its quarter-hours with surpassing sprightliness. Time went +on regardless. One of the Wrandall uncles, obeying a look from his +wife, tiptoed across the room and tried to find a way to subdue +the jingling disturber. But it chimed in his face, and he put his +black kid glove over his lips. The floor creaked horribly as he +went back to his chair. + +Beside Sara Wrandall, on the small pink divan, sat a stranger in +this sombre company: a young woman in black, whose pale face was +uncovered, and whose lashes were lifted so rarely that one could +not know of the deep, real pain that lay behind them, in her Irish +blue eyes. + +She had arrived at the house an hour or two before the time set for +the ceremony, in company with the widow. True to her resolution, +the widow of Challis Wrandall had remained away from the home of +his people until the last hour. She had been consulted, to be sure, +in regard to the final arrangements, but the meetings had taken +place in her own apartment, many blocks distant from the house in +lower Fifth Avenue. The afternoon before she had received Redmond +Wrandall and Leslie, his son. She had not sent for them. They came +perfunctorily and not through any sense of obligation. These two +at least knew that sympathy was not what she wanted, but peace. +Twice during the two trying days, Leslie had come to see her. Vivian +telephoned. + +On the occasion of his first visit, Leslie had met the guest in the +house. The second time he called, he made it a point to ask Sara +all about her. + +It was he who gently closed the door after the two women when, on +the morning of the funeral, they entered the dark, flower-laden +room in which stood the casket containing the body of his brother. +He left them alone together in that room for half an hour or more, +and it was he who went forward to meet them when they came forth. +Sara leaned on his arm as she ascended the stairs to the room where +the others were waiting. The ashen-faced girl followed, her eyes +lowered, her gloved hands clenched. + +Mrs. Wrandall, the elder, kissed Sara and drew her down beside her +on the couch. To her own surprise, as well as that of the others, +Sara broke down and wept bitterly. After all, she was sorry for +Challis's mother. It was the human instinct; she could not hold +out against it. And the older woman put away the ancient grudge +she held against this mortal enemy and dissolved into tears of real +compassion. + +A little later she whispered brokenly in Sara's ear: "My dear, my +dear, this has brought us together. I hope you will learn to love +me." + +Sara caught her breath, but uttered no word. She looked into her +mother-in-law's eyes, and smiled through her tears. The Wrandalls, +looking on in amaze, saw the smile reflected in the face of the +older woman. Then it was that Vivian crossed quickly and put her +arms about the shoulders of her sister-in-law. The white flag on +both sides. + +Hetty Castleton stood alone and wavering, just inside the door. No +stranger situation could be imagined than the one in which this +unfortunate girl found herself at the present moment. She was virtually +in the hands of those who would destroy her; she was in the house +of those who most deeply were affected by her act on that fatal +night. Among them all she stood, facing them, listening to the +moans and sobs, and yet her limbs did not give way beneath her.... + +Some one gently touched her arm. It was Leslie. She shrank back, +a fearful look in her eyes. In the semi-darkness he failed to note +the expression. + +"Won't you sit here?" he asked, indicating the little pink divan +against the wall. "Forgive me for letting you stand so long." + +She looked about her, the wild light still in her eyes. She was +like a rat in a trap. + +Her lips parted, but the word of thanks did not come forth. A +strange, inarticulate sound, almost a gasp, came instead. Pallid +as a ghost, she dropped limply to the divan, and dug her fingers +into the satiny seat. As if fascinated, she stared over the black +heads of the three women immediately in front of her at the full +length portrait hanging where the light from the hall fell full +upon it: the portrait of a dashing youth in riding togs. + +A moment later Sara Wrandall came over and sat beside her. The girl +shivered as with a mighty chill when the warm hand of her friend +fell upon hers and enveloped it in a firm clasp. + +"His mother kissed me," whispered Sara. "Did you see?" + +The girl could not reply. She could only stare at the open door. +A small, hatchet-faced man had come up from below and was nodding +his head to Leslie Wrandall,--a man with short side whiskers, and +a sepulchral look in his eyes. Then, having received a sign from +Leslie, he tiptoed away. Almost instantly the voices of people +singing softly came from some distant, remote part of the house. + +And then, a little later, the perfectly modulated voice of a man +in prayer. + +Back of her, Wrandalls; beside her, Wrandalls; beneath her, friends +of the Wrandalls; outside, the rabble, those who would join with +these black, raven-like spectres in tearing her to pieces if they +but knew! + +Sitting, with his hand to his head, Leslie Wrandall found himself +staring at the face of this stranger among them; not with any +definable interest, but because she happened to be in his line of +vision and her face was so singularly white that it stood out in +cameo-like relief against all this ebony setting. + +The droning voice came up from below, each well-chosen word distinct +and clear: tribute beautiful to the irreproachable character of the +deceased. Leslie watched the face of the girl, curiously fascinated +by the set, emotionless features, and yet without a conscious interest +in her. He was dully sensible to the fact that she was beautiful, +uncommonly beautiful. It did not occur to him to feel that she was +out of place among them, that she belonged downstairs. Somehow +she was a part of the surroundings, like the spectre at the feast. + +If he could have witnessed all that transpired while Sara was in +the room below with her guest--her companion, as he had come to +regard her without having in fact been told as much,--he would have +been lost in a maze of the most overwhelming emotions. + +To go back: The door had barely closed behind the two women when +Hetty's trembling knees gave way beneath her. With a low moan of +horror, she slipped to the floor, covering her face with her hands. + +Sara knelt beside her. + +"Come," she said gently, but firmly; "I must exact this much of +you. If we are to go on together, as we have planned, you must +stand beside me at his bier. Together we must look upon him for the +last time. You must see him as I saw him up there in the country. +I had my cruel blow that night. It is your turn now. I will not +blame you for what you did. But if you expect me to go on believing +that you did a brave thing that night, you must convince me that +you are not a coward now. It is the only test I shall put you to. +Come; I know it is hard, I know it is terrible, but it is the true +test of your ability to go through with it to the end. I shall know +then that you have the courage to face anything that may come up." + +She waited a long time, her hand on the girl's shoulder. At last +Hetty arose. + +"You are right," she said hoarsely. "I should not be afraid." + +Later on, they sat over against the wall beyond the casket, into +which they had peered with widely varying emotions. Sara had said: + +"You know that I loved him." + +The girl put her hands to her eyes and bowed her head. + +"Oh, how can you be so merciful to me?" + +"Because he was not," said Sara, white-lipped. Hetty glanced at +the half-averted face with queer, indescribable expression in her +eyes. + +Then her nerves gave way. She shrank away from the casket, +whimpering like a frightened child, mouttering, almost gibbering +in the extremity of despair. She had lived in dread of this ordeal; +it had been promised the day before by Sara Wrandall, whose will +was law to her. Now she had come to the very apex of realisation. +She felt that her mind was going, that her blood was freezing. In +response to a sudden impulse she sprang up and ran, blindly and +without thought, bringing up against the wall with such force that +she dropped to the floor, quite insensible. + +When she regained her senses, she was lying back in Sara Wrandall's +arms, and a soft faraway voice was pleading with her to wake, to +say something, to open her eyes. + +If Leslie Wrandall could have looked in upon them at that moment, +or at any time during the half an hour that followed, he would have +known who was the slayer of his brother, but it is doubtful if he +could have had the heart to denounce her to the world. + +When they were ready to leave the room, Hetty had regained control +of her nerves to a most surprising extent, a condition unmistakably +due to the influence of the older woman. + +"I can trust myself now, Mrs. Wrandall," said Hetty steadily as +they hesitated for an instant before turning the knob of the door. + +"Then, I shall ask YOU to open the door," said Sara, drawing back. + +Without a word or a look, Hetty opened the door and permitted the +other to pass out before her. Then she followed, closing it gently, +even deliberately, but not without a swift glance over her shoulder +into the depths of the room they were leaving. + +Of the two, Sara Wrandall was the paler as they went up the broad +staircase with Leslie. + +The funeral oration by the Rev. Dr. Maltby dragged on. Among all +his hearers there was but one who believed the things he said of +Challis Wrandall, and she was one of two persons who, so the saying +goes, are the last to find a man out; his mother and his sister. +But in this instance the mother was alone. The silent, attentive +guests on the lower floor listened in grim approval: Dr. Maltby +was doing himself proud. Not one but all of them knew that Maltby +KNEW. And yet how soothing he was. + +Thus afterwards, to his wife, on the way home after a fruitful +silence, spoke Colonel Berkimer, well known to the Tenderloin: + +"When I die, my dear, I want you to be sure to have Maltby in for +the sermon. He's really wonderful." + +"You don't mean to say you BELIEVED all that he said," cried his +wife. + +"Certainly NOT," he snapped. "That's the point." + +Once at the end of a beautifully worded sentence, eulogistic of +the dead man's character as a son and husband, the tense silence +of the room upstairs was shattered by the utterance of a single, +poignant word: + +"God!" + +It was so expressive of surprise, of scorn, of contempt, although +spoken in little more than a whisper, that every one in the room +caught his or her breath in a sharp little gasp, as if cringing +from the effect of an unexpected shock to a sensitive nerve. + +Each looked at his neighbour and then in a shocked sort of way at +every one else, for no one could quite make out who had uttered +the word, and each wondered if, in a fit of abstraction, he could +have done it himself. It unmistakably had been the voice of a woman, +but whose? Hetty knew, but not by the slightest sign did she betray +the fact that the woman who sat beside her was the one to utter +the brief but scathing estimate of the minister's eulogy. + +The hatchet-faced little undertaker stood in the open door again +and solemnly bowed his head to Leslie, lifting his dolorous eyebrows +in lieu of the verbal question. Receiving a simple nod in reply, +he announced that as soon as the guests had departed he would be +pleased to have the family descend to the carriages. + +Outside, the shivering, half-frozen multitude edged its way up to +the line of blue-coats and again whispered the names of the departing +guests, and every neck was craned in the effort to secure the first +view of the casket, the silk-hatted pall-bearers and the weeping +members of the family. + +"They'll be out with 'im in a minute now," said a hoarse-voiced man +who clung to the ornamental face of the tall gate and passed back +the word, for he could see beyond the stream of guests into the +hallway of the house. + +"Git down out o' that," commanded a policeman tapping him sharply +with his night-stick. + +"Aw, I ain't botherin' anybody--" + +"Git down, I say!" + +Grumbling, the man slunk back, and a woman took his place. This was +better for the crowd, as her voice was shriller and she had less +compunction about making herself heard. + +A small boy crept beyond the line and peered, round-eyed, up the +carpeted steps. He received a sharp push from a night-stick and +went blubbering back into the crowd. + +And all through the eager, seething mob went sharp-eyed men in +plain clothes, searching each face with crafty eyes, looking for +the sign that might betray the woman who had brought all this about. +They were men from the central office. Another of their ilk had the +freedom of the house in the guise of an undertaker's assistant. He +watched the favoured few! + +There is a saying that a strange, mysterious force drags the +murderer to the scene of his crime, whether he will or no, to look +with others upon the havoc he has wrought. He has been known to sit +beside the bier of his victim; he has been known to follow him to +the tomb; he has been known to betray himself at the very edge of +the grave. A grim, fantastic thing is conscience! + +At last the crowd gave out a deep, hissing breath and surged forward. +They were bearing Challis Wrandall down the steps. The wall of +policemen held firm; the morbid hundreds fell back and glared with +unblinking eyes at the black thing that slowly crossed the sidewalk +and slid noiselessly into the yawning mouth of the hearse. No +man in all that mob uncovered his head, no woman crossed herself. +Inwardly they reviled the police who kept them from seeing all that +they wanted to see. They were being cheated. + +Then there was an eager shout from the foremost in the throng, and +the word went singing through the crowd, back to the outer fringe, +where men danced like so many jumping-jacks in the effort to see +above the heads of those in front. + +"Here they come!" went the hoarse whisper, like the swish of the +wind. + +"Stand back, please!" + +"That's his mother!" cried a shrill voice, triumphantly,--even +gladly. She was the first to give the news. + +"Keep back!" growled the police, lifting their clubs. + +"Which one is his wife?" + +"Has she come out yet?" + +"Get out of my way, damn you!" + +"Say, if these cops was doing their duty they'd--" + +"That's what I say! No wonder they never ketch anybody." + +"Say, they don't seem to be takin' it very hard. I thought they'd +be cryin' like--" + +"Is that his wife?" + +"Poor little thing! Ouch! You big ruffian!" + +"Swell business, eh?" + +"She won't be sayin' 'Where's my wanderin' boy--'" + +"If we had police in this city that could ketch a street car we'd--" + +"That's old man Wrandall. I've waited on him dozens o' times." + +"Did they have any children?" + +Up in the front rank stood a slim little thing with yellow hair and +carmined lips, wrapped in costly furs yet shivering as if chilled +to the bone. Four plain clothes men were watching her narrowly. She +was known to have been one of Challis Wrandall's associates. When +she shrank back into the crowd and made her way to the outskirts, +hurrying as if pursued by ghosts, two men followed close behind, +and kept her in sight for many blocks. + +The motors and carriages rolled away, and there was left only the +policemen and the unsatiated mob. They watched the undertaker's +assistant remove the great bow of black from the door of the house. + +By the end of the week the murder of Challis Wrandall was forgotten +by all save the police. The inquest was over, the law was baffled, +the city was serenely waiting for its next sensation. No one cared. + +Leslie Wrandall went down to the steamer to see his sister-in-law +off for Europe. + +"Good-bye, Miss Castleton," he said, as he shook the hand of the +slim young Englishwoman at parting. "Take good care of Sara. She +needs a friend, a good friend, now. Keep her over there until she +has--forgotten." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +DISCUSSING A SISTER-IN-LAW + + +"You remember my sister-in-law, don't you, Brandy?" was the question +that Leslie Wrandall put to a friend one afternoon, as they sat +drearily in a window of one of the fashionable up-town clubs, a +little more than a year after the events described in the foregoing +chapters. Drearily, I have said, for the reason that it was Sunday, +and raining at that. + +"I met Mrs. Wrandall a few years ago in Rome," said his companion, +renewing interest in a conversation that had died some time before +of its own exhaustion. "She's most attractive. I saw her but once. +I think it was at somebody's fete." + +"She's returning to New York the end of the month," said Leslie. +"Been abroad for over a year. She had a villa at Nice this winter." + +"I remember her quite well. I was of an age then to be particularly +sensitive to female loveliness. If I'd been staying on in Rome, I +should have screwed up the courage, I'm sure, to have asked her to +sit for me." + +"Lord love you, man, she's posed for half the painters in the world, +it seems to me. Like the duchesses that Romney and those old chaps +used to paint. It occurs to me those grand old dames did nothing but +sit for portraits, year in and year out, all their lives. I don't +see where they found time to scratch up the love affairs they're +reported to have had. There always must have been some painter or +other hanging around. I remember reading that the Duchess of--I +can't remember the name--posed a hundred and sixty-nine times, for +nearly as many painters. Sara's not so bad as all that, of course, +but I don't exaggerate when I say she's been painted a dozen +times--and hung in twice as many exhibits." + +"I know," said the other with a smile. "I've seen a few of them." + +"The best of them all is hanging in her place up in the country, +old man. It's the one my brother liked. A Belgian fellow did it a +couple of years ago. Never been exhibited, so of course you haven't +seen it. Challis wouldn't consent to its being revealed to the +vulgar gaze, he loved it so much." + +"I like that," resented Brandon Booth, with a mild glare. + +"Lot of common, vulgar people do hang about picture galleries, you +will have to admit that, Brandy. They visit 'em in the winter time +to get in where it's warm, and in the summer time they go because +it's nice and shady. That's the sort I mean." + +"What do you know about art or the people who--" + +"I know all there is to know about it, old chap. Haven't we got +Gainsboroughs, and Turners, and Constables, and Corots hanging all +over the place? And a lot of others, too. Reynolds, Romney and +Raeburn,--the three R's. And didn't I tag along with mother to +picture dealers' shops and auctions when every blessed one of 'em +was bought? I know ALL about it, let me tell you. I can tell you what +kind of an 'atmosphere' a painting's got, with my eyes closed; and +as for 'quality' and 'luminosity' and 'broadness' and 'handling,' +I know more this minute about such things than any auctioneer in the +world. I am a past master at it, believe me. One can't go around +buying paintings with his mother without getting a liberal education +in art. She began taking me when I was ten years old. Challis +wouldn't go, so she MADE me do it. Then I always had to go back +with her when she wanted to exchange them for something else the +dealer assured her she ought to have in our collection, and which +invariably cost three times as much. No, my dear fellow, you are +very much mistaken when you say that I don't know anything about +art. I am a walking price-list of all the art this side of the +Dresden gallery. You should not forget that we are a very old New +York family. We've been collecting for over twenty years." + +Both laughed. He liked Wrandall best when he affected mockery +of this sort, although he was keenly alive to a certain breath of +self-glorification in his raillery. Leslie felt a delicious sense +of security in railing at family limitations: he knew that no one +was likely to take him seriously. + +"Nevertheless, your mother has some really fine paintings in the +collection," proclaimed Booth amiably, also descending to snobbishness +without really meaning to do so. He considered Velasquez to be the +superior of all those mentioned by Wrandall, and there was the end +to it, so far as he was concerned. It was ever a source of wonder +to him that Mrs. Wrandall didn't "trade in" everything else she +possessed for a single great Velasquez. + +"Getting back to Sara,--my sister-in-law,--why don't you ask her to +sit for you this summer? She's not going out, you know, and time +will hang so heavily on her hands that she will even welcome another +portrait agony." + +"I can't ask her to--" + +"I'll do the asking, if you say the word." + +"Don't be an ass." + +"I'm quite willing to be one, if it will help you out, old man," +said Leslie cheerfully. + +"And make one of me as well, I suppose. She'd think me a frightful +cub after all those other fellows. After Sargent, ME! Ho, ho! She'd +laugh in my face." + +"If you could paint that smile of hers, Brandy, you'd make Romney +look like an amateur. Most wonderful smile. It's a splendid idea. +Let her laugh in your face, as you say; then paint like the devil +while she's doing it, and your reputation is made for--" + +"Will you have another drink?" + +"No, thanks. I can change the subject without it. What time is it?" + +Both looked at their watches, and put them back again without +remark to resume the interrupted contemplation of Fifth Avenue in +the waning light of a drab, drizzly day. A man in a shiny "slicker" +was pushing a sweep and shovel in the centre of the thoroughfare. +They wondered how long it would be before a motor struck him. + +Brandon Booth was of an old Philadelphia family: an old and wealthy +family. Both views considered, he was qualified to walk hand in +glove with the fastidious Wrandalls. Leslie's mother was charmed +with him because she was also the mother of Vivian. The fact that +he went in for portrait painting and seemed averse to subsisting on +the generosity of his father, preferring to live by his talent, in +no way operated against him, so far as Mrs. Wrandall was concerned. +That was HIS lookout, not hers; if he elected to that sort of +thing, all well and good. He could afford to be eccentric; there +remained, in the perspective he scorned, the bulk of a huge fortune +to offset whatever idiosyncrasies he might choose to cultivate. +Some day, in spite of himself, she contended serenely, he would +be very, very rich. What could be more desirable than fame, family +and fortune all heaped together and thrust upon one exceedingly +interesting and handsome young man? For he would be famous, she was +sure of it. Every one said that of him, even the critics, although +she didn't have much use for critics, retaining opinions of her +own that seldom agreed with theirs. It was enough for her that he +was a Booth, and knew how to behave in a drawing-room, because he +belonged there and was not lugged in by the scruff of an ill-fitting +dress-suit to pose as a Bohemian celebrity. Moreover, he was a +level-headed, well-balanced fellow in spite of his calling; which +was saying a great deal, proclaimed the mother of Vivian in opposition +to her own argument that painters never made satisfactory or even +satisfying husbands: the artistic temperament and all that sort of +thing getting in the way of compatibility. + +He had been the pupil of celebrated draughtsmen and painters in +Europe, and had exhibited a sincerity of purpose that was surprising, +all things considered. The mere fact that he was not obliged to +paint in order to obtain a living, was sufficient cause for wonder +among the artists he met and studied with or under. At first they +regarded him as a youth with a fancy that soon would pass, leaving +him high and dry and safe on something steadier than Art. They +couldn't understand a rich man's son really having aspirations, +although they granted him temperament and ability. But he went +about it so earnestly, so systematically, that they were compelled +to alter the time-honoured tune and to sing praises instead of +whistling their insulting "I-told-you-sos." To the disgust of many, +he had a real purpose supported by talent, and that was what they +couldn't understand in a rich man's son. They hated to see their +traditions spoiled. The only way in which they could account for +it all was that he was an American, and Americans are always doing +the things one doesn't expect them to do, especially along grooves +that ought to be kept closed by tradition. + +When he said good-bye to his European friends and masters, and set +his face toward home, they took off their hats to him, so to speak, +and agreed that he had a brilliant future, without a thought of +the legacy that one day would be his. + +His studio in New York was not a fashionable resting place. It was +a work-shop. You could have tea there, of course, and you were sure +to meet people you knew and liked, but it was quite as much of a +work-shop as any you could mention. He was not a dabbler in art, +not a mere dauber of pigments: he was an ARTIST. People argued that +because he was a thoroughbred and doomed to be rich, his conscious +egotism would show itself at once in the demand for ridiculously high +prices. In that they happily were fooled, not to say disappointed. +He began by painting the portrait of a well-known society woman of +great wealth, who sat to him because she wanted to "take him up," +and who was absolutely disconsolate when he announced, at the end +of the sittings, that his price was five hundred dollars. She would +not believe her ears. + +"Why, my dear Brandon, you will be ruined--utterly ruined--if it +becomes known that you ask less than five thousand," she had cried, +almost in tears. "No one will come to you." + +He had smiled. "A master's price is for a master, not for a tyro. +If they want to pay five thousand dollars for a portrait, I can +recommend a dozen or more gentlemen whose work is worth it. Mine +isn't. Some day I hope to be able to say five thousand with a great +deal more assurance than I now say five hundred, Mrs. Wheeler, but +it won't be until I have courage, not nerve." + +"But NOBODY will sit for a five hundred dollar portrait," she +expostulated. "Really, Brandon, I prefer to pay five thousand. I +can't--I simply cannot tell people that I paid only five--" + +"Will you give six hundred?" he asked, his smile broadening. + +"Absurd!" + +"Seven hundred?" + +"Why, it sounds as if you were jewing me up, not I trying to jew +you down," she cried, dismayed. + +"That's the point," he said, with mock gravity. "If my price isn't +what it ought to be in your opinion, it is only fair that I should +make concessions. My picture is worth five hundred dollars, but I +am willing to do a little better than that by you. I will make it +seven-fifty to you, but not a cent more." + +"Can't I jew you up any higher, dear boy?" + +"No," with a smile; "but if you will consent to sit to me ten years +from now, I promise faithfully to ask five thousand of you without +a blush." + +"Ah, but ten years from now I should blush to even think of having +my portrait painted." + +"Ten years will make no change in you," said he gallantly, "but I +expect them to make quite another artist of me." + +And so his price was established for the time being. He offset +the chilling effect of the low figure by deliberately declining +commissions to paint women who fell below a rather severe standard +of personal attractiveness. Gross women were not allowed to crowd +his canvases; ugly ones who succeeded in tempting him were surprised +to find how ugly they really were when the portrait was finished. +He made it a point never to lie about a woman, not even on canvas. +It made him very unpopular with certain ladies who wanted to be +lied about--on canvas. + +As the result of his rather independent attitude, he had more +commissions than he could fill. When it got about that he cared to +paint only attractive women, his studio was besieged by ladies of +a curious turn of mind. If they discovered that he was willing to +paint them, they blissfully dropped the matter and went happily on +their way. If they found that his time was so fully occupied that +he could not paint them they urged him to reconsider--even offering +to quadruple his price if he would only "do" them. One exceedingly +plain woman, who couldn't be reconciled to Nature, offered him +twenty thousand dollars if he would paint her for the Metropolitan +Museum. Another asked him if he was a pupil of Gainsborough. Finding +that he was not, she asked WHY not, with all the money he had at +his command. + +He had been in New York for the better part of two years at the +time he is introduced into this narrative. Years of his life had +been spent abroad, yet he was not a stranger in a strange land +when he took up his residence in Gotham. Society opened its arms +to him. It was like a home-coming. Had he been a bridge player, +his coronation might have been complete. + +Booth was thirty,--perhaps a year or two older; tall, dark and +good-looking. The air of the thoroughbred marked him. He did not +affect loose flowing cravats and baggy trousers, nor was he careless +about his finger-nails. He was simply the ordinary, everyday sort +of chap you would meet in Fifth Avenue during parade hours, and +you would take a second look at him because of his face and manner +but not on account of his dress. Some of his ancestors came over +ahead of the Mayflower, but he did not gloat. + +Leslie Wrandall was his closest friend and harshest critic. It +didn't really matter to Booth what Leslie said of his paintings: +he quite understood that he didn't know anything about them. + +"When does Mrs. Wrandall return?" asked the painter, after a long +period of silence spent in contemplation of the gleaming pavement +beyond the club's window. + +"That's queer," said Leslie, looking up. "I was thinking of Sara +myself. She sails next week. I've had a letter asking me to open her +house in the country. Her place is about two miles from father's. +It hasn't been opened in two years. Her father built it fifteen or +twenty years ago, and left it to her when he died. She and Challis +spent several summers there." + +"Vivian took me through it one afternoon last summer." + +"It must have been quite as much of a novelty to her as it was to +you, old chap," said Leslie gloomily. + +"What do you mean?" + +"Vivian's a bit of a snob. She never liked the place because old +man Gooch built it out of worsteds. She never went there." + +"But the old man's been dead for years." + +"That doesn't matter. The fact is, Vivian didn't quite take to Sara +until after--well, until after Challis died. We're dreadful snobs, +Brandy, the whole lot of us. Sara was quite good enough for a much +better man than my brother. She really couldn't help the worsteds, +you know. I'm very fond of her, and always have been. We're pals. +'Gad, it was a fearful slap at the home folks when Challis justified +Sara by getting snuffed out the way he did." + +Booth made an attempt to change the subject, but Wrandall got back +to it. + +"Since then we've all been exceedingly sweet on Sara. Not because +we want to be, mind you, but because we're afraid she'll marry some +chap who wouldn't be acceptable to us." + +"I should consider that a very neat way out of it," said Booth +coldly. + +"Not at all. You see, Challis was fond of Sara, in spite of everything. +He left a will and under it she came in for all he had. As that +includes a third interest in our extremely refined and irreproachable +business, it would be a deuce of a trick on us if she married one +of the common people and set him up amongst us, willy-nilly. We +don't want strange bed-fellows. We're too snug--and, I might say, +too smug. Down in her heart, mother is saying to herself it would +be just like Sara to get even with us by doing just that sort of +a trick. Of course, Sara is rich enough without accepting a sou +under the will, but she's a canny person. She hasn't handed it back +to us on a silver platter, with thanks; still, on the other hand, +she refuses to meddle. She makes us feel pretty small. She won't +sell out to us. She just sits tight. That's what gets under the +skin with mother." + +"I wouldn't say that, Les, if I were in your place." + +"It is a rather priggish thing to say, isn't it?" + +"Rather." + +"You see, I'm the only one who really took sides with Sara. I forget +myself sometimes. She was such a brick, all those years." + +Booth was silent for a moment, noting the reflective look in his +companion's eyes. + +"I suppose the police haven't given up the hope that sooner or +later the--er--the woman will do something to give herself away," +said he. + +"They don't take any stock in my theory that she made way with +herself the same night. I was talking with the chief yesterday. He +says that any one who had wit to cover up her tracks as she did, +is not the kind to make way with herself. Perhaps he's right. It +sounds reasonable. 'Gad, I felt sorry for the poor girl they had +up last spring. She went through the third degree, if ever any one +did, but, by Jove, she came out of it all right. The Ashtley girl, +you remember. I've dreamed about that girl, Brandy, and what they +put her through. It's a sort of nightmare to me, even when I'm +awake. Oh, they've questioned others as well, but she was the only +one to have the screws twisted in just that way." + +"Where is she now?" + +"She's comfortable enough now. When I wrote to Sara about what she'd +been through, she settled a neat bit of money on her, and she'll +never want for anything. She's out West somewhere, with her mother +and sisters. I tell you, Sara's a wonder. She's got a heart of +gold." + +"I look forward to meeting her, old man." + +"I was with her for a few weeks this winter. In Nice, you know. +Vivian stayed on for a week, but mother had to get to the baths. +'Gad, I believe she hated to go. Sara's got a most adorable +girl staying with her. A daughter of Colonel Castleton, and she's +connected in some way with the Murgatroyds--old Lord Murgatroyd, +you know. I think her mother was a niece of the old boy. Anyhow, +mother and Vivian have taken a great fancy to her. That's proof of +the pudding." + +"I think Vivian mentioned a companion of some sort." + +"You wouldn't exactly call her a companion," said Leslie. "She's +got money to burn, I take it. Quite keeps up with Sara in making it +fly, and that's saying a good deal for her resources. I think it's +a pose on her part, this calling herself a companion. An English +joke, eh? As a matter of fact, she's an old friend of Sara's +and my brother's too. Knew them in England. Most delightful girl. +Oh, I say, old man, she's the one for you to paint." Leslie waxed +enthusiastic. "A type, a positive type. Never saw such eyes in all +my life. Dammit, they haunt you. You dream about 'em." + +"You seem to be hard hit," said Booth indifferently. He was watching +the man in the "slicker" through moody eyes. + +"Oh, nothing like that," disclaimed Leslie, with unnecessary promptness. +"But if I were given to that sort of thing, I'd be bowled over in +a minute. Positively adorable face. If I thought you had it in you +to paint a thing as it really is, I'd commission you myself to do +a miniature for me, just to have it around where I could pick it +up when I liked and hold it between my hands, just as I've often +wanted to hold the real thing." + +"Come, come! You're dotty about her." + +"Get Vivian to tell you about her," said Leslie sweepingly. "Come +down and have dinner with me to-night. She'll bear out--" + +"I'll take your word for it. Thanks for the bid, but I can't come. +Dining at the Ritz with Joey and Linda. I think I'll be off." + +He stretched himself, took the final, reluctant look of the artist +at the "slicker" man, and moved away. Leslie called after him: + +"Wait till you see her." + +"All right. I'll wait." + +Sara Wrandall returned to New York at the end of the month, +and Leslie met her at the dock, as he did on an occasion fourteen +months earlier. Then she came in on a fierce gale from the wintry +Atlantic; this time the air was soft and balmy and sweet with the +kindness of spring. It was May and the sea was blue, the land was +green. + +Again she went to the small, exclusive hotel near the Park. Her +apartment was closed, the butler and his wife and all of their +hastily recruited company being in the country, awaiting her arrival +from town. Leslie attended to everything. He lent his resourceful +man-servant and his motor to his lovely sister-in-law, and saw to +it that his mother and Vivian sent flowers to the ship. Redmond +Wrandall called at the hotel immediately after banking hours, +kissed his daughter-in-law, and delivered an ultimatum second-hand +from the power at home: she was to come to dinner and bring Miss +Castleton. A little quiet family dinner, you know, because they +were all in mourning, he said in conclusion, vaguely realising all +the while that it really wasn't necessary to supply the information, +but, for the life of him, unable to think of anything else to say +under the circumstances. Somehow it seemed to him that while Sara +was in black she was not in mourning in the same sense that the +rest of them were. It seemed only right to acquaint her with the +conditions in his household. And he knew that he deserved the scowl +that Leslie bestowed upon him. + +Sara accepted, much to his surprise and gratification. He had been +rather dubious about it. It would not have surprised him in the +least if she had declined the invitation, feeling, as he did, that +he had in a way come to her with a white flag or an olive branch +or whatever it is that a combative force utilises when it wants to +surrender in the cause of humanity. + +Leslie was a very observing person. It might have been said of him +that he was always on the lookout for the things that most people +were unlikely to notice: the trivial things that really were +important. He not only took in his father's amiable blunder, but +caught the curious expression in Hetty's dark blue eyes, and the +sharp almost inaudible catch of her breath. The gleam was gone +in an instant, but it made an impression on him. He found himself +wondering if the girl was a snob as well as the rest of them. +The look in her eyes betrayed unmistakable surprise and--yes, he +was quite sure of it--dismay when Sara accepted the invitation to +dine. Was it possible that the lovely Miss Castleton considered +herself--but no! Of course it couldn't be that. The Wrandalls were +good enough for dukes and duchesses. Still he could not get beyond +the fact that he HAD seen the look of disapproval. 'Gad, thought +he, it was almost a look of appeal. He made up his mind, as he +stood there chatting with her, that he would find out from Vivian +what his mother had done to create an unpleasant estimate of +the family in the eyes of this gentle, refined cousin of old Lord +Murgatroyd. + +He was quite as quick to detect the satirical smile in Sara's frank, +amused eyes as she graciously accepted the invitation to the home +whose doors had only been half-open to her in the past. It scratched +his pride a bit to think of the opinion she must have of the family, +and he was inexpressibly glad that she could not consistently class +him with the others. He found himself feeling a bit sorry for the +old gentleman, and hoped that he missed the touch of irony in Sara's +voice. + +Old Mr. Wrandall floundered from one invitation to another. + +"Of course, Sara, my dear, you will want to go out to the cemetery +to-morrow, I shall be only too ready to accompany you. We have +erected a splendid--" + +"No, thank you, Mr. Wrandall," she interrupted gently. "I shall +not go to the cemetery." + +Leslie intervened. "You understand, don't you, father?" he said, +rather out of patience. + +The old gentleman lowered his head. "Yes, yes," he hastened to +say. "Quite so, quite so. Then we may expect you at eight, Sara, +and you, Miss Castleton. Mrs. Wrandall is looking forward to seeing +you again. It isn't often she takes a liking to--ahem! I beg your +pardon, Leslie?" + +"I was just going to suggest that we move along, dad. I fancy you +want to get at your trunks, Sara. Smuggled a few things through, +eh? Women never miss a chance to get a couple of dozen dresses +through, as you'll discover if you become a real American, Miss +Castleton. It's in the blood." + +Mr. Wrandall fell into another trap. "Now please remember that we +are to dine very informally," he hastened to say, his mind on the +smuggled gowns. It was his experience that gowns that escaped duty +invariably were "creations." + +Leslie got him away. + +As soon as they were alone, Hetty turned to her friend. + +"Oh, Sara, can't you go without me? Tell them that I am ill--suddenly +ill. I--I don't think it right or honourable of me to accept--" + +Sara shook her head, and the words died on the girl's lips. + +"You must play the game, Hetty." + +"It's--very hard," murmured the other, her face very white and +bleak. + +"I know, my dear," said Sara gently. + +"If they should ever find out," gasped the girl, suddenly giving +way to the dread that had been lying dormant all these months. + +"They will never know the truth unless you choose to enlighten +them," said Sara, putting her arm about the girl's shoulders and +drawing her close. + +"You never cease to be wonderful, Sara,--so very wonderful," cried +the girl, with a look of worship in her eyes. + +Sara regarded her in silence for a moment, reflecting. Then, with +a swift rush of tears to her eyes, she cried fiercely: + +"You must never, never tell me all that happened, Hetty! You must +not speak it with your own lips." + +Hetty's eyes grew dark with pain and wonder. + +"That is the thing I can't understand in you, Sara," she said +slowly. + +"We must not speak of it!" + +Hetty's bosom heaved. "Speak of it!" she cried, absolute agony in +her voice. "Have I not kept it locked in my heart since that awful +day--" + +"Hush!" + +"I shall go mad if I cannot talk with you about--" + +"No, no! It is the forbidden subject! I know all that I should +know--all that I care to know. We have not said so much as this +in months--in ages, it seems. Let sleeping dogs lie. We are better +off, my dear. I could not touch your lips again." + +"I--I can't bear the thought of that!" + +"Kiss me now, Hetty." + +"I could die for you, Sara," cried Hetty, as she impulsively obeyed +the command. + +"I mean that you shall live for me," said Sara, smiling through +her tears. "How silly of me to cry. It must be the room we are in. +These are the same rooms, dear, that you came to on the night we +met. Ah, how old I feel!" + +"Old? You say that to me? I am ages and ages older than you," cried +Hetty, the colour coming back to her soft cheeks. + +"You are twenty-three." + +"And you are twenty-eight." + +Sara had a far away look in her eyes. "About your size and figure," +said she, and Hetty did not comprehend. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +SOUTHLOOK + + +Sara Wrandall's house in the country stood on a wooded knoll +overlooking the Sound. It was rather remotely located, so far as +neighbours were concerned. Her father, Sebastian Gooch, shrewdly +foresaw the day when land in this particular section of the suburban +world would return dollars for the pennies, and wisely bought +thousands of acres: woodland, meadowland, beachland and hills, +inserted between the environs of New York City and the rich towns +up the coast. Years afterward he built a commodious summer home on +the choicest point that his property afforded, named it Southlook, +and transformed that particular part of his wilderness into +a millionaire's paradise, where he could dawdle and putter to his +heart's content, where he could spend his time and his money with +a prodigality that came so late in life to him that he made waste +of both in his haste to live down a rather parsimonious past. + +Two miles and a half away, in the heart of a scattered colony of +purse-proud New Yorkers, was the country home of the Wrandalls, an +imposing place and older by far than Southlook. It had descended +from well-worn and time-stained ancestors to Redmond Wrandall, +and, with others of its kind, looked with no little scorn upon the +modern, mushroom structures that sprouted from the seeds of trade. +There was no friendship between the old and the new. Each had +recourse to a bitter contempt for the other, though consolation +was small in comparison. + +It was in the wooded by-ways of this despised domain that Challis +Wrandall and Sara, the earthly daughter of Midas, met and loved and +defied all things supernal, for matches are made in heaven. Their +marriage did not open the gates of Nineveh. Sebastian Gooch's +paradise was more completely ostracised than it was before the +disaster. The Wrandalls spoke of it as a disaster. + +Clearly the old merchant was not over-pleased with his daughter's +choice, a conclusion permanently established by the alteration he +made in his will a year or two after the marriage. True, he left +the vast estate to his beloved daughter Sara, but he fastened a +stout string to it, and with this string her hands were tied. It +must have occurred to him that Challis was a profligate in more ways +than one, for he deliberately stipulated in his will that Sara was +not to sell a foot of the ground until a period of twenty years had +elapsed. A very polite way, it would seem, of making his investment +safe in the face of considerable odds. + +He lived long enough after the making of his will, I am happy to +relate, to find that he had made no mistake. As he preceded his +son-in-law into the Great Beyond by a scant three years, it readily +may be seen that he wrought too well by far. Seventeen unnecessary +years of proscription remained, and he had not intended them for +Sara ALONE. He was not afraid of Sara, but for her. + +When the will was read and the condition revealed, Challis Wrandall +took it in perfect good humour. He had the grace to proclaim +in the bosom of his father's family that the old gentleman was a +father-in-law to be proud of. "A canny old boy," he had announced +with his most engaging smile, quite free from rancour or resentment. +Challis was well acquainted with himself. + +And so the acres were strapped together snugly and firmly, without +so much as a town-lot protruding. + +So impressed was Challis by the farsightedness of his father-in-law +that he forthwith sat him down and made a will of his own. He would +not have it said that Sara's father did a whit better by her than +he would do. He left everything he possessed to his wife, but put +no string to it, blandly implying that all danger would be past +when she came into possession. There was a sort of grim humour in +the way he managed to present himself to view as the real and ready +source of peril. + +Among certain of the Wrandall clan there was serious talk of +contesting the will. It was a distinct shock to all of them. Some +one made bold to assert that Challis was not in his right mind at +the time it was executed. For that matter, a couple of uncles on +his mother's side were of the broad opinion that he never had been +mentally adequate. + +During a family conference four days after the funeral, Leslie +launched forth at some length and with considerable heat, expressing +an opinion that met with small favour at the outset but which had +its results later on. + +"Why," he declaimed, standing before the fireplace with his hands +in his pockets, "if Sara dreamed that we even so much as contemplate +making a fuss about Chal's will, she'd up and chuck the whole blooming +legacy in our faces, and be glad to do it. She's got plenty of her +own. She doesn't need the little that Challis left her. Then, what +would we look like, tell me that? What would the world say? Why, +it would say that she didn't think our money was clean enough to +mix with old man Gooch's. She'd throw it in our faces and the whole +town would snicker." + +"Figuratively speaking, young man, figuratively speaking," said +one of the uncles, a stockholder and director. + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"That she--ahem! That she couldn't actually THROW it." + +"I'm not so literal as you, Uncle George." + +"Then why use the word THROW?" + +"Of course, Uncle George, I don't mean to say she'd have it reduced +to gold coin and stand off and take shots at us. You understand +that, don't you?" + +"Leslie," put in his father, "you have a most distressing way +of--er--putting it. Your Uncle George is not so dense as all that." + +"I didn't use the word 'throw' in the first place," said Leslie, +with a shrug. "I said 'chuck.'" + +"I distinctly heard you use the word 'throw,'" said Uncle George, +very red in the face. + +"It was on the second occasion, George," said Mrs. Wrandall, loyal +to Leslie. + +"In either case," said her son, "we'd be made ridiculous. That's +the long and short of it. Even if she HANDED it to us on a silver +plate,--figuratively speaking, Uncle George,--we'd be made to look +like thirty cents." + +"Well, I'm damn--" began Uncle George, almost forgetting where he +was, but remembering in time. He was afraid to utter a word for +the next ten minutes, and Leslie was spared the interruptions. + +It was decided that the will should stand. Later on, the alarming +prospect of Sara's perfect right to marry again came up to mar the +peace of mind of all the Wrandalls, and it grew to be horribly real +without a single move on her part to warrant the fears they were +encouraging. + +Sara and Hetty did not stay long in town. The newspapers announced +the return of Challis Wrandall's widow and reporters sought her +out for interviews. The old interest was revived and columns were +printed about the murder at Burton's Inn, with sharp editorial +comments on the failure of the police to clear up the mystery. + +The woods were green and the earth was redolent of rich spring +odours; wild flowers peeped shyly from the leaf-strewn soil in the +shadow of the trees; some, more bold than others, came down to +the roadway, and from the banks and hedges smiled saucily upon all +who passed; the hillsides were like spotless carpets, the meadows +a riot of clover hues. The world was light with the life of the +new-born year, for who shall say that the year does not begin with +the birth of spring? May! May, when the earth begins to bear, not +January when it sets out in sorrow to bury its dead. New Year's +day it is, when the first tiny flower of spring comes to life and +smiles oh the face of Mother Earth, and the sun is warm with the +love of a gentle father. + +"I shall ask Leslie down for the week-end," said Sara, the third +day after their arrival in the country. The house was huge and +lonely, and time hung rather heavily despite the glorious uplift +of spring. + +Hetty looked up quickly from her book. A look of dismay flickered +in her eyes for an instant and then gave way to the calmness that +had come to dwell in their depths of late. Her lips parted in the +sudden impulse to cry out against the plan, but she checked the +words. For a moment, her dark, questioning eyes studied the face +of her benefactress; then, as if nothing had been revealed to her, +she allowed her gaze to drift pensively out toward the sunset sea. + +They were sitting on the broad verandah overlooking the Sound. The +dusk of evening was beginning to steal over the earth. She laid +her book aside. + +"Will you telephone in to him after dinner, Hetty?" went on Sara, +after a long period of silence. + +Again Hetty started. This time a look of actual pain flashed in +her eyes. + +"Would not a note by post be more certain to find him in the--" +she began hurriedly. + +"I dislike writing notes," said Sara calmly. "Of course, dear, if +you feel that you'd rather not telephone to him, I can--" + +"I dare say I am finicky, Sara," apologised Hetty in quick contrition. +"Of course, he is your brother. I should remem--" + +"My brother-in-law, dear," said Sara, a trifle too literally. + +"He will come often to your house," went on Hetty rapidly. "I must +make the best of it." + +"He is your friend, Hetty. He admires you." + +"I cannot see him through your eyes, Sara." + +"But he IS charming and agreeable, you'll admit," persisted the +other. + +"He is very kind, and he is devoted to you. I should like him for +that." + +"You have no cause for disliking him." + +"I do not dislike him. I--I am--Oh, you always have been so +thoughtful, so considerate, Sara, I can't understand your failing +to see how hard it is for me to--to--well, to endure his open-hearted +friendship." + +Sara was silent for a moment. "You draw a pretty fine line, Hetty," +she said gently. + +Hetty flushed. "You mean that there is little to choose between +wife and brother? That isn't quite fair. You know everything, he +knows nothing. I wear a mask for him; you have seen into the very +heart of me. It isn't the same." + +Sara came over and stood beside the girl's chair. After a moment of +indecision, she laid her hand on Hetty's shoulder. The girl looked +up, the ever-recurring question in her eyes. + +"We haven't spoken of--of these things in many months, Hetty." + +"Not since Mrs. Wrandall and Vivian came to Nice. I was upset--dreadfully +upset then, Sara. I don't know how I managed to get through with +it." + +"But you managed it," pronounced Sara. Her fingers seemed to tighten +suddenly on the girl's shoulder. "I think we were quite wonderful, +both of us. It wasn't easy for me." + +"Why did we come back to New York, Sara?" burst out Hetty, clasping +her friend's hand as if suddenly spurred by terror. "We were happy +over there. And free!" + +"Listen, my dear," said Sara, a hard note growing in her voice: +"this is my home. I do not love it, but I can see no reason for +abandoning it. That is why we came back to New York." + +Hetty pressed her friend's hand to her lips. "Forgive me," she +cried impulsively. "I shouldn't have complained. It was detestable." + +"Besides," went on Sara evenly, "you were quite free to remain on +the other side. I left it to you." + +"You gave me a week to decide," said Hetty, in a hurried manner of +speaking. "I--I took but twenty-four hours--less than that. Over +night, you remember. I love you, Sara. I could not leave you. All +that night I could feel you pulling at my heart-strings, pulling +me closer and closer, and holding me. You were in your room, I in +mine, and yet all the time you seemed to be bending over me in the +darkness, urging me to stay with you and love you and be loved by +you. It couldn't have been a dream." + +"It was not a dream," said Sara, with a queer smile. + +"You DO love me?" tensely. + +"I DO love you," was the firm answer. Sara was staring out across +the water, her eyes big and as black as night itself. She seemed +to be looking far beyond the misty lights that bobbled with nearby +schooners, far beyond the yellow mass on the opposite shore where +a town lay cradled in the shadows, far into the fast darkening sky +that came up like a wall out of the east. + +Hetty's fingers tightened in a warmer clasp. Unconsciously perhaps, +Sara's grip on the girl's shoulder tightened also: unconsciously, +for her thoughts were far away. The younger woman's pensive gaze +rested on the peaceful waters below, taking in the slow approach of +the fog that was soon to envelop the land. Neither spoke for many +minutes: inscrutable thinkers, each a prey to thoughts that leaped +backward to the beginning and took up the puzzle at its inception. + +"I wonder--" began Hetty, her eyes narrowing with the intensity of +thought. She did not complete the sentence. + +Sara answered the unspoken question. "It will never be different +from what it is now, unless you make it so." + +Hetty started. "How could you have known what I was thinking?" she +cried in wonder. + +"It is what you are always thinking, my dear. You are always asking +yourself when will I turn against you." + +"Sara!" + +"Your own intelligence should supply the answer to all the questions +you are asking of yourself. It is too late for me to turn against +you." She abruptly removed her hand from Hetty's shoulder and walked +to the edge of the verandah. For the first time, the English girl +was conscious of pain. She drew her arm up and cringed. She pulled +the light scarf about her bare shoulders. + +The butler appeared in the doorway. + +"The telephone, if you please, Miss Castleton. Mr. Leslie Wrandall +is calling." + +The girl stared. "For me, Watson?" + +"Yes, Miss. I forgot to say that he called up this afternoon while +you were out," very apologetically, with a furtive glance at Mrs. +Wrandall, who had turned. + +"Loss of memory, Watson, is a fatal affliction," she said, with a +smile. + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. I don't see 'ow it 'appened." + +"It is not likely to happen again." + +"No, madam." + +Hetty had risen, visibly agitated. + +"What shall I say to him, Sara?" she cried. + +"Apparently it is he who has something to say to you," said the +other, still smiling. "Wait and see what it is. Please don't neglect +to say that we'd like to have him over Sunday." + +"A box of flowers has just come up from the station for you, Miss," +said Watson. + +Hetty was very white as she passed into the house. Mrs. Wrandall +resumed her contemplation of the fog-screened Sound. + +"Shall I fetch you a wrap, ma'am?" asked Watson, hesitating. + +"I am coming in, Watson. Open the box of flowers for Miss Castleton. +Is there a fire in the library?" + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall." + +"Mr. Leslie will be out on Saturday. Tell Mrs. Conkling." + +"The evening train, ma'am?" + +"No. The eleven-thirty. He will be here for luncheon." + +When Hetty hurried into the library a few minutes later, her +manner was that of one considerably disturbed by something that +has transpired almost on the moment. Her cheeks were flushed and +her eyes were reflectors of a no uncertain distress of mind. Mrs. +Wrandall was standing before the fireplace, an exquisite figure +in the slinky black evening gown which she affected in these days. +Her perfectly modelled neck and shoulders gleamed like pink marble +in the reflected glow of the burning logs. She wore no jewellery, +but there was a single white rose in her dark hair, where it had +been placed by the whimsical Hetty an hour earlier as they left +the dinner table. + +"He is coming out on the eleven-thirty, Sara," said the girl +nervously, "unless you will send the motor in for him. The body of +his car is being changed and it's in the shop. He must have been +jesting when he said he would pay for the petrol--I should have +said gasoline." + +Sara laughed. "You will know him better, my dear," she said. "Leslie +is very light-hearted." + +"He suggested bringing a friend," went on Hetty hurriedly. "A Mr. +Booth, the portrait painter." + +"I met him in Italy. He is charming. You will like HIM, too, Hetty." +The emphasis did not escape notice. + +"It seems that he is spending a fortnight in the village, this Mr. +Booth, painting spring lambs for rest and recreation, Mr. Leslie +says." + +"Then he is at our very gates," said Sara, looking up suddenly. + +"I wonder if he can be the man I saw yesterday at the bridge," +mused Hetty. "Is he tall?" + +"I really can't say. He's rather vague. It was six or seven years +ago." + +"It was left that Mr. Wrandall is to come out on the eleven-thirty," +explained Hetty. "I thought you wouldn't like sending either of +the motors in." + +"And Mr. Booth?" + +"We are to send for him after Mr. Wrandall arrives. He is stopping +at the inn, wherever that may be." + +"Poor fellow!" sighed Sara, with a grimace. "I am sure he will like +us immensely if he has been stopping at the inn." + +Hetty stood staring down at the blazing logs for a full minute +before giving expression to the thought that troubled her. + +"Sara," she said, meeting her friend's eyes with a steady light +in her own, "why did Mr. Wrandall ask for me instead of you? It is +you he is coming to visit, not me. It is your house. Why should--" + +"My dear," said Sara glibly, "I am merely his sister-in-law. It +wouldn't be necessary to ask me if he should come. He knows he is +welcome." + +"Then why should he feel called upon to--" + +"Some men like to telephone, I suppose," said the other coolly. + +"I wonder if you will ever understand how I feel about--about +certain things, Sara." + +"What, for instance?" + +"Well, his very evident interest in me," cried the girl hotly. "He +sends me flowers,--this is the second box this week,--and he is so +kind, so VERY friendly, Sara, that I can't bear it--I really can't." + +Mrs. Wrandall stared at her. "You can't very well send him about +his business," she said, "unless he becomes more than friendly. +Now, can you?" + +"But it seems so--so horrible, so beastly," groaned the girl. + +Sara faced her squarely. "See here, Hetty," she said levelly, "we +have made our bed, you and I. We must lie in it--together. If Leslie +Wrandall chooses to fall in love with you, that is his affair, not +ours. We must face every condition. In plain words, we must play +the game." + +"What could be more appalling than to have him fall in love with +me?" + +"The other way 'round would be more dramatic, I should say." + +"Good God, Sara!" cried the girl in horror. "How can you even speak +of such a thing?" + +"After all, why shouldn't--" began Sara, but stopped in the middle +of her suggestion, with the result that it had its full effect without +being uttered in so many cold-blooded words. The girl shuddered. + +"I wish, Sara, you would let me unburden myself completely to you," +she pleaded, seizing her friend's hands. "You have forbidden me--" + +Sara jerked her hands away. Her eyes flashed. "I do not want to +hear it," she cried fiercely. "Never, never! Do you understand? +It is your secret. I will not share it with you. I should hate you +if I knew everything. As it is, I love you because you are a woman +who suffered at the hand of one who made me suffer. There is nothing +more to say. Don't bring up the subject again. I want to be your +friend for ever, not your confidante. There is a distinction. You +may be able to see how very marked it is in our case, Hetty. What +one does not know, seldom hurts." + +"But I want to justify myself--" + +"It isn't necessary," cut in the other so peremptorily that the +girl's eyes spread into a look of anger. Whereupon Sara Wrandall +threw her arm about her and drew her down beside her on the +chaise-longue. "I didn't mean to be harsh," she cried. "We must +not speak of the past, that's all. The future is not likely to hurt +us, dear. Let us avoid the past." + +"The future!" sighed the girl, staring blankly before her. + +"To appreciate what it is to be," said the other, "you have but to +think of what it might have been." + +"I know," said Hetty, in a low voice. "And yet I sometimes wonder +if--" + +Sara interrupted. "You are paying me, dear, instead of the law," +she said gently. "I am not a harsh creditor, am I?" + +"My life belongs to you. I give it cheerfully, even gladly." + +"So you have said before. Well, if it belongs to me, you might at +least permit me to develop it as I would any other possession. I +take it as an investment. It will probably fluctuate." + +"Now you are jesting!" + +"Perhaps," said Sara laconically. + +The next morning Hetty set forth for her accustomed tramp over the +roads that wound through the estate. Sara, the American, dawdled +at home, resenting the chill spring drizzle that did not in the +least discourage the Englishwoman. The mistress of the house and +of the girl's destiny stood in the broad French window watching her +as she strode springily, healthily down the maple lined avenue in +the direction of the gates. The gardeners doffed their caps to her +as she passed, and also looked after her with surreptitious glances. + +There was a queer smile on Sara's lips that remained long after the +girl was lost to view beyond the lodge. It was still on her lips +but gone from her eyes as she paused beside the old English table +to bury her nose in one of the gorgeous roses that Leslie had sent +out to Hetty the day before. They were all about the room, dozens +of them. The girl had insisted on having them downstairs instead of +in her own little sitting-room, for which they plainly were intended. + +A nasty sea turn had brought lowering grey skies and a dreary, +enveloping mist that never quite assumed the dignity of a drizzle +and yet blew wet and cold to the very marrow of the bones. Hetty +was used to such weather. Her English blood warmed to it. As she +strode briskly across the meadow-land road in the direction of the +woods that lay ahead, a soft ruddy glow crept up to her cheeks, +and a sparkle of joy into her eyes. She walked strongly, rapidly. +Her straight, lithe young figure was a joyous thing to behold. +High boots, short skirt, a loose jacket and a broad felt hat made +up her costume. She was graceful, adorable; a young, healthy, +beautiful creature in whom the blood surged quickly, strongly: the +type of woman men are wont to classify as "ineffably feminine," +though why we should differentiate is no small mystery unless +there really is such a thing as one woman possessing an adorably +feminine quality denied to her sisters. Be that as it may, there +IS a distinction and men pride themselves on knowing it. Hetty was +alluringly feminine. Leaving out the matter of morals, whatever +they are, and coming right up to her as an example of her sex, pure +and simple if you please, we are bound to say that she was perfect. +The best thing we can say of Challis Wrandall is that he took the +same view of her that we should, and fell in love with her. He +would have married her if he could, there isn't much doubt as to +that, no matter what she had been before he knew her or what she +was at the time of his discovery. No more is it to be considered +unique that his brother should have experienced a similar interest +in her, knowing even less. + +She was the sort of girl one falls in love with and remembers it +the rest of his life. + +Take her now, for instance, as she swings along the highway, fresh, +trim and graceful, her chin uptilted, her cheeks warm, her eyes +clear and as blue as sapphires, and we experience the most intense, +unreasoning desire to be near her, at her side, where hands could +touch her and the very spell of her creep out over one to make a +man of him. + +The kind of woman one wants to draw close to him because his heart +is sweet. + +She had the blood of a fellow creature on her hands--the blood of +one of us--and yet we men will overlook one commandment for another. +It is a matter of choice. + +What of her present position in the house and in the heart of the +one woman who of all those we know is abnormally unfeminine in that +she subordinates the natural and instinctive animosity of woman +toward another who robs her of a husband, no matter how unworthy +or how hateful he may have been to her behind the screen with which +she hides her sores from the world. The answer is ready: Hetty +was a slave bound to an extraordinary condition. There had been no +coercion on the part of Challis Wrandall's wife; no actual restraint +had been set upon the girl. The situation was a plain one from every +point of view: Hetty owed her life to Sara, she would have paid +with her life's blood the debt she owed. It had become perfectly +natural for her to consider herself a willing, grateful prisoner--a +prisoner on parole. She would not, could not abuse the parole. She +loved her gaoler with a love that knew no bounds; she loved the +walls Sara had thrown up about her; she was content to live and +die in the luxurious cell, attended by love and kindness and mercy. +After all, Hetty was even more feminine than we seem able to convey +in words. + +Not in that she lacked in pride or sensitiveness, but that she +possessed to a self-satisfying degree the ability to subordinate +both of these to a loyalty that had no bounds. There were fine +feelings in Hetty. She was honest with herself. She did not look +beyond her present horizon for brighter skies. They were as bright +as they could ever be, of that she was sure; her hopes lay within +the small circumference that Sara Wrandall made possible for her. +She knew that her peril, her ruin lay in the desire to step outside +that narrow circle, for out there the world was cold and merciless. + +She lived as one charmed by some powerful influence, and was content. +Not once had the fear entered her soul that Sara would turn against +her. Her trust in Wrandall's wife was infinite. In her simple, +devoted heart she could feel no prick of dread so far as the present +was concerned. The past was dreadful, but it was the past, and its +loathsomeness was moderated by subtle contrast with the present. +As for the future, it belonged to Sara Wrandall. It was safe. + +If Sara were to decide that she must be given up to the law, all +well and good. She could meet her fate with a smile for Sara, and +with love in her heart. She could pay in full if the demand was +made by the wife of the man she had left in the grim little upstairs +room at Burton's Inn on that never-to-be-forgotten night in March. + +The one great, inexplicable mystery to her was the heart of Sara +Wrandall. She could not fathom it. + +She could understand her own utter subjection to the will of the +other woman; she could explain it satisfactorily to herself, and +she could have explained it to the world. Self-preservation in the +beginning, self-surrender as time went on, self-sacrifice as the +prerogative. + +And so it was, on this grey spring day, that she gazed undaunted at +the world, with the shadows all about her, and hummed a sprightly +tune through warm red lips that were kissed by the morning mist. + +She came to the bridge by the mill, long since deserted and now +a thing of ruin and decay. A man in knickerbockers stood leaning +against the rail, idly gazing down at the trickling stream below. +The brier pipe that formed the circuit between hand and lips sent +up soft blue coils to float away on the drizzle. + +She passed behind him, with a single furtive, curious glance at +his handsome, undisturbed profile, and in that glance recognised +him as the man she had seen the day before. + +When she was a dozen rods away, the tall man turned his face from +the stream and sent after her the long-restrained look. There was +something akin to cautiousness in that look of his, as if he were +afraid that she might turn her head suddenly and catch him at it. +Something began stirring in his heart, the nameless something that +awakens when least expected. He felt the subtle, sweet femininity +of her as she passed. It lingered with him as he looked. + +She turned the bend in the road a hundred yards away. For many +minutes he studied the stream below without really seeing it. +Then he straightened up, knocked the ashes from his pipe, and set +off slowly in her wake, although he had been walking in quite the +opposite direction when he came to the bridge,--and on a mission +of some consequence, too. + +There was the chance that he would meet her coming back. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A FAITHFUL CRAYON-POINT + + +Leslie Wrandall came out on the eleven-thirty. Hetty was at +the station with the motor, a sullen resentment in her heart, but +a welcoming smile on her lips. The sun shone brightly. The Sound +glared with the white of reflected skies. + +"I thought of catching the eight o'clock," he cried enthusiastically, +as he dropped his bag beside the motor in order to reach over and +shake hands with her. "That would have gotten me here hours earlier. +The difficulty was that I didn't think of the eight o'clock until +I awoke at nine." + +"And then you had the additional task of thinking about breakfast," +said Hetty, but without a trace of sarcasm in her manner. + +"I never think of breakfast," said he amiably. "I merely eat it. +Of course, it's a task to eat it sometimes, but--well, how are you? +How do you like it out here?" + +He was beside her on the broad seat, his face beaming, his gay +little moustache pointing upward at the ends like oblique brown +exclamation points, so expansive was his smile. + +"I adore it," she replied, her own smile growing in response to his. +It was impossible to resist the good nature of him. She could not +dislike him, even though she dreaded him deep down in her heart. Her +blood was hot and cold by turns when she was with him, as her mind +opened and shut to thoughts pleasant and unpleasant with something +of the regularity of a fish's gills in breathing. + +"I knew you would. It's great. You won't care much for our place, +Miss Castleton. Sara's got the pick of the coast in that place of +hers. Trust old Sebastian Gooch to get the best of everything. If +my dad or my grand-dad had possessed a tenth of the brain that that +old chap had, we'd have our own tabernacle up there on the point, +instead of sulking at his back gate. That's really where we're +located, you know. His back gate opens smack in the face of our +front one. I think he did it with malice aforethought, too. His +back gate is two miles from the house. It wasn't really necessary +to go so far for a back gate as all that, was it? To make it worse, +he put a big sign over it for us to read: 'NO TRESPASSING. THIS +MEANS YOU.' Sara took it down after the old boy died." + +"I suppose by that time the desire to trespass was gone," she said. +"One doesn't enjoy freedom of that sort." + +"I've come to believe that the only free things we really covet +are passes to the theatre. We never get over that, I'm sure. I'd +rather have a pass to the theatre than a ten dollar bill any time. +I say, it was nice of you to come down to meet me. It was more than +I--er--expected." He almost said "hoped for." + +"Sara was too busy about the house to come," she explained quickly. +"And I had a few errands to do in the village." + +"Don't spoil it!" + +"I am a horribly literal person," she said. + +"Better that than literally horrible," he retorted, rather proud +of himself for it. "It's wonderful, the friendship between you two +girls--Sara's not much more than a girl, you see. You're so utterly +unlike in every way." + +"It isn't strange to me," said she simply, but without looking at +him. + +"Of course, I can understand it," he went on. "I've always liked +Sara. She's bully. Much too good for my brother, God rest his soul. +He never--" + +"Oh, don't utter a thing like that, even in jest," she cried, +shocked by his glib remark. + +He flushed. "You didn't know Challis," he said almost surlily. + +She held her breath. + +After a moment, the points of his little moustache went up again +in the habitual barometrical smile. Rather a priggish, supercilious +smile, she thought, taking a glance at his face. + +"I say I can understand it, but mother and Vivian will never be +able to get it through those tough skulls of theirs. They really +don't like Sara. Snobs, both of 'em--of the worst kind, too. Why, +mother has always looked upon Sara as a--e---a sort of brigandess, +the kind that steals children and holds them for ransom. Of +course, old man Gooch was as common as rags--utterly impossible, +you know--but that shouldn't stand against Sara. By the way, her +father called her Sallie. Her mother was a very charming woman, +they say. We never knew her. For that matter, we never knew the +old man until he became prominent as a father-in-law." + +The girl was silent. He went on. + +"Mother likes you. She doesn't say it in so many words, but I +can see that she wonders how you can have anything in common with +Sara. She prides herself on being able to distinguish blue blood +at a glance. Silly notion she's got, but--" + +"Please don't go on, Mr. Wrandall," cried Hetty in distress. + +"I'm not saying she isn't friendly to Sara nowadays," he explained. +"She's changed a good deal in the last few months. I think she's +broadening out a bit. Since that visit to Nice, she's been quite +different. As a matter of fact, she expects to see a good bit of +Sara and you this summer. It's like a spring thaw, by Jove, it is." + +"When does she come to the country?" asked Hetty, bent on breaking +his train of confidence. + +"In three or four weeks. But, as I was saying, the mater has taken +a great fancy to you. She--" + +"It's very nice of her." + +"She prides herself, as I said before, but she always makes sure +by asking questions." + +"Questions?" + +"Yes. Although she could see through you as if you were plate glass, +she made it a point to ask Sara all the questions she could think +of. Over in Nice, you know. Of course Sara told her everything, +and now she's quite sure she can't be mistaken in people. Really, +Miss Castleton, she's very amusing sometimes, mother is." + +Hetty was looking straight ahead, her face set. + +"What did Sara tell her about me?" + +"Oh, all that was necessary to prove to mother that she was right. +As if it really made any difference, you know." + +"Please explain." + +"What is there to explain? She merely gave your pedigree, as we'd +say at the dog show, begging your pardon, ma'am. Pedigrees are a +sort of hobby with the mater. She collects 'em wherever she goes." + +He gave his moustache a little twist. + +"Then my references are satisfactory, so to speak," said she, with +a wry little smile. + +"Perfectly," said he, with conviction; "if we are to put any +dependence in the intelligence office." + +"Doesn't it stagger Mrs. Wrandall somewhat to reconcile my pedigree +to the position I occupy in Sara's household--that of companion, +so to say?" asked Hetty, a slight curl to her lip. + +He looked rather blank. "I don't believe she looks at you in just +that light," said he uncomfortably. + +"I fancy you'd better enlighten her." + +"Let well enough alone," quoted he glibly. + +"But I AM a companion," insisted Hetty, a little spot of red in +each cheek. + +"In a sense, I suppose," said he affably. "Of course, Sara puts +you down as a friend." + +"I think you'd better understand my real position, Mr. Wrandall," +said she firmly. + +"I do," said he. "You are Sara's friend. That's enough for me. +The fact that your father was or is a distinguished English army +officer, and some sort of a cousin to a lord, and that you have +the entre to fashionable London drawing-rooms, is quite enough for +mother. That qualifies you to be companion to anybody, she'd say. +And there's the end to it." + +She was looking at him in amazement. Her lips were slightly parted +and her eyes were wide. For a moment she was puzzled. Then a swift +smile illumined her face. She understood. + +"Of course, in London, it really isn't anything to boast about, +getting into drawing-rooms," she said, vastly amused. + +"Well, it is over here," said he promptly. + +"And it isn't always open sesame to be related to a peer." + +"I suppose not." + +"Nevertheless, I am glad that your mother and Miss Vivian take +me for what I am. Do you, by any chance, go in for pedigree, Mr. +Wrandall?" + +The shaft of irony sped over his head. + +"Only in dogs and horses," he replied promptly. "It means a lot +when it comes to buying a dog or a horse." + +"How do you feel when you've been sold?" + +"I take my medicine." + +"As a good sportsman should." + +"I dare say you think I'm a deuce of a prig for saying the things--" + +"On the contrary, I appreciate your candour." + +"Don't hesitate to say it. I'm used to being called a prig. My +brother Challis always considered me one. I think he meant snob. +But that was because our ideals weren't the same. By the way, you +ought to like Vivian." + +"That depends." + +"On Vivian, I suppose?" + +"Not precisely. I should say it depends on your sister's attitude +toward Sara." + +"Oh, she likes Sara well enough. Viv's not particularly narrow, +Miss Castleton." + +Hetty bestowed a smile upon him. + +"That's comforting, Mr. Wrandall," she said, and he was silent for +a moment, reflecting. + +"Do you know," said he, as if a light had suddenly burst in upon +him, "you've got more poise than any girl I've ever seen?" + +"It's my bringing up, sir," she said mockingly. + +"Ancestral habit," he explained, with a polite bow. + +"Pedigreeable manners, perhaps." + +"I wish the mater could have heard you say that." admiringly. + +"Don't you adore the country at this time of the year?" + +"When I get to heaven I mean to have a place in the country the +year round," he said conclusively. + +"And if you don't get to heaven?" + +"I suppose I'll take a furnished flat somewhere." + +Sara was waiting for them at the bottom of the terrace as they +drove up. He leaped out and kissed her hand. + +"Much obliged," he murmured, with a slight twist of his head in +the direction of Hetty, who was giving orders to the chauffeur. + +"You're quite welcome," said Sara, with a smile of understanding. +"She's lovely, isn't she?" + +"Enchanting!" said he, almost too loudly. + +Hetty walked up the long ascent ahead of them. She did not have +to look back to know that they were watching her with unfaltering +interest. She could feel their gaze. + +"Absolutely adorable," he added, enlarging his estimate without +really being aware that he voiced it. + +Sara shot a look at his rapt face, and turned her own away to hide +the queer little smile that flickered briefly and died away. + +Hetty, pleading a sudden headache, declined to accompany them later +on in the day when they set forth in the car to "pick up" Brandon +Booth at the inn. They were to bring him over, bag and baggage, to +stay till Tuesday. + +"He will be wild to paint her," declared Leslie when they were +out of sight around the bend in the road. He had waved his hat to +Hetty just before the trees shut off their view of her. She was +standing at the top of the steps beside one of the tall Italian +vases. + +Sara did not respond. + +"By the way, Sara, is she the niece or the grand-daughter of old +Lord Murgatroyd? I'm a bit mixed." + +"Her father is Colonel Castleton, of the Indian Army, and he is the +eldest son of a second son, if you don't find that too difficult +to solve. The second son aforesaid mentioned, so to speak, was the +brother of Lord Murgatroyd. That would make Colonel Castleton his +Lordship's nephew, but utterly without prospects of coming into a +title, as there are several healthy British obstacles in the way. +I suppose one would call Hetty a grand-niece." + +"Mother wasn't quite certain whether you said niece or grand-daughter," +explained Leslie. "Her mother's dead, I take it. Who was she?" + +"Why are you so curious?" + +"Isn't it quite natural?" + +"Her mother was a Glynn. You have heard of the Glynns, of course?" +She trusted to his vanity and was rewarded. The question was a sort +of reproach. + +"Certainly," he replied, without hesitation. The mere fact that she +spoke of them as "THE Glynns" was sufficient. It was proof enough +that they were people one ought to know, by name at least, if one +were to profess intelligence regarding the British aristocracy. As +a matter of fact, he had not heard of the Glynns, but that didn't +matter. "The Irish Glynns, you mean?" he ventured, taking a chance +at hitting the mark. He had a faint recollection of hearing her +say that Hetty was part Irish. + +"You have only to look into her eyes to know she's Irish," she said +diplomatically. + +"I've never seen such eyes," he exclaimed. + +"She's a darling," said Sara and changed the subject, knowing full +well that he would come back to it before long. "Is it true that +Vivian and Mr. Booth are interested in each other?" + +"Yes and no," he replied, with a profound sigh. "That is to say, +she's interested in him and he isn't interested in her--in the way +I take you to mean it. I suspect it's an easy matter for a girl to +fall in love with Brandy. He's a corking fine chap." + +"Then it would be very nice for Vivian, eh?" + +"Oh, quite so--quite so. His forbears came over with Noah, according +to mother. You know mother, Sara." + +"Indeed I do," said she with conviction. + +He laughed without restraint. "Mother can rattle off the best +families in the Bible without missing a name, beginning with the +Honourable Adam. Of course, she knows the Glynns and the Castletons +and the Murgatroyds, although I dare say they haven't had much to +do with the Bible. Come to think of it, she did go to the trouble +of looking up the Castleton family in the Debrett." + +"She did?" exclaimed Sara, with a slight narrowing of the eyes. + +"Yes. She established the connection all right enough. She's keen +for Miss Castleton." + +"Oh," said she, relieved. After a moment: "And you?" + +"I'm mad about her," he said simply, and then, for some unaccountable +reason, gave over being loquacious and lapsed into a state of almost +lugubrious quiet. + +She glanced at his face, furtively at first, as if uncertain of +his mood, then with a prolonged stare that was frankly curious and +amused. + +"Don't lose your head, Leslie," she said softly, almost purringly. + +He started. "Oh, I say, Sara, I'm not likely to--" + +"Stranger things have happened," she interrupted, with a shake of +her head. "I can't afford to have you making love to her and getting +tired of the game, as you always do, dear boy, just as soon as you +find she's in love with you. She is too dear to be hurt in that +way. You mustn't--" + +"Good Lord!" he cried; "what a bounder you must take me for! Why, +if I thought she'd--But nonsense! Let's talk about something else. +Yourself, for instance." + +She leaned back with a smile on her lips, but not in her eyes; and +drew a long, deep breath. He was hard hit. That was what she wanted +to know. + +They found Booth at the inn. He was sitting on the old-fashioned +porch, surrounded by bags and boys. As he climbed into the car after +the bags, the boys grinned and jingled the coins in their pockets +and ventured, almost in unison, the intelligence that they would +all be there if he ever came back again. Big and little, they had +transported his easel and canvases from place to place for three +weeks or more and his departure was to be regarded as a financial +calamity. + +"I could go to ten circuses this summer if that many of 'em was +to come to town," said one small citizen as Croesus rode away in +a cloud of village dust. + +"Gee, I wish to goodness he'd come back," was the soulful cry of +another. + +"I don't like them pictures he paints, though, do you?" observed +another, more critical than avaricious. + +"Naw!" was the scornful reply, also in unison. + +From which it may be gathered that Mr. Brandon Booth was not +cherished for art's sake alone, but for its relation to Mammon. + +The object of their comments was making himself agreeable to +the lady who was to be his hostess for the next few days. Leslie, +perhaps in the desire to be alone with his reflections, sat forward +with the chauffeur, and paid little or no heed to that unhappy person's +comments on the vile condition of ALL village thorough-fares, New +York City included. + +"By the way, Sara," he said, suddenly breaking in on the conversation +that went on at his back, and thereby betraying a secret wish that +was taking shape in his mind, "what have you done with the little +red runabout you had a year or two ago?" + +She started. "You mean--" + +As she hesitated, he went on. "It would come in very handy for +twosome tours." + +"I disposed of it some time ago, Leslie," said she. "I thought +you'd remember." + +"Oh,--er--by Jove!" he stammered in confusion. + +He remembered that she had GIVEN it away a day or two after that +awful night in March, and he recalled her reason for doing so. He +twisted the tiny end of his moustache with unnecessary vigour--I +might say fury. It was a most unhappy FAUX PAS. + +"Softening of the brain," he muttered, in dismal apology to himself. + +"And you painted those wretched little boys instead of the beautiful +things that Nature provides for us out here, Mr. Booth?" Sara was +saying to the artist beside her. + +"Of course, I managed to get in a bit of Nature, even at that," +said he, with a smile. "Boys are pretty close to earth, you know. +To be perfectly honest, I did it in order to get away from the +eminently beautiful but unnatural things I'm required to paint at +home." + +"Your subjects wouldn't care for that," she warned him, in some +amusement. + +"Oh, as to that, the comments of the boys on the things I did up +here weren't altogether flattering to me, so I'm chastened. They +were more than frank about them. We live to learn." + +"Where are the canvases?" + +"I immortalised them, one and all, by destroying them by fire and +sword, only the sword happened to be a penknife. They made a most +excellent bonfire." + +"And so, you've nothing to show for your fortnight?" + +"Oh, yes. A most desirable invitation to forget my failures at your +expense." + +"Poof!" + +"I don't blame you. It WAS inane. Still, I can't help saying, Mrs. +Wrandall, that it is a desirable invitation. You won't say 'poof' +to that, because I won't listen to it." + +"On the other hand, it's very good of you to come." + +"It seems to me I'm always in debt to Leslie, with slim prospect +of ever squaring accounts," said he whimsically. "But for him, I +couldn't have come." + +"I suppose we will see you at the Wrandall place this summer." + +"I'm coming out to paint Leslie's sister in June, I believe. And +that reminds me, I came upon an uncommonly pretty girl not far from +your place the other day--and yesterday, as well--some one I've +met before, unless I'm vastly mistaken. I wonder if you know your +neighbours well enough--by sight, at least--to venture a good guess +as to who I mean." + +She appeared thoughtful. + +"Oh, there are dozens of pretty girls in the neighbourhood. Can't +you remember where you met--" She stopped suddenly, a swift look +of apprehension in her eyes. + +He failed to note the look or the broken sentence. He was searching +in his coat pocket for something. Selecting a letter from the middle +of a small pocket, he held it out to her. + +"I sketched this from memory. She posed all too briefly for me," +he said. + +On the back of the envelope was a remarkably good likeness of Hetty +Castleton, done broadly, sketchily with a crayon point, evidently +drawn with haste while the impression was fresh, but long after +she had passed out of range of his vision. + +"I know her," said Sara quietly. "It's very clever, Mr. Booth." + +"There is something hauntingly familiar about it," he went on, +looking at the sketch with a frown of perplexity. "I've seen her +somewhere, but for the life of me I can't place her. Perhaps in a +crowded street, or the theatre, or a railway train--just a fleeting +glimpse, you know. But in any event, I got a lasting impression. +Queer things like that happen, don't you think so?" + +Mrs. Wrandall leaned forward and spoke to Leslie. As he turned, +she handed him the envelope, without comment. + +"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. + +"Mr. Booth is a mind reader," she explained. "He has been reading +your thoughts, dear boy." + +Booth understood, and grinned. + +"You don't mean to say--" began the dumfounded Leslie, still staring +at the sketch. "Upon my word, it's a wonderful likeness, old chap. +I didn't know you'd ever met her." + +"Met her?" cried Booth, an amiable conspirator. "I've never met +her." + +"See here, don't try anything like that on me. How could you do +this if you've never seen--" + +"He IS a mind reader," cried Sara. + +"Haven't you been thinking of her steadily for--well, we'll say +ten minutes?" demanded Booth. + +Leslie reddened. "Nonsense!" + +"That's a mental telepathy sketch," said the artist, complacently. + +"When did you do it?" + +"This instant, you might say. See! Here is the crayon point. I +always carry one around with me for just such--" + +"All right," said Leslie blandly, at the same time putting the +envelope in his own pocket; "we'll let it go at that. If you're so +clever at mind pictures, you can go to work and make another for +yourself. I mean to keep this one." + +"I say," began Booth, dismayed. + +"One's thoughts are his own," said the happy possessor of the +sketch. He turned his back on them. + +Sara was contrite. "He will never give it up," she lamented. + +"Is he really hard hit?" asked Booth in surprise. + +"I wonder," mused Sara. + +"Of course, he's welcome to the sketch, confound him." + +"Would you like to paint her?" + +"Is this a commission?" + +"Hardly. I know her, that's all. She is a very dear friend." + +"My heart is set on painting some one else, Mrs. Wrandall." + +"Oh!" + +"When I know you better, I'll tell you who she is." + +"Could you make a sketch of this other one from memory?" she asked +lightly. + +"I think so. I'll show you one this evening. I have my trusty crayon +about me always, as I said before." + +Later in the afternoon Booth came face to face with Hetty. He was +descending the stairs and met her coming up. The sun streamed in +through the tall windows at the turn in the stairs, shining full +in her uplifted face as she approached him from below. He could +not repress the start of amazement. She was carrying a box of roses +in her arms--red roses whose stems protruded far beyond the end of +the pasteboard box and reeked of a fragrant dampness. + +She gave him a shy, startled smile as she passed. He had stopped +to make room for her on the turn. Somewhat dazed he continued on +his way down the steps, to suddenly remember with a twinge of dismay +that he had not returned her polite smile, but had stared at her +with most unblinking fervour. In no little shame and embarrassment, +he sent a swift glance over his shoulder. She was walking close to +the banister rail on the floor above. As he glanced up their eyes +met, for she too had turned to peer. + +Leslie Wrandall was standing near the foot of the stairs. There +was an eager, exalted look in his face that slowly gave way to +well-assumed unconcern as his friend came upon him and grasped his +arm. + +"I say, Leslie, is--is she staying here?" cried Booth, lowering +his voice to an excited half-whisper. + +"Who?" demanded Wrandall vacantly. His mind appeared to be elsewhere. + +"Why, that's the girl I saw on the road--Wake up! The one on the +envelope, you ass. Is she the one you were telling me about in the +club--the Miss What's-Her-Name who--" + +"Oh, you mean Miss Castleton. She's just gone upstairs. You must +have met her on the steps." + +"You know I did. So THAT is Miss Castleton." + +"Ripping, isn't she? Didn't I tell you so?" + +"She's beautiful. She IS a type, just as you said, old man,--a +really wonderful type. I saw her yesterday--and the day before." + +"I've been wondering how you managed to get a likeness of her on +the back of an envelope," said Leslie sarcastically. "Must have had +a good long look at her, my boy. It isn't a snap-shot, you know." + +Booth flushed. "It is an impression, that's all. I drew it from +memory, 'pon my soul." + +"She'll be immensely gratified, I'm sure." + +"For heaven's sake, Les, don't be such a fool as to show her the +thing," cried Booth in consternation. "She'd never understand." + +"Oh, you needn't worry. She has a fine sense of humour." + +Booth didn't know whether to laugh or scowl. He compromised with +himself by slipping his arm through that of his friend and saying +heartily: + +"I wish you the best of luck, old boy." + +"Thanks," said Leslie drily. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +IN WHICH HETTY IS WEIGHED + + +Booth and Leslie returned to the city on Tuesday. The artist left +behind him a "memory sketch" of Sara Wrandall, done in the solitude +of his room long after the rest of the house was wrapped in slumber +on the first night of his stay at Southlook. It was as sketchily +drawn as the one he had made of Hetty, and quite as wonderful in +the matter of faithfulness, but utterly without the subtle something +that made the other notable. The craftiness of the artist was there, +but the touch of inspiration was lacking. + +Sara was delighted. She was flattered, and made no pretence of +disguising the fact. + +The discussion which followed the exhibition of the sketch at +luncheon, was very animated. It served to excite Leslie to such a +degree that he brought forth from his pocket the treasured sketch +of Hetty, for the purpose of comparison. + +The girl who had been genuinely enthusiastic over the picture of +Sara, and who had not been by way of knowing that the first sketch +existed, was covered with confusion. Embarrassment and a shy sense +of gratification were succeeded almost at once by a feeling of keen +annoyance. The fact that the sketch was in Leslie's possession--and +evidently a thing to be cherished--took away all the pleasure she +may have experienced during the first few moments of interest. + +Booth caught the angry flash in her eyes, preceding the flush and +unaccountable pallor that followed almost immediately. He felt +guilty, and at the same time deeply annoyed with Leslie. Later on +he tried to explain, but the attempt was a lamentable failure. She +laughed, not unkindly, in his face. + +Leslie had refused to allow the sketch to leave his hand. If she +could have gained possession of it, even for an instant, the thing +would have been torn to bits. But it went back into his commodious +pocket-book, and she was too proud to demand it of him. + +She became oddly sensitive to Booth's persistent though inoffensive +scrutiny as time wore on. More than once she had caught him looking +at her with a fixedness that betrayed perplexity so plainly that +she could not fail to recognise an underlying motive. He was vainly +striving to refresh his memory: that was clear to her. There is no +mistaking that look in a person's eyes. It cannot be disguised. + +He was as deeply perplexed as ever when the time came for him to +depart with Leslie. He asked her point blank on the last evening +of his stay if they had ever met before, and she frankly confessed +to a short memory for faces. It was not unlikely, she said, that +he had seen her in London or in Paris, but she had not the faintest +recollection of having seen him before their meeting in the road. + +Urged by Sara, she had reluctantly consented to sit to him for a +portrait during the month of June. He put the request in such terms +that it did not sound like a proposition. It was not surprising +that he should want her for a subject; in fact, he put it in such +a way that she could not but feel that she would be doing him +a great and enduring favour. She imposed but one condition: the +picture was never to be exhibited. He met that, with bland magnanimity, +by proffering the canvas to Mrs. Wrandall, as the subject's "next +best friend," to "have and to hold so long as she might live," "free +gratis," "with the artist's compliments," and so on and so forth, +in airy good humour. + +Leslie's aid had been solicited by both Sara and the painter in +the final effort to overcome the girl's objections. He was rather +bored about it, but added his voice to the general clamour. With +half an eye one could see that he did not relish the idea of Hetty +posing for days to the handsome, agreeable painter. Moreover, it +meant that Booth, who could afford to gratify his own whims, would +be obliged to spend a month or more in the neighbourhood, so that +he could devote himself almost entirely to the consummation of this +particular undertaking. Moreover, it meant that Vivian's portrait +was to be temporarily disregarded. + +Sara Wrandall was quick to recognise the first symptoms of jealousy +on the part of her brother-in-law. She had known him for years. +In that time she had been witness to a dozen of his encounters in +the lists of love, or what he chose to designate as love, and had +seen him emerge from each with an unscarred heart and a smiling +visage. Never before had he shown the slightest sign of jealousy, +even when the affair was at its rosiest. The excellent ego which +mastered him would not permit him to forget himself so far as to +consider any one else worthy of a feeling of jealousy. But now he +was flying an alien flag. He was turning against himself and his +smug convictions. He was at least annoyed, if not jealous. Doubtless +he was surprised at himself; perhaps he wondered what had come over +him. + +Sara noted these signs of self-abasement (it could be nothing else +where a Wrandall was concerned), and smiled inwardly. The new idol +of the Wrandalls was in love, selfishly, insufferably in love as +things went with all the Wrandalls. They hated selfishly, and so +they loved. Her husband had been their king. But their king was +dead, long live the king! Leslie had put on the family crown,--a +little jauntily, perhaps,--cocked over the eye a bit, so to speak--but +it was there just the same, annoyingly plain to view. + +Sara had tried to like him. He had been her friend, the only one she +could claim among them all. And yet, beneath his genial allegiance, +she could detect the air of condescension, the bland attitude of a +superior who defends another's cause for the reason that it gratifies +Nero. She experienced a thrill of malicious joy in contemplating +the fall of Nero. He would bring down his house about his head, +and there would be no Rome to pay the fiddler. + +In the train that Tuesday morning, Booth elected to chaff his +friend on the progress of his campaign. They were seated opposite +to each other in the almost empty parlour car. + +"Buck up, old chap," he counselled scoffingly. "Don't look so +disconsolate. You're coming out again at the end of the week." + +Leslie had been singularly reticent for a matter of ten miles or +more after leaving the little station behind. His attention seemed to +be engaged strictly in the study of objects beyond the car window. + +"What's that?" he demanded curtly. + +"I say you're lucky enough to be asked again for the end of the--" + +"I've got a standing invitation, if that's what you mean. Sara gives +me a meal ticket, as it were. Nothing extraordinary in my going +out whenever I like, is there?" His manner was a trifle offish. + +Booth laughed. "In spite of your disagreeable remark, I wish you +good luck, old man." + +"What the devil are you driving at, Brandy?" + +"I only meant to cheer you up a bit, that's all." + +"Thanks!" + +There was another interval of silence. Leslie furtively studied +the face of his friend, who had resumed his dreamy contemplation +of the roof of the car, his hands clasped behind his head, his legs +outstretched. + +"I say, Brandy," he ventured at last, a trace of embarrassment in +his manner, "if you've nothing better to do, come down and dine +with us to-night--en famille. Viv said over the 'phone this morning +that we are dining alone in state. Come along, old chap, and wake +us up. What say?" + +A clever mind-reader could have laid bare the motive in this cordial, +even eager invitation. He was seeking to play Vivian against Hetty +in the game, which seemed to have taken on a new turn. + +Booth was not a mind-reader, although in jest he had posed as one. +"I'm quite sure I've nothing better to do," he said. "I'd suggest, +however, that you let the invitation come from some one in authority. +Your mother, for instance." + +"Nonsense," cried the other blithely. "You know you've got a meal +ticket at our house, good for a million punches. Still I'll have +Vivian call you up this afternoon." + +"If she wants me, I'll come," said Booth in the most matter-of-fact +way. + +Leslie settled down with a secret sigh of relief. He regained his +usual loquaciousness. The points of his little moustache resumed +their uprightness. + +"How do you like Sara?" he asked. It was a casual question, with +no real meaning behind it as it was uttered. No sooner had it left +his lips, however, than a new and rather staggering idea entered +his mind,--a small thing at first but one that grew with amazing +swiftness. + +"She is splendid," said Booth warmly. + +"I thought you'd like her," said Leslie, the idea growing apace: +It did not occur to him that he might be nurturing disloyalty to +the interests of his own sister. Things of that sort never bothered +Leslie. When all was said and done, Vivian had but a slim chance +at best, so why champion a faint hope? "Why don't you do a portrait +of her? It would be a wonderful thing, old chap." + +He sat up a trifle straighter in his chair. + +"She hasn't asked me to, which is the best reason in the world. + +"Oh, I can fix that." His lively imagination was full of it now. + +"Thanks. Don't bother." + +"And there's this to be said for a portrait of Sara," went on Leslie, +rather too eagerly: "she wouldn't object to having it exhibited in +the galleries. 'Gad, it would do you a world of good, Brandy." + +The other's eyes narrowed. "I suppose I am to infer that Mrs. +Wrandall courts publicity." + +"Not at all," cried the other impatiently. "What I mean is this: +she's taken a fancy to you, and if her portrait could be the means +of helping you--" + +"Oh, cut that out, Les,--cut it out," growled Booth coldly. + +"Well, in any event, if you want to paint her, I can fix it for +you," announced his companion. + +"If you don't mind, old chap, I'll tackle Miss Castleton first," +said Booth, dismissing the matter with a yawn. + +"I hate the word tackle," said Leslie. + +On a bright, sunny afternoon two weeks later, Mrs. Redmond Wrandall +received her most intimate friend in her boudoir. They were both +in ample black. Mrs. Rowe-Martin, it seems, had suffered a recent +bereavement--with an aspect of permanency,--in the loss of a four +thousand dollar Airdale who had stopped traffic in Fifth Avenue for +twenty minutes while a sympathetic crowd viewed his gory remains, +and an unhappy but garrulous taxi-cab driver tried to account for +his crime. He never even thought of the insanity dodge. The Airdale +was given a most impressive funeral and was buried in pomp with +all his medals, ribbons, tags, collars and platinum leashes, but +minus a few of the uncollected parts of his anatomy. While it had +been a complete catastrophe, he was by no means a complete carcass. + +Be that as it may, his mistress went into mourning, denying herself +so many diversions that not a few of her friends became alarmed +and advised her husband to put her in a sanitarium. He was willing, +poor chap, but not she. She couldn't see the sense of confining +her grief to the four walls of a sanitarium while the four winds +of heaven were at her disposal. + +The most distressing feature of the great Airdale's taking-off +lay in the fact that his descendants--he had several sets of +great-grandchildren--appeared to be uncommonly ordinary brutes, +without a symptom of good breeding in the lot of them. They were +so undeviatingly gauche and middle-class, that already the spiteful +tongues of envy had begun to question his right to the medals and +ribbons acquired at the bench shows, where Mrs. Rowe-Martin was +considered one of the immortals. She could have got a blue ribbon +on a yellow dog any time. Of course, in defence of her exotic Airdale, +she unblinkingly fell back on the paraphrase: "It's a wise father +that knows his own son"; or the other way round, just as you please. + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin professedly was middle-aged--that is to say, just +rounding fifty. As a woman is always fifty until she is sixty, just +as it is nine o'clock until the stroke of ten, there may be some +question as to which end of the middle-aged period she was rounding, +but as that isn't material to the development of this story, we +will give her the benefit of the doubt and merely say that sensibly +she dressed in black. + +She was Mrs. Wrandall's closest friend and confidante. It was Mrs. +Rowe-Martin who rushed over and gave the smelling salts to Mrs. +Wrandall when that excellent lady collapsed on hearing that her son +Challis was going to marry the daughter of old Sebastian Gooch. It +was she who acted as spokeswoman for the distressed mother and told +the world--that is to say, THEIR world--that Sara was a scheming, +designing creature, whose sole aim in life was to get into the smart +set by the easiest way. It was she who comforted Mrs. Wrandall, after +the lamentable deed was done, by proclaiming from the house-tops +that old man Gooch's daughter should never enter society if she +could prevent it, and went so far as to invite Challis to all of +her affairs without asking his wife to accompany him, quite as if +she didn't know that he had a wife. (In speaking of her to Challis, +she invariably alluded to Sara as Miss Gooch, for something over +a year after the wedding--and might have gone on for ever had not +Mrs. Wrandall, senior, upset everything by giving a reception in +honour of her daughter-in-law: a bolt from a clear sky, you may +be sure, that left Mrs. Rowe-Martin stunned and bleeding on the +battlefield of a mistaken cause.) She never quite got over that +bit of treachery on the part of her very best friend, although she +made the best of it by slyly confiding to other stupefied persons +that Challis's father had taken the bit in his mouth,--God knows +why!--and that Mrs. Wrandall thought best to humour him for the +time being, at least. And it was she who came to Mrs. Wrandall in +her greatest trial and performed the gentlest deeds that one woman +can do for another when all the world has gone black and hateful +to her. When you put her to the real test, a woman will always rise +above herself, no matter how lofty she may have considered herself +beforehand. + +They were drinking tea, with the lemon left out. + +"My dear," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin, "I quite agree with you. Leslie +should be thinking of it." + +"It means so much to me, Harriet, his getting the right sort of girl. +I feel confident that he is interested--very deeply interested in +Miss Castleton." + +"I am so glad you like her." + +"She is a dear." + +"My sister has met her in London, and at one or two of the country +places. I was inquiring only yesterday. When I mentioned that she +is related to Lord Murgatroyd, Frances remembered her quite well. +She sees a lot of them, you know, during the season," explained +Mrs. Rowe-Martin affably. + +Mrs. Wrandall concealed her curiosity. In the most casual way she +remarked: + +"I must ask Miss Castleton if she remembers Mrs. Roodleigh." + +"Oh, I fancy she won't recall her," her friend made haste to say. +"Young girls are not likely to remember elderly persons whom they +meet--Oh, you might say in passing, for that's what it really is, +you know." + +"Still, if Frances knows the Murgatroyds so intimately it isn't +likely--" + +"Did I say she knew them intimately?" protested the other, somewhat +plaintively. "How like me! So stupid! As a matter of fact, my dear, +I don't believe Frances knows them at all--except as one knows people +in a general sort of way. Drawing-rooms, you know, and all that +sort of thing. Of course, every one knows Lord and Lady Murgatroyd. +Just as they might know the Duke of--well any one of the great +dukes, for that matter." + +"Or King George," added Mrs. Wrandall softly, without a perceptible +trace of spite. + +"She has met them, of course," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin defensively. +Somehow, a defence was called for; she couldn't sit there and say +nothing. + +Mrs. Wrandall changed the subject, or at least divided it. She put +the chaff aside, for that was what Mrs. Rowe-Martin's revelations +amounted to. + +"Leslie is such a steady, unimpressionable boy, you see," she said, +apropos of nothing. + +"And so good looking," added her friend beamingly. + +"It wouldn't be like him to make a mistake where his own happiness +and welfare are concerned," said the subject's mother, speaking +more truth than she knew, but not more than Mrs. Rowe-Martin knew. +That lady knew Leslie like a book. + +"And he is really devoted to her?" + +"I fear so," said her hostess, with a faint sigh. The other sighed +also. + +"My dear, it would be perfectly lovely. Why do you say that?" + +"I suppose it's the way all mothers feel. Of course, I want to be +sure that he is to be very, very happy." + +"That is perfectly natural. And he WILL be happy." + +If either of them recalled the strenuous efforts Mrs. Wrandall +had made a couple of years before to get her only daughter married +off to a degenerate young English duke, the thought was submerged +in the present sea of sentimentality. It speaks well for Vivian's +character that she flatly refused to be given in marriage, although +it appeared to be the fashion at the time. It was the year of the +coronation. + +"Miss Castleton is a most uncommon girl," said Mrs. Wrandall, again +apropos of nothing that had gone before. + +"Most English girls are," agreed her friend, scenting something. + +"I mean to say, she is so unlike the girls one sees in society. My +husband says she's level-headed. Sound as a rivet, he also says. +Nothing silly or flip about her, he adds when he is particularly +enthusiastic, and he knows I hate the word 'flip.' Of course he +means flippant. He is very much taken with her." + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin pondered a moment before risking her next remark. + +"I can't quite understand her taking up with Sara Gooch in this +fashion. You know what I mean. Sara is the last person in the world +you'd think a gently bred person would--" Here she pulled herself +up with a jerk. "I mean, of course, a gently bred girl. Naturally +she would appeal to men--and gently bred men, at that. But this +present intimacy--well, isn't it rather extraordinary?" + +Mrs. Wrandall drained her cup, without taking her eyes from the +face of her friend. + +"You must remember, my dear Harriet, that Miss Castleton looks upon +Sara as a Wrandall, not a Gooch. She was the wife of a Wrandall. +That covers everything so far as the girl is concerned. I dare say +she finds Sara amusing, interesting, and we all know she is kindness +itself. It doesn't surprise me that Miss Castleton admires her, or +that she loves her. Sara has improved in the last seven or eight +years." She said this somewhat loftily. + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin was most amiable. "She has, indeed, thanks to +propinquity." + +"And her own splendid intelligence," added Mrs. Wrandall. + +"Isn't it wonderful how superior they are when it comes to +intelligence?" cried her friend, almost plaintively. "I've noticed +it in shop-girls and manicures, over and over again." + +"Perhaps you got the effect by contrast," said Mrs. Wrandall, +pouring a little more tea into her friend's cup. Mrs. Rowe-Martin +was silent. "Sara deserves a lot of credit. She has made a position +for herself, a very decided position. We are all quite proud of +her." + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin was on very intimate terms with the Wrandall family +skeleton. She could afford to be plain spoken. + +"It is hard to reconcile your present attitude, my dear, to the +position you held a few years ago. Heaven knows you weren't proud +of her then. She was dirt beneath your feet." + +"My dear Harriet," said Mrs. Wrandall, without so much as the +flutter of an eyelid, "I am not saying that I would select her as +a daughter-in-law, even to-day. Don't misunderstand me." + +"I am not underestimating her splendid intelligence," said Mrs. +Rowe-Martin sharply, and her hostess was so long in working it out +that it was allowed to pass unresented. "I dare say she will marry +again," went on the speaker blandly. + +Sara's mother-in-law was startled. + +"It's rather early to suggest such a thing, isn't it?" she asked +reproachfully. + +"Forgive me," cried Mrs. Rowe-Martin, but she did not attempt to +unsay the words. She meant them to sink in when she uttered them. +It was commonly predicted in society that Challis Wrandall's wife +would further elevate herself by wedding the most dependable nobleman +who came along, and without any appreciable consideration for the +feelings of her late husband's family. + +"It is quite natural--and right--that she should marry," said Mrs. +Wrandall, after a moment's deliberation. "She is young and beautiful +and we sincerely hope she will find some one--But, my dear, aren't +we drifting? We were speaking of Leslie." + +"And Miss Castleton. You are quite satisfied, then? You don't feel +that he would be making a mistake?" + +Mrs. Wrandall touched her handkerchief to the corners of her eyes. + +"We could not possibly raise any objection to Miss Castleton, if +that is what you mean, Harriet," she said. + +"I am so glad you feel that way about it, my dear," said her friend, +touching her handkerchief to her lips. "It would grieve me more +than I can tell you if I thought you would have to go through with +another experience like that of--Forgive me! I won't distress you +by recalling those awful days. Poor, susceptible Challis!" + +"No," said Mrs. Wrandall firmly; "Leslie is safe. We feel quite +sure of him." + +The visitor was reflective. "I suppose there is no doubt that Miss +Castleton will accept him," she mused aloud. + +"We are assuming, of course, that Leslie means to ask her," said +Leslie's mother, with infinite patience. + +"I only mentioned it because it is barely possible she may have +other fish to fry." + +"Fish?" + +"A figure of speech, my dear." + +And it set Mrs. Wrandall to thinking. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +HAWKRIGHT's MODEL + + +Brandon Booth took a small cottage on the upper road, half way +between the village and the home of Sara Wrandall, and not far from +the abhorred "back gate" that swung in the teeth of her connections +by marriage. He set up his establishment in half a day and, being +settled, betook himself off to dine with Sara and Hetty. All his +household cares, like the world, rested snugly on the shoulders of +an Atlas named Pat, than whom there was no more faithful servitor in +all the earth, nor in the heavens, for that matter, if we are to +accept his own estimate of himself. In any event, he was a treasure. +Booth's house was always in order. Try as he would, he couldn't +get it out of order. Pat's wife saw to that. She was the cook, +housekeeper, steward, seamstress, nurse and everything else except +the laundress, and she would have been that if Booth hadn't put +his foot down on it. He was rather finicky about his bosoms, it +seems--and his cuffs, as well. + +Pat and Mary had been in the Booth family since the flood, so to +speak. As far back as Brandon could remember, the quaint Irishman +had been the same wrinkled, nut-brown, merry-eyed comedian that he +was to-day, and Mary the same serene, blarneying wife of the man. +They were not a day older than they were in the beginning. He +used to wonder if Methuselah knew them. When he set up bachelor +quarters for himself in New York, his mother bestowed these priceless +domestic treasures upon him. They journeyed up from Philadelphia +and complacently took charge of his destinies; no matter which +way they led or how diversified they may have been in conception, +Brandon's destinies always came safely around the circle to the +starting point with Pat and Mary atop of them, as chipper as you +please and none the worse for erosion. + +They stoutly maintained that one never gets too old to learn, a +conclusion that Brandon sometimes resented. + +He had been obliged to discharge three chauffeurs because Pat did +not get on well with them, and he had found it quite impossible +to keep a dog for the simple reason that Mary insisted on keeping +a cat--a most unamiable, belligerent cat at that. He would have +made home a hell for any well-connected dog. + +As he swung jauntily down the tree-lined road that led to Sara's +portals, Booth was full of the joy of living. Dusk was falling. +A soft bronze glowed in the western sky. Over the earth lay the +tranquil purple of spent refulgence, the after-glow of a red day, +for the sun had shone hot since early morn through a queer, smoky +screen of haze. There was a deep stillness over everything. Indolent +Nature slept in the shadows, as if at rest after the weary day, +with scarcely a leaf stirring. And yet there was a subtle coolness +in the air, the feel of a storm that was yet unborn--the imperceptible +shudder of a tempest that was drawing its first breath. + +Before the night was half gone, the storm would be upon them, +to revel for a while and then pass on, leaving behind it the dank +smell of a grateful earth. + +But Booth had no thought for the thing that was afar off. He was +thinking of the quarter-of-an-hour that came next in the wheel of +time, whose minutes were to check off the results of a fortnight's +anticipation. He had not seen either of the ladies of Southlook +in the past two weeks, but he had been under the spell of them so +sharply that they were seldom out of his thoughts. + +Sara was at the bottom of the terrace, moving among the flower +beds in the formal garden. He distinguished her from a distance: a +slender, graceful figure in black. A black scarf edged with maribou +covered her shoulders, the line of a white neck separating it from +the raven hue of her hair. He paused at the lower gate to look. +Then his gaze was drawn to the gleaming white figure at the top of +the terrace, outlined distinctly against the blue-black sky that +hung over the Sound. Hetty stood there, straight and motionless, +looking out over the water. So still was the evening wind that not +a flutter of her soft gown was noticeable. She was like a statue. + +At the sound of his footsteps on the gravel, Sara looked up and +instantly smiled her welcome. When Sara smiled the heart of man +responded, long in advance of his lips. Hers was the inviting, +mysterious smile of the Orient, with the eyes half shaded by +drooping, languorous lids: dusky, shadowy eyes that looked at you +as through a veil, and yet were as clear as crystal once you lost +the illusion. + +"It is so nice to see you again," she said, giving him her hand. + +"'My heart's in the highlands,'" he quoted, waving a vague tribute +to the heavens. "And it's nice of you to see me," he added gracefully. +Then he pointed up the terrace. "Isn't she a picture? 'Gad, it's +lovely--the whole effect. That picture against the sky--" + +He stopped short, and the sentence was never finished, although +she waited for him to complete it before remarking: + +"Her heart is not in the highlands." + +"You mean--something's gone wrong--" + +"Oh, no," she said, still smiling; "nothing like that. Her heart +is in the lowlands. You would consider Washington Square to be in +the lowlands, wouldn't you?" + +"Oh, I see," he said slowly. "You mean she's thinking of Leslie." + +"Who knows? It was a venture on my part, that's all. She may be +thinking of you, Mr. Booth." + +"Or some chap in old England, that's more like it," he retorted. +"She can't be thinking of me, you know. No one ever thinks of me +when I'm out of view. Out of sight, out of mind. No; she's thinking +of something a long way off--or some one, if you choose to have it +that way." + +"In that case, it isn't good for her to be thinking of things so +remote. Shall we shout 'halloa the house'?" + +He shot a glance at her and responded gallantly: "If she isn't +thinking of us, why should we be thinking of her? Is it too near the +dinner hour for you to let me sit here and rest before attempting +to climb all those steps? And will you sit beside me, as the good +Omar might have said?" He was fanning himself with his straw hat. + +She searched his face for a second, a smiling but inscrutable +expression in her eyes, and then sat down on the rustic bench at +the foot of the terrace. + +"Why didn't you let me send the motor for you?" she asked, as he +took his place beside her. + +"I mean to have an appetite in the country," he said, taking a +deep, full breath. "Motors don't aid the appetite. Aeroplanes are +better. I had a flight with a friend up in Westchester last week. +I was very hungry when I came down." + +[Illustration: Hetty stood there, straight and motionless, looking +out over the water] + +"We'll all be flying before we really know it," said she. "Hetty +tried it in France this spring. Have you seen Leslie this week?" + +"I've been in Philadelphia for a few days. Is he coming out on +Friday?" + +"Oh, yes. He comes so often nowadays that we call him a commuter." + +"Attractive spot, this," said he, with a significant glance up the +terrace. + +"So it would appear." + +"He's really keen about her?" + +She did not reply, but her smile meant more than words. + +"I am eager to get at the portrait," said he, after a moment. + +"Leslie tells me that you want to do me also," said she carelessly. + +He flushed. "Confound him! I suppose it annoys you, Mrs. Wrandall. +He shouldn't carry tales." + +"But do you?" + +"I should say I do," he cried warmly. "For my own pleasure and +satisfaction, you understand. There's nothing I'd like better." + +"We'll see how successfully you flatter Hetty," said she. "If it +is possible to make her prettier than she really is, you may paint +me. I shall be the first to fall at your feet and implore you to +make me beautiful." + +His eyes gleamed. "If I fail in that," said he warmly, "it will be +because I am without integrity." + +Again she smiled upon him with half-closed, shadowy eyes, and shook +her head. Then she arose. + +"Let us go in. Hetty is eager to see you again." + +They started up the terrace. His face clouded. + +"I have had a feeling all along that she'd rather not have this +portrait painted, Mrs. Wrandall. A queer sort of feeling that she +doesn't just like the idea of being put on canvas." + +"Nonsense," she said, without looking at him. + +"Of course, I could understand her not caring to give up the time +to it. It's a nuisance, I know. But it isn't that sort of feeling +I have about her attitude. There's something else. Doesn't she like +me?" + +"Of course she does," she exclaimed. "How ridiculous. She will love +it, once the picture is under way. It is the beginning of it that +disturbs her. Isn't that always the way?" + +"I am afraid you don't know women," said he banteringly. + +"By the way, have you been able to recall where you first saw her, +or is your memory still a blank?" she asked suddenly. + +"I can't think where it was or when," said he, "but I am absolutely +positive I've seen her before. Her face is not the kind one forgets, +you know." + +"It may come to you unexpectedly." + +"It's maddening, not to be able to remember." + +The dusk of night hid the look of relief that came into her eyes. + +Hetty met them at the top of the steps. The electric porch lights +had just been turned on by the butler. The girl stood in the path +of the light. Booth was never to forget the loveliness of her in +that moment. He carried the image with him on the long walk home +through the black night. (He declined Sara's offer to send him +over in the car for the very reason that he wanted the half-hour of +solitude in which to concentrate all the impressions she had made +on his fancy.) + +The three of them stood there for a few minutes, awaiting the +butler's announcement. Sara's arm was about Hetty's shoulders. He +was so taken up with the picture they presented that he scarcely +heard their light chatter. They were types of loveliness so full of +contrast that he marvelled at the power of Nature to create women +in the same mould and yet to model so differently. + +They were as near alike in height, figure and carriage as two +women could be, and yet there was a subtle distinction that left +him conscious of the fact that two vastly different strains of +blood ran through their veins. Apart, he would not have perceived +this marked difference in them. Hetty represented the violet, Sara +the pansy. The distinction may be subtile. However, it was the +estimate he formed in that moment of comparison. + +The English girl's soft white gown was cut low in the neck, her +shapely arms were bare. Sara's black covered her arms and shoulders, +even to the slender throat. The hair of both was black and rich +and alive with the gloss of health. The eyes of one were blue and +velvety, even in the glare of light that fell from above; those of +the other were black, Oriental, mysterious. + +As they entered the vestibule, a servant came up with the word that +Miss Castleton was wanted at the telephone, "long distance from +New York." + +The girl stopped in her tracks. Booth looked at her in mild surprise, +a condition which gave way an instant later to perplexity. The +look of annoyance in her eyes could not be disguised or mistaken. + +"Ask him to call me up later, Watson," she said quietly. + +"This is the third time he has called, Miss Castleton," said the +man. "You were dressing, if you please, ma'am, the first time--" + +"I will come," she interrupted sharply, with a curious glance at +Sara, who for some reason avoided meeting Booth's gaze. + +"Tell him we shall expect him on Friday," said Mrs. Wrandall. + +"By George!" thought Booth, as she left them. "I wonder if it can +be Leslie. If it IS--well, he wouldn't be flattered if he could +have seen the look in her eyes." + +Later on, he had no trouble in gathering that it WAS Leslie Wrandall +who called, but he was very much in the dark as to the meaning of +that expressive look. He only knew that she was in the telephone +room for ten minutes or longer, and that all trace of emotion was +gone from her face when she rejoined them with a brief apology for +keeping them waiting. + +He left at ten-thirty, saying good-night to them on the terrace. +Sara walked to the steps with him. + +"Don't you think her voice is lovely?" she asked. Hetty had sung +for them. + +"I dare say," he responded absently. "Give you my word, though, I +wasn't thinking of her voice. SHE is lovely." + +He walked home as if in a dream. The spell was on him. + +Far in the night, he started up from the easy chair in which he +had been smoking and dreaming and racking his brain by turns. + +"By Jove!" he exclaimed aloud. "I remember! I've got it! And +to-morrow I'll prove it." + +Then he went to bed, with the storm from the sea pounding about +the house, and slept serenely until Pat and Mary wondered whether +he meant to get up at all. + +"Pat," said he at breakfast, "I want you to go to the city this +morning and fetch out all of the STUDIOS you can find about the +place. The old ones are in that Italian hall seat and the late ones +are in the studio. Bring all of them." + +"There's a divvil of a bunch of thim," said Pat ruefully. + +He was not to begin sketching the figure until the following day. +After luncheon, however, he had an appointment to inspect Hetty's +wardrobe, ostensibly for the purpose of picking out a gown for the +picture. As a matter of fact, he had decided the point to his own +satisfaction the night before. She should pose for him in the dainty +white dress she had worn on that occasion. + +While they were going over the extensive assortment of gowns, +with Sara as the judge from whom there seemed to be no appeal, he +casually inquired if she had ever posed before. + +Two ladies' maids were engaged in flinging the costly garments +about as if they represented so much rubbish. The floor was littered +with silks and satins and laces. He was accustomed to this ruthless +handling of exquisite fabrics by eager ladies of wealth: it was +one way these pampered women had of showing their contempt for +possession. Gowns came from everywhere by the armload; from closets, +presses and trunks, ultimately landing in a conglomerate heap on +the floor when cast aside as undesirable by the artist, the model +and the censor. + +He watched her closely as he put the question. She was holding up +a beautiful point lace creation for his inspection, and there was +a pleading smile on her lips. It must have been her favourite gown. +The smile faded away. The hand that dangled the garment before +his eyes suddenly became motionless, as if paralysed. In the next +instant, she recovered herself, and, giving the lace a quick fillip +that sent its odour of sachet leaping to his nostrils, responded +with perfect composure. + +"Isn't there a distinction between posing for an artist, and sitting +for one's portrait?" she asked. + +He was silent. The fact that he did not respond seemed to disturb +her after a moment or two. She made the common mistake of pressing +the question. + +"Why do you ask?" was her inquiry. When it was too late she wished +she had not uttered the words. He had caught the somewhat anxious +note in her voice. + +"We always ask that, I think," he said. "It's a habit." + +"Oh," she said doubtfully. + +"And by the way, you haven't answered." + +She was busy with the gown for a time. At last she looked him full +in the face. + +"That's true," she agreed; "I haven't answered, have I? No, Mr. +Booth, I've never posed for a portrait. It is a new experience for +me. You will have to contend with a great deal of stupidity on my +part. But I shall try to be plastic." + +He uttered a polite protest, and pursued the question no farther. +Her answer had been so palpably evasive that it struck him as bald, +even awkward. + +Pat, disgruntled and irritable to the point of profanity,--he was +a privileged character and might have sworn if he felt like it +without receiving notice,--came shambling up the cottage walk late +that afternoon, bearing two large, shoulder-sagging bundles. He +had walked from the station,--a matter of half-a-mile,--and it was +hot. His employer sat in the shady porch, viewing his approach. + +"Have you got them?" he inquired. + +Pat dropped the bundles on the lower step and stared, speechless. +Then he mopped his drenched, turkey-red face with his handkerchief. +He got his breath after a spell of contemptuous snorting. + +"Have I got what?" he demanded sarcastically. "The measles?" + +"The STUDIOS, Patrick," said Booth reprovingly. + +"No, sor," said Pat; "I came absolutely empty-handed, as you may +have seen, sor." + +"I knew I couldn't be mistaken. I was confident I saw nothing in +your hands." + +"I kept thim closed, sor, so's you couldn't see what was r'ally +in thim. I've been wid you long enough, sor, to know how you hate +the sight av blisthers." + +"They must be quite a novelty to you, Patrick. I should think you'd +be proud of them." + +"Where am I to put them, sor?" + +"The blisters?" + +"Yis, sor." + +"On this table, if you please. And you might cut the strings while +you're about it." + +Pat put the bundles on the wicker table and cut the heavy twine +in dignified silence. Carefully rolling it up in a neat ball, he +stuck it in his pocket. Then he faced his employer. + +"Is there annyt'ing else, sor?" + +"I think not, at present." + +"Not aven a cup av tea, sor?" + +"No, thanks." + +"Thin, if you will excuse me, I'll go about me work. I've had a +pleasant day off, sor, thanks to ye. It's hard to go back to work +afther such a splindid spell of idleness. Heigho! I'd like to be +a gintleman av leisure all the time, that I would, sor. The touch +I've had av it to-day may be the sp'iling av me. If you're a smart +man, Mr. Brandon Booth, ye'll not be letting me off for a holiday +like this again very soon." + +Booth laughed outright. Pat's face wrinkled into a slow, forgiving +grin. + +"I love you, Pat," cried the painter, "in spite of the way you bark +at me." + +"It's a poor dog that don't know his own master," said Pat +magnanimously. "Whin you're t'rough wid the magazines, I'll carry +thim down to the cellar, sor." + +"What's the matter with the attic?" + +"Nothing at all, at all. I was only finking they'd be handier +for you to get at in the cellar. And it's a dom sight cooler down +there." + +With that he departed, blinking slyly. + +The young man drew a chair up to the table and began the task +of working out the puzzle that now seemed more or less near to +solution. He had a pretty clear idea as to the period he wanted to +investigate. To the best of his recollection, the Studios published +three or four years back held the key. He selected the numbers and +began to run through them. One after another they were cast aside +without result. In any other cause he would have tired of the quest, +but in this his curiosity was so commanding that he stuck to the +task without complaint. He was positive in his mind that what he +desired was to be found inside the covers of one of these magazines. +He was searching for a vaguely remembered article on one of the +lesser-known English painters who had given great promise at the +time it was published but who dropped completely out of notice soon +afterward because of a mistaken notion of his own importance. If +Booth's memory served him right, the fellow came a cropper, so to +speak, in trying to ride rough shod over public opinion, and went +to the dogs. He had been painting sensibly up to that time, but +suddenly went in for the most violent style of impressionism. That +was the end of him. + +There had been reproductions of his principal canvases, with sketches +and studies in charcoal. One of these pictures had made a lasting +impression on Booth: the figure of a young woman in deep meditation +standing in the shadow of a window casement from which she looked +out upon the world apparently without a thought of it. A slender young +woman in vague reds and browns, whose shadowy face was positively +illuminated by a pair of wonderful blue eyes. + +He came upon it at last. For a long time he sat there gazing at +the face of Hetty Castleton, a look of half-wonder, half-triumph +in his eyes. There could be no doubt as to the identity of the +subject. The face was hers, the lovely eyes were hers: the velvety, +dreamy, soulful eyes that had haunted him for years, as he now +believed. In no sense could the picture be described as a portrait. +It was a study, deliberately arranged and deliberately posed for in +the artist's studio. He was mystified. Why should she, the daughter +of Colonel Castleton, the grand-niece of an earl, be engaged in +posing for what evidently was meant to be a commercial product of +this whilom artist? + +He remembered the painting itself as he had seen it in the +exhibition at the National Academy when this fellow--Hawkright was +his name--was at the top of his promise as a painter. He remembered +going back to it again and again and marvelling at the subtle, +delicate beauty of the thing. Now he knew that it was the face, +and not the art of the painter that had affected him so enduringly. +The fellow had shown other paintings, but he recalled that none +of them struck him save this one. After all, it WAS the face that +made the picture memorable. + +Turning from this skilfully coloured full page reproduction, +he glanced at first casually over the dozen or more sketches and +studies on the succeeding pages. Many of them represented studies +of women's heads and figures, with little or no attempt to obtain +a likeness. Some were half-draped, showing in a sketchy way the +long graceful lines of the half-nude figure, of bare shoulders and +breasts, of gauze-like fabrics that but illy concealed impressive +charms. Suddenly his eyes narrowed and a sharp exclamation fell +from his lips. He bent closer to the pages and studied the drawings +with redoubled interest. + +Then he whistled softly to himself, a token of simple amazement. +The head of each of these remarkable studies suggested in outline +the head and features of Hetty Castleton! She had been Hawkright's +model! + +The next morning at ten he was at Southlook, arranging his easel +and canvas in the north end of the long living-room, where the light +from the tall French windows afforded abundant and well-distributed +light for the enterprise in hand. Hetty had not yet appeared. Sara, +attired in a loose morning gown, was watching him from a comfortable +chair in the corner, one shapely bare arm behind her head; the +free hand was gracefully employed in managing a cigarette. He was +conscious of the fact that her lazy, half-alert gaze was upon him +all the time, although she pretended to be entirely indifferent to +the preparations. Dimly he could see the faint smile of interest +on her lips. + +"By Jove," he exclaimed with sudden fervour, "I wish I could get +you just as you are, Mrs. Wrandall. Do you mind if I sketch you +in--just to preserve the pose for the future--" + +"Never!" she cried and forthwith changed her position. She laughed +at the look of disappointment in his face. + +"You've no idea how--er--attractive--" he began confusedly, but +broke off with a laugh. "I beg your pardon. I couldn't help it." + +"The potent appeal of a cigarette," she surmised shrewdly. + +"Not at all," he said promptly. He was a bit red in the face as he +turned to busy himself with the tubes and brushes. When he glanced +at her again, he found that she had resumed her former attitude. + +Hetty came in at that moment, calm, serene and lovelier than ever +in the clear morning light. She was wearing the simple white gown +he had chosen the day before. If she was conscious of the rather +intense scrutiny he bestowed upon her as she gave him her hand in +greeting, she did not appear to be in the least disturbed. + +"You may go away, Sara," she said firmly. "I shall be too dreadfully +self-conscious if you are looking on." + +Booth looked at her rather sharply. Sara indolently abandoned her +comfortable chair and left them alone in the room. + +"Shall we try a few effects, Miss Castleton?" he inquired, after +a period of constraint that had its effect on both of them. + +"I am in your hands," she said simply. + +He made suggestions. She fell into the positions so easily, so +naturally, so effectively, that he put aside all previous doubts +and blurted out: + +"You have posed before, Miss Castleton." + +She smiled frankly. "But not for a really truly portrait," she +said. "Such as this is to be." + +He hesitated an instant. "I think I recall a canvas by Maurice +Hawkright," he said, and at once experienced a curious sense of +perturbation. It was not unlike fear. + +Instead of betraying the confusion or surprise he expected, Miss +Castleton merely raised her eyebrows inquiringly. + +"What has that to do with me, Mr. Booth?" she asked. + +He laughed awkwardly. + +"Don't you know his work?" he inquired, with a slight twist of his +lip. + +"I may have seen his pictures," she replied, puckering her brow as +if in reflection. + +He stared for a second. + +"Why do you look at me in that way, Mr. Booth?" she cried, with a +nervous little laugh. + +"Do you mean to say you--er--that is, you don't know Hawkright's +work?" + +"Is that so very strange?" she inquired plaintively. + +"By Jove," he muttered, quite taken aback. "I don't understand. +I'm flabbergasted." + +"Please explain yourself," she said stiffly. + +"You must have a double somewhere, Miss Castleton," said he, still +staring. "Some one who looks enough like you to be--" + +"Oh," she cried, with a bright smile of understanding. "I see! Yes, +I have a double--a really remarkable double. Have you never seen +Hetty Glynn, the actress?" + +"I am sure I have not," he said, taking a long breath. It was one +of relief, he remembered afterward. "If she is so like you as all +that, I COULDN'T have forgotten her." + +"She is quite unknown, I believe," she went on, ignoring the implied +compliment. "A chorus-girl, or something like that. They say she +is wonderfully like me--or was, at least, a few years ago." + +He was silent for a few minutes, studying her face and figure with +the critical eye of the artist. As he turned to the canvas with his +crayon point, he remarked, with an unmistakable note of relief in +his voice: + +"That explains everything. It must have been Hetty Glynn who posed +for all those things of Hawkright's." + +"I dare say," said she indifferently. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE GHOST AT THE FEAST + + +The next day he appeared bright and early with his copy of the +Studio. + +"There," he said, holding it before her eyes. She took it from his +hands and stared long and earnestly at the reproduction. + +"Do you think it like me?" she inquired innocently. + +"Amazingly like you," he declared with conviction. + +She turned the page. He was watching her closely. As she looked upon +the sketches of the half-nude figure a warm blush covered her face +and neck. She did not speak for a full minute, and he was positive +that her fingers tightened their grasp on the magazine. + +"The same model," he said quietly. + +She nodded her head. + +"Hetty Glynn, I am sure," she said, after a pause, without lifting +her eyes. Her voice was low, the words not very distinct. + +He drew a long breath, and she looked up quickly. What he saw in +her honest blue eyes convicted her. + +Sara Wrandall came into the room at that moment. Hetty hastily +closed the magazine and held it behind her. Booth had intended to +show the reproduction to Mrs. Wrandall, but the girl's behaviour +caused him to change his mind. He felt that he possessed a secret +that could not be shared with Sara Wrandall, then or afterward. +Moreover, he decided that he would not refer to the Hawkright +picture again unless the girl herself brought up the subject. All +this flashed through his mind as he stepped forward to greet the +newcomer. + +When he turned again to Hetty, the magazine had disappeared. He +never saw it afterward, and, what is more to the point, he never +asked her to produce it. + +There was a marked change in Hetty's manner after that when they +were left alone together. She seemed inert, distrait and at times +almost unfriendly. There were occasions, however, when she went to +the other extreme in trying to be at ease with him. These transitions +were singularly marked. He could not fail to notice them. As for +himself, he was uncomfortable, ill-at-ease. An obvious barrier had +sprung up between them. + +When Sara was present, the girl seemed to be her old self, but at +no other time. Frequently during the sittings of the next few days +he caught her looking at him without apparently being aware of the +intensity of her gaze. He had the feeling that she was trying to +read his thoughts, but what impressed him more than anything else +was the increasing look of wonder and appeal that lurked in her +deep, questioning eyes. It seemed almost as if she were pleading +for mercy with them. + +He thought hard over the situation. The obvious solution came to +him: she had been at one time reduced to the necessity of posing, +a circumstance evidently known to but few and least of all to Sara +Wrandall, from whom the girl plainly meant to keep the truth. This +conviction distressed him, but not in the way that might have been +expected. He had no scruples about sharing the secret or in keeping +it inviolate; his real distress lay in the fear that Mrs. Wrandall +might hear of all this from other and perhaps ungentle sources. As +for her posing for Hawkright, it meant little or nothing to him. In +his own experience, two girls of gentle birth had served as models +for pictures of his own making, and he fully appreciated the exigencies +that had driven them to it. One had posed in the "altogether." She +was a girl of absolutely irreproachable character, who afterwards +married a chap he knew very well, and who was fully aware of +that short phase in her life. That feature of the situation meant +nothing to him. He was in no doubt concerning Hetty. She was what +she appeared to be: a gentlewoman. + +He began to experience a queer sense of pity for her. Her eyes +haunted him when they were separated; they dogged him when they +were together. More than once he was moved to rush over and take +her in his arms, and implore her to tell him all, to trust him with +everything. At such times the thought of holding the slim, warm, +ineffably feminine body in his arms was most distracting. He rather +feared for himself. If such a thing were to happen,--and it might +happen if the impulse seized him at the psychological moment of +least resistance,--the result in all probability would be disastrous. +She would turn on him like an injured animal and rend him! Alas, +for that leveller called reason! It spoils many good intentions. + +He admitted to himself that he was under the spell of her. It was +not love, he was able to contend; but it was a mysterious appeal +to something within him that had never revealed itself before. He +couldn't quite explain what it was. + +In his solitary hours at the cottage on the upper road, he was wont +to take his friend Leslie Wrandall into consideration. As a friend, +was it not his duty to go to him with his sordid little tale? Was +it right to let Wrandall go on with his wooing when there existed +that which might make all the difference in the world to him? He +invariably brought these deliberations to a close by relaxing into +a grim smile of amusement, as much as to say: "Serve him right, +anyway. Trust him to sift her antecedents thoroughly. He's already +done it, and he is quite satisfied with the result. Serve them all +right, for that matter." + +But then there was Hetty Glynn. What of her? Hetty Glynn, real or +mythical, was a disturbing factor in his deductions. If there was +a real Hetty Glynn and she was Hetty Castleton's double, what then? + +On the fifth day of a series of rather prolonged and tedious +sittings, he was obliged to confine his work to an hour and a half +in the forenoon. Mrs. Wrandall was having a few friends in for +auction-bridge immediately after luncheon. She asked him to stay +over and take a hand, but he declined. He did not play bridge. + +Leslie was coming out on an evening train. Booth, in commenting +on this, again remarked a sharp change in Hetty's manner. They had +been conversing somewhat buoyantly up to the moment he mentioned +Leslie's impending visit. In a flash her manner changed. A quick +but unmistakable frown succeeded her smiles, and for some reason +she suddenly relapsed into a state of reserve that was little short +of sullen. He was puzzled, as he had been before. + +The day was hot. Sara volunteered to take him home in the motor. +An errand in the village was the excuse she gave for riding over +with him. Heretofore she had sent him over alone with the chauffeur. + +She looked very handsome, very tempting, as she came down to the +car. + +"By Jove," he said to himself, "she is wonderful!" + +He handed her into the car with the grace of a courtier, and she +smiled upon him serenely, as a princess might have smiled in the +days when knighthood was in flower. + +When she sat him down at his little garden gate, he put the +question that had been seething in his mind all the way down the +shady stretch they had traversed. + +"Have you ever seen Hetty Glynn, the English actress?" + +Sara was always prepared. She knew the question would come when +least expected. + +"Oh, yes," she replied, with interest. "Have you noticed the resemblance? +They are as like as two peas in a pod. Isn't it extraordinary?" + +He was a bit staggered. "I have never seen Hetty Glynn," he replied. + +"Oh? You have seen photographs of her?" she inquired casually. + +"What has become of her?" he asked, ignoring her question. "Is she +still on the stage?" + +"Heaven knows," she replied lightly. "Miss Castleton and I were +speaking of her last night. We were together the last time I saw +her. Who knows? She may have married into the nobility by this +time. She was a very poor actress, but the loveliest thing in the +world--excepting OUR Hetty, of course." + +If he could have seen the troubled look in her eyes as she was whirled +off to the village, he might not have gone about the cottage with +such a blithesome air. He was happier than he had been in days, +and all because of Hetty Glynn! + +Leslie Wrandall did not arrive by the evening train. He telephoned +late in the afternoon, not to Hetty but to Sara, to say that he was +unavoidably detained and would not leave New York until the next +morning. + +Something in his voice, in his manner of speaking, disturbed her. +She went to bed that night with two sources of uneasiness threatening +her peace of mind. She scented peril. + +The motor met him at the station and Sara was waiting for him in the +cool, awning-covered verandah as he drove up. There was a sullen, +dissatisfied look in his face. She was stretched out comfortably, +lazily, in a great chaise-longue, her black little slippers peeping +out at him with perfect abandonment. + +"Hello," he said shortly. She gave him her hand. "Sorry I couldn't +get out last night." He shook her hand rather ungraciously. + +"We missed you," she said. "Pull up a chair. I was never so lazy +as now. Dear me, I am afraid I'll get stout and gross." + +"Spring fever," he announced. He was plainly out of sorts. "I'll +stand, if you don't mind. Beastly tiresome, sitting in a hot, stuffy +train." + +He took a couple of turns across the porch, his eyes shifting in +the eager, annoyed manner of one who seeks for something that, in +the correct order of things, ought to be plainly visible. + +"Please sit down, Leslie. You make me nervous, tramping about like +that. We can't go in for half an hour or more." + +"Can't go in?" he demanded, stopping before her. He began to pull +at his little moustache. + +"No. Hetty's posing. They won't permit even me to disturb them." + +He glared. With a final, almost dramatic twist he gave over jerking +at his moustache, and grabbed up a chair, which he put down beside +her with a vehemence that spoke plainer than words. + +"I say," he began, scowling in the direction of the doorway, "how +long is he going to be at this silly job?" + +"Silly job? Why, it is to be a masterpiece," she cried. + +"I asked you how long?" + +"Oh, how can I tell? Weeks, perhaps. One can't prod a genius." + +"It's all tommy-rot," he growled. "I suppose I'd better take the +next train back to town." + +"Don't you like talking with me?" she inquired, with a pout. + +"Of course I do," he made haste to say. "But do you mean to say +they won't let anybody in where--Oh, I say! This is rich!" + +"Spectators upset the muse, or words to that effect." + +He stared gloomily at his cigarette case for a moment. Then he +carefully selected a cigarette and tapped it on the back of his +hand. + +"See here, Sara, I'm going to get this off my chest," he said +bluntly. "I've been thinking it over all week. I don't like this +portrait painting nonsense." + +"Dear me! Didn't you suggest it?" she inquired innocently, but all +the time her heart was beating violent time to the song of triumph. + +He was jealous. It was what she wanted, what she had hoped for all +along. Her purpose now was to encourage the ugly flame that tortured +him, to fan it into fury, to make it unendurable. She knew him +well: his supreme egoism could not withstand an attack upon its +complacency. Like all the Wrandalls, he had the habit of thinking +too well of himself. He possessed a clearly-defined sense of +humour, but it did not begin to include self-sacrifice among its +endowments. He had never been able to laugh at himself for the +excellent reason that some things were truly sacred to him. + +She realised this, and promptly laughed at him. He stiffened. + +"Don't snicker, Sara," he growled. He took time to light his cigarette, +and at the same time to consider his answer to her question. "In +a way, yes. I suggested a sort of portrait, of course. A sketchy +thing, something like that, you know. But not an all-summer +operation." + +"But she doesn't mind," explained Sara. "In fact, she is enjoying +it. She and Mr. Booth get on famously together." + +"She likes him, eh?" + +"Certainly. Why shouldn't she like him? He is adorable." + +He threw his cigarette over the railing. "Comes here every day, I +suppose?" + +"My dear Leslie, he is to do me as soon as he has finished with +her. I don't like your manner." + +"Oh," he said in a dull sort of wonder. No one had ever cut him +short in just that way before. "What's up, Sara? Have I done anything +out of the way?" + +"You are very touchy, it seems to me." + +"I'm sore about this confounded portrait monopoly." + +"I'm sorry, Leslie. I suppose you will have to give in, however. +We are three to one against you,--Hetty, Mr. Booth and I." + +"I see," he said, rather blankly. Then he drew his chair closer. +"See here, Sara, you know I'm terribly keen about her. I think about +her, I dream about her, I--oh, well, here it is in a nutshell: I'm +in love with her. Now do you understand?" + +"I don't see how you could help being in love with her," she said +calmly. "I believe it is a habit men have where she is concerned." + +"You're not surprised?" he cried, himself surprised. + +"Not in the least." + +"I mean to ask her to marry me," he announced with finality. This +was intended to bowl her over completely. + +She looked at him for an instant, and then shook her head. "I'd +like to be able to wish you good luck." + +He stared. "You don't mean to say she'd be fool enough--" he began +incredulously, but caught himself up in time. "Of course, I'd have +to take my chances," he concluded, with more humility than she had +ever seen him display. "Do you know of any one else?" + +"No," she said seriously. "She doesn't confide in me to that extent, +I fear. I've never asked." + +"Do you think there was any one back there in England?" He put it +in the past tense, so to speak, as if there could be no question +about the present. + +"Oh, I dare say." + +He was regaining his complacency. "That's neither here nor there," +he declared. "The thing I want you to do, Sara, is to rush this +confounded portrait. I don't like the idea, not a little bit." + +"I don't blame you for being afraid of the attractive Mr. Booth," +she said, with a significant lifting of her eyebrows. + +"I'm going to have it over with before I go up to town, my dear +girl," he announced, in a matter-of-fact way. "I've given the whole +situation a deuce of a lot of thought, and I've made up my mind to +do it. I'm not the sort, you know, to delay matters once my mind's +made up. By Jove, Sara, YOU ought to be pleased. I'm not such a +rotten catch, if I do say it who shouldn't." + +She was perfectly still for a long time, so still that she did +not appear to be breathing. Her eyes grew darker, more mysterious. +If he had taken the pains to notice, he would have seen that her +fingers were rigid. + +"I AM pleased," she said, very softly, even gently. + +She could have shrieked the words. + +He showed no elation. Why should he? He took it as a matter of +course. Settling back in his chair, he lit another cigarette, first +offering the case to her, but she shook her head. Then he lapsed +into a satisfied discussion of the situation as it appeared to him. +All the while she was regarding him with a thoroughly aroused light +in her dark eyes. She was breathing quickly again, and there were +moments when she felt a shudder rush through her veins, as of +exquisite excitement. + +How she hated all these smug Wrandalls! + +"I came to the decision yesterday," he went on, tapping the arm of +the chair with his finger tips, as if timing his words with care +and precision. "Spoke to dad about it at lunch. I was for coming +out on the five o'clock, as I'd planned, but he seemed to think +I'd better talk it over with the mater first. Not that she would +be likely to kick up a row, you know, but--well, for policy's sake. +See what I mean? Decent thing to do, you know. She never quite got +over the way you and Chal stole a march on her. God knows I'm not +like Chal." + +Her eyes narrowed again. "No," she said, "you are not like your +brother." + +"Chal was all right, mind you, in what he did," he added hastily, +noting the look. "I would do the same, 'pon my soul I would, if there +were any senseless objections raised in my case. But, of course, +it WAS right for me to talk it over with her, just the same. So +I stayed in and gave them all the chance to say what they thought +of me--and, incidentally, of Hetty. Quite the decent thing, don't +you think? A fellow's mother is his mother, after all. See what I +mean?" + +"And she was appeased?" she said, in a dangerously satirical tone. + +"Hardly the word, old girl, but we'll let it stand. She WAS appeased. +Wanted to be sure, of course, if I knew my own mind, and all that. +Just as if I didn't! Ha! Ha! I was considerate enough to ask her +if she was satisfied I wasn't marrying beneath the family dignity. +'Gad, she got off a rather neat one at that. Said I might marry under +the family tree if I felt like it. Rather good, eh, for mother? I +said I preferred a church. Nothing al fresco for me." + +"She is quite satisfied, then, that you are not throwing yourself +away on Miss Castleton," said Sara, with a deep breath, which he +mistook for a sigh. + +"Oh, trust mother to nose into things. She knows Miss Castleton's +pedigree from the ground up. There's Debrett, you see. What's more, +you can't fool her in a pinch. She knows blood when she sees it. +Father hasn't the same sense of proportion, however. He says you +never can tell." + +Sara was startled. "What do you mean?" + +"Oh, it's nothing to speak of; only a way he has of grinding mother +once in a while. He uses you as an example to prove that you never +can tell, and mother has to admit that he's right. You have upset +every one of her pet theories. She sees it now, but--whew! She +couldn't see it in the old days, could she?" + +"I fear not," said she in a low voice. Her eyes smouldered. "It +is quite natural that she should not want you to make the mistake +your brother made." + +"Oh, please don't put it that way, Sara. You make me feel like a +confounded prig, because that's what it comes to, with them, don't +you know. And yet my attitude has always been clear to them where +you're concerned. I was strong for you from the beginning. All that +silly rot about--" + +"Please, please!" she burst out, quivering all over. + +"I beg your pardon," he stammered. "You--you know how I mean it, +dear girl." + +"Please leave me out of it, Leslie," she said, collecting herself. +After a moment she went on calmly: "And so you are going to marry +my poor little Hetty, and they are all pleased with the arrangement." + +"If she'll have me," he said with a wink, as if to say there wasn't +any use doubting it. "They're tickled to death." + +"Vivian?" + +"Viv's a snob. She says Hetty's much too good for me, blood and bone. +What business, says she, has a Wrandall aspiring to the descendant +of Henry the Eighth." + +"What!" + +"The Murgatroyds go back to old Henry, straight as a plummet. +'Gad, what Vivvy doesn't know about British aristocracy isn't worth +knowing. She looked it up the time they tried to convince her she +ought to marry the duke. But she's fond of Hetty. She says she's +a darling. She's right: Hetty is too good for me." + +Sara swished her gown about and rose gracefully from the chaise-longue. +Extending her hand to him she said, and he was never to forget the +deep thrill in her voice: + +"Well, I wish you good luck, Leslie. Don't take no for an answer." + +"Lord, if she SHOULD say no," he gasped, confronted by the possibility +of such stupidity on Hetty's part. "You don't think she will?" + +Her answer was a smile of doubt, the effect of which was to destroy +his tranquillity for hours. + +"It is time for luncheon. I suppose we'll have to interrupt them. +Perhaps it is just as well, for your sake," she said tauntingly. + +He grinned, but it was a sickly effort. + +"You're the one to spoil anything of that sort," he said, with some +ascerbity. + +"I?" + +"Certainly," he said with so much meaning in the word that she +flushed. + +"Oh, I see," she mused, with understanding. "Can't you trust Vivian +to do that for you?" There was intense irony in the question. + +He laughed disdainfully. "Vivvy wouldn't stand a ghost of a chance +with you, take it from me." He stopped abruptly at the doorway, a +frown of recollection creasing his seamless brow. "Oh, that reminds +me, there is something else I want to discuss with you, Sara. After +luncheon will be time enough. Remind me of it, will you?" + +"Not if it is to be unpleasant," she replied, with a sudden chill +in her heart. + +"It's this, in a word: Viv would like to have Miss Castleton over +to spend a month or so with her after the--well, after the house +is open." He came near to saying after the engagement was announced. + +Sara's decision was made at once. Her face hardened. + +"That is quite out of the question, Leslie," she said. + +"We can discuss it, can't we?" he demanded loftily. + +She did not condescend to reply. They were now in the wide hallway, +and she was a step or two ahead of him. Voices could be heard +in the recess at the lower end of the hall, beyond the staircase, +engaged in what appeared to be a merry exchange of opinions. He +caught the sound of a low laugh from Booth. There was something +acutely subdued about it, as if a warning had been whispered by +some one. Leslie's sensitive imagination pictured the unseen girl +with her finger to her lips. + +He caught up with Sara, and, curiously red in the face, snapped +out with dogged insistence: + +"Mother is set on having her come, Sara. Can't you see the way the +land lays? They--" + +Hetty and Booth came into view at that instant, and his lips were +closed. The painter was laying a soft, filmy scarf over the girl's +bare shoulders as he followed close behind her. + +"Hello!" he cried, catching sight of Wrandall. "Train late, old +chap? We've been expecting you for the last hour. How are you?" + +He came up with a frank, genuine smile of pleasure on his lips, +his hand extended. Leslie rose to the occasion. His self-esteem was +larger than his grievance. He shook Booth's hand heartily, almost +exuberantly. + +"Didn't want to disturb you, Brandy," he cried, cheerily. "Besides, +Sara wouldn't let me." He then passed on to Hetty, who had lagged +behind. Bending low over her hand, he said something commonplace in +a very low tone, at the same time looking slyly out of the corner +of his eye to see if Booth was taking it all in. Finding that his +friend was regarding him rather fixedly, he obeyed a sudden impulse +and raised the girl's slim hand to his lips. As suddenly he released +her fingers and straightened up with a look of surprise in his eyes; +he had distinctly heard the agitated catch in her throat. She was +staring at her hand in a stupefied sort of way, holding it rigid +before her eyes for a moment before thrusting it behind her back as +if it were a thing to be shielded from all scrutiny save her own. + +"You must not kiss it again, Mr. Wrandall," she said in a low, +intense voice. Then she passed him by and hurried up the stairs, +without so much as a glance over her shoulder. + +He blinked in astonishment. All of a sudden there swept over him +the unique sensation of shyness--most unique in him. He had never +been abashed before in all his life. Now he was curiously conscious +of having overstepped the bounds, and for the first time to be +shown his place by a girl. This to him, who had no scruples about +boundary lines! + +All through luncheon he was volatile and gay. There was a bright +spot in his cheek, however, that betrayed him to Sara, who already +suspected the temper of his thoughts. He talked aeroplaning +without cessation, directing most of his conversation to Booth, yet +thrilled with pleasure each time Hetty laughed at his sallies. He +was beginning to feel like a half-baked schoolboy in her presence, +a most deplorable state of affairs he had to admit. + +"If you hate the trains so much, and your automobile is out +of whack, why don't you try volplaning down from the Metropolitan +tower?" demanded Booth in response to his lugubrious wail against +the beastly luck of having to go about in railway coaches with a +lot of red-eyed, nose-blowing people who hadn't got used to their +spring underwear as yet. + +"Sinister suggestion, I must say," he exclaimed. "You must be eager +to see my life blood scattered all over creation. But, speaking +of volplaning, I've had three lessons this week. Next week Bronson +says I'll be flying like a gull. 'Gad, it's wonderful. I've had two +tumbles, that's all,--little ones, of course,--net result a barked +knee and a peeled elbow." + +"Watch out you're not flying like an angel before you get through +with it, Les," cautioned the painter. "I see that a well-known +society leader in Chicago was killed yesterday." + +"Oh, I love the danger there is in it," said Wrandall carelessly. +"That's what gives zest to the sport." + +"I love it, too," said Hetty, her eyes a-gleam. "The glorious feel +of the wind as you rush through it! And yet one seems to be standing +perfectly still in the air when one is half a mile high and going +fifty miles an hour. Oh, it is wonderful, Mr. Wrandall." + +"I'll take you out in a week or two, Miss Castleton, if you'll +trust yourself with me." + +"I will go," she announced promptly. + +Booth frowned. "Better wait a bit," he counselled. "Risky business, +Miss Castleton, flying about with fledgelings." + +"Oh, come now!" expostulated Wrandall with some heat. "Don't be a +wet blanket, old man." + +"I was merely suggesting she'd better wait till you've got used to +your wings." + +"Jimmy Van Wickle took his wife with him the third time up," said +Leslie, as if that were the last word in aeroplaning. + +"It's common report that she keeps Jimmy level, no matter where +she's got him," retorted Booth. + +"I dare say Miss Castleton can hold me level," said Leslie, with +a profound bow to her. "Can't you, Miss Castleton?" + +She smiled. "Oh, as for that, Mr. Wrandall, I think we can all +trust you to cling pretty closely to your own level." + +"Rather ambiguous, that," he remarked dubiously. + +"She means you never get below it, Leslie," said Booth, enjoying +himself. + +"That's the one great principle in aeroplaning," said Wrandall, +quick to recover. "Vivian says I'll break my neck some day, but +admits it will be a heroic way of doing it. Much nobler than pitching +out of an automobile or catapulting over a horse's head in Central +Park." He paused for effect before venturing his next conclusion. +"It must be ineffably sublime, being squashed--or is it squshed?--after +a drop of a mile or two, isn't it?" + +He looked to see Miss Castleton wince, and was somewhat dashed to +find that she was looking out of the window, quite oblivious to +the peril he was in figuratively for her special consideration. + +Booth was acutely reminded that the term "prig" as applied +to Leslie was a misnomer; he hated the thought of the other word, +which reflectively he rhymed with "pad." + +It occurred to him early in the course of this rather one-sided +discussion that their hostess was making no effort to take part +in it, whether from lack of interest or because of its frivolous +nature he was, of course, unable to determine. Later, he was struck +by the curious pallor of her face, and the lack-lustre expression +of her eyes. She seldom removed her gaze from Wrandall's face, +and yet there persisted in the observer's mind the rather uncanny +impression that she did not hear a word her brother-in-law was +saying. He, in turn, took to watching her covertly. At no time did +her expression change. For reasons of his own, he did not attempt +to draw her into the conversation, fascinated as he was by the +study of that beautiful, emotionless face. Once he had the queer +sensation of feeling, rather than seeing, a haunted look in her eyes, +but he put it down to fancy on his part. Doubtless, he concluded, +the face or voice or manner of her husband's brother recalled +tragic memories from which she could not disengage herself. But +undoubtedly there was something peculiar in the way she looked at +Leslie through those dull, unblinking eyes. It was some time before +Booth realised that she made but the slightest pretence of touching +the food that was placed before her by the footman. + +And Leslie babbled on in blissful ignorance of, not to say disregard +for, this strange ghost at the feast, for, to Booth's mind, the +ghost of Challis Wrandall was there. + +Turning to Miss Castleton with a significant look in his eyes, meant +to call her attention to Mrs. Wrandall, he was amazed to find that +every vestige of colour had gone from the girl's face. She was +listening to Wrandall and replying in monosyllables, but that she +was aware of the other woman's abstraction was not for an instant +to be doubted. Suddenly, after a quick glance at Sara's face, she +looked squarely into Booth's eyes, and he saw in hers an expression +of actual concern, if not alarm. + +Leslie was in the middle of a sentence when Sara laughed aloud, +without excuse or reason. The next instant she was looking from one +to the other in a dazed sort of way, as if coining out of a dream. + +Wrandall turned scarlet. There had been nothing in his remarks to +call for a laugh, he was quite sure of that. Flushing slightly, +she murmured something about having thought of an amusing story, +and begged him to go on, she wouldn't be rude again. + +He had little zest for continuing the subject and sullenly disposed +of it in a word or two. + +"What the devil was there to laugh at, Brandy?" he demanded of his +friend after the women had left them together on the porch a few +minutes later. Hetty had gone upstairs with Mrs. Wrandall, her arm +clasped tightly about the older woman's waist. + +"I dare say she was thinking about you falling a mile or two," said +Booth pleasantly. + +But he was perplexed. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +MAN PROPOSES + + +The young men cooled their heels for an hour before word was +brought down to them that Mrs. Wrandall begged to be excused for +the afternoon on account of a severe headache. Miss Castleton was +with her, but would be down later on. Meanwhile they were to make +themselves at home, and so on and so forth. + +Booth took his departure, leaving Leslie in sole possession of +the porch. He was restless, nervous, excited; half-afraid to stay +there and face Hetty with the proposal he was determined to make, +and wholly afraid to forsake the porch and run the risk of missing +her altogether if she came down as signified. Several things +disturbed him. One was Hetty's deplorable failure to hang on his +words as he had fondly expected her to do; and then there was that +very--disquieting laugh of Sara's. A hundred times over he repeated +to himself that sickening question: "What the devil was there to +laugh at?" and no answer suggested itself. He was decidedly cross +about it. + +Another hour passed. His heels were quite cool by this time, but +his blood was boiling. This was a deuce of a way to treat a fellow +who had gone to the trouble to come all the way out in a stuffy +train, by Jove, it was! With considerable asperity he rang for a +servant and commanded him to fetch a time table, and to be quick +about it, as there might be a train leaving before he could get +back if it took him as long to find it as it took other people to +remember their obligations! His sarcasm failed to impress Murray, +who said he thought there was a schedule in Mrs. Wrandall's room, +and he'd get it as soon as the way was clear, if Mr. Wrandall didn't +mind waiting. + +"If I minded waiting," snapped Leslie, "I wouldn't be here now." + +"It's the thing most people object to in the country, sir," said +Murray consolingly. "Waiting for trains, sir." + +"And the sunset," added Mr. Wrandall pointedly, with a westward +glare. + +"We don't mind that, sir. We rather look forward to it. It means +one day less of waiting for the trains." It was rather cryptic, +but Leslie was too deeply absorbed in self-pity to take account of +the pathos in Murray's philosophy. + +"What time is it, Murray?" + +"Five-twenty, Mr. Wrandall." + +"That's all, Murray." + +"Thank you, sir." + +As the footman was leaving, Sara's automobile whirled up to the +porte-cochere. + +"Who is going out, Murray?" he called in surprise. + +"Miss Castleton, sir. For the air, sir." + +"The deuce you say!" gasped the harassed Mr. Wrandall. It was a +pretty kettle of fish! + +Hetty appeared a few minutes later, attired for motoring. + +"Oh, there you are," she said, espying him. "I am going for a spin. +Want to come along?" + +He swallowed hard. The ends of his moustache described a pair of +absolutely horizontal exclamation points. "If you don't mind being +encumbered," he remarked sourly. + +"I don't in the least mind," said she sweetly. + +"Where are you going?" he asked without much enthusiasm. He wasn't +to be caught appearing eager, not he. Besides, it wasn't anything +to be flippant about. + +"Yonder," she said, with a liberal sweep of her arm, taking in the +whole landscape. "And be home in time to dress for dinner," she +added, as if to relieve his mind. + +"Good Lord!" he groaned, "do we have to eat again?" + +"We have to dress for it, at least," she replied. + +"I'll go," he exclaimed, and ambled off to secure a cap and coat. + +"Sara has planned for a run to Lenox to-morrow if it doesn't rain," +she informed him on his return. + +"Oh," he said, staring. "Booth gets a day off on the portrait then." + +"Being Sunday," she smiled. "We knock off on Sundays and bank +holidays. But, after all, he doesn't really get a holiday. He is +to go with us, poor fellow." + +He looked as though he expected nothing. He could only sit back +and wonder what the deuce Sara meant by behaving like this. + +It was not by way of being a profitable excursion, if we are to +judge by the amount of pleasure Leslie derived from the two hours' +spin through the cool, leafy byways of the forest with the object +of his heart's desire on the seat beside him. He tried to screw up +his courage to the point of asking her why he shouldn't kiss her +band, which might have opened the way to more profound interrogations, +but somehow he felt unable to cope with the serenity that confronted +him. Moreover, he had a horrible conviction that the chauffeur +was a brute with abnormally long ears and a correspondingly short +sense of honour. No, it was not the time or the place for love-making. +He would have to be content to bide his time till after dinner, +which now began to lose some of its disadvantages. There was a most +engaging nook, he remembered, in the corner of the garden facing +the Sound, where the shadows were deep; where sentiment could thrive +on its own ecstasy; where no confounded menial dared to show his +face--although he had to admit that the chauffeur was most punctilious +in that respect. + +And so he was satisfied to sit back in the corner of the seat and +feed his senses on the lovely creature before him. He had never seen +her so beautiful, so utterly worth having as now. He was conscious +of a great, overwhelming sense of pride, somewhat smothering in +its vastness. She was a creature to be proud of! His heart was very +full. + +They returned at seven. Dinner was unusually merry. Sara appeared +to have recovered from her indisposition; there was colour in her +cheeks and life in her smile. He took it to be an omen of good +fortune, and was immeasurably confident. The soft cool breezes of +the star-lit night blew visions of impending happiness across his +lively imagination; fanned his impatience with gentle ardour; filled +him with supressed sighs of contentment, and made him willing to +forego the delight of conquest that he might live the longer in +serene anticipation of its thrills. + +Ten o'clock came. He arose and stretched himself in a sort of +ecstasy. His heart was thumping loudly, his senses swam. Walking +to the verandah rail he looked out across the moonlit Sound, then +down at the selected nook over against the garden wall--spot to +be immortalised!--and actually shivered. In ten minutes' time, or +even less, she would be down there in his arms! Exquisite meditations! + +He turned to her with an engaging smile, in which she might have +discerned a prophecy, and asked her to come with him for a stroll +along the wall. And so he cast the die. + +Hetty sent a swift, appealing look at Sara's purposely averted +face. Leslie observed the act, but misinterpreted its meaning. + +"Oh, it is quite warm," he said quickly. "You won't need a wrap," +he added, and in spite of himself his voice trembled. Of course +she wouldn't need a wrap! + +"I have a few notes to write," said Sara, rising. She deliberately +avoided the look in Hetty's eyes. "You will find me in the library." + +She stood in the doorway and watched them descend to the terrace, +a sphinx-like smile on her lips. Hetty seemed very tall and erect, +as one going to meet a soldier's fate. + +Then Sara entered the house and sat down to wait. + +A long time after a door closed stealthily in a distant part of +the house--the sun-parlour door, she knew by direction. + +A few minutes later an upstairs door creaked on its hinges. Some +one had come in from the mellow night, and some one had been left +outside. + +Many minutes passed. She sat there at her father's writing table +and waited for the other to come in. At last quick, heavy footfalls +sounded on the tiled floor outside and then came swiftly down the +hall toward the small, remote room in which she sat. She looked up +as he unceremoniously burst into the room. + +He came across and stood over her, an expression of utter bewilderment +in his eyes. There was a ghastly smile on his lips. + +"Damn it all, Sara," he said shrilly, "she---she turned me down." + +He seemed incapable of comprehension. + +She was unmoved. Her eyes narrowed, but that was the only sign of +emotion. + +"I--I can't believe--" he began querulously. "Oh, what's the use? +She won't have me. 'Gad! I'm trembling like a leaf. Where's Watson? +Have him get me something to drink. Never mind! I'll get it from +the sideboard. I'm--I'm damned!" + +He dropped heavily into a chair at the end of the table and looked +at her with glazed eyes. As she stared back at him she had the +curious feeling that he had shrunk perceptibly, that his clothes +hung rather limply on him. His face seemed to have lost all of its +smart symmetry; there was a looseness about the mouth and chin that +had never been there before. The saucy, arrogant moustache sloped +dejectedly. + +"I fancy you must have gone about it very badly," she said, pursing +her lips. + +"Badly?" he gasped. "Why--why, good heavens, Sara, I actually pleaded +with her," he went on, quite pathetically. "All but got down on my +knees to her. Damn me, if I can understand myself doing it either. +I must have lost my head completely. Begged like a love-sick school-boy! +And she kept on saying no--no--no! And I, like a blithering ass, +kept on telling her I couldn't live without her, that I'd make her +happy, that she didn't know what she was saying, and--But, good +Lord, she kept on saying no! Nothing but no! Do--do you think she +meant to say no? Could it have been hysteria? She said it so often, +over and over again, that it might have been hysteria. I never +thought of that. I--" + +"No, Leslie, it wasn't hysteria, you may be sure of that," she said +deliberately. "She meant it, old fellow." + +He sagged deeper in the chair. + +"I--I can't get it through my head," he muttered. + +"As I said before, you did it badly," she said. "You took too much +for granted. Isn't that true?" + +"God knows I didn't EXPECT her to refuse me," he exclaimed, glaring +at her. "Would I have been such a fool as to ask her if I thought +there was the remotest chance of being--" The very thought of the +word caused it to stick in his throat. He swallowed hard. + +"You really love her?" she demanded. + +"Love her?" There was a sob in his voice. "I adore her, Sara. I +can't live without her. And the worst of it is, I love her now more +than I did before, Oh, it's appalling! It's horrible! What am I to +do, Sara? What AM I to do?" + +"Be a man for a little while, that's all," she said coolly. + +"Don't joke with me," he groaned. + +"Go to bed, and when you see her in the morning tell her that you +understand. Thank her for what she has done for you. Be--" + +"Thank her?" he almost shouted. + +"Yes; for destroying all that is detestable in you, Leslie,--your +self-conceit, your arrogance, your false notions concerning +yourself,--in a word, your egotism." + +He blinked incredulously. "Do you know what you're saying?" he +gasped. + +She went on as if she hadn't heard him. + +"Assure her that she is to feel no compunction for what she has +done, that you are content to be her loyal, devoted friend to the +end of your days." + +"But, hang it, Sara, I LOVE her!" + +"Don't let her suspect that you are humiliated. On the contrary, +give her to understand that you are cleansed and glorified." + +"What utter tommy--" + +"Wait! Believe me, it is your only chance. You will have to learn +some time that you can't ride rough-shod among angels. Think it +over, old fellow. You have had a good lesson. Profit by it." + +"You mean I'm to sit down and twirl my thumbs and let some other +chap snap her up under my very nose? Well, I guess not!" + +"Not necessarily. If you take it manfully, she may discover a new +interest in you. Don't breathe a word of love to her. Go on as if +nothing had happened. Don't forget that I told you in the beginning +not to take no for an answer." + +He drooped once more, biting his lip. "I don't see how I can ever +tell mother that she refused--" + +"Why tell her?" she inquired, rising. + +His eyes brightened. "By Jove, I shan't," he exclaimed. + +"I am going up to the poor child now," she went on. "I dare say +you have frightened her almost to death. Naturally she is in great +distress. I shall try to convince her that her decision does not +alter her position in this house. I depend on you to do your part, +Leslie. Make it easy for her to stay on with me." + +He mellowed to the verge of tears. + +"I can't keep on coming out here after this, as I've been doing, +Sara." + +"Don't be silly! Of course you can. This will blow over." + +"Blow over?" he almost gasped. + +"I mean the first effects. Try being a martyr for a while, Leslie. +It isn't a bad plan, I can assure you. It may interest you to know +that Challis proposed to me three times before I accepted him, and +yet I--I loved him from the beginning." + +"By Jove!" he exclaimed, coming to his feet with a new light in +his eyes. The hollows in his cheeks seemed to fill out perceptibly. + +"Good-night!" + +"I say, Sara dear, you'll--you'll help me a bit, won't you? I mean, +you'll talk it over with her and--" + +"My sympathy is entirely with Miss Castleton," she said from the +doorway. His jaw dropped. + +He was still ruminating over the callousness of the world in respect +to lovers when she mounted the stairs and tapped firmly on Hetty's +door. + +His hopes began to revive. A new thought had entered in and lodged +securely among them, bracing them up amazingly. "By Jove," he said +to himself, staring hard at the floor, "I dare say I did go about +it badly. Sara was clever enough to see it. I must have taken her +off her feet with my confounded earnestness. Girls do lose their +heads, bless 'em, if you go at them with a rush. I'm sure she'll +look at it differently when she's had time to compose herself." +He was perplexed, however, over something he had not revealed to +Sara, and his sudden frown proved that it was still disturbing him. +"I can't for the life of me understand why she should have been so +damned horrified at the idea." + +He started for the dining-room, recalling his need of a drink, +but changed his mind in the hall. Grabbing up his hat and stick, +he darted out of the house and was soon swinging briskly down the +moonlit avenue. He had come to the conclusion that a long walk +would prove settling; and moreover it wasn't a stupid idea to go +over and have his drink with Brandon Booth. The longer he walked, +the more springy his stride. Sara was quite right; he HAD gone +about it badly. He'd go about it differently next time. + +Half way to Booth's cottage his pace slackened. A disconcerting +thought struck him, almost like a dash of cold water in the face: +Was she in love with Booth? He sat down on the rugged stone fence +to ponder. A cold perspiration broke out all over him. When he +next resumed his walk, his back was towards Booth's cottage. He +attributed the perspiration to the violence of his exercise. + +Hetty Castleton was standing in the middle of her room when Sara +entered. From her position, it was evident that she had stopped +short in her nervous, excited pacing of the floor. She was very +pale but there was a dogged, set expression about her mouth. + +"Come in, dear," she said, in a manner that showed she had been +expecting the visit. "Have you seen him?" + +Sara closed the door, and then stood with her back against it, +regarding her agitated friend with serious, compassionate eyes. + +"Yes. He is terribly upset. It was a blow to him, Hetty." + +"I am sorry for him, Sara. He was so dreadfully in earnest. But, +thank God, it is over!" She threw back her head and breathed deeply. +"That horrible, horrible nightmare is ended. I suppose it had to +be. But the mockery of it--think of it, Sara!--the damnable mockery +of it!" + +"Poor Leslie!" sighed the other. "Poor old Leslie." + +Hetty's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, I AM sorry for him. He didn't +deserve it. God in heaven, if he really knew everything! If he knew +why I could not listen to him, why I almost screamed when he held +my hands in his and begged--actually begged me to--Oh, it was +ghastly, Sara!" + +She covered her face with her hands, and swayed as if about to fall. +Sara came quickly to her side. Putting an arm about the quivering +shoulders, she led the girl to the broad window seat and threw open +the blinds. + +"Don't speak of it, dearest,--don't think of THAT. Sit here quietly +in the air and pull yourself together. Let me talk to you. Let me +tell you how deeply distressed I am, not only on your account, but +his." + +They were silent for a long time, the girl lying still and almost +breathless against the other's shoulders. She was still wearing +the delicate blue dinner gown, but in her fingers was the exquisite +pearl necklace Sara had given her for Christmas. She had taken it +off and had forgotten to drop it in her jewel box. + +"I suppose he will go up to the city early," she said monotonously. + +"Leslie is a better loser than you think, my dear," said Sara, +looking out over the tops of the cedars. "He will not run away." + +Hetty looked up in alarm. "You mean he will persist in--in his +attentions," she cried. + +"Oh, no. I don't believe you will find him to be the bugbear you +imagine. He can take defeat like a man. He is devoted to you, he +is devoted to me. Your decision no doubt wrecks his fondest hope +in life, but it doesn't make a weakling of him." + +"I don't quite understand--" + +"He is sustained by the belief that he has paid you the highest +honour a man can pay to a woman. There is no reason why he should +turn his back on you, as a sulky boy might do. No, my dear, I think +you may count on him as your best, most loyal friend from this night +on. He has just said to me that his greatest pain lies in the fear +that you may not be willing to accept him as a simple, honest, +unpresuming friend since--" + +"Oh, Sara, if he will only be that and nothing more!" cried the +girl wonderingly. + +Sara smiled confidently. "I fancy you haven't much to fear in that +direction, my dear. It isn't in Leslie Wrandall's make-up to court +a second repulse. He is all pride. The blow it suffered to-night +can't be repeated--at least, not by the same person." + +"I am so sorry it had to be Leslie," murmured Hetty. + +"Be nice to him, Hetty. He deserves that much of you, to say the +least. I should miss him if he found it impossible to come here on +account of--" + +"I wouldn't have that happen for the world," cried the girl +in distress. "He is your dearest friend. Send me away, Sara, if +you must. Don't let anything stand in the way of your friendship +for Leslie. You depend on him for so much, dear. I can't bear the +thought of--" + +"Hush, dearest! You are first in my love. Better for me to lose +all the others and still have you." + +The girl looked at her in wonder for a long time. "Oh, I know you +mean it, Sara, but--but how can it be true?" + +"Put yourself in my place," was all that Sara said in reply, and +her companion had no means of translating the sentence. + +She could only remain mute and wondering, her eyes fixed on that +other mystery: the cameo face in the moon that hung high above the +sombre forest. + +"If it were not for the trip to Lenox," she murmured plaintively. + +"The trip is off," announced Sara. She too was staring at the +cloudless sky. "There will be rain tomorrow." + +"It is very clear to-night, Sara." + +"Do you hear that little wail in the trees--as if a child were +whimpering out there? That is the plaint of the fairies who live +in the buds and twigs, in the flower cups and mosses. They famish, +their gods will hear. Their gods hear when ours is deaf. You will +see. There will be clouds over us to-morrow and we will breathe +the mist." + +The girl shivered. + +Many minutes afterward she said, as one who marvels: "I hear the +promise in the wind, Sara,--the new, cool wind." + +"The gods are whispering. Soon the fairies and elves will come +forth to revel. Ah, what a wonderful thing the night is!" + +"The fairies," mused the girl. "You believe in them?" + +"Resolutely." + +"And I too." + +"We will never grow old, my dear," said Sara. "That is what the +fairies are for: to keep those who love them young." + +Hetty had relaxed. Her soft young body was warm again; that ineffably +feminine charm was revived in her. + +"Poor Leslie," murmured Sara, a long time afterward, a dreamy note +in her voice. "I can't put him out of my thoughts. He will never +get over it. I have never seen one so stricken and yet so brave. +He would have been more than a husband to you, Hetty. It is in him +to be a slave to the woman he loves. I know him well, poor boy." + +Hetty was silent, brooding. Sara resumed her thoughtful observations. + +"Why should you let what happened months ago stand in the way of--" + +She got no farther than that. With an exclamation of horror, the +girl sprang away from her and glowered at her with dilated eyes. + +"My God, Sara!" she whispered hoarsely. "Are you mad?" + +The other sighed. "I suppose you must think it of me," she said +dismally. "We are made differently, you and I. If I cared for a man, +nothing in all this world could stand between me and him. My love +would fortify me against the enemy we are prone to call conscience. +It would justify me in slaying the thing we call conscience. In +your heart, Hetty, you have not wronged Leslie Wrandall by any act +of yours. You owe him no reparation. On the contrary, it is not far +out of the way to say that he owes you something, but of course it +is a claim for recompense and resolves itself into a sentimental +debt, so there's really no use discussing it." + +Hetty was still staring. "You don't mean to say you would have me +marry Challis Wrandall's brother?" she said, in a sort of stupefaction. + +Sara shook her head. "I mean this: you would be justified in +permitting Leslie to glorify that which his brother desecrated; +your womanhood, my dear." + +"My God, Sara!" again fell in a hoarse whisper from the girl's +lips. + +"I simply voice my point of view," explained Sara calmly. "As I +said before, we look at things differently." + +"I can't believe you mean what you have said," cried Hetty. +"Why--why, if I loved him with all my heart, soul and body I could +not even think of--Oh, I shudder to think of it!" + +"I love you," continued Sara, fixing her mysterious eyes on those +of the girl, "and yet you took from me something more than a brother. +I love you, knowing everything, and I am paying in full the debt +he owes to you. Leslie, knowing nothing, is no less your debtor. +All this is paradoxical, I know, my dear, but we must remember that +while other people may be indebted to us, we also owe something +to ourselves. We ought to take pay from ourselves. Please do not +conclude that I am urging or even advising you to look with favour +upon Leslie Wrandall's honourable, sincere proposal of marriage. I +am merely trying to convince you that you are entitled to all that +any man can give you in this world of ours,--we women all are, for +that matter." + +"I was sure that you couldn't ask me to marry him. I couldn't +believe--" + +"Forget what I have said, dearest, if it grieves you," cried Sara +warmly. She arose and drew the girl close to her. "Kiss me, Hetty." +Their lips met. The girl's eyes were closed, but Sara's were wide +open and gleaming. "It is because I love you," she said softly, +but she did not complete the sentence that burned in her brain. +To herself she repeated: "It is because I love you that I would +scourge you with Wrandalls!" + +"You are very good to me, Sara," sobbed Hetty. + +"You WILL be nice to Leslie?" + +"Yes, yes! If he will only let me be his friend." + +"He asks no more than that. Now, you must go to bed." + +Suddenly, without warning, she held the girl tightly in her arms. +Her breathing was quick, as of one moved by some sharp sensation +of terror. When Hetty, in no little wonder, opened her eyes Sara's +face was turned away, and she was looking over her shoulder as if +cause for alarm had come from behind. + +"What is it?" cried Hetty anxiously. + +She saw the look of dread in her companion's eyes, even as it began +to fade. + +"I don't know," muttered Sara. "Something, I can't tell what, came +over me. I thought some one was stealing up behind me. How silly +of me." + +"Ah," said Hetty, with an odd smile, "I can understand how you +felt." + +"Hetty, will you take me in with you to-night?" whispered Sara +nervously. "Let me sleep with you. I can't explain it, but I am +afraid to be alone to-night." The girl's answer was a glad smile +of acquiescence. "Come with me, then, to my bedroom while I change. +I have the queerest feeling that some one is in my room. I don't +want to be alone. Are you afraid?" + +Hetty held back, her face blanching. + +"No, I am not afraid," she cried at once, and started toward the +door. + +"There IS some one in this room," said Sara a few moments later, +when they were in the big bedroom down the hall. + +"I--I wonder," murmured Hetty. + +And yet neither of them looked about in search for the intruder! + +Far into the night Sara sat in the window of Hetty's dressing-room, +her chin sunk low in her hands, staring moodily into the now opaque +night, her eyes sombre and unblinking, her body as motionless as +death itself. The cooling wind caressed her and whispered warnings +into her unheeding ears, but she sat there unprotected against +its chill, her night-dress damp with the mist that crept up with +sinister stealth from the sea. + +In the flats below, a vast army of frogs shrilled in ceaseless +chatter; night birds and insects responded to the bedlam challenge; +the hoarse monotonous grunts of a fog-horn came up from the Sound. +There were people out there, asleep in passage. + +A cat mewed piteously somewhere in the garden. She was curiously +disturbed by this. She hated cats. There had never been one on the +place before. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE APPROACH OF A MAN NAMED SMITH + + +Mr. Redmond Wrandall, grey and gaunt and somewhat wistful, rode +slowly through the leafy lane, attended some little distance behind +by Griggs the groom, who slumped in the saddle and thought only of +the sylvan dell to curse it with poetic license. (Ever since Mr. +Wrandall had been thrown by his horse in the Park a few years +before his wife had insisted on having a groom handy in case he lost +his seat again: hence Griggs.) It sometimes got on Mr. Wrandall's +nerves, having Griggs lopping along like that, but there didn't +seem to be any way out of it, nor was there the remotest likelihood +that the groom himself might one day be spilled and broken in many +places while engaged in this obnoxious espionage. + +Mr. Wrandall was grey because he was old, he was gaunt because he +was old, and he usually was somewhat wistful for the same reason. +He nourished the lament that he had grown old before his time, +despite the sixty odd years that lay behind him. He was always +a trifle annoyed with himself for not having demanded more of +his youth. Griggs, therefore, was a physical insult, any way you +looked at him: his very presence in the road behind was a blatant, +house-top sort of proclamation that he, Redmond Wrandall, was in +his dotage, and that was something Mr. Wrandall would never have +admitted if he had had anything to say about it. + +To-day he was riding over to Southlook to visit his daughter-in-law +and one whom he looked upon as a prospective daughter-in-law. It +was Wednesday and the family had been in the country since Monday. +His wife and Vivian had motored over on Tuesday. They were letting +no grass grow under their feet, notwithstanding a sudden and +unexplained period of procrastination on the part of Leslie, who +had gone off for a fortnight's fishing in Maine. Moreover, so far +as they knew, he had departed without proposing to Miss Castleton: +an oversight which deprived his mother of at least two weeks of +activity along obvious lines. Naturally, it was quite impossible +to discuss the future with Miss Castleton under the circumstances, +and it was equally out of the question to discuss it with security +in the very constricted circle that Mrs. Wrandall affected in the +country. It really was too bad of Leslie! He should have known +better. + +Half way to Southlook, Mr. Wrandall, turning a bend in the road, +caught sight of two people walking some distance ahead: a man and +a woman. They were several hundred yards away, and travelling in +the direction he was going. He pulled his horse down to a walk, a +circumstance that for the moment escaped the attention of Griggs, +who rode alongside before he quite realised what had happened. + +"Griggs," said his master, staring at the pedestrians, "when did +my son return?" + +Griggs grasped the situation at a glance--a rather vague and imperfect +glance, however. "This morning, sir," he replied promptly, although +he was as much at sea as his master. + +"I understood Mrs. Wrandall to say he was not expected before +Saturday." + +"Yes, sir. He came unexpected, sir." + +"Well," said Mr. Wrandall, with an indulgent smile, "we will not +ride them down." + +"No, indeed, sir," consented Griggs, with a wink that Mr. Wrandall +did not see. + +The pleased, satisfied smile grew on Redmond Wrandall's gaunt old +face: not reminiscent, I am bound to say, yet reflective. + +The tall young man and the girl far ahead apparently were not aware +of the scrutiny. They appeared to be completely absorbed in each +other. At last, coming to a footpath diverging from the macadam, they +stopped and parleyed. Then they turned into this narrow, tortuous +path over the hillside and were lost to view. + +Mr. Wrandall's smile broadened as he touched his horse lightly +with the crop. Coming to the obscure little bypath, he shot a +surreptitious glance into the fastnesses of the wood, but did not +slacken his speed. No one was in sight. + +"I dare say the danger is past, Griggs," he said humorously. "They +are safe." + +"I believe you, sir," said Griggs, also forgetting himself so far +as to steal a look over his right shoulder. + +It was Mr. Wrandall's design to ride on to Southlook and surprise +Leslie and his inamorata at the lodge gates, where he would wait +for them. Arriving there, he dismounted and turned his steed over +to Griggs, with instructions to ride on. He would join Mr. Leslie +and Miss Castleton and walk with them for the remainder of the +distance. + +He sat down on the rustic bench and lighted a cigar. The lodge-keeper +saluted him from the garden below. Later the keeper's small son +came up and from the opposite side of the roadway regarded him with +the wide, curious gaze of a four-year-old. Mr. Wrandall disliked +children. He made no friendly overtures. The child stood his +ground, which was in a sense disconcerting, although he couldn't +tell why. He felt like saying "shoo!" Presently the keeper's collie +came up and sniffed his puttees, all the while looking askance. +Mr. Wrandall said: "Away with you," and the dog retreated with some +dignity to the steps where he laid down and fixed his eyes on the +stranger. + +Half-an-hour passed. Mr. Wrandall frowned as he looked at his watch. +Another quarter of an hour went by. He changed his position, and +the dog lifted his head, without wagging his tail. + +"'Pon my soul," said Mr. Wrandall in some annoyance. + +Just then the dog and the child deflected their common stare. He +was at first grateful, then interested. The child was beaming, the +dog's tail was thumping a merry tattoo on the wooden step. Footsteps +crunched on the gravel and he turned to look, although it was not +the direction from which he expected his son and Miss Castleton. + +He came to his feet, plainly perplexed. Miss Castleton approached, +but the fellow beside her was not Leslie. + +"How are you, Mr. Wrandall?" called out the young man cheerily, +crossing the road. + +"Good afternoon, Brandon," said Mr. Wrandall, nonplussed. "How do +you do, Miss Castleton? Delighted to see you looking so well. Where +did you leave my son?" + +"Haven't seen him," said Booth. "Is he back?" + +Mr. Redmond Wrandall swallowed hard. + +"I was so informed," he replied, with an effort. + +"Are you not coming up to the house, Mr. Wrandall?" inquired Miss +Castleton, and he thought he detected a note of appeal in her voice. + +"Certainly," he announced, taking his place beside her. To himself +he was saying: "This young blade has been annoying her, confound +him." + +"Miss Castleton had a note from Leslie this morning, saying he +wouldn't start home till Friday," said Booth, puzzled. "You don't +mind my saying so, Miss Castleton?" + +"Not at all. I am sure he said Friday." + +"I fancy he did say Friday," said Mr. Wrandall. "I think Griggs +had been drinking." + +"Griggs?" inquired the two in unison. + +He volunteered no more than that. He was too busily engaged in wondering +what his son could be thinking of, to leave this delightful girl +to the tender mercies of a handsome, fascinating chap like Brandon +Booth. He didn't relish the look of things. She was agitated, +suspiciously so; and Booth wasn't what one would describe as perfectly +at ease. There was something in the air, concluded Leslie's father. + +"I hear you are coming over to spend a fortnight with us, Miss +Castleton," said he pleasantly. + +Hetty started. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Wrandall," she said, although +he had spoken very distinctly. + +"Leslie mentioned it a--oh, some time ago, my dear. This is the +first time I have seen you, otherwise I should have added my warmest +appeal for you to come early and to stay late. Ha-ha! Hope you will +find your way to our place, Brandon. You are always a most welcome +visitor." + +The girl walked on in silence, her lips set with curious firmness. +Booth looked at her and indulged in a queer little smile, to which +she responded with a painful flush. + +"Vivian expects to have a few friends out at the same time--very +quietly, you know, and without much of a hurrah. Young ladies you +ought to know in New York, my dear Miss Castleton. I dare say you +will remember all of them, Brandon." + +"I dare say," said Booth, without interest. + +"I understand the portrait is finished," went on the old gentleman, +blissfully oblivious to the disturbance he had created. "Mrs. +Wrandall says it is wonderful, Brandon. You won't mind showing it +to me? I am very much interested." + +"Glad to have you see it, sir." + +"Thanks." + +He slackened his pace, an uneasy frown appearing between his eyes. + +"I am almost afraid to tell Sara the news we have had from town +this morning. She is so opposed to notoriety and all that sort of +thing. Poor girl, she's had enough to drive one mad, I fear, with +all that wretched business of a year ago." + +Hetty stopped in her tracks. She went very white. + +"What news, Mr. Wrandall?" + +"They say they have stumbled upon a clew,--an absolutely indisputable +clew. Smith had me on the wire this morning. He is the chief operative, +you understand, Miss Castleton. He informs me that his original +theory is quite fully substantiated by this recent discovery. If +you remember, he gave it as his opinion a year ago that the woman +was not--er--I may say, of the class catalogued as fast. He is +coming out to-morrow to see me." + +Things went suddenly black before her eyes, but in an instant she +regained control of herself. + +"They have had many clews, Mr. Wrandall," she complained, shaking +her head. + +"I know," he replied; "and this one may be as futile as the rest. +Smith appears to be absolutely certain this time, however." + +"I understood that Mrs. Wrandall--I mean Mrs. Challis Wrandall--refused +to offer a reward," said Booth. "These big detective agencies are +not keen about--" + +"There is a ten thousand dollar reward still standing, Brandon," +said Mr. Wrandall. + +Again the girl started. + +"That isn't generally known, sir," observed the painter. "Leslie +told me there was no reward." + +"It was privately arranged," explained Leslie's father. + +They came in sight of the house at that moment, and the subject +was dropped, for Sara was approaching them in earnest conversation +with Mr. Carroll, her lawyer. + +They met at the edge of the lower basin, where the waters trickled +down from an imposing Italian fountain on the level above, forming +a deep, clear pool to which the lofty sky lent unfathomable depths. +To the left of the basin there was a small tea-house, snug in the +shadow of the cypresses that lined the crest of the hill. A series +of rough stone steps wound down to the water's edge and the boathouse. + +"Mr. Carroll is the bearer of startling news, Mr. Wrandall," said +Sara, after the greetings. There was a trace of the sardonic in +her voice. + +"Indeed?" said Mr. Wrandall gravely. + +"I was not aware, sir," said the old lawyer stiffly, and with a +positive glare, "that your detectives were such unmitigated asses +as they now appear to be." + +"I fail to understand, Mr. Carroll," with considerable loftiness. + +"That confounded rascal Smith called to see me this morning, sir. +He is a rogue, sir. He--" + +"I beg your pardon, Mr. Carroll," protested Mr. Wrandall, in a far +from conciliatory manner. + +"It seems, in short, that he has been working on a very intimate +clew," said Sara, staring fixedly at her father-in-law's face. + +"So he informed me over the 'phone this morning," said he, rather +taken a-back. "However, he did not go into the details. I am here, +Sara, to tell you that he is coming out to-morrow. I want to ask +you to come over to my place at--" + +"That is out of the question, sir," exclaimed Mr. Carroll vehemently. + +"My dear Mr. Carroll--" began Wrandall angrily, but Sara interrupted +him to suggest that they talk it over in the tea-house. She would +ring for tea. + +"If you will excuse me, Mrs. Wrandall, I think I will be off," said +Booth. + +"Please stay, Mr. Booth," she urged. "I would like to have you +here." + +She fell behind with Hetty. The girl's eyes were glassy. + +"Don't be alarmed," she whispered. + +Booth pressed the button for her. "Thank you. You will be surprised, +Mr. Wrandall, to hear that the new clew leads to a member of your +own family." + +Mr. Wrandall was in the act of sitting down. At her words he dropped. +His eyes bulged. + +"Good God!" + +"It appears that Mr. Smith suspects--ME!" said she coolly. + +Her father-in-law's lips moved, but no sound issued. His face was +livid. + +"The stupid fool!" hissed the irate Mr. Carroll. + +There was deathly silence for a moment following this outburst. +Every face was pale. In Hetty's there was an expression of utter +horror. Her lips too were moving. + +"He has, it seems, put one thing and another together, as if it +were a picture puzzle," went on Sara. "His visit to Mr. Carroll +this morning was for the purpose of ascertaining how much it would +be worth to me if he dropped the case--NOW." + +"The infernal blackmailer!" gasped Mr. Wrandall, finding his voice. +"I will have him kicked off the place if he comes to me with--My +dear, my dear! You cannot mean what you say." + +He was in a shocking state of bewilderment. + +"I'd advise you to call off your infernal blackmailer, Mr. Redmond +Wrandall," snarled Mr. Carroll, pacing back and forth. + +"My dear sir," stammered the other, "I--I--do you mean to imply +that I know anything about this infamous business?" + +"He is your dog, not ours," declared the lawyer, pacing the brick +floor. + +"Peace, gentlemen," admonished Sara. "Let us discuss it calmly." + +"Calmly?" gasped Mr. Wrandall. + +"Calmly!" snapped the lawyer. + +"At least deliberately. It appears, Mr. Wrandall, that Smith has +been working on the theory all along that it was I who went to the +inn with Challis. You recall the description given of the woman? She +was of my size and figure, they said at the time. Well, he has--" + +"It is infamous!" shouted Mr. Wrandall, springing to his feet. +"He shall hear from me to-night. I shall have him lodged in jail +before--" + +"You will do nothing of the sort," interrupted Sara firmly. "I think +you will do well to hear his side of the story. And remember, sir, +that it would be very difficult for me to establish an alibi." + +"Bless me!" groaned the old man. Then his eyes brightened. "But +Miss Castleton can prove that for you, my dear. Don't forget Miss +Castleton." + +"Miss Castleton did not come to me, you should remember, until after +the--the trouble. It occurred the second night after my arrival +from Europe. Mr. Smith has discovered that I was not in my rooms +at the hotel that night." + +"You were not?" fell from Mr. Wrandall's lips. "Where were you?" + +"I spent the night in our apartment--alone." She shivered as with +a chill as she uttered these words. + +"What!" + +"Leslie met me at the dock. He said that Challis had gone away +from town for a day or two. The next day I telephoned to the garage +and asked them to send the big car to me as I wanted to make some +calls. They said that Mr. Wrandall had discharged the chauffeur +a week or two before and had been using my little French runabout +for a few days, driving it himself. I then instructed them to send +the runabout around with one of their own drivers. You can imagine +my surprise when I was told that Mr. Wrandall had taken the car +out that morning and had not returned with it." + +"I see," said Mr. Wrandall, beads of perspiration standing on his +forehead. + +"He had not left town. I will not try to describe my feelings. Late +in the afternoon, I called them up again. He had not returned. It +was then that I thought of going to the apartment, which had been +closed all winter. Watson and his wife were to go in the next day +by my instructions. Challis had been living at a club, I believe. +Somehow, I had the feeling that during the night my husband would +come to the apartment--perhaps not alone. You understand. I went +there and waited all night. That is the story. Of course, it is known +that I did not spend the night at the hotel. Mr. Smith evidently +has learned as much. It is on this circumstance that he bases his +belief." + +Booth was leaning forward, breathless with interest. + +"May I enquire, Mr. Carroll, how the clever Mr. Smith accounts for +the secrecy observed by Mr. Wrandall and his companion, if, as he +proclaims, you were the woman? Is it probable that husband and wife +would have been so mysterious?" + +Mr. Carroll answered. "He is rather ingenious as to that, Mr. +Booth. You must understand that he does not specifically charge +my cli--Mrs. Wrandall with the murder of her husband. He merely +arranges his theories so that they may be applied to her with +a reasonable degree of assurance. He only goes this far in his +deductions: If, as he has gleaned, Challis Wrandall was engaged +in an illicit--er--we'll say distraction--with some one unknown to +Sara his wife, what could be more spectacular than her discovery +of the fact and the subsequently inspired decision to lay a trap +for him? Of course, it is perfect nonsense, but it is the way he +goes about it. It has been established beyond a doubt that Wrandall +met the woman at a station four miles down the line from Burton's +Inn. She came out on one of the local trains, got off at this +station as prearranged, and found him waiting for her. Two men, +you will recall, testified to that effect at the inquest sixteen +months ago. She was heavily veiled. She got in the motor and drove +off with him. This was at half past eight o'clock in the evening. +Smith makes this astounding guess; the woman instead of being the +person expected, was in reality his wife, who had by some means +intercepted a letter. Our speculative friend Smith is not prepared +to suggest an arrest on these flimsy claims, but he believes it to +be worth Mrs. Wrandall's while to have the case permanently closed, +rather than allow these nasty conclusions to get abroad. They would +spread like wildfire. Do you see what I mean?" + +"It is abominable!" cried Hetty, standing before them with flashing +eyes. "I KNOW she did not--" + +"Hetty, my dear!" cried Sara sharply. + +The girl looked at her for a moment in a frenzied way, and then +turned aside, biting her lips to keep back the actual confession +that had rushed up to them. + +"It is blackmail," repeated Mr. Wrandall miserably. + +"In the most diabolical form," augmented Carroll. "The worst of it +is, Wrandall, we can't stop his tongue unless we fairly choke him +with greenbacks. All he has to do is to give the confounded yellow +journals an inkling of his suspicions, and the job is done. It seems +to be pretty well understood that the crime was not committed by a +person in the ordinary walks of life, but by one who is secure in +the protection of mighty influences. There are those who believe +that his companion was one of the well-known and prominent young +matrons in the city, many of whom were at one time or another interested +in him in a manner not at all complimentary. Smith suggests--mind +you, he merely suggests--that the person who was to have met Wrandall +in the country that night was so highly connected that she does +not dare reveal herself, although absolutely innocent of the crime. +Or, it is possible on the other hand, he says, that she may consider +herself extremely lucky in failing to keep her appointment and +thereby alluring him to take up with another, after she had written +the letter breaking off the engagement,--said letter not having +been received by him because it had fallen into the hands of his +wife. Do you see? It is ingenious, isn't it?" + +"What is to be done?" groaned Mr. Wrandall, in a state of collapse. +He was sitting limply back in the chair, crumpled to the chin. + +"The sanest thing, I'd suggest," said Booth sarcastically, "is the +capture of the actual perpetrator of the deed." + +"But, confound them," growled Carroll, "they say they can't." + +"I shall withdraw my offer of reward," proclaimed the unhappy +father, struggling to his feet. "I never dreamed it could come to +such a pass as this. You DO believe me, don't you, Sara, my child--my +daughter? God hear me, I never--" + +"Oh," said she cuttingly, "you, at least, are innocent, Mr. +Wrandall." + +He looked at her rather sharply. + +"The confounded fellow is coming to see me to-morrow," he went on +after a moment of indecision. "I shall be obliged to telephone to +the city for my attorney to come out also. I don't believe in taking +chances with these scoundrels. They--" + +"May I enquire, sir, why you entrusted the matter to a third rate +detective agency when there are such reputable concerns as the +Pinkertons or--" began Mr. Carroll bitingly. + +Mr. Wrandall held up his hand deprecatingly. + +"We had an idea that an unheard of agency might accomplish more +than one of the famous organisations." + +"Well, you see what has come of it," growled the other. + +"I was opposed to the reward, sir," declared Mr. Wrandall with some +heat. "Not that I was content to give up the search, but because I +felt sure that the guilty person would eventually reveal herself. +They always do, sir. It is the fundamental principle of criminology. +Soon or late they falter. My son Leslie is of a like opinion. He +has declared all along that the mystery will be cleared up if we +are quiescent. A guilty conscience takes its own way to relieve +itself. If you keep prodding it with sharp sticks you encourage +fear, and stealth, and all that sort of thing, without really +getting anywhere in the end. Give a murderer a free rope and he'll +hang himself, is my belief. Threaten him with that self-same rope, +and he'll pay more attention to dread than to conscience, and your +ends are defeated." + +Sara was inwardly nervous. She stole a glance at the white, emotionless +face of the girl across the table, and was filled with apprehension. + +"Can you be sure, Mr. Wrandall," she began earnestly, "that justice +isn't the antidote for the poisonous thing we call a conscience? +Suppose this woman to have been fully justified in doing what she +did, does it follow that conscience can force her to admit, even +to herself, that she is morally guilty of a crime against man? I +doubt it, sir." + +She was prepared for a subtle change in Hetty's countenance and was +not surprised to see the light of hope steal back into her eyes. + +"Fully justified?" murmured the old gentleman painfully. + +"Perhaps we would better not go into that question too intimately," +suggested Mr. Carroll. + +"My son Leslie has peculiar views along the very line--" began Mr. +Wrandall, in great distress of mind. He fell into a reflective mood +and did not finish the sentence. + +"I shall see this man Smith," announced Sara calmly. + +Her father-in-law stood over her, his face working. "My dear," +he said, "I promise you this absurd business shall go no farther. +Don't let it trouble you in the least. I will attend to Smith. If +there is no other way to check his vile insinuations, I will pay +his price. You are not to be submitted to these dreadful--" + +She interrupted him. "You will do nothing of the kind, Mr. Wrandall," +she said levelly. "Do you want to convince him that I AM guilty?" + +"God in heaven, no!" + +"Then why pay him the reward you have offered for the person who +is guilty?" + +"It is an entirely different propo--" + +"It amounts to the same thing, sir. He tells you he has discovered +the woman you want and you fulfil your part of the bargain by +paying him for his services. That closes the transaction, so far +as he is concerned. He goes his way fully convinced that he has +put his hands on the criminal, and then proceeds to wash them in +private instead of in public. No. Let me see this man. I insist." + +"He will be at my place to-morrow at eleven," said Wrandall +resignedly. "I wish Leslie were here. He is so level-headed." + +Sara laid her hand on his arm. He looked up and found her regarding +him rather fixedly. + +"It would be just as well as to keep this from Mrs. Wrandall and +Vivian," she said meaningly. + +"You are right, Sara. It would distress them beyond words." + +She smiled faintly. "May I enquire whether Mr. Smith is to report +to you or to Mrs. Wrandall?" + +He flushed. "My wife--er--made the arrangements with him, Sara," he +said, but added quickly: "With my sanction, of course. He reports +to me. As a matter of fact, now that I think of it, he advised me +to say nothing to my wife until he had talked with me." + +"Inasmuch as he has already talked it over with me, through counsel, +I don't see any reason why we should betray his gentle confidence, +do you?" + +"I--I suppose not," said he uncomfortably. + +"Then, bring him here at eleven, Mr. Wrandall," said she serenely. +"He has already paved the way. I imagine he expects to find me at +home. Put the things here, Watson." + +Watson had appeared with the tray. It being a very hot day, he did +not bring tea. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +MR. WRANDALL PERJURES HIMSELF + + +Smith arrived at eleven, somewhat after the fashion of the Hawkshaws +of "yellow back" fame, who, if our memory serves us right, were so +punctual that their appearance anywhere was described as being in +the "nick o' time," only in this instance he was expected and did +not "drop from the sky," as the saying goes. + +Mr. Wrandall met him at the station and escorted him in a roundabout +way to Southlook, carefully avoiding the main village thoroughfare +and High street, where the fashionable colony was intrenched. Mr. +Smith, being an experienced detective, was not surprised to find +(after the introduction), that Mr. Wrandall's attorney had been a +fellow-passenger from town. If he was impressed, he did not once +betray the fact during the four mile spin to Sara's. On the contrary, +he seemed to be entirely absorbed in the scenery. + +Mr. Wrandall had said, without shaking hands: "We will repair at +once to Mrs. Challis Wrandall's house, Mr. Smith. She is expecting +you. I have informed her of your mission." + +"I think we'd better discuss the matter between ourselves, Mr. +Wrandall, before putting it up to--" + +"There is nothing in connection with this unhappy affair, sir, that +cannot be discussed first-hand with her," said his employer stiffly. + +"Just as you like, sir," said Smith indifferently. "I have talked +it over with old man Carroll. He understands." + +"I am quite sure he does, Mr. Smith," said the other, with emphasis. +Mr. Smith successfully hid a smile. + +He took his seat beside the chauffeur. + +"I am surprised," he observed to the driver, as a "feeler," "that +you haven't changed bodies." + +"Mr. Wrandall ordered the limousine, sir," said the chauffeur. + +"Oh, I see. Keeps it on hand for rainy days, I suppose." + +"It's Mrs. Wrandall's idea," explained the man. "Women are fussy +about their hair. We always have a limousine handy." + +"It is a handy thing to have about," said Mr. Smith drily, as he +looked out of the corner of his eye and remarked the two men behind +him. They were in very close conversation. + +"The boss usually takes the other car. He likes the wind in his +face, he says. I don't know why he ordered the limousine to-day." + +"Probably there's something in the wind to-day he doesn't like," +remarked Smith, after which he devoted himself assiduously to the +road ahead, not being a practiced motorist. + +As they were ascending the steps in Sara's exotic garden, Smith +ventured a somewhat sinister remark. + +"These steps are not good for a man with a weak heart, Mr. Wrandall. +I hope yours is sound." + +"Quite, Mr. Smith. Have no fear," said Mr. Wrandall, with an acute +sense of divination. "You will also find it to be in the right +place." + +"Umph," said Mr. Smith. + +Sara did not keep them waiting long in the morning room. She came +in soon after they were announced, followed by Mr. Carroll, who had +spent the night at Southlook. Hetty Castleton was not in evidence. + +She motioned them to seats after Mr. Wrandall had ceremoniously +introduced his lawyer, and as unceremoniously neglected to do as +much for Smith. + +"This is Mr. Smith, I presume," said she, with a slight uplifting +of her eyebrows. She took a chair facing the detective. + +"Yes, my dear," said her father-in-law. "Joseph Smith." + +"Benjamin, if you please," corrected Mr. Smith. + +"I regret to state that my memory for names does not go back to +the Old Testament," said Wrandall, with a frosty smile. + +"There are no Smiths in the Old Testament," said the detective +grimly. + +"I understand, Mr. Smith, that you are prepared to charge me with +the murder of my husband." + +She said it very quietly, very levelly. Smith was a bit staggered. + +"Well, I--er--hardly that, Mrs. Wrandall," he said, disconcerted. + +"Will you be good enough to come to the point at once?" + +"My report in this matter, madam, is to be made to Mr. Wrandall +here, as I understand it," said the detective, his jaw stiffening. +"We don't, as a rule, report our findings to--well, to the person +we suspect. It isn't what you'd call regular. Mr. Wrandall has +employed me to make the investigation. He can hardly expect me to +reveal my findings to you." + +"My dear Sara--" began Mr. Wrandall. + +"As this is a rather intimate conference, Mr. Smith," interrupted +Sara, with a gracious smile for her father-in-law, "I fancy we have +nothing to gain, one way or another, by recriminations. You have +already consulted Mr. Carroll, and I have talked it over with Mr. +Wrandall. That was to have been expected, I believe. As I understand +the situation, you are somewhat curious to know just how much it +is worth to me to have the matter dropped." + +Smith eyed her steadily. + +"That is the case, precisely," he said briefly. + +"Then you are not really interested in having the guilty person +brought to justice?" + +"I am not an officer of the law, madam. I am a private individual, +working for private ends. It is for Mr. Wrandall to say whether my +discoveries shall be related in court. I respectfully submit that +I am acting within my rights. My deductions have been formed. +That is as far as I can go without his authority. He has offered a +reward, and he has gone farther than that by engaging us to devote +our time, brains and energies to the case. I am in this position at +present: our firm cannot accept the reward he has offered without +deliberately declaring to the world that we can put our hand on +the slayer of his son. As I cannot produce the actual proof that +we have found that person, I am in honour compelled to submit our +findings so far as they have gone, and then either to withdraw from +the matter or carry it on to the end, as he may elect. Our time +is worth something, madam. We have made a careful and exhaustive +investigation. We have come to the point where we can go no farther +without more or less publicly associating you with our theories. +I spoke to Mr. Carroll yesterday, it is true, and I am here to-day +to lay my facts before Mr. Wrandall--and his attorney, I see. Mr. +Carroll chose to call me a blackmailer. He may be correct in his +legal way of looking at it. But he is wrong in assuming that MY +motives are criminal. I submit that they are fair, open and above +board." + +There was a moment's silence following this astonishingly succinct +summing up of his position. The three men had not taken their eyes +from his shrewd, frank face during that clever speech. They had +nothing to say. It had been agreed among them that Sara was to do +the talking. They were to do the watching. + +"You put the case very fairly, Mr. Smith," said she seriously. "I +think your position is clear enough, assuming of course that you +have any real evidence to support your theories, whatever they may +be. I am perfectly free to say that you interest me." + +"Interest you?" he said, in some exasperation. He had expected her +to fly into a passion. "Don't you take me seriously, madam?" + +"As far as you have gone, yes." + +Mr. Wrandall could hold in no longer. He was most uncomfortable. + +"See here, Smith, out with it. Let us have your story. My +daughter-in-law is not in the least alarmed. You've been on the +wrong track, of course. But that isn't the point. What we want now +is to find out just where we stand." + +"You put it in a rather compromising way, Mr. Wrandall. The pronoun +'we' is somewhat general, if you will permit me to say so. Do you +expect me to discuss my findings in the presence of Mrs. Wrandall +and her counsel?" + +"Certainly, sir, certainly. You need have no hesitancy on that +score. I dare say you came here knowing that what you were to say +would go no further than these four walls." + +"Would you say that, sir, if I were to submit proof that would +make it look so black for Mrs. Wrandall that you couldn't very well +doubt her complicity in the crime, even though you saw fit to let +it go no further than these four walls?" + +Mr. Wrandall hesitated. A heavy frown appeared between his eyes; +his fingers worked nervously on the arm of the chair. + +"I may say to you, Mr. Smith, that if you produce conclusive proof +I shall do my duty as a law-respecting citizen. I would not hesitate +on that score." + +Sara looked at him through half-closed lids. His jaws were firmly +set. + +Smith seemed to be reflecting. He did not speak for a long interval. + +"In the first place, it struck me as odd that the man's wife did +not take more interest in the search that was made immediately +after the kill--after the tragedy. Not only that, but it is of +record that she deliberately informed the police that she didn't +care whether they caught the guilty party or not. Isn't that true?" + +The question was directed to no one in particular. + +It was Sara who answered. + +"Quite true, Mr. Smith. And if it will interest you in the least, +I repeat that I don't care even now." + +"You were asked if you would offer a reward in addition to the small +one announced by the authorities. Why didn't you offer a reward?" + +"Because I did not care to make it an object for well-meaning +detectives to pry into the affairs of indiscreet members of society," +she said. + +"I see," said he reflectively. "May I be so bold as to ask why you +don't want to have the guilty punished?" + +She looked at Mr. Wrandall before offering a reply to this direct +question. + +"I can't answer that question without publicly wounding Mr. +Wrandall." + +"We understand each other, Sara," said the old man painfully. "I +think you would better answer his question." + +"Because my husband courted the fate that befell him, Mr. Smith. +That is my reply. While I do not know what actually transpired at +the inn, I am reasonably certain that my husband's life was taken +by some one who had suffered at his hands. I can say no more." + +"The eye for an eye principle, eh?" There was deep sarcasm in the +way he said it. As she did not respond to the challenge, he abruptly +changed tactics. "Where were you on the night of the murder, Mrs. +Wrandall?" + +She smiled. "I thought you knew, Mr. Smith." + +"I have reason to believe that you were at Burton's Inn," he said +bluntly. + +"But you wouldn't be at all sure about it if I said I wasn't there, +would you, Mr. Smith?" + +"I don't quite get you, Mrs. Wrandall." + +"I mean to say, if I made it worth your while to change your +opinion," she said flatly. + +He cleared his throat. "You couldn't change my opinion, so there's +an end to that. You could stop me right where I am, if that's what +you mean. I'm perfectly frank about it, gentlemen. You needn't +look as if you'd like to kill me. I'm not anxious to go on with +the investigation. I don't know enough up to date to be sure of a +conviction, but I guess I could get the proof if it is to be found. +This is a family affair, I take it. Mr. Wrandall here doesn't want +to--" + +Mr. Wrandall struck the arm of his chair a violent blow with his +clenched fist. + +"You have no authority, sir, to make such a statement!" he exclaimed. +"I want it distinctly understood that I would give half of what I +possess to have the slayer of my son brought to justice." + +"But you don't want this thing to go any further so far as Mrs. +Challis Wrandall is concerned," said Smith coolly. + +"Of course not, you miserable scoundrel!" cried the other in a +rage. "She's no more guilty than I am." + +"Don't call names, Mr. Wrandall," said Smith, a steely glitter in +his eyes. "I am prepared to lay before you certain facts that I +have unravelled, but I am not willing to give them to Mrs. Wrandall." + +"My daughter-in-law spent the night at her own apartment, waiting +for my son," said Wrandall, regaining control of himself. "That is +positively known to me, sir. Positively!" + +"How can you be sure of that, Mr. Wrandall?" asked Smith sharply. + +The gaunt old face, suddenly very much older than it had been +before, took on a stern, defiant expression. + +"I spoke with her over the telephone at half past nine o'clock that +night," said he steadily. + +Smith was not the only one to be surprised by this startling +declaration. Sara Wrandall's eyes widened ever so slightly, and +one might have detected a sharp catch in her breath. + +"She called you up?" asked Smith, after a moment to collect his +wits. + +Mr. Wrandall was not to be trapped. He had made up his mind to +lie for Sara in this hour of need, and he had considered well his +methods. + +"No. I called up the apartment." + +"How did you know she was at her apartment?" + +"I did not know it. I called up to speak with my son. She answered +the call, Mr. Smith." + +He arose from the chair. Smith also came slowly to his feet, the +look of astonishment still on his face. + +"And now, sir," went on the old man, levelling a bony finger at +him, "I think we can dispense with your services. I will give you +credit for one thing: you are plain-spoken and above board. You +want money and you don't beat about the bush. If you will instruct +your office to send to me a bill for services, I will pay it. I +engaged you, and I am ready to pay for my stupidity. My car will +take you back to the station." + +Smith picked up his hat and fumbled with it for a moment, plainly +dismayed. + +"If I have been on the wrong lead, Mr. Wrandall, I am willing +to drop it and start all over again. I suppose your reward still +stands. I am sure we can--" + +"It does not stand, sir. I shall withdraw it this very day. God +knows if I had thought it would lead us to this pass, it should +never have been offered. Now, go, sir." + +Smith held his ground doggedly. "There are a few points I'd like +to--" + +"No!" + +"For the sake of justice and--" + +Sara interrupted the man. She had crossed to Mr. Wrandall's side, +a queer light in her eyes. Her hand fell upon his trembling old +arm and he felt a thrill pass from her warm, strong fingers into +the very core of his body. + +"Mr. Smith, will you give me an off-hand estimate of what your +services amount to in dollars and cents up to date?" + +"You don't owe me anything, Mrs. Wrandall," said Smith, flushing +a dull red. + +"You came here to give me a chance, Mr. Smith, feeling that I was +actually implicated. You had a price fixed in your mind. You still +have your doubts, in spite of what Mr. Wrandall says. It occurred +to you that it would be worth considerable to me if the investigation +went no farther. You realised that you could not have brought this +crime home to me, because you could not have found REAL, satisfying +evidence. But you could have gone to the newspapers with your +suspicions, and you could have made one-half the world believe that +an innocent person was guilty of a foul crime. The world loves its +sensations. It would have gloated over the little you could have +given it, and it would have damned me unheard. I owe you something +for sparing me a fate so wretched as that. Your price: What is it?" + +"Sara!" cried Mr. Wrandall, aghast. + +"My dear Mrs. Wrandall," cried Carroll, blinking his eyes, "you +are not thinking of--" + +"I am thinking of paying Mr. Smith his price," said Sara calmly. + +"Why, damn it all," roared Carroll, "you countenance his ridiculous +assertions--" + +"No; I do nothing of the sort, Mr. Carroll, and Mr. Smith knows it +quite as well as you do. He still has it in his power to set the +tongues to wagging. We can't get around that, gentlemen. I want to +pay him to drop the case entirely. The reward has been withdrawn. +Will it satisfy your cupidity, Mr. Smith, if I agree to pay to you +a like amount?" + +"Good Lord!" gasped Smith, staggered. + +"I cannot permit--" began Mr. Wrandall. + +She looked him squarely in the eye and the words died on his lips. + +"I prefer to have it my way," she said. "I will not accept favours +from Mr. Smith--nor any other man." Wrandall alone caught the +significance of the last four words. She would not accept the favour +of a lie from him! And yet she would not humiliate by denying him +in the presence of others. "Mr. Carroll will attend to this matter for +me, Mr. Smith, if you will call at his office at your convenience. +I shall make but a single stipulation in addition to the one +involved: you are to drop the case altogether. Mr. Wrandall has +already dismissed you. You are under no further obligations to him +or his family. I respectfully submit to all of you, gentlemen, that +when the investigations go so far astray as they have gone in this +instance, it isn't safe to let them continue with the possible chance +of proving unwholesome to other innocent persons, toward whom, in +some justice, attention might be drawn. The young woman now in the +far West is a sickening example. I refer to the Ashtley girl. If, +by any chance, the right person should be taken, I will do my part, +Mr. Wrandall, with the same purpose if not the same spirit that +actuates you, but I am opposed to baring skeletons to gratify +the morbid curiosity of a public that despises all of us because, +unhappily, we are what we are. I trust I make myself plain to you. +I loved my husband. I have no desire to know the names of women +who were his--we will say--who were in love with him." + +Mr. Wrandall bowed his head and said not a word. His attorney, who +had been a silent listener from the beginning, spoke for the first +time. + +"If Mr. Smith will call at my office to-morrow, I will attend to +the closing of this matter to his entire satisfaction. Mr. Wrandall +has already authorised me to settle in full for his time and--patience." + +"I don't like to take money in this way--" + +"We won't discuss ethics, Mr. Smith." + +"Just as you like, then. I'm only too happy to be off the job. Good +morning, madam. Good morning, gentlemen." + +He stalked from the room. Watson was waiting in the hall. + +"This way," he said, indicating the big front door. + +Smith grinned sheepishly. "'Gad, they don't even think I can find +a front door," he said. + +Redmond Wrandall turned to the two men after he heard the door of +his automobile slam in the porte-cochere. + +"Gentlemen, I believe it is unnecessary to announce to you that I +did not speak over the telephone with my daughter-in-law on that +wretched night," he said slowly. + +They nodded their heads. + +"I am not a good liar. Do you think the fellow believed me?" + +"No," said Sara instantly. "He is accustomed to better lying than +you can supply. But it doesn't in the least matter. He knows, however, +that you spoke the truth when you said I was in my apartment, even +though you are not sure of it yourself, Mr. Wrandall. I will not +presume to thank you for what you did, but I shall never forget +it, sir." + +He regarded her rather austerely for a moment. "I am glad you do +not thank me, Sara," he said. "You are not to feel that you are +under the slightest obligation to me." + +"I regret that you felt it necessary to perjure yourself," she +said levelly, and then broke into a soft little laugh as she laid +her hand on his arm once more. "Come! Let us have a semi-public +view of Hetty's portrait." + +He looked up alertly at the mention of the girl's name. + +"By the way, where is Miss Castleton?" he asked, drawing a long +breath as if the air had suddenly become wholesome. + +"She is back yonder in the living-room, having her last sitting +to Brandon Booth. Just a few finishing touches, that's all. I hear +them laughing. The day's work is done." + +She led the way down the long hall, followed by the old gentlemen, +who came three abreast, hoary retainers at the heels of youth. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +IN THE SHADOW OF THE MILL + + +Later on Sara, in sober reflection, endorsed what had appeared at +the time to be a whimsical, quixotic proceeding on her part. She +brought herself completely to the point where she could view her +action with complacency. At first, there was an irritating, nagging +fear that Mr. Wrandall had been genuinely soul-sacrificing in his +effort to defend her; that his decisive falsehood was a sincere +declaration of loyalty to her and not the transparent outburst of +one actuated by a sort of fanatical selfishness, in that he dreaded +the further dragging in the dust of the name of Wrandall, and all +that in spite of his positive belief that she was being wrongly, +unfairly attacked. She knew that her father-in-law had no doubt in +his mind that she could successfully combat any charge Smith might +bring against her; that her innocence would prevail even in the +opinion of the scheming detective. But behind all this was the +Wrandall conclusion that a skin was to be saved, and that skin the +one which covered the Wrandall pride. + +His lie was not glorifying. She even consented that it might +be the first deliberate falsehood this honourable, discriminating +gentleman had told in all his life. At the moment, he may have +been actuated by a motive that deceived him, but even unknown to +him the Wrandall self-interest was at work. He was not lying for +her, but for the Wrandalls! And she would have to remain his debtor +all her life because of that amiable falsehood! + +She intuitively felt the force of that secret motive almost +the instant it found expression, and she resented it even as she +applauded it in the first wave of inward enthusiasm. She might +have marked it down to his credit, and loved him a little for it, +had not his rather distorted integrity impelled him to confess his +transgression to the lawyers, whereas it was perfectly plain that +they appreciated his distortion of the truth without having it +explained to them in so many words. That virtuous little speech +of his was all-illuminating; it let in a great light and laid bare +the weakness that was too strong for him. + +Her abrupt change of front, her suddenly formed resolve to pay the +man his price, was the result of a natural opposition to the elder +Wrandall. She acted hastily, even ruthlessly, in direct contradiction +to her original intentions, but she now felt that she had acted +wisely. There could be no doubt in the mind of the keen-witted +Smith that Mr. Wrandall had lied; his lips therefore were sealed, +not by the declaration, but by her own surprising offer to remunerate. + +When she told Hetty what she had done, the girl, who had been +tortured by doubts and misgivings, threw herself into her arms and +sobbed out her gratitude. + +"I could die for you, Sara. I could die a thousand deaths," she +cried. + +"Oh, I dare say Smith is quite delighted," said Sara carelessly. +"He had come up against a brick wall, don't you see. He could go +no further. There was but one thing for him to do and he did it. +He had no case, but he felt that he ought to be paid just the same. +Mr. Wrandall would never have paid him, he was sure of that. His +game failed. He thinks better of me now than he ever did before, +and I have made a friend of him, strange as it may appear." + +"Oh, I hope so." + +Sara stroked her cheek gently. "Don't be afraid, Hetty. We are +quite safe." + +Hetty secretly gloated over that little pronoun 'we.' It spelt +security. + +"And wasn't it splendid of Mr. Wrandall to say what he did?" she +mused, lying back among the cushions with a sigh of relaxation. + +Sara did not at once reply. She smiled rather oddly. + +"It was," she said succinctly. "I am sure Leslie will go into +raptures over his father's decline and fall." + +"Must he be told?" in some dismay. + +"Certainly. Every son should know his own father," she explained, +with a quiet laugh. + +The next day but one was overcast. On cloudy, bleak days Hetty +Castleton always felt depressed. Shadowless days, when the sun was +obscured, filled her with a curious sense of apprehension, as if +when the sun came out again he would not find the world as he had +left it. She did not mope; it was not in her nature. She was more +than ever mentally alert on such days, for the very reason that +the world seemed to have lapsed into a state of indifference, with +the sun nowhere to be seen. There was a queer sensation of dread +in knowing that that great ball of fire was somewhere in the vault +above her and yet unlocated in the sinister pall that spread over +the skies. Her fancy ofttimes pictured him sailing in the west when +he should be in the east, dodging back and forth in impish abandon +behind the screen, and she wondered at such times if he would be +where he belonged when the clouds lifted. + +Leslie was to return from the wilds on the following day. Early +in the morning Booth had telephoned to enquire if she did not want +to go for a long walk with him before luncheon. The portrait was +finished, but he could not afford to miss the morning hour with +her. He said as much to her in pressing his invitation. + +"To-morrow Leslie will be here and I shan't see as much of you as +I'd like," he explained, rather wistfully. "Three is a crowd, you +know. I've got so used to having you all to myself, it's hard to +break off suddenly." + +"I will be ready at eleven," she said, and was instantly surprised +to find that her voice rang with new life, new interest. The greyness +seemed to lift from the view that stretched beyond the window; she +even looked for the sun in her eagerness. + +It was then that she knew why the world had been bleaker than usual, +even in its cloak of grey. + +A little before eleven she set out briskly to intercept him at +the gates. Unknown to her, Sara sat in her window, and viewed her +departure with gloomy eyes. The world also was grey for her. + +They came upon each other unexpectedly at a sharp turn in the +avenue. Hetty coloured with a sudden rush of confusion, and had +all she could do to meet his eager, happy eyes as he stood over her +and proclaimed his pleasure in jerky, awkward sentences. Then they +walked on together, a strange shyness attending them. She experienced +the faintness of breath that comes when the heart is filled with +pleasant alarms. As for Booth, his blood sang. He thrilled with +the joy of being near her, of the feel of her all about him, of +the delicious feminine appeal that made her so wonderful to him. +He wanted to crush her in his arms, to keep her there for ever, to +exert all of his brute physical strength so that she might never +again be herself but a part of him. + +They uttered commonplaces. The spell was on them. It would lift, +but for the moment they were powerless to struggle against it. At +length he saw the colour fade from her cheeks; her eyes were able +to meet his without the look in them that all men love. Then he +seemed to get his feet on the ground again, and a strange, ineffably +sweet sense of calm took possession of him. + +"I must paint you all over again," he said, suddenly breaking in +on one of her remarks. "Just as you are to-day,--an outdoor girl, +a glorious outdoor girl in--" + +"In muddy boots," she laughed, drawing her skirt away to reveal a +shapely foot in an American walking shoe. + +He smiled and gave voice to a new thought. "By Jove, how much better +looking our American shoes are than the kind they wear in London!" + +"Sara insists on American shoes, so long as I am with her. I don't +think our boots are so villainous, do you?" + +"Just the same, I'm going to paint you again, boots and all. You--" + +"Oh, how tired you will become of me!" + +"Try me!" + +"Besides, you are to do Sara at once. She has consented to sit to +you. She will be wonderful, Mr. Booth, oh, how wonderful!" + +There was no mistaking the sincerity of this rapt opinion. + +"Stunning," was his brief comment. "By the way, I've hesitated +about asking how she and Mr. Wrandall came out with the detective +chap." + +Her face clouded. "It was so perfectly ridiculous, Mr. Booth. The +man is satisfied that he was wrong. The matter is ended." + +"Pure blackmail, I'd call it. I hope it isn't ended so far as she +is concerned. I'd have him in jail so quick his--" + +"She's tender-hearted, and sensitive. No real harm has been done. +She refuses to prosecute him." + +"You can't mean it." + +"If you knew her as I do, you would understand." + +"But her lawyer, what had he to say about it? And Mr. Wrandall? I +should have thought they--" + +"I believe they quite approve of what she has done. Nothing will +come of it." + +He walked on in silence for a couple of rods. "I have a feeling +they will never know who killed Challis Wrandall," he said. "It is +a mystery that can't be solved by deduction or theory, and there +is nothing else for them to work on, as I understand the case. The +earth seems to have been generous enough to swallow her completely. +She's safe unless she chooses to confess, and that isn't likely. +To be perfectly frank with you, Miss Castleton, I rather hope they +never get her. He was something of a beast, you know." + +She was looking straight ahead. "You used the word generous, Mr. +Booth. Do you mean that she deserves pity?" + +"Without knowing all the circumstances, I would say yes. I've had +the feeling that she was more sinned against than sinning." + +"Would you believe that she acted in self-defence?" + +"It is quite possible." + +"Then, will you explain why she does not give herself up to the +authorities and assert her innocence? There is no proof to the +contrary." She spoke hurriedly, with an eagerness which he mistook +for doubt. + +"For one reason, she may be a good woman who was indiscreet. She +may have some one else to think of besides herself. A second reason: +she may lack moral courage." + +"Moral courage!" + +"It is one thing to claim self-defence and another thing to get +people to believe in it. I suppose you know what Leslie thinks +about it?" + +"He has not discussed it with me." + +"He believes his brother deserved what he got." + +"Oh!" + +"For that reason he has not taken an active part in hounding her +down." + +She was silent for a long time, so long indeed that he turned to +look at her. + +"A thoroughly decent, fair-minded chap is Leslie Wrandall," he +pronounced, for want of something better to say. "Still, I'm bound +to say, I'm sorry he is coming home to-morrow." + +The red crept into her cheeks again. + +"I thought you were such pals," she said nervously. + +"I expect to be his best man if he ever marries," said he, whacking +a stone at the road-side with his walking stick. Then he looked +up at her furtively and added, with a quizzical smile: "Unless +something happens." + +"What COULD happen?" + +"He MIGHT marry the girl I'm in love with, and, in that case, I'd +have to be excused." + +"Where shall we walk to this morning?" she asked abruptly. He had +drawn closer to her in the roadway. "Is it too far to the old stone +mill? That's where I first saw you, if you remember." + +"Yes, let us go there," she said, but her heart sank. She knew what +was coming. Perhaps it were best to have it over with; to put it +away with the things that were to always be her lost treasures. It +would mean the end of their companionship, the end of a love dream. +She would have to lie to him: to tell him she did not love him. + +One would go many a fruitless day in quest of a more attractive pair +than they as they strode swiftly down the shady road. They lagged +not, for they were strong and healthy, and walking was a joy +to them, not an exercise. She kept pace beside him, with her free +stride; half a head shorter than he, she did not demand it of him +that he should moderate his stride to suit hers. He was tall and +long-limbed, but not camel-like in his manner of walking, as so many +tall men are apt to be. His eyes were bright with the excitement +that predicted a no uncertain encounter, although he had no +definite purpose in mind. There was something singularly wistful, +unfathomable, in her velvety blue eyes that gave him hope, he knew +not why. + +Coming to the jog in the broad macadam, they were striking off +into the narrow road that led to the quaint old mill, long since +abandoned in the forest glade beyond, when their attention was drawn +to a motor-car, which was slowing down for the turn into Sara's +domain. A cloud of dust swam in the air far behind the machine. + +A bare-headed man on the seat beside the driver, waved his hand to +them, and two women in the tonneau bowed gravely. Both Hetty and +Booth flushed uncomfortably, and hesitated in their progress up +the forest road. + +The man was Leslie Wrandall. His mother and sister were in the back +seat of the touring car. + +"Why--why, it was Leslie," cried Booth, looking over his shoulder +at the rapidly receding car. "Shall we turn back, Miss Castleton?" + +"No," she cried instantly, with something like impatience in her +voice. "And spoil our walk?" she added in the next breath, adding +a nervous little laugh. + +"It seems rather--" he began dubiously. + +"Oh, let us have our day," she cried sharply, and led the way into +the by-road. + +They came, in the course of a quarter-of-an-hour, to the bridge over +the mill-race. Beyond, in the mossy shades, stood a dilapidated, +centurion structure known as Rangely's Mill, a landmark with +a history that included incidents of the revolutionary war, when +eager patriots held secret meetings inside its walls and plotted +under the very noses of Tory adherents to the crown. + +Pausing for a few minutes on the bridge, they leaned on the rail +and looked down into the clear, mirror-like water of the race. Their +own eyes looked up at them; they smiled into their own faces. And +a fleecy white cloud passed over the glittering stream and swept +through their faces, off to the bank, and was gone for ever. + +Suddenly he looked up from the water and fixed his eyes on her +face. He had seen her clear blue eyes fill with tears as he gazed +into them from the rail above. + +"Oh, my dear!" he cried. "What is it?" + +She put her handkerchief to her eyes as she quickly turned away. +In another instant, she was smiling up at him, a soft, pleading +little smile that went straight to his heart. + +"Shall we start back?" she asked, a quaver in her voice. + +"No," he exclaimed. "I've got to go on with it now, Hetty. I didn't +intend to, but--come, let us go up and sit on that familiar old +log in the shade of the mill. You must, dear!" + +She suffered him to lead her up the steep bank beyond and through +the rocks and rotten timbers to the great beam that protruded +from the shattered foundations of the mill. The rickety old wheel, +weather-beaten and sad, rose above them and threatened to topple +over if they so much as touched its flimsy supports. + +He did not release her hand after drawing her up beside him. + +"You must know that I love you," he said simply. + +She made no response. Her hand lay limp in his. She was staring +straight before her. + +"You DO know it, don't you?" he went on. + +"I--God knows I don't want you to love me. I never meant that you +should--" she was saying, as if to herself. + +"I suppose it's hopeless," he said dumbly, as her voice trailed +off in a whisper. + +"Yes, it is utterly hopeless," she said, and she was white to the +lips. + +"I--I shan't say anything more," said he. "Of course, I understand +how it is. There's some one else. Only I want you to know that I +love you with all my soul, Hetty. I--I don't see how I'm going to +get on without you. But I--I won't distress you, dear." + +"There isn't any one else, Brandon," she said in a very low voice. +Her fingers tightened on his in a sort of desperation. "I know what +you are thinking. It isn't Leslie. It never can be Leslie." + +"Then,--then--" he stammered, the blood surging back into his +heart--"there may be a chance--" + +"No, no!" she cried, almost vehemently. "I can't let you go on +hoping. It is wrong---so terribly wrong, You must forget me. You +must--" + +He seized her other hand and held them both firmly, masterfully. + +"See here, my--look at me, dearest! What is wrong? Tell me! You +are unhappy. Don't be afraid to tell me. You--you DO love me?" + +She drew a long breath through her half-closed lips. Her eyes +darkened with pain. + +"No. I don't love you. Oh, I am so sorry to have given you--" + +He was almost radiant. "Tell me the truth," he cried triumphantly. +"Don't hold anything back, darling. If there is anything troubling +you, let me shoulder it. I can--I will do anything in the world +for you. Listen: I know there's a mystery somewhere. I have felt it +about you always. I have seen it in your eyes, I have always sensed +it stealing over me when I'm with you--this strange, bewildering +atmosphere of--" + +"Hush! You must not say anything more," she cried out. "I cannot +love you. There is nothing more to be said." + +"But I know it now. You do love me. I could shout it to--" The +miserable, whipped expression in her eyes checked this outburst. +He was struck by it, even dismayed. "My dearest one, my love," he +said, with infinite tenderness, "what is it? Tell me!" + +He drew her to him. His arm went about her shoulders. The final +thrill of ecstasy bounded through his veins. The feel of her! The +wonderful, subtle, feminine feel of her! His brain reeled in a new +and vast whirl of intoxication. + +She sat there very still and unresisting, her hand to her lips, +uttering no word, scarcely breathing. He waited. He gave her time. +After a little while her fingers strayed to the crown of her limp, +rakish panama. They found the single hat-pin and drew it out. He +smiled as he pushed the hat away and then pressed her dark little +head against his breast. Her blue eyes were swimming. + +"Just this once, just this once," she murmured with a sob in +her voice. Her hand stole upward and caressed his brown cheek and +throat. Tears of joy started in his eyes--tears of exquisite delight. + +"Good God, Hetty, I--I can't do without you," he whispered, shaken +by his passion. "Nothing can come between us. I must have you always +like this." + +"Che sara, sara," she sighed, like the breath of the summer wind +as it sings in the trees. + +The minutes passed and neither spoke. His rapt gaze hung upon the +glossy crown that pressed against him so gently. He could not see +her eyes, but somehow he felt they were tightly shut, as if in +pain. + +"I love you, Hetty. Nothing can matter," he whispered at last. +"Tell me what it is." + +She lifted her head and gently withdrew herself from his embrace. +He did not oppose her, noting the serious, almost sombre look in +her eyes as she turned to regard him steadfastly, an unwavering +integrity of purpose in their depths. + +She had made up her mind to tell him a part of the truth. "Brandon, +I am Hetty Glynn." + +He started, not so much in surprise as at the abruptness with which +she made the announcement. + +"I have been sure of it, dear, from the beginning," he said quietly. + +Then her tongue was loosed. The words rushed to her lips. "I was +Hawkright's model for six months. I posed for all those studies, +and for the big canvas in the academy. It was either that or +starvation. Oh, you will hate me--you must hate me." + +He laid his hand on her hair, a calm smile on his lips. "I can't love +and hate at the same time," he said. "There was nothing wrong in +what you did for Hawkright. I am a painter, you know. I understand. +Does--does Mrs. Wrandall know all this?" + +"Yes--everything. She knows and understands. She is an angel, Brandon, +an angel from heaven. But," she burst forth, "I am not altogether +a sham. I AM the daughter of Colonel Castleton, and I AM the cousin +of all the Murgatroyds,--the poor relation. It isn't as if I were +the scum of the earth, is it? I AM a Castleton. My father comes +of a noble family. And, Brandon, the only thing I've ever done in +my life that I am really ashamed of is the deception I practised +on you when you brought that magazine to me and faced me with it. +I did not lie to you. I simply let you believe I was not the--the +person you thought I was. But I deceived you--" + +"No, you did not deceive me," he said gently. "I read the truth in +your dear eyes." + +"There are other things, too. I shall not speak of them, except +to repeat that I have not done anything else in all my life that I +should be ashamed of." Her eyes were burning with earnestness. He +could not but understand what she meant. + +Again he stroked her hair. "I am sure of that," he said. + +"My mother was Kitty Glynn, the actress. My father, a younger son, +fell in love with her. They were married against the wishes of his +father, who cut him off. He was in the service, and he was brave +enough to stick. They went to one of the South African garrisons, +and I was born there. Then to India. Then back to London, where an +aunt had died, leaving my father quite a comfortable fortune. But +his old friends would have nothing to do with him. He had lived--well, +he had made life a hell for my mother in those frontier posts. He +deserted us in the end, after he had squandered the fortune. My +mother made no effort to compel him to provide for her or for me. +She was proud. She was hurt. To-day he is in India, still in the +service, a martinet with a record for bravery on the field of battle +that cannot be taken from him, no matter what else may befall. I +hear from him once or twice a year. That is all I can tell you about +him. My mother died three years ago, after two years of invalidism. +During those years I tried to repay her for the sacrifice she had +made in giving me the education, the--" She choked up for a second, +and then went bravely on. "Her old manager made a place for me in one +of his companies. I took my mother's name, Hetty Glynn, and--well, +for a season and a half I was in the chorus. I could not stay there. +I COULD not," she repeated with a shudder. "I gave it up after my +mother's death. I was fairly well equipped for work as a children's +governess, so I engaged myself to--" + +She stopped in dismay for he was laughing. + +"And now do you know what I think of you, Miss Hetty Glynn?" he +cried, seizing her hands and regarding her with a serious, steadfast +gleam in his eyes. "You are the pluckiest, sandiest girl I've ever +known. You are the kind that heroines are made of. There is nothing +in what you've told me that could in the least alter my regard for +you, except to increase the love I thought could not be stronger. +Will you marry me, Hetty?" + +She jerked her hands away, and held them clenched against her +breast. + +"No! I cannot. It is impossible, Brandon. If I loved you less than +I do, I might say yes, but--no, it is impossible." + +His eyes narrowed. A grey shadow crept over his face. + +"There can be only one obstacle so serious as all that," he said +slowly. "You--you are already married." + +"No!" she cried, lifting her pathetic eyes to his. "It isn't that. +Oh, please be good to me! Don't ask me to say anything more. Don't +make it hard for me, Brandon. I love you--I love you. To be your +wife would be the most glorious--No, no! I must not even think of +it. I must put it out of my mind. There IS a barrier, dearest. We +cannot surmount it. Don't ask me to tell you, for I cannot. I--I +am so happy in knowing that you love me, and that you still love +me after I have told you how mean and shameless I was in deceiving--" + +He drew her close and kissed her full on the trembling lips. She +gasped and closed her eyes, lying like one in a swoon. Soft, moaning +sounds came from her lips. He could not help feeling a vast pity +for her, she was so gentle, so miserably hurt by something he could +not understand, but knew to be monumental in its power to oppress. + +"Listen, dearest," he said, after a long silence; "I understand +this much, at least: you can't talk about it now. Whatever it is, +it hurts, and God knows I don't want to make it worse for you in +this hour when I am so selfishly happy. Time will show us the way. +It can't be insurmountable. Love always triumphs. I only ask you to +repeat those three little words, and I will be content. Say them." + +"I love you," she murmured. + +"There! You are mine! Three little words bind you to me for ever. +I will wait until the barrier is down. Then I will take you." + +"The barrier grows stronger every day," she said, staring out beyond +the tree-tops at the scudding clouds. "It never can be removed." + +"Some day you will tell me--everything?" + +She hesitated long. "Yes, before God, Brandon, I will tell you. +Not now, but--some day. Then you will see why--why I cannot--" She +could not complete the sentence. + +"I don't believe there is anything you can tell me that will +alter my feelings toward you," he said firmly. "The barrier may be +insurmountable, but my love is everlasting." + +"I can only thank you, dear, and--love you with all my wretched +heart." + +"You are not pledged to some one else?" + +"No." + +"That's all I want to know," he said, with a deep breath. "I thought +it might be--Leslie." + +"No, no!" she cried out, and he caught a note of horror in her +voice. + +"Does--does he know this--this thing you can't tell me?" he demanded, +a harsh note of jealousy in his voice. + +She looked up at him, hurt by his tone. "Sara knows," she said. +"There is no one else. But you are not to question her. I demand +it of you." + +"I will wait for you to tell me," he said gently. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +SARA WRANDALL FINDS THE TRUTH + + +Sara had kept the three Wrandalls over for luncheon. + +"My dear," said Mrs. Redmond Wrandall, as she stood before Hetty's +portrait at the end of the long living-room, "I must say that Brandon +has succeeded in catching that lovely little something that makes +her so--what shall I say?--so mysterious? Is that what I want? The +word is as elusive as the expression." + +"Subtle is the word you want, mother," said Vivian, standing beside +Leslie, tall, slim and aristocratic, her hands behind her back, her +manner one of absolute indifference. Vivian was more than handsome; +she was striking. + +"There isn't anything subtle about Hetty," said Sara, with a laugh. +"She's quite ingenuous." + +Leslie was pulling at his moustache, and frowning slightly. The +sunburn on his nose and forehead had begun to peel off in chappy +little flakes. + +"Ripping likeness, though," was his comment. + +"Oh, perfect," said his mother. "Really wonderful. It will make +Brandon famous." + +"She's so healthy-looking," said Vivian. + +"English," remarked Leslie, as if that covered everything. + +"Nonsense," cried the elder Mrs. Wrandall, lifting her lorgnette +again. "Pure, honest, unmixed blood, that's what it is. There is +birth in that girl's face." + +"You're always talking about birth, mother," said her son sourly, +as he turned away. + +"It's a good thing to have," said his mother with conviction. + +"It's an easy thing to get in America," said he, pulling out his +cigarette case. "Have a cigarette, mother? Sara?" + +"I'll take one, Les," said Vivian. She selected one and passed the +case on to her mother. Sara shook her head. + +"No, thanks," she said. + +Mrs. Redmond Wrandall laid her cigarette down without attempting +to light it, a sudden frostiness in her manner. Vivian and Leslie +blew long plumes of smoke from the innermost recesses of their +lungs. + +"Nerves?" asked Vivian mildly. + +"I don't like Leslie's brand," explained Sara. + +"They're excellent, I think," said Mrs. Wrandall, and thereupon +accepted a light from Leslie. + +"Well, let's be off," said he, somewhat irritably. "Tell Miss +Castleton we're sorry to have missed her." + +It was then that Sara prevailed upon them to stop for luncheon. +"She always takes these long walks in the morning, and she will be +disappointed if she finds you haven't waited--" + +"Oh, as for that--" began Leslie and stopped, but he could not have +been more lucid if he had uttered the sentence in full. + +"Why didn't you pick her up and bring her home with you?" asked +Sara, as they moved off in the direction of the porch. + +"She seemed to be taking Brandy out for his morning exercise," said +he surlily. "Far be it from me to--Umph!" + +Sara repressed the start of surprise. She thought Hetty was alone. + +"She will bring him in for luncheon, I suppose," she said carelessly, +although there was a slight contraction of the eyelids. "He is a +privileged character." + +It was long past the luncheon hour when Hetty came in, flushed and +warm. She was alone and she had been walking rapidly. + +"Oh, I am so sorry to be late," she apologised, darting a look of +anxiety at Sara. "We grew careless with time. Am I shockingly late?" + +She was shaking hands with Mrs. Redmond Wrandall as she spoke. +Leslie and Vivian stood by, rigidly awaiting their turn. Neither +appeared to be especially cordial. + +"What is the passing of an hour, my dear," said the old lady, "to +one who is young and can spare it?" + +"I did not expect you--I mean to say, nothing was said about +luncheon, was there, Sara?" She was in a pretty state of confusion. + +"No," said Leslie, breaking in; "we butted in, that's all. How are +you?" He clasped her hand and bent over it. She was regarding him +with slightly dilated eyes. He misinterpreted the steady scrutiny. +"Oh, it will all peel off in a day or two," he explained, going a +shade redder. + +"When did you return?" she asked. "I thought to-morrow was--" + +"Leslie never has any to-morrows, Miss Castleton," explained Vivian. +"He always does to-morrow's work to-day. That's why he never has +any troubles ahead of him." + +"What rot!" exclaimed Leslie. + +"Where is Mr. Booth?" inquired Sara. "Wouldn't he come in, Hetty?" + +"I--I didn't think to ask him to stop for luncheon," she replied, +and then hurried off to her room to make herself presentable. + +"Don't be long," called out Sara. + +"We are starving," added Vivian. + +"Vivian!" exclaimed her mother, in a shocked voice. + +"Well, _I_ am," declared her daughter promptly. + +"You know you NEVER eat anything in the middle of the day," said +her mother, frowning. As Sara was paying no attention to their +remarks, Mrs. Wrandall was obliged to deliver the supplemental +explanation to Leslie, who hadn't the remotest interest in the +matter. "She's so silly about getting fat." + +Hetty was in a state of nervous excitement during the luncheon. +The encounter with Booth had not resulted at all as she had fancied +it would. She had betrayed herself in a most disconcerting manner, +and now was more deeply involved than ever before. She had been +determined at the outset, she had failed, and now he had a claim--an +incontestable claim against her. She found it difficult to meet +Sara's steady, questioning gaze. She wanted to be alone. + +"I suppose you have heard nothing recent from poor Lord Murgatroyd," +Mrs. Wrandall was saying to her, in a most sympathetic tone. + +Hetty scarcely grasped the importance of the remark. She looked +rather blankly at their guest. + +Sara stepped into the breach. "What do the morning despatches say, +Mrs. Wrandall?" + +"He is sinking rapidly, I fear. Of course, his extreme age is +against him. How old is he, Miss Castleton?" + +"I--I haven't the remotest idea, Mrs. Wrandall," said the girl. +"He is very, very old." + +"Ninety-two, the Sun says," supplied Vivian. + +There was an unaccountable silence. + +"I suppose there is--ah--really no hope," said Mrs. Redmond Wrandall +at last. + +"I fear not," said Hetty composedly. "Except for the heirs-at-law." + +Mrs. Wrandall sat up a little straighter in her chair. "Dear me," +she said. + +"They've been waiting for a good many years," commented Hetty, +without emotion. "Of course, Mrs. Wrandall, you understand that +I am not one of those who will profit by his death. The estate is +entailed. I am quite outside the walls." + +"I did not know the--ah--" + +"My father may come in for a small interest. He is in England at +present on furlough. But there are a great many near relatives to +be fed before the bowl of plenty gets to him." + +"Dear, dear!" murmured Mrs. Wrandall, quite appalled by her way +of putting it. Leslie looked at her and coughed. "What a delicious +dressing you have for these alligator pears, Sara," she went on, +veering quickly. "You must tell me how it is made." + +After luncheon, Leslie drew Sara aside. + +"I must say she doesn't seem especially overjoyed to see me," he +growled. "She's as cool as ice." + +"What do you expect, Leslie?" she demanded with some asperity. + +"I can't stand this much longer, Sara," he said. "Don't you see +how things are going? She's losing her heart to Booth." + +"I don't see how we can prevent it." + +"By gad, I'll have another try at it--to-night. I say, has she +said--anything?" + +"She pities you," said she, a malicious joy in her soul. "That's +akin to something else, you know." + +"Confound it all, I don't want to be pitied!" + +"Then I'd advise you to defer your 'try' at it," she remarked. + +"I'm mad about her, Sara. I can't sleep, I can't think, I can't--yes, +I CAN eat, but it doesn't taste right to me. I've just got to have +it settled. Why, people are beginning to notice the change in me. +They say all sorts of things. About my liver, and all that sort +of thing. I'm going to settle it to-night. It's been nearly three +weeks now. She's surely had time to think it over; how much better +everything will be for her, and all that. She's no fool, Sara. And +do you know what Vivian's doing this very instant over there in the +corner? She's inviting her to spend a fortnight over at our place. +If she comes,--well, that means the engagement will be announced +at once." + +Sara did not marvel at his assurance in the face of what had gone +before. She knew him too well. In spite of the original rebuff, +he was thoroughly satisfied in his own mind that Hetty Castleton +would not be such a fool as to refuse him the second time. + +"It is barely possible, Leslie," she said, "that she may consider +Brandon Booth quite as good a catch as you, and infinitely better +looking at the present moment." + +"It's this beastly sunburn," he lamented, rubbing his nose gently, +thinking first of his person. An instant later he was thinking +of the other half of the declaration. "That's just what I've been +afraid of," he said. "I told you what would happen if that portrait +nonsense went on for ever. It's your fault, Sara." + +"But I have reason to believe she will not accept him, if it goes +so far as that. You are quite safe in that direction." + +"'Gad, I'd hate to risk it," he muttered. "I have a feeling she's +in love with him." + +Vivian approached. "Sara, you must let me have Miss Castleton for +the first two weeks in July," she said serenely. + +"I can't do it, Vivian," said the other promptly. "I can't bear +the thought of being alone in this big old barn of a place. Nice +of you to want her, but--" + +"Oh, don't be selfish, Sara," cried Vivian. + +"You don't know how much I depend on her," said Sara. + +"I'd ask you over, too, dear, if there weren't so many others coming. +I don't know where we're going to put them. You understand, don't +you?" + +"Perfectly," said her sister-in-law, smiling. + +"But I've been counting on--Hetty." + +"I say, Sara," broke in Leslie, "you COULD go up to Bar Harbour +with the Williamsons at that time. Tell her about the invitation, +Vivie." + +"It isn't necessary," said Sara coldly. "I scarcely know the +Williamsons." She hesitated an instant and then went on with sardonic +dismay: "They're in trade, you know." + +"That's nothing against 'em," protested he. "Awfully jolly +people--really ripping. Ain't they, Viv?" + +"I don't know them well enough to say," said Vivian, turning away. +"I only know we're all snobs of the worst sort." + +"Just a minute, Viv," he called out. "What does Miss Castleton +say about coming?" It was an eager question. Much depended on the +reply. + +"I haven't asked her," said his sister succinctly. "How could I, +without first consulting Sara?" + +"Then, you don't intend to ask her?" + +"Certainly not." + +"Oh, I'll fix it up with Sara," said he confidently. + +"Eh, Sara?" + +"I'd suggest that you 'fix it up' with Miss Castleton," said Sara +pointedly. + +Vivian shot a swift glance over her shoulder at her sister-in-law, +and then broke into a good-humoured laugh. She joined Hetty and +Mrs. Redmond Wrandall. + +"Sometimes I feel that I really like Vivian," observed Sara, as +much to herself as to Leslie. "She's above the board, at least." + +"Disagreeable as the devil at times, though," said he, biting his +lip. + +After the Wrandalls had departed, Sara took Hetty off to her room. +The girl knew what was coming. + +"Hetty," said the older woman, facing her after she had closed +the door of her boudoir, "what is going on between you and Brandon +Booth? I must have the truth. Are you doing anything foolish?" + +"Foolish? Heaven help me, no! It--it is a tragedy," cried Hetty, +meeting her gaze with one of utter despair. + +"What has happened? Tell me!" + +"What am I to do, Sara darling? He--he has told me that he--he--" + +"Loves you?" + +"Yes." + +"And you have told him that his love is returned?" + +"I couldn't help it. I was carried away. I did not mean to let him +see that I--" + +"You are such a novice in the business of love," said Sara sneeringly. +"You are in the habit of being carried away, I fear." + +"Oh, Sara!" + +"You must put a stop to all this at once. How can you think of +marrying him, Hetty Glynn? Send him--" + +"I do not intend to marry him," said the girl, suddenly calm and +dignified. + +"I am to draw but one conclusion, I suppose," said the other, +regarding the girl intently. + +"What do you mean?" + +"Is it necessary to ask that question?" + +The puzzled expression remained in the girl's eyes for a time, and +then slowly gave way to one of absolute horror. + +"How dare you suggest such a thing?" she cried, turning pale, then +crimson. "How dare you?" + +Sara laughed shortly. "Isn't the inference a natural one? You are +forgetting yourself." + +"I understand," said the girl, through pallid lips. Her eyes were +dark with pain and misery. "You think I am altogether bad." She +drooped perceptibly. + +"You went to Burton's Inn," sententiously. + +"But, Sara, you must believe me. I did not know he was--married. +For God's sake, do me the justice to--" + +"But you went there with him," insisted the other, her eyes hard +as steel. "It doesn't matter whether he was married--or free. You +WENT." + +Hetty threw herself upon her companion's breast and wound her strong +young arms about her. + +"Sara, Sara, you must let me explain--you must let me tell you +everything. Don't stop me! You have refused to hear my plea--" + +"And I still refuse!" cried Sara, throwing her off angrily. "Good +God, do you think I will listen to you? If you utter another word, +I will--strangle you!" + +Hetty shrank back, terrified. Slowly she moved backward in the +direction of the door, never taking her eyes from the impassioned +face of her protector. + +"Don't, Sara, please don't!" she begged. "Don't look at me like +that! I promise--I promise. Forgive me! I would not give you an +instant's pain for all the world. You would suffer, you would--" + +Sara suddenly put her hands over her eyes. A single moan escaped +her lips--a hoarse gasp of pain. + +"Dearest!" cried Hetty, springing to her side. + +Sara threw her head up and met her with a cold, repelling look. + +"Wait!" she commanded. "The time has come when you should know what +is in my mind, and has been for months and months. It concerns you. +I expect you to marry Leslie Wrandall." + +Hetty stopped short. + +"How can you jest with me, Sara?" she cried, suddenly indignant. + +"I am not jesting," said Sara levelly. + +"You--you--really mean--what you have just said?" The puzzled look +gave way to one of revulsion. A great shudder swept over her. + +"Leslie Wrandall must pay his brother's debt to you." + +"My God!" fell from the girl's stiff lips. "You--you must be going +mad--mad!" + +Sara laughed softly. "I have meant it almost from the beginning," +she said. "It came to my mind the day that Challis was buried. It +has never been out of it for an instant since that day. Now you +understand." + +If she expected Hetty to fall into a fit of weeping, to collapse, +to plead with her for mercy, she was soon to find herself mistaken. +The girl straightened up suddenly and met her gaze with one in +which there was the fierce determination. Her eyes were steady, +her bosom heaved. + +"And I have loved you so devotedly--so blindly," she said, in low +tones of scorn. "You have been hating me all these months while I +thought you were loving me. What a fool I have been! I might have +known. You COULDN'T love me." + +"When Leslie asks you to-night to marry him, you are to say that +you will do so," said Sara, betraying no sign of having heard the +bitter words. + +"I shall refuse, Sara," said Hetty, every vestige of colour gone +from her face. + +"There is an alternative," announced the other deliberately. + +"You will expose me to--him? To his family?" + +"I shall turn you over to them, to let them do what they will with +you. If you go as his wife, the secret is safe. If not, they may +have you as you really are, to destroy, to annihilate. Take your +choice, my dear." + +"And you, Sara?" asked the girl quietly. "What explanation will +you have to offer for all these months of protection?" + +Her companion stared. "Has the prospect no terror for you?" + +"Not now. Not since I have found you out. The thing I have feared +all along has come to pass. I am relieved, now that you show me +just where I truly stand. But, I asked: what of you?" + +"The world is more likely to applaud than to curse me, Hetty. It +likes a new sensation. My change of heart will appear quite natural." + +"Are you sure that the world will applaud your real design? You +hate the Wrandalls. Will they be charitable toward you when the +truth is given out? Will Leslie applaud you? Listen, please: I am +trying to save you from yourself, Sara. You will fail in everything +you have hoped for. You will be more accursed than I. The world +will pity me, it may even forgive me. It will listen to my story, +which is more than you will do, and it will believe me. Ah, I am +not afraid now. At first I was in terror. I had no hope of escape. +All that is past. To-day I am ready to take my chances with the +big, generous world. Men will try me, and men are not made of +stone and steel. They punish but they do not avenge when they sit +in jury boxes. They are not women! Good God, Sara, is there a man +living to-day who could have planned this thing you have cherished +all these months? Not one! And all men will curse you for it, even +though they send me to prison or to the--chair. But they will not +condemn me. They will hear my story and they will set me free. And +then, what of you?" + +Sara stood perfectly rigid, regarding this earnest reasoner with +growing wonder. + +"My dear," she said, "you would better be thinking of yourself, +not of me." + +"Why, when I tell my story, the world will hate you, Sara Wrandall. +You have helped me, you have been good to me, no matter what sinister +motive you may have had in doing so. It is my turn to help you." + +"To help me!" cried Sara, astonished in spite of herself. + +"Yes. To save you from execration--and even worse." + +"There is no moral wrong in marriage with Leslie Wrandall," said +Sara, returning to her own project. + +"No moral wrong!" cried Hetty, aghast. "No, I suppose not," she +went on, a moment later. "It is something much deeper, much blacker +than moral wrong. There is no word for it. And if I marry him, +what then? Wherein lies your triumph? You can't mean that--God +in Heaven! You would not go to them with the truth when it was too +late for him to--to cast me off!" + +"I am no such fool as that. The secret would be for ever safe in +that event. My triumph, as you call it, we will not discuss." + +"How you must hate me, to be willing to do such an infamous thing +to me!" + +"I do not hate you, Hetty." + +"In heaven's name, what do you call it?" + +"Justification. Listen to me now. I am saying this for your good +sense to seize and appreciate. Would it be right in me to allow +you to marry any other man, knowing all that I know? There is but +one man you can in justice marry: the one who can repair the wreck +that his own blood created. Not Brandon Booth, nor any man save +Leslie Wrandall. He is the man who must pay." + +"I do not intend to marry," said Hetty. + +"But Leslie will marry some one, and I intend that it shall be you. +He shall marry the ex-chorus girl, the artist's model, the--the +prostitute! Wait! Don't fly at me like that! Don't assume that +look of virtuous horror! Let me say what I have to say. This much +of your story shall they know, and no more. They will be proud of +you!" + +Hetty's eyes were blazing. "You use that name--you call me THAT--and +yet you have kissed me, caressed me--loved me!" she cried hoarse +with passion. + +"He will ask you to-night for the second time. You will accept him. +That is all." + +"You must take back what you have just said to me--of me,--Sara +Wrandall. You must unsay it! You must beg my pardon for THAT!" + +"I draw no line between mistress and prostitute." + +"But I--" + +"Enough!" + +"You wrong me vilely! You must let me--" + +"I have an excellent memory, and it serves me well." + +Hetty suddenly threw herself upon the couch and buried her face in +her arms. Great sobs shook her slender frame. + +Sara stood over her and watched for a long time with pitiless eyes. +Then a queer, uneasy, wondering light began to develop in those +dark, ominous eyes. She leaned forward the better to listen to the +choked, inarticulate words that were pouring from the girl's lips. +At last, moved by some power she could not have accounted for, +she knelt beside the quivering body, and laid her hand, almost +timorously, upon the girl's shoulder. + +"Hetty,--Hetty, if I have wronged you in--in thinking that of +you,--I--I--" she began brokenly. Then she lifted her eyes, and +the harsh light tried to steal back into them. "No, no! What am I +saying? What a fool I am to give way--" + +"You have wronged me--terribly, terribly!" came in smothered tones +from the cushions. "I did not dream you thought that of me." + +"What was I to think?" + +Hetty lifted her head and cried out: "You would not let me speak! +You refused to hear my story. You have been thinking this of me all +along, holding it against me, damning me with it, and I have been +closer to you than--My God, what manner of woman are you?" + +Sara seized her hands and held them in a fierce, tense grip. Her +eyes were glowing with a strange fire. + +"Tell me--tell me now, on your soul, Hetty;--were you--were you--" + +"No! No! On my soul, no!" + +"Look into my eyes!" + +The girl's eyes did not falter. She met the dark, penetrating +gaze of the other and, though dimmed by tears, her blue eyes were +steadfast and resolute. Sara seemed to be searching the very soul +of her, the soul that laid itself bare, denuded of every vestige +of guile. + +"I--I think I believe you," came slowly from the lips of the +searcher. "You are looking the truth. I can see it. Hetty, Hetty, +I--I don't understand myself. It is so--so overwhelming, so +tremendous. It is so incredible. Am I really believing you? Is it +possible that I have been wrong in--" + +"Let me tell you everything," cried the girl, suddenly throwing +her arms about her. + +"Not now! Wait! Give me time to think. Go away now. I want to be +alone." She arose and pushed the girl toward the door. Her eyes +were fixed on her in a wondering, puzzled sort of way, and she was +shaking her head as if trying to discredit the new emotion that +had come to displace the one created ages ago. + +Slowly Hetty Castleton retreated toward the door. With her hand on +the knob, she paused. + +"After what has happened, Sara, you must not expect me to stay with +you any longer. I cannot. You may give me up to the law, but--" + +Some one was tapping gently on the door. + +"Shall I see who it is?" asked the girl, after a long period of +silence. + +"Yes." + +It was Murray. "Mr. Leslie has returned, Miss Castleton, and asks +if he may see you at once. He says it is very important." + +"Tell him I will be down in a few minutes, Murray." + +After the door closed, she waited until the footman's steps died +away on the stairs. + +"I shall say no to him, Sara, and I shall say to him that you +will tell him why I cannot be his wife. Do you understand? Are you +listening to me?" + +Sara turned away without a word or look of response. + +Hetty quietly opened the door and went out. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE SECOND ENCOUNTER + + +Booth trudged rapidly homeward after leaving Hetty at the lodge. He +was throbbing all over with the love of her. The thrill of conquest +was in his blood. She had raised a mysterious barrier; all the more +zest to the inevitable victory that would be his. He would delight +in overcoming obstacles--the bigger the better,--for his heart +was valiant and the prize no smaller than those which the ancient +knights went out to battle for in the lists of love. He had held +her in his arms, he had kissed her, he had breathed of her fragrant +hair, he had felt the beating of her frightened heart against his +body. With the memory of all this to lift him to the heights of +divine exaltation, he was unable to conjure up a finer triumph than +the winning of her after the manner of the knights of old, to whom +opposition was life, denial a boon. + +It was enough for the present to know that she loved him. + +What if she were Hetty Glynn? What if she had been an artist's +model? The look he had had into the soul of her through those pure +blue eyes was all-convincing. She was worthy of the noblest love. + +After luncheon--served with some exasperation by Patrick an hour +and a half later than usual--he smoked his pipe on the porch and +stared reminiscently at the shifting clouds above the tree-tops, +and with a tenderness about the lips that must have surprised and +gratified the stubby, ill-used brier, inanimate confederate in many +a lofty plot. He recalled all she had said to him in that sylvan +confessional, and was content. His family? Pooh! He had a soul of +his own. It needed its mate. + +He did not see the Wrandall motor at his garden gate until a lusty +voice brought him down from the clouds into the range of earthly +sounds. Then he dashed out to the gate, bareheaded and coatless, +forgetting that he had been sitting in the obscurity of trailing +vines and purple blossoms the while he thought of her. + +Leslie was sitting on the wide seat between his mother and sister. + +"Glad to see you back, old man," said Booth, reaching in to shake +hands with him. "Day early, aren't you? Good-afternoon, Mrs. +Wrandall. Won't you come in?" + +He looked at Vivian as he gave the invitation. + +"No, thanks," she replied. "Won't you come to dinner this evening?" + +He hesitated. "I'm not quite sure whether I can, Vivian. I've got +a half-way sort of--" + +"Oh, do, old chap," cut in Leslie, more as a command than an +entreaty. "Sorry I can't be there myself, but you'll fare quite as +well without me. I'm dining at Sara's. Wants my private ear about +one thing and another--see what I mean?" + +"We shall expect you, Brandon," said Mrs. Wrandall, fixing him with +her lorgnette. + +"I'll come, thank you," said he. + +He felt disgustingly transparent under that inquisitive glass. + +Wrandall stepped out of the car. "I'll stop off for a chat with +Brandy, mother." + +"Shall I send the car back, dear?" + +"Never mind. I'll walk down." + +The two men turned in at the gate as the car sped away. + +"Well," said Booth, "it's good to see you. Pat!" He called through +a basement window. "Come up and take the gentleman's order." + +"No drink for me, Brandy. I've been in the temperance State of Maine +for two weeks. One week more of it and I'd have been completely +pickled. I shall always remember Maine." He dropped into a broad +wicker chair and felt tenderly of his nose. "'Gad, I'm not quite +sure that the sun did it, old man. It was dreadful." + +Booth grinned. "Do any fishing?" + +"Yes. The first day. Oh, you needn't look at me like that. I'm +back in the narrow path." After a moment of painful reflection, he +added, "We didn't see water after the first day. I'm just beginning +to get used to the taste of it again." + +"Never mind, Pat," said Booth, as the servant appeared in the +doorway. "Mr. Wrandall is not suffering." + +"You know I'm not a drinking man," declared Leslie, a pathetic note +of appeal in his voice. "I hate the stuff." + +"It is a good thing to let alone." + +"And don't I let it alone? You never saw me tight in your life." + +Booth sat down on the porch rail, hooked his toes in the supports +and proceeded to fill his pipe. Then he struck a match and applied +it, Leslie watching him with moody eyes. + +"How do you like the portrait, old man?" he inquired between +punctuating puffs. + +"It's bully. Sargent never did anything finer. Ripping." + +"I owe it all to you, Les." + +"To me?" + +"You induced her to sit to me." + +"So I did," said Leslie sourly. "I was Mr. Fix-it sure enough." +He allowed a short interval to elapse before taking the plunge. "I +suppose, old chap, if I should happen to need your valuable services +as best man in the near future, you'd not disappoint me?" + +Booth eyed him quizzically. "I trust you're not throwing yourself +away, Les," he said drily. "I mean to say, on some one--well, some +one not quite up to the mark." + +Leslie regarded him with some severity. "Of course not, old chap. +What the devil put that into your head?" + +"I thought that possibly you'd been making a chump of yourself up +in the Maine woods." + +"Piffle! Don't be an ass. What's the sense pretending you don't +know who she is?" + +"I suppose it's Hetty Castleton," said Booth, puffing away at his +pipe. + +"Who else?" + +"Think she'll have you, old man?" asked Booth, after a moment. + +"I don't know," replied the other, a bit dashed. "You might wish +me luck, though." + +Booth knocked the burnt tobacco from the bowl of his pipe. A serious +line appeared between his eyes. He was a fair-minded fellow, without +guile, without a single treacherous instinct. + +"I can't wish you luck, Les," he said slowly. "You see I'm--I'm in +love with her myself." + +"The devil!" Leslie sat bolt upright and glared at him. "I might +have known! And--and is SHE in love with you?" + +"My dear fellow, you reveal considerable lack of tact in asking +that question." + +"What I want to know is this," exclaimed Wrandall, very pale but +very hot: "is she going to marry you?" + +Booth smiled. "I'll be perfectly frank with you. She says she +won't." + +Leslie gulped. "So you've asked her?" + +"Obviously." + +"And she said she wouldn't? She refused you? Turned you down?" +His little moustache shot up at the ends and a joyous, triumphant +laugh broke from his lips. "Oh, this is rich! Ha, ha! Turned you +down, eh? Poor old Brandy! You're my best friend, and dammit I'm +sorry. I mean to say," he went on in some embarrassment, "I'm sorry +for you. Of course, you can hardly expect me to--er--" + +"Certainly not," accepted Booth amiably. "I quite understand." + +"Then, since she's refused you, you might wish ME better luck." + +"That would mean giving up hope." + +"Hope?" exclaimed Leslie quickly. "You don't mean to say you'll +annoy her with your--" + +"No, I shall not annoy her," replied his friend, shaking his head. + +"Well, I should hope not," said Leslie with a scowl. "Turned you +down, eh? 'Pon my soul!" He appeared to be relishing the idea of +it. "Sorry, old chap, but I suppose you understand just what that +means." + +Booth's lips hardened for an instant, then relaxed into a queer, +almost pitying smile. + +"And you want me to be your best man?" he said reflectively. + +Leslie arose. His chest seemed to swell a little; assuredly he was +breathing much easier. He assumed an air of compassion. + +"I shan't insist, old fellow, if you feel you'd rather not--er--See +what I mean?" It then occurred to him to utter a word or two of +kindly advice. "I shouldn't go on hoping if I were you, Brandy. +'Pon my soul, I shouldn't. Take it like a man. I know it hurts +but--Pooh! What's the use aggravating the pain by butting against +a stone wall?" + +His companion looked out over the tree-tops, his hands in his +trouser pockets, and it must be confessed that his manner was not +that of one who is oppressed by despair. + +"I think I'm taking it like a man, Les," he said. "I only hope +you'll take it as nicely if she says nay to you." + +An uneasy look leaped into Leslie's face. He seemed noticeably +less corpulent about the chest. He wondered if Booth knew anything +about his initial venture. A question rose to his lips, but he +thought quickly and held it back. Instead, he glanced at his watch. + +"I must be off. See you to-morrow, I hope." + +"So long," said Booth, stopping at the top of the steps while his +visitor skipped down to the gate with a nimbleness that suggested +the formation of a sudden resolve. + +Leslie did not waste time in parting inanities; he strode off briskly +in the direction of home, but not without a furtive glance out of +the tail of his eye as he disappeared beyond the hedge-row at the +end of Booth's garden. That gentleman was standing where he had +left him, and was filling his pipe once more. + +The day was warm, and Leslie was in a dripping perspiration when +he reached home. He did not enter the house but made his way direct +to the garage. + +"Get out the car at once, Brown," was his order. + +Three minutes later he was being driven over the lower road toward +Southlook, taking good care to avoid Booth's place by the matter +of a mile or more. He was in a fever of hope and eagerness. It was +very plain to him why she had refused to marry Booth. The iron was +hot. He didn't intend to lose any time in striking. + +And now we know why he came again to Sara's in the middle of +a blazing afternoon, instead of waiting until the more seductive +shades of night had fallen, when the moon sat serene in the seat +of the Mighty. + +He didn't have to wait long for Hetty. Up to the instant of +her appearance in the door, he had revelled in the thought that +the way was now paved with roses. But with her entrance, he felt +his confidence and courage slipping. Perhaps that may explain the +abruptness with which he proceeded to go about the business in +hand. + +"I couldn't wait till to-night," he explained as she came slowly +across the room toward him. She was half way to him before he awoke +to the fact that he was standing perfectly still. Then he started +forward, somehow impelled to meet her at least half-way. "You'll +forgive me, Hetty, if I have disturbed you." + +"I was not lying down, Mr. Wrandall," she said quietly. There was +nothing ominous in the words, but he experienced a sudden sensation +of cold. "Won't you sit down? Or would you rather go out to the +terrace?" + +"It's much more comfortable here, if you don't mind. I--I suppose +you know what it is I want to say to you. You--" + +"Yes," she interrupted wearily; "and knowing as much, Mr. Wrandall, +it would not be fair of me to let you go on." + +"Not fair?" he said, in honest amazement. "But, my dear, I--" + +"Please, Mr. Wrandall," she exclaimed, with a pleading little smile +that would have touched the heart of any one but Leslie. "Please +don't go on. It is quite as impossible now as it was before. I have +not changed." + +He could only say, mechanically: "You haven't?" + +"No. I am sorry if you have thought that I might come to--" + +"Think, for heaven's sake, think what you are doing!" he cried, +feeling for the edge of the table with a support-seeking hand. +"I--I had Sara's word that you were not--" + +"Unfortunately Sara cannot speak for me in a matter of this kind. +Thank you for the honour you would--" + +"Honour be hanged!" he blurted out, losing his temper. "I love you! +It's a purely selfish thing with me, and I'm blowed if I consider +it an honour to be refused by any woman. I--" + +"Mr. Wrandall!" she cried, fixing him with her flashing, indignant +eyes. "You are forgetting yourself." She was standing very straight +and slim and imperious before him. + +He quailed. "I--I beg your pardon. I--I--" + +"There is nothing more to be said," she went on icily. "Good-bye." + +"Would you mind telling me whether there is any one else?" he asked, +as he turned toward the door. + +"Do you really feel that you have the right to ask that question, +Mr. Wrandall?" + +He wet his lips with his tongue. "Then, there IS some one!" +he cried, rapping the table with his knuckles. He didn't realise +till afterward how vigorously he rapped. "Some confounded English +nobody, I suppose." + +She smiled, not unkindly. "There is no English nobody, if that +answers your question." + +"Then, will you be kind enough to offer a reason for not giving me +a fair chance in a clear field? I think it's due--" + +"Can't you see how you are distressing me? Must I again go through +that horrid scene in the garden? Can't you take a plain no for an +answer?" + +"Good Lord!" he gasped, and in those two words he revealed the +complete overturning of a life-long estimate of himself. It seemed +to take more than his breath away. + +"Good-bye," she said with finality. + +He stared at the door through which she disappeared, his hopes, +his conceit, his self-regard trailing after her with shameless +disloyalty to the standards he had set for them, and then, with a +rather ghastly smile of self-commiseration on his lips, he slipped +out of the house, jumped into the motor car, and gave a brief but +explicit command to the chauffeur, who lost no time in assisting +his master to turn tail in ignominious flight. + +Hetty was gloomily but resolutely employed in laying out certain of +her personal belongings, preparatory to packing them for departure, +when Sara entered her room. + +They regarded each other steadily, questioningly for a short space +of time. + +"Leslie has just called up to ask 'what the devil' I meant by +letting him make a fool of himself," said Sara, with a peculiar +little twisted smile on her lips. + +Hetty offered no comment, but after a moment gravely and rather +wistfully called attention to her present occupation by a significant +flaunt of her hand and a saddened smile. + +"I see," said Sara, without emotion. "If you choose to go, Hetty, +I shall not oppose you." + +"My position here is a false one, Sara. I prefer to go." + +"This morning I should have held a sword over your head." + +"It is very difficult for me to realise all that has happened." + +"You are free to depart. You are free in every sense of the word. +Your future rests with yourself, my dear." + +"It hurts me more than I can tell to feel that you have been hating +me all these months." + +"It hurts me--now." + +Hetty walked to the window and looked out. + +"What are your plans?" Sara inquired, after an interval. + +"I shall seek employment--and wait for you to act." + +"I? You mean?" + +"I shall not run away, Sara. Nor do I intend to reveal myself to +the authorities. I am not morally guilty of crime. A year ago I +feared the consequences of my deed, but I have learned much since +then. I was a stranger in a new world. In England we have been led +to believe that you lynch women here as readily as you lynch men. +I now know better than that. From you alone I learned my greatest +lesson. You revealed to me the true meaning of human kindness. +You shielded me who should not. Even now I believe that your first +impulse was a tender one. I shall not forget it, Sara. You will +live to regret the baser thought that came later on. I have loved +you--yes, almost as a good dog loves his master. It is not for me +to tell the story of that night and all these months to the world. +I would not be betraying myself, but you. You would be called upon +to explain, not I. And you would be the one to suffer. When you met +me on the road that night I was on my way back to the inn to give +myself into custody. You have made it impossible for me to do so +now. My lips are sealed. It rests with you, Sara." + +Sara joined her in the broad window. There was a strangely exalted +look in her face. A gilded bird-cage hung suspended in the casement. +Without a word, she threw open the window screen. The gay little +canary in the gilded cage cocked his head and watched her with +alert eyes. Then she reached up and gently removed the cage from +its fastenings. Putting it down upon the window sill, she opened +the tiny door. The bird hopped about his prison in a state of great +excitement. + +Hetty looked on, fascinated. + +At last a yellow streak shot out through the open door and an instant +later resolved itself into the bobbing, fluttering dicky-bird that +had lived in a cage all its life without an hour of freedom. For +a few seconds it circled over the tree-tops and then alighted on +one of the branches. One might well have imagined that he could +hear its tiny heart beating with terror. Its wings were half-raised +and fluttering, its head jerking from side to side in wild +perturbation. Taking courage, Master Dicky hopped timorously to a +nearby twig, and then ventured a flight to a tree-top nearer the +window casement. Perched in its topmost branches he cheeped shrilly, +as if there was fear in his little breast. + +In silence the two women in the window watched the agitated movements +of the bird. The same thought was in the mind of each, the same +question, the same intense wish. + +A brown thrush sped through the air, close by the timid canary. Like +a flash it dropped to the twigs lower down, its wings palpitating +in violent alarm. + +"Dicky!" called Sara Wrandall, and then cheeped between her teeth. + +A moment later Dicky was fluttering about the eaves; his circles +grew smaller, his winging less rhythmic, till at last with a nervous +little flutter he perched on the top of the window shutter, so +near that they might have reached to him with their hands. He sat +there with his head cocked to one side. + +"Dicky!" called Sara again. This time she held out her finger. For +some time he regarded it with indifference, not to say disfavour. +Then he took one more flight, but much shorter than the first, +bringing up again at the shutter-top. A second later he hopped down +and his little talons gripped Sara's finger with an earnestness +that left no room for doubt. + +She lowered her hand until it was even with the open door of the +gilded cage. He shot inside with a whir that suggested a scramble. +With his wings folded, he sat on his little trapeze and cheeped. +She closed and fastened the door, and then turned to Hetty. + +"My symbol," she said softly. + +There were tears in Hetty's eyes. + +Leslie did not turn up at his father's place in the High Street +that night until Booth was safely out of the way. He spent a dismal +evening at the boat club. + +His father and mother were in the library when he came in at +half-past ten. From a dark corner of the garden he had witnessed +Booth's early departure. Vivian had gone down to the gate in the +low-lying hedge with her visitor. She came in a moment after Leslie's +entrance. + +"Hello, Les," she said, bending an inquiring eye upon him. "Isn't +this early for you?" + +Her brother was standing near the fireplace. + +"There's a heavy dew falling, Mater," he said gruffly. "Shan't I +touch a match to the kindling?" + +His mother came over to him quickly, and laid her hand on his arm. + +"Your coat is damp," she said anxiously. "Yes, light the fire." + +"It's very warm in this room," said Mr. Wrandall, looking up from +his book. They were always doing something for Leslie's comfort. + +No one seemed to notice him. Leslie knelt and struck a match. + +"Well?" said Vivian. + +"Well what?" he demanded without looking up. + +His sister took a moment for thought. "Is Hetty coming to stay with +us in July?" + +He stood erect, first rubbing his knee to dislodge the dust,--then +his palms. + +"No, she isn't coming," he said. He drew a very long breath--the +first in several hours--and then expelled it vocally. "She has +refused to marry me." + +Mr. Wrandall turned a leaf in his book; it sounded like the crack +of doom, so still had the room become. + +Vivian had the forethought to push a chair toward her mother. It +was a most timely act on her part, for Mrs. Wrandall sat down very +abruptly and very limply. + +"She--WHAT?" gasped Leslie's mother. + +"Turned me down--cold," said Leslie briefly. + +Mr. Wrandall laid his book on the table without thinking to put the +bookmark in place. Then he arose and removed his glasses, fumbling +for the case. + +"She--she--WHAT?" he demanded. + +"Sacked me," replied his son. + +"Please do not jest with me, Leslie," said his mother, trying to +smile. + +"He isn't joking, mother," said Vivian, with a shrug of her fine +shoulders. + +"He--he MUST be," cried Mrs. Wrandall impatiently. "What did she +REALLY say, Leslie?" + +"The only thing I remember was 'good-bye,'" said he, and then blew +his nose violently. + +"Poor old Les!" said Vivian, with real feeling. + +"It was Sara Gooch's doing!" exclaimed Mrs. Wrandall, getting her +breath at last. + +"Nonsense," said Mr. Wrandall, picking up his book once more and +turning to the place where the bookmark lay, after which he proceeded +to re-read four or five pages before discovering his error. + +No one spoke for a matter of five minutes or more. Then Mrs. Wrandall +got up, went over to the library table and closed with a snap the +bulky blue book with the limp leather cover, saying as she held +it up to let him see that it was the privately printed history of +the Murgatroyd family: + +"It came by post this evening from London. She is merely a fourth +cousin, my son." + +He looked up with a gleam of interest in his eye. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +CROSSING THE CHANNEL + + +Booth, restless with a vague uneasiness that had come over him +during the night, keeping him awake until nearly dawn, was hard put +during the early hours of the forenoon to find occupation for his +interest until a seasonable time arrived for appearing at Southlook. He +was unable to account for this feeling of uncertainty and irritation. + +At nine he set out to walk over to Southlook, realising that he should +have to spend an hour in profitless gossip with the lodge-keeper +before presenting himself at the villa, but somehow relishing the +thought that even so he would be nearer to Hetty than if he remained +in his own door-yard. + +Half-way there he was overtaken by Sara's big French machine returning +from the village. The car came to a standstill as he stepped aside +to let it pass, and Sara herself leaned over and cordially invited +him to get in and ride home with her. + +"What an early bird you are," he exclaimed as he took his seat +beside her. + +She was not in a mood for airy persiflage, as he soon discovered. + +"Miss Castleton has gone up to town, Mr. Booth," she said rather +lifelessly. "I have just taken her to the station. She caught the +eight-thirty." + +He was at once solicitous. "No bad news, I hope?" There was no +thought in his mind that her absence was other than temporary. + +"She is not coming back, Brandon." She had not addressed him as +Brandon before. + +He stared. "You--you mean--" The words died on his lips. + +"She is not coming back," she repeated. + +An accusing gleam leaped into his eyes. + +"What has happened, Mrs. Wrandall?" he asked. + +She was quick to perceive the change in his voice and manner. + +"She prefers to live apart from me. That is all." + +"When was this decision reached?" + +"But yesterday. Soon after she came in from her walk with you." + +"Do--do you mean to imply that THAT had anything to do with her +leaving your home?" he demanded, with a flush on his cheek. + +She met his look without flinching. "It was the beginning." + +"You--you criticised her? You took her to task--" + +"I notified her that she was to marry Leslie Wrandall, if she +marries any one at all," she said in a perfectly level tone. + +"Good Lord, Mrs. Wrandall!" + +"But she is not going to marry Leslie." + +"I know it--I knew it yesterday," he cried triumphantly. "She loves +me, Sara. Didn't she say as much to you?" + +"Yes, Brandon, she loves you. But she will not be your wife." + +"What is all this mystery? Why can't she be my wife? What is there +to prevent?" + +She regarded him with dark, inscrutable eyes. Many seconds passed +before she spoke. + +"Would you want her for your wife if you knew she had belonged to +another man?" + +He turned very cold. The palms of his hands were wet, as with +ice-water. Something dark seemed to flit before his eyes. + +"I will not believe that of her," he said, shaking his head with +an air of finality. + +"That is not an answer to my question." + +"Yes, I would still want her," he declared steadily. + +"I merely meant to put you to the harshest test," she said, and +there was relief in her voice. "She is a good girl, she is pure. +I asked my question because until yesterday I had reason to doubt +her." + +"Good heavens, how could you doubt those honest, guiltless eyes +of--" + +She shook her head sadly. "To answer you I would have to reveal +the secret that makes it impossible for her to become your wife, +and that I cannot, will not do." + +"Is it fair to me?" + +"Perhaps not, but it is fair to her, and that is why I must remain +silent." + +"Before God, I shall know the truth,--from her, if not from +you,--and--" + +"If you love her, if you will be kind to her, you will let her go +her way in peace." + +He was struck by the somewhat sinister earnestness of her words. + +"Tell me where I may find her," he said, setting his jaw. + +"It will not be difficult for you to find her," she said, frowning, +"if you insist on pursuing her." + +"You drive her away from your house, Sara Wrandall, and yet expect +me to believe that your motives are friendly. Why should I accept +your word as final?" + +"I did not drive her away, nor did I ask her to stay." + +He stared hard at her. + +"Good Lord, what is the meaning of all this?" he cried in perplexity. +"What am I to understand?" + +The car had come to a stop under the porte cochere. She laid her +hand on his arm. + +"If you will come in with me, Brandon, I will try to make some +things clear to you." + +He left in half-an-hour, walking rapidly down the drive, his coat +buttoned closely, although the morning was hot and breathless. He +held in his hand a small scrap of paper on which was written: "If +I loved you less, I would come to you now and lie to you. If you +love me, Brandon, you will let me go my way. It is the only course. +Sara is my friend, and she is yours. Be guided by her, and believe +in my love for you. Hetty." + +And now, as things go in fairy stories, we should prepare ourselves +to see Hetty pass through a season in drudgery and hardship, with +the ultimate quintessence of joy as the reward for her trials and +tribulations. Happily, this is not a fairy tale. There are some +things more fantastic than fairy tales, if they are not spoiled in +the telling. Hetty did not go forth to encounter drudgery, disdain +and obloquy. By no manner of means! She went with a well-filled +purse, a definite purpose ahead and a determined factor behind. + +In a manner befitting her station as the intimate friend of Mrs. +Challis Wrandall, as the cousin of the Murgatroyds, as the daughter +of Colonel Castleton of the Indian Corps, as a person supposed to +be possessed of independent means withal, she went, with none to +question, none to cavil. + +Sara had insisted on this, as much for her own sake as for Hetty's; +she argued, and she had prevailed in the end. What would the world +think, what would their acquaintances think, and above all what +would the high and mighty Wrandalls think if she went with meek +and lowly mien? + +Why should they make it possible for any one to look askance? + +And so it was that she departed in state, with a dozen trunks and +boxes; an obsequiously attended seat in the parlour-car was hers; +a telegram in her bag assured her that rooms were being reserved +for herself and maid at the Ritz-Carlton; alongside it reposed a +letter to Mr. Carroll, instructing him to provide her with sufficient +funds to carry out the plan agreed upon; and in the seat behind +sat the lady's maid who had served her for a twelve-month and more. + +The timely demise of the venerable Lord Murgatroyd afforded the +most natural excuse for her trip to England. The old nobleman gave +up the ghost, allowing for difference in time, at the very moment +when Mrs. Redmond Wrandall was undoing a certain package from +London, which turned out to be a complete history of what his +forebears had done in the way of propagation since the fourteenth +century. + +Hetty did not find it easy to accommodate her pride to the plan +which was to give her a fresh and rather imposing start in the +world. She was to have a full year in which to determine whether she +should accept toil and poverty as her lot, or emulate the symbolic +example of Dicky the canary bird. At the end of the year, unless she +did as Dicky had done, her source of supplies would be automatically +cut off and she would be entirely dependent upon her own wits and +resources. In the interim, she was a probationary person of leisure. +It had required hours of persuasion on the part of Sara Wrandall +to bring her into line with these arrangements. + +"But I am able and willing to work for my living," had been Hetty's +stubborn retort to all the arguments brought to bear upon her. + +"Then let me put it in another light. It is vital to me, of course, +that you should keep up the show of affluence for a while at least. +I think I have made that clear to you. But here is another side to +the matter; the question of recompense." + +"Recompense?" cried Hetty sharply. + +"Without your knowing it, I have virtually held you a prisoner all +these months, condemned in my own judgment if not in the sight of +the law. I have taken the law unto myself. You were not convicted +of murder in this Unitarian court of mine, but of another sin. For +fifteen months you have been living under the shadow of a crime you +did not commit. I was reserving complete punishment for you in the +shape of an ignoble marriage, which was to have served two bitter +ends. Well, I have had the truth from you. I believe you to +be absolutely innocent of the charge I held over you, for which I +condemned you without a hearing. Then, why should I not employ my +own means of making restitution?" + +"You have condescended to believe in me. That is all I ask." + +"True, that is all you ask. But is it altogether the fair way out of +it? To illustrate: our criminal laws are less kind to the innocent +than to the guilty. Our law courts find a man guilty and he is +sent to prison. Later on, he is found to be innocent--absolutely +innocent. What does the State do in the premises? It issues +a formal pardon,--a mockery, pure and simple,--and the man is set +free. It all comes to a curt, belated apology for an error on the +part of justice. No substantial recompense is offered. He is merely +pardoned for something he didn't do. The State, which has wronged +him, condescends to pardon him! Think of it! It is the same as if +a man knocked another down and then said, before he removed his +foot from the victim's neck: 'I pardon you freely.' My father was +opposed to the system we have--that all countries have--of pardoning +men who have been unjustly condemned. The innocent victim is pardoned +in the same manner as the guilty one who comes in for clemency. I +accept my father's contention that an innocent man should not be +shamed and humiliated by a PARDON. The court which tried him should +re-open the case and honourably ACQUIT him of the crime. Then +the State should pay to this innocent man, dollar for dollar, all +that he might have earned during his term of imprisonment, with an +additional amount for the suffering he has endured. Not long ago in +an adjoining State a man, who had served seventeen years of a life +sentence for murder, was found to be wholly innocent. What happened? +A PARDON was handed to him and he walked out of prison, broken +in spirit, health and purse. His small fortune had been wiped out +in the futile effort to prove his innocence. He gave up seventeen +years of his life and then WAS PARDONED for the sacrifice. He +should have been paid for every day spent in prison. That was the +very least they could have done." + +"I see now what you mean," mused Hetty. "I have never thought of +it in that way before." + +"Well, it comes to this in our case, Hetty: I have tried you all +over again in my own little court and I have acquitted you of the +charge I had against you. I do not offer you a silly pardon. You +must allow me to have my way in this matter, to choose my own means +of compensating you for--" + +"You saved my life," protested Hetty, shaking her head obstinately. + +"My dear, I appreciate the fact that you are English," said Sara, +with a weary smile, "but won't you PLEASE see the point?" + +Then Hetty smiled too, and the way was easier after that for Sara. +She gained her quixotic point, and Hetty went away from Southlook +feeling that no woman in all the world was so bewildering as Sara +Wrandall. + +When she sailed for England, two days later, the newspapers announced +that the beautiful and attractive Miss Castleton was returning to +her native land on account of the death of Lord Murgatroyd, and +would spend the year on the Continent, where probably she would +be joined later on by Mrs. Wrandall, whose period of mourning and +distress had been softened by the constant and loyal friendship of +"this exquisite Englishwoman." + +Four hundred miles out at sea, she was overtaken by wireless messages +from three persons. + +Brandon Booth's message said: "I am sailing to-morrow on a faster +ship than yours. You will find me waiting for you on the landing +stage." Her heart gave a leap to dizzy heights, and, try as she +would, she could not crush it back to the depths in which it had +dwelt for days. + +The second bit of pale green paper contained a cry from a most +unexpected source: "Cable your London address. S. refuses to give it +to me. I think I understand the situation. We want to make amends +for what you have had to put up with during the year. She has shown +her true nature at last." It was signed "Leslie." + +From Sara came these cryptic words: "For each year of famine there +will come seven years of plenty." + +All the way across the Atlantic she lived in a state of subdued +excitement. Conflicting emotions absorbed her waking hours but +her dreams were all of one complexion: rosy and warm and full of +a joyousness that distressed her vastly when she recalled them to +mind in the early morning hours. During the day she intermittently +hoped and feared that he would be on the landing stage. In any event, +she was bound to find unhappiness. If he were there her joy would +be short-lived and blighting; if he were not there, her disappointment +would be equally hard to bear. + +He was there. She saw him from the deck of the tender as they +edged up to the landing. His tall figure loomed in the front rank +against the rail that held back the crowd; his sun-bronzed face +wore a look of eager expectancy; from her obscured position in the +shadow of the deck building, purposely chosen for reasons only too +obvious, she could even detect the alert, swift-moving scrutiny +that he fastened upon the crowd. + +Later on, he stood looking down into her serious blue eyes; her hands +were lying limp in his. His own eyes were dark with earnestness, +with the restraint that had fastened itself upon him. Behind her +stood the respectful but immeasurably awed maid, who could not, +for the life of her, understand how a man could be on both sides +of the Atlantic at one and the same time. + +"Thank the Lord, Hetty, say I, for the five day boats," he was +saying. + +"You should not have come, Brandon," she cried softly, and the +look of misery in her eyes was tinged with a glow she could not +suppress. "It only makes everything harder for me. I--I--Oh, I +wish you had not come!" + +"But isn't it wonderful?" he cried, "that I should be here and +waiting for you! It is almost inconceivable. And you were in the +act of running away from me, too. Oh, I have that much of the tale +from Sara, so don't look so hurt about it." + +"I am so sorry you came," she repeated, her lip trembling. + +Noting her emotion, he gave her hands a fierce, encouraging pressure +and immediately released them. + +"Come," he said gently; "I have booked for London. Everything is +arranged. I shall see to your luggage. Let me put you in the carriage +first." + +As she sat in the railway carriage, waiting for him to return, +she tried in a hundred ways to devise a means of escape, and yet +she had never loved him so much as now. Her heart was sore, her +desolation never so complete as now. + +He came back at last and took his seat beside her in the compartment, +fanning himself with his hat. The maid very discreetly stared out +of the window at the hurrying throng of travellers on the platform. +One other person occupied the compartment with them, a crabbed +Englishman who seemed to resent the fact that his seat was not next +the window, and that maids should be encouraged to travel first +class. + +"Isn't it really wonderful?" whispered Booth once more, quite as +if he couldn't believe it himself. She smiled rather doubtfully. +He was sitting quite close to her and leaning forward. + +The Englishman got up and went into the corridor to consult the +conductor. One might have heard him say he'd very much prefer going +into another compartment where it wouldn't be necessary for him +to annoy a beastly American bride and groom--her maid and perhaps +later on his man--all the way up to London. + +"How I love you--Hetty--how I adore you!" Booth whispered passionately. + +"Oh, Brandon!" + +"And I don't mean to give you up," he added, his lean jaw setting +hard. + +"You must--oh, you must," she cried miserably. "I mean it, Brandon--" + +The Englishman came back and took his seat. He glared at Booth +through his eye-glass, and that young gentleman sat up in sudden +embarrassment. + +"What are your plans?" asked he, turning his back on their +fellow-passenger. + +"Please don't ask me," she pleaded. "You must give it up, Brandon. +Let me go my own way." + +"Not until I have the whole story from you. You see, I am not +easily thwarted, once I set my heart on a thing. I gathered this +much from Sara: the obstacle is NOT insurmountable." + +"She--said--that?" + +"In effect, yes," he qualified. + +"What did she tell you?" demanded Hetty, laying her hand on his +arm. + +"I will confess she didn't reveal the secret that you consider a +barrier, but she went so far as to say that it was very dark and +dreadful," he said lightly. They were speaking in very low tones. +"When I pinned her down to it, she added that it did not in any +sense bear upon your honour. But there is time enough to talk about +this later on. For the present, let's not discuss the past. I know +enough of your history from your own lips as well as what little I +could get out of Sara, to feel sure that you are, in a way, drifting. +I intend to look after you, at least until you find yourself. Your +sudden break with Sara has been explained to me. Leslie Wrandall +is at the back of it. Sara told me that she tried to force you to +marry him. I think you did quite right in going away as you did, +but, on the other hand, was it quite fair to me?" + +"Yes, it was most fair," she said, compressing her lips. + +He frowned. + +"We can't possibly be of the same opinion," he said seriously. + +"You wouldn't say that if you knew everything." + +"How long do you intend to stay in London?" + +"I don't know. When does this train arrive there?" + +"At four o'clock, I think. Will you go to an hotel or to friends?" +He put the question very delicately. + +She smiled faintly. "You mean the Murgatroyds?" + +"Your father is here, I am informed. And you must have other friends +or relatives who--" + +"I shall go to a small hotel I know near Trafalgar Square," she +interrupted quietly. "You must not come there to see me, Brandon." + +"I shall expect you to dine with me at--say Prince's this evening," +was his response to this. + +She shook her head and then turned to look out of the window. He +sat back in his seat and for many miles, with deep perplexity in his +eyes, studied her half-averted face. The old uneasiness returned. +Was this obstacle, after all, so great that it could not be overcome? + +They lunched together, but were singularly reserved all through the +meal. A plan was growing in her brain, a cruel but effective plan +that made her despise herself and yet contained the only means of +escape from an even more cruel situation. + +He drove with her from the station to the small hotel off Trafalgar +Square. There were no rooms to be had. It was the week of Ascot and +the city was still crowded with people who awaited only the royal +sign to break the fetters that bound them to London. Somewhat +perturbed, she allowed him to escort her to several hotels of a +like character. Failing in each case, she was in despair. At last +she plucked up the courage to say to him, not without constraint +and embarrassment: + +"I think, Brandon, if you were to allow me to apply ALONE to one +of these places I could get in without much trouble." + +"Good Lord!" he gasped, going very red with dismay. "What a fool +I--" + +"I'll try the Savoy," she said quickly, and then laughed at him. +His face was the picture of distress. + +"I shall come for you at eight," he said, stopping the taxi at +once. "Good-bye till then." + +He got out and gave directions to the chauffeur. Then he did a very +strange thing. He hailed another taxi and, climbing in, started +off in the wake of the two women. From a point of vantage near +the corridor leading to the "American bar," he saw Hetty sign her +slips and move off toward the lift. Whereupon, seeing that she was +quite out of the way, he approached the manager's office and asked +for accommodations. + +"Nothing left, sir." + +"Not a thing?" + +"Everything has been taken for weeks, sir. I'm sorry." + +"Sorry, too. I had hoped you might have something left for a friend +who expects to stop here--a Miss Castleton." + +"Miss Castleton has just applied. We could not give her anything." + +"Eh?" + +"Fortunately we could let her have rooms until eight this evening. +We were more than pleased to offer them to her for a few hours, +although they are reserved for parties coming down from Liverpool +tonight." + +Booth tried the Cecil and got a most undesirable room. Calling up +the Savoy on the telephone, he got her room. The maid answered. +She informed him that Miss Castleton had just that instant gone +out and would not return before seven o'clock. + +"I suppose she will not remove her trunks from the station until +she finds a permanent place to lodge," he inquired. "Can I be of +any service?" + +"I think not, sir. She left no word, sir." + +He hung up the receiver and straightway dashed over to the Savoy, +hoping to catch her before she left the hotel. Just inside the door +he came to an abrupt stop. She was at the news and ticket booth in +the lobby, closely engaged in conversation with the clerk. Presently +the latter took up the telephone, and after a brief conversation +with some one at the other end, turned to Hetty and nodded his +head. Whereupon she nodded her own adorable head and began the +search for her purse. Booth edged around to an obscure spot and +saw her pay for and receive something in return. + +"By Jove!" he said to himself, amazed. + +She passed near him, without seeing him, and went out into the +court. He watched her turn into the Strand. + +When the night boat from Dover to Calais slipped away from her +moorings that evening, Hetty Castleton and her maid were on board, +with all their bags and trunks, and Brandon Booth was supposed to +be completely at sea in the heart of that glittering London-town. + +The night was fog-laden and dripping, and the crossing promised +to be unpleasant. Wrapped in a thick sea-ulster Hetty sat huddled +up in the lea of the deck-house, sick at heart and miserable. She +reproached herself for the scurvy trick she was playing on him, +reviled herself and yet pitied herself. After all, she was doing +him a good turn in forcing him to despise her for the shameless +way in which she treated his devotion, his fairness, his loyalty. +He would be happier in the end for the brief spasm of pain and disgust +he was to experience in this second revelation of her unworthiness. + +Crouching there in the shadow, with the foghorn chortling hoarsely +over the shabby trick,--so it seemed to her,--she stared back at +the misty glow of the pier and tried to pierce the distance that +lay between her and the lights of London, so many leagues away. +HE was there, in the glitter and glamour of it all, but black with +disappointment and wonder. Oh, it was a detestable thing she had +done! Her poor heart ached for him. She could almost see the despair, +the bewilderment in his honest eyes as he sat in his room, hours +after the discovery of her flight, defeated, betrayed, disillusioned. + +There were but few people crossing. Sailors stood by the rail, +peering into the fog, but it seemed to her that no one else was +afoot on board the steamer. Already the boat was beginning to show +signs of the uneasy trip ahead. Many foghorns, far and near, were +barking their lugubrious warnings; the choppy waves were slashing +against the vessel with a steady beat; the bobbling of the ship +increased as it plunged deeper into the cross-seas. But she had +no thought of the ship, the channel or the perils that surrounded +her. Her mind was back in London with her heart, and there was +nothing ahead of her save the dread of tomorrow's sunlight. + +She was a good sailor. A dozen times, perhaps, she had crossed the +English Channel, in fair weather and foul, and never with discomfort. +Her maid, she knew, was in for a wretched brawl with the waves, +but Hetty was too wise a sailor to think of trying to comfort the +unhappy creature. Misery does not always love company. + +A tall man came shambling down the narrow space along the rail +and stopped directly in front of her. She started in alarm as he +reached out his hand to support himself against the deck house. As +he leaned forward, he laughed. + +"You were thinking of me, Hetty," said the man. + +For a long time she stared at him, transfixed, and then, with a +low moan, covered her eyes with her hands. + +"Is it true--is it a dream?" she sobbed. + +He dropped down beside her and gathered her in his strong, eager +arms. + +"You WERE thinking of me, weren't you? And reproaching yourself, +and hating yourself for running away like this? I thought so. Well, +you might just as well try to dodge the smartest detective in the +world as to give me the slip now, darling." + +"You--you spied on me?" she cried, in muffled tones. She lay very +limp in his arms. + +"I did," he confessed, without shame. "'Gad, when I think of what +I might be doing at this moment if I hadn't found you out in time! +Think of me back there in London, racing about like a madman, +searching for you in every--" + +"Please, please!" she implored. + +"But luck was with me. You can't get away, Hetty. I shan't let you +out of my sight again. I'll camp in front of your door and you'll +see me wither and die of sleeplessness, for one or the other of my +eyes will always be open." + +"Oh, I am so tired, so miserable," she murmured. + +"Poor little sweetheart!" + +"I wish you would hate me." + +"Lie where you are, dearest, and--forget!" + +"If I only could--forget!" + +"Rest. I will hold you tight and keep you warm. We're in for a nasty +crossing, but it is paradise for me. I am mad with the delight of +having you here, holding you close to me, feeling you in my arms. +The wilder the night the better, for I am wild with the joy of it +all. I love you! I love you!" He strained her closer to him in a +sort of paroxysm. + +She was quiet for a long time. Then she breathed into his ear: + +"You will never know how much I was longing for you, just as you +are now, Brandon, and in the midst of it all you came. It is like +a fairy story, and oh, I shall always believe in fairies." + +All about them were the sinister sounds of the fog--the hoots, +the growls and groans of lost things in the swirl of the North Sea +current, creeping blindly through the guideless mist. To both of +them, the night had a strangely symbolic significance: whither were +they drifting and where lay the unseen port? + +A huge liner from one of the German ports slipped across their bows +with hoarse blasts of warning. They saw the misty glow of her lights +for an instant, and even as they drew the sharp breath of fear, +the night resumed its mantle and their own little vessel seemed to +come to life again after the shock of alarm and its engines throbbed +the faster, just as the heartbeats quicken when reaction sets in. + +A long time afterward the throbbing ceased, bell-buoys whistled and +clanged about them; the sea suddenly grew calm and lifeless; they +slid over it as if it were a quavering sheet of ice; and lights +sneaked out of the fog and approached with stealthy swiftness. +Bells rang below and above them, sailors sprang up from everywhere +and calls were heard below; the rattling of chains and the thumping +of heavy luggage took the place of that steady, monotonous beat of +the engines. People began to infest the deck, limp and groaning, +harassed but voiceless. A mighty sigh seemed to envelop the whole +ship--a sigh of relief. + +Then it was that these two arose stiffly from their sheltered bench +and gave heed to the things that were about them. + +The Channel was behind them. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +BATTLING OLD BONES + + +They journeyed to Paris by the night mail. He was waiting for her +on the platform when she descended from the wagon lit in the Gare +du Nord. Sleepy passengers crowded with them into the customs +department. She, alone among them all, was smiling brightly, as if +the world could be sweet at an hour when, by all odds, it should +be sleepiest. + +"I was up and on the lookout for you at Amiens," he declared, as +they walked off together. "You might have got off there, you know," +with a wry grin. + +"I shall not run away from you again, Brandon," she said earnestly. +"I promise, on my honour." + +"By Jove," he cried, "that's a relief!" Then he broke into a happy +laugh. + +"I shall go to the Ritz," she said, after her effects had been +examined and were ready for release. + +"I thought so," he announced calmly. "I wired for rooms before I +left London." + +"Really, this is ridic--" + +"Don't frown like that, Hetty," he pleaded. + +As they rattled and bounced over the cobble-stones in a taxi-metre +on the way to the Place Vendome, he devoted the whole of +his conversation to the delicious breakfast they were to have, +expatiating glibly on the wonderful berries that would come first +in that always-to-be-remembered meal. She was ravenously hungry +by the time they reached the hotel, just from listening to his +dissertation on chops and rolls and coffee as they are served in +Paris, to say nothing of waffles and honey and the marmalade that +no Englishman can do without. + +Alone in his room, however, he was quite another person. His calm +assurance took flight the instant he closed the door and moodily +began to prepare for his bath. Resolution was undiminished, but +the facts in the case were most desolating. Whatever it was that +stood between them, there was no gainsaying its power to influence +their lives. It was no trifle that caused her to take this second +flight, and the sooner he came to realise the seriousness of +opposition the better. + +He made up his mind on one point in that half-hour before breakfast: +if she asked him again to let her go her way in peace, it was only +fair to her and right that he should submit to the inevitable. She +loved him, he was sure of it. Then there must be a very good reason +for her perplexing attitude toward him. He would make one more +attempt to have the truth from her. Failing in that, he would accept +the situation as hopeless, for the time being at least. She should +know that he loved her deeply enough for that. + +She joined him in the little open-air cafe, and they sat down at +a table in a remote corner. There were few people breakfasting. In +her tender blue eyes there was a look of sadness that haunted him, +even as she smiled and called him beloved. + +"Hetty, darling," he said, leaning forward and laying his hand on +hers, "can't you tell me what it is?" + +She was prepared for the question. In her heart she knew the time +had come when she must be fair with him. He observed the pallor +that stole, into her warm, smooth cheeks as she regarded him fixedly +for a long time before replying. + +"There is only one person in the world who can tell you, Brandon. +It is for her to decide. I mean Sara Wrandall." + +He felt a queer, sickening sensation of uneasiness sneak into +existence. In the back of his mind, a hateful fear began to shape +itself. For a long time he looked into her sombre eyes, and as he +looked the fear that was hateful took on something of a definite +shape. + +"Did you know her husband?" he asked, and somehow he knew what the +answer would be. + +"Yes," she replied, after a moment. She was startled. Her lips +remained parted. + +He watched her closely. "Has this--this secret anything to do with +Challis Wrandall?" + +"It has," said she, meeting his gaze steadily. + +His hands clutched the edge of the table in a grip that turned the +knuckles white. + +"Hetty!" he cried, in a hoarse whisper. "You--can't mean that you--" + +"You must go to Sara," she cried hurriedly. "Haven't I told you +that she is the one--" + +"Were you in love with that infernal scoundrel?" he demanded +fiercely. + +"Sara knows everything. She will tell you--" + +"Were you carrying on an affair with him while professing to be +the friend of his wife? Tell me that! Did she find you out and--" + +"Oh, Brandon, why will you persist?" she cried, her eyes aflame. +"I can tell you no more. Why do you glare at me as if I were +the meanest thing on earth? Is this love? Is this your idea of +greatness? Isn't it enough for you to know that Sara is my loyal, +devoted friend; that she--" + +"Wait!" he commanded darkly. "Is it possible that she did not +discover your secret until the day you left her house so abruptly? +Does that explain your sudden departure?" + +"I can answer that," she said quietly. "She has known everything +from the day I met her. I have not said anything, Brandon, to lead +you to believe that I was in love with Challis Wrandall, have I?" + +His eyes softened. "No, you haven't. I--I hope you will forget what +I said. You see, I knew Wrandall's reputation. He had no sense of +honour. He--" + +"Well, I HAVE!" she said levelly. + +He flushed. "I am a beast! I'll put it in this way, then: Was he +in love with you?" + +"You are still unfair. I shall not answer." + +He was silent for a long time. "And Sara's lips are sealed," he +mused, still possessed of doubts and fears. + +"Until she elects to tell the story, dearest love, my lips are also +sealed. I love you better than anything else in all this world. I +could willingly offer up my life for you, but--well, my life does +not belong to me. It is Sara's." + +"For heaven's sake, Hetty, what is all this?" he cried in desperation. + +"I can say no more. It is useless to insist, Brandon. If you can +wrest the story from her, all well and good. You will hate me then, +dear love. But it cannot be helped. I am prepared." + +"Tell me this much: when you refused to marry Leslie, was your +course inspired by what had happened in--in connection with Challis +Wrandall?" + +"You forget that it is YOU that I love," she responded simply. + +"But why should Sara urge you to marry Leslie if there is anything--" + +"Hush! Here is the waiter. Come to my sitting-room after breakfast. +I have something to say to you. We must come to a definite +understanding. This cannot go on." + +He was with her for an hour in that pinched little sitting-room, +and left her there without a vestige of rancour in his soul. She +would not give an inch in the stand she had taken, but something +immeasurably great in his make-up rose to the occasion and he went +forth with the conviction that he had no right to demand more of +her than she was ready to give. He was satisfied to abide by her +decision. The spell of her was over him more completely than ever +before. + +Two days later he saw her off at the Gare de Lyons, bound for +Interlaken. There was a complete understanding between them. She +wanted to be quite alone in the Alpine town; he was not to follow +her there. She had reserved rooms at the Schweitzerhof, and the +windows of her sitting-room looked straight up the valley to the +snow-covered crest of the Jungfrau. She remembered these rooms; as +a young girl she had occupied them with her father and mother. By +some hook or crook, Booth arranged by wire for her to have them +again, not an easy matter at that season of the year. Later she +was to go on to Lucerne, and then to Venice. + +The slightest shred of hope was left for Booth. Even though he might +accomplish the task he had set unto himself--the conquest of Sara +in respect to the untold story--he still had Hetty's dismal prophecy +that after he learned the truth he would come to see why they could +not be married. But he would not despair. + +"We'll see," was all that he said in response to her forlorn cry +that they were parting for ever. There was a grimness in the way +he said it that gave her something to cherish during the months +to come; the hope that he WOULD come back and take her in spite of +herself. + +He sailed from Cherbourg on the first steamship calling there. +Awake, he thought of her; asleep, he dreamed of Challis Wrandall. +There was something uncanny in the persistence with which that +ruthless despoiler of peace forced his way into his dreams, to the +absolute exclusion of all else. The voyage home was made horrid +by these nightly reminders of a man he scarcely knew, yet dreaded. +He became more or less obsessed by the idea that an evil spell had +descended upon him in the shape of a ghostly influence. + +The weeks passed slowly for Hetty. There were no letters from +Sara, but an occasional line or so from Mr. Carroll. She had made +Brandon Booth promise that he would not write to her, nor was he +to expect anything from her. If her intention was to cut herself +off entirely from her recent world and its people, as she might +have done in another way by pursuing the time-honoured and rather +cowardly plan of entering a convent, she was soon to discover that +success in the undertaking brought a deeper sense of exile than +she could have imagined herself able to endure at the outset. She +found herself more utterly alone and friendless than at any time in +her life. The chance companions she formed at Interlaken,--despite +a well-meant reserve,--served only to increase her feeling of +loneliness and despair. The very natural attentions of men, young +and old, depressed her, instead of encouraging that essentially +feminine thing called vanity. She lived as one without an aim, +without a single purpose except to close one day that she might +begin the next. + +After a time, she went on to Lucerne. Here the life on the surface +was gayer, and she was roused from her state of lethargy in spite +of herself. Once, from her little balcony in the National, she +saw two of her old acquaintances in the chorus at the Gaiety. They +were wearing many pearls. Another time, she met them in the street. +She was rather quietly dressed. They did not notice her. But the +prosperous Hebraic gentlemen who attended them were not so careless. + +One day a card was brought to her rooms. For the next two weeks +she had a true and unavoidable friend in Lucerne. It would appear +that Mrs. Rowe-Martin had not been apprised of the rift in the +Wrandall lute. She had no reason to consider the exclusive Miss +Castleton as anything but the most desirable of companions. Mrs. +Rowe-Martin was not long in finding out (though how she did it, +heaven knows!), that Lord Murgatroyd's grandniece was no longer +the intimate of that impossible person, Sara Gooch. She couldn't +think of Sara without thinking of Gooch. + +But at last Mrs. Rowe-Martin departed, much to Hetty's secret +relief, but not before she had increased the girl's burthens by +introducing her into a cold-nosed cosmopolitan set from which there +were but three ways of escape. She refused to marry one of them, +denied another the privilege of making love to her, and declined +to play auction bridge with all of them. They were not long in +dropping her, although it must be said there was real regret among +the men. + +From Mrs. Rowe-Martin and others she heard that Mrs. Redmond Wrandall +and Vivian were to be in Scotland in October, for somebody-or-other's +christening, and that Leslie had been doing some really wonderful +flying at Pau. + +"I am SO glad, my dear," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin, "that you refused +to marry Leslie. He is a cad. Besides, you would have been in a +perpetual state of nerves over his flying." + +Of Sara, there was no news, as might have been expected. Mrs. Rowe-Martin +made it very clear that Sara was a respectable person,--but heavens! + +The chill days of autumn came and the crowd began to dwindle. Hetty +made preparations to join in the exodus. As the days grew short and +bleak, she found herself thinking more and more of the happy-hearted, +symbolic dicky-bird on a faraway window ledge. His life was neither +a travesty nor a tragedy; hers was both of these. + +Something told her too that Brandon Booth had wormed the truth out +of Sara, and that she would never see him again. It hurt her to +think that while Sara believed in her, the man who loved her did +not. It is a way men have. + +On the eve of her departure, an event transpired that was to alter +the whole course of her life; or, more properly speaking, it was +destined to put her back into an old groove. + +She was walking along the quay, in the dusk of early evening, her +mind full of the next day's journey over the mountains to Milan. +The wind was cold; about her neck there was a boa of white ostrich +feathers, one end of which fluttered gaily over her shoulder. She +was continually turning half-way about against the wind to reclaim +the truant end of the boa. It was in the act of doing so on one +occasion that her attention was drawn to two men who sauntered +across the avenue from the approach to the Schweitzerhof. + +She stopped still in her tracks, petrified by amazement--and alarm, +if we may anticipate the sensation by a second or two. + +One of the men was Leslie Wrandall, the other--her own father! + +In a flash came the impulse to avoid them, to fly before they +recognised her. But even as she turned and started off with a +sudden acceleration of speed, a shout assailed her ears, and then +came the swift rush of footsteps over the hard pavement. + +"Hetty! As I live!" cried Leslie, planting himself in front of +her. His astonishment alone kept him from laying hands upon her, +to make sure that she was really there. "Well, of all the--" + +She extended her hand. "This is a surprise," she said, with admirable +control. "I hadn't the faintest notion you were in Lucerne." + +"By Jove!" he mumbled, shaking hands with her but still dazed and +uncertain. He suddenly remembered his companion. Turning with a +shout, he brought the soldierly, middle-aged gentleman about-face +with scant ceremony. "Hey! Colonel Castleton! See who's here! +Doesn't this bowl you over completely?" + +Colonel Castleton, sallow, ascetic, deliberate in his movements, +raised his glass to his eye as he came toward them. + +"'Pon my soul!" burst from his astonished lips a second afterward. +He stopped short and his jaw dropped in a most unmilitary fashion. +"'Pon my soul! It CAN'T be my daughter!" He seemed to be having +difficulty not only with his head but with his feet; neither appeared +to be operating intelligently. As a matter of fact, he stood for an +instant on his toes and then on his heels. He was perilously near +to being bowled over completely and literally. + +Hetty was the first to recover. She advanced with a fair assumption +of warmth in her manner. Her heart, belying her, was as cold as +ice. + +"Father!" she cried, holding out her hands. + +He grasped them, and looked wildly about. + +"Kiss me!" she whispered imperatively. + +He stooped and brushed her cheek with his long moustache. + +"Good God!" he muttered, still incredulous. + +She turned to the excited Leslie with a quavering smile on her +lips. + +"We haven't seen each other in twelve years, Mr. Wrandall," she +said. + +"'Pon my soul!" added her father for the third time, thereby reaching +the limit of emphasis, having placed it differently each time. + +Leslie surprised himself by rising to the occasion. It occurred to +him that they would like to be alone for a little while at least. + +"Then, I'll stroll on, Colonel," he said. "By Jove!" The mild +expletive was a tribute to Providence. + +Not a word was spoken by father or daughter until Wrandall was many +rods away. + +"Where did you meet Leslie Wrandall?" she demanded, showing which +way her thoughts ran. They were far from filial. + +"Aviation field--somewhere," said he in a vague sort of way. "Pau, +I dare say. What are you doing here? I hear you've cut loose from +Wrandall's sister-in-law. Was that a sensible thing to do?" + +"I fancy you've been misinformed," said she in an emotionless voice, +but offered no further word of explanation. + +"Shan't we sit down here on this bench, my dear?" suggested the +Colonel, distinctly ill at ease. + +"For the sake of appearances, yes," she assented. + +Leslie, looking over his shoulder from a distance, saw them sitting +together on one of the outer benches. + +"By Jove!" he said to himself once more, this time with accumulative +perplexity. + +"See here, Hetty, my child," began the Colonel nervously, "it's all +nonsense your taking the stand you do toward me. I am your father. +I repeat, it's all nonsense--damned nonsense. You've got to--" + +"Has it taken you all these years to find out that it's nonsense?" +she demanded, her eyes flashing. "It's no good arguing, father. I +don't like you. There is a very good reason why I should despise +you. We won't go into it. After this meeting, we go our separate +ways again. This, it seems, was unavoidable. I shan't ask anything +of you, and I advise you to ask nothing of me." + +"My God, that a child should utter such words to a father!" he +groaned. + +"A father!" she cried so scornfully that he must have shrivelled +had he been any one else but Colonel Castleton of the Indian Corps. +As it was, he had the grace to turn a very bright red. "A noble +father you have been! And what a splendid, self-sacrificing husband +you were. No! I can't forget how my mother lived and died. You +call it nonsense. Well, I call it something else. You took a most +effective way to punish my poor mother for having the temerity to +marry an English gentleman. Thank God, I have my mother to look +back to for my own ideas of gentility." + +"You never understood the way things went wrong between your mother +and me," he said harshly. "She wasn't all you may be pleased to +think she was. She--" + +"How dare you insinuate--" + +"She chucked me. That's the sum and sub--" + +"Oh, I was old enough to know that she left you--chucked you, if +you will--and to know why she did it. I--I suppose you are looked +upon by--these people here--Leslie Wrandall and every one else, as +a fine English gentleman, a cousin of the great Lord Murgatroyd. +Are you?" + +"Confound you, Hetty, how dare you use such a tone in speaking to +me?" he exclaimed. + +"They THINK you are a gentleman, do they?" + +"THINK? Why, dammit, I am a gentleman. The only ungentlemanly thing +I ever did in my life was to--" He checked the angry words, biting +his lips to keep them down. + +"Was to desert your wife," she supplied scathingly. + +"No! To marry her!" He blurted it out in his rage. + +"Oh!" she cried, shrinking farther away from him, cut to the quick. + +He regarded her with cold, fishy eyes. She was uncommonly pretty, +he was bound to admit that. Her mother's eyes, her mother's exquisite +skin, but singularly like certain Castleton portraits that he knew. +It somehow galled him to find that there was quite as much of the +blue-blooded Castleton in her as there was commonplace Glynn; galled +him more particularly because she was his own flesh and blood after +all and, in spite of that, could taunt him with it. + +"I didn't mean to hurt you, Hetty," he said, to his own surprise. +The touch of tenderness had a brief life. He scowled an instant +later. "We won't discuss the past, if you please. God knows I don't +want to dig up rotten bones. You are against your own father. That's +enough for me. I shan't impose myself upon you. You--" + +"Why couldn't you have treated her with--" began Hetty hotly. + +"Sh! No more of that, I say. I will not be upbraided by my own child. +Now, see here, what do you mean by letting a chance like that get +away from you?" He jerked his head in the direction Leslie had +taken. + +"Chance?" + +"Yes. This Wrandall fellow. 'Gad, I've known him less than +a fortnight and he's told me every secret he ever knew. Why don't +you marry him? He's not a bad sort." + +"That is my affair," said she coldly. + +"I'd take him like a shot if I was a gel in your shoes." + +"He told you I had refused to marry him?" + +"A hundred times." + +"Did you reward his confidence by relating the WHOLE history of +the Castleton family?" + +He stared at her. "Good Lord, do you think I'm an ass?" + +"What have you told him?" + +"Nothing. I permitted him to do all the telling. He gave me a highly +commendable account of myself, of you, of the fine old family of +Glynns and--God knows what all. He restored my pride, 'pon my soul +he did." The Colonel laughed as he twisted his moustache with ironic +fondness. + +She was quite still for a minute or two. "I heard you were in +England," she said, changing the subject. + +"It may interest you to know that the old man overlooked us +completely," he said, striking the calf of his leg with his thin +walking-stick. + +"Why should he leave anything to you?" + +"And why not, curse him?" he growled. "Am I not his brother's son? +What do you mean by asking a question like that?" + +"I think I will say good-bye to you now, father," she said +deliberately. "We may never see each other again." She arose and +stood before him, cold and proud, without a spark of emotion in +her eyes. + +He sat still, looking up at her in surprise. "Do you think you're +doing the right thing, Hetty?" he asked, annoyed in spite of +himself. "Remember that I am your father. I can and will overlook +all you have said and done--" + +"If you will go to her grave and kneel there and ask her pardon, I +may think differently of you because, after all, I am your daughter. +You will not find her buried among the stately Castletons, but in +a poor little spot far, far away from them. I can tell you how to +find it. You have never inquired, I suppose?" + +His eyes narrowed. "By Jove, you are a mean little beggar!" + +"Mean?" she cried, clenching her hands. Then she laughed suddenly, +shrilly. "Oh, if my mother could hear you say that to me!" + +"Damme!" he exclaimed, coming to his feet in considerable agitation. +"Do you want people to hear us ragging each other? Don't go into +hysterics, Hetty! See here, do you forget that I have written to +you--loving letters they were--from the heart--written, I say, over +and over again and what do I get in return? Not a single stroke of +the pen from you, except the note a year ago telling me where you +were and--" + +"And that was merely to relieve your anxiety when you found I'd +given up my work on the stage and might become a burden on you. +Oh, I read between your lines." + +"Nothing of the sort. I never wanted you to go on the stage. Why +have you persistently refused to answer my subsequent letters?" + +"Because I read between the lines in all of them," she said levelly. + +"You have no right to say that I expected you to get money out of +that bally Wrandall woman--the goods merchant's daughter. That's +downright insulting in you. I shan't let it go undefend--" + +"You knew I couldn't lend you a thousand pounds, father," said she, +very slowly and distinctly. + +He coughed, perhaps in apology to her but more than likely to +himself. + +"You are at liberty," she went on, "to tell Mr. Leslie Wrandall +all there is to tell about me. He doesn't know, but it won't matter +much if he does have the truth concerning me. Tell him all if you +like." + +"My child," said he, with a fine display of wounded dignity, "I am +not quite the rotter you think I am." + +He did not feel called upon to explain to her that he had already +borrowed a thousand pounds from her disappointed suitor, and was +setting his nets for another thousand or two. + +"It really won't matter," she said wearily. "Good-bye. I am leaving +at nine to-morrow for Italy." + +"See you at dinner? Or afterward, just for a--" + +"I think not. I do not care to see Mr. Wrandall." + +"Think it over again, Hetty. Don't--" + +"Oh, father! How can you say such things to me?" she cried, a break +in her voice. + +"Good God, my dear, isn't it natural for a father to want to see +his daughter well provided for?" + +She turned away. + +"I am contemplating a visit to the States shortly," he remarked, +following after her. + +She whirled on him. "What!" + +"Young Wrandall has asked me over for a month or two about the +first of the year. His people are in Scotland now, I hear." + +"Are you THROUGH with India?" she asked in a very low voice. + +"Resigned," said he succinctly. + +"TRULY?" + +He flushed and muttered an oath. She understood. He had been "kicked +out!" + +"Hello!" called out a sprightly voice from the gathering darkness, +and the next moment Leslie joined them. "Have dinner with us +to-night, Hetty? Just the three of us. Please do." + +"No, thank you, Mr. Wrandall. I am getting ready to leave to-morrow. +Packing and all that sort of thing." + +"Did Colonel Castleton tell you that I'm off for New York on Saturday? +Mother and Viv are to get the boat at Southampton. I thought you'd +be interested to know what's just turned up over there?" + +"What has happened?" she cried quickly. + +Leslie hesitated. A curious gleam stole into his eyes. Was it of +triumph? + +"Father's got rather old-fashioned ideas about certain things," he +observed, by way of preface. "He writes that Sara is contemplating +a second venture into the state of wedded bliss." + +Hetty stared at him. "I--I don't believe it," she said flatly. "How +can it be possible? She sees no one." + +He laughed. "You're wrong there," said he mendaciously. "She's been +seeing a great deal of a certain mutual friend of ours--all summer +long." + +"You mean?" + +"Brandon Booth. Father says that rumour has it they are to be +married after the holidays. I fancy he needed consolation, after +what happened to him earlier in the year. He was pretty hard hit, +believe me." After a moment, he went on boldly: "I ought to be in +a position to sympathise with him, I suppose, but I don't. It isn't +in me to--" + +"You say they are to be married?" cried Hetty, dazed and bewildered. + +They had fallen behind Colonel Castleton, who walked on stiffly +ahead of them. + +Leslie treated her to his most engaging smile. + +"Looks very Goochy, doesn't it? I'm coming to believe more than +ever that blood will tell. Sara knew what she was doing when she +cleared her decks for action a few months ago. 'Gad, I understand +now why she was so eager to bring off the--well, another match we +know about. Pretty canny, eh?" + +"It is incredible," said she, with unnecessary vehemence. + +"Not in the least. Clever person, Sara is. Sets her heart on a thing, +and--woof! she gets it, whether or no. Now, don't misunderstand +me. I'm fond of Brandon Booth. We all are. We don't object to him +as a sort of family attachment. But if she's going to marry him, +we want to know where we stand in a business way. You see, he will +not only step into my brother Chal's shoes at home, but at the +office. And, heaven knows, Brandy is not a good business man. He's +great on portraits, but--I beg pardon!" + +"I must leave you here, Mr. Wrandall. Good-bye!" + +"Oh, I say, can't we see something of--" + +"I am afraid not." + +He kept pace with her through the hall. + +"I suppose your father told you that I--I haven't altogether given +up hope of--you." + +"He spoke of going to America with you, if that's what you mean," +she said coldly, and left him at the foot of the staircase. + +Leslie's hand trembled as it went up to his moustache. "I can't +understand her beastly obstinacy," he said to himself. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +VIVIAN AIRS HER OPINIONS + + +Chief among Booth's virtues was his undeviating loyalty to a set +purpose. He went back to America with the firm intention to clear +up the mystery surrounding Hetty Castleton, no matter how irksome +the delay in achieving his aim or how vigorous the methods he would +have to employ. Sara Wrandall, to all purposes, held the key; his +object in life now was to induce her to turn it in the lock and +throw open the door so that he might enter in and become a sharer +in the secrets beyond. + +A certain amount of optimistic courage attended him in his campaign +against what had been described to him as the impossible. He could +see no clear reason why she should withhold the secret under the +new conditions, when so much in the shape of happiness was at stake. +It was in this spirit of confidence that he prepared to confront +her on his arrival in New York, and it was the same unbounded faith +in the belief that nothing evil could result from a perfectly just +and honourable motive that gave him the needed courage. + +He stayed over night in New York, and the next morning saw him on +his way to Southlook. There was something truly ingenuous in his +desire to get to the bottom of the matter without fear or apprehension. +At the very worst, he maintained, there could be nothing more +reprehensible than a passing infatuation, long since dispelled, or +perhaps a mildly sinister episode in which virtue had been triumphant +and vice defeated with unpleasant results to at least one person, +and that person the husband of Sara Wrandall. + +Pat met him at the station and drove him to the little cottage on +the upper road. + +"Ye didn't stay long," said he reflectively, after he had put the +bag up in front. He took up the reins. + +"Not very," replied his master. + +After a dozen rods or more, Pat tried again. + +"Just siventeen days, I make it." + +"Seems longer." + +"Perhaps you'll be after going back soon." + +"Why should you think that, Patrick?" + +"Because you don't seem to be takin' much interest in your surroundin's +here," said Pat loftily. He delivered a smart smack on the crupper +with his stubby whip, and pursed his lips for the companionship to +be derived from whistling. + +"I suppose you know why I went to Europe," said Booth, laying his +hand affectionately on the man's arm. + +"Sure I do," said Pat, forgetting to whistle. "And was it bad luck +you had, sor?" + +"A temporary case of it, I'm afraid." + +"Well," said the Irishman, looking up at his employer with the most +profound encouragement in his wink, "if it's anny help to you, +sor, I'll say that I've niver found bad luck to be annything but +timporary. And, believe ME, I've had plinty of it. Mary was dom +near three years makin' up her mind to say yis to me." + +"And since then you've had no bad luck?" said Booth, with a smile. + +"Plinty of it, begob, but I've had some one besides meself to blame +for it. There's a lot in that, Mr. Brandon. Whin a man marries, he +simply divides his luck into two parts, good and bad, and if he's +like most men he puts the bulk av the bad luck on his wife and +kapes to himself all he can av the good for a rainy day. That's +what makes him a strong man and able to meet trouble when it comes. +The beauty av the arrangement is that bad luck is only timporary +and a woman enjoys talking about it, while good luck is wid us +nine-tinths of the time, whether we know it or not, and we don't +have to talk about it." + +This was fine philosophy, but Booth discerned the underlying motive. + +"Have you been quarrelling?" + +"I have NOT," said Pat wrathfully. "But I won't say as much for +Mary. The point av me argument is that I have all the good luck in +havin' married her, and she claims to have had all the bad luck in +marryin' me. Still, as I said before,'tis but timporary. The good +luck lasts and the bad don't. She'll be after tellin' me so before +sundown. That's like all women. You'll find it out for yourself +wan o' these days, Mr. Brandon, and ye'll be dom proud ye're a man +and can enjoy your good luck when ye get it. The bad luck's always +fallin' behind ye, and ye can always look forward to the good luck. +So don't be down-hearted. She'll take you, or me name's not what +it ought to be." + +Booth was inclined to accept this unique discourse as a fair-weather +sign. + +"Take these bags upstairs, Pat," said he on their arrival at the +cottage, "and then come down and drive me over to Mrs. Wrandall's." + +"Will ye be after stayin' for lunch with her, Mr. Brandon?" inquired +Pat, climbing over the wheel. + +"I can't answer that question now." + +"Hiven help both av us if Mary's good luncheon goes to waste," +said Pat ominously. "That's all I have to say. She'll take it out +av both av us." + +"Tell her I'll be here for lunch," said Booth, with alacrity. From +which it may be perceived that master and man were of one mind when +it came to considering the importance of Mary. + +Pat studied his watch for a moment with a calculating eye. + +"It's half-past eliven now, sor," he announced. "D'ye think ye can +make it?" + +Booth reflected. "I think not," he said. "I'll have luncheon +first." Whereupon he leaped from the trap and went in to tell Mary +how happy he was to be where he could enjoy home-cooking. + +At four he was delivered at Sara's door by the astute Patrick, +announced by the sedate Watson and interrogated by the intelligent +Murray, who seemed surprised to hear that he would NOT have anything +cool to drink. Sara sent word that she would be down in fifteen +minutes, but, as a matter of fact, appeared in less than three. + +She came directly to the point. + +"Well," she said, with her mysterious smile, "she sent you back to +me, I see." He was still clasping her hand. + +"Have you heard from her?" he asked quickly. + +"No. But I knew just what would happen. I told you it would prove +to be a wild goose chase. Where is she?" + +He sat down beside her on the cool, white covered couch. + +"In Switzerland. I put her on the train the night before I sailed. +Yes, she did send me back to you. Now I'm here, I want the whole +story, Sara. What is it that stands between us?" + +For an hour he pleaded with her, all to no purpose. She steadfastly +refused to divulge the secret. Not even his blunt reference to +Challis Wrandall's connection with the affair found a vulnerable +spot in her armour. + +"I shan't give it up, Sara," he said, at the end of his earnest +harangue against the palpably unfair stand both she and Hetty were +taking. "I mean to harass you, if you please, until I get what I'm +after. It is of the most vital importance to me. Quite as much so, +I am sure, as it appears to be to you. If Hetty will say the word, +I'll take her gladly, just as she is, without knowing what all this +is about. But, you see, she won't consent. There must be some way +to override her. You both admit there is no legal barrier. You +tell me to-day that there is no insanity in her family, and a lot +of other things that I've been able to bring out by questioning, +so I am more than ever certain that the obstacle is not so serious +as you would have me believe. Therefore, I mean to pester you until +you give in, my dear Sara." + +"Very well," she said resignedly. "When may I expect a renewal of +the conflict?" + +"Would to-morrow be convenient?" he asked quaintly. + +She returned his smile. "Come to luncheon." + +"Have I your permission to start the portrait?" + +"Yes. As soon as you like." + +He left her without feeling that he had gained an inch along the +road to success. That night, in the gloaming of his star-lit porch, +he smoked many a pipeful and derived therefrom a profound estimate +of the value of tact and discretion as opposed to bold and impulsive +measures in the handling of a determined woman. He would make haste +slowly, as the saying goes. Many an unexpected victory is gained by +dilatory tactics, provided the blow is struck at the psychological +moment of least resistance. + +The weeks slipped by. He was with her almost daily. Other people +came to her house, some for rather protracted visits, others in +quest of pillage at the nightly bridge table, but he was seldom +missing. There were times when he thought he detected a tendency +to waver, but each cunning attempt on his part to encourage the +impulse invariably brought a certain mocking light into her eyes +and he veered off in defeat. Something kept telling him, however, +that the hour was bound to come when she would falter in her +resolution; when frankness would meet frankness, and the veil be +lifted. + +A rather impossible relative in the person of an aunt came to +spend the month of August with Sara--her father's sister. She was +a true, unvarnished Gooch. Booth shuddered at times when she emerged +flat-foot from the background and revelled in the Goochiness that +would not stay put, no matter how hard she tried to subdue it. She +was a good soul,--much too good, in fact,--and her efforts to live +up to requirements were not only ludicrous but exasperating. Sara +was quite serene about her, however. She made no excuses for the +old lady; in fact, she appeared to be quite devoted to her. Booth +was beginning to appreciate something of the horror the Wrandalls +must have felt when Challis took unto himself a Gooch. He berated +himself in secret for his snobbishness and in public made atonement +by being expansively polite to Mrs. Coburn. The good lady had the +habit of telling every one what a wonderful person Sebastian Gooch +had been, sometimes comparing him not unfavourably with Napoleon +Bonaparte and George Washington: he was like the Corsican in getting +the better of his adversaries, no matter how he had to go about +it, but like the Father of his Country in the matter of veracity. +So far as she knew, Sebastian had never told a lie. To Mrs. Coburn, +Sebastian was Saint Sebastian. + +The portrait was finished before Mrs. Coburn left. She liked +everything about it except the gown, the drapery and--yes, the +hands. They were too long and tapering. No Gooch ever had a hand +like that. The Gooch hands were broad and strong: like her own. +All this, notwithstanding the fact that Sara's hand lay exposed all +the time she was speaking, a physical contradiction to her assertion. + +She stayed the month and then re-entered Yonkers. + +There were no letters from Hetty, no word of any description. If +Sara knew anything of the girl's movements she did not take Booth +into her confidence. + +Leslie Wrandall went abroad in August, ostensibly to attend the +aviation meets in France and England. His mother and sister sailed +in September, but not before the entire colony of which they were +a part had begun to discuss Sara and Booth with a relish that was +obviously distasteful to the Wrandalls. + +Where there is smoke there is fire, said all the gossips, and +forthwith proceeded to carry fagots. + +A week or so before sailing, Mrs. Redmond Wrandall had Booth +in for dinner. I think she said en famille. At any rate, Sara was +not asked, which is proof enough that she was bent on making it a +family affair. + +After dinner, Booth sat in the screened upper balcony with Vivian. +He liked her. She was a keen-witted, plain-spoken young woman, +with few false ideals and no subtlety. She was less snobbish than +arrogant. Of all the Wrandalls, she was the least self-centred. +Leslie never quite understood her for the paradoxical reason that +she thoroughly understood him. + +"You know, Brandon," she said, after a long silence between them, +"they've been setting my cap for you for a long, long time." She +blew a thin stream of cigarette smoke toward the moon. + +He started. It was a bolt from a clear sky. "The deuce!" + +"Yes," she went on in the most casual tone, "mother's had her heart +set on it for months. You were supposed to be mine at first sight, +I believe. Please don't look so uneasy. I'm not going to propose +to you." She laughed her little ironic laugh. + +"So that is the way things stood, eh?" he said, still a little +amazed by her candour. + +"Yes. And what is more to the point, I am quite sure I should +have said yes if you had asked me. Sounds odd, doesn't it? Rather +amusing, too, being able to discuss it so unreservedly, isn't it?" + +"Good heavens, Viv!" he cried uncomfortably. "I--I had no idea you +cared--" + +"Cared!" she cried, as he paused. "I don't care two pins for you +in that way. But I would have married you, just the same, because +you are worth marrying. I'd very much rather have you for a husband +than any man I know, but as for loving you! Pooh! I'd love you in +just the way mother loves father, and I wouldn't have been a bit +more trouble to you than she is to him." + +"'Gad, you don't mind what you say!" + +"Failing to nab you, Brandy, I dare say I'll have to come down to +a duke or, who knows? maybe a mere prince. It isn't very enterprising, +is it? And certainly it isn't a gay prospect. Really, I had hoped +you would have me. I flatter myself, I suppose, but, honestly now, +we would have made a rather nice looking couple, wouldn't we?" + +"You flatter me," he said. + +"But," she resumed, calmly exhaling, "you very foolishly fell in +love with some one else, and it wasn't necessary for me to pretend +that I was in love with you--which I should have done, believe me, +if you had given me the chance. You fell in love, first with Hetty +Castleton." + +"First?" he cried, frowning. + +"And now you are heels over head in love with my beautiful +sister-in-law. Which all goes to prove that I would have made just +the kind of wife you need, considering your tendency to fluctuate. +But how dreadful it would have been for a sentimental, loving girl +like Hetty!" + +He sat bolt upright and stared hard at her. + +"See here, Viv, what the dickens are you driving at? I'm not in love +with Sara--not in the least,--and--" He checked himself sharply. +"What an ass I am! You're guying me." + +"In any event, I am right about Hetty," she said, leaning forward, +her manner quite serious. + +"If it will ease your mind," he said stiffly, "I plead guilty with +all my heart." + +She favoured him with a slight frown of annoyance. + +"And you deny the fluctuating charge?" + +"Most positively. I can afford to be honest with you, Viv. You are +a corker. I love Hetty Castleton with all my soul." + +She leaned back in her chair. "Then why don't you dignify your soul +by being honest with HER?" + +"What do you mean?" + +For a half-minute she was silent. "Are you and I of the same stripe, +after all? Would you marry Sara without loving her, as I would have +done by you? It doesn't seem like you, Brandon." + +"Good heaven, I'm not going to marry Sara!" he blurted out. "It's +never entered my head." + +"Perhaps it has entered hers." + +"Nonsense! She isn't going to marry anybody. And she knows how I +feel toward Hetty. If it came to the point where I decided to marry +without love, 'pon my soul, Viv, I believe I'd pick you out as the +victim." + +"Wonderful combination!" she said with a frank laugh. "The +quintessence of 'no love lost.' But to resume! Do you know that +people are saying you are to be married before the winter is over?" + +"Let 'em say it," he said gruffly. + +"Oh, well," she said, despatching it all with a gesture, "if that's +the way you feel about it, there's no more to be said." + +He was ashamed. "I beg your pardon, I shouldn't have said that." + +"You see," she went on, reverting to the original topic, "people +who know Sara are likely to credit her with motives you appear to +be totally ignorant of. She set her heart on my brother Challis, +when she was a great deal younger than she is now, and she got him. +If age and experience count for anything, how capable she must be +by this time." + +He was too wise to venture an opinion. "I assure you she has no +designs on me." + +"Perhaps not. But I fancy that even you could not escape as St. +Anthony did. She is most alluring." + +"You don't like her." + +"Obviously. And yet I don't dislike her. She has the virtue of +consistency, if one may use the expression. She loved my brother. +Leslie says she should have hated him. We have tried to like +her. I think I have come nearer to it than any of the others, not +excepting Leslie, who has always been her champion. I suppose you +know that he was your rival at one time." + +"He mentioned it," said Booth drily. + +"I should have been very much disappointed in her if she had accepted +him." + +"Indeed?" + +"I sometimes wonder if Sara spiked Leslie's guns for him." + +"I can tell you something you don't know, Vivian," said he. "Sara +was rather keen about making a match there." + +Vivian's smile was slow but triumphant. "That is just what I thought. +There you are! Doesn't that explain Sara?" + +"In a measure, yes. But, you see, it developed that Hetty cared +for some one else, and that put a stop to everything." + +"Am I to take it that you are the some one else?" + +"Yes," said he soberly. + +"Then, may I ask why she went away so suddenly?" + +"You may ask but I can't answer." + +"Do you want my opinion? She went away because Sara, failing in +her plan to marry her off to Leslie, decided that it would be fatal +to a certain project of her own if she remained on the field of +action. Do I make myself clear?" + +"Oh, you are away off in your conclusions, Viv." + +"Time will tell," was her cabalistic rejoinder. + +Her father appeared on the lawn below and called up to them. + +"You are wanted at the telephone, Brandon. I've just been talking +to Sara." + +"Did she call you up, father?" asked Vivian, leaning over the rail. + +"Yes. About nothing in particular, however." + +She turned upon Booth with a mocking smile. He felt the colour rush +to his face, and was angry with himself. + +He went in to the telephone. Almost her first words were these: + +"What has Vivian been telling you about me, Brandon?" + +He actually gasped. "Good heavens, Sara!" + +He heard her low laugh. "So she HAS been saying things, has she?" +she asked. "I thought so. I've had it in my bones to-night." + +He was at a loss for words. It was positively uncanny. As he stood +there, trying to think of a trivial remark, her laugh came to him +again over the wire, followed by a drawling "good-night," and then +the soughing of the wind over the "open" wire. + +The next day he called her up on the telephone quite early. He knew +her habits. She would be abroad in her gardens by eight o'clock. +He remembered well that Leslie, in commenting on her absurdly early +hours, had once said that her "early bird" habit was hereditary: +she got it from Sebastian. + +"What put it into your head, Sara, that Vivian was saying anything +unpleasant about you last night?" + +"Magic," she replied succinctly. + +"Rubbish!" + +"I have a magic tapestry that transports me, hither and thither, +and by night I always carry Aladdin's lamp. So, you see, I see and +hear everything." + +"Be sensible." + +"Very well. I will be sensible. If you intend to be influenced by +what Vivian or her mother said to you last night, I think you'd be +wise to avoid me from this time on." + +Prepared though he was, he blinked his eyes and said something she +didn't quite catch. + +She went on: "Moreover, in addition to my attainments in the black +art, I am quite as clever as Mr. Sherlock Holmes in some respects. +I really do some splendid deducing. In the first place, you were +asked there and I was not. Why? Because I was to be discussed. You +see--" + +"Marvellous!" he interrupted loudly. + +"You were to be told that I have cruel designs upon you." + +"Go on, please." + +"And all that sort of thing," she said sweepingly, and he could +almost see the inclusive gesture with her free hand. He laughed +but still marvelled at the shrewdness of her perceptions. + +"I'll come over this afternoon and show you wherein you are wrong," +he began, but she interrupted him with a laugh. + +"I am starting for the city before noon, by motor, to be gone at +least a fortnight." + +"What! This is the first I've heard of it." + +Again she laughed. "To be perfectly frank with you, I hadn't +heard of it myself until just now. I think I shall go down to the +Homestead with the Carrolls." + +"Hot Springs?" + +"Virginia," she added explicitly. + +"I say, Sara, what does all this mean? You--" + +"And if you should follow me there, Vivian's estimate of us will +not be so far out of the way as we'd like to make it." + +True to her word, she was gone when he drove over later on in +the day. Somehow, he experienced a feeling of relief. Not that he +was oppressed by the rather vivacious opinions of Vivian and her +ilk, but because something told him that Sara was wavering in her +determination to withhold the secret from him and fled for perfectly +obvious reasons. + +He had two commissions among the rich summer colonists. One, a full +length portrait of young Beardsley in shooting togs, was nearly +finished. The other was to be a half-length of Mrs. Ravenscroft, +who wanted one just like Hetty Castleton's, except for the eyes, +which she admitted would have to be different. Nothing was said of +the seventeen years' difference in their ages. Vivian had put off +posing until Lent. + +The Wrandalls departed for Scotland, and other friends of his +began to desert the country for the city. The fortnight passed and +another week besides. Mrs. Ravenscroft decided to go to Europe when +the picture was half-finished. + +"You can finish it when I come back in December, Mr. Booth," she +said. "I'll have several new gowns to choose from, too." + +"I shall be busy all winter, Mrs. Ravenscroft," he said coldly. + +"How annoying," she said calmly, and that was the end of it all. +She had made the unpleasant discovery that it WASN'T going to be +in the least like Hetty Castleton's, so why bother about it? + +Booth waited until Sara came out to superintend the closing of her +house for the winter. He called at Southlook on the day of her +arrival. He was struck at once by the curious change in her appearance +and manner. There was something bleak and desolate in the vividly +brilliant face: the tired, wistful, harassed look of one who has +begun to quail and yet fights on. + +"Will you go out with me to-morrow, Brandon, for an all-day trip +in the car?" she asked, as they stood together before the open +fireplace on this late November afternoon. Her eyes were moody, +her voice rather lifeless. + +"Certainly," he said, watching her closely. Was the break about to +come? + +"I will stop for you at nine." After a short pause, she looked up +and said: "I suppose you would like to know where I am taking you." + +"It doesn't matter, Sara." + +"I want you to go with me to Burton's Inn." + +"Burton's Inn?" + +"That is the place where my husband was killed," she said, quite +steadily. + +He started. "Oh! But--do you think it best, Sara, to open old wounds +by--" + +"I have thought it all out, Brandon. I want to go there--just once. +I want to go into that room again." + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +ONCE MORE AT BURTON'S INN + + +Again Sara Wrandall found herself in that never-to-be-forgotten +room at Burton's Inn. On that grim night in March, she had entered +without fear or trembling because she knew what was there. Now she +quaked with a mighty chill of terror, for she knew not what was +there in the quiet, now sequestered room. Burton had told them on +their arrival after a long drive across country that patrons of the +inn invariably asked which room it was that had been the scene of +the tragedy, and, on finding out, refused point-blank to occupy it. +In consequence, he had been obliged to transform it into a sort of +store and baggage room. + +Sara stood in the middle of the murky room, for the shutters had +long been closed to the light of day, and looked about her in awe +at the heterogeneous mass of boxes, trunks, bundles and rubbish, +scattered over the floor without care or system. She had closed +the door behind her and was quite alone. Light sneaked in through +the cracks in the shutters, but so meagrely that it only served to +increase the gloom. A dismantled bedstead stood heaped up in the +corner. She did not have to be told what bed it was. The mattress +was there too, rolled up and tied with a thick garden rope. She +knew there were dull, ugly blood-stains upon it. Why the thrifty +Burton had persevered in keeping this useless article of furniture, +she could only surmise. Perhaps it was held as an inducement to the +morbidly curious who always seek out the gruesome and gloat even +as they shudder. + +For a long time she stood immovable just inside the door, recalling +the horrid picture of another day. She tried to imagine the scene +that had been enacted there with gentle, lovable Hetty Glynn and +her whilom husband as the principal characters. The girl had told +the whole story of that ugly night. Sara tried to see it as it +actually had transpired. For months this present enterprise had +been in her mind: the desire to see the place again, to go there +with old impressions which she could leave behind when ready to +emerge in a new frame of mind. It was here that she meant to shake +off the shackles of a horrid dream, to purge herself of the last +vestige of bitterness, to cleanse her mind of certain thoughts and +memories. + +Downstairs Booth waited for her. He heard the story of the tragedy +from the surly inn-keeper, who crossly maintained that his business +had been ruined. Booth was vaguely impressed, he knew not why, by +Burton's description of the missing woman. "I'd say she was about +the size of Mrs. Wrandall herself, and much the same figger," he +said, as he had said a thousand times before. "My wife noticed it +the minute she saw Mrs. Wrandall. Same height and everything." + +A bell rang sharply and Burton glanced over his shoulder at the +indicator on the wall behind the desk. He gave a great start and +his jaw sagged. + +"Great Scott!" he gasped. A curious greyness stole over his face. +"It's--it's the bell in that very room. My soul, what can--" + +"Mrs. Wrandall is up there, isn't she?" demanded Booth. + +"It ain't rung since the night he pushed the button for--Oh, gee! +You're right. She IS up there. My, what a scare it gave me." He +wiped his brow. Turning to a boy, he commanded him to answer the +bell. The boy went slowly, and as he went he removed his hands from +his pockets. He came back an instant later, more swiftly than he +went, with the word that "the lady up there" wanted Mr. Booth to +come upstairs. + +She was waiting for him in the open doorway. A shaft of bright +sunlight from a window at the end of the hall fell upon her. Her +face was colourless, haggard. He paused for an instant to contrast +her as she stood there in the pitiless light with the vivid creature +he had put upon canvas so recently. + +She beckoned to him and turned back into the room. He followed. + +"This is the room, Brandon, where my husband met the death he +deserved," she said quietly. + +"Deserved? Good heavens, Sara, are you--" + +"I want you to look about you and try to picture how this place +looked on the night of the murder. You have a vivid imagination. +None of this rubbish was here. Just a bed, a table and two chairs. +There was a carpet on the floor. There were two people here, a man +and a woman. The woman had trusted the man. She trusted him until +the hour in which he died. Then she found him out. She had come to +this place, believing it was to be her wedding night. She found no +minister here. The man laughed at her and scoffed. Then she knew. +In horror, shame, desperation she tried to break away from him. +He was strong. She was a good woman; a virtuous, honourable woman. +She saved herself." + +He was staring at her with dilated eyes. Slowly the truth was being +borne in upon him. + +"The woman was--Hetty?" came hoarsely from his stiffening lips. +"My God, Sara!" + +She came close to him and spoke in a half-whisper. "Now you know +the secret. Is it safe with you?" + +He opened his lips to speak, but no words came forth. Paralysis +seemed to have gripped not only his throat but his senses. He +reeled. She grasped his arm in a tense, fierce way, and whispered: + +"Be careful! No one must hear what we are saying." She shot a glance +down the deserted hall. "No one is near. I made sure of that. Don't +speak! Think first--think well, Brandon Booth. It is what you have +been seeking for months:--the truth. You share the secret with us +now. Again I ask, is it safe with you?" + +"My God!" he muttered again, and passed his hand over his eyes. +His brow was wet. He looked at his fingers dumbly as if expecting +to find them covered with blood. + +"Is it safe with you?" for the third time. + +"Safe? Safe?" he whispered, following her example without knowing +that he did so. "I--I can't believe you, Sara. It can't be true." + +"It IS true." + +"You have known--all the time?" + +"From that night when I stood where we are standing now." + +"And--and--SHE?" + +"I had never seen her until that night. I saved her." + +He dropped suddenly upon the trunk that stood behind him, and +buried his face in his hands. For a long time she stood over him, +her interest divided between him and the hall, wherein lay their +present peril. + +"Come," she said at last. "Pull yourself together. We must leave +this place. If you are not careful, they will suspect something +downstairs." + +He looked up with haggard eyes, studying her face with curious +intentness. + +"What manner of woman are you, Sara?" he questioned, slowly, +wonderingly. + +"I have just discovered that I am very much like other women, after +all," she said. "For awhile I thought I was different, that I was +stronger than my sex. But I am just as weak, just as much to be +pitied, just as much to be scorned as any one of my sisters. I have +spoiled a great act by stooping to do a mean one. God will bear +witness that my thoughts were noble at the outset; my heart was +soft. But, come! There is much more to tell that cannot be told +here. You shall know everything." + +They went downstairs and out into the crisp autumn air. She gave +directions to her chauffeur. They were to traverse for some distance +the same road she had taken on that ill-fated night a year and a +half before. In course of time the motor approached a well-remembered +railway crossing. + +"Slow down, Cole," she said. "This is a mean place--a very mean +place." Turning to Booth, who had been sitting grim and silent +beside her for miles, she said, lowering her voice: "I remember +that crossing yonder. There is a sharp curve beyond. This is the +place. Midway between the two crossings, I should say. Please +remember this part of the road, Brandon, when I come to the telling +of that night's ride to town. Try to picture this spot--this smooth, +straight road as it might be on a dark, freezing night in the very +thick of a screaming blizzard, with all the world abed save--two +women." + +[Illustration: For a long time she stood over him, her interest +divided between him and the hall] + +In his mind he began to draw the picture, and to place the two women +in the centre of it, without knowing the circumstances. There was +something fascinating in the study he was making, something gruesome +and full of sinister possibilities for the hand of a virile painter. +He wondered how near his imagination was to placing the central +figures in the picture as they actually appeared on that secret +night. + +At sunset they went together to the little pavilion at the end +of the pier which extended far out into the Sound. Here they were +safe from the ears of eavesdroppers. The boats had been stowed away +for the winter. The wind that blew through the open pavilion, now +shorn of all its comforts and luxuries, was cold, raw and repelling. +No one would disturb them here. + +With her face set toward the sinking east, she leaned against one +of the thick posts, and, in a dull, emotionless voice, laid bare +the whole story of that dreadful night and the days that followed. +She spared no details, she spared not herself in the narration. + +He did not once interrupt her. All the time she was speaking he was +studying the profile of her face as if fascinated by its strange +immobility. For the matter of a full half-hour he sat on the rail, +his back against a post, his arms folded across the breast of the +thick ulster he wore, staring at her, drinking in every word of +the story she told. A look of surprise crept into his face when +she came to the point where the thought of marrying Hetty to the +brother of her victim first began to manifest itself in her designs. +For a time the look of incredulity remained, to be succeeded by utter +scorn as she went on with the recital. Her reasons, her excuses, +her explanations for this master-stroke in the way of compensation +for all that she had endured at the hands of the scornful Wrandalls, +all of whom were hateful to her without exception, stirred him +deeply. He began to understand the forces that compelled her to +resort to this Machiavellian plan for revenge on them. She admitted +everything: her readiness to blight Hetty's life for ever; her +utter callousness in laying down these ugly plans; her surpassing +vindictiveness; her reflections on the triumph she was to enjoy when +her aims were fully attained. She confessed to a genuine pity for +Hetty Castleton from the beginning, but it was outweighed by that +thing she could only describe as an obsession!...How she hated +the Wrandalls!...Then came the real awakening: when the truth came +to her as a revelation from God. Hetty had not been to blame. The +girl was innocent of the one sin that called for vengeance so far +as she was concerned. The slaying of Challis Wrandall was justified! +All these months she had been harbouring a woman she believed +to have been his mistress as well as his murderess. It was not so +much the murderess that she would have foisted upon the Wrandalls +as a daughter, but the mistress!...She loved the girl, she had +loved her from that first night. Back of it all, therefore, lay the +stern, unsuspected truth: from the very beginning she instinctively +had known this girl to be innocent of guile....Her house of cards +fell down. There was nothing left of the plans on which it had +been constructed. It had all been swept away, even as she strove +to protect it against destruction, and the ground was strewn with +the ashes of fires burnt out....She was shocked to find that she +had even built upon the evil spot! Almost word for word she repeated +Hetty's own story of her meeting with Challis Wrandall, and how she +went, step by step and blindly, to the last scene in the tragedy, +when his vileness, his true nature was revealed to her. The girl +had told her everything. She had thought herself to be in love +with Wrandall. She was carried away by his protestations. She was +infatuated. (Sara smiled to herself as she spoke of this. She knew +Challis Wrandall's charm!) The girl believed in him implicitly. +When he took her to Burton's Inn it was to make her his wife, as +she supposed. He had arranged everything. Then came the truth. She +defended herself.... + +"I came upon her in the road on that wild night, Brandon, at the +place I pointed out. Can you picture her as I have described her? +Can you picture her despair, her hopelessness, her misery? I have +told you everything, from beginning to end. You know how she came +to me, how I prepared her for the sacrifice, how she left me. I +have not written to her. I cannot. She must hate me with all her +soul, just as I have hated the Wrandalls, but with greater reason, +I confess. She would have given herself up to the law long ago, if +it had not been for exposing me to the world as her defender, her +protector. She knew she was not morally guilty of the crime of +murder. In the beginning she was afraid. She did not know our land, +our laws. In time she came to understand that she was in no real +peril, but then it was too late. A confession would have placed +me in an impossible position. You see, she thought of me all this +time. She loved me as no woman ever loved another. Was not I the +wife of the man she had killed, and was not I the noblest of all +women in her eyes? God! And to think of what I had planned for +her!" + +This was the end of the story. + +The words died away in a sort of whimpering wail, falling in with +the wind to be lost to his straining ears. Her head drooped, her +arms hung limply at her side. + +For a long time he sat there in silence, looking out over the +darkening water, unwilling, unable indeed, to speak. His heart was +full of compassion for her, mingling strangely with what was left +of scorn and horror. What could he say to her? + +At last she turned to him. "Now you know all that I can tell you of +Hetty Castleton,--of Hetty Glynn. You could not have forced this +from me, Brandon. She WOULD not tell you. It was left for me to do +in my own good time. Well, I have spoken. What have you to say?" + +"I can only say, Sara, that I thank God for EVERYTHING," he said +slowly. + +"For everything?" + +"I thank God for you, for her and for everything. I thank God that +she found him out in time, that she killed him, that you shielded +her, that you failed to carry out your devilish scheme, and that +your heart is very sore to-day." + +"You do not despise me?" + +"No. I am sorry for you." + +Her eyes narrowed. "I don't want you to feel sorry for me." + +"You don't understand. I am sorry for you because you have found +yourself out and must be despising yourself." + +"You have guessed the truth. I despise myself. But what could be +expected of me?" she asked ironically. "As the Wrandalls would say, +'blood will tell.'" + +"Nonsense! Don't talk like that! It is quite unworthy of you. In +spite of everything, Sara, you are wonderful. The very thing you +tried to do, the way you went about it, the way you surrender, makes +for greatness in you. If you had gone on with it and succeeded, +that fact alone would have put you in the class with the great, +strong, virile women of history. It--" + +"With the Medicis, the Borgias and--" she began bitterly. + +"Yes, with them. But they were great women, just the same. You +are greater, for you have more than they possessed: a conscience. +I wish I could tell you just what I feel. I haven't the words. I--" + +"I only want you to tell me the truth. Do you despise me?" + +"Again I say that I do not. I can only say that I regard you +with--yes, with AWE." + +"As one might think of a deadly serpent." + +"Hardly that," he said, smiling for the first time. He crossed +over and laid his hand on her shoulder. "Don't think too meanly +of yourself. I understand it all. You lived for months without a +heart, that's all." + +"You put it very gently." + +"I think I'm right. Now, you've got it back, and it's hungry for +the sweet, good things of life. You want to be happy. You want to +love again and to be loved. You don't want to be pitied. I understand. +It's the return of a heart that went away long months ago and left +an empty place that you filled with gall. The bitterness is gone. +There is something sweet in its place. Am I not right?" + +She hesitated. "If you mean that I want to be loved by my enemies, +Brandon, you are wrong," she said clearly. "I have not been chastened +in that particular." + +"You mean the Wrandalls?" + +"It is not in my nature to love my enemies. We stand on the same +footing as before, and always shall. They understand me, I understand +them. I am glad that my project failed, not for their sake, but +for my own." + +He was silent. This woman was beyond him. He could not understand +a nature like this. + +"You say nothing. Well, I can't ask you to understand. We will not +discuss my enemies, but my friends. What do you intend to do in +respect to Hetty?" + +"I am going to make her my wife," he said levelly. + +She turned away. It was now quite dark. He could not see the +expression on her face. + +"What you have heard does not weaken your love for her?" + +"No. It strengthens it." + +"You know what she has done. She has taken a life with her own +hands. Can you take her to your bosom, can you make her the mother +of your own children? Remember, there is blood on her hands." + +"Ah, but her heart is clean!" + +"True," she said moodily, "her heart is clean." + +"No cleaner than yours is now, Sara." + +She uttered a short, mocking laugh. "It isn't necessary to say a +thing like that to me." + +"I beg your pardon." + +Her manner changed abruptly. She turned to him, intense and serious. + +"She is so far away, Brandon. On the other side of the world, and +she is full of loathing for me. How am I to regain what I have lost? +How am I to make her understand? She went away with that last ugly +thought of me, with the thought of me as I appeared to her on that +last, enlightening day. All these months it has been growing more +horrible to her. It has been beside her all the time. All these +months she has known that I pretended to love her as--" + +"I don't believe you know Hetty as well as you think you do," he +broke in. "You forget that she loved you with all her soul. You +can't kill love so easily as all that. It will be all right, Sara. +You must write and ask her to come back. It--" + +"Ah, but you don't know!" Then she related the story of the liberated +canary bird. "Hetty understands. The cage door is open. She may +return when she chooses, but--don't you see?--she must come of her +own free will." + +"You will not ask her to come?" + +"No. It is the test. She will know that I have told you everything. +You will go to her. Then she may understand. If she forgives she will +come back. There is nothing else to say, nothing else to consider." + +"I shall go to her at once," he said resolutely. + +She gave him a quick, searching glance. + +"She may refuse to marry you, even now, Brandon." + +"She CAN'T!" he cried. An instant later his face fell. "By Jove, +I--I suppose the law will have to be considered now. She will at +least have to go through the form of a trial." + +She whirled on him angrily. "The law? What has the law to do with +it? Don't be a fool!" + +"She ought to be legally exonerated," he said. + +Her fingers gripped his arm fiercely. "I want you to understand one +thing, Brandon. The story I have told you was for your ears alone. +The secret lives with us and dies with us." + +He looked his relief. "Right! It must go no farther. It is not a +matter for the law to decide. You may trust me." + +"I am cold," she said. He heard her teeth chatter distinctly as +she pulled the thick mantle closer about her throat and shoulders. +"It is very raw and wet down here. Come!" + +As she started off along the long, narrow pier, he sprang after +her, grasping her arm. She leaned rather heavily against him for +a few steps and then drew herself up. Her teeth still chattered, +her arm trembled in his clasp. + +"By Jove, Sara, this is bad," he cried, in distress. "You're chilled +to the marrow." + +"Nerves," she retorted, and he somehow felt that her lips were set +and drawn. + +"You must get to bed right away. Hot bath, mustard, and all that. +I'll not stop for dinner. Thanks just the same. I will be over in +the morning." + +"When will you sail?" she asked, after a moment. + +"I can't go for ten days, at least. My mother goes into the hospital +next week for an operation, as I've told you. I can't leave until +after that's over. Nothing serious, but--well, I can't go away. +I shall write to Hetty to-night, and cable her to-morrow. By the +way, I--I don't know just where to find her. You see, we were not +to write to each other. It was in the bargain. I suppose you don't +know how I can--" + +"Yes, I can tell you precisely where she is. She is in Venice, but +leaves there to-morrow for Rome, by the Express." + +"Then you have been hearing from her?" he cried sharply. + +"Not directly. But I will say this much: there has not been a day +since she landed in England that I have not received news of her. +I have not been out of touch with her, Brandon, not even for an +hour." + +"Good heaven, Sara! You don't mean to say you've had her shadowed +by--by detectives," he exclaimed, aghast. + +"Her maid is a very faithful servant," was her ambiguous rejoinder. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +DISTURBING NEWS + + +He walked home swiftly through the early night, his brain seething +with tumultuous thoughts. The revelations of the day were staggering; +the whole universe seemed to have turned topsy-turvy since that +devastating hour at Burton's Inn. Somehow he was not able to confine +his thoughts to Hetty Castleton alone. She seemed to sink into the +background, despite the absolution he had been so ready, so eager +to grant her on hearing the story from Sara's lips. Not that his +resolve to search her out and claim her in spite of everything was +likely to weaken, but that the absorbing figure of Sara Wrandall +stood out most clearly in his reflections. + +What an amazing creature she was! He could not drive her out of his +thoughts, even when he tried to concentrate them on the one person +who was dearest to him of all in all the world, his warm-hearted, +adorable Hetty. Strange contrasts suggested themselves to him as he +strode along, head bent and shoulders hunched. He could not help +contrasting the two women. He loved Hetty; he would always love her, +of that he was positive. She was Sara's superior in every respect, +infinitely so, he argued. And yet there was something in Sara that +could crowd this adored one, this perfect one out of his thoughts +for the time being. He found it difficult to concentrate his thoughts +on Hetty Castleton. + +How white and ill Sara had looked when she said good-night to him +at the door! The memory of her dark, mysterious eyes haunted him; +he could see them in the night about him. They had been full of +pain; there were torrents of tears behind them. They had glistened +as if burnished by the fires of fever. + +Even as he wrote his long, triumphant letter to Hetty Castleton, +the picture of Sara Wrandall encroached upon his mental vision. He +could not drive it out. He thought of her as she had appeared to +him early in the spring; through all the varying stages of their +growing intimacy; through the interesting days when he vainly tried +to translate her matchless beauty by means of wretched pigments; +up to this present hour in which she was revealed, and yet not +revealed, to him. Her vivid face was always before him, between +his eyes and the thin white paper on which he scribbled so eagerly. +Her feverish eyes were looking into his; she was reading what he +wrote before it appeared on the surface of the sheet! + +His letter to Hetty was a triumph of skill and diplomacy, achieved +after many attempts. He found it hard not to say too much, and +quite as difficult not to say too little. He spent hours over this +all-important missive. At last it was finished. He read and re-read +it, searching for the slightest flaw: a fatal word or suggestion that +might create in her mind the slightest doubt as to his sincerity. +She was sure to read this letter a great many times, and always +with the view to finding something between the lines: such as pity, +resignation, an enforced conception of loyalty, or even faith! He +meant that she should find nothing there but love. It was full of +tenderness, full of hope, full of promise. He was coming to her +with a steadfast, enduring love in his heart, he wanted her now +more than ever before. + +There was no mention of Challis Wrandall, and but once was Sara's +name used. There was nothing in the letter that could have betrayed +their joint secret to the most acute outsider, and yet she would +understand that he had wrung everything from Sara's lips. Her secret +was his. + +He decided that it would not be safe to anticipate the letter by a +cablegram. It was not likely that any message he could send would +have the desired effect. Instead of reassuring her, in all probability +it would create fresh alarm. + +Sleep did not come to him until after three o'clock. At two he got +up and deliberately added a postscript to the letter he had written. +It was in the nature of a poignant plea for Sara Wrandall. Even as +he penned the lines, he shuddered at the thought of what she had +planned to do to Hetty Castleton. Staring hard at the black window +before him, the pen still in his hand, he allowed his thoughts +to dwell so intimately on the subject of his well-meant postcript +that her ashen face with its burning eyes seemed to take shape in +the night beyond. It was a long time before he could get rid of +the illusion. Afterwards he tried to conjure up Hetty's face and +to drive out the likeness of the other woman, and found that he +could not recall a single feature in the face of the girl he loved! + +When he reached Southlook in the morning, he found that nearly all +of the doors and windows were boarded up. Wagons were standing in +the stable-yard, laden with trunks and crates. Servants without +livery were scurrying about the halls. There was an air of finality +about their movements. The place was being desolated. + +"Yes, sir," said Watson, in reply to his question, "we ARE in a +rush. Mrs. Wrandall expects to close the 'ouse this evening, sir. +We all go up this afternoon. I suppose you know, sir, we 'ave +taken a new apartment in town." + +"No!" exclaimed Booth. + +"Yes, sir, we 'ave, sir. They've been decorating it for the pawst +two weeks. Seems like she didn't care for the old one we 'ad. As +a matter of fact, I didn't care much for it, either. She's taken +one of them hexpensive ones looking out over the Park, sir. You +know we used to look out over Madison Avenue, sir, and God knows it +wasn't hinspirin'. Yes, sir, we go up this afternoon. Mrs. Wrandall +will be down in a second, thank you, sir." + +Booth actually was startled by her appearance when she entered the +room a few minutes later. She looked positively ill. + +"My dear Sara," he cried anxiously, "this is too bad. You are making +yourself ill. Come, come, this won't do." + +"I shall be all right in a day or two," she said, with a weary little +gesture. "I have been nervous. The strain was too great, Brandon. +This is the reaction, the relaxation you might say." + +"Your hand is hot, your eyes look feverish. You'd better see your +doctor as soon as you get to town. An ounce of prevention, you +know." + +"Well," she said, with a searching look into his eyes, "have you +written to her?" + +"Yes. Posted it at seven o'clock this morning." + +"I trust you did not go so far as to--well, to volunteer a word in +my behalf. You were not to do that, you know." + +He looked uncomfortable. "I'm afraid I did take your name in vain," +he equivocated. "You are a--a wonderful woman, Sara," he went on, +moved to the remark by a curious influence that he could not have +explained any more than he could have accounted for the sudden gush +of emotion that took possession of him. + +She ignored the tribute. "You will persuade her to come to New York +with you?" + +"For your sake, Sara, if she won't come for mine." + +"She knows the cage is open," was her way of dismissing the subject. +"I am glad you came over. I have a letter from Leslie. It came this +morning. You may be interested in what he has to say of Hetty--and +of yourself." She smiled faintly. "He is determined that you shall +not be without a friend while he is alive." + +"Les isn't such a rotter, Sara. He's spoiled, but he is hardly to +be blamed for that." + +"I will read his letter to you," she said, and there was no little +significance in the way she put it. She held the letter in her +hand, but he had failed to notice it before. Now he saw that it +was a crumpled ball of paper. He was obliged to wait for a minute +or two while she restored it to a readable condition. "He was in +London when this was written," she explained, turning to the window +for light. She glanced swiftly over the first page until she found +the place where she meant to begin. "'I suppose Hetty Castleton has +written that we met in Lucerne two weeks ago,'" she read. "'Curious +coincidence in connexion with it, too. I was with her father, Col. +Braid Castleton, when we came upon her most unexpectedly. I ran +across him in Paris just before the aviation meet, and got to know +him rather well. He's a fine chap, don't you think? I confess I was +somewhat surprised to learn that he didn't know she'd left America. +He explained it quite naturally, however. He'd been ill in the +north of Ireland and must have missed her letters. Hetty was on +the point of leaving for Italy. We didn't see much of her. But, +by Jove, Sara, I am more completely gone on her than ever. She is +adorable. Now that I've met her father, who had the beastly misfortune +to miss old Murgatroyd's funeral, I can readily see wherein the +saying "blood will tell" applies to her. He is a prince. He came +over to London with me the day after we left Hetty in Lucerne, and +I had him in to meet mother and Vivian at Clarridge's. They like +him immensely. He set us straight on a good many points concerning +the Glynn and Castleton families. Of course, I knew they were among +the best over here, but I didn't know how fine they were until we +prevailed on him to talk a little about himself. You will be glad +to hear that he is coming over with us on the Mauretania. She sails +the 27th. We'll be on the water by the time you get this letter. +It had been our intention to sail last week, but the Colonel had +to go to Ireland for a few days to settle some beastly squabbles +among the tenants. Next year he wants me to come over for the +shooting. He isn't going back to India for two years, you may be +interested to hear. Two years' leave. Lots of influence, believe me! +We've been expecting him back in London since day before yesterday. +I dare say he found matters worse than he suspected and has +been delayed. He has been negotiating for the sale of some of his +property in Belfast--factory sites, I believe. He is particularly +anxious to close the deal before he leaves England. Had to lift a +mortgage on the property, however, before he could think of making +the sale. I staked him to four thousand pounds, to tide him over. +Of course, he is eager to make the sale. 'Gad, I almost had to beg +him to take the money. Terribly proud and haughty, as the butler +would say. He said he wouldn't sleep well until he has returned the +filthy lucre. We are looking for him back any hour now. But if he +shouldn't get here by Friday, we will sail without him. He said he +would follow by the next boat, in case anything happened that he +didn't catch the Mauretania.'" + +Sara interrupted herself to offer an ironic observation: "If Hetty +did not despise her father so heartily, I should advise you to look +farther for a father-in-law, Brandon. The Colonel is a bad lot. +Estates in the north of Ireland! Poor Leslie!" She laughed softly. + +"He'll not show up, eh?" + +"Not a bit of it," she said. "He may be charged to profit and loss +in Leslie's books. This part of the letter will interest you," +she went on, as if all that had gone before was of no importance +to him. "'I hear interesting news concerning you, my dear girl. +My heartiest congratulations if it is all true. Brandy is one in +a million. I have hoped all along to have him as a full-fledged +brother-in-law, but I'm satisfied to have him as a sort of +step-brother-in-law, if that's the way you'd put it. Father writes +that every one is talking about it, and saying what a fine thing +it is. He has a feeling of delicacy about approaching you in the +matter, and I fancy it's just as well until everything is settled. I +wish you'd let me make a suggestion, however. Wouldn't it be wise +to let us all get together and talk over the business end of the +game? Brandy's a fine chap, a corker, in fact, but the question is: +has he got it in him to take Challis's place in the firm? You've +got to consider the future as well as the present, my dear. We +all do. With his artistic temperament he might play hob with your +interests, and ours too, for that matter. Wouldn't it be wise for +me to sound him a bit before we take him into the firm? Forgive +me for suggesting this, but, as you know, your interests are mine, +and I'm terribly keen about seeing you get the best of everything. +By the way, wasn't he a bit gone on Hetty? Passing fancy, of course, +and not deep enough to hurt anybody. Good old Brandy!'" + +"There is more, Brandon, but it's of no consequence," she said, +tossing the letter upon the table. "You see how the land lays." + +Booth was pale with annoyance. "By Jove, Sara, what an insufferable +ass he is!" + +"The shoe pinches?" + +"Oh, it's such perfect rot! I'm sorry on your account. Have you +ever heard of such gall?" + +"Oh, he is merely acting as the family spokesman. I can see them +now in solemn conclave. They think it their indisputable right to +select a husband for me, to pass upon him, to accept or decline +him as they see fit, to say whether he is a proper man to hang up +his hat and coat in the offices of Wrandall & Co." + +"Do you mean to say--" + +"Let's not talk about it, Brandon. It is too silly." + +They fell to discussing her plans for the immediate future, although +the minds of both were at work with something else. + +"Now that I have served my purpose, I suppose you will not care to +see so much of me," she said, as he prepared to take leave of her. + +"Served your purpose? What do you mean?" + +"I should have put it differently. You have been most assiduous in +your efforts to force the secret from me. It has been accomplished. +Now do you understand?" + +"That isn't fair, Sara," he protested. "If you'll let me come +to see you, in spite of what the gossips and Mr. Redmond Wrandall +predict, you may be sure I will be as much in evidence as ever. I +suppose I have been a bit of a nuisance, hanging on as I have." + +"I admire your perseverance. More than that, I admire your courage +in accepting the situation as you have. I only hope you may win +her over to your way of thinking, Brandon. Good-bye." + +"I shall go up to town to-morrow, kit and bag. When shall I see +you? We have a great deal left to talk about before I sail." + +"Come when you like." + +"You really want me to come?" + +"Certainly." + +He studied her pale, tired face for a moment, and then shook his +head. "You must take care of yourself," he said. "You are unstrung. +Get a good rest and--and forget certain things if you can. Everything +will come out all right in the end." + +"It depends on what one is willing to accept as the end," she said. + +The next morning she received an expected visitor at her apartment. +Expecting him, she made a desperate effort to appear as strong and +unconcerned as she had been on the occasion of a former meeting. +There was little in her appearance to suggest worry, illness +or alarm when she entered the rather unsettled little library and +confronted the redoubtable Mr. Smith. + +The detective had dropped her a line earlier in the week asking +for an audience at the earliest possible moment. + +"You are worried, madam," he said, after he had carefully closed +the door leading to the hall, "and so am I." + +"What do you want now?" she demanded. "You have received your money. +There is nothing else that we--" + +"Beg pardon, Mrs. Wrandall, but there is something else. I'm not +after more money, as you may suspect. The size of the matter is, +I'm here to put you wise to what's going on without your knowing +anything about it. Right or wrong, I'm still interested in this +case of yours. Understand me, I haven't lifted a finger since that +day in the country. I've quit cold, just as I said I would. The +trouble is, other people are still nosing around." + +"Sit down, Mr. Smith. Now, tell me what you are here for." + +Smith followed her example and sat down, drawing a chair quite +close to hers. He lowered his voice. + +"Well, I've got next to something I think you ought to know. Maybe +old man Wrandall is back of it, but I don't think he is. You see, +so far as outsiders are concerned, that reward still stands. A +murder's a murder and that's all there is to it. There are men in +this business who are going to hunt for that woman until they get +her. See what I mean?" + +"Please go on. I suppose some one else suspects me, and may have to +be bought off," she said so significantly that he turned a bright +red. + +"Now don't think that of me, Mrs. Wrandall. I am not in on this, +I swear. You paid me of your own free will and I laid down on the +job. I don't deny that I expected you to do it. I'm not what you'd +call a model of virtue and integrity. I served time in the pen a +good many years ago. They say it takes a thief to catch a thief. +That's not true. A detective has to be dead honest or the thief +catches him. I think most of the men in my business are honest. +They have to be. You may not agree with me, but I thought I was +doing the square thing by you last summer. I had a theory and I +was honest in believing it was the right one. I thought you'd pay +me to drop the matter. I'm now dead sure I was wrong in suspecting +you for a minute. I'm no fool. I--" + +Sara interrupted him. + +"Will you be good enough to come to the point, Mr. Smith?" she said +coldly. + +"Well," he said, leaning forward and speaking very deliberately, +"I've come here to tell you that the police haven't quit on the +job. They're about to make a worse mistake than I made." + +She felt herself turn pale. It required a great effort of the will +to suppress the start that might have betrayed her to the keen-eyed +observer. + +"That would be impossible, Mr. Smith," she said, shaking her head +and smiling. + +"They've been watching that Ashtley girl you sent out West just +after the--er--thing happened. The show-girl, you'll remember." + +He must have observed the swift look of relief that leaped into +her eyes. + +"What arrant stupidity," she cried, unable to choose her words. +"Why, that unhappy girl is dying a slow and awful death. Surely they +can't be hounding her now. Her innocence was clearly established at +the time. That is why I felt it to be my duty to help her. She went +out to her old home, to die or to get well. They must be fools." + +"I'm just telling you, Mrs. Wrandall, that's all. Maybe you can +call 'em off, if you know for a certainty that she's innocent." +There was something accusing in his manner. + +She became very cautious. "My opinion was formed upon the girl's +story, and by what the police said after investigating it thoroughly." + +"It's a way the police have, madam. They were not satisfied at +the time. They simply gave her the rope, that's all. All this time +they've had men watching her, day by day, out there in Montana. +They say they've got new evidence, a lot of it." + +"It is perfectly ridiculous," she cried, very much distressed. "And +it must be stopped. I shall see the authorities at once." + +"You may be too late. I heard last night that she is to be re-arrested +out there and put through a fierce examination. They believe she's +weakening and will confess if they go after her hard enough." + +"Confess? How can she confess when she knows she is innocent?" she +said sharply. + +"You don't know much about the third degree, Mrs. Wrandall. I've +known innocent people to confess under the bullying--" + +"It must be stopped! Do you hear me? This: thing cannot go on." +She began to pace the floor in her agitation. "Yes, I have heard +of those third degree atrocities. You are right, they may brow-beat +the poor, sick thing into a confession. Does she know they have +been watching her?" + +"Sure. That's part of the game. They make it a point to get on the +nerves. Something is bound to give, sooner or later. They've got +her scared to death. She knows they're simply waiting for a chance +to catch her unawares and trip her up. I tell you, it's a fearful +strain. Strong men go down under it time and again. What must it +be to this half-dead girl, who hasn't much to be proud of in life +at the very best?" + +"Tell me what to do," she cried, sitting down again, her eyes +suddenly filling with tears. + +"I don't know, ma'am. You see, if we had a grain of proof to work +on, we might be able to turn 'em back, but there's the rub. We can't +say they're wrong without having something up our sleeves to show +that we are right. See what I mean?" + +"But I tell you she is innocent!" + +"Can you swear to that, Mrs. Wrandall?" + +"I--I believe I can," she said, and then experienced a sharp sense +of dismay. What possessed her to say it? "That is, I could stake +my--" + +"All that won't count for anything, if they get a signed confession +out of her. Now we both know she is innocent. I'm willing to do +what I can to help you. Turn about is fair play. If you want to +send me out there, I'll try to spike their guns. Maybe I can get +there in time to put fresh heart in the girl. She's safe if she +doesn't go to pieces and say something she oughtn't to say." + +"Oh, this is dreadful," she cried, harassed beyond words. + +"It sure is. You see, the police work on the theory that some +one's just got to be guilty of that crime. If it ain't the girl +out yonder, then who is it? They know her private history. She said +enough when she was in custody last year to show that she might +have had a pretty good reason for going after your husband--begging +your pardon. You remember she said he'd given her the go-by not +more than two days before he was killed. They'd been good friends +up to then. All of a sudden he chucks her, without ceremony. She +admits she was sore about it. She says she would have done him +dirt if she had had the chance. Well, that's against her. She did +prove an alibi, as you remember, but they're easy to frame up if +necessary. I don't think she was clever enough to do the job and +get away as slick as the real one did. She was a booze-fighter in +those days. They always mess things up. A mighty smooth party did +that job. Some one with a good deal more at stake than that poor, +reckless girl who didn't care much what became of her. But the +trouble is here: they've got her half crazy with fear. First thing +we know, she'll go clear off her head and BELIEVE she did it. +Then the law will be satisfied. She's so far gone, I hear, that +she won't live to be brought to trial, of course. There's some +consolation in that." + +"Consolation!" cried Sara bitterly. "She is bad, as bad as a woman +can be, I know, but I can't feel anything but pity for her now." + +"I guess your husband made her what she was," said Smith deliberately. +"I don't suppose you ever dreamed what was going on." + +She regarded him with a fixed stare. "You are mistaken, Mr. Smith," +she said, and it was his turn to stare. "Come back this evening +at six. I must consult Mr. Carroll. We will decide what action to +take." + +"I'd advise you to be quick about it, Mrs. Wrandall. Something's +bound to happen soon. The time is ripe. I know for a positive fact +that they're expecting news from out there every day. It'd be a God's +blessing if the poor wretch could die before they get a chance at +her." + +She started. "A God's blessing," she repeated dully. + +"Pretty hard lines, though," he mused, fumbling with his hat near +the door. "Even death wouldn't clear her of the suspicion. Pretty +tough to be branded a murderess, no matter whether you're in the +grave or out of it. I'll be back at six." + +She stood perfectly still, and, although her lips were parted, +she allowed him to go without a word in, response to his sombre +declaration. + +Half an hour later Mr. Carroll was on his way to her apartment, +vastly perturbed by the call that had come to him over the telephone. + +While waiting for him to appear, Sara Wrandall deliberately set +herself to the task of concocting a likely and plausible excuse +for intervention in behalf of the wretched show-girl. She prepared +herself for his argument that the police might be right after all, +and that it would be the better part of wisdom to shift the burden +to their shoulders. She knew she would be called upon to discount +some very sensible advice from the faithful old lawyer. Her reasons +would have to be good ones, not mere whims. He was not likely to +be moved by sentimentality. Moreover, he had once expressed doubt +as to the girl's innocence. + +It did not once occur to her that it was Mr. Carroll's business to +respect the secrets of his clients. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + + +To her secret amazement, the old lawyer did not offer a single protest +when she repeated her convictions that the girl was innocent and +should be protected against herself as well as against the police. +There was something very disquieting in the way he acquiesced. She +began to experience a vague, uneasy sense of wonder and apprehension. + +"I am beginning to agree with that amiable scoundrel, Smith," +he said, fixing his inscrutable gaze on the snapping coals in the +fireplace. "A cleverer woman than this Miss--er--What's-Her-Name +managed that affair at Burton's Inn." + +She watched his face closely. Somehow she felt that he was about +to mention the name of the woman he suspected, and it seemed to +her that her heart stood still during the moment of suspense. + +He lifted his eyes to her face. She saw something in them that set +her to trembling. + +"Why not be fair with me, Sara?" he asked calmly. She stared at +him, transfixed. "Who killed Challis Wrandall?" + +She opened her lips to protest against this startling question, +but something rushed up from within to completely change the whole +course of her conduct; something she could not explain but which +swept away every vestige of strength, and left her weak and trembling, +open-mouthed and pallid, with the liberated truth surging up from +its prison to give itself into the keeping of this staunch, loyal +old friend and counsellor. + +Carroll heard her through to the very end of the story without +an interruption. Then he crossed over and laid his hands on her +shoulders; there was a gleam of relief and satisfaction in his +eyes. + +"I am sorry you did not come to me with all this in the beginning, +Sara. A few words from me,--kindly words, my dear,--would have +shown you the error of your ways and you would have cast out the +ugly devils that beset you. You would not have planned the thing +you are so ashamed of now. Together we could have protected Hetty +and she would not be your accuser now. You began nobly. I am sorry +you have the other part of it to look back upon. But you may rest +assured of one thing: you and Miss Castleton have nothing to fear. +We will keep the secret, if needs be, but if it should come to the +worst no harm would result to her through the law. The main thing +now is to protect that unhappy girl out West against the inquisition." + +She sat with bowed head. + +When Smith returned at six o'clock, he found not only Mr. Carroll +waiting for him but Brandon Booth as well. His instructions were +clearly defined and concise. He was to proceed without delay to +Montana, where he was to bolster up the frail girl's courage and +prevent if possible the disaster. Moreover, he was to assure her +that Challis Wrandall's wife forgave her and would contest every +effort made by the police to lay the crime at her door. He was +empowered to engage legal counsel on his arrival in the Western +town and to fight every move of the police, not only in behalf of +the girl herself, but of Sara Wrandall, who thus publicly pronounced +her faith in the young woman's innocence. + +It was all very cleverly thought out, and Smith went away without +being much wiser than when he came. Before departing he offered +this rather sinister conclusion for Sara's benefit: + +"Of course, Mrs. Wrandall, you understand that the police will +wonder why you take such an interest in this girl. They're bound to +think, and so will every one else, that you know a good deal more +about the case than you've given out. See what I mean?" + +"They are at liberty to think what they like, Mr. Smith," said she. + +After Smith had gone, the three discussed the advisability of +acquainting Hetty with the deplorable conditions that had arisen. + +"I don't believe it would be wise to tell her," said Booth +reflectively. "She'd be sure to sacrifice herself rather than let +harm come to this girl. We couldn't stop her." + +"No, she must not be told," said Sara, with finality. + +"She is almost sure to find this out for herself some time," +said the lawyer dubiously. "I think we'd better take her into our +confidence. It is only right and just, you know." + +"Not at present, not at present," said Sara irritably. "It would +ruin everything." + +Booth appreciated her reasons for delay much more clearly than they +appeared to the matter-of-fact lawyer. + +"The girl may die at any time," he explained, addressing Mr. +Carroll, but not without a queer thrill of shame. + +"That is not what I meant, Brandon," she exclaimed. "I want Hetty +to come back with but one motive in her heart. Can't you see?" + +As Booth and the lawyer walked down Fifth Avenue toward the club +where they were to dine together, the latter, after a long silence, +made a remark that disturbed the young man vastly. + +"She's going all to pieces, Booth. Bound to collapse. That's the +way with these strong-minded, secret, pent-up natures. She has +brooded all these months and she's been living a lie. Well, the +break has come. She's told you and me. Now, do you know what I'm +afraid will happen?" + +"I think I know what's in your mind," said the younger man seriously. +"You are afraid she'll tell others?" + +The lawyer tapped his forehead significantly. "It may result in +THAT." + +"Never!" cried the other emphatically. "It will never be that way +with her, Mr. Carroll. Her head is as clear as--" + +"Brain fever," interrupted Carroll, with a gloomy shake of his head. +"Delirium and all that sort of thing. Haven't you noticed how ill +she looks? Feverish, nervous, irritable? Well, there you are." + +"It is a dreadful state of affairs," groaned Booth. + +"Not especially pleasant for you, my friend." + +"God knows it isn't!" + +"I believe, if I were in your place, I'd rather have the truth +told broadcast than to live for ever with that peril hanging over +me. It would be better for Miss Castleton, too." + +"I am not worrying over that, sir," said the other earnestly. "I +shall be able and ready to defend her, no matter what happens. To +be perfectly honest with you, I don't believe she's accountable to +any one but God in this matter. The law has no claim against her, +except in a perfunctory way. I don't deny that it is only right and +just that Wrandall's family should know the truth, if she chooses +to reveal it to them. If she doesn't, I shall be the last to suggest +it to her." + +"On that point I thoroughly agree with you. The Wrandall family +should know the truth. It is--well, I came near to using the word +diabolical--to keep them in ignorance. There is something owing to +the Wrandalls, if not to the law." + +"Of course they would make a merciless effort to prosecute her," +said Booth, feeling the cold sweat start on his brow. + +"I am not so sure of that, my friend," was the rather hopeful opinion +of the old man. He appeared to be weighing something in his mind, +for as they walked along he shook his head from time to time and +muttered under his breath, the while his companion maintained a +gloomy silence. + +The perceptions of the astute old lawyer were not far out of the +way, as developments of the next day were to prove. When Booth called +in the afternoon at Sara's apartment, he was met by the news that +she was quite ill and could see no one,--not even him. The doctor +had been summoned during the night and had returned in the morning, +to find that she had a very high temperature. The butler could not +enlighten Booth further than this, except to add that a nurse was +coming in to take charge of Mrs. Wrandall, more for the purpose +of watching her symptoms than for anything else, he believed. At +least, so the doctor had said. + +Two days passed before the distressed young man could get any definite +news concerning her condition. He unconsciously began to think of +it as a malady, not a mere illness, due of course to the remark +Carroll had dropped. It was Carroll himself who gave a definite +report of Sara. He met the lawyer coming away from the apartment +when he called to inquire. + +"She isn't out of her head, or anything like that," said Carroll +uneasily, "but she's in a bad way, Booth. She is worrying over +that girl out West, of course, but I'll tell you what I think is +troubling her more than anything else. Down in her heart she realises +that Hetty Castleton has got to be brought face to face with the +Wrandalls." + +"The deuce you say!" + +"To-day I saw her for the first time. Almost immediately she asked +me if I thought the Wrandalls would treat Hetty fairly if they +ever found out the truth about her. I said I thought they would. I +didn't have the heart to tell her that their grievance undoubtedly +would be shifted from Hetty to her, and that they wouldn't be +likely to forgive her for the stand she'd taken. She doesn't seem +to care, however, what the Wrandalls think of her. By the way, have +you any influence over Hetty Castleton?" + +"I wish I were sure that I had," said Booth. + +"Do you think she would come if you sent her a cablegram?" + +"I am going over--" + +"She will have your letter in a couple of days, according to Sara, +who seems to have a very faithful correspondent in the person of +that maid. I shudder to think of the cable tolls in the past few +months! I sometimes wonder if the maid suspects anything more than +a loving interest in Miss Castleton. What I was about to suggest +is this: Couldn't you cable her on Friday saying that Sara is very +ill? This is Tuesday. We'll be having word from Smith to-morrow, +I should think." + +"I will cable, of course, but Sara must not know that I've done +it." + +"Can you come to my office to-morrow afternoon?" + +"Yes. To-morrow night I shall go over to Philadelphia, to be gone +till Friday. I hope it will not be necessary for me to stay longer. +You never can tell about these operations." + +"I trust everything will go well, Brandon." + +Several things of note transpired before noon on Friday. + +The Wrandalls arrived from Europe, without the recalcitrant Colonel. +Mr. Redmond Wrandall, who met them at the dock, heaved a sigh of +relief. + +"He will be over on the Lusitania, next sailing," said Leslie, who +for some reason best known to himself wore a troubled look. + +Mr. Wrandall's face fell. "I hope not," he said, much to the +indignation of his wife and the secret uneasiness of his son. "These +predatory connections of the British nobility--" + +"Predatory!" gasped Mrs. Wrandall. + +"--are a blood-sucking lot," went on the old gentleman firmly. "If +he comes to New York, Leslie, I'll stake my head he won't be long +in borrowing a few thousand dollars from each of us. And he'll not +seek to humiliate us by attempting to pay it back. Oh, I know them." + +Leslie swallowed rather hard. "What's the news here, Dad?" he asked +hastily. "Anybody dead?" + +"Sara is quite ill, I hear. Slow fever of some sort, Carroll tells +me." + +"Is she going to marry Brandy Booth?" asked his son. + +Mr. Wrandall's face stiffened. "I fear I was a little hasty in my +conclusions. Brandon came to the office a few days ago and informed +me in rather plain words that there is absolutely nothing in the +report." + +"The deuce you say! 'Gad, I wrote her a rather intimate letter--" +Leslie got no farther than this. He was somewhat stunned and +bewildered by his private reflections. + +Mr. Wrandall was lost in study for some minutes, paying no attention +to the remarks of the other occupants of the motor that whirled +them across town. + +"By the way, my dear," he said to his wife, a trifle irrelevantly, +"don't you think it would be right for you and Vivian to drop in +this afternoon and see Sara? just to let her know that she isn't +without--" + +"It's out of the question, Redmond," said his wife, a shocked +expression in her face as much as to say that he must be quite out +of his head to suggest such a thing. "We shall be dreadfully busy +for several days, unpacking and--well, doing all sorts of NECESSARY +things." + +"She is pretty sick, I hear," mumbled he. + +"Hasn't she got a nurse?" demanded his wife. + +"I merely offered the suggestion in order--" + +"Well, we'll see her next week. Any other news?" + +"Mrs. Booth, Brandon's mother, was operated on for something or +other day before yesterday." + +"Oh, dear! The poor thing! Where?" + +"Philadelphia, of course." + +"I wonder if--let me see, Leslie, isn't there a good train to +Philadelphia at four o'clock? I could go--" + +"Really, my dear," said her husband sharply. + +"You forget how busy we are, mother," said Vivian, without a smile. + +"Nonsense!" said Mrs. Wrandall, in considerable confusion. "Was it +a serious operation, Redmond?" + +"They cut a bone out of her nose, that's all. Brandon says her heart +is weak. They were afraid of the ether. She's all right, Carroll +says." + +"Goodness!" cried Mrs. Wrandall. One might have suspected a note +of disappointment in her voice. + +"I shall go up to see Sara this afternoon," said Vivian calmly. +"What's the number of her new apartment?" + +"YOU have been up to see her, of course," said Mrs. Wrandall acidly. + +He fidgetted. "I didn't hear of her illness until yesterday." + +"I'll go up with you, Viv," said Leslie. + +"No, you won't," said his sister flatly. "I'm going to apologise to +her for something I said to Brandon Booth. You needn't tag along, +Les." + +At half-past five in the afternoon, the Wrandall limousine stopped +in front of the tall apartment building near the Park, a footman +jerked open the door, and Miss Wrandall stepped out. At the same +moment a telegraph messenger boy paused on the sidewalk to compute +the artistic but puzzling numerals on the imposing grilled doors +of the building. + +Miss Wrandall had herself announced by the obsequious doorman, and +stood by in patience to wait for the absurd rule of the house to +be carried out: "No one could get in without being announced from +below," said the doorman. + +"I c'n get in all right, all right," said the messenger boy, "I +got a tellygram for de loidy." + +"Go to the rear!" exclaimed the doorman, with some energy. + +While Miss Wrandall waited in Sara's reception hall on the tenth +floor, the messenger, having traversed a more devious route, arrived +with his message. + +Watson took the envelope and told him to wait. Five minutes +passed. Miss Wrandall grew very uncomfortable under the persistent +though complimentary gaze of the street urchin. He stared at her, +wide-eyed and admiring, his tribute to the glorious. She stared +back occasionally, narrow-eyed and reproving, HER tribute to the +grotesque. + +"Will you please step into the drawing-room, Miss Wrandall," said +Watson, returning. He led her across the small foyer and threw open +a door. She passed into the room beyond. + +Then he turned to the boy who stood beside the hall seat, making +change for a quarter as he approached. "Here," he said, handing +him the receipt book and a dime, "that's for you." He dropped the +quarter into his own pocket, where it mingled with coins that were +strangers to it up to that instant, and imperiously closed the +door behind the boy who failed to say "thank you." Every man to +his trade! + +There was a woman in the drawing-room when Vivian entered, standing +well over against the windows with her back to the light. The +visitor stopped short in surprise. She had expected to find her +sister-in-law in bed, attended by a politely superior person in +pure white. + +"Why, Sara," she began, "I am SO glad to see you are up and--" + +The other woman came forward. "But I am not Sara, Miss Wrandall," +she said, in a well-remembered voice. "How do you do?" + +Vivian found herself looking into the face of Hetty Castleton. +Instantly she extended her hand. + +"This IS a surprise!" she exclaimed. "When did you return? Leslie +told me your plans were quite settled when he saw you in Lucerne. +Oh, I see! Of course! How stupid of me. Sara sent for you." + +"She has been quite ill," said Hetty, non-committally. "We got in +yesterday. I thought my place was here, naturally." + +"Naturally," repeated Vivian, in a detached sort of way. "How is +she to-day? May I see her?" + +"She is very much better. In fact, she is sitting up in her room." +A warm flush suffused her face, a shy smile appeared in her eyes. +"She is receiving two gentlemen visitors, to be perfectly honest, +Miss Wrandall, her lawyer, Mr. Carroll, and--Mr. Booth." + +They were seated side by side on the uncomfortable Louis Seize +divan in the middle of the room. + +"Perhaps she won't care to see me, after an audience so fatiguing," +said Miss Wrandall sweetly. "And so exasperating," she added, with +a smile. + +Hetty looked her perplexity. + +"But she will see you, Miss Wrandall--if you don't mind waiting. +It is a business conference they're having." + +An ironic gleam appeared in the corner of Vivian's eye. "Oh," she +said, and waited. Hetty smiled uncertainly. All at once the tall +American girl was impressed by the wistful, almost humble look in +the Englishwoman's eyes, an appealing look that caused her to wonder +not a little. Like a flash she jumped at an obvious conclusion, +and almost caught her breath. This girl loved Booth and was losing +him! Vivian exulted for a moment and then, with an impulse she +could not quite catalogue, laid her hand on the other's slim fingers, +and murmured somewhat hazily: "Never mind, never mind!" + +"Oh, you MUST wait," cried Hetty, not at all in touch with the +other's mood. "Sara expects to see you. The men will be out in a +few minutes." + +"I think I will run in to-morrow morning," said Vivian hastily. She +arose almost immediately and again extended her hand. "So glad to +see you back again, Miss Castleton. Come and see me. Give my love +to Sara." + +She took her departure in some haste, and in her heart she was +rejoicing that she had not succeeded in making a fool of herself +by confessing to Sara that she had said unkind things about her to +Brandon Booth. + +Hetty resumed her seat in the broad French window and stared out +over the barren tree-tops in the Park. A frightened, pathetic droop +returned to her lips. It had been there most of the day. + +In Sara's boudoir, the doors of which were carefully closed, three +persons were in close, even repressed conference. The young mistress +of the house sat propped up in a luxurious chaise-longue, wan but +intense. Confronting her were the two men, leaning forward in their +chairs. Mr. Carroll held in his hand a number of papers, prominent +among them being three or four telegrams. Booth's face was radiant +despite the serious matter that occupied his mind. He had reached +town early in the morning in response to a telephone message from +Carroll announcing the sudden, unannounced appearance of Hetty +Castleton at his offices on the previous afternoon. The girl's +arrival had been most unexpected. She walked in on Mr. Carroll, +accompanied by her maid, who had a distinctly sheepish look in her +eyes and seemed eager to explain something but could not find the +opportunity. + +With some firmness, Miss Castleton had asked Mr. Carroll to +explain why the woman had been set to spy upon her every movement, +a demand the worthy lawyer could not very well meet for the good +and sufficient reason that he wasn't very clear about it himself. +Then Hetty broke down and cried, confessing that she was eager to +go to Mrs. Wrandall, at the same time sobbing out something about +a symbolic dicky-bird, much to Mr. Carroll's wonder and perplexity. + +He sent the maid from the room, and retired with Miss Castleton to +the innermost of his private offices, where without much preamble +he informed her that he knew everything. Moreover, Mr. Booth was +in possession of all the facts and was even then on the point of +starting for Europe to see her. Of course, his letter had failed to +reach her in time. There was quite a tragic scene in the seclusion +of that remote little office, during which Mr. Carroll wiped his +eyes and blew his nose more than once, after which he took it upon +himself to despatch a messenger to Sara with the word that he and +Miss Castleton would present themselves within half an hour after +his note had been delivered. + +A telegram already had come from Smith in the far-away Montana town, +transmitting news that disturbed him more than he cared to admit. +The showgirl was lying at the point of death, and he was having a +very hard time of it trying to keep the resolute authorities from +swooping down upon her for the ante-mortem statement they desired. +It would appear that he arrived just in time to put courage into the +girl. He would see to it that any statement she made would be the +truth! But Mr. Carroll was not so sure of Smith's ability to avert +disaster. He knew something of the terrors of the third degree. +The police would fight hard for vindication. + +The meeting between Sara and Hetty was affecting....Almost immediately +the former began to show the most singular signs of improvement. +She laughed and cried and joyously announced to the protesting nurse +that she was feeling quite well again! And, in truth, she got up +from the couch on which she reclined and insisted on being dressed +for dinner. In another room the amazed nurse was frantically +appealing to Mr. Carroll to let her send for the doctor, only to +be confounded by his urbane announcement that Mrs. Wrandall was as +"right as a string" and, please God, she wouldn't need the services +of doctor or nurse again for years to come. Then he asked the nurse +if she had ever heard of a disease called "nostalgia." + +She said she had heard of "home-sickness." + +"Well, that's what ailed Mrs. Wrandall," he said. "Miss Castleton +is the CURE." + +Booth came the next morning....Even as she lay passive in his arms, +Hetty denied him. Her arms were around his neck as she miserably +whispered that she could not, would not be his wife, notwithstanding +her love for him and his readiness to accept her as she was. She +was obdurate, lovingly, tenderly obdurate. He would have despaired +but for Sara, to whom he afterwards appealed. + +"Wait," was all that Sara had said, but he took heart. He was +beginning to look upon her as a sorceress. A week ago he had felt +sorry for her; his heart had been touched by her transparent misery. +To-day he saw her in another light altogether; as the determined, +resourceful, calculating woman who, having failed to attain a certain +end, was now intensely, keenly interested in the development of +another of a totally different nature. He could not feel sorry for +her to-day. + +Hetty deliberately had placed herself in their hands, withdrawing +from the conference shortly before Vivian's arrival to give herself +over to gloomy conjectures as to the future, not only for herself, +but for the man she loved and the woman she worshipped with something +of the fidelity of a beaten dog. + +Carroll had in his hand the second telegram from Smith, just +received. + +"This relieves the situation somewhat," he observed, with a deep +sigh. "She's dead, and she didn't give in, thanks to Smith. Rather +clever of him to get a signed statement, however, witnessed by the +prosecuting attorney and the chief of police. It puts an end to +everything so far as she is concerned." + +"Read again, Mr. Carroll, what she had to say about me," said Sara, +a slight tremour of emotion in her voice. + +He read from the lengthy telegram: "'She wants me to thank Mrs. +Wrandall for all she has done to make her last few months happy +ones, such as they were. She appreciates her kindness all the +more because she realises that her benefactress must have known +everything. Almost the last words she spoke were in the nature of +a sort of prayer that God would forgive her for what she had done +to Mrs. Wrandall.'" + +"Poor girl! She could not have known that it was justice, not +sentiment that moved me to provide for her," said Sara. + +"Well, she is off our minds, at any rate," said the matter-of-fact +lawyer. "Now are you both willing to give serious consideration to +the plan I propose? Take time to think it over. No harm will come +to Miss Castleton, I am confident. There will be a nine days' +sensation, but, after all, it is the best thing for everybody. You +propose living abroad, Booth, so what are the odds if--" + +"I shan't live abroad unless Hetty reconsiders her decision to +not marry me," said the young man dismally. "'Gad, Sara, you must +convince her that I love her better than--" + +"I think she knows all that, Brandon. As I said before, wait! And +now, Mr. Carroll, I have this to say to your suggestion: I for +one am relentlessly opposed to the plan you advocate. There is no +occasion for this matter to go to the public. A trial, you say, +would be a mere formality. I am not so sure of that. Why put poor +Hetty's head in the lion's mouth at this late stage, after I have +protected her so carefully all these months? Why take the risk? +We know she is innocent. Isn't it enough that we acquit her in +our hearts? No, I cannot consent, and I hold both of you to your +promises." + +"There is nothing more I can say, my dear Sara," said Carroll, +shaking his head gloomily, "except to urge you to think it over +very seriously. Remember, it may mean a great deal to her--and to +our eager young friend here. Years from now, like a bolt from the +sky, the truth may come out in some way. Think of what it would +mean then." + +Sara regarded him steadily. "There are but four people who know +the truth," she said slowly. "It isn't likely that Hetty or Brandon +will tell the story. Professional honour forbids your doing so. +That leaves me as the sole peril. Is that what you would imply, my +dear friend?" + +"Not at all," he cried hastily, "not at all. I--" + +"That's all tommy-rot, Sara," cried Booth earnestly. "We just +COULDN'T have anything to fear from you." + +With curious inconsistency, she shook her head and remarked: "Of +course, you never could be quite easy in your minds. There would +always be the feeling of unrest. Am I to be trusted, after all? I +have proved myself to be a vindictive schemer. What assurance can +you and Hetty have that I will not turn against one or the other +of you some time and crush you to satisfy a personal grievance? How +do you know, Brandon, that I am not in love with you at this very--" + +"Good heavens, Sara!" he cried, agape. + +"--at this very moment?" she continued. "It would not be so very +strange, would it? I am very human. The power to love is not denied +me. Oh, I am merely philosophising. Don't look so serious. We will +suppose that I continued along my career as the woman scorned. You +have seen how I smart under the lash. Well?" + +"But all that is impossible," said Booth, his face clearing. "You're +not in love with me, and never can be. That! for your philosophy!" + +At the same instant he became aware of the singular gleam in her +eyes; a liquid, Oriental glow that seemed to reflect light on her +lower lids as she sat there with her face in the shadow. Once or +twice before he had been conscious of the mysterious, seductive +appeal. He stared back at her, almost defensively, but her gaze +did not waver. It was he who first looked away, curiously uncomfortable. + +"Still," she said slowly, "I think you would be wise to consider +all possible contingencies." + +"I'll take chances, Sara," he said, with an odd buoyancy in his voice +that, for the life of him, he could not explain, even to himself. + +"Even admitting that such should turn out to be the case," said +Mr. Carroll judicially, "I don't believe you'd go so far as to +put your loyal friends in jeopardy, Sara. So we will dismiss the +thought. Don't forget, however, that you hold them in the hollow +of your hand. My original contention was based on the time-honoured +saying, 'murder will out.' We never can tell what may turn up. The +best laid plans of men and mice oft--" + +Sara settled back among the cushions with a peremptory wave of her +hand. The loose, flowing sleeve fell away, revealing her white, +exquisitely modelled arm almost to the shoulder. For some strange, +unaccountable reason Booth's eyes fell. + +"I am tired, wretchedly tired. It has been a most exhausting day," +she said, with a sudden note of weariness in her voice. Both men +started up apologetically. "I will think seriously of your plan, +Mr. Carroll. There is no hurry, I'm sure. Please send Miss Wrandall +in to me, will you? Perhaps you would better tell Hetty to come in +as soon as Vivian leaves. Come back to-morrow afternoon, Brandon. +I shall be much more cheerful. By the way, have you noticed that +Dicky, out in the library, has been singing all afternoon as if +his little throat would split? It is very curious, but to-day is +the first time he has uttered a note in nearly five months. Just +listen to him! He is fairly riotous with song." + +Booth leaned over and kissed the hand she lifted to him. "He is +like the rest of us, Sara, inordinately happy." A slight shiver +ran through her arm. He felt it. + +"I am so afraid his exuberance of spirit may annoy Vivian," said +she, with a rare smile. "She detests vulgarity." + +The men departed. She lay back in the chaise-longue, her eyes fixed +on the hand he had touched with his lips. + +Watson tapped twice on the door. + +"Miss Wrandall could not wait, ma'am," he said, opening the door +softly. "She will call again tomorrow." + +"Thank you, Watson. Will you hand me the cigarettes?" + +Watson hesitated. "The cigarettes, ma'am?" + +"Yes." + +"But the doctor's orders, ma'am, begging your pardon for--" + +"I have a new doctor, Watson." + +"I beg pardon, ma'am!" + +"The celebrated Dr. Folly," she said lightly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +SARA WRANDALL'S DECISION + + +When Smith returned from the Far West, a few days after the events +narrated in the foregoing chapter, he repaired at once to Sara's +apartment, bringing with him not only the signed statement of the +Ashtley girl, but the well-worn and apparently cherished prayer-book +that had been her solace during the last few months of her life. +On the fly-leaf she had written: "I have nothing of God's earthly +gifts to leave behind but this. It has brought me riches, but it is +a poor thing in itself. I bequeath it, my only earthly possession, +to the kind and merciful one who taught me that there is good in +this bad world of ours." It was inscribed to "Mrs. Challis Wrandall." + +"She made me promise to give it to you with my own hands, Mrs. +Wrandall," said Smith, in the library, putting as much emotion into +his voice and manner as he thought the occasion and the audience +demanded. Miss Castleton and Mr. Booth were also present. "She +was a queer girl. I never saw one just like her, believe me. Just +after she signed that paper, I had a chance to be alone with her +for a minute or two. She asked me to stoop over so's I could hear +what she had to say, and she made me promise not to say a word +about it until after she was gone. Well, it will surprise you just +as much as it did me, what she had to say with her dying breath, +so to speak." He paused for the effect. + +"What did she say to you?" demanded Sara. + +"Well, sir, do you know that that girl knew all along who it was +that went up to Burton's Inn that evening with your husband? What +do you think of that?" + +There was not a sound in the room. Even the coals in the fireplace +seemed to take that instant to hush their blithe crackling. Smith's +listeners might have been absolutely breathless, they were so rigid. +Each had the grotesque fear that he was about to point his finger +at Hetty Glynn and call upon her to answer to an accusation from +the grave. + +The next moment they drew a deep, quivering breath of relief. The +detective went on, almost apologetically. "I tried to bluff her +into telling me who she was, Mrs. Wrandall, but she wouldn't fall +for it. After a little while, I saw it was no use questioning her. +She was as firm as a rock about it. And she was pretty near gone, +I can tell you. As a matter of fact, her heart went back on her +suddenly not ten minutes later, sort of surprising all of us. But +she did manage to whisper a few things to me while the others were +conversing in the hall. She said that she saw another girl with Mr. +Wrandall about a week before the murder, a stranger and a very +pretty one. He knew how to pick out the pretty--I--I beg your +pardon, ma'am. That sort of slipped out. You see--" + +"Never mind. I understand. Go on." + +"Right after that he told her he was through with her. Chucked +her, that's the sum and substance of it, for the new one, whoever +she was. She raised a row with him about it, and he laughed at her. +For nearly a week she spied on him, and she saw him out in the car +with the stranger at least half a dozen times. Now comes the queer +part of it, and the thing that made her keep her lips closed at +first, right after the killing--the murder, I mean. She laid for +him in front of his home on the very day of the murder and swore +she'd do something desperate if he didn't give the other one up. He +took her to a cheap restaurant on the West Side, and she was sure +that several waiters saw that they were quarrelling. To get her +out of the place, he induced her to get in his car and they went +for a ride out as far as Van Courtlandt Park. The police never got +onto all this. But she lived in terror for a few days, believing +that the waiters might remember them, although neither of them had +ever been in the place before. When she was taken up for examination, +she still wondered if they would be called on to identify her. +Nothing doing. It was right then, Mrs. Wrandall, that you stepped +in and said that her alibi was sufficient, and staked her for life +out there in the West. She says she saw the other girl after the +murder, but she wouldn't say where it was or when. Of course, she +couldn't swear that this girl did the job up there at Burton's, +but she was pretty nearly dead certain she was the one who went +up there with him. She was just on the point of telling the police +about this girl, to save herself, when you helped her out of the +fix, and then she got to thinking strange things, she said. This +is what she said to me, there on her death-bed, and I want to tell +you it gave me an idea of character that I had never come across +before in all my experience. She said that if Mrs. Wrandall here +could be fine enough to befriend her, knowing all you did, ma'am, +about her and your husband, it oughtn't to be hard for her to help +another erring girl by keeping her mouth shut. And that's just what +she did. She kept still. That sort of reasoning was new to me. But, +when you stop to think it over, maybe she was right. A word from +her might have sent a fellow creature to the chair. She had had her +lesson in charity from you, Mrs. Wrandall, and, while you didn't +mean it to have that effect, you undoubtedly spoiled the best chance +we'll ever have to get the real woman in the case." + +There was a moment of tense silence. Booth was the first to risk +the effort at speech. + +"And she wouldn't say a word more? She gave you no--no clue?" + +"Not the faintest idea, sir. She took that girl's name to the grave +with her." + +"Her name! She knew her name?" cried Sara, leaning forward. + +"She heard it a day or two after you had her set free, Mrs. +Wrandall. Don't it beat all? Now, don't you see what might have +happened if we'd let the police put the screws on her out there? +Why, the chances are, a hundred to one, she would have broken down +in the end, and told who this other woman is. There is where we +made a fatal mistake. But it's too late now, confound it." + +"Yes, it's too late now," said Sara, relaxing in her chair. + +"I'm telling you this, although maybe I wasn't expected to. She +made me promise not to tell the police. Well, I guess I can keep +that promise. You ain't the police." + +"It is a most remarkable story, Mr. Smith," said Sara, "but I do +not see that it leads us anywhere. We are quite as much in the dark +as before." + +The detective studied the pattern in the rug at his feet, a defeated +look in his eyes. + +"I suppose I MIGHT have forced her to tell me, Mrs. Wrandall, but +I--I didn't have the heart to bully her. I suppose you'll always +have it in for me for letting the chance slip?" + +"I think I have already told you, Mr. Smith, that I am not at all +curious." + +With the departure of the detective, the three conspirators fell +into an agitated discussion of the revelations he had made; so grave +had their peril appeared to be at the opening of his narrative that +they were still in a state of perturbation from which they were +not to recover for a long time. Their cheeks were white and their +eyes were dark with the dread that remained even after the danger +was past. Hetty's arms hung limp and nerveless at her sides as she +lay back in the chair and stared numbly at her friends. + +"Do you really believe she knew that I was the one?" she asked +miserably. "Do you think she knew my name?" she shuddered. + +"What if she did?" demanded Booth with an assumption of indifference +he was not yet able to feel. "She was a brick to keep it to herself. +The danger's past, dearest. Don't let it worry you now." + +"But just think of it! At any time she could have told this story +to the police and--Oh, wasn't it appalling? I thought my heart +would never beat again!" + +"We never knew till now how close we were to the abyss," said +Sara, drawing the thin wrap closer about her shoulders. Suddenly +she laughed. "But why contemplate the disaster that didn't occur? +We are more secure than ever. This girl was the only one who knew, +because no one else could have had the same incentive to spy upon +him, Hetty. She is dead. Your name isn't likely to be shouted from +the housetops, for the simple reason that it is safely locked up +in a grave." She hesitated for a moment and then added: "In two +graves, if it makes you feel more secure." + +The others looked at her in open astonishment. + +Booth was frowning. Sara glanced at his stern face and her eyes fell. +"If that sounded cold and unfeeling, I am sorry, Hetty. It was my +unfortunate way of trying to convince you that there is nothing +left for you to fear." + +She left them a moment later, bending over to kiss Hetty's cheek +as she passed by her chair. + +"Now, you see what I mean, Brandon, when I insist that it would +be a mistake for you to marry me," said Hetty in a troubled voice. +"We could never be sure of immunity." + +"You refer to that remark of hers?" + +"She is a strange woman. I sometimes have the feeling that she wants +to keep me with her for ever. I feel that she will not let me go." + +"That's pure nonsense, Hetty," he said. "She wants you to marry +me, I am positive." He may have thought his tone convincing, but +something caused her to regard him rather fixedly, as if she were +trying to solve an elusive puzzle. + +He took her by the arms and raised her to her feet. Holding her +quite close, he looked down into her questioning eyes and said very +seriously: + +"You are suspicious, even of me, dearest. I want you. There is but +one way for you to be at peace with yourself: shift your cares over +to my shoulders. I will stand between you and everything that may +come up to trouble you. We love one another. Why should we sacrifice +our love for the sake of a shadow? For a week, dearest, I've been +pleading with you; won't you end the suspense to-day--end it now--and +say you will be my wife?" + +The appeal was so gentle, so sincere, so full of longing that she +wavered. Her tender blue eyes, lately so full of dread, grew moist +with the ineffable sweetness of love, and capitulation was in them. +Her warm, red lips parted in a dear little smile of surrender. + +"You know I love you," she said tremulously. + +He kissed the lovely, appealing lips, not once but many times. + +"God, how I worship you," he whispered passionately. "I can't go on +without you, darling. You are life to me. I love you! I love you!" + +She drew back in his arms, the shadow chasing the light out of her +eyes. + +"We are both living in the present, we are both thinking only of +it, Brandon. What of the future? Can we foresee the future? Dear +heart, I am always thinking of your future, not my own. Is it right +for me to bring you--" + +"And I am thinking only of your future," he said gravely. "The future +that shall be mine to shape and to make glad with the fulfilment +of every promise that love has in store for both of us. Put away +the doubts, drive out the shadows, dearest. Live in the light for +ever. Love is light." + +"If I were only sure that my shadows would not descend upon you, +I--" + +He drew her close and kissed her again. + +"I am not afraid of your shadows. God be my witness, Hetty, I glory +in them. They do not reflect weakness, but strength and nobility. +They make you all the more worth having. I thank God that you are +what you are, dear heart." + +"Give me a few days longer, Brandon," she pleaded. "Let me conquer +this strange thing that lies here in my brain. My heart is yours, +my soul is yours. But the brain is a rebel. I must triumph over +it, or it will always lie in wait for a chance to overthrow this +little kingdom of ours. To-day I have been terrified. I am disturbed. +Give me a few days longer." + +"I would not grant you the respite, were I not so sure of the +outcome," he said gently, but there was a thrill of triumph in the +tones. Her eyes grew very dark and soft and her lips trembled with +the tide of love that surged through her body. "Oh, how adorable you +are!" he cried, straining her close in a sudden ecstasy of passion. + +The door-bell rang. They drew apart, breathing rapidly, their +blood leaping with the contact of opposing passions, their flesh +quivering. With a shy, sweet glance at him, she turned toward the +door to await the appearance of Watson. He could still feel her in +his arms. + +A drawling voice came to them from the vestibule, and a moment +later Leslie Wrandall entered the library, pulling off his gloves +as he came. + +"Hello," he said glibly. "I told that fellow downstairs it wasn't +necessary to announce me by telephone. Silly arrangement, I say. +Why the devil should they think everybody's a thief or a book agent +or a constable with a subpoena? He knows I'm one of the family. +I'm likely to run in any time, I told him, and--Oh, I say, I'm not +butting in, am I, Miss Castleton?" + +He shook hands with both of them, and then offered his cigarette +case to Booth, first selecting one for himself. Hetty assured him +that he was not de trop, sheer profligacy on her part in view of +his readiness to concede the point without a word from her. + +"Nipping wind," he said, taking his stand before the fireplace. +"Where is Sara? Never mind, don't bother her. I've got all the time +in the world. By the way, Miss Castleton, what is the latest news +from your father?" + +"I dare say you have later news than I," she said, a trace of +annoyance in her manner. + +"I thought perhaps he had written you about his plans." + +"My father does not know that I have returned to New York." + +"Oh, I see. Of course. Um--um! By the way, I think the Colonel +is a corker. One of the most amiable thoroughbreds I've ever come +across. Ripping. He's never said anything to me about your antipathy +toward him, but I can see with half an eye that he is terribly +depressed about it. Can't you get together some way on--" + +"Really, Mr. Wrandall, you are encouraging your imagination to a +point where words ultimately must fail you," she said very positively. +Booth could hardly repress a chuckle. + +"It's not imagination on my part," said Leslie with conviction, +failing utterly to recognise the obvious. "I suppose you know +that he is coming over to visit me for six weeks or so. We became +rattling good friends before we parted. By Jove, you should hear him +on old Lord Murgatroyd's will! The quintessence of wit! I couldn't +take it as he does. Expectations and all that sort of thing, you +know, going up like a hot air balloon and bursting in plain view. +But he never squeaked. Laughed it off. A British attribute, I dare +say. I suppose you know that he is obliged to sell his estate in +Ireland." + +Hetty started. She could not conceal the look of shame that leaped +into her eyes. + +"I--I did not know," she murmured. + +"Must be quite a shock to you. Sit down, Brandy. You look very +picturesque standing, but chairs were made to sit upon--or in, +whichever is proper." + +Booth shrugged his shoulders. + +"I think I'll stand, if you don't mind, Les." + +"I merely suggested it, old chap, fearing you might have overlooked +the possibilities. Yes, Miss Castleton, he left us in London to go +up to Belfast on this dismal business." There was something in the +back of his mind that he was trying to get at in a tactful manner. +"By the way, is this property entailed?" + +"I know nothing at all about it, Mr. Wrandall," said she, with a +pleading glance at her lover, as if to inquire what stand she should +take in this distressing situation. + +"If it is entailed he can't sell it," said Booth quietly. + +"That's true," said Leslie, somewhat dubiously. Then, with a +magnanimity that covered a multitude of doubts he added: "Of course, +I am only interested in seeing that you are properly protected, +Miss Castleton. I've no doubt you hold an interest in the estates." + +"I can't very well discuss a thing I know absolutely nothing about," +she said succinctly. + +"Most of it is in building lots and factories in Belfast, of course." +It was more in the nature of a question than a declaration. "The +old family castle isn't very much of an asset, I take it." + +"I fancy you can trust Colonel Castleton to make the best possible +deal in the premises," said Booth drily. + +"I suppose so," said the other resignedly. "He is a shrewd beggar, +I'm convinced of that. Strange, however, that I haven't heard +a word from him since he left us in London, I've been expecting +a cablegram from him every day for nearly a fortnight, letting me +know when to expect him." + +Hetty had gone over to the window and was looking out over the +darkening park. + +"Perhaps he means to surprise you, old man," said Booth, with a +smile that Leslie did not in the least interpret. + +With a furtive glance at the girl, whose back was toward them, +he got up from his chair and came quite close to Booth, frowning +slightly as he plucked at his moustache with nervous fingers. +Lowering his voice to a cautious half-whisper, he inquired: + +"I say, Brandy, what do you know about him? Is he on the level, or +is he a damned old rascal?" + +"Did you lend him any money?" asked Booth, with a malicious grin. + +Leslie gulped. A fine perspiration broke out on his forehead. "Yes, +I did," he replied, and, on reflection, slyly kicked himself on the +ankle, making sure however that Hetty was still looking the other +way. "Go on! Break it rudely. He's no good, eh? A shark, eh?" + +"Believe me, I don't know anything about him, Les," said Booth, +with a sudden feeling of loyalty to the Colonel's daughter. "He +may pay up." + +Leslie snapped his fingers while they were on the way to his upper +lip, and almost missed his moustache by the digression. At any +rate, he seemed to be fumbling for it. + +"I did it on her account," he explained, nodding his head in Hetty's +direction. He thought hard for a moment. "Of course, he won't be +such a blithering fool as to come over here, will he?" + +"I shouldn't, if I had been able to get what I wanted at home, as +he very obviously did," said Booth pitilessly. "How much was it?" + +Leslie waved his hand disdainfully. "Oh, a few hundred pounds, +that's all. No harm done." + +"Are you going to California this winter for the flying?" asked +Hetty, coming toward them. + +Sara entered at that juncture, and they all sat down to listen for +half an hour to Leslie's harangue on the way the California meet +was being mismanaged, at the end of which he departed. + +He took Booth away with him, much to that young man's disgust. + +"Do you know, Brandy, old fellow," said he as they walked down Fifth +Avenue in the gathering dusk of the early winter evening, "ever +since I've begun to suspect that damned old humbug of a father of +hers, I've been congratulating myself that there isn't the remotest +chance of his ever becoming my father-in-law. And, by George, you'll +never know how near I was to leaping blindly into the brambles. +What a close call I had!" + +Booth's sarcastic smile was hidden by the dusk. He made no pretence +of openly resenting the meanness of spirit that moved Leslie to +these caddish remarks. He merely announced in a dry, cutting voice: + +"I think Miss Castleton is to be congratulated that her injury is +no greater than Nature made it in the beginning." + +"What do you mean by 'nature'?" + +"Nature gave her a father, didn't it?" + +"Obviously." + +"Well, why add insult to injury?" + +"By Jove! Oh, I SAY, old man!" + +They parted at the next corner. As Booth started to cross over to +the Plaza, Leslie called out after him: + +"I say, Brandy, just a second, please. Are you going to marry Miss +Castleton?" + +"I am." + +"Then, I retract the scurvy things I said back there. I asked her +to marry me three times and she refused me three times. What I +said about the brambles was rotten. I'd ask her again if I thought +she'd have me. There you are, old fellow. I'm a rotten cad, but I +apologise to you just the same." + +"You're learning, Leslie," said Booth, taking the hand the other +held out to him. + +While the painter was dining at his club later on in the evening, +he was called to the telephone. Watson was on the wire. He said +that Mrs. Wrandall would like to know if Mr. Booth could drop in +on her for a few minutes after dinner, "to discuss a very important +matter, if you please, sir." At nine o'clock, Booth was in Sara's +library, trying to grasp a new and remarkable phase in the character +of that amazing woman. + +He found Hetty waiting for him when he arrived. + +"I don't know what it all means, Brandon," she said hurriedly, looking +over her shoulder as she spoke. "Sara says that she has come to a +decision of some sort. She wants us to hear her plan before making +it final. I--I don't understand her at all to-night." + +"It can't be anything serious, dearest," he said, but something +cold and nameless oppressed him just the same. + +"She asked me if I had finally decided to--to be your wife, Brandon. +I said I had asked you for two or three days more in which to +decide. It seemed to depress her. She said she didn't see how she +could give me up, even to you. She wants to be near me always. It +is--it is really tragic, Brandon." + +He took he hands in his. + +"We can fix that," said he confidently. "Sara can live with us if +she feels that way about it. Our home shall be hers when she likes, +and as long as she chooses. It will be open to her all the time, +to come and go or to stay, just as she elects. Isn't that the way +to put it?" + +"I suggested something of the sort, but she wasn't very much +impressed. Indeed, she appeared to be somewhat--yes, I could not +have been mistaken,--somewhat harsh and terrified when I spoke of +it. Afterwards she was more reasonable. She thanked me and--there +were tears in her eyes at the time--and said she would think it +over. All she asks is that I may be happy and free and untroubled +all the rest of my life. This was before dinner. At dinner she +appeared to be brooding over something. When we left the table +she took me to her room and said that she had come to an important +decision. Then she instructed Watson to find you if possible." + +"'Gad, it's all very upsetting," he said, shaking his head. + +"I think her conscience is troubling her. She hates the Wrandalls, +but I--I don't know why I should feel as I do about it,--but I +believe she wants them to know!" + +He stared for a moment, and then his face brightened. "And so do +I, Hetty, so do I! They ought to know!" + +"I should feel so much easier if the whole world knew," said she +earnestly. + +Sara heard the girl's words as she stood in the door. She came +forward with a strange,--even abashed,--smile, after closing the +door behind her. + +"I don't agree with you, dearest, when you say that the world +should know, but I have come to the conclusion that you should be +tried and acquitted by a jury made up of Challis Wrandall's own +flesh and blood. The Wrandalls must know the truth." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +THE JURY OF FOUR + + +The Wrandalls sat waiting and wondering. They had been sent for and +they had deigned to respond, much to their own surprise. Redmond +Wrandall occupied a place at the head of the library table. At his +right sat his wife. Vivian and Leslie, by direction, took seats at +the side of the long table, which had been cleared of its mass of +books and magazines. Lawyer Carroll was at the other end of the +table, perceptibly nervous and anxious. Hetty sat a little apart +from the others, a rather forlorn, detached member of the conclave. +Brandon Booth, pale-faced and alert, drew up a chair alongside +Carroll, facing Sara who alone remained standing, directly opposite +the four Wrandalls. + +Not one of the Wrandalls knew why they, as a family, were there. +They had not the slightest premonition of what was to come. + +The strong glare of an electric chandelier, seldom used in this +quiet, subdued little library, threw its light down upon the group, +outlining every feature with a sharpness that almost created shadows. +It was a trying light. No play of the emotions could be lost under +its convicting glow. A clock struck nine. Outside the first savage +storm of the winter was raging. + +The Wrandalls had been routed from their comfortable fireside--for +what? They were asking the question of themselves and they were +waiting stonily for the answer. + +"It is very stuffy in here," Vivian had said with a glance at the +closed doors after Sara had successfully placed her jury in the +box. + +"Keep still, Viv," whispered Leslie, with a fine assumption of awe. +"It's a spiritualistic meeting. You'll scare the spooks away." + +It was at this juncture that Sara rose from her chair and faced +them, as calmly, as complacently as if she were about to ask them +to proceed to the dining-room instead of to throw a bomb into their +midst that would shatter their smug serenity for all time to come. +With a glance at Mr. Carroll she began, clearly, firmly and without +a prefatory apology for what was to follow. + +"I have asked you to come here to-night to be my judges. I am on +trial. You are about to hear the story of my unspeakable perfidy. +I only require of you that you hear me to the end before passing +judgment." + +At her words, Hetty and Booth started perceptibly; a quick glance +passed between them, as if each was inquiring whether the other +had caught the extraordinary words of self-indictment. A puzzled +frown appeared on Hetty's brow. + +"Perfidy?" interposed Mr. Wrandall. His wife's expression changed +from one of bored indifference to sharp inquiry. Leslie paused in +the act of lighting a cigarette. + +"It is the mildest term I can command," said Sara. "I shall be as +brief as possible in stating the case, Mr. Wrandall. You will be +surprised to hear that I have taken it upon myself, as the wife of +Challis Wrandall and, as I regard it, the one MOST vitally concerned +if not interested in the discovery and punishment of the person +who took his life,--I say I have taken it upon myself to shield, +protect and defend the unhappy young woman who accompanied him to +Burton's Inn on that night in March. She has had my constant, my +personal protection for more than twenty months." + +The Wrandalls leaned forward in their chairs. The match burned +Leslie's fingers, and he dropped it without appearing to notice +the pain. + +"What is this you are saying?" demanded Redmond Wrandall. + +"When I left the inn that night, after seeing my husband's body in +the little upstairs room, I said to myself that the one who took +his life had unwittingly done me a service. He was my husband; I +loved him, I adored him. To the end of my days I could have gone +on loving him in spite of the cruel return he gave for my love and +loyalty. I shall not attempt to tell you of the countless lapses +of fidelity on his part. You would not believe me. But he always +came back to me with the pitiful love he had for me, and I forgave +him his transgressions. These things you know. He confessed many +things to you, Mr. Wrandall. He humbled himself to me. Perhaps you +will recall that I never complained to you of him. What rancour I +had was always directed toward you, his family, who would see no +wrong in your king but looked upon me as dirt beneath his feet. +There were moments when I could have slain him with my own hands, +but my heart rebelled. There were times when he said to me that I +ought to kill him for the things he had done. You may now understand +what I mean when I say that the girl who went to Burton's Inn with +him did me a service. I will not say that I considered her guiltless +at the time. On the contrary, I looked upon her in quite a different +way. I had no means of knowing then that she was as pure as snow +and that he would have despoiled her of everything that was sweet +and sacred to her. She took his life in order to save that which +was dearer to her than her own life, and she was on her way to pay +for her deed with her life if necessary when I came upon her and +intervened." + +"You--you know who she is?" said Mr. Wrandall, in a low, incredulous +voice. + +"I have known almost from the beginning. Presently you will hear +her story, from her own lips." + +Involuntarily four pairs of eyes shifted. They looked blankly at +Hetty Castleton. + +Speaking swiftly, Sara depicted the scenes and sensations experienced +during that memorable motor journey to New York City. + +"I could not believe that she was a vicious creature, even then. +Something told me that she was a tender, gentle thing who had fallen +into evil hands and had struck because she was unevil. I did not +doubt that she had been my husband's mistress, but I could not +destroy the conviction that somehow she had been justified in doing +the thing she had done. My gravest mistake was in refusing to hear +her story in all of its details. I only permitted her to acknowledge +that she had killed him, no more. I did not want to hear the thing +which I assumed to be true. Therein lies my deepest fault. For +months and months I misjudged her in my heart, yet secretly loved +her. Now I understand why I loved her. It was because she was innocent +of the only crime I could lay at her feet. Now I come to the crime +of which I stand self-accused. I must have been mad all these +months. I have no other defence to offer. You may take it as you +see it for yourselves. I do not ask for pardon. After I deliberately +had set about to shield this unhappy girl,--to cheat the law, if you +please,--to cheat you, perhaps,--I conceived the horrible thought +to avenge myself for ALL the indignities I had sustained at the +hands of you Wrandalls, and at the same time to even my account with +the one woman whom I could put my finger upon as having robbed me +of my husband's love. You see I put it mildly. I have hated all of +you, Mrs. Wrandall, even as you have hated me. To-day,--now,--I +do not feel as I did in other days toward you. I do not love you, +still I do not hate you. I do not forgive you, and yet I think I +have come to see things from your point of view. I can only repeat +that I do not hate you as I once did." + +She paused. The Wrandalls were too deeply submerged in horror to +speak. They merely stared at her as if stupefied; as breathless, +as motionless as stones. + +"There came a day when I observed that Leslie was attracted by the +guest in my house. On that day the plan took root in my brain. I--" + +"Good God!" fell from Leslie's lips. "You--you had THAT in mind?" + +"It became a fixed, inflexible purpose, Leslie. Not that I hated +you as I hated the rest, for you tried to be considerate. The +one grudge I held against you was that in seeking to sustain me +you defamed your own brother. You came to me with stories of his +misdeeds; you said that he was a scoundrel and that you would not +blame me for 'showing him up.' Do you not remember? And so my plot +involved you; you were the only one through whom I could strike. +There were times when I faltered. I could not bear the thought of +sacrificing Hetty Castleton, nor was it easy to thoroughly appease +my conscience in respect to you. Still, if I could have had my way +a few months ago, if coercion had been of any avail, you would now +be the husband of your brother's slayer. Then I came to know that +she was not what I had thought she was. She was honest. My bubble +burst. I came out of the maze in which I had been living and saw +clearly that what I had contemplated was the most atrocious--" + +"Atrocious?" cried Mrs. Redmond Wrandall between her set teeth. +"Diabolical! Diabolical! My God, Sara, what a devil you--" She did +not complete the sentence, but sank back in her chair and stared +with wide, horror-struck eyes at her rigid daughter-in-law. + +Her husband, his hand shaking as if with palsy, pointed a finger at +Hetty. "And so YOU are the one we have been hunting for all these +months, Miss Castleton! You are the one we want! You who have sat +at our table, you who have smiled in our faces--" + +"Stop, Mr. Wrandall!" commanded Sara, noting the ashen face of the +girl. "Don't let the fact escape you that I am the guilty person. +Don't forget that she owed her freedom, if not her life to me. +I alone kept her from giving herself up to the law. All that has +transpired since that night in March must be placed to my account. +Hetty Castleton has been my prisoner. She has rebelled a thousand +times and I have conquered--not by threats but by LOVE! Do you +understand? Because of her love for me, and because she believed +that I loved her, she submitted. You are not to accuse her, Mr. +Wrandall. Accuse me! I am on trial here. Hetty Castleton is a +witness against me, if you choose to call upon her as such. If not, +I shall ask her to speak in my defence, if she can do so." + +"This is lunacy!" cried Mr. Wrandall, coming to his feet. "I don't +care what your motives may have been. They do not make her any the +less a murderess. She--" + +"We must give her over to the police--" began his wife, struggling +to her feet. She staggered. It was Booth who stepped quickly to +her side to support her. Leslie was staring at Hetty. + +Vivian touched her father's arm. She was very pale but vastly more +composed than the others. + +"Father, listen to me," she said. Her voice trembled in spite of +her effort to control it. "We are condemning Miss Castleton unheard. +Let us hear everything before we--" + +"Good God, Vivian! Do you mean to--" + +"How can we place any reliance on what she may say?" cried Mrs. +Wrandall. + +"Nevertheless," said Vivian firmly, "I for one shall not condemn +her unheard. I mean to be as fair to her as Sara has been. It shall +not be said that ALL the Wrandalls are smaller than Sara Gooch!" + +"My child--" began her father incredulously. His jaw dropped +suddenly. His daughter's shot had landed squarely in the heart of +the Wrandall pride. + +"If she has anything to say,"--said Mrs. Wrandall, waving Booth +aside and sinking stiffly into her chair. Her husband sat down. +Their jaws set hard. + +"Thank you, Vivian," said Sara, surprised in spite of herself. "You +are nobler than I--" + +"Please don't thank me, Sara," said Vivian icily. "I was speaking +for Miss Castleton." + +Sara flushed. "I suppose it is useless to ask you to be fair to +Sara Gooch, as you choose to call me." + +"Do you feel in your heart that we still owe you anything?" + +"Enough of this, Vivian," spoke up her father harshly. "If Miss +Castleton desires to speak we will listen to her. I must advise +you, Miss Castleton, that the extraordinary disclosures made by my +daughter-in-law do not lessen your culpability. We do not insist on +this confession from you. You deliver it at your own risk. I want +to be fair with you. If Mr. Carroll is your counsel, he may advise +you now to refuse to make a statement." + +Mr. Carroll bowed slightly in the general direction of the Wrandalls. +"I have already advised Miss Castleton to state the case fully and +completely to you, Mr. Wrandall. It was I who originally suggested +this--well, what you might call a private trial for her. I am +firmly convinced that when you have heard her story, you, as her +judges, will acquit her of the charge of murder. Moreover, you +will be content to let your own verdict end the matter, sparing +yourselves the shame and ignominy of having her story told in a +criminal court for the delectation of an eager but somewhat implacable +world." + +"Your language is extremely unpleasant, Mr. Carroll," said Mr. +Wrandall coldly. + +"I meant to speak kindly, sir." + +"Do you mean, sir, that we will let the matter rest after hearing +the--" + +"That is precisely what I mean, Mr. Wrandall. You will not consider +her guilty of a crime. Please bear in mind this fact: but for +Sara and Miss Castleton you would not have known the truth. Miss +Castleton could not be convicted in a court of justice. Nor will +she be convicted here this evening, in this little court of ours." + +"Miss Castleton is not on trial," interposed Sara calmly. "I am +the offender. She has already been tried and proved innocent." + +Leslie, in his impatience, tapped sharply on the table with his +seal ring. + +"Please let her tell the story. Permit me to say, Miss Castleton, +that you will not find the Wrandalls as harsh and vindictive as +you may have been led to believe." + +Mrs. Wrandall passed her hand over her eyes. "To think that we have +been friendly to this girl all these--" + +"Calm yourself, my dear," said her husband, after a glance at his +son and daughter, a glance of unspeakable helplessness. He could +not understand them. + +As Hetty arose, Mrs. Wrandall senior lowered her eyes and not +once did she look up during the recital that followed. Her hands +were lying limply in her lap, and she breathed heavily, almost +stertoriously. The younger Wrandalls leaned forward with their clear, +unwavering gaze fixed on the earnest face of the young Englishwoman +who had slain their brother. + +"You have heard Sara accuse herself," said the girl slowly, +dispassionately. "The shock was no greater to you than it was +to me. All that she has said is true, and yet I--I would so much +rather she had left herself unarraigned. We were agreed that I +should throw myself on your mercy. Mr. Carroll said that you were +fair and just people, that you would not condemn me under the +circumstances. But that Sara should seek to take the blame is--" + +"Alas, my dear, I AM to blame," said Sara, shaking her head. "But +for me your story would have been told months ago, the courts would +have cleared you, and all the world would have execrated my husband +for the thing HE did--my husband and your son, Mrs. Wrandall,--whom +we both loved. God believe me, I think I loved him more than all +of you put together!" + +She sat down abruptly and buried her face in her arms on the edge +of the table. + +"If I could only induce you to forgive her," began Hetty, throwing +out her hands to the Wrandalls, only to be met by a gesture of +repugnance from the grim old man. + +"Your story, Miss Castleton," he said hoarsely. + +"From the beginning, if you please," added the lawyer quietly. +"Leave out nothing." + +Clearly, steadily and with the utmost sincerity in her voice and +manner, the girl began the story of her life. She passed hastily +over the earlier periods, frankly exposing the unhappy conditions +attending her home life, her subsequent activities as a performer +on the London stage after Colonel Castleton's defection; the +few months devoted to posing for Hawkright the painter, and later +on her engagement as governess in the wealthy Budlong family. She +devoted some time and definiteness to her first encounter with +Challis Wrandall on board the westbound steamer, an incident that +came to pass in a perfectly natural way. Her deck chair stood next +to his, and he was not slow in making himself agreeable. It did not +occur to her till long afterwards that he deliberately had traded +positions with an elderly gentleman who occupied the chair on the +first day out. Before the end of the voyage they were very good +friends.... + +"When we landed in New York, he assisted me in many ways. Afterwards, +on learning that I was not to go California, I called him up on +the telephone to explain my predicament. He urged me to stay in New +York; he guaranteed that there would be no difficulty in securing +a splendid position in the East. I had no means of knowing that he +was married. I accepted him for what I thought him to be: a genuine +American gentleman. They are supposed to be particularly considerate +with women. His conduct toward me was beyond reproach, I have never +known a man who was so courteous, so gentle. To me, he was the most +fascinating man in the world. No woman could have resisted him, I +am sure of that." + +She shot a quick, appealing glance at Booth's hard-set face. Her +lip trembled for a second. + +"I fell madly in love with him," she went on resolutely. "I dreamed +of him, I could hardly wait for the time to come when I was to see +him. He never came to the wretched little lodging house I have told +you about. I--I met him outside. One night he told me that he loved +me, loved me passionately. I--I said that I would be his wife. +Somehow it seemed to me that he regarded me very curiously for +a moment or two. He seemed to be surprised, uncertain. I remember +that he laughed rather queerly. It did not occur to me to doubt +him. One day he came for me, saying that he wanted me to see the +little apartment he had taken, where we were to live after we were +married. I went with him. He said that if I liked it, I could +move in at once, but I would not consent to such an arrangement. +For the first time I began to feel that everything was not as it +should be. I--I remained in the apartment but a few minutes. The +next day he came to me, greatly excited and more demonstrative than +ever before, to say that he had arranged for a quiet, jolly little +wedding up in the country. Strangely enough I experienced a queer +feeling that all was not as it should be, but his eagerness his +persistence dispelled the small doubt that had begun even then to +shape itself. I consented to go with him on the next night to an +inn out in the country, where a college friend who was a minister +of the gospel would meet us, driving over from his parish a few +miles away. I said that I preferred to be married in a church. He +laughed and said it could be arranged when we got to the inn and +had talked it over with the minister. Still uneasy, I asked why it +was necessary to employ secrecy. He told me that his family were +in Europe and that he wanted to surprise them by giving them a +daughter who was actually related to an English nobleman. The family +had been urging him to marry a stupid but rich New York girl and +he--oh, well, he uttered a great deal of nonsense about my beauty, +my charm, and all that sort of thing--" + +She paused for a moment. No one spoke. Her audience of judges, +with the exception of the elder Mrs. Wrandall, watched her as if +fascinated. Their faces were almost expressionless. With a perceptible +effort, she resumed her story, narrating events that carried it +up to the hour when she walked into the little upstairs room at +Burton's Inn with the man who was to be her husband. + +"I did not see the register at the inn. I did not know till +afterwards that we were not booked. Once upstairs, I refused to +remove my hat or my veil or my coat until he brought his friend to +me. He pretended to be very angry over his friend's failure to be +there beforehand, as he had promised. He ordered a supper served +in the room. I did not eat anything. Somehow I was beginning +to understand, vaguely of course, but surely--and bitterly, Mr. +Wrandall. Suddenly he threw off the mask. + +"He coolly informed me that he knew the kind of girl I was. I had +been on the stage. He said it was no use trying to work the marriage +game on him. He was too old a bird and too wise to fall for that. +Those were his words. I was horrified, stunned. When I began to cry +out in my fury, he laughed at me but swore he would marry me even +at that if it were not for the fact that he already was married....I +tried to leave the room. He held me. He kissed me a hundred times +before I could break away. I--I tried to scream....A little later +on, when I was absolutely desperate, I--I snatched up the knife. +There was nothing else left for me to do. I struck at him. He fell +back on the bed....I stole out of the house--oh, hours and hours +afterward it seemed to me. I cannot tell you how long I stood there +watching him....I was crazed by fear. I--I--" + +Redmond Wrandall held up his hand. + +"We will spare you the rest, Miss Castleton," he said, his voice +hoarse and unnatural. "There is no need to say more." + +"You--you understand? You DO believe me?" she cried. + +He looked down at his wife's bowed head, and received no sign from +her; then at the white, drawn faces of his children. They met his +gaze and he read something in their eyes. + +"I--I think your story is so convincing that we--we could not endure +the shame of having it repeated to the world." + +"I--I cannot ask you to forgive me, sir. I only ask you to believe +me," she murmured brokenly. "I--I am sorry it had to be. God is my +witness that there was no other way." + +Mr. Carroll came to his feet. There were tears in his eyes. + +"I think, Mr. Wrandall, you will now appreciate my motives in--" + +"Pardon me, Mr. Carroll, if I suggest that Miss Castleton does not +require any defence at present," said Mr. Wrandall stiffly. "Your +motives were doubtless good. Will you be so good as to conduct us +to a room where we may--may be alone for a short while?" + +There was something tragic in the man's face. His son and daughter +arose as if moved by an instinctive realisation of a duty, and perhaps +for the first time in their lives were submissive to an influence +they had never quite recognised before: a father's unalterable +right to command. For once in their lives they were meek in his +presence. They stepped to his side and stood waiting, and neither +of them spoke. + +Mr. Wrandall laid his hand heavily on his wife's shoulder. She +started, looked up rather vacantly, and then arose without assistance. +He did not make the mistake of offering to assist her. He knew +too well that to question her strength now would be but to invite +weakness. She was strong. He knew her well. + +She stood straight and firm for a few seconds, transfixing Hetty +with a look that seemed to bore into the very soul of her, and then +spoke. + +"You ask us to be your judges?" + +[Illustration: Her audience of judges, with the exception of the +elder Mrs. Wrandall, watched her as if fascinated] + +"I ask you to judge not me alone but--your son as well," said +Hetty, meeting her look steadily. "You cannot pronounce me innocent +without pronouncing him guilty. It will be hard." + +Sara raised her head from her arms. + +"You know the way into my sitting-room, Leslie," she said, with +singular directness. Then she arose and drew her figure to its full +height. "Please remember that it is I who am to be judged. Judge +me as I have judged you. I am not asking for mercy." + +Hetty impulsively threw her arms about the rigid figure, and swept a +pleading look from one to the other of the four stony-faced Wrandalls. + +They turned away without a word or a revealing look, and slowly +moved off in the direction of the boudoir. They who remained behind +stood still, motionless as statues. It was Vivian who opened the +library door. She closed it after the others had passed through, +and did not look behind. + +Half an hour passed. Then the door was opened and the tall old man +advanced into the room. + +"We have found against my son, Miss Castleton," he said, his lips +twitching. "He is not here to speak for himself, but he has already +been judged. We, his family, apologise to you for what you have +suffered from the conduct of one of us. Not one but all of us believe +the story you have told. It must never be re-told. We ask this of +all of you. It is not in our hearts to thank Sara for shielding you, +for her hand is still raised against us. We are fair and just. If +you had come to US on that wretched night and told the story of my +son's infamy, WE, the Wrandalls, would have stood between you and +the law. The law could not have touched you then; it shall not touch +you now. Our verdict, if you choose to call it that, is sealed. No +man shall ever hear from the lips of a Wrandall the smallest part +of what has transpired here to-night. Mr. Carroll, you were right. +We thank you for the counsel that led this unhappy girl to place +herself in our hands." + +"Oh, God, I thank thee--I thank thee!" burst from the lips of Sara +Wrandall. She strained Hetty to her breast. + +"It is not for us to judge you, Sara," said Redmond Wrandall, +speaking with difficulty. "You are your own judge, and a harsh one +you will find yourself. As for ourselves, we can only look upon +your unspeakable design as the working of a temporarily deranged +mind. You could never have carried it out. You are an honest woman. +At the last you would have revolted, even with victory assured. +Perhaps Leslie is the only one who has a real grievance against +you in this matter. I am convinced that he loved Miss Castleton +deeply. The worst hurt is his, and he has been your most devoted +advocate during all the years of bitterness that has existed between +you and us. You thought to play him a foul trick. You could not have +carried it to the end. We leave you to pass judgment on yourself." + +"I have already done so, Mr. Wrandall," said Sara. "Have I not +accused myself before you? Have I not confessed to the only crime +that has been committed? I am not proud of myself, sir." + +"You have hated us well." + +"And you have hated me. The crime you hold me guilty of was committed +years ago. It was when I robbed you of your son. To this day I am +the leper in your path. I may be forgiven for all else, but not +for allowing Challis Wrandall to become the husband of Sebastian +Gooch's daughter. That is the unpardonable sin." + +Mr. Wrandall was silent for a moment. + +"You still are Sebastian Gooch's daughter," he said distinctly. +"You can never be anything else." + +She paled. "This last transaction proves it, you would say?" + +"This last transaction, yes." + +She looked about her with troubled, questioning eyes. + +"I--I wonder if THAT can be true," she murmured, rather piteously. +"Am I so different from the rest of you? Is the blood to blame?" + +"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mr. Carroll nervously. "Don't be silly, Sara, +my child. That is not what Mr. Wrandall means." + +Wrandall turned his face away. + +"You loved as deeply as you hate, Sara," he said, with a curious +twitching of his chin. "My son was your god. We are not insensible +to that. Perhaps we have never realised until now the depth and +breadth of your love for him. Love is a bitter judge of its enemies. +It knows no mercy, it knows no reason. Hate may be conquered by +love, but love cannot be conquered by hate. You had reason to hate +my son; Instead you persisted in your love for him. We--we owe you +something for that, Sara. We owe you a great deal more than I find +myself able to express in words." + +Leslie entered the room at this instant. He had his overcoat on +and carried his gloves and hat in his hand. + +"We are ready, father," he said thickly. + +After a moment's hesitation, he crossed over to Hetty, who stood +beside Sara. + +"I--I can now understand why you refused to marry me, Miss Castleton," +he said, in a queer, jerky manner. "Won't you let me say that I +wish you all the happiness still to be found in this rather uneven +world of ours?" + +The crowning testimonial to an absolutely sincere ego! + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +RENUNCIATION + + +On the third day after the singular trial of Hetty Castleton in +Sara's library, young Mrs. Wrandall's motor drew up in front of +a lofty office building in lower Broadway; its owner stepped down +from the limousine and entered the building. A few moments later +she walked briskly into the splendid offices of Wrandall & Co., +private bankers and steamship-owners. The clerks in the outer +offices stared for a moment in significant surprise, and then bowed +respectfully to the beautiful silent partner in the great concern. + +It was the first time she had been seen in the offices since the +tragic event that had served to make her a member of the firm. A +boy at the information desk, somewhat impressed by her beauty and +the trim elegance of her long black broad-tail coat, to say nothing +of the dark eyes that shone through the narrow veil, forgot the +dignity of his office and went so far as to politely ask her who +she wanted to see and "what name, please." + +The senior clerk rushed forward and transfixed the new boy with a +glare. + +"A new boy, Mrs. Wrandall," he made haste to explain. To the new +boy's surprise, the visitor was conducted with much bowing and +scraping into the private offices, where no one ventured except by +special edict of the powers. + +"Who was it?" he asked, in some awe, of a veteran stenographer who +came up and sneered at him. + +"Mrs. Challis Wrandall, you little simpleton," said she, and for +once he failed to snap back. + +It is of record that for nearly two whole days, he was polite to +every visitor who approached him and was generally worth his salt. + +Sara found herself in the close little room that once had been her +husband's, but was now scrupulously held in reserve for her own use. +Rather a waste of space, she felt as she looked about the office. +The clerk dusted an easy chair and threw open the long unused desk +near the window. + +"We are very glad to see you here, madam," he said. "This room +hasn't been used much, as you may observe. Is there anything I can +do for you?" + +She continued her critical survey of the room. Nothing had been +changed since the days when she used to visit her husband here on +occasions of rare social importance: such as calling to take him out +to luncheon, or to see that he got safely home on rainy afternoons. +The big picture of a steamship still hung on the wall across the +room. Her own photograph, in a silver frame, stood in one of the +recesses of the desk. She observed that there was a clean white +blotter there, too; but the ink wells appeared to be empty, if +she was to judge by the look of chagrin on the clerk's face as he +inspected them. Photographs of polo scenes in which Wrandall was a +prominent figure, hung about the walls, with two or three pictures +of his favourite ponies, and one of a ragged gipsy girl with +wonderful eyes, carrying a monkey in a crude wooden cage strapped +to her back. On closer observation one would have recognised Sara's +peculiarly gipsy-like features in the face of the girl, and then +one would have noticed the caption written in red ink at the bottom +of the photograph: "The Trumbell's Fancy Dress Ball, January 10, +'07. Sara as Gipsy Mab." + +With a start, Sara came out of her painful reverie. She passed her +hand over her eyes, and seemed thereby to put the polite senior +clerk back into the picture once more. + +"No, thank you. Is Mr. Redmond Wrandall down this afternoon?" + +"He came in not ten minutes ago. Mr. Leslie Wrandall is also here. +Shall I tell Mr. Wrandall you wish to see him?" + +"You may tell him, that I am here, if you please," she said. + +"I am very sorry about the ink wells, madam," murmured the clerk. +"We--we were not expecting--" + +"Pray don't let it disturb you, Mr. Bancroft. I shall not use them +to-day." + +"They will be properly filled by to-morrow." + +"Thank you." + +He disappeared. She relaxed in the familiar, comfortable old +leather-cushioned chair, and closed her eyes. There was a sharp +little line between them, but it was hidden by the veil. + +The door opened slowly and Redmond Wrandall came into the room. +She arose at once. + +"This is--er--an unexpected pleasure, Sara," he said, perplexed and +ill-at-ease. He stopped just inside the door he had been careful +to close behind him, and did not offer her his hand. + +"I came down to attend to some business, Mr. Wrandall," she said. + +"Business?" he repeated, staring. + +She took note of the tired, haggard look in his eyes, and the +tightly compressed lips. + +"I intend to dispose of my entire interest in Wrandall & Co.," she +announced calmly. + +He took a step forward, plainly startled by the declaration. + +"What's this?" he demanded sharply. + +"We may as well speak plainly, Mr. Wrandall," she said. "You do +not care to have me remain a member of the firm, nor do I blame +you for feeling as you do about it. A year ago you offered to buy +me out--or off, as I took it to be at the time. I had reasons then +for not selling out to you. To-day I am ready either to buy or to +sell." + +"You--you amaze me," he exclaimed. + +"Does your offer of last December still stand?" + +"I--I think we would better have Leslie in, Sara. This is most +unexpected. I don't quite feel up to--" + +"Have Leslie in by all means," she said, resuming her seat. + +He hesitated a moment, opened his lips as if to speak, and then +abruptly left the room. + +Sara smiled. + +Many minutes passed before the two Wrandalls put in an appearance. +She understood the delay. They were telephoning to certain legal +advisers. + +"What's this I hear, Sara?" demanded Leslie, extending his hand +after a second's hesitation. + +She shook hands with him, not listlessly but with the vigour born +of nervousness. + +"I don't know what you've heard," she said pointedly. + +His slim fingers went searching for the end of his moustache. + +"Why,--why, about selling out to us," he stammered. + +"I am willing to retire from the firm of Wrandall & Co.," she said. + +"Father says the business is as good as it was a year ago, but I +don't agree with him," said the son, trying to look lugubrious. + +"Then you don't care to repeat your original proposition?" + +"Well, the way business has been falling off--" + +"Perhaps you would prefer to sell out to me," she remarked quietly. + +"Not at all!" he said quickly, with a surprised glance at his +father. "We couldn't think of letting the business pass out of the +Wrandall name." + +"You forget that MY name is Wrandall," she rejoined. "There would +be no occasion to change the firm's name; merely its membership." + +"Our original offer stands," said the senior Wrandall stiffly. "We +prefer to buy." + +"And I to sell. Mr. Carroll will meet you to-morrow, gentlemen. He +will represent me as usual. Our business as well as social relations +are about to end, I suppose. My only regret is that I cannot further +accommodate you by changing my name. Still you may live in hope +that time may work even that wonder for you." + +She arose. The two men regarded her in an aggrieved way for a +moment. + +"I have no real feeling of hostility toward you, Sara," said Leslie +nervously, "in spite of all that you said the other night." + +"I am afraid you don't mean that, deep down in your heart, Leslie," +she said, with a queer little smile. + +"But I do," he protested. "Hang it all, we--we live in a glass house +ourselves, Sara. I dare say, in a way, I was quite as unpleasant +as the rest of the family. You see, we just can't help being snobs. +It's in us, that's all there is to it." + +Mr. Wrandall looked up from the floor, his gaze having dropped at +the first outburst from his son's lips. + +"We--we prefer to be friendly, Sara, if you will allow us--" + +She laughed and the old gentleman stopped in the middle of his +sentence. + +"We can't be friends, Mr. Wrandall," she said, suddenly serious. +"The pretence would be a mockery. We are all better off if we allow +our paths, our interests to diverge to-day." + +"Perhaps you are right," said he, compressing his lips. + +"I believe that Vivian and I could--but no! I won't go so far as +to say that either. There is something genuine about her. Strange +to say, I have never disliked her." + +"If you had made the slightest effort to like us, no doubt we could +have--" + +"My dear Mr. Wrandall," she interrupted quickly, "I credit YOU +with the desire to be fair and just to me. You have tried to like +me. You have even deceived yourself at times. I--but why these +gentle recriminations? We merely prolong an unfortunate contest +between antagonistic natures, with no hope of genuine peace being +established. I do not regret that I am your daughter-in-law, nor do +I believe that you would regret it if I had not been the daughter +of Sebastian Gooch." + +"Your father was as little impressed with my son as I was with his +daughter," said Redmond Wrandall drily. "I am forced to confess +that he was the better judge. We had the better of the bargain." + +"I believe you mean it, Mr. Wrandall," she said, a note of gratitude +in her voice. "Good-bye. Mr. Carroll will see you to-morrow." She +glanced quickly about the room. "I shall send for--for certain +articles that are no longer required in conducting the business of +Wrandall & Co." + +With a quaint little smile, she indicated the two photographs of +herself. + +"By Jove, Sara," burst out Leslie abruptly. "I wish you'd let ME +have that Gipsy Mab picture. I've always been dotty over it, don't +you know. Ripping study." + +Her lip curled slightly. + +"As a matter of fact," he explained conclusively, "Chal often said +he'd leave it to me when he died. In a joking way, of course, but +I'm sure he meant it." + +"You may have it, Leslie," she said slowly. It is doubtful if he +correctly interpreted the movement of her head as she uttered the +words. + +"Thanks," said he. "I'll hang it in my den, if you don't object." + +"We shall expect Mr. Carroll to-morrow, Sara," said his father, +with an air of finality. "Good-bye. May I ask what plans you are +making for the winter?" + +"They are very indefinite." + +"I say, Sara, why don't you get married?" asked Leslie, surveying +the Gipsy Mab photograph with undisguised admiration as he held it +at arm's length. "Ripping!" This to the picture. + +She paused near the door to stare at him for a moment, unutterable +scorn in her eyes. + +"I've had a notion you were pretty keen about Brandy Booth," he +went on amiably. + +She caught her breath. There was an instant's hesitation on her +part before she replied. + +"You have never been very smart at making love guesses, Leslie," +she said. "It's a trick you haven't acquired." + +He laughed uncomfortably. "Neat stroke, that." + +Following her into the corridor outside the offices, he pushed the +elevator bell for her. + +"I meant what I said, Sara," he remarked, somewhat doggedly. "You +ought to get married. Chal didn't leave much for you to cherish. +There's no reason why you should go on like this, living alone and +all that sort of thing. You're young and beautiful and--" + +"Oh, thank you, Leslie," she cried out sharply. + +"You see, it's going to be this way: Hetty will probably marry Booth. +That's on dit, I take it. You're depending on her for companionship. +Well, she'll quit you cold after she's married. She will--" + +She interrupted him peremptorily. + +"If Challis did nothing else for me, Leslie, he at least gave me +you to cherish. Once more, good-bye." + +The elevator stopped for her. He strolled back to his office with +a puzzled frown on his face. She certainly was inexplicable! + +The angry red faded from her cheeks as she sped homeward in the +automobile. Her thoughts were no longer of Leslie but of another... +She sighed and closed her eyes, and her cheeks were pale. + +Workmen from a picture dealer's establishment were engaged in hanging +a full length portrait in the long living-room of her apartment when +she reached home. She had sent to the country for Booth's picture +of Hetty, and was having it hung in a conspicuous place. For a +long time she stood in the middle of the room, studying the canvas. +Hetty's Irish blue eyes seemed to return the scrutiny, a questioning +look in their painted depths. The warm, half smiling lips appeared +to be on the point of putting into words the eager question that +lay in her wondering eyes. + +Passing the open library door, Sara paused for an instant to peer +within. Then she went on down the hall to her own sitting-room. +The canary was singing glibly in his cage by the window-side. + +She threw aside her furs, and, without removing her hat, passed +into the bed-chamber at the left of the cosy little boudoir. This +was Hetty's room. Her own was directly opposite. On the girl's +dressing-table, leaning against the broad, low mirror, stood +the unframed photograph of a man. With a furtive glance over her +shoulder, Sara crossed to the table and took up the picture in her +gloved hand. For a long time she stood there gazing into the frank, +good-looking face of Brandon Booth. She breathed faster; her hand +shook; her eyes were strained as if by an inward suggestion of +pain. + +She shook her head slowly, as if in final renunciation of a secret +hope or the banishment of an unwelcome desire, and resolutely +replaced the photograph. Her lips were almost white as she turned +away and re-entered the room beyond. + +"He belongs to her," she said, unconsciously speaking aloud; "and +he is like all men. She must not be unhappy." + +Presently she entered the library. She had exchanged her tailor-suit +for a dainty house-gown. Hetty was still seated in the big lounging +chair, before the snapping fire, apparently not having moved since +she looked in on passing a quarter of an hour before. One of the +girl's legs was curled up under her, the other swung loose; an elbow +rested on the arm of the chair, and her cheek was in her hand. + +Coming softly up from behind, Sara leaned over the back of the +chair and put her hands under her friend's chin, tenderly, lovingly. +Hetty started and shivered. + +"Oh, Sara, how cold your hands are!" + +She grasped them in her own and fondly stroked them, as if to +restore warmth to the long, slim fingers which gave the lie to Mrs. +Coburn's declarations. + +"I've been thinking all morning of what you and Brandon proposed to +me last night, dear," said Sara, looking straight over the girl's +head, the dark, languorous, mysterious glow filling her eyes. "It +is good of you both to want me, but--" + +"Now don't say 'but,' Sara," cried Hetty. "We mean it, and you must +let us have our way." + +"It would be splendid to be near you all the time, dear; it would +be wonderful to live with you as you so generously propose, but I +cannot do it. I must decline." + +"And may I ask why you decline to live with me?" demanded Hetty +resentfully. + +"Because I love you so dearly," said Sara. + +THE END + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Hollow of Her Hand, by George Barr McCutcheon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND *** + +***** This file should be named 6045.txt or 6045.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/4/6045/ + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +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. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Hollow of Her Hand + +Author: George Barr McCutcheon + +Release Date: July, 2004 [EBook #6045] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on October 23, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND *** + + + + +Charles Aldarondo, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading +Team. + + + +[Illustration: "The black pile is mine, the gay pile is yours," +she went on, turning toward the sleeping girl] + +THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + +By GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON + + + + + +CONTENTS + + + + +I MARCH COMES IN LIKE THE LION + +II THE PASSING OF A NIGHT + +III HETTY CASTLETON + +IV WHILE THE MOB WAITED + +V DISCUSSING A SISTER-IN-LAW + +VI SOUTHLOOK + +VII A FAITHFUL CRAYON-POINT + +VIII IN WHICH HETTY IS WEIGHED + +IX HAWKRIGHT'S MODEL + +X THE GHOST AT THE FEAST + +XI MAN PROPOSES + +XII THE APPROACH OF A MAN NAMED SMITH + +XIII MR. WRANDALL PERJURES HIMSELF + +XIV IN THE SHADOW OF THE MILL + +XV SARA WRANDALL FINDS THE TRUTH + +XVI THE SECOND ENCOUNTER + +XVII CROSSING THE CHANNEL + +XVIII RATTLING OLD BONES + +XIX VIVIAN AIRS HER OPINIONS + +XX ONCE MORE AT BURTON'S INN + +XXI DISTURBING NEWS + +XXII THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + +XXIII SARA WRANDALL'S DECISION + +XXIV THE JURY OF FOUR + +XXV RENUNCIATION + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +MARCH COMES IN LIKE THE LION + + + + +The train, which had roared through a withering gale of sleet +all the way up from New York, came to a standstill, with many an +ear-splitting sigh, alongside the little station, and a reluctant +porter opened his vestibule door to descend to the snow-swept +platform: a solitary passenger had reached the journey's end. The +swirl of snow and sleet screaming out of the blackness at the end +of the station-building enveloped the porter in an instant, and +cut his ears and neck with stinging force as he turned his back +against the gale. A pair of lonely, half-obscured platform lights +gleamed fatuously at the top of their icy posts at each end of the +station; two or three frost-encrusted windows glowed dully in the +side of the building, while one shone brightly where the operator +sat waiting for the passing of No. 33. + +The train itself was dark. Frosty windows, pelted for miles by the +furious gale, white outside but black within, protected the snug +travellers who slept the sleep of the hurried and thought not of +the storm that beat about their ears nor wondered at the stopping +of the fast express at a place where it had never stopped before. +Far ahead the panting engine shed from its open fire-box an aureole +of glaring red as the stoker fed coal into its rapacious maw. The +unblinking head-light threw its rays into the thick of the blinding +snow storm, fruitlessly searching for the rails through drifts +denser than fog and filled with strange, half-visible shapes. + +An order had been issued for the stopping of the fast express at +B--, a noteworthy concession in these days of premeditated haste. +Not in the previous career of flying 33 had it even so much as +slowed down for the insignificant little station, through which it +swooped at midnight the whole year round. Just before pulling out +of New York on this eventful night the conductor received a command +to stop 33 at B---- and let down a single passenger, a circumstance +which meant trouble for every despatcher along the line. + +The woman who got down at B---- in the wake of the shivering +but deferential porter, and who passed by the conductors without +lifting her face, was without hand luggage of any description. +She was heavily veiled, and warmly clad in furs. At eleven o'clock +that night she had entered the compartment in New York. Throughout +the thirty miles or more, she had sat alone and inert beside the +snow-clogged window, peering through veil and frost into the night +that whizzed past the pane, seeing nothing yet apparently intent +on all that stretched beyond. As still, as immobile as death itself +she had held herself from the moment of departure to the instant +that brought the porter with the word that they were whistling for +B---. Without a word she arose and followed him to the vestibule, +where she watched him as he unfastened the outer door and lifted +the trap. A single word escaped her lips and he held out his hand +to receive the crumpled bill she clutched in her gloved fingers. +He did not look at it. He knew that it would amply reward him for +the brief exposure he endured on the lonely, wind-swept platform +of a station, the name of which he did not know. + +She took several uncertain steps in the direction of the station +windows and stopped, as if bewildered. Already the engine was +pounding the air with quick, vicious snorts in the effort to get +under way; the vestibule trap and door closed with a bang; the +wheels were creaking. A bitter wind smote her in the face; the wet, +hurtling sleet crashed against the thin veil, blinding her. + +The door of the waiting-room across the platform opened and a man +rushed toward her. + +"Mrs. Wrandall?" he called above the roar of the wind. + +She advanced quickly. + +"Yes." + +"What a night!" he said, as much to himself as to her. "I'm sorry +you would insist on coming to-night. To-morrow morning would have +satisfied the--" + +"Is this Mr. Drake?" + +They were being blown through the door into the waiting-room as +she put the question. Her voice was muffled. The man in the great +fur coat put his weight against the door to close it. + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. I have done all that could be done under the +circumstances. I am sorry to tell you that we still have two miles +to go by motor before we reach the inn. My car is open,--I don't +possess a limousine,--but if you will lie down in the tonneau you +will find some protection from--" + +She broke in sharply, impatiently. "Pray do not consider me, Mr. +Drake. I am not afraid of the blizzard." + +"Then we'd better be off," said he, a note of anxiety in his +voice,--a certain touch of nervousness. "I drive my own car. The +road is good, but I shall drive cautiously. Ten minutes, perhaps. +I--I am sorry you thought best to brave this wretched--" + +"I am not sorry for myself, Mr. Drake, but for you. You have been +most kind. I did not expect you to meet me." + +"I took the liberty of telephoning to you. It was well that I +did it early in the evening. The wires are down now, I fear." He +hesitated for a moment, staring at her as if trying to penetrate +the thick, wet veil. "I may have brought you on a fool's errand. +You see, I--I have seen Mr. Wrandall but once, in town somewhere, +and I may be wrong. Still, the coroner,--and the sheriff,--seemed +to think you should be notified,--I might say questioned. That is +why I called you up. I trust, madam, that I am mistaken." + +"Yes," she said shrilly, betraying the intensity of her emotion. +It was as if she lacked the power to utter more than a single word, +which signified neither acquiescence nor approval. + +He was ill-at-ease, distressed. "I have engaged a room for you at +the inn, Mrs. Wrandall. You did not bring a maid, I see. My wife +will come over from our place to stay with you if you--" + +She shook her head. "Thank you, Mr. Drake. It will not be necessary. +I came alone by choice. I shall return to New York to-night." + +"But you--why, you can't do that," he cried, holding back as they +started toward the door. "No trains stop here after ten o'clock. +The locals begin running at seven in the morning. Besides--" + +She interrupted him. "May we not start now, Mr. Drake? I am--well, +you must see that I am suffering. I must see, I must know. The +suspense--" She did not complete the sentence, but hurried past +him to the door, throwing it open and bending her body to the gust +that burst in upon them. + +He sprang after her, grasping her arm to lead her across the icy +platform to the automobile that stood in the lee of the building. + +Disdaining his command to enter the tonneau, she stood beside the +car and waited until he cranked it and took his place at the wheel. +Then she took her seat beside him and permitted him to tuck the +great buffalo robe about her. No word was spoken. The man was a +stranger to her. She forgot his presence in the car. + +Into the thick of the storm the motor chugged. Grim and silent, +the man at the wheel, ungoggled and tense, sent the whirring thing +swiftly over the trackless village street and out upon the open +country road. The woman closed her eyes and waited. + +You would know the month was March. He said: "It comes in like a +lion," but apparently the storm swallowed the words for she made +no response to them. + +They crossed the valley and crept up the tree-covered hill, where +the force of the gale was broken. If she heard him say: "Fierce, +wasn't it?" she gave no sign, but sat hunched forward, peering ahead +through the snow at the blurred lights that seemed so far away and +yet were close at hand. + +"Is that the inn?" she asked as he swerved from the road a few +moments later. + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. We're here." + +"Is--is he in there?" + +"Where you see that lighted window upstairs." He tooted the horn +vigorously as he drew up to the long, low porch. Two men dashed +out from the doorway and clumsily assisted her from the car. + +"Go right in, Mrs. Wrandall," said Drake. "I join you in a jiffy." + +She walked between the two men into the feebly lighted office +of the inn. The keeper of the place, a dreary looking person with +dread in his eyes, hurried forward. She stopped stock-still. Some +one was brushing the stubborn, thickly caked snow from her long +chinchilla coat. + +"You must let me get you something hot to drink, madam," the landlord +was saying dolorously. + +She struggled with her veil, finally tearing it away from her face. +Then she took in the rather bare, cheerless room with a slow, +puzzled sweep of her eyes. + +"No, thank you," she replied. + +"It won't be any trouble, madam," urged the other. "It's right here. +The sheriff says it's all right to serve it, although it is after +hours. I run a respectable, law-abiding house. I wouldn't think of +offering it to anyone if it was in violation--" + +"Never mind, Burton," interposed a big man, approaching. "Let the +lady choose for herself. If she wants it, she'll say so. I am the +sheriff, madam. This gentleman is the coroner, Dr. Sheef. We waited +up for you after Mr. Drake said you'd got the fast train to stop +for you. To-morrow morning would have done quite as well. I'm sorry +you came to-night in all this blizzard." + +He was staring as if fascinated at the white, colourless face of +the woman who with nervous fingers unfastened the heavy coat that +enveloped her slender figure. She was young and strikingly beautiful, +despite the intense pallor that overspread her face. Her dark, +questioning, dreading eyes looked up into his with an expression +he was never to forget. It combined dread, horror, doubt and a +smouldering anger that seemed to overcast all other emotions that +lay revealed to him. + +"This is a--what is commonly called a 'road-house'?" she asked +dully, her eyes narrowing suddenly as if in pain. + +The inn-keeper made haste to resent the implied criticism. + +"My place is a respectable, law-abiding--" + +The sheriff waved him aside. + +"It is an inn during the winter, Mrs. Wrandall, and a road-house +in the summer, if that makes it plain to you. I will say, however, +that Burton has always kept well within the law. This is the +first--er--real bit of trouble he's had, and I won't say it's his +fault. Keep quiet, Burton. No one is accusing you of anything wrong. +Don't whine about it." + +"But my place is ruined," groaned the doleful one. "It's got a +black eye now. Not that I blame you, madam, but you can see how--" + +He quailed before the steady look in her eyes, and turned away +mumbling. + +There were half a dozen men in the room, besides the speakers, +sober-faced fellows who conversed in undertones and studiously kept +their backs to the woman who had just come among them. They were +grouped about the roaring fireplace in the lower end of the room. +Steam arose from their heavy winters garments. Their caps were +still drawn far down over their ears. These were men who had been +out in the night. + +"There is a fire in the reception-room, madam," said the coroner; +"and the proprietor's wife to look out for you if you should require +anything. Will you go in there and compose yourself before going +upstairs? Or, if you would prefer waiting until morning, I shall +not insist on the--er--ordeal to-night." + +"I prefer going up there to-night," said she steadily. + +The men looked at each other, and the sheriff spoke. "Mr. Drake is +quite confident the--the man is your husband. It's an ugly affair, +Mrs. Wrandall. We had no means of identifying him until Drake came +in this evening, out of curiosity you might say. For your sake, I +hope he is mistaken." + +"Would you mind telling me something about it before I go upstairs? +I am quite calm. I am prepared for anything. You need not hesitate." + +"As you wish, madam. You will go into the reception-room, if you +please. Burton, is Mrs. Wrandall's room quite ready for her?" + +"I shall not stay here to-night," interposed Mrs. Wrandall. "You +need not keep the room for me." + +"But, my dear Mrs. Wrandall--" + +"I shall wait in the railway station until morning if necessary. +But not here." + +The coroner led the way to the cosy little room off the office. +She followed with the sheriff. The men looked worn and haggard in +the bright light that met them, as if they had not known sleep or +rest for many hours. + +"The assistant district attorney was here until eleven, but went +home to get a little rest. It's been a hard case for all of us--a +nasty one," explained the sheriff, as he placed a chair in front +of the fire for her. She sank into it limply. + +"Go on, please," she murmured, and shook her head at the nervous +little woman who bustled up and inquired if she could do anything +to make her more comfortable. + +The sheriff cleared his throat. "Well, it happened last night. All +day long we've been trying to find out who he is, and ever since +eight o'clock this morning we've been searching for the woman who +came here with him. She has disappeared as completely as if swallowed +by the earth. Not a sign of a clew---not a shred. There's nothing +to show when she left the inn or by what means. All we know is that +the door to that room up there was standing half open when Burton +passed by it at seven o'clock this morning---that is to say, yesterday +morning, for this is now Wednesday. It is quite clear, from this, +that she neglected to close the door tightly when she came out, +probably through haste or fear, and the draft in the hall blew it +wider open during the night. Burton says the inn was closed for +the night at half-past ten. He went to bed. She must have slipped +out after every one was sound asleep. There were no other guests +on that floor. Burton and his wife sleep on this floor, and the +servants are at the top of the house and in a wing. No one heard +a sound. We have not the remotest idea when the thing happened, or +when she left the place. Dr. Sheef says the man had been dead for +six or eight hours when he first saw him, and that was very soon +after Burton's discovery. Burton, on finding the door open, naturally +suspected that his guests had skipped out during the night to avoid +paying the bill, and lost no time in entering the room. + +"He found the man lying on the bed, sprawled out, face upward and +as dead as a mack--I should say, quite dead. He was partly dressed. +His coat and vest hung over the back of a chair. A small service +carving knife, belonging to the inn, had been driven squarely into +his heart and was found sticking there. Burton says that the man, +on their arrival at the inn, about nine o'clock at night, ordered +supper sent up to the room. The tray of dishes, with most of the food +untouched, and an empty champagne bottle, was found on the service +table near the hed. One of the chairs was overturned. The servant +who took the meal to the room says that the woman was sitting at +the window with her wraps on, motor veil and all, just as she was +when she came into the place. The man gave all the directions, +the woman apparently paying no attention to what was going on. The +waitress left the room without seeing her face. She had instructions +not to come for the tray until morning. + +"That was the last time the man was seen alive. No one has seen +the woman since the door closed after the servant, who distinctly +remembers hearing the key turn in the lock as she went down the +hall. It seems pretty clear that the man ate and drank but not the +woman. Her food remained untouched on the plate and her glass was +full. 'Gad, it must have been a merry feast! I beg your pardon, +Mrs. Wrandall!" + +"Go on, please," said she levelly. + +"That's all there is to say so far as the actual crime is concerned. +There were signs of a struggle,--but it isn't necessary to go into +that. Now, as to their arrival at the inn. The blizzard had not +set in. Last night was dark, of course, as there is no moon, but +it was clear and rather warm for the time of year. The couple came +here about nine o'clock in a high power runabout machine, which +the man drove. They had no hand-baggage and apparently had run out +from New York. Burton says he was on the point of refusing them +accommodations when the man handed him a hundred dollar bill. +It was more than Burton's cupidity could withstand. They did not +register. The state license numbers had been removed from the +automobile, which was of foreign make. Of course, it was only a +question of time until we could have found out who the car belonged +to. It is perfectly obvious why he removed the numbers." + +At this juncture Drake entered the room. Mrs. Wrandall did not at +first recognise him. + +"It has stopped snowing," announced the new-comer. + +"Oh, it is Mr. Drake," she murmured. "We have a little French car, +painted red," she announced to the sheriff without giving Drake +another thought. + +"And this one is red, madam," said the sheriff, with a glance at +the coroner. Drake nodded his head. Mrs. Wrandall's body stiffened +perceptibly, as if deflecting a blow. "It is still standing in the +garage, where he left it on his arrival." + +"Did no one see the face of--of the woman?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, +rather querulously. "It seems odd that no one should have seen her +face," she went on without waiting for an answer. + +"It's not strange, madam, when you consider ALL the circumstances. +She was very careful not to remove her veil or her coat until the +door was locked. That proves that she was not the sort of woman +we usually find gallavanting around with men regardless of--ahem, +I beg your pardon. This must be very distressing to you." + +"I am not sure, Mr. Sheriff, that it IS my husband who lies up +there. Please remember that," she said steadily. "It is easier to +hear the details now, before I KNOW, than it will be afterward if +it should turn out to be as Mr. Drake declares." + +"I see," said the sheriff, marvelling. + +"Besides, Mr. Drake is not POSITIVE," put in the coroner hopefully. + +"I am reasonably certain," said Drake. + +"Then all the more reason why I should have the story first," said +she, with a shiver that no one failed to observe. + +The sheriff resumed his conclusions. "Women of the kind I referred +to a moment ago don't care whether they're seen or not. In fact, +they're rather brazen about it. But this one was different. She +was as far from that as it was possible for her to be. We haven't +been able to find any one who saw her face or who can give the least +idea as to what she looks like, excepting a general description of +her figure, her carriage, and the out-door garments she wore. We +have reason to believe she was young. She was modestly dressed. Her +coat was one of those heavy ulster affairs, such as a woman uses +in motoring or on a sea-voyage. There was a small sable stole about +her neck. The skirt was short, and she wore high black shoes of +the thick walking type. Judging from Burton's description she must +have been about your size and figure, Mrs. Wrandall. Isn't that +so, Mrs. Burton?" + +The inn-keeper's wife spoke. "Yes, Mr. Harben, I'd say so myself. +About five feet six, I'd judge; rather slim and graceful-like, in +spite of the big coat." + +Mrs. Wrandall was watching the woman's face. "I am five feet six," +she said, as if answering a question. + +The sheriff cleared his throat somewhat needlessly. + +"Burton says she acted as if she were a lady," he went on. "Not the +kind that usually comes out here on such expeditions, he admits. +She did not speak to any one, except once in very low tones to the +man she was with, and then she was standing by the fireplace out in +the main office, quite a distance from the desk. She went upstairs +alone, and he gave some orders to Burton before following her. +That was the last time Burton saw her. The waitress went up with +a specially prepared supper about half an hour later." + +"It seems quite clear, Mrs. Wrandall, that she robbed the man after +stabbing him," said the coroner. + +Mrs. Wrandall started. "Then she was NOT a lady, after all," she +said quickly. There was a note of relief in her voice. It was as +if she had put aside a half-formed conclusion. + +"His pockets were empty. Not a penny had been left. Watch, cuff-links, +scarf pin, cigarette case, purse and bill folder,--all gone. Burton +had seen most of these articles in the office." + +"Isn't it--but no! Why should I be the one to offer a suggestion +that might be construed as a defence for this woman?" + +"You were about to suggest, madam, that some one else might have +taken the valuables--is that it?" cried the sheriff. + +"Had you thought of it, Mr. Sheriff?" + +"I had not. It isn't reasonable. No one about this place is suspected. +We have thought of this, however: the murderess may have taken +all of these things away with her in order to prevent immediate +identification of her victim. She may have been clever enough for +that. It would give her a start." + +"Not an unreasonable conclusion, when you stop to consider, Mr. +Sheriff, that the man took the initiative in that very particular," +said Mrs. Wrandall in such a self-contained way that the three men +looked at her in wonder. Then she came abruptly to her feet. "It +is very late, gentlemen. I am ready to go upstairs, Mr. Sheriff." + +"I must warn you, madam, that Mr. Drake is reasonably certain that +it is your husband," said the coroner uncomfortably. "You may not +be prepared for the shock that--" + +"I shall not faint, Dr. Sheef. If it IS my husband I shall ask you +to leave me alone in the room with him for a little while." The +final word trailed out into a long, tremulous wail, showing how near +she was to the breaking point in her wonderful effort at self-control. +The men looked away hastily. They heard her draw two or three deep, +quavering breaths; they could almost feel the tension that she was +exercising over herself. + +The doctor turned after a moment and spoke very gently, but with +professional firmness. "You must not think of venturing out in this +wretched night, madam. It would be the worst kind of folly. Surely +you will be guided by me--by your own common sense. Mrs. Burton +will be with you--" + +"Thank you, Dr. Sheef," she interposed calmly. "If what we all fear +should turn out to be the truth, I could not stay here. I could +not breathe. I could not live. If, on the other hand, Mr. Drake is +mistaken, I shall stay. But if it is my husband, I cannot remain +under the same roof with him, even though he be dead. I do not +expect you to understand my feelings. It would be asking too much +of men,--too much." + +"I think I understand," murmured Drake. + +"Come," said the sheriff, arousing himself with an effort. + +She moved swiftly after him. Drake and the coroner, following +close behind with Mrs. Burton, could not take their eyes from the +slender, graceful figure. She was a revelation to them. Feeling as +they did that she was about to be confronted by the most appalling +crisis imaginable, they could not but marvel at her composure. +Drake's mind dwelt on the stories of the guillotine and the heroines +who went up to it in those bloody days without so much as a quiver +of dread. Somehow, to him, this woman was a heroine. + +They passed into the hall and mounted the stairs. At the far end +of the corridor, a man was seated in front of a closed door. He +arose as the party approached. The sheriff signed for him to open +the door he guarded. As he did so, a chilly blast of air blew upon +the faces of those in the hall. The curtains in the window of the +room were flapping and whipping in the wind. Mrs. Wrandall caught +her breath. For the briefest instant, it seemed as though she was +on the point of faltering. She dropped farther behind the sheriff, +her limbs suddenly stiff, her hand going out to the wall as if for +support. The next moment she was moving forward resolutely into +the icy, dimly lighted room. + +A single electric light gleamed in the corner beside the bureau. +Near the window stood the bed. She went swiftly toward it, her +eyes fastened upon the ridge that ran through the centre of it: a +still, white ridge that seemed without beginning or end. + +With nervous fingers, the attendant lifted the sheet at the head +of the bed and turned it back. As he let it fall across the chest +of the dead man, he drew back and turned his face away. + +She bent forward and then straightened her figure to its full +height, without for an instant removing her gaze from the face of +the man who lay before her: a dark-haired man grey in death, who +must have been beautiful to look upon in the flush of life. + +For a long time she stood there looking, as motionless as the object +on which she gazed. Behind her were the tense, keen-eyed men, not +one of whom seemed to breathe during the grim minutes that passed. +The wind howled about the corners of the inn, but no one heard it. +They heard the beating of their hearts, even the ticking of their +watches, but not the wail of the wind. + +At last her hands, claw-like in their tenseness, went slowly to +her temples. Her head drooped slightly forward, and a great shudder +ran through her body. The coroner started forward, expecting her +to collapse. + +"Please go away," she was saying in an absolutely emotionless voice. +"Let me stay here alone for a little while." + +That was all. The men relaxed. They looked at each other with a +single question in their eyes. Was it quite safe to leave her alone +with her dead? They hesitated. + +She turned on them suddenly, spreading her arms in a wide gesture +of self-absolution. Her sombre eyes swept the group. + +"I can do no harm. This man is mine. I want to look at him for the +last time--alone. Will you go?" + +"Do you mean, madam, that you intend to--" began the coroner in +alarm. + +She clasped her hands. "I mean that I shall take my last look at +him now--and here. Then you may do what you like with him. He is +your dead--not mine. I do not want him. Can you understand? _I_ DO +NOT WANT THIS DEAD THING. But there is something I would say to +him, something that I must say. Something that no one must hear +but the good God who knows how much he has hurt me. I want to say +it close to those grey, horrid ears. Who knows? He may hear me!" + +Wondering, the others backed from the room. She watched them until +they closed the door. + +Listening, they heard her lower the window. It squealed like a +thing in fear. + +Ten minutes passed. The group in the hall conversed in whispers. + +"Why did she put the window down?" asked the wife of the inn-keeper, +crossing herself. + +Drake shook his head. "I wonder what she is saying to him," he +muttered. + +"A wonderful nerve," said Dr. Sheef. "Positively wonderful. I've +never seen anything like it." + +"Her own husband, too," said Mrs. Burton. "Why, I--I should have +said she'd go into hysterics. Such a handsome man he was." + +"I guess, from what I've heard of this fellow, Wrandall, he's not +been an angel," volunteered the sheriff. + +Drake shook his head once more. + +"He ain't one now, I'll bet on that," said the man who stood guard. +"He's in hell if ever a man--" + +"Sh!" whispered the woman in horror. "God forgive you for uttering +words like that!" + +"Every one in the city knows what sort of a man he's been," said +Drake. + +He comes of a fine family," said the coroner. "One of the best in +New York. I guess he's never been much of a credit to it, however." + +"They say he ran after chorus girls," said Mrs. Burton. The men +grinned. + +"I've an idea she's had the devil's own time with him," mused the +sheriff, with a jerk of his head in the direction of the door. + +"Poor thing," said the inn-keeper's wife. + +"Well," said Drake, taking a deep breath, "she won't have to worry +any more about his not coming home nights. I say, this business will +create a fearful sensation, sheriff. The Four Hundred will have a +conniption fit." + +"We've got to land that girl, whoever she is," grated the official. +"Now that we know who he is, it shouldn't be hard to pick out the +women he's been trailing with lately. Then we can sift 'em down +until the right one is left. It ought to be easy." + +"I'm not so sure of it," said the coroner, shaking his head. "I +have a feeling that she isn't one of the ordinary type. It wouldn't +surprise me if she belongs to--well, you might say, the upper ten. +Somebody's wife, don't you see. That will make it rather difficult, +especially as her tracks have been pretty well covered." + +"It beats me, how she got away without leaving a single sign behind +her," acknowledged the sheriff. "She's a wonder, that's all I've +got to say." + +At that instant the door opened and Mrs. Wrandall appeared. She +stopped short, confronting the huddled group, dry-eyed but as pallid +as a ghost. Her eyes were wide, apparently unseeing; her colourless +lips were parted in the drawn rigidity that suggested but one +thing to the professional man who looks: the RISIS SARDONICUS of +the strychnae victim. With a low cry, the doctor started forward, +fully convinced that she had swallowed the deadly drug. + +"For God's sake, madam," he began. But as he spoke, her expression +changed; she seemed to be aware of their presence for the first +time. Her eyes narrowed in a curious manner, and the rigid lips +seemed to surge with blood, presenting the effect of a queer, +swift-fading smile that lingered long after her face was set and +serious. + +"I neglected to raise the window, Dr. Sheef," she said in a low +voice. "It was very cold in there." She shivered slightly. "Will +you be so kind as to tell me what I am to do now? What formalities +remain for me--" + +The coroner was at her side. "Time enough for that, Mrs. Wrandall. +The first thing you are to do is to take something warm to drink, +and pull yourself together a bit--" + +She drew herself up coldly. "I am quite myself, Dr. Sheef. Pray do +not alarm yourself on my account. I shall be obliged to you, however, +if you will tell me what I am to do as speedily as possible, and +let me do it so that I may leave this--this unhappy place without +delay. No! I mean it, sir. I am going to-night--unless, of course," +she said, with a quick look at the sheriff, "the law stands in the +way." + +"You are at liberty to come and go as you please, Mrs. Wrandall," +said the sheriff, "but it is most fool-hardy to think of--" + +"Thank you, Mr. Sheriff," she said, "for letting me go. I thought +perhaps there might be legal restraint." She sent a swift glance +over her shoulder, and then spoke in a high, shrill voice, indicative +of extreme dread and uneasiness: + +"Close the door to that room!" + +The door was standing wide open, just as she had left it. Startled, +the coroner's deputy sprang forward to close it. Involuntarily, +all of her listeners looked in the direction of the room, as if +expecting to see the form of the murdered man advancing upon them. +The feeling, swiftly gone, was most uncanny. + +"Close it from the INSIDE," commanded the coroner, with unmistakable +emphasis. The man hesitated, and then did as he was ordered, but +not without a curious look at the wife of the dead man, whose back +was toward him. + +"He will not find anything disturbed, doctor," said she, divining +his thought. "I had the feeling that something was creeping toward +us out of that room." + +"You have every reason to be nervous, madam. The situation has been +most extraordinary,--most trying," said the coroner. "I beg of you +to come downstairs, where we may attend to a few necessary details +without delay. It has been a most fatiguing matter for all of us. +Hours without sleep, and such wretched weather." + +They descended to the warm little reception-room. She sent at once +for the inn-keeper, who came in and glowered at her as if she were +wholly responsible for the blight that had been put upon his place. + +"Will you be good enough to send some one to the station with me +in your depot wagon?" she demanded without hesitation. + +He stared. "We don't run a 'bus in the winter time," he said gruffly. + +She opened the little chatelaine bag that hung from her wrist and +abstracted a card which she submitted to the coroner. + +"You will find, Dr. Sheef, that the car my husband came up here in +belongs to me. This is the card issued by the State. It is in my +name. The factory number is there. You may compare it with the one +on the car. My husband took the car without obtaining my consent." + +"Joy riding," said Burton, with an ugly laugh. Then he quailed +before the look she gave him. + +"If no other means is offered, Dr. Sheef, I shall ask you to let +me take the car. I am perfectly capable of driving. I have driven +it in the country for two seasons. All I ask is that some one be +directed to go with me to the station. No! Better than that, if +there is some one here who is willing to accompany me to the city, +he shall be handsomely paid for going. It is but little more than +thirty miles. I refuse to spend the night in this house. That is +final." + +They drew apart to confer, leaving her sitting before the fire, +a stark figure that seemed to detach itself entirely from its +surroundings and their companionship. At last, the coroner came to +her side and touched her arm. + +"I don't know what the district attorney and the police will say +to it, Mrs. Wrandall, but I shall take it upon myself to deliver +the car to you. The sheriff has gone out to compare the numbers. If +he finds that the car is yours, he will see to it, with Mr. Drake, +that it is made ready for you. I take it that we will have no +difficulty in--" He hesitated, at a loss for words. + +"In finding it again in case you need it for evidence?" she supplied. +He nodded. "I shall make it a point, Dr. Sheef, to present the car +to the State after it has served my purpose to-night. I shall not +ride in it again." + +"The sheriff has a man who will ride with you to the station or +the city, whichever you may elect. Now, may I trouble you to make +answer to certain questions I shall write out for you at once? The +man is Challis Wrandall, your husband? You are positive?" + +"I am positive. He is--or was--Challis Wrandall." + +Half an hour later, she was ready for the trip to New York City. +The clock in the office marked the hour as one. A toddied individual +in a great buffalo coat waited for her outside, hiccoughing and +bandying jest with the half-frozen men who had spent the night with +him in the forlorn hope of finding THE GIRL. + +Mrs. Wrandall gave final instructions to the coroner and his deputy, +who happened to be the undertaker's assistant. She had answered all +the questions that had been put to her, and had signed the document +with a firm, untrembling hand. Her veil had been lowered since the +beginning of the examination. They did not see her face; they only +heard the calm, low voice, sweet with fatigue and dread. + +"I shall notify my brother-in-law as soon as I reach the city," she +said. "He will attend to everything. Mr. Leslie Wrandall, I mean. +My husband's only brother. He will be here in the morning, Dr. Sheef. +My own apartment is not open. I have been staying in a hotel since +my return from Europe two days ago. But I shall attend to the +opening of the place to-morrow. You will find me there." + +The coroner hesitated a moment before putting the question that +had come to his mind as she spoke. + +"Two days ago, madam? May I inquire where your husband has been +living during your absence abroad? When did you last see him alive?" + +She did not reply for many seconds, and then it was with a perceptible +effort. + +"I have not seen him since my return until--to-night," she replied, +a hoarse note creeping into her voice. "He did not meet me on +my return. His brother Leslie came to the dock. He--he said that +Challis, who came back from Europe two weeks ahead of me, had been +called to St. Louis on very important, business. My husband had +been living at his club, I understand. That is all I can tell you, +sir." + +"I see," said the coroner gently. + +He opened the door for her and she passed out. A number of men +were grouped about the throbbing motor-car. They fell away as she +approached, silently fading into the shadows like so many vast, +unwholesome ghosts. The sheriff and Drake came forward. + +"This man will go with you, madam," said the sheriff, pointing +to an unsteady figure beside the machine. "He is the only one who +will undertake it. They're all played out, you see. He has been +drinking, but only on account of the hardships he has undergone +to-night. You will be quite safe with Morley." + +No snow was falling, but a bleak wind blew meanly. The air was free +from particles of sleet; wetly the fall of the night clung to the +earth where it had fallen. + +"If he will guide me to the Post-road, that is all I ask," said +she hurriedly. Involuntarily she glanced upward. The curtains in +an upstairs window were blowing inward and a dim light shone out +upon the roof of the porch. She shuddered and then climbed up to +the seat and took her place at the wheel. + +A few moments later, the three men standing in the middle of the +road watched the car as it rushed away. + +"By George, she's a wonder!" said the sheriff. + + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE PASSING OF A NIGHT + + + + +The sheriff was right. Sara Wrandall was an extraordinary woman, +if I may be permitted to modify his rather crude estimate of her. +It is difficult to understand, much less to describe a nature like +hers. Fine-minded, gently bred women who can go through an ordeal +such as she experienced without breaking under the strain are +rare indeed. They must be wonderful. It is hard to imagine a more +heart-breaking crisis in life than the one which confronted her +on this dreadful night, and yet she had faced it with a fortitude +that seems almost unholy. + +She had loved her handsome, wayward husband. He had hurt her deeply +more times than she chose to remember during the six years of their +married life, but she had loved him in spite of the wounds up to +the instant when she stood beside his dead body in the cold little +room at Burton's Inn. She went there loving him as he had lived, +yet prepared, almost foresworn, to loathe him as he had died, and +she left him lying there alone in that dreary room without a spark +of the old affection in her soul. Her love for him died in giving +birth to the hatred that now possessed her. While he lived it +was not in her power to control the unreasoning resistless thing +that stands for love in woman: he WAS her love, the master of her +impulses. Dead, he was an unwholesome, unlovely clod, a pallid +thing to be scorned, a hulk of worthless clay. His blood was cold. +He could no longer warm her with it; it could no longer kill the +chill that his misdeeds cast about her tender sensitiveness; his +lips and eyes never more could smile and conquer. He was a dead +thing. Her love was a dead thing. They lay separate and apart. The +tie was broken. With love died the final spark of respect she had +left for him in her tired, loyal, betrayed heart. He was at last +a thing to be despised, even by her. She despised him. + +She sent the car down the slope and across the moonless valley +with small regard for her own or her companion's safety. It swerved +from side to side, skidded and leaped with terrifying suddenness, +but held its way as straight as the bird that flies, driven by a +steady hand and a mind that had no thought for peril. A sober man +at her side would have been afraid; this man swayed mildly to and +fro and chuckled with drunken glee. + +Her bitter thoughts were not of the dead man back there, but of the +live years that she was to bury with him: years that would never +pass beyond her ken, that would never die. He had loved her in his +wild, ruthless way. He had left her times without number in the +years gone by, but he had always come back, gaily unchastened, to +remould the love that waited with dog-like fidelity for the touch +of his cunning hand. But he had taken his last flight. He would +not come back again. It was all over. Once too often he had tried +his reckless wings. She would not have to forgive him again. +Uppermost in her mind was the curiously restful thought that his +troubles were over, and with them her own. A hand less forgiving +than hers had struck him dead. + +Somehow, she envied the woman to whom that hand belonged. It had +been her divine right to kill, and yet another took it from her. + +Back there at the inn she had said to the astonished sheriff: + +"Poor thing, if she can escape punishment for this, let it be so. +I shall not help the law to kill her simply because she took it +in her own hands to pay that man what she owed him. I shall not be +the one to say that he did not deserve death at her hands, whoever +she may be. No, I shall offer no reward. If you catch her, I shall +be sorry for her, Mr. Sheriff. Believe me, I bear her no grudge." + +"But she robbed him," the sheriff had cried. + +"From my point of view, Mr. Sheriff, that hasn't anything to do +with the case," was her significant reply. + +"Of course, I am not defending HIM." + +"Nor am I defending her," she had retorted. "It would appear that +she is able to defend herself." + +Now, on the cold, trackless road, she was saying to herself that +she did have a grudge against the woman who had destroyed the life +that belonged to her, who had killed the thing that was hers to +kill. She could not mourn for him. She could only wonder what the +poor, hunted terrified creature would do when taken and made to +pay for the thing she had done. + +Once, in the course of her bitter reflections, she spoke aloud in +a shrill, tense voice, forgetful of the presence of the man beside +her: + +"Thank God, they will see him now as I have seen him all these +years. They will know him as they have never known him. Thank God +for that!" + +The man looked at her stupidly and muttered something under his +breath. She heard him, and recalling her wits, asked which turn she +was to take for the station. The fellow lopped back in the seat, +too drunk to reply. + +For a moment she was dismayed, frightened. Then she resolutely +reached out and shook him by the shoulder. She had brought the car +to a full stop. + +"Arouse yourself, man!" she cried. "Do you want to freeze to death? +Where is the station?" + +He straightened up with an effort, and, after vainly seeking light +in the darkness, fell back again with a grunt, but managed to wave +his hand toward the left. She took the chance. In five minutes she +brought the car to a standstill beside the station. Through the +window she saw a man with his feet cocked high, reading. He leaped +to his feet in amazement as she entered the waiting-room. + +"Are you the agent?" she demanded. + +"No, ma'am. I'm simply stayin' here for the sheriff. We're lookin' +for a woman--Say!" He stopped short and stared at the veiled face +with wide, excited eyes. "Gee whiz! Maybe you--" + +"No, I am not the woman you want. Do you know anything about the +trains?" + +"I guess I'll telephone to the sheriff before I--" + +"If you will step outside you will find one of the sheriff's deputies +in my automobile, helplessly intoxicated. I am Mrs. Wrandall." + +"Oh," he gasped. "I heard 'em say you were coming up to-night. +Well, say! What do you think of--" + +"Is there a train in before morning?" + +"No ma'am. Seven-forty is the first." + +She waited a moment. "Then I shall have to ask you to come out and +get your fellow-deputy. He is useless to me. I mean to go on in +the machine. The sheriff understands." + +The fellow hesitated. + +"I cannot take him with me, and he will freeze to death if I leave +him in the road. Will you come?" + +The man stared at her. + +"Say, IS it your husband?" he asked agape. + +She nodded her head. + +"Well, I'll go out and have a look at the fellow you've got with +you," said he, still doubtful. + +She stood in the door while he crossed over to the car and peered +at the face of the sleeper. + +"Steve Morley," he said. "Fuller'n a goat." + +"Please remove him from the car," she directed. + +Later on, as he stood looking down at the inert figure in the +big rocking chair, and panting from his labours, he heard her say +patiently: + +"And now will you be so good as to direct me to the Post-road." + +He scratched his head. "This is mighty queer, the whole business," +he declared, assailed by doubts. "Suppose you are NOT Mrs. Wrandall, +but--the other one. What then?" + +As if in answer to his question, the man Morley opened his blear-eyes +and tried to get to his feet. + +"Wha--what are we doin' here, Mis' Wran'all? Wha's up?" + +"Stay where you are, Steve," said the other. "It's all right." +Then he went forth and pointed the way to her. "It's a long ways +to Columbus Circle," he said. "I don't envy you the trip. Keep +straight ahead after you hit the Post-road." He stood there listening +until the whir of the motor was lost in the distance. "She'll never +make it," he said to himself. "It's more than a strong man could +do on roads like these. She must be crazy." + +Coming to the Post-road, she increased the speed of the car, with +the sharp wind behind her, her eyes intent on the white stretch +that leaped up in front of the lamps like a blank wall beyond +which there was nothing but dense oblivion. But for the fact that +she knew that this road ran straight and unobstructed into the +outskirts of New York, she might have lost courage and decision. The +natural confidence of an experienced driver was hers. She had the +daring of one who has never met with an accident, and who trusts to +the instincts rather than to an actual understanding of conditions. +With her, it was not a question of her own capacity and strength, +but a belief in the fidelity of the engine that carried her forward. +It had not occurred to her that the task of guiding that heavy, +swerving thing through the unbroken road was something beyond her +powers of endurance. She often had driven it a hundred miles and +more without resting, or without losing zest in the enterprise: +then why should she fear the small matter of thirty miles, even +under the most trying of conditions? + +The restless, driving desire to be as far as possible from that +horrid sight at the inn, with all that went to make it repellant, +put strength into her arms. The car swung from one side of the road +to the other, picking its way through the opaque desert, reeling +from rut to rut past hideous shadows and deeper into the black +abyss that lay ahead. No friendly light gleamed by the wayside; the +world was black and cold and dead. She alone was on the highway, +the only human creature who defied the night. Off there on either +side people lived, and slept, and were in darkness just as she was, +but not in dreadful darkness. They were not pursued by ghosts; they +were not running away from a Thing! They slept and were at peace, +and their lights were out for they were not afraid in the dark. +She thought of it: she was alone! No other creature was abroad--not +one! + +Sharply there came to her mind the question: was she the only one +abroad in this black little world? What of the other woman? The +one who was being hunted? Where was she? And what of the ghost at +HER heels? + +The car bounded over a railroad crossing. She recalled the directions +given by the man at the station and hastily applied the brake. There +was another and more dangerous crossing a hundred yards ahead. She +had been warned particularly to take it carefully, as there was a +sharp curve in the road beyond. + +Suddenly she jammed down the emergency brake, a startled exclamation +falling from her lips. Not twenty feet ahead, in the middle of +the road and directly in line with the light of the lamps, stood +a black, motionless figure--the figure of a woman whose head was +lowered and whose arms hung limply at her sides. + +The woman in the car bent forward over the wheel, staring hard. Many +seconds passed. At last the forlorn object in the roadway lifted +her face and looked vacantly into the glare of the lamps. Her eyes +were wide-open, her face a ghastly white. + +"God in heaven!" struggled from the stiffening lips of Sara Wrandall. +Her fingers tightened on the wheel. + +She knew. This was the woman! + +The long brown ulster; the limp, fluttering veil! "A woman about +your size and figure," the sheriff had said. + +The figure swayed and then moved a few steps forward. Blinded by +the lights, she bent her head and shielded her eyes with her hand +the better to glimpse the occupant of the car. + +"Are you looking for me?" she cried out shrilly, at the same time +spreading her arms as if in surrender. It was almost a wail. + +Mrs. Wrandall caught her breath. Her heart began to beat once more. + +"Who are you? What do you want?" she cried out, without knowing +what she said. + +The girl started. She had not expected to hear the voice of a woman. +She staggered to the side of the road, out of the line of light. + +"I--I beg your pardon," she cried,--it was like a wail of +disappointment,--"I am sorry to have stopped you." + +"Come here," commanded the other, still staring. + +The unsteady figure advanced. Halting beside the car, she leaned +across the spare tires and gazed into the eyes of the driver. Their +faces were not more than a foot apart, their eyes were narrowed in +tense scrutiny. + +"What do you want?" repeated Mrs. Wrandall, her voice hoarse and +tremulous. + +"I am looking for an inn. It must be near by. I do--" + +"An inn?" with a start. + +"I do not recall the name. It is not far from a village, in the +hills." + +"Do you mean Burton's?" + +"Yes. That's it. Can you direct me?" The voice of the girl was +faint; she seemed about to fall. + +"It is six or eight miles from here," said Mrs. Wrandall, still +looking in wonder at the miserable nightfarer. + +The girl's head sank; a moan of despair came through her lips, +ending in a sob. + +"So far as that?" she murmured. Then she drew herself up with a +fine show of resolution. "But I must not stop here. Thank you." + +"Wait!" cried the other. The girl turned to her once more. "Is--is +it a matter of life or death?" + +There was a long silence. "Yes. I must find my way there. It +is--death." + +Sara Wrandall laid her heavily gloved hand on the slim fingers that +touched the tire. + +"Listen to me," she said, a shrill note of resolve ringing in her +voice. "I am going to New York. Won't you let me take you with me?" + +The girl drew back, wonder and apprehension struggling for the +mastery of her eyes. + +"But I am bound the other way. To the inn. I must go on." + +"Come with me," said Sara Wrandall firmly. "You must not go back +there. I know what has happened there. Come! I will take care of +you. You must not go to the inn." + +"You know?" faltered the girl. + +"Yes. You poor thing!" There was infinite pity in her voice. + +The girl laid her head on her arms. + +Mrs. Wrandall sat above her, looking down, held mute by warring +emotions. The impossible had come to pass. The girl for whom the +whole world would be searching in a day or two, had stepped out +of the unknown and, by the most whimsical jest of fate, into the +custody of the one person most interested of all in that self-same +world. It was unbelievable. She wondered if it were not a dream, +or the hallucination of an overwrought mind. Spurred by the sudden +doubt as to the reality of the object before her, she stretched +out her hand and touched the girl's shoulder. + +Instantly she looked up. Her fingers sought the friendly hand and +clasped it tightly. + +"Oh, if you will only take me to the city with you! If you only +give me the chance," she cried hoarsely. "I don't know what impulse +was driving me back there. I only know I could not help myself. +You really mean it? You WILL take me with you?" + +"Yes. Don't be afraid. Come! Get in," said the woman in the car +rapidly. "You--you are real?" + +The girl did not hear the strange question. She was hurrying around +to the opposite side of the car. As she crossed before the lamps, +Mrs. Wrandall noticed with dulled interest that her garments were +covered with mud; her small, comely hat was in sad disorder; loose +wisps of hair fluttered with the unsightly veil. Her hands, she +recalled, were clad in thin suede gloves. She would be half-frozen. +She had been out in all this terrible weather,--perhaps since the +hour of her flight from the inn. + +The odd feeling of pity grew stronger within her. She made no +effort to analyse it, nor to account for it. Why should she pity +the slayer of her husband? It was a question unasked, unconsidered. +Afterwards she was to recall this hour and its strange impulses, +and to realise that it was not pity, but mercy that moved her to +do the extraordinary thing that followed. + +Trembling all over, her teeth chattering, her breath coming in +short little moans, the girl struggled up beside her and fell back +in the seat. Without a word, Sara Wrandall drew the great buffalo +robe over her and tucked it in about her feet and legs and far up +about her body, which had slumped down in the seat. + +"You are very, very good," chattered the girl, almost inaudibly. +"I shall never forget--" She did not complete the sentence, but +sat upright and fixed her gaze on her companion's face. "You--you +are not doing this just to turn me over to--to the police? They +must be searching for me. You are not going to give me up to them, +are you? There will be a reward I--" + +"There is no reward," said Sara Wrandall sharply. "I do not mean to +give you up. I am simply giving you a chance to get away. I have +always felt sorry for the fox when the time for the kill drew near. +That's the way I feel." + +"Oh, thank you! Thank you! But what am I saying? Why should I permit +you to do this for me? I meant to go back there and have it over +with. I know I can't escape. It will have to come, it is bound to +come. Why put it off? Let them take me, let them do what they will +with me. I--" + +"Hush! We'll see. First of all, understand me: I shall not turn you +over to the police. I will give you the chance. I will help you. +I can do no more than that." + +"But why should you help me? I--I--Oh, I can't let you do it! You +do not understand. I--have--committed--a--terrible--" she broke +off with a groan. + +"I understand," said the other, something like grimness in her level +tones. "I have been tempted more than once myself." The enigmatic +remark made no impression on the listener. + +"I wonder how long ago it was that it all happened," muttered the +girl, as if to herself. "It seems ages,--oh, such ages." + +"Where have you been hiding since last night?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, +throwing in the clutch. The car started forward with a jerk, kicking +up the snow behind it. + +"Was it only last night? Oh, I've been--" The thought of her +sufferings from exposure and dread was too much for the wretched +creature. She broke out in a soft wail. + +"You've been out in all this weather?" demanded the other. + +"I lost my way. In the hills back there. I don't know where I was." + +"Had you no place of shelter?" + +"Where could I seek shelter? I spent the day in the cellar of a +farmer's house. He didn't know I was there. I have had no food." + +"Why did you kill that man?" + +"There was nothing left for me to do but that." + +"And why did you rob him?" + +"Ah, I had ample time to think of all that. You may tell the +officers they will find everything hidden in that farmhouse cellar. +God knows I did not want them. I am not a thief. I'm not so bad as +that." + +Mrs. Wrandall marvelled. "Not so bad as that!" And she was a +murderess, a wanton! + +"You are hungry? You must be famished." + +"No, I am not hungry. I have not thought of food." She said it in +such a way that the other knew what her whole mind had been given +over to since the night before. + +A fresh impulse seized her. "You shall have food and a place where +you can sleep--and rest," she said. "Now please don't say anything +more. I do not want to know too much. The least you say to-night, +the better for--for both of us." + +With that she devoted all of her attention to the car, increasing +the speed considerably. Far ahead she could see twinkling, will-o'-the-wisp +lights, the first signs of thickly populated districts. They were +still eight or ten miles from the outskirts of the city and the +way was arduous. She was conscious of a sudden feeling of fatigue. +The chill of the night seemed to have made itself felt with abrupt, +almost stupefying force. She wondered if she could keep her strength, +her courage,--her nerves. + +The girl was English. Mrs. Wrandall was convinced of the fact almost +immediately. Unmistakably English and apparently of the cultivated +type. In fact, the peculiarities of speech that determines the London +show-girl or music-hall character were wholly lacking. Her voice, +her manner, even under such trying conditions, were characteristic +of the English woman of cultivation. Despite the dreadful strain +under which she laboured, there were evidences of that curious +serenity which marks the English woman of the better classes: an +inborn composure, a calm orderliness of the emotions. Mrs. Wrandall +was conscious of a sense of surprise, of a wonder that increased as +her thoughts resolved themselves into something less chaotic than +they were at the time of contact with this visible condition. + +For a mile or more, she sent the car along with reckless disregard +for comfort or safety. Her mind was groping for something tangible +in the way of intentions. What was she to do with this creature? +What was to become of her? At what street corner should she turn +her adrift? The idea of handing her over to the police did not +enter her thoughts for an instant. Somehow she felt that the girl +was a stranger to the city. She could not explain the feeling, yet +it was with her and very persistent. Of course, there was a home +of some sort, or lodgings, or friends, but would the girl dare show +herself in familiar haunts? + +She had said to the sheriff that she hoped the slayer of her husband +would never be caught. She recalled her words, and she remembered how +sincere she had been in uttering them. But she had not figured on +herself as an instrument in furthering the hope to the point of actual +realisation. What could be more incongruous, more theatric,--yes, +more bizarre, than her attitude at this moment? It seemed impossible +that this shrinking, inert heap at her side was a living thing; a +woman who had slain a fellow creature, and that creature the man +who had been her husband for six years. It seemed utterly beyond +sense or reason that she should be helping this murderess to escape, +that she should be showing her the slightest sign of mercy. And +yet, it was all true. She was helping her, she was befriending her. + +She found herself wondering why the poor wretch had not made way +with herself. Escape seemed out of the question. That must have been +clear to her from the beginning, else why was she going back there +to give herself up? What better way out of it all than self-destruction? +Sara Wrandall reached a sudden conclusion. She would advise the girl +to leave the car when they reached the centre of a certain bridge +that spanned the river! No one would find her... + +Even as the thought took shape in her mind, she experienced a great +sense of awe, so overwhelming that she cried out with the horror +of it. She turned her head for a quick glance at the mute, wretched +face showing white above the robe, and her heart ached with sudden +pity for her. The thought of that slender, alive thing going down +to the icy waters--her soul turned sick with the dread of it! + +In that instant, Sara Wrandall--no philanthropist, no sentimentalist--made +up her mind to give this erring one more than an even chance for +salvation. She would see her safely across THAT bridge and many +others. God had directed the footsteps of this girl so that she +should fall in with the one best qualified to pass judgment on +her. It was in that person's power to save her or destroy her. The +commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," took on a broader meaning as +she considered the power that was hers: the power to kill. + +Back of all these finely human impulses was the mysterious arbiter +that makes great decisions for all of us, from which there can be +no appeal, and which brooks no argument: Self. Self it was that +put a single question to her and answered it as well: what personal +grievance had she against this unhappy girl? None whatever. Self it +was therefore that slyly thanked her for an unspeakable blessing: +she had brought to an end not only the life of her husband but the +false position she herself had been obliged to maintain through a +mistaken sense of duty and self-respect. And who was to say, outside +the law, that this frail girl had not just cause to slay? + +A great relaxation came over Sara Wrandall. It was as if every +nerve, every muscle in her body had reached the snapping point +and suddenly had given way. For a moment her hands were weak and +powerless; her head fell forward. In an instant she conquered,--but +only partially,--the strange feeling of lassitude. Then she realised +how tired she was, how fiercely the strain had told on her body +and brain, how much she had really suffered. + +Her blurred eyes turned once more for a look at the girl, who +sat there, just as she had been sitting for miles, her white face +standing out with almost unnatural clearness, and as rigid as that +of the sphinx. + +The girl spoke. "Do they hang women in this country?" + +Mrs. Wrandall started. "In some of the States," she replied, and +was unable to account for the swift impulse to evade. + +"But in this State?" persisted the other, almost without a movement +of the lips. + +"They send them to the electric chair--sometimes," said Mrs. +Wrandall. + +There was a long silence between them, broken finally by the girl. + +"You have been very kind to me, madam. I have no means of expressing +my gratitude. I can only say that I shall bless you to my dying +hour. May I trouble you to set me down at the bridge? I remember +crossing one. I shall be able to--" + +"No!" cried Mrs. Wrandall shrilly, divining the other's intention +at once. "You shall not do that. I too thought of that as a way out +of it for you, but--no, it must not be that. Give me a few minutes +to think. I will find a way." + +The girl turned toward her. Her eyes were burning. + +"Do you mean that you will help me to get away?" she cried, slowly, +incredulously. + +"Let me think!" + +"You will lay yourself liable--" + +"Let me think, I say." + +"But I mean to surrender myself to--" + +"An hour ago you meant to do it, but what were you thinking of ten +minutes ago? Not surrender. You were thinking of the bridge. Listen +to me now: I am sure that I can save you. I do not know all the--all +the circumstances connected with your association with--with that +man back there at the inn. Twenty-four hours passed before they +were able to identify him. It is not unlikely that to-morrow may +put them in possession of the name of the woman who went with him +to that place. They do not know it to-night, of that I am positive. +You covered your trail too well. But you must have been seen with +him during the day or the night--" + +The other broke in eagerly: "I don't believe any one knows that +I--that I went out there with him. He arranged it very--carefully. +Oh, what a beast he was!" The bitterness of that wail caused the +woman beside her to cry out as if hurt by a sharp, almost unbearable +pain. For an instant she seemed about to lose control of herself. +The car swerved and came dangerously near to leaving the road. + +A full minute passed before she could trust herself to speak. Then +it was with a deep hoarseness in her voice. + +"You can tell me about it later on, not now. I don't want to hear +it. Tell me, where do you live?" + +The girl's manner changed so absolutely that there could be but +one inference: she was acutely suspicious. Her lips tightened and +her figure seemed to stiffen in in the seat. + +"Where do you live?" repeated the other sharply. + +"Why should I tell you that? I do not know you. You--" + +"You are afraid of me?" + +"Oh, I don't know what to say, or what to do," came from the lips +of the hunted one. "I have no friends, no one to turn to, no one to +help me. You--you can't be so heartless as to lead me on and then +give me up to--God help me, I--I should not be made to suffer for +what I have done. If you only knew the circumstances. If you only +knew--" + +"Stop!" cried the other, in agony. + +The girl was bewildered. "You are so strange. I don't understand--" + +"We have but two or three miles to go," interrupted Mrs. Wrandall. +"We must think hard and--rapidly. Are you willing to come with me +to my hotel? You will be safe there for the present. To-morrow we +can plan something for the future." + +"If I can only find a place to rest for a little while," began the +other. + +"I shall be busy all day, you will not be disturbed. But leave the +rest to me. I shall find a way." + +It was nearly three o'clock when she brought the car to a stop in +front of a small, exclusive hotel not far from Central Park. The +street was dark and the vestibule was but dimly lighted. No attendant +was in sight. + +"Slip into this," commanded Mrs. Wrandall, beginning to divest +herself of her own fur coat. "It will cover your muddy garments. I +am quite warmly dressed. Don't worry. Be quick. For the time being +you are my guest here. You will not be questioned. No one need know +who you are. It will not matter if you look distressed. You have +just heard of the dreadful thing that has happened to me. You--" + +"Happened to you?" cried the girl, drawing the coat about her. + +"A member of my family has died. They know it in the hotel by this +time. I was called to the death bed--to-night. That is all you will +have to know." + +"Oh, I am sorry--" + +"Come, let us go in. When we reach my rooms, you may order food and +drink. You must do it, not I. Please try to remember that it is I +who am suffering, not you." + +A sleepy night watchman took them up in the elevator. He was not +even interested. Mrs. Wrandall did not speak, but leaned rather +heavily on the arm of her companion. The door had no sooner closed +behind them when the girl collapsed. She sank to the floor in a +heap. + +"Get up!" commanded her hostess sharply. This was not the time for +soft, persuasive words. "Get up at once. You are young and strong. +You must show the stuff you are made of now if you ever mean to +show it. I cannot help you if you quail." + +The girl looked up piteously, and then struggled to her feet. She +stood before her protectress, weaving like a frail reed in the +wind, pallid to the lips. + +"I beg your pardon," she murmured. "I will not give way like that +again. I dare say I'm faint. I have had no food, no rest--but never +mind that now. Tell me what I am to do. I will try to obey." + +"First of all, get out of those muddy, frozen things you have on." + +Mrs. Wrandall herself moved stiffly and with unsteady limbs as +she began to remove her own outer garments. The girl mechanically +followed her example. She was a pitiable object in the strong +light of the electrolier. Muddy from head to foot, water-stained +and bedraggled, her face streaked with dirt, she was the most +unattractive creature one could well imagine. + +These women, so strangely thrown together by Fate, maintained +an unbroken silence during the long, fumbling process of partial +disrobing. They scarcely looked at one another, and yet they were +acutely conscious of the interest each felt in the other. The +grateful warmth of the room, the abrupt transition from gloom and +cheerlessness to comfortable obscurity, had a more pronounced effect +on the stranger than on her hostess. + +"It is good to feel warm once more," she said, an odd timidness in +her manner. "You are very good to me." + +They were in Mrs. Wrandall's bed-chamber, just off the little +sitting-room. Three or four trunks stood against the walls. + +"I dismissed my maid on landing. She robbed me," said Mrs. Wrandall, +voicing the relief that was uppermost in her mind. She opened a +closet door and took out a thick eider-down robe, which she tossed +across a chair. "Now call up the office and say that you are speaking +for me. Say to them that I must have something to eat, no matter +what the hour may be. I will get out some clean underwear for you, +and--Oh, yes; if they ask about me, say that I am cold and ill. +That is sufficient. Here is the bath. Please be as quick about it +as possible." + +Moving as if in a dream, the girl did as she was told. Twenty minutes +later there was a knock at the door. A waiter appeared with a tray +and service table. He found Mrs. Wrandall lying back in a chair, +attended by a slender young woman in a pink eiderdown dressing-gown, +who gave hesitating directions to him. Then he was dismissed with +a handsome tip, produced by the same young woman. + +"You are not to return for these things," she said as he went out. + +In silence she ate and drank, her hostess looking on with gloomy +interest. It was no shock to Mrs. Wrandall to find that the girl, +who was no more than twenty-two or three, possessed unusual beauty. +Her great eyes were blue,--the lovely Irish blue,--her skin was +fair and smooth, her features regular and of the delicate mould +that defines the well-bred gentlewoman at a glance. Her hair, now +in order, was dark and thick and lay softly about her small ears +and neck. She was not surprised, I repeat, for she had never known +Challis Wrandall to show interest in any but the most attractive +of her sex. She found herself smiling bitterly as she looked. + +To herself she was saying: "It isn't so hard to bear when I realise +that he betrayed me for one who is so much more beautiful than I. +He loved me because I am beautiful. His every defection proves it. +The others have all been beautiful. And to think that this gentle, +slender creature should have been the one to give him his death-blow. +It seems incredible. If it had been struck by some outraged husband, +strong of arm and fierce with vengeance, I could understand. But--but +this young, pretty, soft-eyed thing!" + +But who may know the thoughts of the other occupant of that little +sitting-room? Who can put herself in the place of that despairing, +hunted creature who knew that blood was on the hands with which +she ate, and whose eyes were filled with visions of the death-chair? + +So great was her fatigue that long before she finished the meal her +tired lids began to droop, her head to nod in spasmodic surrenders +to an overpowering desire for sleep. Suddenly she dropped the fork +from her fingers and sank back in the comfortable chair, her head +resting against the soft, upholstered back. Her lids fell, her hands +dropped to the arms of the chair. A fine line appeared between her +dark eyebrows,--indicative of pain. + +For many minutes Sara Wrandall watched the haggardness deepen in +the face of the unconscious sleeper. Then, even as she wondered +at the act, she went over and took up one of the slim hands in her +own. The hand of an aristocrat! It lay limp in hers, and helpless. +Long, tapering fingers and delicately pink with the return of +warmth. + +Rousing herself from the mute contemplation of her charge, she shook +the girl's shoulder. Instantly she was awake and staring, alarm in +her dazed, bewildered eyes. + +"You must go to bed," said Mrs. Wrandall quietly. "Don't be afraid. +No one will think of coming here." + +The girl arose. As she stood before her benefactress, she heard +her murmur as if from afar-off: "Just about your size and figure," +and wondered not a little. + +"You may sleep late. I have many things to do and you will not be +disturbed. Come, take off your clothes and get into my bed. To-morrow +we will plan further--" + +"But, madam," cried the girl, "I cannot take your bed. Where are +you to--" + +"If I feel like lying down, I shall lie there beside you." + +The girl stared. "Lie beside ME?" + +"Yes. Oh, I am not afraid of you, child. You are not a monster. +You are just a poor, tired--" + +"Oh, please don't! Please!" cried the other, tears rushing to her +eyes. She raised Mrs. Wrandall's hand to her lips and covered it +with kisses. + +Long after she went to sleep, Sara Wrandall stood beside the bed, +looking down at the pain-stricken face, and tried to solve the +problem that suddenly had become a part of her very existence. + +"It is not friendship," she argued fiercely. "It is not charity, +it is not humanity. It's the debt I owe, that's all. She did the +thing for me that I could not have done myself because I loved him. +I owe her something for that." + +Later on she turned her attention to the trunks. Her decision was +made. With ruthless hands she dragged gown after gown from the +"innovations" and cast them over chairs, on the floor, across the +foot of the bed: smart things from Paris and Vienna; ball gowns, +street gowns, tea gowns, lingerie, blouses, hats, gloves and all +of the countless things that a woman of fashion and means indulges +herself in when she goes abroad for that purpose and no other to +speak of. From the closets she drew forth New York "tailor-suits" +and other garments. + +Until long after six o'clock she busied herself over this huge +pile of costly raiment, portions of which she had worn but once or +twice, some not at all, selecting certain dresses, hats, stockings, +etc., each of which she laid carelessly aside: an imposing pile of +many hues, all bright and gay and glittering. In another heap she +laid the sombre things of black: a meagre assortment as compared +to the other. + +Then she stood back and surveyed the two heaps with tired eyes, a +curious, almost scornful smile on her lips. "There!" she said with +a sigh. "The black pile is mine, the gay pile is yours," she went +on, turning toward the sleeping girl. "What a travesty!" + +Then she gathered up the soiled garments her charge had worn and +cast them into the bottom of a trunk, which she locked. Laying out +a carefully selected assortment of her own garments for the girl's +use when she arose, Mrs. Wrandall sat down beside the bed and +waited, knowing that sleep would not come to her. + + + + + +CHAPTER III + +HETTY CASTLETON + + + + +At half-past six she went to the telephone and called for the morning +newspapers. At the same time she asked that a couple of district +messenger boys be sent to her room with the least possible delay. +The hushed, scared voice of the telephone girl downstairs convinced +her that news of the tragedy was abroad; she could imagine the girl +looking at the headlines with awed eyes even as she responded to +the call from room 416, and her shudder as she realised that it +was the wife of the dead man speaking. + +One of the night clerks, pale and agitated, came up with the papers. +He inquired if there was anything he could do. He tried to tell +her that it was a dreadful, sickening thing, but the words stuck +in his throat. She stood before him, holding the door open; the +light in the hall fell upon her white, haggard face. He began to +tremble all over, as if with the ague. + +"Will you be good enough to come in?" she inquired, quite steadily. +"The newspapers--have they printed the--the details?" + +He entered and she closed the door. + +"Just the--just the news that it was Mr. Wrandall," he replied +jerkily. "Later on they'll have--" + +She interrupted him. "Let me have them, please." Without so much +as a glance at the headlines, she tossed the papers on the table. +"I have sent for two messenger boys. It is too early to accomplish +much by telephone, I fear. Will you be so kind as to telephone at +seven o'clock or a little after to my apartment?--You will find +the number under Mr. Wrandall's name. Please inform the butler or +his wife that they may expect me by ten o'clock, and that I shall +bring a friend with me--a young lady. Kindly have my motor sent +to Haffner's garage, and looked after. When the reporters come, as +they will, please say to them that I will see them at my own home +at eleven o'clock." + +"Can't I--we--I should say, don't you want us to send word to +your--your friends, Mrs. Wrandall,--the family, I mean? No trouble +to do it, and--" + +"Thank you, no. The messengers will attend to all that is necessary. +When my lawyer arrives, please send him here to me. Mr. Carroll. +Thank you." + +The clerk, considerably relieved, took his departure in some +haste, and she was left with the morning papers, each of which she +scanned rapidly. The details, of course, were meagre. There was a +double-leaded account of her visit to the inn and her extraordinary +return to the city. Her chief interest, however, did not rest in +these particulars, but in the speculations of the authorities as +to the identity of the mysterious woman--and her whereabouts. There +was the likelihood that she was not the only one who had encountered +the girl on the highway or in the neighbourhood of the inn. So far +as she could glean from the reports, however, no one had seen the +girl, nor was there the slightest hint offered as to her identity. +The papers of the previous afternoon had published lurid accounts of +the murder, with all of the known details, the name of the victim +at that time still being a mystery. She remembered reading the +story with no little interest. The only new feature in the case, +therefore, was the identification of Challis Wrandall by his +"beautiful wife," and the sensational manner in which it had been +brought about. With considerable interest she noted the hour that +these despatches had been received from "special correspondents," +and wondered where the shrewd, lynx-eyed reporters napped while +she was at the inn. All of the despatches were timed three o'clock +and each paper characterised its issue as an "Extra," with Challis +Wrandall's name in huge type across as many columns as the dignity +of the sheet permitted. + +Not one word of the girl! Absolute mystery! + +Mrs. Wrandall returned to her post beside the bed of the sleeper +in the adjoining room. Deliberately she placed the newspapers on +a chair near the girl's pillow, and then raised the window shades +to let in the hard grey light of early morn. + +It was not her present intention to arouse the wan stranger, who +slept as one dead. So gentle was her breathing that the watcher +stared in some fear at the fair, smooth breast that seemed scarcely +to rise and fall. For a long time she stood beside the bed, looking +down at the face of the sleeper, a troubled expression in her eyes. + +"I wonder how many times you were seen with him, and where, and by +whom," were the questions that ran in a single strain through her +mind. "Where do you come from? Where did you meet him? Who is there +that knows of your acquaintance with him?" + +There was no kindly light in her eyes, nor was there the faintest +sign of animosity. Merely the look of one who calculates in the +interest of a well-shaped purpose. She was estimating the difficulties +that were likely to attend the carrying out of a design as yet +half-formed and quixotic. There were many things to be considered. +At present she was working in utter darkness. What would the light +bring forth? + +Her lawyer came in great haste and perturbation at eight o'clock, +in response to the letter delivered by one of the messengers. +A second letter had gone by like means to her husband's brother, +Leslie Wrandall, instructing him to break the news to his father +and mother and to come to her apartment after he had attended to +the removal of the body to the family home near Washington Square. +She made it quite plain that she did not want Challis Wrandall's +body to lie under the roof that sheltered her. + +His family had resented their marriage. Father, mother and sister had +objected to her from the beginning, not because she was unworthy, +but because her tradespeople ancestry was not so remote as his. She +found a curious sense of pleasure in returning to them the thing +they prized so highly and surrendered to her with such bitterness +of heart. She had not been good enough for him: that was their +attitude. Now she was returning him to them, as one would return +an article that had been tested and found to be worthless. She +would have no more of him! + +Leslie, three years younger than Challis, did not hold to the views +that actuated the remaining members of the family in opposing her +as an addition to the rather close corporation known far and wide +as "the Wrandalls." He had stood out for her in a rather mild but +none-the-less steadfast manner, blandly informing his mother on +mere than one occasion that Sara was quite too good for Challis, +any way you looked at it: an attitude which provoked sundry caustic +references to his own lamentable shortcomings in the matter of +family pride and--intelligence. + +He and Sara had been good friends after a fashion. He was a bit of +a snob but not much of a prig. She had the feeling about him that +if he could be weaned away from the family he might stand for +something fine in the way of character. But he was an adept at +straddling fences, so that he was never fully on one side or the +other, no matter which way he leaned. + +He had not been deeply attached to his brother. Their ways were +wide apart. All his life he had known Challis for what he was; +his heart if not his hand was against him. From the first, he had +regarded Sara's marriage as a bad bargain for her, and toward the +last bluntly told her so. Not once but many times had he taken it +upon himself to inform her that she was a fool to put up with all +the beastly things Challis was doing. He characterised as infatuation +the emotion she was prone to call love when they met to discuss +the escapades of the careless Challis, for she always went to him +with her troubles. In direct opposition to his counselling, she +invariably forgave the erring lover who was her husband. Once Leslie +had said to her, in considerable heat: "You act as if you were his +mistress, instead of his wife. Mistresses have to forgive; wives +don't." And she had replied: "Yes, but I'd much rather have him a +lover than a husband." A remark which Leslie never quite fathomed, +being somewhat literal himself. + +Carroll, her lawyer, an elderly man of vast experience, was not +surprised to find her quite calm and reasonable. He had come to +know her very well in the past few years. He had been her father's +lawyer up to the time of that excellent tradesman's demise, +and he had settled the estate with such unusual despatch that the +heirs,--there were many of them,--regarded him as an admirable +person and--kept him busy ever afterward straightening out their +own affairs. Which goes to prove that policy is often better than +honesty. + +"I quite understand, my dear, that while it is a dreadful shock to +you, you are perfectly reconciled to the--er--to the--well, I might +say the culmination of his troubles," said Mr. Carroll tactfully, +after she had related for his benefit the story of the night's +adventure, with reservation concerning the girl who slumbered in +the room beyond. + +"Hardly that, Mr. Carroll. Resigned, perhaps. I can't say that I +am reconciled. All my life I shall feel that I have been cheated," +she said. + +He looked up sharply. Something in her tone puzzled him. "Cheated, +my dear? Oh, I see. Cheated out of years and years of happiness. +I see." + +She bowed her head. Neither spoke for a full minute. + +"It's a horrible thing to say, Sara, but this tragedy does away +with another and perhaps more unpleasant alternative: the divorce +I have been urging you to consider for so long." + +"Yes, we are spared all that," she said. Then she met his gaze with +a sudden flash of anger in her eyes. "But I would not have divorced +him--never. You understood that, didn't you?" + +"You couldn't have gone on for ever, my dear child, enduring the--" + +She stopped him with a sharp exclamation. "Why discuss it now? Let +the past take care of itself, Mr. Carroll. The past came to an end +night before last, so far as I am concerned. I want advice for the +future, not for the past." + +He drew back, hurt by her manner. She was quick to see that she +had offended him, + +"I beg your pardon, my best of friends," she cried earnestly. + +He smiled. "If you will take PRESENT advice, Sara, you will let go +of yourself for a spell and see if tears won't relieve the tension +under--" + +"Tears!" she cried. "Why should I give way to tears? What have I +to weep for? That man up there in the country? The cold, dead thing +that spent its last living moments without a thought of love for +me? Ah, no, my friend; I shed all my tears while he was alive. +There are none left to be shed for him now. He exacted his full +share of them. It was his pleasure to wring them from me because +he knew I loved him." She leaned forward and spoke slowly, distinctly, +so that he would never forget the words. "But listen to me, Mr. +Carroll. You also know that I loved him. Can you believe me when +I say to you that I hate that dead thing up there in Burton's Inn +as no one ever hated before? Can you understand what I mean? I hate +that dead body, Mr. Carroll. I loved the life that was in it. It +was the life of him that I loved, the warm, appealing life of him. +It has gone out. Some one less amiable than I suffered at his hands +and--well, that is enough. I hate the dead body she left behind +her, Mr. Carroll." + +The lawyer wiped the cool moisture from his brow. + +"I think I understand," he said, but he was filled with wonder. +"Extraordinary! Ahem! I should say--Ahem! Dear me! Yes, yes--I've +never really thought of it in that light." + +"I dare say you haven't," she said, lying back in the chair as if +suddenly exhausted. + +"By the way, my dear, have you breakfasted?" + +"No. I hadn't given it a thought. Perhaps it would be better if I +had some coffee--" + +"I will ring for a waiter," he said, springing to his feet. + +"Not now, please. I have a young friend in the other room--a guest +who arrived last night. She will attend to it when she awakes. Poor +thing, it has been dreadfully trying for her." + +"Good heaven, I should think so," said he, with a glance at the +closed door, "Is she asleep?" + +"Yes. I shall not call her until you have gone." + +"May I enquire--" + +"A girl I met recently--an English girl," said she succinctly, and +forthwith changed the subject. "There are a few necessary details +that must be attended to, Mr. Carroll. That is why I sent for you +at this early hour. Mr. Leslie Wrandall will take charge--Ah!" she +straightened up suddenly. "What a farce it is going to be!" + +Half an hour later he departed, to rejoin her at eleven o'clock, +when the reporters were to be expected. He was to do the talking +for her. While he was there, Leslie Wrandall called her up on the +telephone. Hearing but one side of the rather prolonged conversation, +he was filled with wonder at the tactful way in which she met +and parried the inevitable questions and suggestions coming from +her horror-struck brother-in-law. Without the slightest trace of +offensiveness in her manner, she gave Leslie to understand that +the final obsequies must be conducted in the home of his parents, +to whom once more her husband belonged, and that she would abide by +all arrangements his family elected to make. Mr. Carroll surmised +from the trend of conversation that young Wrandall was about to +leave for the scene of the tragedy, and that the house was in a +state of unspeakable distress. The lawyer smiled rather grimly to +himself as he turned to look out of the window. He did not have to +be told that Challis was the idol of the family, and that, so far +as they were concerned, he could do no wrong! + +After his departure, Mrs. Wrandall gently opened the bedroom door +and was surprised to find the girl wide-awake, resting on one +elbow, her staring eyes fastened on the newspaper that topped the +pile on the chair. + +Catching sight of Mrs. Wrandall she pointed to the paper with a +trembling hand and cried out, in a voice full of horror: + +"Did you place them there for me to read? Who was with you in the +other room just now? Was it some one about the--some one looking +for me? Speak! Please tell me. I heard a man's voice--" + +The other crossed quickly to her side. + +"Don't be alarmed. It was my lawyer. There is nothing to fear--at +present. Yes, I left the papers there for you to see. You can see +what a sensation it has caused. Challis Wrandall was one of the most +widely known men in New York. But I suppose you know that without +my telling you." + +The girl sank back with a groan. "My God, what have I done? What +will come of it all?" + +"I wish I could answer that question," said the other, taking +the girl's hand in hers. Both were trembling. After an instant's +hesitation, she laid her other hand on the dark, dishevelled hair +of the wild-eyed creature, who still continued to stare at the +headlines. "I am quite sure they will not look for you here, or in +my home." + +"In your home?" + +"You are to go with me. I have thought it all over. It is the only +way. Come, I must ask you to pull yourself together. Get up at once, +and dress. Here are the things you are to wear." She indicated the +orderly pile of garments with a wave of her hand. + +Slowly the girl crept out of bed, confused, bewildered, stunned. + +"Where are my own things? I--I cannot accept these. Pray give me +my own--" + +Mrs. Wrandall checked her. + +"You must obey me, if you expect me to help you. Don't you understand +that I have had a--a bereavement? I cannot wear these things now. +They are useless to me. But we will speak of all that later on. +Come, be quick; I will help you to dress. First, go to the telephone +and ask them to send a waiter to--these rooms. We must have something +to eat. Please do as I tell you." + +Standing before her benefactress, her fingers fumbling impotently +at the neck of the night-dress, the girl still continued to stare +dumbly into the calm, dark eyes before her. + +"You are so good. I--I--" + +"Let me help you," interrupted the other, deliberately setting +about to remove the night-dress. The girl caught it up as it slipped +from her shoulders, a warm flush suffusing her face, a shamed look +springing into her eyes. + +"Thank you, I can--get on very well. I only wanted to ask you a +question. It has been on my mind, waking and sleeping. Can you tell +me anything about--do you know his wife?" + +The question was so abrupt, so startling that Mrs. Wrandall uttered +a sharp little cry. For a moment she could not reply. + +"I am so sorry, so desperately sorry for her," added the girl +plaintively. + +"I know her," the other managed to say with an effort. + +"If I had only known that he had a wife--" began the girl bitterly, +almost angrily. + +Mrs. Wrandall grasped her by the arm. "You did not know that he +had a wife?" she cried. + +The girl's eyes flashed with a sudden, fierce fire in their depths. + +"God in heaven, no! I did not know it until--Oh, I can't speak of +it! Why should I tell you about it? Why should you be interested +in hearing it?" + +Mrs. Wrandall drew back and regarded the girl's set, unhappy face. +There was a curious light in her eyes that escaped the other's +notice,--a light that would have puzzled her not a little. + +"But you WILL tell me--EVERYTHING--a little later," she said, +strangely calm. "Not now, but,--before many hours have passed. First +of all, you must tell me who you are, where you live,--everything +except what happened in Burton's Inn. I don't want to hear that at +present--perhaps never. Yes, on second thoughts, I will say NEVER! +You are never to tell me just what happened up there, or just what +led up to it. Do you understand? Never!" + +The girl stared at her in amazement. "But I--I must tell some one," +she cried vehemently. "I have a right to defend myself--" + +"I am not asking you to defend yourself," said Mrs. Wrandall shortly. +Then, as if afraid to remain longer, she rushed from the room. In +the doorway, she turned for an instant to say: "Do as I told you. +Telephone. Dress as quickly as you can." She closed the door swiftly. + +Standing in the centre of the room, her hands clenched until the +nails cut the flesh, she said over and over again to herself: "I +don't want to know! I don't want to KNOW!" + +A few minutes later she was critically inspecting the young woman +who came from the bedroom attired in a street dress that neither +of them had ever donned before. The girl, looking fresher, prettier +and even younger than when she had seen her last, was in no way +abashed. She seemed to have accepted the garments and the situation +in the same spirit of resignation and hope: as if she had decided +to make the most of her slim chance to profit by these amazing +circumstances. + +They sat opposite each other at the little breakfast table. + +"Please pour the coffee," said Mrs. Wrandall. The waiter had left +the room at her command. The girl's hand shook, but she complied +without a word. + +"Now you may tell me who you are and--but wait! You are not to say +anything about what happened at the inn. Guard your words carefully. +I am not asking for a confession. I do not care to know what happened +there. It will make it easier for me to protect you. You may call +it conscience. Keep your big secret to yourself. NOT ONE WORD TO +ME. Do you understand?" + +"You mean that I am not to reveal, even to you, the causes which +led up to--" + +"Nothing--absolutely nothing," said Mrs. Wrandall firmly. + +"But I cannot permit you to judge me, to--well, you might say to +acquit me,--without hearing the story. It is so vital to me." + +"I can judge you without hearing all of the--the evidence, if that's +what you mean. Simply answer the questions I shall ask, and nothing +more. There are certain facts I must have from you if I am to shield +you. You must tell me the truth. I take it you are an English girl. +Where do you live? Who are your friends? Where is your family?" + +The girl's face flushed for an instant and then grew pale again. + +"I will tell you the truth," she said. "My name is Hetty Castleton. +My father is Col. Braid Castleton, of--of the British army. My mother +is dead. She was Kitty Glynn, at one time a popular music-hall +performer in London. She was Irish. She died two years ago. My +father was a gentleman. I do not say he IS a gentleman, for his +treatment of my mother relieves him from that distinction. He is +in the Far East, China, I think. I have not seen him in more than +five years. He deserted my mother. That's all there is to that +side of my story. I appeared in two or three of the musical pieces +produced in London two seasons ago, in the chorus. I never got +beyond that, for very good reasons. I was known as Hetty Glynn. +Three weeks ago I started for New York, sailing from Liverpool. +Previously I had served in the capacity of governess in the family +of John Budlong, a brewer. They had a son, a young man of twenty. +Two months ago I was dismissed. A California lady, Mrs. Holcombe, +offered me a situation as governess to her two little girls soon +afterward. I was to go to her home in San Francisco. She provided +the money necessary for the voyage and for other expenses. She is +still in Europe. I landed in New York a fortnight ago and, following +her directions, presented myself at a certain bank,--I have the +name somewhere--where my railroad tickets were to be in readiness +for me, with further instructions. They were to give me twenty-five +pounds on the presentation of my letter from Mrs. Holcombe. They +gave me the money and then handed me a cable-gram from Mrs. Holcombe, +notifying me that my services would not be required. There was no +explanation. Just that. + +"On the steamer I met--HIM. His deck chair was next to mine. I +noticed that his name was Wrandall--'C. Wrandall' the card on the +chair informed me. I--" + +"You crossed on the steamer with him?" interrupted Mrs. Wrandall +quickly. + +"Yes." + +"Had--had you seen him before? In London?" + +"Never. Well, we became acquainted, as people do. He--he was very +handsome and agreeable." She paused for a moment to collect herself. + +"Very handsome and agreeable," said the other slowly. + +"We got to be very good friends. There were not many people on +board, and apparently he knew none of them. It was too cold to stay +on deck much of the time, and it was very rough. He had one of the +splendid suites on the--" + +"Pray omit unnecessary details. You landed and went--where?" + +"He advised me to go to an hotel--I can't recall the name. It was +rather an unpleasant place. Then I went to the bank, as I have stated. +After that I did not know what to do. I was stunned, bewildered. +I called him up on the telephone and--he asked me to meet him for +dinner at a queer little cafe, far down town. We--" + +"And you had no friends, no acquaintances here?" + +"No. He suggested that I go into one of the musical shows, saying +he thought he could arrange it with a manager who was a friend. +Anything to tide me over, he said. But I would not consider it, +not for an instant. I had had enough of the stage. I--I am really +not fitted for it. Besides, I AM qualified--well qualified--to +be governess--but that is neither here nor there. I had some +money--perhaps forty pounds. I found lodgings with some people in +Nineteenth street. He never came there to see me. I can see plainly +now why he argued it would not be--well, he used the word 'wise.' +But we went occasionally to dine together. We went about in a +motor--a little red one. He--he told me he loved me. That was one +night about a week ago. I--" + +"I don't care to hear about it," cried the other. "No need of that. +Spare me the silly side of the story." + +"Silly, madam? In God's name, do you think it was silly to me? +Why--why, I believed him! And, what is more, I believe that he DID +love me--even now I believe it." + +"I have no doubt of it," said Mrs. Wrandall calmly. "You are very +pretty--and charming." + +"I--I did not know that he had a wife until--well, until--" She +could not go on. + +"Night before last?" + +The girl shuddered. Mrs. Wrandall turned her face away and waited. + +"There is nothing more I can tell you, unless you permit me to tell +ALL," the girl resumed after a moment of hesitation. + +Mrs. Wrandall arose. + +"I have heard enough. This afternoon I will send my butler with +you to the lodging house in Nineteenth street. He will attend to +the removal of your personal effects to my home, and you will return +with him. It will be testing fate, Miss Castleton, this visit to +your former abiding place, but I have decided to give the law its +chance. If you are suspected, a watch will be set over the house +in which you lived. If you are not suspected, if your association +with--with Wrandall is quite unknown, you will run no risk in going +there openly, nor will I be taking so great a chance as may appear +in offering you a home, for the time being at least, as companion--or +secretary or whatever we may elect to call it for the benefit of +all enquirers. Are you willing to run the risk--this single risk?" + +"Perfectly willing," announced the other without hesitation. Indeed, +her face brightened. "If they are waiting there for me, I shall go +with them without a word. I have no means of expressing my gratitude +to you for--" + +"There is time enough for that," said Mrs. Wrandall quickly. "And +if they are not there, you will return to me? You will not desert +me now?" + +The girl's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Desert you? Why do you put +it in that way? I don't understand." + +"You will come back to me?" insisted the other. + +"Yes. Why,--why, it means everything to me. It means life,--more +than that, most wonderful friend. Life isn't very sweet to me. But +the joy of giving it to you for ever is the dearest boon I crave. +I DO give it to you. It belongs to you. I--I could die for you." + +She dropped to her knees and pressed her lips to Sara Wrandall's +hand; hot tears fell upon it. + +Mrs. Wrandall laid her free hand on the dark, glossy hair and smiled; +smiled warmly for the first time in--well, in years she might have +said to herself if she had stopped to consider. + +"Get up, my dear," she said gently. "I shall not ask you to die for +me--if you DO come back. I may be sending you to your death, as it +is, but it is the chance we must take. A few hours will tell the +tale. Now listen to what I am about to say,--to propose. I offer +you a home, I offer you friendship and I trust security from the +peril that confronts you. I ask nothing in return, not even a word +of gratitude. You may tell the people at your lodgings that I have +engaged you as companion and that we are to sail for Europe in a +week's time if possible. Now we must prepare to go to my own home. +You will see to packing my--that is, our trunks--" + +"Oh, it--it must be a dream!" cried Hetty Castleton, her eyes swimming. +"I can't believe--" Suddenly she caught herself up, and tried to +smile. "I don't see why you do this for me. I do not deserve--" + +"You have done me a service," said Mrs. Wrandall, her manner so +peculiar that the girl again assumed the stare of perplexity and +wonder that had been paramount since their meeting: as if she were +on the verge of grasping a great truth. + +"What CAN you mean?" + +Sara laid her hands on the girl's shoulders and looked steadily +into the puzzled eyes for a moment before speaking. + +"My girl," she said, ever so gently, "I shall not ask what your +life has been; I do not care. I shall not ask for references. You +are alone in the world and you need a friend. I too am alone. If +you will come to me I will do everything in my power to make you +comfortable and--contented. Perhaps it will be impossible to make +you happy. I promise faithfully to help you, to shield you, to repay +you for the thing you have done for me. You could not have fallen +into gentler hands than mine will prove to be. That much I swear +to you on my soul, which is sacred. I bear you no ill-will. I have +nothing to avenge." + +Hetty drew back, completely mystified. + +"Who are you?" she murmured, still staring. + +"I am Challis Wrandall's wife." + + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +WHILE THE MOB WAITED + + + + +The next day but one, in the huge old-fashioned mansion of +the Wrandalls in lower Fifth Avenue, in the drawing-room directly +beneath the chamber in which Challis was born, the impressive but +grimly conventional funeral services were held. + +Contrasting sharply with the sombre, absolutely correct atmosphere +of the gloomy interior was the exterior display of joyous curiosity +that must have jarred severely on the high-bred sensibilities +of the chief mourners, not to speak of the invited guests who had +been obliged to pass between rows of gaping bystanders in order to +reach the portals of the house of grief, and who must have reckoned +with extreme distaste the cost of subsequent departure. A dozen +raucous-voiced policemen were employed to keep back the hundreds +that thronged the sidewalk and blocked the street. Curiosity was +rampant. Ever since the moment that the body of Challis Wrandall +was carried into the house of his father, a motley, varying crowd +of people shifted restlessly in front of the mansion, filled with +gruesome interest in the absolutely unseen, animated by the sly +hope that something sensational might happen if they waited long +enough. + +Men, women, children struggled for places nearest the tall iron +fence surrounding the spare yard, and gazed with awed but wistful +eyes at the curtained windows and at the huge bow of crepe on the +massive portals. In hushed voices they spoke of the murder and +expressed a single opinion among them all: the law ought to make +short work of her! If this thing had happened in England, said +they who scoff at our own laws, there wouldn't be any foolishness +about the business: the woman would be buried in quick-lime before +you could know what you were talking about. The law in this country +is a joke, said they, with great irritability. Why can't we do the +business up, sharp and quick, as they do in England? Get it over +with, that's the ticket. What's the sense of dragging it out for a +year? Send 'em to the chair or hang 'em while everybody's interested, +not when the thing's half forgotten. Who wants to see a person +hanged after the crime's been forgotten? And then, think of the +saving to the State? Hang 'em, men or women, and in a couple of +years' time there wouldn't be a tenth part of the murders we have +now. Statistics prove, went on the wise ones, that only one out of +every hundred is hanged. What's that? The jury system is rotten! +No sirree, we are 'way behind England in that respect. Just look +at that big murder case in London last month! Remember it? Murderer +was hanged inside of three weeks after he was caught. That's the +way to do it! And the London police catch 'em too. Our police stand +around doing nothing until the criminal has got a week's start, and +then--oh, well, what can you expect? "Now if I was at the head of +the New York department I'd have that woman behind the bars before +night, that's what I'd do. You bet your life, I would," said more +than one. And no one questioned his ability to do so. + +And then all of them would growl at the policemen who pushed them +back from the gates, and call them "scabs" and "mutts" in repressed +tones, and snarl under their breath that they wouldn't be pushing +people around like that if they didn't have stars and clubs and a +great idea of their own importance. "If it wasn't for the family at +home dependin' on me for support, I'd take a punch at that stiff, +so help me God, even if I went to the Island for it!" + +And so it WAS and ever shall be, world without end. + +Newsboys, hoarse-voiced and pipe-voiced, mingled with the crowd, +and shrieked their extras under the very noses of the always-aloof +Wrandalls, who up to this day had turned them up at the sight of +a vulgar extra, but who now looked down them with a trembling of +the nostrils that left no room for doubt as to their present state +of mind. + +Up to the very portals these assiduous peddlers yelped for pennies +and gave in exchange the latest headlines. "All about Mr. Challis +Wran'all's fun'ral!" "Horrible extry!" Ding-donging the thing in +the very ears of the dead man himself! + +Motor after motor, carriage after carriage, rolled up to the curb +and emptied its sober-faced, self-conscious occupants in front +of the door with the great black bow; with each arrival the crowd +surged forward, and names were muttered in undertones, passing from +lip to lip until every one in the street knew that Mr. So-and-So, +Mrs. This-or-That, the What-do-you-call-ems and others of the +city's most exclusive but most garishly advertised society leaders +had entered the house of mourning. It was a great show for the +plebeian spectators. Much better than Miss So-and-So's wedding, +said one woman who had attended the aforesaid ceremony as a unit +in the well-dressed mob that almost wrecked the carriages in the +desire to see the terrified bride. Better than a circus, said a man +who held his little daughter above the heads of the crowd so that +she might see the fine lady in a wild-beast fur. Swellest funeral +New York ever had, remarked another, excepting one 'way back when +he was a kid. + +At the corner below stood two patrol wagons, also waiting. + +Inside the house sat the carefully selected guests, hushed and +stiff and gratified. (Not because they were attending a funeral, +but because the occasion served to separate them from the chaff: +they were the elect.) It would be going too far to intimate that +they were proud of themselves, but it is not stretching it very +much to say that they counted noses with considerable satisfaction +and were glad that they had not been left out. The real, high-water +mark in New York society was established at this memorable function. +It was quite plain to every one that Mrs. Wrandall,--THE Mrs. +Wrandall,--had made out the list of guests to be invited to the +funeral of her son. It was a blue-stocking affair. You couldn't +imagine anything more so. Afterwards, the two hundred who were +there looked with utmost pity and not a little scorn on the other +two hundred who failed to get in, notwithstanding there was ample +room in the spacious house for all of them. There wasn't a questionable +guest in the house, unless one were to question the right of the +dead man's widow to be there--and, after all, she was upstairs with +the family. Even so, she was a Wrandall--remotely, of course, but +recognisable. + +Yes, they counted noses, so to say. As one after the other arrived +and was ushered into the huge drawing-room, he or she was accorded +a congratulatory look from those already assembled, a tribute +returned with equal amiability. Each one noted who else was there, +and each one said to himself that at last they really had something +all to themselves. It was truly a pleasure, a relief, to be able to +do something without being pushed about by people who didn't belong +but thought they did. They sat back,--stiffly, of course,--and in +utter stillness confessed that there could be such a thing as the +survival of the fittest. Yes, there wasn't a nose there that couldn't +be counted with perfect serenity. It was a notable occasion. + +Mrs. Wrandall, the elder, had made out the list. She did not consult +her daughter-in-law in the matter. It is true that Sara forestalled +her in a way by sending word, through Leslie, that she would be pleased +if Mrs. Wrandall would issue invitations to as many of Challis's +friends as she deemed advisable. As for herself, she had no wish +in the matter; she would be satisfied with whatever arrangements +the family cared to make. + +It is not to be supposed, from the foregoing, that Mrs. Wrandall, +the elder, was not stricken to the heart by the lamentable death +of her idol. He WAS her idol. He was her first-born, he was her +love-born. He came to her in the days when she loved her husband +without much thought of respecting him. She was beginning to +regard him as something more than a lover when Leslie came, so it +was different. When their daughter Vivian was born, she was plainly +annoyed but wholly respectful. Mr. Wrandall was no longer the lover; +he was her lord and master. The head of the house of Wrandall was +a person to be looked up to, to be respected and admired by her, +for he was a very great man, but he was dear to her only because +he was the father of Challis, the first-born. + +In the order of her nature, Challis therefore was her most dearly +beloved, Vivian the least desired and last in her affections as +well as in sequence. + +Strangely enough, the three of them perfected a curiously significant +record of conjugal endowments. Challis had always been the wild, +wayward, unrestrained one, and by far the most lovable; Leslie, +almost as good looking but with scarcely a noticeable trace of the +charm that made his brother attractive; Vivian, handsome, selfish +and as cheerless as the wind that blows across the icebergs in the +north. Challis had been born with a widely enveloping heart and an +elastic conscience; Leslie with a brain and a soul and not much of +a heart, as things go; Vivian with a soul alone, which belonged to +God, after all, and not to her. Of course she had a heart, but it +was only for the purpose of pumping blood to remote extremities, and +had nothing whatever to do with anything so unutterably extraneous +as love, charity or self-sacrifice. + +As for Mr. Redmond Wrandall he was a very proper and dignified +gentleman, and old for his years. + +Secretly, Vivian was his favourite. Moreover, possessing the +usual contrariness of man, and having been at one time or other, a +hot-blooded lover, he professed--also in secret--a certain admiration +for the beautiful, warm-hearted wife of his eldest son. He looked +upon her from a man's point of view. He couldn't help that. Not +once, but many times, had he said to himself that perhaps Challis +was lucky to have got her instead of one of the girls his mother +had chosen for him out of the minute elect. + +It may be seen, or rather surmised, that if the house of Wrandall +had not been so admirably centred under its own vine and fig tree, +it might have become divided against itself without much of an +effort. + +Mrs. Redmond Wrandall was the vine and fig tree. + +And now they had brought her dearly beloved son home to her, +murdered and--disgraced. If it had been either of the others, she +could have said: "God's will be done." Instead, she cried out that +God had turned against her. + +Leslie had had the bad taste--or perhaps it was misfortune--to +blurt out an agonised "I told you so" at a time when the family +was sitting numb and hushed under the blight of the first horrid +blow. He did not mean to be unfeeling. It was the truth bursting +from his unhappy lips. + +"I knew Chal would come to this--I knew it," he had said. His arm +was about the quivering shoulders of his mother as he said it. + +She looked up, a sob breaking in her throat. For a long time she +looked into the face of her second son. + +"How can you--how dare you say such a thing as that?" she cried, +aghast. + +He coloured, and drew her closer to him. + +"I--I didn't mean it," he faltered. + +"You have always taken sides against him," began his mother. + +"Please, mother," he cried miserably. + +"You say this to me NOW," she went on. "You who are left to take +his place in my affection.--Why, Leslie, I--I--" + +Vivian interposed. "Les is upset, mamma darling. You know he loved +Challis as deeply as any of us loved him." + +Afterwards the girl said to Leslie when they were quite alone: +"She will never forgive you for that, Les. It was a beastly thing +to say." + +He bit his lip, which trembled. "She's never cared for me as she +cared for Chal. I'm sorry if I've made it worse." + +"See here, Leslie, was Chal so--so--" + +"Yes. I meant what I said a while ago. It was sure to happen to +him one time or another. Sara's had a lot to put up with." + +"Sara! If she had been the right sort of a wife, this never would +have happened." + +"After all is said and done, Vivie, Sara's in a position to rub it +in on us if she's of a mind to do so. She won't do it, of course, +but--I wonder if she isn't gloating, just the same." + +"Haven't we treated her as one of us?" demanded she, dabbing her +handkerchief in her eyes. "Since the wedding, I mean. Haven't we +been kind to her?" + +"Oh, I think she understands us perfectly," said her brother. + +"I wonder what she will do now?" mused Vivian, in that speech +casting her sister-in-law out of her narrow little world as one +would throw aside a burnt-out match. + +"She will profit by experience," said he, with some pleasure in a +superior wisdom. + +In Mrs. Wrandall's sitting-room at the top of the broad stairway, +sat the family,--that is to say, the IMMEDIATE family,--a solemn-faced +footman in front of the door that stood fully ajar so that the +occupants might hear the words of the minister as they ascended, +sonorous and precise, from the hall below. A minister was he who +knew the buttered side of his bread. His discourse was to be a +beautiful one. He stood at the front of the stairs and faced the +assembled listeners in the hall, the drawing-room and the entresol, +but his infinitely touching words went up one flight and lodged. + +Sara Wrandall sat a little to the left of and behind Mrs. Redmond +Wrandall, about whom were grouped the three remaining Wrandalls, +father, son and daughter, closely drawn together. Well to the fore +were Wrandall uncles and cousins and aunts, and one or two carefully +chosen blood-relations to the mistress of the house, whose hand +had long been set against kinsmen of less exalted promise. + +The room was dark. A forgotten French clock ticked madly and +tinkled its quarter-hours with surpassing sprightliness. Time went +on regardless. One of the Wrandall uncles, obeying a look from his +wife, tiptoed across the room and tried to find a way to subdue +the jingling disturber. But it chimed in his face, and he put his +black kid glove over his lips. The floor creaked horribly as he +went back to his chair. + +Beside Sara Wrandall, on the small pink divan, sat a stranger in +this sombre company: a young woman in black, whose pale face was +uncovered, and whose lashes were lifted so rarely that one could +not know of the deep, real pain that lay behind them, in her Irish +blue eyes. + +She had arrived at the house an hour or two before the time set for +the ceremony, in company with the widow. True to her resolution, +the widow of Challis Wrandall had remained away from the home of +his people until the last hour. She had been consulted, to be sure, +in regard to the final arrangements, but the meetings had taken +place in her own apartment, many blocks distant from the house in +lower Fifth Avenue. The afternoon before she had received Redmond +Wrandall and Leslie, his son. She had not sent for them. They came +perfunctorily and not through any sense of obligation. These two +at least knew that sympathy was not what she wanted, but peace. +Twice during the two trying days, Leslie had come to see her. Vivian +telephoned. + +On the occasion of his first visit, Leslie had met the guest in the +house. The second time he called, he made it a point to ask Sara +all about her. + +It was he who gently closed the door after the two women when, on +the morning of the funeral, they entered the dark, flower-laden +room in which stood the casket containing the body of his brother. +He left them alone together in that room for half an hour or more, +and it was he who went forward to meet them when they came forth. +Sara leaned on his arm as she ascended the stairs to the room where +the others were waiting. The ashen-faced girl followed, her eyes +lowered, her gloved hands clenched. + +Mrs. Wrandall, the elder, kissed Sara and drew her down beside her +on the couch. To her own surprise, as well as that of the others, +Sara broke down and wept bitterly. After all, she was sorry for +Challis's mother. It was the human instinct; she could not hold +out against it. And the older woman put away the ancient grudge +she held against this mortal enemy and dissolved into tears of real +compassion. + +A little later she whispered brokenly in Sara's ear: "My dear, my +dear, this has brought us together. I hope you will learn to love +me." + +Sara caught her breath, but uttered no word. She looked into her +mother-in-law's eyes, and smiled through her tears. The Wrandalls, +looking on in amaze, saw the smile reflected in the face of the +older woman. Then it was that Vivian crossed quickly and put her +arms about the shoulders of her sister-in-law. The white flag on +both sides. + +Hetty Castleton stood alone and wavering, just inside the door. No +stranger situation could be imagined than the one in which this +unfortunate girl found herself at the present moment. She was virtually +in the hands of those who would destroy her; she was in the house +of those who most deeply were affected by her act on that fatal +night. Among them all she stood, facing them, listening to the +moans and sobs, and yet her limbs did not give way beneath her.... + +Some one gently touched her arm. It was Leslie. She shrank back, +a fearful look in her eyes. In the semi-darkness he failed to note +the expression. + +"Won't you sit here?" he asked, indicating the little pink divan +against the wall. "Forgive me for letting you stand so long." + +She looked about her, the wild light still in her eyes. She was +like a rat in a trap. + +Her lips parted, but the word of thanks did not come forth. A +strange, inarticulate sound, almost a gasp, came instead. Pallid +as a ghost, she dropped limply to the divan, and dug her fingers +into the satiny seat. As if fascinated, she stared over the black +heads of the three women immediately in front of her at the full +length portrait hanging where the light from the hall fell full +upon it: the portrait of a dashing youth in riding togs. + +A moment later Sara Wrandall came over and sat beside her. The girl +shivered as with a mighty chill when the warm hand of her friend +fell upon hers and enveloped it in a firm clasp. + +"His mother kissed me," whispered Sara. "Did you see?" + +The girl could not reply. She could only stare at the open door. +A small, hatchet-faced man had come up from below and was nodding +his head to Leslie Wrandall,--a man with short side whiskers, and +a sepulchral look in his eyes. Then, having received a sign from +Leslie, he tiptoed away. Almost instantly the voices of people +singing softly came from some distant, remote part of the house. + +And then, a little later, the perfectly modulated voice of a man +in prayer. + +Back of her, Wrandalls; beside her, Wrandalls; beneath her, friends +of the Wrandalls; outside, the rabble, those who would join with +these black, raven-like spectres in tearing her to pieces if they +but knew! + +Sitting, with his hand to his head, Leslie Wrandall found himself +staring at the face of this stranger among them; not with any +definable interest, but because she happened to be in his line of +vision and her face was so singularly white that it stood out in +cameo-like relief against all this ebony setting. + +The droning voice came up from below, each well-chosen word distinct +and clear: tribute beautiful to the irreproachable character of the +deceased. Leslie watched the face of the girl, curiously fascinated +by the set, emotionless features, and yet without a conscious interest +in her. He was dully sensible to the fact that she was beautiful, +uncommonly beautiful. It did not occur to him to feel that she was +out of place among them, that she belonged downstairs. Somehow +she was a part of the surroundings, like the spectre at the feast. + +If he could have witnessed all that transpired while Sara was in +the room below with her guest--her companion, as he had come to +regard her without having in fact been told as much,--he would have +been lost in a maze of the most overwhelming emotions. + +To go back: The door had barely closed behind the two women when +Hetty's trembling knees gave way beneath her. With a low moan of +horror, she slipped to the floor, covering her face with her hands. + +Sara knelt beside her. + +"Come," she said gently, but firmly; "I must exact this much of +you. If we are to go on together, as we have planned, you must +stand beside me at his bier. Together we must look upon him for the +last time. You must see him as I saw him up there in the country. +I had my cruel blow that night. It is your turn now. I will not +blame you for what you did. But if you expect me to go on believing +that you did a brave thing that night, you must convince me that +you are not a coward now. It is the only test I shall put you to. +Come; I know it is hard, I know it is terrible, but it is the true +test of your ability to go through with it to the end. I shall know +then that you have the courage to face anything that may come up." + +She waited a long time, her hand on the girl's shoulder. At last +Hetty arose. + +"You are right," she said hoarsely. "I should not be afraid." + +Later on, they sat over against the wall beyond the casket, into +which they had peered with widely varying emotions. Sara had said: + +"You know that I loved him." + +The girl put her hands to her eyes and bowed her head. + +"Oh, how can you be so merciful to me?" + +"Because he was not," said Sara, white-lipped. Hetty glanced at +the half-averted face with queer, indescribable expression in her +eyes. + +Then her nerves gave way. She shrank away from the casket, +whimpering like a frightened child, mouttering, almost gibbering +in the extremity of despair. She had lived in dread of this ordeal; +it had been promised the day before by Sara Wrandall, whose will +was law to her. Now she had come to the very apex of realisation. +She felt that her mind was going, that her blood was freezing. In +response to a sudden impulse she sprang up and ran, blindly and +without thought, bringing up against the wall with such force that +she dropped to the floor, quite insensible. + +When she regained her senses, she was lying back in Sara Wrandall's +arms, and a soft faraway voice was pleading with her to wake, to +say something, to open her eyes. + +If Leslie Wrandall could have looked in upon them at that moment, +or at any time during the half an hour that followed, he would have +known who was the slayer of his brother, but it is doubtful if he +could have had the heart to denounce her to the world. + +When they were ready to leave the room, Hetty had regained control +of her nerves to a most surprising extent, a condition unmistakably +due to the influence of the older woman. + +"I can trust myself now, Mrs. Wrandall," said Hetty steadily as +they hesitated for an instant before turning the knob of the door. + +"Then, I shall ask YOU to open the door," said Sara, drawing back. + +Without a word or a look, Hetty opened the door and permitted the +other to pass out before her. Then she followed, closing it gently, +even deliberately, but not without a swift glance over her shoulder +into the depths of the room they were leaving. + +Of the two, Sara Wrandall was the paler as they went up the broad +staircase with Leslie. + +The funeral oration by the Rev. Dr. Maltby dragged on. Among all +his hearers there was but one who believed the things he said of +Challis Wrandall, and she was one of two persons who, so the saying +goes, are the last to find a man out; his mother and his sister. +But in this instance the mother was alone. The silent, attentive +guests on the lower floor listened in grim approval: Dr. Maltby +was doing himself proud. Not one but all of them knew that Maltby +KNEW. And yet how soothing he was. + +Thus afterwards, to his wife, on the way home after a fruitful +silence, spoke Colonel Berkimer, well known to the Tenderloin: + +"When I die, my dear, I want you to be sure to have Maltby in for +the sermon. He's really wonderful." + +"You don't mean to say you BELIEVED all that he said," cried his +wife. + +"Certainly NOT," he snapped. "That's the point." + +Once at the end of a beautifully worded sentence, eulogistic of +the dead man's character as a son and husband, the tense silence +of the room upstairs was shattered by the utterance of a single, +poignant word: + +"God!" + +It was so expressive of surprise, of scorn, of contempt, although +spoken in little more than a whisper, that every one in the room +caught his or her breath in a sharp little gasp, as if cringing +from the effect of an unexpected shock to a sensitive nerve. + +Each looked at his neighbour and then in a shocked sort of way at +every one else, for no one could quite make out who had uttered +the word, and each wondered if, in a fit of abstraction, he could +have done it himself. It unmistakably had been the voice of a woman, +but whose? Hetty knew, but not by the slightest sign did she betray +the fact that the woman who sat beside her was the one to utter +the brief but scathing estimate of the minister's eulogy. + +The hatchet-faced little undertaker stood in the open door again +and solemnly bowed his head to Leslie, lifting his dolorous eyebrows +in lieu of the verbal question. Receiving a simple nod in reply, +he announced that as soon as the guests had departed he would be +pleased to have the family descend to the carriages. + +Outside, the shivering, half-frozen multitude edged its way up to +the line of blue-coats and again whispered the names of the departing +guests, and every neck was craned in the effort to secure the first +view of the casket, the silk-hatted pall-bearers and the weeping +members of the family. + +"They'll be out with 'im in a minute now," said a hoarse-voiced man +who clung to the ornamental face of the tall gate and passed back +the word, for he could see beyond the stream of guests into the +hallway of the house. + +"Git down out o' that," commanded a policeman tapping him sharply +with his night-stick. + +"Aw, I ain't botherin' anybody--" + +"Git down, I say!" + +Grumbling, the man slunk back, and a woman took his place. This was +better for the crowd, as her voice was shriller and she had less +compunction about making herself heard. + +A small boy crept beyond the line and peered, round-eyed, up the +carpeted steps. He received a sharp push from a night-stick and +went blubbering back into the crowd. + +And all through the eager, seething mob went sharp-eyed men in +plain clothes, searching each face with crafty eyes, looking for +the sign that might betray the woman who had brought all this about. +They were men from the central office. Another of their ilk had the +freedom of the house in the guise of an undertaker's assistant. He +watched the favoured few! + +There is a saying that a strange, mysterious force drags the +murderer to the scene of his crime, whether he will or no, to look +with others upon the havoc he has wrought. He has been known to sit +beside the bier of his victim; he has been known to follow him to +the tomb; he has been known to betray himself at the very edge of +the grave. A grim, fantastic thing is conscience! + +At last the crowd gave out a deep, hissing breath and surged forward. +They were bearing Challis Wrandall down the steps. The wall of +policemen held firm; the morbid hundreds fell back and glared with +unblinking eyes at the black thing that slowly crossed the sidewalk +and slid noiselessly into the yawning mouth of the hearse. No +man in all that mob uncovered his head, no woman crossed herself. +Inwardly they reviled the police who kept them from seeing all that +they wanted to see. They were being cheated. + +Then there was an eager shout from the foremost in the throng, and +the word went singing through the crowd, back to the outer fringe, +where men danced like so many jumping-jacks in the effort to see +above the heads of those in front. + +"Here they come!" went the hoarse whisper, like the swish of the +wind. + +"Stand back, please!" + +"That's his mother!" cried a shrill voice, triumphantly,--even +gladly. She was the first to give the news. + +"Keep back!" growled the police, lifting their clubs. + +"Which one is his wife?" + +"Has she come out yet?" + +"Get out of my way, damn you!" + +"Say, if these cops was doing their duty they'd--" + +"That's what I say! No wonder they never ketch anybody." + +"Say, they don't seem to be takin' it very hard. I thought they'd +be cryin' like--" + +"Is that his wife?" + +"Poor little thing! Ouch! You big ruffian!" + +"Swell business, eh?" + +"She won't be sayin' 'Where's my wanderin' boy--'" + +"If we had police in this city that could ketch a street car we'd--" + +"That's old man Wrandall. I've waited on him dozens o' times." + +"Did they have any children?" + +Up in the front rank stood a slim little thing with yellow hair and +carmined lips, wrapped in costly furs yet shivering as if chilled +to the bone. Four plain clothes men were watching her narrowly. She +was known to have been one of Challis Wrandall's associates. When +she shrank back into the crowd and made her way to the outskirts, +hurrying as if pursued by ghosts, two men followed close behind, +and kept her in sight for many blocks. + +The motors and carriages rolled away, and there was left only the +policemen and the unsatiated mob. They watched the undertaker's +assistant remove the great bow of black from the door of the house. + +By the end of the week the murder of Challis Wrandall was forgotten +by all save the police. The inquest was over, the law was baffled, +the city was serenely waiting for its next sensation. No one cared. + +Leslie Wrandall went down to the steamer to see his sister-in-law +off for Europe. + +"Good-bye, Miss Castleton," he said, as he shook the hand of the +slim young Englishwoman at parting. "Take good care of Sara. She +needs a friend, a good friend, now. Keep her over there until she +has--forgotten." + + + + + +CHAPTER V + +DISCUSSING A SISTER-IN-LAW + + + + +"You remember my sister-in-law, don't you, Brandy?" was the question +that Leslie Wrandall put to a friend one afternoon, as they sat +drearily in a window of one of the fashionable up-town clubs, a +little more than a year after the events described in the foregoing +chapters. Drearily, I have said, for the reason that it was Sunday, +and raining at that. + +"I met Mrs. Wrandall a few years ago in Rome," said his companion, +renewing interest in a conversation that had died some time before +of its own exhaustion. "She's most attractive. I saw her but once. +I think it was at somebody's fete." + +"She's returning to New York the end of the month," said Leslie. +"Been abroad for over a year. She had a villa at Nice this winter." + +"I remember her quite well. I was of an age then to be particularly +sensitive to female loveliness. If I'd been staying on in Rome, I +should have screwed up the courage, I'm sure, to have asked her to +sit for me." + +"Lord love you, man, she's posed for half the painters in the world, +it seems to me. Like the duchesses that Romney and those old chaps +used to paint. It occurs to me those grand old dames did nothing but +sit for portraits, year in and year out, all their lives. I don't +see where they found time to scratch up the love affairs they're +reported to have had. There always must have been some painter or +other hanging around. I remember reading that the Duchess of--I +can't remember the name--posed a hundred and sixty-nine times, for +nearly as many painters. Sara's not so bad as all that, of course, +but I don't exaggerate when I say she's been painted a dozen +times--and hung in twice as many exhibits." + +"I know," said the other with a smile. "I've seen a few of them." + +"The best of them all is hanging in her place up in the country, +old man. It's the one my brother liked. A Belgian fellow did it a +couple of years ago. Never been exhibited, so of course you haven't +seen it. Challis wouldn't consent to its being revealed to the +vulgar gaze, he loved it so much." + +"I like that," resented Brandon Booth, with a mild glare. + +"Lot of common, vulgar people do hang about picture galleries, you +will have to admit that, Brandy. They visit 'em in the winter time +to get in where it's warm, and in the summer time they go because +it's nice and shady. That's the sort I mean." + +"What do you know about art or the people who--" + +"I know all there is to know about it, old chap. Haven't we got +Gainsboroughs, and Turners, and Constables, and Corots hanging all +over the place? And a lot of others, too. Reynolds, Romney and +Raeburn,--the three R's. And didn't I tag along with mother to +picture dealers' shops and auctions when every blessed one of 'em +was bought? I know ALL about it, let me tell you. I can tell you what +kind of an 'atmosphere' a painting's got, with my eyes closed; and +as for 'quality' and 'luminosity' and 'broadness' and 'handling,' +I know more this minute about such things than any auctioneer in the +world. I am a past master at it, believe me. One can't go around +buying paintings with his mother without getting a liberal education +in art. She began taking me when I was ten years old. Challis +wouldn't go, so she MADE me do it. Then I always had to go back +with her when she wanted to exchange them for something else the +dealer assured her she ought to have in our collection, and which +invariably cost three times as much. No, my dear fellow, you are +very much mistaken when you say that I don't know anything about +art. I am a walking price-list of all the art this side of the +Dresden gallery. You should not forget that we are a very old New +York family. We've been collecting for over twenty years." + +Both laughed. He liked Wrandall best when he affected mockery +of this sort, although he was keenly alive to a certain breath of +self-glorification in his raillery. Leslie felt a delicious sense +of security in railing at family limitations: he knew that no one +was likely to take him seriously. + +"Nevertheless, your mother has some really fine paintings in the +collection," proclaimed Booth amiably, also descending to snobbishness +without really meaning to do so. He considered Velasquez to be the +superior of all those mentioned by Wrandall, and there was the end +to it, so far as he was concerned. It was ever a source of wonder +to him that Mrs. Wrandall didn't "trade in" everything else she +possessed for a single great Velasquez. + +"Getting back to Sara,--my sister-in-law,--why don't you ask her to +sit for you this summer? She's not going out, you know, and time +will hang so heavily on her hands that she will even welcome another +portrait agony." + +"I can't ask her to--" + +"I'll do the asking, if you say the word." + +"Don't be an ass." + +"I'm quite willing to be one, if it will help you out, old man," +said Leslie cheerfully. + +"And make one of me as well, I suppose. She'd think me a frightful +cub after all those other fellows. After Sargent, ME! Ho, ho! She'd +laugh in my face." + +"If you could paint that smile of hers, Brandy, you'd make Romney +look like an amateur. Most wonderful smile. It's a splendid idea. +Let her laugh in your face, as you say; then paint like the devil +while she's doing it, and your reputation is made for--" + +"Will you have another drink?" + +"No, thanks. I can change the subject without it. What time is it?" + +Both looked at their watches, and put them back again without +remark to resume the interrupted contemplation of Fifth Avenue in +the waning light of a drab, drizzly day. A man in a shiny "slicker" +was pushing a sweep and shovel in the centre of the thoroughfare. +They wondered how long it would be before a motor struck him. + +Brandon Booth was of an old Philadelphia family: an old and wealthy +family. Both views considered, he was qualified to walk hand in +glove with the fastidious Wrandalls. Leslie's mother was charmed +with him because she was also the mother of Vivian. The fact that +he went in for portrait painting and seemed averse to subsisting on +the generosity of his father, preferring to live by his talent, in +no way operated against him, so far as Mrs. Wrandall was concerned. +That was HIS lookout, not hers; if he elected to that sort of +thing, all well and good. He could afford to be eccentric; there +remained, in the perspective he scorned, the bulk of a huge fortune +to offset whatever idiosyncrasies he might choose to cultivate. +Some day, in spite of himself, she contended serenely, he would +be very, very rich. What could be more desirable than fame, family +and fortune all heaped together and thrust upon one exceedingly +interesting and handsome young man? For he would be famous, she was +sure of it. Every one said that of him, even the critics, although +she didn't have much use for critics, retaining opinions of her +own that seldom agreed with theirs. It was enough for her that he +was a Booth, and knew how to behave in a drawing-room, because he +belonged there and was not lugged in by the scruff of an ill-fitting +dress-suit to pose as a Bohemian celebrity. Moreover, he was a +level-headed, well-balanced fellow in spite of his calling; which +was saying a great deal, proclaimed the mother of Vivian in opposition +to her own argument that painters never made satisfactory or even +satisfying husbands: the artistic temperament and all that sort of +thing getting in the way of compatibility. + +He had been the pupil of celebrated draughtsmen and painters in +Europe, and had exhibited a sincerity of purpose that was surprising, +all things considered. The mere fact that he was not obliged to +paint in order to obtain a living, was sufficient cause for wonder +among the artists he met and studied with or under. At first they +regarded him as a youth with a fancy that soon would pass, leaving +him high and dry and safe on something steadier than Art. They +couldn't understand a rich man's son really having aspirations, +although they granted him temperament and ability. But he went +about it so earnestly, so systematically, that they were compelled +to alter the time-honoured tune and to sing praises instead of +whistling their insulting "I-told-you-sos." To the disgust of many, +he had a real purpose supported by talent, and that was what they +couldn't understand in a rich man's son. They hated to see their +traditions spoiled. The only way in which they could account for +it all was that he was an American, and Americans are always doing +the things one doesn't expect them to do, especially along grooves +that ought to be kept closed by tradition. + +When he said good-bye to his European friends and masters, and set +his face toward home, they took off their hats to him, so to speak, +and agreed that he had a brilliant future, without a thought of +the legacy that one day would be his. + +His studio in New York was not a fashionable resting place. It was +a work-shop. You could have tea there, of course, and you were sure +to meet people you knew and liked, but it was quite as much of a +work-shop as any you could mention. He was not a dabbler in art, +not a mere dauber of pigments: he was an ARTIST. People argued that +because he was a thoroughbred and doomed to be rich, his conscious +egotism would show itself at once in the demand for ridiculously high +prices. In that they happily were fooled, not to say disappointed. +He began by painting the portrait of a well-known society woman of +great wealth, who sat to him because she wanted to "take him up," +and who was absolutely disconsolate when he announced, at the end +of the sittings, that his price was five hundred dollars. She would +not believe her ears. + +"Why, my dear Brandon, you will be ruined--utterly ruined--if it +becomes known that you ask less than five thousand," she had cried, +almost in tears. "No one will come to you." + +He had smiled. "A master's price is for a master, not for a tyro. +If they want to pay five thousand dollars for a portrait, I can +recommend a dozen or more gentlemen whose work is worth it. Mine +isn't. Some day I hope to be able to say five thousand with a great +deal more assurance than I now say five hundred, Mrs. Wheeler, but +it won't be until I have courage, not nerve." + +"But NOBODY will sit for a five hundred dollar portrait," she +expostulated. "Really, Brandon, I prefer to pay five thousand. I +can't--I simply cannot tell people that I paid only five--" + +"Will you give six hundred?" he asked, his smile broadening. + +"Absurd!" + +"Seven hundred?" + +"Why, it sounds as if you were jewing me up, not I trying to jew +you down," she cried, dismayed. + +"That's the point," he said, with mock gravity. "If my price isn't +what it ought to be in your opinion, it is only fair that I should +make concessions. My picture is worth five hundred dollars, but I +am willing to do a little better than that by you. I will make it +seven-fifty to you, but not a cent more." + +"Can't I jew you up any higher, dear boy?" + +"No," with a smile; "but if you will consent to sit to me ten years +from now, I promise faithfully to ask five thousand of you without +a blush." + +"Ah, but ten years from now I should blush to even think of having +my portrait painted." + +"Ten years will make no change in you," said he gallantly, "but I +expect them to make quite another artist of me." + +And so his price was established for the time being. He offset +the chilling effect of the low figure by deliberately declining +commissions to paint women who fell below a rather severe standard +of personal attractiveness. Gross women were not allowed to crowd +his canvases; ugly ones who succeeded in tempting him were surprised +to find how ugly they really were when the portrait was finished. +He made it a point never to lie about a woman, not even on canvas. +It made him very unpopular with certain ladies who wanted to be +lied about--on canvas. + +As the result of his rather independent attitude, he had more +commissions than he could fill. When it got about that he cared to +paint only attractive women, his studio was besieged by ladies of +a curious turn of mind. If they discovered that he was willing to +paint them, they blissfully dropped the matter and went happily on +their way. If they found that his time was so fully occupied that +he could not paint them they urged him to reconsider--even offering +to quadruple his price if he would only "do" them. One exceedingly +plain woman, who couldn't be reconciled to Nature, offered him +twenty thousand dollars if he would paint her for the Metropolitan +Museum. Another asked him if he was a pupil of Gainsborough. Finding +that he was not, she asked WHY not, with all the money he had at +his command. + +He had been in New York for the better part of two years at the +time he is introduced into this narrative. Years of his life had +been spent abroad, yet he was not a stranger in a strange land +when he took up his residence in Gotham. Society opened its arms +to him. It was like a home-coming. Had he been a bridge player, +his coronation might have been complete. + +Booth was thirty,--perhaps a year or two older; tall, dark and +good-looking. The air of the thoroughbred marked him. He did not +affect loose flowing cravats and baggy trousers, nor was he careless +about his finger-nails. He was simply the ordinary, everyday sort +of chap you would meet in Fifth Avenue during parade hours, and +you would take a second look at him because of his face and manner +but not on account of his dress. Some of his ancestors came over +ahead of the Mayflower, but he did not gloat. + +Leslie Wrandall was his closest friend and harshest critic. It +didn't really matter to Booth what Leslie said of his paintings: +he quite understood that he didn't know anything about them. + +"When does Mrs. Wrandall return?" asked the painter, after a long +period of silence spent in contemplation of the gleaming pavement +beyond the club's window. + +"That's queer," said Leslie, looking up. "I was thinking of Sara +myself. She sails next week. I've had a letter asking me to open her +house in the country. Her place is about two miles from father's. +It hasn't been opened in two years. Her father built it fifteen or +twenty years ago, and left it to her when he died. She and Challis +spent several summers there." + +"Vivian took me through it one afternoon last summer." + +"It must have been quite as much of a novelty to her as it was to +you, old chap," said Leslie gloomily. + +"What do you mean?" + +"Vivian's a bit of a snob. She never liked the place because old +man Gooch built it out of worsteds. She never went there." + +"But the old man's been dead for years." + +"That doesn't matter. The fact is, Vivian didn't quite take to Sara +until after--well, until after Challis died. We're dreadful snobs, +Brandy, the whole lot of us. Sara was quite good enough for a much +better man than my brother. She really couldn't help the worsteds, +you know. I'm very fond of her, and always have been. We're pals. +'Gad, it was a fearful slap at the home folks when Challis justified +Sara by getting snuffed out the way he did." + +Booth made an attempt to change the subject, but Wrandall got back +to it. + +"Since then we've all been exceedingly sweet on Sara. Not because +we want to be, mind you, but because we're afraid she'll marry some +chap who wouldn't be acceptable to us." + +"I should consider that a very neat way out of it," said Booth +coldly. + +"Not at all. You see, Challis was fond of Sara, in spite of everything. +He left a will and under it she came in for all he had. As that +includes a third interest in our extremely refined and irreproachable +business, it would be a deuce of a trick on us if she married one +of the common people and set him up amongst us, willy-nilly. We +don't want strange bed-fellows. We're too snug--and, I might say, +too smug. Down in her heart, mother is saying to herself it would +be just like Sara to get even with us by doing just that sort of +a trick. Of course, Sara is rich enough without accepting a sou +under the will, but she's a canny person. She hasn't handed it back +to us on a silver platter, with thanks; still, on the other hand, +she refuses to meddle. She makes us feel pretty small. She won't +sell out to us. She just sits tight. That's what gets under the +skin with mother." + +"I wouldn't say that, Les, if I were in your place." + +"It is a rather priggish thing to say, isn't it?" + +"Rather." + +"You see, I'm the only one who really took sides with Sara. I forget +myself sometimes. She was such a brick, all those years." + +Booth was silent for a moment, noting the reflective look in his +companion's eyes. + +"I suppose the police haven't given up the hope that sooner or +later the--er--the woman will do something to give herself away," +said he. + +"They don't take any stock in my theory that she made way with +herself the same night. I was talking with the chief yesterday. He +says that any one who had wit to cover up her tracks as she did, +is not the kind to make way with herself. Perhaps he's right. It +sounds reasonable. 'Gad, I felt sorry for the poor girl they had +up last spring. She went through the third degree, if ever any one +did, but, by Jove, she came out of it all right. The Ashtley girl, +you remember. I've dreamed about that girl, Brandy, and what they +put her through. It's a sort of nightmare to me, even when I'm +awake. Oh, they've questioned others as well, but she was the only +one to have the screws twisted in just that way." + +"Where is she now?" + +"She's comfortable enough now. When I wrote to Sara about what she'd +been through, she settled a neat bit of money on her, and she'll +never want for anything. She's out West somewhere, with her mother +and sisters. I tell you, Sara's a wonder. She's got a heart of +gold." + +"I look forward to meeting her, old man." + +"I was with her for a few weeks this winter. In Nice, you know. +Vivian stayed on for a week, but mother had to get to the baths. +'Gad, I believe she hated to go. Sara's got a most adorable +girl staying with her. A daughter of Colonel Castleton, and she's +connected in some way with the Murgatroyds--old Lord Murgatroyd, +you know. I think her mother was a niece of the old boy. Anyhow, +mother and Vivian have taken a great fancy to her. That's proof of +the pudding." + +"I think Vivian mentioned a companion of some sort." + +"You wouldn't exactly call her a companion," said Leslie. "She's +got money to burn, I take it. Quite keeps up with Sara in making it +fly, and that's saying a good deal for her resources. I think it's +a pose on her part, this calling herself a companion. An English +joke, eh? As a matter of fact, she's an old friend of Sara's +and my brother's too. Knew them in England. Most delightful girl. +Oh, I say, old man, she's the one for you to paint." Leslie waxed +enthusiastic. "A type, a positive type. Never saw such eyes in all +my life. Dammit, they haunt you. You dream about 'em." + +"You seem to be hard hit," said Booth indifferently. He was watching +the man in the "slicker" through moody eyes. + +"Oh, nothing like that," disclaimed Leslie, with unnecessary promptness. +"But if I were given to that sort of thing, I'd be bowled over in +a minute. Positively adorable face. If I thought you had it in you +to paint a thing as it really is, I'd commission you myself to do +a miniature for me, just to have it around where I could pick it +up when I liked and hold it between my hands, just as I've often +wanted to hold the real thing." + +"Come, come! You're dotty about her." + +"Get Vivian to tell you about her," said Leslie sweepingly. "Come +down and have dinner with me to-night. She'll bear out--" + +"I'll take your word for it. Thanks for the bid, but I can't come. +Dining at the Ritz with Joey and Linda. I think I'll be off." + +He stretched himself, took the final, reluctant look of the artist +at the "slicker" man, and moved away. Leslie called after him: + +"Wait till you see her." + +"All right. I'll wait." + +Sara Wrandall returned to New York at the end of the month, +and Leslie met her at the dock, as he did on an occasion fourteen +months earlier. Then she came in on a fierce gale from the wintry +Atlantic; this time the air was soft and balmy and sweet with the +kindness of spring. It was May and the sea was blue, the land was +green. + +Again she went to the small, exclusive hotel near the Park. Her +apartment was closed, the butler and his wife and all of their +hastily recruited company being in the country, awaiting her arrival +from town. Leslie attended to everything. He lent his resourceful +man-servant and his motor to his lovely sister-in-law, and saw to +it that his mother and Vivian sent flowers to the ship. Redmond +Wrandall called at the hotel immediately after banking hours, +kissed his daughter-in-law, and delivered an ultimatum second-hand +from the power at home: she was to come to dinner and bring Miss +Castleton. A little quiet family dinner, you know, because they +were all in mourning, he said in conclusion, vaguely realising all +the while that it really wasn't necessary to supply the information, +but, for the life of him, unable to think of anything else to say +under the circumstances. Somehow it seemed to him that while Sara +was in black she was not in mourning in the same sense that the +rest of them were. It seemed only right to acquaint her with the +conditions in his household. And he knew that he deserved the scowl +that Leslie bestowed upon him. + +Sara accepted, much to his surprise and gratification. He had been +rather dubious about it. It would not have surprised him in the +least if she had declined the invitation, feeling, as he did, that +he had in a way come to her with a white flag or an olive branch +or whatever it is that a combative force utilises when it wants to +surrender in the cause of humanity. + +Leslie was a very observing person. It might have been said of him +that he was always on the lookout for the things that most people +were unlikely to notice: the trivial things that really were +important. He not only took in his father's amiable blunder, but +caught the curious expression in Hetty's dark blue eyes, and the +sharp almost inaudible catch of her breath. The gleam was gone +in an instant, but it made an impression on him. He found himself +wondering if the girl was a snob as well as the rest of them. +The look in her eyes betrayed unmistakable surprise and--yes, he +was quite sure of it--dismay when Sara accepted the invitation to +dine. Was it possible that the lovely Miss Castleton considered +herself--but no! Of course it couldn't be that. The Wrandalls were +good enough for dukes and duchesses. Still he could not get beyond +the fact that he HAD seen the look of disapproval. 'Gad, thought +he, it was almost a look of appeal. He made up his mind, as he +stood there chatting with her, that he would find out from Vivian +what his mother had done to create an unpleasant estimate of +the family in the eyes of this gentle, refined cousin of old Lord +Murgatroyd. + +He was quite as quick to detect the satirical smile in Sara's frank, +amused eyes as she graciously accepted the invitation to the home +whose doors had only been half-open to her in the past. It scratched +his pride a bit to think of the opinion she must have of the family, +and he was inexpressibly glad that she could not consistently class +him with the others. He found himself feeling a bit sorry for the +old gentleman, and hoped that he missed the touch of irony in Sara's +voice. + +Old Mr. Wrandall floundered from one invitation to another. + +"Of course, Sara, my dear, you will want to go out to the cemetery +to-morrow, I shall be only too ready to accompany you. We have +erected a splendid--" + +"No, thank you, Mr. Wrandall," she interrupted gently. "I shall +not go to the cemetery." + +Leslie intervened. "You understand, don't you, father?" he said, +rather out of patience. + +The old gentleman lowered his head. "Yes, yes," he hastened to +say. "Quite so, quite so. Then we may expect you at eight, Sara, +and you, Miss Castleton. Mrs, Wrandall is looking forward to seeing +you again. It isn't often she takes a liking to--ahem! I beg your +pardon, Leslie?" + +"I was just going to suggest that we move along, dad. I fancy you +want to get at your trunks, Sara. Smuggled a few things through, +eh? Women never miss a chance to get a couple of dozen dresses +through, as you'll discover if you become a real American, Miss +Castleton. It's in the blood." + +Mr. Wrandall fell into another trap. "Now please remember that we +are to dine very informally," he hastened to say, his mind on the +smuggled gowns. It was his experience that gowns that escaped duty +invariably were "creations." + +Leslie got him away. + +As soon as they were alone, Hetty turned to her friend. + +"Oh, Sara, can't you go without me? Tell them that I am ill--suddenly +ill. I--I don't think it right or honourable of me to accept--" + +Sara shook her head, and the words died on the girl's lips. + +"You must play the game, Hetty." + +"It's--very hard," murmured the other, her face very white and +bleak. + +"I know, my dear," said Sara gently. + +"If they should ever find out," gasped the girl, suddenly giving +way to the dread that had been lying dormant all these months. + +"They will never know the truth unless you choose to enlighten +them," said Sara, putting her arm about the girl's shoulders and +drawing her close. + +"You never cease to be wonderful, Sara,--so very wonderful," cried +the girl, with a look of worship in her eyes. + +Sara regarded her in silence for a moment, reflecting. Then, with +a swift rush of tears to her eyes, she cried fiercely: + +"You must never, never tell me all that happened, Hetty! You must +not speak it with your own lips." + +Hetty's eyes grew dark with pain and wonder. + +"That is the thing I can't understand in you, Sara," she said +slowly. + +"We must not speak of it!" + +Hetty's bosom heaved. "Speak of it!" she cried, absolute agony in +her voice. "Have I not kept it locked in my heart since that awful +day--" + +"Hush!" + +"I shall go mad if I cannot talk with you about--" + +"No, no! It is the forbidden subject! I know all that I should +know--all that I care to know. We have not said so much as this +in months--in ages, it seems. Let sleeping dogs lie. We are better +off, my dear. I could not touch your lips again." + +"I--I can't bear the thought of that!" + +"Kiss me now, Hetty." + +"I could die for you, Sara," cried Hetty, as she impulsively obeyed +the command. + +"I mean that you shall live for me," said Sara, smiling through +her tears. "How silly of me to cry. It must be the room we are in. +These are the same rooms, dear, that you came to on the night we +met. Ah, how old I feel!" + +"Old? You say that to me? I am ages and ages older than you," cried +Hetty, the colour coming back to her soft cheeks. + +"You are twenty-three." + +"And you are twenty-eight." + +Sara had a far away look in her eyes. "About your size and figure," +said she, and Hetty did not comprehend. + + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +SOUTHLOOK + + + + +Sara Wrandall's house in the country stood on a wooded knoll +overlooking the Sound. It was rather remotely located, so far as +neighbours were concerned. Her father, Sebastian Gooch, shrewdly +foresaw the day when land in this particular section of the suburban +world would return dollars for the pennies, and wisely bought +thousands of acres: woodland, meadowland, beachland and hills, +inserted between the environs of New York City and the rich towns +up the coast. Years afterward he built a commodious summer home on +the choicest point that his property afforded, named it Southlook, +and transformed that particular part of his wilderness into +a millionaire's paradise, where he could dawdle and putter to his +heart's content, where he could spend his time and his money with +a prodigality that came so late in life to him that he made waste +of both in his haste to live down a rather parsimonious past. + +Two miles and a half away, in the heart of a scattered colony of +purse-proud New Yorkers, was the country home of the Wrandalls, an +imposing place and older by far than Southlook. It had descended +from well-worn and time-stained ancestors to Redmond Wrandall, +and, with others of its kind, looked with no little scorn upon the +modern, mushroom structures that sprouted from the seeds of trade. +There was no friendship between the old and the new. Each had +recourse to a bitter contempt for the other, though consolation +was small in comparison. + +It was in the wooded by-ways of this despised domain that Challis +Wrandall and Sara, the earthly daughter of Midas, met and loved and +defied all things supernal, for matches are made in heaven. Their +marriage did not open the gates of Nineveh. Sebastian Gooch's +paradise was more completely ostracised than it was before the +disaster. The Wrandalls spoke of it as a disaster. + +Clearly the old merchant was not over-pleased with his daughter's +choice, a conclusion permanently established by the alteration he +made in his will a year or two after the marriage. True, he left +the vast estate to his beloved daughter Sara, but he fastened a +stout string to it, and with this string her hands were tied. It +must have occurred to him that Challis was a profligate in more ways +than one, for he deliberately stipulated in his will that Sara was +not to sell a foot of the ground until a period of twenty years had +elapsed. A very polite way, it would seem, of making his investment +safe in the face of considerable odds. + +He lived long enough after the making of his will, I am happy to +relate, to find that he had made no mistake. As he preceded his +son-in-law into the Great Beyond by a scant three years, it readily +may be seen that he wrought too well by far. Seventeen unnecessary +years of proscription remained, and he had not intended them for +Sara ALONE. He was not afraid of Sara, but for her. + +When the will was read and the condition revealed, Challis Wrandall +took it in perfect good humour. He had the grace to proclaim +in the bosom of his father's family that the old gentleman was a +father-in-law to be proud of. "A canny old boy," he had announced +with his most engaging smile, quite free from rancour or resentment. +Challis was well acquainted with himself. + +And so the acres were strapped together snugly and firmly, without +so much as a town-lot protruding. + +So impressed was Challis by the farsightedness of his father-in-law +that he forthwith sat him down and made a will of his own. He would +not have it said that Sara's father did a whit better by her than +he would do. He left everything he possessed to his wife, but put +no string to it, blandly implying that all danger would be past +when she came into possession. There was a sort of grim humour in +the way he managed to present himself to view as the real and ready +source of peril. + +Among certain of the Wrandall clan there was serious talk of +contesting the will. It was a distinct shock to all of them. Some +one made bold to assert that Challis was not in his right mind at +the time it was executed. For that matter, a couple of uncles on +his mother's side were of the broad opinion that he never had been +mentally adequate. + +During a family conference four days after the funeral, Leslie +launched forth at some length and with considerable heat, expressing +an opinion that met with small favour at the outset but which had +its results later on. + +"Why," he declaimed, standing before the fireplace with his hands +in his pockets, "if Sara dreamed that we even so much as contemplate +making a fuss about Chal's will, she'd up and chuck the whole blooming +legacy in our faces, and be glad to do it. She's got plenty of her +own. She doesn't need the little that Challis left her. Then, what +would we look like, tell me that? What would the world say? Why, +it would say that she didn't think our money was clean enough to +mix with old man Gooch's. She'd throw it in our faces and the whole +town would snicker." + +"Figuratively speaking, young man, figuratively speaking," said +one of the uncles, a stockholder and director. + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"That she--ahem! That she couldn't actually THROW it." + +"I'm not so literal as you, Uncle George." + +"Then why use the word THROW?" + +"Of course, Uncle George, I don't mean to say she'd have it reduced +to gold coin and stand off and take shots at us. You understand +that, don't you?" + +"Leslie," put in his father, "you have a most distressing way +of--er--putting it. Your Uncle George is not so dense as all that." + +"I didn't use the word 'throw' in the first place," said Leslie, +with a shrug. "I said 'chuck.'" + +"I distinctly heard you use the word 'throw,'" said Uncle George, +very red in the face. + +"It was on the second occasion, George," said Mrs. Wrandall, loyal +to Leslie. + +"In either case," said her son, "we'd be made ridiculous. That's +the long and short of it. Even if she HANDED it to us on a silver +plate,--figuratively speaking, Uncle George,--we'd be made to look +like thirty cents." + +"Well, I'm damn--" began Uncle George, almost forgetting where he +was, but remembering in time. He was afraid to utter a word for +the next ten minutes, and Leslie was spared the interruptions. + +It was decided that the will should stand. Later on, the alarming +prospect of Sara's perfect right to marry again came up to mar the +peace of mind of all the Wrandalls, and it grew to be horribly real +without a single move on her part to warrant the fears they were +encouraging. + +Sara and Hetty did not stay long in town. The newspapers announced +the return of Challis Wrandall's widow and reporters sought her +out for interviews. The old interest was revived and columns were +printed about the murder at Burton's Inn, with sharp editorial +comments on the failure of the police to clear up the mystery. + +The woods were green and the earth was redolent of rich spring +odours; wild flowers peeped shyly from the leaf-strewn soil in the +shadow of the trees; some, more bold than others, came down to +the roadway, and from the banks and hedges smiled saucily upon all +who passed; the hillsides were like spotless carpets, the meadows +a riot of clover hues. The world was light with the life of the +new-born year, for who shall say that the year does not begin with +the birth of spring? May! May, when the earth begins to bear, not +January when it sets out in sorrow to bury its dead. New Year's +day it is, when the first tiny flower of spring comes to life and +smiles oh the face of Mother Earth, and the sun is warm with the +love of a gentle father. + +"I shall ask Leslie down for the week-end," said Sara, the third +day after their arrival in the country. The house was huge and +lonely, and time hung rather heavily despite the glorious uplift +of spring. + +Hetty looked up quickly from her book. A look of dismay flickered +in her eyes for an instant and then gave way to the calmness that +had come to dwell in their depths of late. Her lips parted in the +sudden impulse to cry out against the plan, but she checked the +words. For a moment, her dark, questioning eyes studied the face +of her benefactress; then, as if nothing had been revealed to her, +she allowed her gaze to drift pensively out toward the sunset sea. + +They were sitting on the broad verandah overlooking the Sound. The +dusk of evening was beginning to steal over the earth. She laid +her book aside. + +"Will you telephone in to him after dinner, Hetty?" went on Sara, +after a long period of silence. + +Again Hetty started. This time a look of actual pain flashed in +her eyes. + +"Would not a note by post be more certain to find him in the--" +she began hurriedly. + +"I dislike writing notes," said Sara calmly. "Of course, dear, if +you feel that you'd rather not telephone to him, I can--" + +"I dare say I am finicky, Sara," apologised Hetty in quick contrition. +"Of course, he is your brother. I should remem--" + +"My brother-in-law, dear," said Sara, a trifle too literally. + +"He will come often to your house," went on Hetty rapidly. "I must +make the best of it." + +"He is your friend, Hetty. He admires you." + +"I cannot see him through your eyes, Sara." + +"But he IS charming and agreeable, you'll admit," persisted the +other. + +"He is very kind, and he is devoted to you. I should like him for +that." + +"You have no cause for disliking him." + +"I do not dislike him. I--I am--Oh, you always have been so +thoughtful, so considerate, Sara, I can't understand your failing +to see how hard it is for me to--to--well, to endure his open-hearted +friendship." + +Sara was silent for a moment. "You draw a pretty fine line, Hetty," +she said gently. + +Hetty flushed. "You mean that there is little to choose between +wife and brother? That isn't quite fair. You know everything, he +knows nothing. I wear a mask for him; you have seen into the very +heart of me. It isn't the same." + +Sara came over and stood beside the girl's chair. After a moment of +indecision, she laid her hand on Hetty's shoulder. The girl looked +up, the ever-recurring question in her eyes. + +"We haven't spoken of--of these things in many months, Hetty." + +"Not since Mrs. Wrandall and Vivian came to Nice. I was upset--dreadfuly +upset then, Sara. I don't know how I managed to get through with +it." + +"But you managed it," pronounced Sara. Her fingers seemed to tighten +suddenly on the girl's shoulder. "I think we were quite wonderful, +both of us. It wasn't easy for me." + +"Why did we come back to New York, Sara?" burst out Hetty, clasping +her friend's hand as if suddenly spurred by terror. "We were happy +over there. And free!" + +"Listen, my dear," said Sara, a hard note growing in her voice: +"this is my home. I do not love it, but I can see no reason for +abandoning it. That is why we came back to New York." + +Hetty pressed her friend's hand to her lips. "Forgive me," she +cried impulsively. "I shouldn't have complained. It was detestable." + +"Besides," went on Sara evenly, "you were quite free to remain on +the other side. I left it to you." + +"You gave me a week to decide," said Hetty, in a hurried manner of +speaking. "I--I took but twenty-four hours--less than that. Over +night, you remember. I love you, Sara. I could not leave you. All +that night I could feel you pulling at my heart-strings, pulling +me closer and closer, and holding me. You were in your room, I in +mine, and yet all the time you seemed to be bending over me in the +darkness, urging me to stay with you and love you and be loved by +you. It couldn't have been a dream." + +"It was not a dream," said Sara, with a queer smile. + +"You DO love me?" tensely. + +"I DO love you," was the firm answer. Sara was staring out across +the water, her eyes big and as black as night itself. She seemed +to be looking far beyond the misty lights that bobbled with nearby +schooners, far beyond the yellow mass on the opposite shore where +a town lay cradled in the shadows, far into the fast darkening sky +that came up like a wall out of the east. + +Hetty's fingers tightened in a warmer clasp. Unconsciously perhaps, +Sara's grip on the girl's shoulder tightened also: unconsciously, +for her thoughts were far away. The younger woman's pensive gaze +rested on the peaceful waters below, taking in the slow approach of +the fog that was soon to envelop the land. Neither spoke for many +minutes: inscrutable thinkers, each a prey to thoughts that leaped +backward to the beginning and took up the puzzle at its inception. + +"I wonder--" began Hetty, her eyes narrowing with the intensity of +thought. She did not complete the sentence. + +Sara answered the unspoken question. "It will never be different +from what it is now, unless you make it so." + +Hetty started. "How could you have known what I was thinking?" she +cried in wonder. + +"It is what you are always thinking, my dear. You are always asking +yourself when will I turn against you." + +"Sara!" + +"Your own intelligence should supply the answer to all the questions +you are asking of yourself. It is too late for me to turn against +you." She abruptly removed her hand from Hetty's shoulder and walked +to the edge of the verandah. For the first time, the English girl +was conscious of pain. She drew her arm up and cringed. She pulled +the light scarf about her bare shoulders. + +The butler appeared in the doorway. + +"The telephone, if you please, Miss Castleton. Mr. Leslie Wrandall +is calling." + +The girl stared. "For me, Watson?" + +"Yes, Miss. I forgot to say that he called up this afternoon while +you were out," very apologetically, with a furtive glance at Mrs. +Wrandall, who had turned. + +"Loss of memory, Watson, is a fatal affliction," she said, with a +smile. + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall. I don't see 'ow it 'appened." + +"It is not likely to happen again." + +"No, madam." + +Hetty had risen, visibly agitated. + +"What shall I say to him, Sara?" she cried. + +"Apparently it is he who has something to say to you," said the +other, still smiling. "Wait and see what it is. Please don't neglect +to say that we'd like to have him over Sunday." + +"A box of flowers has just come up from the station for you, Miss," +said Watson. + +Hetty was very white as she passed into the house. Mrs. Wrandall +resumed her contemplation of the fog-screened Sound. + +"Shall I fetch you a wrap, ma'am?" asked Watson, hesitating. + +"I am coming in, Watson. Open the box of flowers for Miss Castleton. +Is there a fire in the library?" + +"Yes, Mrs. Wrandall." + +"Mr. Leslie will be out on Saturday. Tell Mrs. Conkling." + +"The evening train, ma'am?" + +"No. The eleven-thirty. He will be here for luncheon." + +When Hetty hurried into the library a few minutes later, her +manner was that of one considerably disturbed by something that +has transpired almost on the moment. Her cheeks were flushed and +her eyes were reflectors of a no uncertain distress of mind. Mrs. +Wrandall was standing before the fireplace, an exquisite figure +in the slinky black evening gown which she affected in these days. +Her perfectly modelled neck and shoulders gleamed like pink marble +in the reflected glow of the burning logs. She wore no jewellery, +but there was a single white rose in her dark hair, where it had +been placed by the whimsical Hetty an hour earlier as they left +the dinner table. + +"He is coming out on the eleven-thirty, Sara," said the girl +nervously, "unless you will send the motor in for him. The body of +his car is being changed and it's in the shop. He must have been +jesting when he said he would pay for the petrol--I should have +said gasoline." + +Sara laughed. "You will know him better, my dear," she said. "Leslie +is very light-hearted." + +"He suggested bringing a friend," went on Hetty hurriedly. "A Mr. +Booth, the portrait painter." + +"I met him in Italy. He is charming. You will like HIM, too, Hetty." +The emphasis did not escape notice. + +"It seems that he is spending a fortnight in the village, this Mr. +Booth, painting spring lambs for rest and recreation, Mr. Leslie +says." + +"Then he is at our very gates," said Sara, looking up suddenly. + +"I wonder if he can be the man I saw yesterday at the bridge," +mused Hetty. "Is he tall?" + +"I really can't say. He's rather vague. It was six or seven years +ago." + +"It was left that Mr. Wrandall is to come out on the eleven-thirty," +explained Hetty. "I thought you wouldn't like sending either of +the motors in." + +"And Mr. Booth?" + +"We are to send for him after Mr. Wrandall arrives. He is stopping +at the inn, wherever that may be." + +"Poor fellow!" sighed Sara, with a grimace. "I am sure he will like +us immensely if he has been stopping at the inn." + +Hetty stood staring down at the blazing logs for a full minute +before giving expression to the thought that troubled her. + +"Sara," she said, meeting her friend's eyes with a steady light +in her own, "why did Mr. Wrandall ask for me instead of you? It is +you he is coming to visit, not me. It is your house. Why should--" + +"My dear," said Sara glibly, "I am merely his sister-in-law. It +wouldn't be neecssary to ask me if he should come. He knows he is +welcome." + +"Then why should he feel called upon to--" + +"Some men like to telephone, I suppose," said the other coolly. + +"I wonder if you will ever understand how I feel about--about +certain things, Sara." + +"What, for instance?" + +"Well, his very evident interest in me," cried the girl hotly. "He +sends me flowers,--this is the second box this week,--and he is so +kind, so VERY friendly, Sara, that I can't bear it--I really can't." + +Mrs. Wrandall stared at her. "You can't very well send him about +his business," she said, "unless he becomes more than friendly. +Now, can you?" + +"But it seems so--so horrible, so beastly," groaned the girl. + +Sara faced her squarely. "See here, Hetty," she said levelly, "we +have made our bed, you and I. We must lie in it--together. If Leslie +Wrandall chooses to fall in love with you, that is his affair, not +ours. We must face every condition. In plain words, we must play +the game." + +"What could be more appalling than to have him fall in love with +me?" + +"The other way 'round would be more dramatic, I should say." + +"Good God, Sara!" cried the girl in horror. "How can you even speak +of such a thing?" + +"After all, why shouldn't--" began Sara, but stopped in the middle +of her suggestion, with the result that it had its full effect without +being uttered in so many cold-blooded words. The girl shuddered. + +"I wish, Sara, you would let me unburden myself completely to you," +she pleaded, seizing her friend's hands. "You have forbidden me--" + +Sara jerked her hands away. Her eyes flashed. "I do not want to +hear it," she cried fiercely. "Never, never! Do you understand? +It is your secret. I will not share it with you. I should hate you +if I knew everything. As it is, I love you because you are a woman +who suffered at the hand of one who made me suffer. There is nothing +more to say. Don't bring up the subject again. I want to be your +friend for ever, not your confidante. There is a distinction. You +may be able to see how very marked it is in our case, Hetty. What +one does not know, seldom hurts." + +"But I want to justify myself--" + +"It isn't necessary," cut in the other so peremptorily that the +girl's eyes spread into a look of anger. Whereupon Sara Wrandall +threw her arm about her and drew her down beside her on the +chaise-longue. "I didn't mean to be harsh," she cried. "We must +not speak of the past, that's all. The future is not likely to hurt +us, dear. Let us avoid the past." + +"The future!" sighed the girl, staring blankly before her. + +"To appreciate what it is to be," said the other, "you have but to +think of what it might have been." + +"I know," said Hetty, in a low voice. "And yet I sometimes wonder +if--" + +Sara interrupted. "You are paying me, dear, instead of the law," +she said gently. "I am not a harsh creditor, am I?" + +"My life belongs to you. I give it cheerfully, even gladly." + +"So you have said before. Well, if it belongs to me, you might at +least permit me to develop it as I would any other possession. I +take it as an investment. It will probably fluctuate." + +"Now you are jesting!" + +"Perhaps," said Sara laconically. + +The next morning Hetty set forth for her accustomed tramp over the +roads that wound through the estate. Sara, the American, dawdled +at home, resenting the chill spring drizzle that did not in the +least discourage the Englishwoman. The mistress of the house and +of the girl's destiny stood in the broad French window watching her +as she strode springily, healthily down the maple lined avenue in +the direction of the gates. The gardeners doffed their caps to her +as she passed, and also looked after her with surreptitious glances. + +There was a queer smile on Sara's lips that remained long after the +girl was lost to view beyond the lodge. It was still on her lips +but gone from her eyes as she paused beside the old English table +to bury her nose in one of the gorgeous roses that Leslie had sent +out to Hetty the day before. They were all about the room, dozens +of them. The girl had insisted on having them downstairs instead of +in her own little sitting-room, for which they plainly were intended. + +A nasty sea turn had brought lowering grey skies and a dreary, +enveloping mist that never quite assumed the dignity of a drizzle +and yet blew wet and cold to the very marrow of the bones. Hetty +was used to such weather. Her English blood warmed to it. As she +strode briskly across the meadow-land road in the direction of the +woods that lay ahead, a soft ruddy glow crept up to her cheeks, +and a sparkle of joy into her eyes. She walked strongly, rapidly. +Her straight, lithe young figure was a joyous thing to behold. +High boots, short skirt, a loose jacket and a broad felt hat made +up her costume. She was graceful, adorable; a young, healthy, +beautiful creature in whom the blood surged quickly, strongly: the +type of woman men are wont to classify as "ineffably feminine," +though why we should differentiate is no small mystery unless +there really is such a thing as one woman possessing an adorably +feminine quality denied to her sisters. Be that as it may, there +IS a distinction and men pride themselves on knowing it. Hetty was +alluringly feminine. Leaving out the matter of morals, whatever +they are, and coming right up to her as an example of her sex, pure +and simple if you please, we are bound to say that she was perfect. +The best thing we can say of Challis Wrandall is that he took the +same view of her that we should, and fell in love with her. He +would have married her if he could, there isn't much doubt as to +that, no matter what she had been before he knew her or what she +was at the time of his discovery. No more is it to be considered +unique that his brother should have experienced a similar interest +in her, knowing even less. + +She was the sort of girl one falls in love with and remembers it +the rest of his life. + +Take her now, for instance, as she swings along the highway, fresh, +trim and graceful, her chin uptilted, her cheeks warm, her eyes +clear and as blue as sapphires, and we experience the most intense, +unreasoning desire to be near her, at her side, where hands could +touch her and the very spell of her creep out over one to make a +man of him. + +The kind of woman one wants to draw close to him because his heart +is sweet. + +She had the blood of a fellow creature on her hands--the blood of +one of us--and yet we men will overlook one commandment for another. +It is a matter of choice. + +What of her present position in the house and in the heart of the +one woman who of all those we know is abnormally unfeminine in that +she subordinates the natural and instinctive animosity of woman +toward another who robs her of a husband, no matter how unworthy +or how hateful he may have been to her behind the screen with which +she hides her sores from the world. The answer is ready: Hetty +was a slave bound to an extraordinary condition. There had been no +coercion on the part of Challis Wrandall's wife; no actual restraint +had been set upon the girl. The situation was a plain one from every +point of view: Hetty owed her life to Sara, she would have paid +with her life's blood the debt she owed. It had become perfectly +natural for her to consider herself a willing, grateful prisoner--a +prisoner on parole. She would not, could not abuse the parole. She +loved her gaoler with a love that knew no bounds; she loved the +walls Sara had thrown up about her; she was content to live and +die in the luxurious cell, attended by love and kindness and mercy. +After all, Hetty was even more feminine than we seem able to convey +in words. + +Not in that she lacked in pride or sensitiveness, but that she +possessed to a self-satisfying degree the ability to subordinate +both of these to a loyalty that had no bounds. There were fine +feelings in Hetty. She was honest with herself. She did not look +beyond her present horizon for brighter skies. They were as bright +as they could ever be, of that she was sure; her hopes lay within +the small circumference that Sara Wrandall made possible for her. +She knew that her peril, her ruin lay in the desire to step outside +that narrow circle, for out there the world was cold and merciless. + +She lived as one charmed by some powerful influence, and was content. +Not once had the fear entered her soul that Sara would turn against +her. Her trust in Wrandall's wife was infinite. In her simple, +devoted heart she could feel no prick of dread so far as the present +was concerned. The past was dreadful, but it was the past, and its +loathsomeness was moderated by subtle contrast with the present. +As for the future, it belonged to Sara Wrandall. It was safe. + +If Sara were to decide that she must be given up to the law, all +well and good. She could meet her fate with a smile for Sara, and +with love in her heart. She could pay in full if the demand was +made by the wife of the man she had left in the grim little upstairs +room at Burton's Inn on that never-to-be-forgotten night in March. + +The one great, inexplicable mystery to her was the heart of Sara +Wrandall. She could not fathom it. + +She could understand her own utter subjection to the will of the +other woman; she could explain it satisfactorily to herself, and +she could have explained it to the world. Self-preservation in the +beginning, self-surrender as time went on, self-sacrifice as the +prerogative. + +And so it was, on this grey spring day, that she gazed undaunted at +the world, with the shadows all about her, and hummed a sprightly +tune through warm red lips that were kissed by the morning mist. + +She came to the bridge by the mill, long since deserted and now +a thing of ruin and decay. A man in knickerbockers stood leaning +against the rail, idly gazing down at the trickling stream below. +The brier pipe that formed the circuit between hand and lips sent +up soft blue coils to float away on the drizzle. + +She passed behind him, with a single furtive, curious glance at +his handsome, undisturbed profile, and in that glance recognised +him as the man she had seen the day before. + +When she was a dozen rods away, the tall man turned his face from +the stream and sent after her the long-restrained look. There was +something akin to cautiousness in that look of his, as if he were +afraid that she might turn her head suddenly and catch him at it. +Something began stirring in his heart, the nameless something that +awakens when least expected. He felt the subtle, sweet femininity +of her as she passed. It lingered with him as he looked. + +She turned the bend in the road a hundred yards away. For many +minutes he studied the stream below without really seeing it. +Then he straightened up, knocked the ashes from his pipe, and set +off slowly in her wake, although he had been walking in quite the +opposite direction when he came to the bridge,--and on a mission +of some consequence, too. + +There was the chance that he would meet her coming back. + + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A FAITHFUL CRAYON-POINT + + + + +Leslie Wrandall came out on the eleven-thirty. Hetty was at +the station with the motor, a sullen resentment in her heart, but +a welcoming smile on her lips. The sun shone brightly. The Sound +glared with the white of reflected skies. + +"I thought of catching the eight o'clock," he cried enthusiastically, +as he dropped his bag beside the motor in order to reach over and +shake hands with her. "That would have gotten me here hours earlier. +The difficulty was that I didn't think of the eight o'clock until +I awoke at nine." + +"And then you had the additional task of thinking about breakfast," +said Hetty, but without a trace of sarcasm in her manner. + +"I never think of breakfast," said he amiably. "I merely eat it. +Of course, it's a task to eat it sometimes, but--well, how are you? +How do you like it out here?" + +He was beside her on the broad seat, his face beaming, his gay +little moustache pointing upward at the ends like oblique brown +exclamation points, so expansive was his smile. + +"I adore it," she replied, her own smile growing in response to his. +It was impossible to resist the good nature of him. She could not +dislike him, even though she dreaded him deep down in her heart. Her +blood was hot and cold by turns when she was with him, as her mind +opened and shut to thoughts pleasant and unpleasant with something +of the regularity of a fish's gills in breathing. + +"I knew you would. It's great. You won't care much for our place, +Miss Castleton. Sara's got the pick of the coast in that place of +hers. Trust old Sebastian Gooch to get the best of everything. If +my dad or my grand-dad had possessed a tenth of the brain that that +old chap had, we'd have our own tabernacle up there on the point, +instead of sulking at his back gate. That's really where we're +located, you know. His back gate opens smack in the face of our +front one. I think he did it with malice aforethought, too. His +back gate is two miles from the house. It wasn't really necessary +to go so far for a back gate as all that, was it? To make it worse, +he put a big sign over it for us to read: 'NO TRESPASSING. THIS +MEANS YOU.' Sara took it down after the old boy died." + +"I suppose by that time the desire to trespass was gone," she said. +"One doesn't enjoy freedom of that sort." + +"I've come to believe that the only free things we really covet +are passes to the theatre. We never get over that, I'm sure. I'd +rather have a pass to the theatre than a ten dollar bill any time. +I say, it was nice of you to come down to meet me. It was more than +I--er--expected." He almost said "hoped for." + +"Sara was too busy about the house to come," she explained quickly. +"And I had a few errands to do in the village." + +"Don't spoil it!" + +"I am a horribly literal person," she said. + +"Better that than literally horrible," he retorted, rather proud +of himself for it. "It's wonderful, the friendship between you two +girls--Sara's not much more than a girl, you see. You're so utterly +unlike in every way." + +"It isn't strange to me," said she simply, but without looking at +him. + +"Of course, I can understand it," he went on. "I've always liked +Sara. She's bully. Much too good for my brother, God rest his soul. +He never--" + +"Oh, don't utter a thing like that, even in jest," she cried, +shocked by his glib remark. + +He flushed. "You didn't know Challis," he said almost surlily. + +She held her breath. + +After a moment, the points of his little moustache went up again +in the habitual barometrical smile. Rather a priggish, supercilious +smile, she thought, taking a glance at his face. + +"I say I can understand it, but mother and Vivian will never be +able to get it through those tough skulls of theirs. They really +don't like Sara. Snobs, both of 'em--of the worst kind, too. Why, +mother has always looked upon Sara as a--e---a sort of brigandess, +the kind that steals children and holds them for ransom. Of +course, old man Gooch was as common as rags--utterly impossible, +you know--but that shouldn't stand against Sara. By the way, her +father called her Sallie. Her mother was a very charming woman, +they say. We never knew her. For that matter, we never knew the +old man until he became prominent as a father-in-law." + +The girl was silent. He went on. + +"Mother likes you. She doesn't say it in so many words, but I +can see that she wonders how you can have anything in common with +Sara. She prides herself on being able to distinguish blue blood +at a glance. Silly notion she's got, but--" + +"Please don't go on, Mr. Wrandall," cried Hetty in distress. + +"I'm not saying she isn't friendly to Sara nowadays," he explained. +"She's changed a good deal in the last few months. I think she's +broadening out a bit. Since that visit to Nice, she's been quite +different. As a matter of fact, she expects to see a good bit of +Sara and you this summer. It's like a spring thaw, by Jove, it is." + +"When does she come to the country?" asked Hetty, bent on breaking +his train of confidence. + +"In three or four weeks. But, as I was saying, the mater has taken +a great fancy to you. She--" + +"It's very nice of her." + +"She prides herself, as I said before, but she always makes sure +by asking questions." + +"Questions?" + +"Yes. Although she could see through you as if you were plate glass, +she made it a point to ask Sara all the questions she could think +of. Over in Nice, you know. Of course Sara told her everything, +and now she's quite sure she can't be mistaken in people. Really, +Miss Castleton, she's very amusing sometimes, mother is." + +Hetty was looking straight ahead, her face set. + +"What did Sara tell her about me?" + +"Oh, all that was necessary to prove to mother that she was right. +As if it really made any difference, you know." + +"Please explain." + +"What is there to explain? She merely gave your pedigree, as we'd +say at the dog show, begging your pardon, ma'am. Pedigrees are a +sort of hobby with the mater. She collects 'em wherever she goes." + +He gave his moustache a little twist. + +"Then my references are satisfactory, so to speak," said she, with +a wry little smile. + +"Perfectly," said he, with conviction; "if we are to put any +dependence in the intelligence office." + +"Doesn't it stagger Mrs. Wrandall somewhat to reconcile my pedigree +to the position I occupy in Sara's household--that of companion, +so to say?" asked Hetty, a slight curl to her lip. + +He looked rather blank. "I don't believe she looks at you in just +that light," said he uncomfortably. + +"I fancy you'd better enlighten her." + +"Let well enough alone," quoted he glibly. + +"But I AM a companion," insisted Hetty, a little spot of red in +each cheek. + +"In a sense, I suppose," said he affably. "Of course, Sara puts +you down as a friend." + +"I think you'd better understand my real position, Mr. Wrandall," +said she firmly. + +"I do," said he. "You are Sara's friend. That's enough for me. +The fact that your father was or is a distinguished English army +officer, and some sort of a cousin to a lord, and that you have +the entre to fashionable London drawing-rooms, is quite enough for +mother. That qualifies you to be companion to anybody, she'd say. +And there's the end to it." + +She was looking at him in amazement. Her lips were slightly parted +and her eyes were wide. For a moment she was puzzled. Then a swift +smile illumined her face. She understood. + +"Of course, in London, it really isn't anything to boast about, +getting into drawing-rooms," she said, vastly amused. + +"Well, it is over here," said he promptly. + +"And it isn't always open sesame to be related to a peer." + +"I suppose not." + +"Nevertheless, I am glad that your mother and Miss Vivian take +me for what I am. Do you, by any chance, go in for pedigree, Mr. +Wrandall?" + +The shaft of irony sped over his head. + +"Only in dogs and horses," he replied promptly. "It means a lot +when it comes to buying a dog or a horse." + +"How do you feel when you've been sold?" + +"I take my medicine." + +"As a good sportsman should." + +"I dare say you think I'm a deuce of a prig for saying the things--" + +"On the contrary, I appreciate your candour." + +"Don't hesitate to say it. I'm used to being called a prig. My +brother Challis always considered me one. I think he meant snob. +But that was because our ideals weren't the same. By the way, you +ought to like Vivian." + +"That depends." + +"On Vivian, I suppose?" + +"Not precisely. I should say it depends on your sister's attitude +toward Sara." + +"Oh, she likes Sara well enough. Viv's not particularly narrow, +Miss Castleton." + +Hetty bestowed a smile upon him. + +"That's comforting, Mr. Wrandall," she said, and he was silent for +a moment, reflecting. + +"Do you know," said he, as if a light had suddenly burst in upon +him, "you've got more poise than any girl I've ever seen?" + +"It's my bringing up, sir," she said mockingly. + +"Ancestral habit," he explained, with a polite bow. + +"Pedigreeable manners, perhaps." + +"I wish the mater could have heard you say that." admiringly. + +"Don't you adore the country at this time of the year?" + +"When I get to heaven I mean to have a place in the country the +year round," he said conclusively. + +"And if you don't get to heaven?" + +"I suppose I'll take a furnished flat somewhere." + +Sara was waiting for them at the bottom of the terrace as they +drove up. He leaped out and kissed her hand. + +"Much obliged," he murmured, with a slight twist of his head in +the direction of Hetty, who was giving orders to the chauffeur. + +"You're quite welcome," said Sara, with a smile of understanding. +"She's lovely, isn't she?" + +"Enchanting!" said he, almost too loudly. + +Hetty walked up the long ascent ahead of them. She did not have +to look back to know that they were watching her with unfaltering +interest. She could feel their gaze. + +"Absolutely adorable," he added, enlarging his estimate without +really being aware that he voiced it. + +Sara shot a look at his rapt face, and turned her own away to hide +the queer little smile that flickered briefly and died away. + +Hetty, pleading a sudden headache, declined to accompany them later +on in the day when they set forth in the car to "pick up" Brandon +Booth at the inn. They were to bring him over, bag and baggage, to +stay till Tuesday. + +"He will be wild to paint her," declared Leslie when they were +out of sight around the bend in the road. He had waved his hat to +Hetty just before the trees shut off their view of her. She was +standing at the top of the steps beside one of the tall Italian +vases. + +Sara did not respond. + +"By the way, Sara, is she the niece or the grand-daughter of old +Lord Murgatroyd? I'm a bit mixed." + +"Her father is Colonel Castleton, of the Indian Army, and he is the +eldest son of a second son, if you don't find that too difficult +to solve. The second son aforesaid mentioned, so to speak, was the +brother of Lord Murgatroyd. That would make Colonel Castleton his +Lordship's nephew, but utterly without prospects of coming into a +title, as there are several healthy British obstacles in the way. +I suppose one would call Hetty a grand-niece." + +"Mother wasn't quite certain whether you said niece or grand-daughter," +explained Leslie. "Her mother's dead, I take it. Who was she?" + +"Why are you so curious?" + +"Isn't it quite natural?" + +"Her mother was a Glynn. You have heard of the Glynns, of course?" +She trusted to his vanity and was rewarded. The question was a sort +of reproach. + +"Certainly," he replied, without hesitation. The mere fact that she +spoke of them as "THE Glynns" was sufficient. It was proof enough +that they were people one ought to know, by name at least, if one +were to profess intelligence regarding the British aristocracy. As +a matter of fact, he had not heard of the Glynns, but that didn't +matter. "The Irish Glynns, you mean?" he ventured, taking a chance +at hitting the mark. He had a faint recollection of hearing her +say that Hetty was part Irish. + +"You have only to look into her eyes to know she's Irish," she said +diplomatically. + +"I've never seen such eyes," he exclaimed. + +"She's a darling," said Sara and changed the subject, knowing full +well that he would come back to it before long. "Is it true that +Vivian and Mr. Booth are interested in each other?" + +"Yes and no," he replied, with a profound sigh. "That is to say, +she's interested in him and he isn't interested in her--in the way +I take you to mean it. I suspect it's an easy matter for a girl to +fall in love with Brandy. He's a corking fine chap." + +"Then it would be very nice for Vivian, eh?" + +"Oh, quite so--quite so. His forbears came over with Noah, according +to mother. You know mother, Sara." + +"Indeed I do," said she with conviction. + +He laughed without restraint. "Mother can rattle off the best +families in the Bible without missing a name, beginning with the +Honourable Adam. Of course, she knows the Glynns and the Castletons +and the Murgatroyds, although I dare say they haven't had much to +do with the Bible. Come to think of it, she did go to the trouble +of looking up the Castleton family in the Debrett." + +"She did?" exclaimed Sara, with a slight narrowing of the eyes. + +"Yes. She established the connection all right enough. She's keen +for Miss Castleton." + +"Oh," said she, relieved. After a moment: "And you?" + +"I'm mad about her," he said simply, and then, for some unaccountable +reason, gave over being loquacious and lapsed into a state of almost +lugubrious quiet. + +She glanced at his face, furtively at first, as if uncertain of +his mood, then with a prolonged stare that was frankly curious and +amused. + +"Don't lose your head, Leslie," she said softly, almost purringly. + +He started. "Oh, I say, Sara, I'm not likely to--" + +"Stranger things have happened," she interrupted, with a shake of +her head. "I can't afford to have you making love to her and getting +tired of the game, as you always do, dear boy, just as soon as you +find she's in love with you. She is too dear to be hurt in that +way. You mustn't--" + +"Good Lord!" he cried; "what a bounder you must take me for! Why, +if I thought she'd--But nonsense! Let's talk about something else. +Yourself, for instance." + +She leaned back with a smile on her lips, but not in her eyes; and +drew a long, deep breath. He was hard hit. That was what she wanted +to know. + +They found Booth at the inn. He was sitting on the old-fashioned +porch, surrounded by bags and boys. As he climbed into the car after +the bags, the boys grinned and jingled the coins in their pockets +and ventured, almost in unison, the intelligence that they would +all be there if he ever came back again. Big and little, they had +transported his easel and canvases from place to place for three +weeks or more and his departure was to be regarded as a financial +calamity. + +"I could go to ten circuses this summer if that many of 'em was +to come to town," said one small citizen as Croesus rode away in +a cloud of village dust. + +"Gee, I wish to goodness he'd come back," was the soulful cry of +another. + +"I don't like them pictures he paints, though, do you?" observed +another, more critical than avaricious. + +"Naw!" was the scornful reply, also in unison. + +From which it may he gathered that Mr. Brandon Booth was not +cherished for art's sake alone, but for its relation to Mammon. + +The object of their comments was making himself agreeable to +the lady who was to be his hostess for the next few days. Leslie, +perhaps in the desire to be alone with his reflections, sat forward +with the chauffeur, and paid little or no heed to that unhappy person's +comments on the vile condition of ALL village thorough-fares, New +York City included. + +"By the way, Sara," he said, suddenly breaking in on the conversation +that went on at his back, and thereby betraying a secret wish that +was taking shape in his mind, "what have you done with the little +red runabout you had a year or two ago?" + +She started. "You mean--" + +As she hesitated, he went on. "It would come in very handy for +twosome tours." + +"I disposed of it some time ago, Leslie," said she. "I thought +you'd remember." + +"Oh,--er--by Jove!" he stammered in confusion. + +He remembered that she had GIVEN it away a day or two after that +awful night in March, and he recalled her reason for doing so. He +twisted the tiny end of his moustache with unnecessary vigour--I +might say fury. It was a most unhappy FAUX PAS. + +"Softening of the brain," he muttered, in dismal apology to himself. + +"And you painted those wretched little boys instead of the beautiful +things that Nature provides for us out here, Mr. Booth?" Sara was +saying to the artist beside her. + +"Of course, I managed to get in a bit of Nature, even at that," +said he, with a smile. "Boys are pretty close to earth, you know. +To be perfectly honest, I did it in order to get away from the +eminently beautiful but unnatural things I'm required to paint at +home." + +"Your subjects wouldn't care for that," she warned him, in some +amusement. + +"Oh, as to that, the comments of the boys on the things I did up +here weren't altogether flattering to me, so I'm chastened. They +were more than frank about them. We live to learn." + +"Where are the canvases?" + +"I immortalised them, one and all, by destroying them by fire and +sword, only the sword happened to be a penknife. They made a most +excellent bonfire." + +"And so, you've nothing to show for your fortnight?" + +"Oh, yes. A most desirable invitation to forget my failures at your +expense." + +"Poof!" + +"I don't blame you. It WAS inane. Still, I can't help saying, Mrs. +Wrandall, that it is a desirable invitation. You won't say 'poof' +to that, because I won't listen to it." + +"On the other hand, it's very good of you to come." + +"It seems to me I'm always in debt to Leslie, with slim prospect +of ever squaring accounts," said he whimsically. "But for him, I +couldn't have come." + +"I suppose we will see you at the Wrandall place this summer." + +"I'm coming out to paint Leslie's sister in June, I believe. And +that reminds me, I came upon an uncommonly pretty girl not far from +your place the other day--and yesterday, as well--some one I've +met before, unless I'm vastly mistaken. I wonder if you know your +neighbours well enough--by sight, at least--to venture a good guess +as to who I mean." + +She appeared thoughtful. + +"Oh, there are dozens of pretty girls in the neighbourhood. Can't +you remember where you met--" She stopped suddenly, a swift look +of apprehension in her eyes. + +He failed to note the look or the broken sentence. He was searching +in his coat pocket for something. Selecting a letter from the middle +of a small pocket, he held it out to her. + +"I sketched this from memory. She posed all too briefly for me," +he said. + +On the back of the envelope was a remarkably good likeness of Hetty +Castleton, done broadly, sketchily with a crayon point, evidently +drawn with haste while the impression was fresh, but long after +she had passed out of range of his vision. + +"I know her," said Sara quietly. "It's very clever, Mr. Booth." + +"There is something hauntingly familiar about it," he went on, +looking at the sketch with a frown of perplexity. "I've seen her +somewhere, but for the life of me I can't place her. Perhaps in a +crowded street, or the theatre, or a railway train--just a fleeting +glimpse, you know. But in any event, I got a lasting impression. +Queer things like that happen, don't you think so?" + +Mrs. Wrandall leaned forward and spoke to Leslie. As he turned, +she handed him the envelope, without comment. + +"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. + +"Mr. Booth is a mind reader," she explained. "He has been reading +your thoughts, dear boy." + +Booth understood, and grinned. + +"You don't mean to say--" began the dumfounded Leslie, still staring +at the sketch. "Upon my word, it's a wonderful likeness, old chap. +I didn't know you'd ever met her." + +"Met her?" cried Booth, an amiable conspirator. "I've never met +her." + +"See here, don't try anything like that on me. How could you do +this if you've never seen--" + +"He IS a mind reader," cried Sara. + +"Haven't you been thinking of her steadily for--well, we'll say +ten minutes?" demanded Booth. + +Leslie reddened. "Nonsense!" + +"That's a mental telepathy sketch," said the artist, complacently. + +"When did you do it?" + +"This instant, you might say. See! Here is the crayon point. I +always carry one around with me for just such--" + +"All right," said Leslie blandly, at the same time putting the +envelope in his own pocket; "we'll let it go at that. If you're so +clever at mind pictures, you can go to work and make another for +yourself. I mean to keep this one." + +"I say," began Booth, dismayed. + +"One's thoughts are his own," said the happy possessor of the +sketch. He turned his back on them. + +Sara was contrite. "He will never give it up," she lamented. + +"Is he really hard hit?" asked Booth in surprise. + +"I wonder," mused Sara. + +"Of course, he's welcome to the sketch, confound him." + +"Would you like to paint her?" + +"Is this a commission?" + +"Hardly. I know her, that's all. She is a very dear friend." + +"My heart is set on painting some one else, Mrs. Wrandall." + +"Oh!" + +"When I know you better, I'll tell you who she is." + +"Could you make a sketch of this other one from memory?" she asked +lightly. + +"I think so. I'll show you one this evening. I have my trusty crayon +about me always, as I said before." + +Later in the afternoon Booth came face to face with Hetty. He was +descending the stairs and met her coming up. The sun streamed in +through the tall windows at the turn in the stairs, shining full +in her uplifted face as she approached him from below. He could +not repress the start of amazement. She was carrying a box of roses +in her arms--red roses whose stems protruded far beyond the end of +the pasteboard box and reeked of a fragrant dampness. + +She gave him a shy, startled smile as she passed. He had stopped +to make room for her on the turn. Somewhat dazed he continued on +his way down the steps, to suddenly remember with a twinge of dismay +that he had not returned her polite smile, but had stared at her +with most unblinking fervour. In no little shame and embarrassment, +he sent a swift glance over his shoulder. She was walking close to +the banister rail on the floor above. As he glanced up their eyes +met, for she too had turned to peer. + +Leslie Wrandall was standing near the foot of the stairs. There +was an eager, exalted look in his face that slowly gave way to +well-assumed unconcern as his friend came upon him and grasped his +arm. + +"I say, Leslie, is--is she staying here?" cried Booth, lowering +his voice to an excited half-whisper. + +"Who?" demanded Wrandall vacantly. His mind appeared to be elsewhere. + +"Why, that's the girl I saw on the road--Wake up! The one on the +envelope, you ass. Is she the one you were telling me about in the +club--the Miss What's-Her-Name who--" + +"Oh, you mean Miss Castleton. She's just gone upstairs. You must +have met her on the steps." + +"You know I did. So THAT is Miss Castleton." + +"Ripping, isn't she? Didn't I tell you so?" + +"She's beautiful. She IS a type, just as you said, old man,--a +really wonderful type. I saw her yesterday--and the day before." + +"I've been wondering how you managed to get a likeness of her on +the back of an envelope," said Leslie sarcastically. "Must have had +a good long look at her, my boy. It isn't a snap-shot, you know." + +Booth flushed. "It is an impression, that's all. I drew it from +memory, 'pon my soul." + +"She'll be immensely gratified, I'm sure." + +"For heaven's sake, Les, don't be such a fool as to show her the +thing," cried Booth in consternation. "She'd never understand." + +"Oh, you needn't worry. She has a fine sense of humour." + +Booth didn't know whether to laugh or scowl. He compromised with +himself by slipping his arm through that of his friend and saying +heartily: + +"I wish you the best of luck, old boy." + +"Thanks," said Leslie drily. + + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +IN WHICH HETTY IS WEIGHED + + + + +Booth and Leslie returned to the city on Tuesday. The artist left +behind him a "memory sketch" of Sara Wrandall, done in the solitude +of his room long after the rest of the house was wrapped in slumber +on the first night of his stay at Southlook. It was as sketchily +drawn as the one he had made of Hetty, and quite as wonderful in +the matter of faithfulness, but utterly without the subtle something +that made the other notable. The craftiness of the artist was there, +but the touch of inspiration was lacking. + +Sara was delighted. She was flattered, and made no pretence of +disguising the fact. + +The discussion which followed the exhibition of the sketch at +luncheon, was very animated. It served to excite Leslie to such a +degree that he brought forth from his pocket the treasured sketch +of Hetty, for the purpose of comparison. + +The girl who had been genuinely enthusiastic over the picture of +Sara, and who had not been by way of knowing that the first sketch +existed, was covered with confusion. Embarrassment and a shy sense +of gratification were succeeded almost at once by a feeling of keen +annoyance. The fact that the sketch was in Leslie's possession--and +evidently a thing to be cherished--took away all the pleasure she +may have experienced during the first few moments of interest. + +Booth caught the angry flash in her eyes, preceding the flush and +unaccountable pallor that followed almost immediately. He felt +guilty, and at the same time deeply annoyed with Leslie. Later on +he tried to explain, but the attempt was a lamentable failure. She +laughed, not unkindly, in his face. + +Leslie had refused to allow the sketch to leave his hand. If she +could have gained possession of it, even for an instant, the thing +would have been torn to bits. But it went back into his commodious +pocket-book, and she was too proud to demand it of him. + +She became oddly sensitive to Booth's persistent though inoffensive +scrutiny as time wore on. More than once she had caught him looking +at her with a fixedness that betrayed perplexity so plainly that +she could not fail to recognise an underlying motive. He was vainly +striving to refresh his memory: that was clear to her. There is no +mistaking that look in a person's eyes. It cannot be disguised. + +He was as deeply perplexed as ever when the time came for him to +depart with Leslie. He asked her point blank on the last evening +of his stay if they had ever met before, and she frankly confessed +to a short memory for faces. It was not unlikely, she said, that +he had seen her in London or in Paris, but she had not the faintest +recollection of having seen him before their meeting in the road. + +Urged by Sara, she had reluctantly consented to sit to him for a +portrait during the month of June. He put the request in such terms +that it did not sound like a proposition. It was not surprising +that he should want her for a subject; in fact, he put it in such +a way that she could not but feel that she would be doing him +a great and enduring favour. She imposed but one condition: the +picture was never to be exhibited. He met that, with bland magnanimity, +by proffering the canvas to Mrs. Wrandall, as the subject's "next +best friend," to "have and to hold so long as she might live," "free +gratis," "with the artist's compliments," and so on and so forth, +in airy good humour. + +Leslie's aid had been solicited by both Sara and the painter in +the final effort to overcome the girl's objections. He was rather +bored about it, but added his voice to the general clamour. With +half an eye one could see that he did not relish the idea of Hetty +posing for days to the handsome, agreeable painter. Moreover, it +meant that Booth, who could afford to gratify his own whims, would +be obliged to spend a month or more in the neighbourhood, so that +he could devote himself almost entirely to the consummation of this +particular undertaking. Moreover, it meant that Vivian's portrait +was to be temporarily disregarded. + +Sara Wrandall was quick to recognise the first symptoms of jealousy +on the part of her brother-in-law. She had known him for years. +In that time she had been witness to a dozen of his encounters in +the lists of love, or what he chose to designate as love, and had +seen him emerge from each with an unscarred heart and a smiling +visage. Never before had he shown the slightest sign of jealousy, +even when the affair was at its rosiest. The excellent ego which +mastered him would not permit him to forget himself so far as to +consider any one else worthy of a feeling of jealousy. But now he +was flying an alien flag. He was turning against himself and his +smug convictions. He was at least annoyed, if not jealous. Doubtless +he was surprised at himself; perhaps he wondered what had come over +him. + +Sara noted these signs of self-abasement (it could be nothing else +where a Wrandall was concerned), and smiled inwardly. The new idol +of the Wrandalls was in love, selfishly, insufferably in love as +things went with all the Wrandalls. They hated selfishly, and so +they loved. Her husband had been their king. But their king was +dead, long live the king! Leslie had put on the family crown,--a +little jauntily, perhaps,--cocked over the eye a bit, so to speak--but +it was there just the same, annoyingly plain to view. + +Sara had tried to like him. He had been her friend, the only one she +could claim among them all. And yet, beneath his genial allegiance, +she could detect the air of condescension, the bland attitude of a +superior who defends another's cause for the reason that it gratifies +Nero. She experienced a thrill of malicious joy in contemplating +the fall of Nero. He would bring down his house about his head, +and there would be no Rome to pay the fiddler. + +In the train that Tuesday morning, Booth elected to chaff his +friend on the progress of his campaign. They were seated opposite +to each other in the almost empty parlour car. + +"Buck up, old chap," he counselled scoffingly. "Don't look so +disconsolate. You're coming out again at the end of the week." + +Leslie had been singularly reticent for a matter of ten miles or +more after leaving the little station behind. His attention seemed to +be engaged strictly in the study of objects beyond the car window. + +"What's that?" he demanded curtly. + +"I say you're lucky enough to be asked again for the end of the--" + +"I've got a standing invitation, if that's what you mean. Sara gives +me a meal ticket, as it were. Nothing extraordinary in my going +out whenever I like, is there?" His manner was a trifle offish. + +Booth laughed. "In spite of your disagreeable remark, I wish you +good luck, old man." + +"What the devil are you driving at, Brandy?" + +"I only meant to cheer you up a bit, that's all." + +"Thanks!" + +There was another interval of silence. Leslie furtively studied +the face of his friend, who had resumed his dreamy contemplation +of the roof of the car, his hands clasped behind his head, his legs +outstretched. + +"I say, Brandy," he ventured at last, a trace of embarrassment in +his manner, "if you've nothing better to do, come down and dine +with us to-night--en famille. Viv said over the 'phone this morning +that we are dining alone in state. Come along, old chap, and wake +us up. What say?" + +A clever mind-reader could have laid bare the motive in this cordial, +even eager invitation. He was seeking to play Vivian against Hetty +in the game, which seemed to have taken on a new turn. + +Booth was not a mind-reader, although in jest he had posed as one. +"I'm quite sure I've nothing better to do," he said. "I'd suggest, +however, that you let the invitation come from some one in authority. +Your mother, for instance." + +"Nonsense," cried the other blithely. "You know you've got a meal +ticket at our house, good for a million punches. Still I'll have +Vivian call you up this afternoon." + +"If she wants me, I'll come," said Booth in the most matter-of-fact +way. + +Leslie settled down with a secret sigh of relief. He regained his +usual loquaciousness. The points of his little moustache resumed +their uprightness. + +"How do you like Sara?" he asked. It was a casual question, with +no real meaning behind it as it was uttered. No sooner had it left +his lips, however, than a new and rather staggering idea entered +his mind,--a small thing at first but one that grew with amazing +swiftness. + +"She is splendid," said Booth warmly. + +"I thought you'd like her," said Leslie, the idea growing apace: +It did not occur to him that he might be nurturing disloyalty to +the interests of his own sister. Things of that sort never bothered +Leslie. When all was said and done, Vivian had but a slim chance +at best, so why champion a faint hope? "Why don't you do a portrait +of her? It would be a wonderful thing, old chap." + +He sat up a trifle straighter in his chair. + +"She hasn't asked me to, which is the best reason in the world. + +"Oh, I can fix that." His lively imagination was full of it now. + +"Thanks. Don't bother." + +"And there's this to be said for a portrait of Sara," went on Leslie, +rather too eagerly: "she wouldn't object to having it exhibited in +the galleries. 'Gad, it would do you a world of good, Brandy." + +The other's eyes narrowed. "I suppose I am to infer that Mrs. +Wrandall courts publicity." + +"Not at all," cried the other impatiently. "What I mean is this: +she's taken a fancy to you, and if her portrait could be the means +of helping you--" + +"Oh, cut that out, Les,--cut it out," growled Booth coldly. + +"Well, in any event, if you want to paint her, I can fix it for +you," announced his companion. + +"If you don't mind, old chap, I'll tackle Miss Castleton first," +said Booth, dismissing the matter with a yawn. + +"I hate the word tackle," said Leslie. + +On a bright, sunny afternoon two weeks later, Mrs. Redmond Wrandall +received her most intimate friend in her boudoir. They were both +in ample black. Mrs. Rowe-Martin, it seems, had suffered a recent +bereavement--with an aspect of permanency,--in the loss of a four +thousand dollar Airdale who had stopped traffic in Fifth Avenue for +twenty minutes while a sympathetic crowd viewed his gory remains, +and an unhappy but garrulous taxi-cab driver tried to account for +his crime. He never even thought of the insanity dodge. The Airdale +was given a most impressive funeral and was buried in pomp with +all his medals, ribbons, tags, collars and platinum leashes, but +minus a few of the uncollected parts of his anatomy. While it had +been a complete catastrophe, he was by no means a complete carcass. + +Be that as it may, his mistress went into mourning, denying herself +so many diversions that not a few of her friends became alarmed +and advised her husband to put her in a sanitarium. He was willing, +poor chap, but not she. She couldn't see the sense of confining +her grief to the four walls of a sanitarium while the four winds +of heaven were at her disposal. + +The most distressing feature of the great Airdale's taking-off +lay in the fact that his descendants--he had several sets of +great-grandchildren--appeared to be uncommonly ordinary brutes, +without a symptom of good breeding in the lot of them. They were +so undeviatingly gauche and middle-class, that already the spiteful +tongues of envy had begun to question his right to the medals and +ribbons acquired at the bench shows, where Mrs. Rowe-Martin was +considered one of the immortals. She could have got a blue ribbon +on a yellow dog any time. Of course, in defence of her exotic Airdale, +she unblinkingly fell back on the paraphrase: "It's a wise father +that knows his own son"; or the other way round, just as you please. + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin professedly was middle-aged--that is to say, just +rounding fifty. As a woman is always fifty until she is sixty, just +as it is nine o'clock until the stroke of ten, there may be some +question as to which end of the middle-aged period she was rounding, +but as that isn't material to the development of this story, we +will give her the benefit of the doubt and merely say that sensibly +she dressed in black. + +She was Mrs. Wrandall's closest friend and confidante. It was Mrs. +Rowe-Martin who rushed over and gave the smelling salts to Mrs. +Wrandall when that excellent lady collapsed on hearing that her son +Challis was going to marry the daughter of old Sebastian Gooch. It +was she who acted as spokeswoman for the distressed mother and told +the world--that is to say, THEIR world--that Sara was a scheming, +designing creature, whose sole aim in life was to get into the smart +set by the easiest way. It was she who comforted Mrs. Wrandall, after +the lamentable deed was done, by proclaiming from the house-tops +that old man Gooch's daughter should never enter society if she +could prevent it, and went so far as to invite Challis to all of +her affairs without asking his wife to accompany him, quite as if +she didn't know that he had a wife. (In speaking of her to Challis, +she invariably alluded to Sara as Miss Gooch, for something over +a year after the wedding--and might have gone on for ever had not +Mrs. Wrandall, senior, upset everything by giving a reception in +honour of her daughter-in-law: a bolt from a clear sky, you may +be sure, that left Mrs. Rowe-Martin stunned and bleeding on the +battlefield of a mistaken cause.) She never quite got over that +bit of treachery on the part of her very best friend, although she +made the best of it by slyly confiding to other stupefied persons +that Challis's father had taken the bit in his mouth,--God knows +why!--and that Mrs. Wrandall thought best to humour him for the +time being, at least. And it was she who came to Mrs. Wrandall in +her greatest trial and performed the gentlest deeds that one woman +can do for another when all the world has gone black and hateful +to her. When you put her to the real test, a woman will always rise +above herself, no matter how lofty she may have considered herself +beforehand. + +They were drinking tea, with the lemon left out. + +"My dear," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin, "I quite agree with you. Leslie +should be thinking of it." + +"It means so much to me, Harriet, his getting the right sort of girl. +I feel confident that he is interested--very deeply interested in +Miss Castleton." + +"I am so glad you like her." + +"She is a dear." + +"My sister has met her in London, and at one or two of the country +places. I was inquiring only yesterday. When I mentioned that she +is related to Lord Murgatroyd, Frances remembered her quite well. +She sees a lot of them, you know, during the season," explained +Mrs. Rowe-Martin affably. + +Mrs. Wrandall concealed her curiosity. In the most casual way she +remarked: + +"I must ask Miss Castleton if she remembers Mrs. Roodleigh." + +"Oh, I fancy she won't recall her," her friend made haste to say. +"Young girls are not likely to remember elderly persons whom they +meet--Oh, you might say in passing, for that's what it really is, +you know." + +"Still, if Frances knows the Murgatroyds so intimately it isn't +likely--" + +"Did I say she knew them intimately?" protested the other, somewhat +plaintively. "How like me! So stupid! As a matter of fact, my dear, +I don't believe Frances knows them at all--except as one knows people +in a general sort of way. Drawing-rooms, you know, and all that +sort of thing. Of course, every one knows Lord and Lady Murgatroyd. +Just as they might know the Duke of--well any one of the great +dukes, for that matter." + +"Or King George," added Mrs. Wrandall softly, without a perceptible +trace of spite. + +"She has met them, of course," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin defensively. +Somehow, a defence was called for; she couldn't sit there and say +nothing. + +Mrs. Wrandall changed the subject, or at least divided it. She put +the chaff aside, for that was what Mrs. Rowe-Martin's revelations +amounted to. + +"Leslie is such a steady, unimpressionable boy, you see," she said, +apropos of nothing. + +"And so good looking," added her friend beamingly. + +"It wouldn't be like him to make a mistake where his own happiness +and welfare are concerned," said the subject's mother, speaking +more truth than she knew, but not more than Mrs. Rowe-Martin knew. +That lady knew Leslie like a book. + +"And he is really devoted to her?" + +"I fear so," said her hostess, with a faint sigh. The other sighed +also. + +"My dear, it would be perfectly lovely. Why do you say that?" + +"I suppose it's the way all mothers feel. Of course, I want to be +sure that he is to be very, very happy." + +"That is perfectly natural. And he WILL be happy." + +If either of them recalled the strenuous efforts Mrs. Wrandall +had made a couple of years before to get her only daughter married +off to a degenerate young English duke, the thought was submerged +in the present sea of sentimentality. It speaks well for Vivian's +character that she flatly refused to be given in marriage, although +it appeared to be the fashion at the time. It was the year of the +coronation. + +"Miss Castleton is a most uncommon girl," said Mrs. Wrandall, again +apropos of nothing that had gone before. + +"Most English girls are," agreed her friend, scenting something. + +"I mean to say, she is so unlike the girls one sees in society. My +husband says she's level-headed. Sound as a rivet, he also says. +Nothing silly or flip about her, he adds when he is particularly +enthusiastic, and he knows I hate the word 'flip.' Of course he +means flippant. He is very much taken with her." + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin pondered a moment before risking her next remark. + +"I can't quite understand her taking up with Sara Gooch in this +fashion. You know what I mean. Sara is the last person in the world +you'd think a gently bred person would--" Here she pulled herself +up with a jerk. "I mean, of course, a gently bred girl. Naturally +she would appeal to men--and gently bred men, at that. But this +present intimacy--well, isn't it rather extraordinary?" + +Mrs. Wrandall drained her cup, without taking her eyes from the +face of her friend. + +"You must remember, my dear Harriet, that Miss Castleton looks upon +Sara as a Wrandall, not a Gooch. She was the wife of a Wrandall. +That covers everything so far as the girl is concerned. I dare say +she finds Sara amusing, interesting, and we all know she is kindness +itself. It doesn't surprise me that Miss Castleton admires her, or +that she loves her. Sara has improved in the last seven or eight +years." She said this somewhat loftily. + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin was most amiable. "She has, indeed, thanks to +propinquity." + +"And her own splendid intelligence," added Mrs. Wrandall. + +"Isn't it wonderful how superior they are when it comes to +intelligence?" cried her friend, almost plaintively. "I've noticed +it in shop-girls and manicures, over and over again." + +"Perhaps you got the effect by contrast," said Mrs. Wrandall, +pouring a little more tea into her friend's cup. Mrs. Rowe-Martin +was silent. "Sara deserves a lot of credit. She has made a position +for herself, a very decided position. We are all quite proud of +her." + +Mrs. Rowe-Martin was on very intimate terms with the Wrandall family +skeleton. She could afford to be plain spoken. + +"It is hard to reconcile your present attitude, my dear, to the +position you held a few years ago. Heaven knows you weren't proud +of her then. She was dirt beneath your feet." + +"My dear Harriet," said Mrs. Wrandall, without so much as the +flutter of an eyelid, "I am not saying that I would select her as +a daughter-in-law, even to-day. Don't misunderstand me." + +"I am not underestimating her splendid intelligence," said Mrs. +Rowe-Martin sharply, and her hostess was so long in working it out +that it was allowed to pass unresented. "I dare say she will marry +again," went on the speaker blandly. + +Sara's mother-in-law was startled. + +"It's rather early to suggest such a thing, isn't it?" she asked +reproachfully. + +"Forgive me," cried Mrs. Rowe-Martin, but she did not attempt to +unsay the words. She meant them to sink in when she uttered them. +It was commonly predicted in society that Challis Wrandall's wife +would further elevate herself by wedding the most dependable nobleman +who came along, and without any appreciable consideration for the +feelings of her late husband's family. + +"It is quite natural--and right--that she should marry," said Mrs. +Wrandall, after a moment's deliberation. "She is young and beautiful +and we sincerely hope she will find some one--But, my dear, aren't +we drifting? We were speaking of Leslie." + +"And Miss Castleton. You are quite satisfied, then? You don't feel +that he would be making a mistake?" + +Mrs. Wrandall touched her handkerchief to the corners of her eyes. + +"We could not possibly raise any objection to Miss Castleton, if +that is what you mean, Harriet," she said. + +"I am so glad you feel that way about it, my dear," said her friend, +touching her handkerchief to her lips. "It would grieve me more +than I can tell you if I thought you would have to go through with +another experience like that of--Forgive me! I won't distress you +by recalling those awful days. Poor, susceptible Challis!" + +"No," said Mrs. Wrandall firmly; "Leslie is safe. We feel quite +sure of him." + +The visitor was reflective. "I suppose there is no doubt that Miss +Castleton will accept him," she mused aloud. + +"We are assuming, of course, that Leslie means to ask her," said +Leslie's mother, with infinite patience. + +"I only mentioned it because it is barely possible she may have +other fish to fry." + +"Fish?" + +"A figure of speech, my dear." + +And it set Mrs. Wrandall to thinking. + + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +HAWKRIGHT's MODEL + + + + +Brandon Booth took a small cottage on the upper road, half way +between the village and the home of Sara Wrandall, and not far from +the abhorred "back gate" that swung in the teeth of her connections +by marriage. He set up his establishment in half a day and, being +settled, betook himself off to dine with Sara and Hetty. All his +household cares, like the world, rested snugly on the shoulders of +an Atlas named Pat, than whom there was no more faithful servitor in +all the earth, nor in the heavens, for that matter, if we are to +accept his own estimate of himself. In any event, he was a treasure. +Booth's house was always in order. Try as he would, he couldn't +get it out of order. Pat's wife saw to that. She was the cook, +housekeeper, steward, seamstress, nurse and everything else except +the laundress, and she would have been that if Booth hadn't put +his foot down on it. He was rather finicky about his bosoms, it +seems--and his cuffs, as well. + +Pat and Mary had been in the Booth family since the flood, so to +speak. As far back as Brandon could remember, the quaint Irishman +had been the same wrinkled, nut-brown, merry-eyed comedian that he +was to-day, and Mary the same serene, blarneying wife of the man. +They were not a day older than they were in the beginning. He +used to wonder if Methuselah knew them. When he set up bachelor +quarters for himself in New York, his mother bestowed these priceless +domestic treasures upon him. They journeyed up from Philadelphia +and complacently took charge of his destinies; no matter which +way they led or how diversified they may have been in conception, +Brandon's destinies always came safely around the circle to the +starting point with Pat and Mary atop of them, as chipper as you +please and none the worse for erosion. + +They stoutly maintained that one never gets too old to learn, a +conclusion that Brandon sometimes resented. + +He had been obliged to discharge three chauffeurs because Pat did +not get on well with them, and he had found it quite impossible +to keep a dog for the simple reason that Mary insisted on keeping +a cat--a most unamiable, belligerent cat at that. He would have +made home a hell for any well-connected dog. + +As he swung jauntily down the tree-lined road that led to Sara's +portals, Booth was full of the joy of living. Dusk was falling. +A soft bronze glowed in the western sky. Over the earth lay the +tranquil purple of spent refulgence, the after-glow of a red day, +for the sun had shone hot since early morn through a queer, smoky +screen of haze. There was a deep stillness over everything. Indolent +Nature slept in the shadows, as if at rest after the weary day, +with scarcely a leaf stirring. And yet there was a subtle coolness +in the air, the feel of a storm that was yet unborn--the imperceptible +shudder of a tempest that was drawing its first breath. + +Before the night was half gone, the storm would be upon them, +to revel for a while and then pass on, leaving behind it the dank +smell of a grateful earth. + +But Booth had no thought for the thing that was afar off. He was +thinking of the quarter-of-an-hour that came next in the wheel of +time, whose minutes were to check off the results of a fortnight's +anticipation. He had not seen either of the ladies of Southlook +in the past two weeks, but he had been under the spell of them so +sharply that they were seldom out of his thoughts. + +Sara was at the bottom of the terrace, moving among the flower +beds in the formal garden. He distinguished her from a distance: a +slender, graceful figure in black. A black scarf edged with maribou +covered her shoulders, the line of a white neck separating it from +the raven hue of her hair. He paused at the lower gate to look. +Then his gaze was drawn to the gleaming white figure at the top of +the terrace, outlined distinctly against the blue-black sky that +hung over the Sound. Hetty stood there, straight and motionless, +looking out over the water. So still was the evening wind that not +a flutter of her soft gown was noticeable. She was like a statue. + +At the sound of his footsteps on the gravel, Sara looked up and +instantly smiled her welcome. When Sara smiled the heart of man +responded, long in advance of his lips. Hers was the inviting, +mysterious smile of the Orient, with the eyes half shaded by +drooping, languorous lids: dusky, shadowy eyes that looked at you +as through a veil, and yet were as clear as crystal once you lost +the illusion. + +"It is so nice to see you again," she said, giving him her hand. + +"'My heart's in the highlands,'" he quoted, waving a vague tribute +to the heavens. "And it's nice of you to see me," he added gracefully. +Then he pointed up the terrace. "Isn't she a picture? 'Gad, it's +lovely--the whole effect. That picture against the sky--" + +He stopped short, and the sentence was never finished, although +she waited for him to complete it before remarking: + +"Her heart is not in the highlands." + +"You mean--something's gone wrong--" + +"Oh, no," she said, still smiling; "nothing like that. Her heart +is in the lowlands. You would consider Washington Square to be in +the lowlands, wouldn't you?" + +"Oh, I see," he said slowly. "You mean she's thinking of Leslie." + +"Who knows? It was a venture on my part, that's all. She may be +thinking of you, Mr. Booth." + +"Or some chap in old England, that's more like it," he retorted. +"She can't be thinking of me, you know. No one ever thinks of me +when I'm out of view. Out of sight, out of mind. No; she's thinking +of something a long way off--or some one, if you choose to have it +that way." + +"In that case, it isn't good for her to be thinking of things so +remote. Shall we shout 'halloa the house'?" + +He shot a glance at her and responded gallantly: "If she isn't +thinking of us, why should we be thinking of her? Is it too near the +dinner hour for you to let me sit here and rest before attempting +to climb all those steps? And will you sit beside me, as the good +Omar might have said?" He was fanning himself with his straw hat. + +She searched his face for a second, a smiling but inscrutable +expression in her eyes, and then sat down on the rustic bench at +the foot of the terrace. + +"Why didn't you let me send the motor for you?" she asked, as he +took his place beside her. + +"I mean to have an appetite in the country," he said, taking a +deep, full breath. "Motors don't aid the appetite. Aeroplanes are +better. I had a flight with a friend up in Westchester last week. +I was very hungry when I came down." + +[Illustration: Hetty stood there, straight and motionless, looking +out over the water] + +"We'll all be flying before we really know it," said she. "Hetty +tried it in France this spring. Have you seen Leslie this week?" + +"I've been in Philadelphia for a few days. Is he coming out on +Friday?" + +"Oh, yes. He comes so often nowadays that we call him a commuter." + +"Attractive spot, this," said he, with a significant glance up the +terrace. + +"So it would appear." + +"He's really keen about her?" + +She did not reply, but her smile meant more than words. + +"I am eager to get at the portrait," said he, after a moment. + +"Leslie tells me that you want to do me also," said she carelessly. + +He flushed. "Confound him! I suppose it annoys you, Mrs. Wrandall. +He shouldn't carry tales." + +"But do you?" + +"I should say I do," he cried warmly. "For my own pleasure and +satisfaction, you understand. There's nothing I'd like better." + +"We'll see how successfully you flatter Hetty," said she. "If it +is possible to make her prettier than she really is, you may paint +me. I shall be the first to fall at your feet and implore you to +make me beautiful." + +His eyes gleamed. "If I fail in that," said he warmly, "it will be +because I am without integrity." + +Again she smiled upon him with half-closed, shadowy eyes, and shook +her head. Then she arose. + +"Let us go in. Hetty is eager to see you again." + +They started up the terrace. His face clouded. + +"I have had a feeling all along that she'd rather not have this +portrait painted, Mrs. Wrandall. A queer sort of feeling that she +doesn't just like the idea of being put on canvas." + +"Nonsense," she said, without looking at him. + +"Of course, I could understand her not caring to give up the time +to it. It's a nuisance, I know. But it isn't that sort of feeling +I have about her attitude. There's something else. Doesn't she like +me?" + +"Of course she does," she exclaimed. "How ridiculous. She will love +it, once the picture is under way. It is the beginning of it that +disturbs her. Isn't that always the way?" + +"I am afraid you don't know women," said he banteringly. + +"By the way, have you been able to recall where you first saw her, +or is your memory still a blank?" she asked suddenly. + +"I can't think where it was or when," said he, "but I am absolutely +positive I've seen her before. Her face is not the kind one forgets, +you know." + +"It may come to you unexpectedly." + +"It's maddening, not to be able to remember." + +The dusk of night hid the look of relief that came into her eyes. + +Hetty met them at the top of the steps. The electric porch lights +had just been turned on by the butler. The girl stood in the path +of the light. Booth was never to forget the loveliness of her in +that moment. He carried the image with him on the long walk home +through the black night. (He declined Sara's offer to send him +over in the car for the very reason that he wanted the half-hour of +solitude in which to concentrate all the impressions she had made +on his fancy.) + +The three of them stood there for a few minutes, awaiting the +butler's announcement. Sara's arm was about Hetty's shoulders. He +was so taken up with the picture they presented that he scarcely +heard their light chatter. They were types of loveliness so full of +contrast that he marvelled at the power of Nature to create women +in the same mould and yet to model so differently. + +They were as near alike in height, figure and carriage as two +women could be, and yet there was a subtle distinction that left +him conscious of the fact that two vastly different strains of +blood ran through their veins. Apart, he would not have perceived +this marked difference in them. Hetty represented the violet, Sara +the pansy. The distinction may be subtile. However, it was the +estimate he formed in that moment of comparison. + +The English girl's soft white gown was cut low in the neck, her +shapely arms were bare. Sara's black covered her arms and shoulders, +even to the slender throat. The hair of both was black and rich +and alive with the gloss of health. The eyes of one were blue and +velvety, even in the glare of light that fell from above; those of +the other were black, Oriental, mysterious. + +As they entered the vestibule, a servant came up with the word that +Miss Castleton was wanted at the telephone, "long distance from +New York." + +The girl stopped in her tracks. Booth looked at her in mild surprise, +a condition which gave way an instant later to perplexity. The +look of annoyance in her eyes could not be disguised or mistaken. + +"Ask him to call me up later, Watson," she said quietly. + +"This is the third time he has called, Miss Castleton," said the +man. "You were dressing, if you please, ma'am, the first time--" + +"I will come," she interrupted sharply, with a curious glance at +Sara, who for some reason avoided meeting Booth's gaze. + +"Tell him we shall expect him on Friday," said Mrs. Wrandall. + +"By George!" thought Booth, as she left them. "I wonder if it can +be Leslie. If it IS--well, he wouldn't be flattered if he could +have seen the look in her eyes." + +Later on, he had no trouble in gathering that it WAS Leslie Wrandall +who called, but he was very much in the dark as to the meaning of +that expressive look. He only knew that she was in the telephone +room for ten minutes or longer, and that all trace of emotion was +gone from her face when she rejoined them with a brief apology for +keeping them waiting. + +He left at ten-thirty, saying good-night to them on the terrace. +Sara walked to the steps with him. + +"Don't you think her voice is lovely?" she asked. Hetty had sung +for them. + +"I dare say," he responded absently. "Give you my word, though, I +wasn't thinking of her voice. SHE is lovely." + +He walked home as if in a dream. The spell was on him. + +Far in the night, he started up from the easy chair in which he +had been smoking and dreaming and racking his brain by turns. + +"By Jove!" he exclaimed aloud. "I remember! I've got it! And +to-morrow I'll prove it." + +Then he went to bed, with the storm from the sea pounding about +the house, and slept serenely until Pat and Mary wondered whether +he meant to get up at all. + +"Pat," said he at breakfast, "I want you to go to the city this +morning and fetch out all of the STUDIOS you can find about the +place. The old ones are in that Italian hall seat and the late ones +are in the studio. Bring all of them." + +"There's a divvil of a bunch of thim," said Pat ruefully. + +He was not to begin sketching the figure until the following day. +After luncheon, however, he had an appointment to inspect Hetty's +wardrobe, ostensibly for the purpose of picking out a gown for the +picture. As a matter of fact, he had decided the point to his own +satisfaction the night before. She should pose for him in the dainty +white dress she had worn on that occasion. + +While they were going over the extensive assortment of gowns, +with Sara as the judge from whom there seemed to be no appeal, he +casually inquired if she had ever posed before. + +Two ladies' maids were engaged in flinging the costly garments +about as if they represented so much rubbish. The floor was littered +with silks and satins and laces. He was accustomed to this ruthless +handling of exquisite fabrics by eager ladies of wealth: it was +one way these pampered women had of showing their contempt for +possession. Gowns came from everywhere by the armload; from closets, +presses and trunks, ultimately landing in a conglomerate heap on +the floor when cast aside as undesirable by the artist, the model +and the censor. + +He watched her closely as he put the question. She was holding up +a beautiful point lace creation for his inspection, and there was +a pleading smile on her lips. It must have been her favourite gown. +The smile faded away. The hand that dangled the garment before +his eyes suddenly became motionless, as if paralysed. In the next +instant, she recovered herself, and, giving the lace a quick fillip +that sent its odour of sachet leaping to his nostrils, responded +with perfect composure. + +"Isn't there a distinction between posing for an artist, and sitting +for one's portrait?" she asked. + +He was silent. The fact that he did not respond seemed to disturb +her after a moment or two. She made the common mistake of pressing +the question. + +"Why do you ask?" was her inquiry. When it was too late she wished +she had not uttered the words. He had caught the somewhat anxious +note in her voice. + +"We always ask that, I think," he said. "It's a habit." + +"Oh," she said doubtfully. + +"And by the way, you haven't answered." + +She was busy with the gown for a time. At last she looked him full +in the face. + +"That's true," she agreed; "I haven't answered, have I? No, Mr. +Booth, I've never posed for a portrait. It is a new experience for +me. You will have to contend with a great deal of stupidity on my +part. But I shall try to be plastic." + +He uttered a polite protest, and pursued the question no farther. +Her answer had been so palpably evasive that it struck him as bald, +even awkward. + +Pat, disgruntled and irritable to the point of profanity,--he was +a privileged character and might have sworn if he felt like it +without receiving notice,--came shambling up the cottage walk late +that afternoon, bearing two large, shoulder-sagging bundles. He +had walked from the station,--a matter of half-a-mile,--and it was +hot. His employer sat in the shady porch, viewing his approach. + +"Have you got them?" he inquired. + +Pat dropped the bundles on the lower step and stared, speechless. +Then he mopped his drenched, turkey-red face with his handkerchief. +He got his breath after a spell of contemptuous snorting. + +"Have I got what?" he demanded sarcastically. "The measles?" + +"The STUDIOS, Patrick," said Booth reprovingly. + +"No, sor," said Pat; "I came absolutely empty-handed, as you may +have seen, sor." + +"I knew I couldn't be mistaken. I was confident I saw nothing in +your hands." + +"I kept thim closed, sor, so's you couldn't see what was r'ally +in thim. I've been wid you long enough, sor, to know how you hate +the sight av blisthers." + +"They must be quite a novelty to you, Patrick. I should think you'd +be proud of them." + +"Where am I to put them, sor?" + +"The blisters?" + +"Yis, sor." + +"On this table, if you please. And you might cut the strings while +you're about it." + +Pat put the bundles on the wicker table and cut the heavy twine +in dignified silence. Carefully rolling it up in a neat ball, he +stuck it in his pocket. Then he faced his employer. + +"Is there annyt'ing else, sor?" + +"I think not, at present." + +"Not aven a cup av tea, sor?" + +"No, thanks." + +"Thin, if you will excuse me, I'll go about me work. I've had a +pleasant day off, sor, thanks to ye. It's hard to go back to work +afther such a splindid spell of idleness. Heigho! I'd like to be +a gintleman av leisure all the time, that I would, sor. The touch +I've had av it to-day may be the sp'iling av me. If you're a smart +man, Mr. Brandon Booth, ye'll not be letting me off for a holiday +like this again very soon." + +Booth laughed outright. Pat's face wrinkled into a slow, forgiving +grin. + +"I love you, Pat," cried the painter, "in spite of the way you bark +at me." + +"It's a poor dog that don't know his own master," said Pat +magnanimously. "Whin you're t'rough wid the magazines, I'll carry +thim down to the cellar, sor." + +"What's the matter with the attic?" + +"Nothing at all, at all. I was only finking they'd be handier +for you to get at in the cellar. And it's a dom sight cooler down +there." + +With that he departed, blinking slyly. + +The young man drew a chair up to the table and began the task +of working out the puzzle that now seemed more or less near to +solution. He had a pretty clear idea as to the period he wanted to +investigate. To the best of his recollection, the Studios published +three or four years back held the key. He selected the numbers and +began to run through them. One after another they were cast aside +without result. In any other cause he would have tired of the quest, +but in this his curiosity was so commanding that he stuck to the +task without complaint. He was positive in his mind that what he +desired was to be found inside the covers of one of these magazines. +He was searching for a vaguely remembered article on one of the +iesser-known English painters who had given great promise at the +time it was published but who dropped completely out of notice soon +afterward because of a mistaken notion of his own importance. If +Booth's memory served him right, the fellow came a cropper, so to +speak, in trying to ride rough shod over public opinion, and went +to the dogs. He had been painting sensibly up to that time, but +suddenly went in for the most violent style of impressionism. That +was the end of him. + +There had been reproductions of his principal canvases, with sketches +and studies in charcoal. One of these pictures had made a lasting +impression on Booth: the figure of a young woman in deep meditation +standing in the shadow of a window casement from which she looked +out upon the world apparently without a thought of it. A slender young +woman in vague reds and browns, whose shadowy face was positively +illuminated by a pair of wonderful blue eyes. + +He came upon it at last. For a long time he sat there gazing at +the face of Hetty Castleton, a look of half-wonder, half-triumph +in his eyes. There could be no doubt as to the identity of the +subject. The face was hers, the lovely eyes were hers: the velvety, +dreamy, soulful eyes that had haunted him for years, as he now +believed. In no sense could the picture be described as a portrait. +It was a study, deliberately arranged and deliberately posed for in +the artist's studio. He was mystified. Why should she, the daughter +of Colonel Castleton, the grand-niece of an earl, be engaged in +posing for what evidently was meant to be a commercial product of +this whilom artist? + +He remembered the painting itself as he had seen it in the +exhibition at the National Academy when this fellow--Hawkright was +his name--was at the top of his promise as a painter. He remembered +going back to it again and again and marvelling at the subtle, +delicate beauty of the thing. Now he knew that it was the face, +and not the art of the painter that had affected him so enduringly. +The fellow had shown other paintings, but he recalled that none +of them struck him save this one. After all, it WAS the face that +made the picture memorable. + +Turning from this skilfully coloured full page reproduction, +he glanced at first casually over the dozen or more sketches and +studies on the succeeding pages. Many of them represented studies +of women's heads and figures, with little or no attempt to obtain +a likeness. Some were half-draped, showing in a sketchy way the +long graceful lines of the half-nude figure, of bare shoulders and +breasts, of gauze-like fabrics that but illy concealed impressive +charms. Suddenly his eyes narrowed and a sharp exclamation fell +from his lips. He bent closer to the pages and studied the drawings +with redoubled interest. + +Then he whistled softly to himself, a token of simple amazement. +The head of each of these remarkable studies suggested in outline +the head and features of Hetty Castleton! She had been Hawkright's +model! + +The next morning at ten he was at Southlook, arranging his easel +and canvas in the north end of the long living-room, where the light +from the tall French windows afforded abundant and well-distributed +light for the enterprise in hand. Hetty had not yet appeared. Sara, +attired in a loose morning gown, was watching him from a comfortable +chair in the corner, one shapely bare arm behind her head; the +free hand was gracefully employed in managing a cigarette. He was +conscious of the fact that her lazy, half-alert gaze was upon him +all the time, although she pretended to be entirely indifferent to +the preparations. Dimly he could see the faint smile of interest +on her lips. + +"By Jove," he exclaimed with sudden fervour, "I wish I could get +you just as you are, Mrs. Wrandall. Do you mind if I sketch you +in--just to preserve the pose for the future--" + +"Never!" she cried and forthwith changed her position. She laughed +at the look of disappointment in his face. + +"You've no idea how--er--attractive--" he began confusedly, but +broke off with a laugh. "I beg your pardon. I couldn't help it." + +"The potent appeal of a cigarette," she surmised shrewdly. + +"Not at all," he said promptly. He was a bit red in the face as he +turned to busy himself with the tubes and brushes. When he glanced +at her again, he found that she had resumed her former attitude. + +Hetty came in at that moment, calm, serene and lovelier than ever +in the clear morning light. She was wearing the simple white gown +he had chosen the day before. If she was conscious of the rather +intense scrutiny he bestowed upon her as she gave him her hand in +greeting, she did not appear to be in the least disturbed. + +"You may go away, Sara," she said firmly. "I shall be too dreadfully +self-conscious if you are looking on." + +Booth looked at her rather sharply. Sara indolently abandoned her +comfortable chair and left them alone in the room. + +"Shall we try a few effects, Miss Castleton?" he inquired, after +a period of constraint that had its effect on both of them. + +"I am in your hands," she said simply. + +He made suggestions. She fell into the positions so easily, so +naturally, so effectively, that he put aside all previous doubts +and blurted out: + +"You have posed before, Miss Castleton." + +She smiled frankly. "But not for a really truly portrait," she +said. "Such as this is to be." + +He hesitated an instant. "I think I recall a canvas by Maurice +Hawkright," he said, and at once experienced a curious sense of +perturbation. It was not unlike fear. + +Instead of betraying the confusion or surprise he expected, Miss +Castleton merely raised her eyebrows inquiringly. + +"What has that to do with me, Mr. Booth?" she asked. + +He laughed awkwardly. + +"Don't you know his work?" he inquired, with a slight twist of his +lip. + +"I may have seen his pictures," she replied, puckering her brow as +if in reflection. + +He stared for a second. + +"Why do you look at me in that way, Mr. Booth?" she cried, with a +nervous little laugh. + +"Do you mean to say you--er--that is, you don't know Hawkright's +work?" + +"Is that so very strange?" she inquired plaintively. + +"By Jove," he muttered, quite taken aback. "I don't understand. +I'm flabbergasted." + +"Please explain yourself," she said stiffly. + +"You must have a double somewhere, Miss Castleton," said he, still +staring. "Some one who looks enough like you to be--" + +"Oh," she cried, with a bright smile of understanding. "I see! Yes, +I have a double--a really remarkable double. Have you never seen +Hetty Glynn, the actress?" + +"I am sure I have not," he said, taking a long breath. It was one +of relief, he remembered afterward. "If she is so like you as all +that, I COULDN'T have forgotten her." + +"She is quite unknown, I believe," she went on, ignoring the implied +compliment. "A chorus-girl, or something like that. They say she +is wonderfully like me--or was, at least, a few years ago." + +He was silent for a few minutes, studying her face and figure with +the critical eye of the artist. As he turned to the canvas with his +crayon point, he remarked, with an unmistakable note of relief in +his voice: + +"That explains everything. It must have been Hetty Glynn who posed +for all those things of Hawkright's." + +"I dare say," said she indifferently. + + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE GHOST AT THE FEAST + + + + +The next day he appeared bright and early with his copy of the +Studio. + +"There," he said, holding it before her eyes. She took it from his +hands and stared long and earnestly at the reproduction. + +"Do you think it like me?" she inquired innocently. + +"Amazingly like you," he declared with conviction. + +She turned the page. He was watching her closely. As she looked upon +the sketches of the half-nude figure a warm blush covered her face +and neck. She did not speak for a full minute, and he was positive +that her fingers tightened their grasp on the magazine. + +"The same model," he said quietly. + +She nodded her head. + +"Hetty Glynn, I am sure," she said, after a pause, without lifting +her eyes. Her voice was low, the words not very distinct. + +He drew a long breath, and she looked up quickly. What he saw in +her honest blue eyes convicted her. + +Sara Wrandall came into the room at that moment. Hetty hastily +closed the magazine and held it behind her. Booth had intended to +show the reproduction to Mrs. Wrandall, but the girl's behaviour +caused him to change his mind. He felt that he possessed a secret +that could not be shared with Sara Wrandall, then or afterward. +Moreover, he decided that he would not refer to the Hawkright +picture again unless the girl herself brought up the subject. All +this flashed through his mind as he stepped forward to greet the +newcomer. + +When he turned again to Hetty, the magazine had disappeared. He +never saw it afterward, and, what is more to the point, he never +asked her to produce it. + +There was a marked change in Hetty's manner after that when they +were left alone together. She seemed inert, distrait and at times +almost unfriendly. There were occasions, however, when she went to +the other extreme in trying to be at ease with him. These transitions +were singularly marked. He could not fail to notice them. As for +himself, he was uncomfortable, ill-at-ease. An obvious barrier had +sprung up between them. + +When Sara was present, the girl seemed to be her old self, but at +no other time. Frequently during the sittings of the next few days +he caught her looking at him without apparently being aware of the +intensity of her gaze. He had the feeling that she was trying to +read his thoughts, but what impressed him more than anything else +was the increasing look of wonder and appeal that lurked in her +deep, questioning eyes. It seemed almost as if she were pleading +for mercy with them. + +He thought hard over the situation. The obvious solution came to +him: she had been at one time reduced to the necessity of posing, +a circumstance evidently known to but few and least of all to Sara +Wrandall, from whom the girl plainly meant to keep the truth. This +conviction distressed him, but not in the way that might have been +expected. He had no scruples about sharing the secret or in keeping +it inviolate; his real distress lay in the fear that Mrs. Wrandall +might hear of all this from other and perhaps ungentle sources. As +for her posing for Hawkright, it meant little or nothing to him. In +his own experience, two girls of gentle birth had served as models +for pictures of his own making, and he fully appreciated the exigencies +that had driven them to it. One had posed in the "altogether." She +was a girl of absolutely irreproachable character, who afterwards +married a chap he knew very well, and who was fully aware of +that short phase in her life. That feature of the situation meant +nothing to him. He was in no doubt concerning Hetty. She was what +she appeared to be: a gentlewoman. + +He began to experience a queer sense of pity for her. Her eyes +haunted him when they were separated; they dogged him when they +were together. More than once he was moved to rush over and take +her in his arms, and implore her to tell him all, to trust him with +everything. At such times the thought of holding the slim, warm, +ineffably feminine body in his arms was most distracting. He rather +feared for himself. If such a thing were to happen,--and it might +happen if the impulse seized him at the psychological moment of +least resistance,--the result in all probability would be disastrous. +She would turn on him like an injured animal and rend him! Alas, +for that leveller called reason! It spoils many good intentions. + +He admitted to himself that he was under the spell of her. It was +not love, he was able to contend; but it was a mysterious appeal +to something within him that had never revealed itself before. He +couldn't quite explain what it was. + +In his solitary hours at the cottage on the upper road, he was wont +to take his friend Leslie Wrandall into consideration. As a friend, +was it not his duty to go to him with his sordid little tale? Was +it right to let Wrandall go on with his wooing when there existed +that which might make all the difference in the world to him? He +invariably brought these deliberations to a close by relaxing into +a grim smile of amusement, as much as to say: "Serve him right, +anyway. Trust him to sift her antecedents thoroughly. He's already +done it, and he is quite satisfied with the result. Serve them all +right, for that matter." + +But then there was Hetty Glynn. What of her? Hetty Glynn, real or +mythical, was a disturbing factor in his deductions. If there was +a real Hetty Glynn and she was Hetty Castleton's double, what then? + +On the fifth day of a series of rather prolonged and tedious +sittings, he was obliged to confine his work to an hour and a half +in the forenoon. Mrs. Wrandall was having a few friends in for +auction-bridge immediately after luncheon. She asked him to stay +over and take a hand, but he declined. He did not play bridge. + +Leslie was coming out on an evening train. Booth, in commenting +on this, again remarked a sharp change in Hetty's manner. They had +been conversing somewhat buoyantly up to the moment he mentioned +Leslie's impending visit. In a flash her manner changed. A quick +but unmistakable frown succeeded her smiles, and for some reason +she suddenly relapsed into a state of reserve that was little short +of sullen. He was puzzled, as he had been before. + +The day was hot. Sara volunteered to take him home in the motor. +An errand in the village was the excuse she gave for riding over +with him. Heretofore she had sent him over alone with the chauffeur. + +She looked very handsome, very tempting, as she came down to the +car. + +"By Jove," he said to himself, "she is wonderful!" + +He handed her into the car with the grace of a courtier, and she +smiled upon him serenely, as a princess might have smiled in the +days when knighthood was in flower. + +When she sat him down at his little garden gate, he put the +question that had been seething in his mind all the way down the +shady stretch they had traversed. + +"Have you ever seen Hetty Glynn, the English actress?" + +Sara was always prepared. She knew the question would come when +least expected. + +"Oh, yes," she replied, with interest. "Have you noticed the resemblance? +They are as like as two peas in a pod. Isn't it extraordinary?" + +He was a bit staggered. "I have never seen Hetty Glynn," he replied. + +"Oh? You have seen photographs of her?" she inquired casually. + +"What has become of her?" he asked, ignoring her question. "Is she +still on the stage?" + +"Heaven knows," she replied lightly. "Miss Castleton and I were +speaking of her last night. We were together the last time I saw +her. Who knows? She may have married into the nobility by this +time. She was a very poor actress, but the loveliest thing in the +world--excepting OUR Hetty, of course." + +If he could have seen the troubled look in her eyes as she was whirled +off to the village, he might not have gone about the cottage with +such a blithesome air. He was happier than he had been in days, +and all because of Hetty Glynn! + +Leslie Wrandall did not arrive by the evening train. He telephoned +late in the afternoon, not to Hetty but to Sara, to say that he was +unavoidably detained and would not leave New York until the next +morning. + +Something in his voice, in his manner of speaking, disturbed her. +She went to bed that night with two sources of uneasiness threatening +her peace of mind. She scented peril. + +The motor met him at the station and Sara was waiting for him in the +cool, awning-covered verandah as he drove up. There was a sullen, +dissatisfied look in his face. She was stretched out comfortably, +lazily, in a great chaise-longue, her black little slippers peeping +out at him with perfect abandonment. + +"Hello," he said shortly. She gave him her hand. "Sorry I couldn't +get out last night." He shook her hand rather ungraciously. + +"We missed you," she said. "Pull up a chair. I was never so lazy +as now. Dear me, I am afraid I'll get stout and gross." + +"Spring fever," he announced. He was plainly out of sorts. "I'll +stand, if you don't mind. Beastly tiresome, sitting in a hot, stuffy +train." + +He took a couple of turns across the porch, his eyes shifting in +the eager, annoyed manner of one who seeks for something that, in +the correct order of things, ought to be plainly visible. + +"Please sit down, Leslie. You make me nervous, tramping about like +that. We can't go in for half an hour or more." + +"Can't go in?" he demanded, stopping before her. He began to pull +at his little moustache. + +"No. Hetty's posing. They won't permit even me to disturb them." + +He glared. With a final, almost dramatic twist he gave over jerking +at his moustache, and grabbed up a chair, which he put down beside +her with a vehemence that spoke plainer than words. + +"I say," he began, scowling in the direction of the doorway, "how +long is he going to be at this silly job?" + +"Silly job? Why, it is to be a masterpiece," she cried. + +"I asked you how long?" + +"Oh, how can I tell? Weeks, perhaps. One can't prod a genius." + +"It's all tommy-rot," he growled. "I suppose I'd better take the +next train back to town." + +"Don't you like talking with me?" she inquired, with a pout. + +"Of course I do," he made haste to say. "But do you mean to say +they won't let anybody in where--Oh, I say! This is rich!" + +"Spectators upset the muse, or words to that effect." + +He stared gloomily at his cigarette case for a moment. Then he +carefully selected a cigarette and tapped it on the back of his +hand. + +"See here, Sara, I'm going to get this off my chest," he said +bluntly. "I've been thinking it over all week. I don't like this +portrait painting nonsense." + +"Dear me! Didn't you suggest it?" she inquired innocently, but all +the time her heart was beating violent time to the song of triumph. + +He was jealous. It was what she wanted, what she had hoped for all +along. Her purpose now was to encourage the ugly flame that tortured +him, to fan it into fury, to make it unendurable. She knew him +well: his supreme egoism could not withstand an attack upon its +complacency. Like all the Wrandalls, he had the habit of thinking +too well of himself. He possessed a clearly-defined sense of +humour, but it did not begin to include self-sacrifice among its +endowments. He had never been able to laugh at himself for the +excellent reason that some things were truly sacred to him. + +She realised this, and promptly laughed at him. He stiffened. + +"Don't snicker, Sara," he growled. He took time to light his cigarette, +and at the same time to consider his answer to her question. "In +a way, yes. I suggested a sort of portrait, of course. A sketchy +thing, something like that, you know. But not an all-summer +operation." + +"But she doesn't mind," explained Sara. "In fact, she is enjoying +it. She and Mr. Booth get on famously together." + +"She likes him, eh?" + +"Certainly. Why shouldn't she like him? He is adorable." + +He threw his cigarette over the railing. "Comes here every day, I +suppose?" + +"My dear Leslie, he is to do me as soon as he has finished with +her. I don't like your manner." + +"Oh," he said in a dull sort of wonder. No one had ever cut him +short in just that way before. "What's up, Sara? Have I done anything +out of the way?" + +"You are very touchy, it seems to me." + +"I'm sore about this confounded portrait monopoly." + +"I'm sorry, Leslie. I suppose you will have to give in, however. +We are three to one against you,--Hetty, Mr. Booth and I." + +"I see," he said, rather blankly. Then he drew his chair closer. +"See here, Sara, you know I'm terribly keen about her. I think about +her, I dream about her, I--oh, well, here it is in a nutshell: I'm +in love with her. Now do you understand?" + +"I don't see how you could help being in love with her," she said +calmly. "I believe it is a habit men have where she is concerned." + +"You're not surprised?" he cried, himself surprised. + +"Not in the least." + +"I mean to ask her to marry me," he announced with finality. This +was intended to bowl her over completely. + +She looked at him for an instant, and then shook her head. "I'd +like to be able to wish you good luck." + +He stared. "You don't mean to say she'd be fool enough--" he began +incredulously, but caught himself up in time. "Of course, I'd have +to take my chances," he concluded, with more humility than she had +ever seen him display. "Do you know of any one else?" + +"No," she said seriously. "She doesn't confide in me to that extent, +I fear. I've never asked." + +"Do you think there was any one back there in England?" He put it +in the past tense, so to speak, as if there could be no question +about the present. + +"Oh, I dare say." + +He was regaining his complacency. "That's neither here nor there," +he declared. "The thing I want you to do, Sara, is to rush this +confounded portrait. I don't like the idea, not a little bit." + +"I don't blame you for being afraid of the attractive Mr. Booth," +she said, with a significant lifting of her eyebrows. + +"I'm going to have it over with before I go up to town, my dear +girl," he announced, in a matter-of-fact way. "I've given the whole +situation a deuce of a lot of thought, and I've made up my mind to +do it. I'm not the sort, you know, to delay matters once my mind's +made up. By Jove, Sara, YOU ought to be pleased. I'm not such a +rotten catch, if I do say it who shouldn't." + +She was perfectly still for a long time, so still that she did +not appear to be breathing. Her eyes grew darker, more mysterious. +If he had taken the pains to notice, he would have seen that her +fingers were rigid. + +"I AM pleased," she said, very softly, even gently. + +She could have shrieked the words. + +He showed no elation. Why should he? He took it as a matter of +course. Settling back in his chair, he lit another cigarette, first +offering the case to her, but she shook her head. Then he lapsed +into a satisfied discussion of the situation as it appeared to him. +All the while she was regarding him with a thoroughly aroused light +in her dark eyes. She was breathing quickly again, and there were +moments when she felt a shudder rush through her veins, as of +exquisite excitement. + +How she hated all these smug Wrandalls! + +"I came to the decision yesterday," he went on, tapping the arm of +the chair with his finger tips, as if timing his words with care +and precision. "Spoke to dad about it at lunch. I was for coming +out on the five o'clock, as I'd planned, but he seemed to think +I'd better talk it over with the mater first. Not that she would +be likely to kick up a row, you know, but--well, for policy's sake. +See what I mean? Decent thing to do, you know. She never quite got +over the way you and Chal stole a march on her. God knows I'm not +like Chal." + +Her eyes narrowed again. "No," she said, "you are not like your +brother." + +"Chal was all right, mind you, in what he did," he added hastily, +noting the look. "I would do the same, 'pon my soul I would, if there +were any senseless objections raised in my case. But, of course, +it WAS right for me to talk it over with her, just the same. So +I stayed in and gave them all the chance to say what they thought +of me--and, incidentally, of Hetty. Quite the decent thing, don't +you think? A fellow's mother is his mother, after all. See what I +mean?" + +"And she was appeased?" she said, in a dangerously satirical tone. + +"Hardly the word, old girl, but we'll let it stand. She WAS appeased. +Wanted to be sure, of course, if I knew my own mind, and all that. +Just as if I didn't! Ha! Ha! I was considerate enough to ask her +if she was satisfied I wasn't marrying beneath the family dignity. +'Gad, she got off a rather neat one at that. Said I might marry under +the family tree if I felt like it. Rather good, eh, for mother? I +said I preferred a church. Nothing al fresco for me." + +"She is quite satisfied, then, that you are not throwing yourself +away on Miss Castleton," said Sara, with a deep breath, which he +mistook for a sigh. + +"Oh, trust mother to nose into things. She knows Miss Castleton's +pedigree from the ground up. There's Debrett, you see. What's more, +you can't fool her in a pinch. She knows blood when she sees it. +Father hasn't the same sense of proportion, however. He says you +never can tell." + +Sara was startled. "What do you mean?" + +"Oh, it's nothing to speak of; only a way he has of grinding mother +once in a while. He uses you as an example to prove that you never +can tell, and mother has to admit that he's right. You have upset +every one of her pet theories. She sees it now, but--whew! She +couldn't see it inthe old days, could she?" + +"I fear not," said she in a low voice. Her eyes smouldered. "It +is quite natural that she should not want you to make the mistake +your brother made." + +"Oh, please don't put it that way, Sara. You make me feel like a +confounded prig, because that's what it comes to, with them, don't +you know. And yet my attitude has always been clear to them where +you're concerned. I was strong for you from the beginning. All that +silly rot about--" + +"Please, please!" she burst out, quivering all over. + +"I beg your pardon," he stammered. "You--you know how I mean it, +dear girl." + +"Please leave me out of it, Leslie," she said, collecting herself. +After a moment she went on calmly: "And so you are going to marry +my poor little Hetty, and they are all pleased with the arrangement." + +"If she'll have me," he said with a wink, as if to say there wasn't +any use doubting it. "They're tickled to death." + +"Vivian?" + +"Viv's a snob. She says Hetty's much too good for me, blood and bone. +What business, says she, has a Wrandall aspiring to the descendant +of Henry the Eighth." + +"What!" + +"The Murgatroyds go back to old Henry, straight as a plummet. +'Gad, what Vivvy doesn't know about British aristocracy isn't worth +knowing. She looked it up the time they tried to convince her she +ought to marry the duke. But she's fond of Hetty. She says she's +a darling. She's right: Hetty is too good for me." + +Sara swished her gown about and rose gracefully from the chaise-longue. +Extending her hand to him she said, and he was never to forget the +deep thrill in her voice: + +"Well, I wish you good luck, Leslie. Don't take no for an answer." + +"Lord, if she SHOULD say no," he gasped, confronted by the possibility +of such stupidity on Hetty's part. "You don't think she will?" + +Her answer was a smile of doubt, the effect of which was to destroy +his tranquillity for hours. + +"It is time for luncheon. I suppose we'll have to interrupt them. +Perhaps it is just as well, for your sake," she said tauntingly. + +He grinned, but it was a sickly effort. + +"You're the one to spoil anything of that sort," he said, with some +ascerbity. + +"I?" + +"Certainly," he said with so much meaning in the word that she +flushed. + +"Oh, I see," she mused, with understanding. "Can't you trust Vivian +to do that for you?" There was intense irony in the question. + +He laughed disdainfully. "Vivvy wouldn't stand a ghost of a chance +with you, take it from me." He stopped abruptly at the doorway, a +frown of recollection creasing his seamless brow. "Oh, that reminds +me, there is something else I want to discuss with you, Sara. After +luncheon will be time enough. Remind me of it, will you?" + +"Not if it is to be unpleasant," she replied, with a sudden chill +in her heart. + +"It's this, in a word: Viv would like to have Miss Castleton over +to spend a month or so with her after the--well, after the house +is open." He came near to saying after the engagement was announced. + +Sara's decision was made at once. Her face hardened. + +"That is quite out of the question, Leslie," she said. + +"We can discuss it, can't we?" he demanded loftily. + +She did not condescend to reply. They were now in the wide hallway, +and she was a step or two ahead of him. Voices could be heard +in the recess at the lower end of the hall, beyond the staircase, +engaged in what appeared to be a merry exchange of opinions. He +caught the sound of a low laugh from Booth. There was something +acutely subdued about it, as if a warning had been whispered by +some one. Leslie's sensitive imagination pictured the unseen girl +with her finger to her lips. + +He caught up with Sara, and, curiously red in the face, snapped +out with dogged insistence: + +"Mother is set on having her come, Sara. Can't you see the way the +land lays? They--" + +Hetty and Booth came into view at that instant, and his lips were +closed. The painter was laying a soft, filmy scarf over the girl's +bare shoulders as he followed close behind her. + +"Hello!" he cried, catching sight of Wrandall. "Train late, old +chap? We've been expecting you for the last hour. How are you?" + +He came up with a frank, genuine smile of pleasure on his lips, +his hand extended. Leslie rose to the occasion. His self-esteem was +larger than his grievance. He shook Booth's hand heartily, almost +exuberantly. + +"Didn't want to disturb you, Brandy," he cried, cheerily. "Besides, +Sara wouldn't let me." He then passed on to Hetty, who had lagged +behind. Bending low over her hand, he said something commonplace in +a very low tone, at the same time looking slyly out of the corner +of his eye to see if Booth was taking it all in. Finding that his +friend was regarding him rather fixedly, he obeyed a sudden impulse +and raised the girl's slim hand to his lips. As suddenly he released +her fingers and straightened up with a look of surprise in his eyes; +he had distinctly heard the agitated catch in her throat. She was +staring at her hand in a stupefied sort of way, holding it rigid +before her eyes for a moment before thrusting it behind her back as +if it were a thing to be shielded from all scrutiny save her own. + +"You must not kiss it again, Mr. Wrandall," she said in a low, +intense voice. Then she passed him by and hurried up the stairs, +without so much as a glance over her shoulder. + +He blinked in astonishment. All of a sudden there swept over him +the unique sensation of shyness--most unique in him. He had never +been abashed before in all his life. Now he was curiously conscious +of having overstepped the bounds, and for the first time to be +shown his place by a girl. This to him, who had no scruples about +boundary lines! + +All through luncheon he was volatile and gay. There was a bright +spot in his cheek, however, that betrayed him to Sara, who already +suspected the temper of his thoughts. He talked aeroplaning +without cessation, directing most of his conversation to Booth, yet +thrilled with pleasure each time Hetty laughed at his sallies. He +was beginning to feel like a half-baked schoolboy in her presence, +a most deplorable state of affairs he had to admit. + +"If you hate the trains so much, and your automobile is out +of whack, why don't you try volplaning down from the Metropolitan +tower?" demanded Booth in response to his lugubrious wail against +the beastly luck of having to go about in railway coaches with a +lot of red-eyed, nose-blowing people who hadn't got used to their +spring underwear as yet. + +"Sinister suggestion, I must say," he exclaimed. "You must be eager +to see my life blood scattered all over creation. But, speaking +of volplaning, I've had three lessons this week. Next week Bronson +says I'll be flying like a gull. 'Gad, it's wonderful. I've had two +tumbles, that's all,--little ones, of course,--net result a barked +knee and a peeled elbow." + +"Watch out you're not flying like an angel before you get through +with it, Les," cautioned the painter. "I see that a well-known +society leader in Chicago was killed yesterday." + +"Oh, I love the danger there is in it," said Wrandall carelessly. +"That's what gives zest to the sport." + +"I love it, too," said Hetty, her eyes a-gleam. "The glorious feel +of the wind as you rush through it! And yet one seems to be standing +perfectly still in the air when one is half a mile high and going +fifty miles an hour. Oh, it is wonderful, Mr. Wrandall." + +"I'll take you out in a week or two, Miss Castleton, if you'll +trust yourself with me." + +"I will go," she announced promptly. + +Booth frowned. "Better wait a bit," he counselled. "Risky business, +Miss Castleton, flying about with fledgelings." + +"Oh, come now!" expostulated Wrandall with some heat. "Don't be a +wet blanket, old man." + +"I was merely suggesting she'd better wait till you'ye got used to +your wings." + +"Jimmy Van Wickle took his wife with him the third time up," said +Leslie, as if that were the last word in aeroplaning. + +"It's common report that she keeps Jimmy level, no matter where +she's got him," retorted Booth. + +"I dare say Miss Castleton can hold me level," said Leslie, with +a profound bow to her. "Can't you, Miss Castleton?" + +She smiled. "Oh, as for that, Mr. Wrandall, I think we can all +trust you to cling pretty closely to your own level." + +"Rather ambiguous, that," he remarked dubiously. + +"She means you never get below it, Leslie," said Booth, enjoying +himself. + +"That's the one great principle in aeroplaning," said Wrandall, +quick to recover. "Vivian says I'll break my neck some day, but +admits it will be a heroic way of doing it. Much nobler than pitching +out of an automobile or catapulting over a horse's head in Central +Park." He paused for effect before venturing his next conclusion. +"It must be ineffably sublime, being squashed--or is it squshed?--after +a drop of a mile or two, isn't it?" + +He looked to see Miss Castleton wince, and was somewhat dashed to +find that she was looking out of the window, quite oblivious to +the peril he was in figuratively for her special consideration. + +Booth was acutely reminded that the term "prig" as applied +to Leslie was a misnomer; he hated the thought of the other word, +which reflectively he rhymed with "pad." + +It occurred to him early in the course of this rather one-sided +discussion that their hostess was making no effort to take part +in it, whether from lack of interest or because of its frivolous +nature he was, of course, unable to determine. Later, he was struck +by the curious pallor of her face, and the lack-lustre expression +of her eyes. She seldom removed her gaze from Wrandall's face, +and yet there persisted in the observer's mind the rather uncanny +impression that she did not hear a word her brother-in-law was +saying. He, in turn, took to watching her covertly. At no time did +her expression change. For reasons of his own, he did not attempt +to draw her into the conversation, fascinated as he was by the +study of that beautiful, emotionless face. Once he had the queer +sensation of feeling, rather than seeing, a haunted look in her eyes, +but he put it down to fancy on his part. Doubtless, he concluded, +the face or voice or manner of her husband's brother recalled +tragic memories from which she could not disengage herself. But +undoubtedly there was something peculiar in the way she looked at +Leslie through those dull, unblinking eyes. It was some time before +Booth realised that she made but the slightest pretence of touching +the food that was placed before her by the footman. + +And Leslie babbled on in blissful ignorance of, not to say disregard +for, this strange ghost at the feast, for, to Booth's mind, the +ghost of Challis Wrandall was there. + +Turning to Miss Castleton with a significant look in his eyes, meant +to call her attention to Mrs. Wrandall, he was amazed to find that +every vestige of colour had gone from the girl's face. She was +listening to Wrandall and replying in monosyllables, but that she +was aware of the other woman's abstraction was not for an instant +to be doubted. Suddenly, after a quick glance at Sara's face, she +looked squarely into Booth's eyes, and he saw in hers an expression +of actual concern, if not alarm. + +Leslie was in the middle of a sentence when Sara laughed aloud, +without excuse or reason. The next instant she was looking from one +to the other in a dazed sort of way, as if coining out of a dream. + +Wrandall turned scarlet. There had been nothing in his remarks to +call for a laugh, he was quite sure of that. Flushing slightly, +she murmured something about having thought of an amusing story, +and begged him to go on, she wouldn't be rude again. + +He had little zest for continuing the subject and sullenly disposed +of it in a word or two. + +"What the devil was there to laugh at, Brandy?" he demanded of his +friend after the women had left them together on the porch a few +minutes later. Hetty had gone upstairs with Mrs. Wrandall, her arm +clasped tightly about the older woman's waist. + +"I dare say she was thinking about you falling a mile or two," said +Booth pleasantly. + +But he was perplexed. + + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +MAN PROPOSES + + + + +The young men cooled their heels for an hour before word was +brought down to them that Mrs. Wrandall begged to be excused for +the afternoon on account of a severe headache. Miss Castleton was +with her, but would be down later on. Meanwhile they were to make +themselves at home, and so on and so forth. + +Booth took his departure, leaving Leslie in sole possession of +the porch. He was restless, nervous, excited; half-afraid to stay +there and face Hetty with the proposal he was determined to make, +and wholly afraid to lorsake the porch and run the risk of missing +her altogether if she came down as signified. Several things +disturbed him. One was Hetty's deplorable failure to hang on his +words as he had fondly expected her to do; and then there was that +very--disquieting laugh of Sara's. A hundred times over he repeated +to himself that sickening question: "What the devil was there to +laugh at?" and no answer suggested itself. He was decidedly cross +about it. + +Another hour passed. His heels were quite cool by this time, but +his blood was boiling. This was a deuce of a way to treat a fellow +who had gone to the trouble to come all the way out in a stuffy +train, by Jove, it was! With considerable asperity he rang for a +servant and commanded him to fetch a time table, and to be quick +about it, as there might be a train leaving before he could get +back if it took him as long to find it as it took other people to +remember their obligations! His sarcasm failed to impress Murray, +who said he thought there was a schedule in Mrs. Wrandall's room, +and he'd get it as soon as the way was clear, if Mr. Wrandall didn't +mind waiting. + +"If I minded waiting," snapped Leslie, "I wouldn't be here now." + +"It's the thing most people object to in the country, sir," said +Murray consolingly. "Waiting for trains, sir." + +"And the sunset," added Mr. Wrandall pointedly, with a westward +glare. + +"We don't mind that, sir. We rather look forward to it. It means +one day less of waiting for the trains." It was rather cryptic, +but Leslie was too deeply absorbed in self-pity to take account of +the pathos in Murray's philosophy. + +"What time is it, Murray?" + +"Five-twenty, Mr. Wrandall." + +"That's all, Murray." + +"Thank you, sir." + +As the footman was leaving, Sara's automobile whirled up to the +porte-cochere. + +"Who is going out, Murray?" he called in surprise. + +"Miss Castleton, sir. For the air, sir." + +"The deuce you say!" gasped the harassed Mr. Wrandall. It was a +pretty kettle of fish! + +Hetty appeared a few minutes later, attired for motoring. + +"Oh, there you are," she said, espying him. "I am going for a spin. +Want to come along?" + +He swallowed hard. The ends of his moustache described a pair of +absolutely horizontal exclamation points. "If you don't mind being +encumbered," he remarked sourly. + +"I don't in the least mind," said she sweetly. + +"Where are you going?" he asked without much enthusiasm. He wasn't +to be caught appearing eager, not he. Besides, it wasn't anything +to be flippant about. + +"Yonder," she said, with a liberal sweep of her arm, taking in the +whole landscape. "And be home in time to dress for dinner," she +added, as if to relieve his mind. + +"Good Lord!" he groaned, "do we have to eat again?" + +"We have to dress for it, at least," she replied. + +"I'll go," he exclaimed, and ambled off to secure a cap and coat. + +"Sara has planned for a run to Lenox to-morrow if it doesn't rain," +she informed him on his return. + +"Oh," he said, staring. "Booth gets a day off on the portrait then." + +"Being Sunday," she smiled. "We knock off on Sundays and bank +holidays. But, after all, he doesn't really get a holiday. He is +to go with us, poor fellow." + +He looked as though he expected nothing. He could only sit back +and wonder what the deuce Sara meant by behaving like this. + +It was not by way of being a profitable excursion, if we are to +judge by the amount of pleasure Leslie derived from the two hours' +spin through the cool, leafy byways of the forest with the obj ect +of his heart's desire on the seat beside him. He tried to screw up +his courage to the point of asking her why he shouldn't kiss her +band, which might have opened the way to more profound interrogations, +but somehow he felt unable to cope with the serenity that confronted +him. Moreover, he had a horrible conviction that the chauffeur +was a brute with abnormally long ears and a correspondingly short +sense of honour. No, it was not the time or the place for love-making. +He would have to be content to bide his time till after dinner, +which now began to lose some of its disadvantages. There was a most +engaging nook, he remembered, in the corner of the garden facing +the Sound, where the shadows were deep; where sentiment could thrive +on its own ecstasy; where no confounded menial dared to show his +face--although he had to admit that the chauffeur was most punctilious +in that respect. + +And so he was satisfied to sit back in the corner of the seat and +feed his senses on the lovely creature before him. He had never seen +her so beautiful, so utterly worth having as now. He was conscious +of a great, overwhelming sense of pride, somewhat smothering in +its vastness. She was a creature to be proud of! His heart was very +full. + +They returned at seven. Dinner was unusually merry. Sara appeared +to have recovered from her indisposition; there was colour in her +cheeks and life in her smile. He took it to be an omen of good +fortune, and was immeasurably confident. The soft cool breezes of +the star-lit night blew visions of impending happiness across his +lively imagination; fanned his impatience with gentle ardour; filled +him with surpressed sighs of contentment, and made him willing to +forego the delight of conquest that he might live the longer in +serene anticipation of its thrills. + +Ten o'clock came. He arose and stretched himself in a sort of +ecstasy. His heart was thumping loudly, his senses swam. Walking +to the verandah rail he looked out across the moonlit Sound, then +down at the selected nook over against the garden wall--spot to +be immortalised!--and actually shivered. In ten minutes' time, or +even less, she would be down there in his arms! Exquisite meditations! + +He turned to her with an engaging smile, in which she might have +discerned a prophecy, and asked her to come with him for a stroll +along the wall. And so he cast the die. + +Hetty sent a swift, appealing look at Sara's purposely averted +face. Leslie observed the act, but misinterpreted its meaning. + +"Oh, it is quite warm," he said quickly. "You won't need a wrap," +he added, and in spite of himself his voice trembled. Of course +she wouldn't need a wrap! + +"I have a few notes to write," said Sara, rising. She deliberately +avoided the look in Hetty's eyes. "You will find me in the library." + +She stood in the doorway and watched them descend to the terrace, +a sphinx-like smile on her lips. Hetty seemed very tall and erect, +as one going to meet a soldier's fate. + +Then Sara entered the house and sat down to wait. + +A long time after a door closed stealthily in a distant part of +the house--the sun-parlour door, she knew by direction. + +A few minutes later an upstairs door creaked on its hinges. Some +one had come in from the mellow night, and some one had been left +outside. + +Many minutes passed. She sat there at her father's writing table +and waited for the other to come in. At last quick, heavy footfalls +sounded on the tiled floor outside and then came swiftly down the +hall toward the small, remote room in which she sat. She looked up +as he unceremoniously burst into the room. + +He came across and stood over her, an expression of utter bewilderment +in his eyes. There was a ghastly smile on his lips. + +"Damn it all, Sara," he said shrilly, "she---she turned me down." + +He seemed incapable of comprehension. + +She was unmoved. Her eyes narrowed, but that was the only sign of +emotion. + +"I--I can't believe--" he began querulously. "Oh, what's the use? +She won't have me. 'Gad! I'm trembling like a leaf. Where's Watson? +Have him get me something to drink. Never mind! I'll get it from +the sideboard. I'm--I'm damned!" + +He dropped heavily into a chair at the end of the table and looked +at her with glazed eyes. As she stared back at him she had the +curious feeling that he had shrunk perceptibly, that his clothes +hung rather limply on him. His face seemd to have lost all of its +smart symmetry; there was a looseness about the mouth and chin that +had never been there before. The saucy, arrogant moustache sloped +dejectedly. + +"I fancy you must have gone about it very badly," she said, pursing +her lips. + +"Badly?" he gasped. "Why--why, good heavens, Sara, I actually pleaded +with her," he went on, quite pathetically. "All but got down on my +knees to her. Damn me, if I can understand myself doing it either. +I must have lost my head completely. Begged like a love-sick school-boy! +And she kept on saying no--no--no! And I, like a blithering ass, +kept on telling her I couldn't live without her, that I'd make her +happy, that she didn't know what she was saying, and--But, good +Lord, she kept on saying no! Nothing but no! Do--do you think she +meant to say no? Could it have been hysteria? She said it so often, +over and over again, that it might have been hysteria. I never +thought of that. I--" + +"No, Leslie, it wasn't hysteria, you may be sure of that," she said +deliberately. "She meant it, old fellow." + +He sagged deeper in the chair. + +"I--I can't get it through my head," he muttered. + +"As I said before, you did it badly," she said. "You took too much +for granted. Isn't that true?" + +"God knows I didn't EXPECT her to refuse me," he exclaimed, glaring +at her. "Would I have been such a fool as to ask her if I thought +there was the remotest chance of being--" The very thought of the +word caused it to stick in his throat. He swallowed hard. + +"You really love her?" she demanded. + +"Love her?" There was a sob in his voice. "I adore her, Sara. I +can't live without her. And the worst of it is, I love her now more +than I did before, Oh, it's appalling! It's horrible! What am I to +do, Sara? What AM I to do?" + +"Be a man for a little while, that's all," she said coolly. + +"Don't joke with me," he groaned. + +"Go to bed, and when you see her in the morning tell her that you +understand. Thank her for what she has done for you. Be--" + +"Thank her?" he almost shouted. + +"Yes; for destroying all that is detestable in you, Leslie,--your +self-conceit, your arrogance, your false notions concerning +yourself,--in a word, your egotism." + +He blinked incredulously. "Do you know what you're saying?" he +gasped. + +She went on as if she hadn't heard him. + +"Assure her that she is to feel no compunction for what she has +done, that you are content to be her loyal, devoted friend to the +end of your days." + +"But, hang it, Sara, I LOVE her!" + +"Don't let her suspect that you are humiliated. On the contrary, +give her to understand that you are cleansed and glorified." + +"What utter tommy--" + +"Wait! Believe me, it is your only chance. You will have to learn +some time that you can't ride rough-shod among angels. Think it +over, old fellow. You have had a good lesson. Profit by it." + +"You mean I'm to sit down and twirl my thumbs and let some other +chap snap her up under my very nose? Well, I guess not!" + +"Not necessarily. If you take it manfully, she may discover a new +interest in you. Don't breathe a word of love to her. Go on as if +nothing had happened. Don't forget that I told you in the beginning +not to take no for an answer." + +He drooped once more, biting his lip. "I don't see how I can ever +tell mother that she refused--" + +"Why tell her?" she inquired, rising. + +His eyes brightened. "By Jove, I shan't," he exclaimed. + +"I am going up to the poor child now," she went on. "I dare say +you have frightened her almost to death. Naturally she is in great +distress. I shall try to convince her that her decision does not +alter her position in this house. I depend on you to do your part, +Leslie. Make it easy for her to stay on with me." + +He mellowed to the verge of tears. + +"I can't keep on coming out here after this, as I've been doing, +Sara." + +"Don't be silly! Of course you can. This will blow over." + +"Blow over?" he almost gasped. + +"I mean the first effects. Try being a martyr for a while, Leslie. +It isn't a bad plan, I can assure you. It may interest you to know +that Challis proposed to me three times before I accepted him, and +yet I--I loved him from the beginning." + +"By Jove!" he exclaimed, coming to his feet with a new light in +his eyes. The hollows in his cheeks seemed to fill out perceptibly. + +"Good-night!" + +"I say, Sara dear, you'll--you'll help me a bit, won't you? I mean, +you'll talk it over with her and--" + +"My sympathy is entirely with Miss Castleton," she said from the +doorway. His jaw dropped. + +He was still ruminating over the callousness of the world in respect +to lovers when she mounted the stairs and tapped firmly on Hetty's +door. + +His hopes began to revive. A new thought had entered in and lodged +securely among them, bracing them up amazingly. "By Jove," he said +to himself, staring hard at the floor, "I dare say I did go about +it badly. Sara was clever enough to see it. I must have taken her +off her feet with my confounded earnestness. Girls do lose their +heads, bless 'em, if you go at them with a rush. I'm sure she'll +look at it differently when she's had time to compose herself." +He was perplexed, however, over something he had not revealed to +Sara, and his sudden frown proved that it was still disturbing him. +"I can't for the life of me understand why she should have been so +damned horrified at the idea." + +He started for the dining-room, recalling his need of a drink, +but changed his mind in the hall. Grabbing up his hat and stick, +he darted out of the house and was soon swinging briskly down the +moonlit avenue. He had come to the conclusion that a long walk +would prove settling; and moreover it wasn't a stupid idea to go +over and have his drink with Brandon Booth. The longer he walked, +the more springy his stride. Sara was quite right; he HAD gone +about it badly. He'd go about it differently next time. + +Half way to Booth's cottage his pace slackened. A disconcerting +thought struck him, almost like a dash of cold water in the face: +Was she in love with Booth? He sat down on the rugged stone fence +to ponder. A cold perspiration broke out all over him. When he +next resumed his walk, his back was towards Booth's cottage. He +attributed the perspiration to the violence of his exercise. + +Hetty Castleton was standing in the middle of her room when Sara +entered. From her position, it was evident that she had stopped +short in her nervous, excited pacing of the floor. She was very +pale but there was a dogged, set expression about her mouth. + +"Come in, dear," she said, in a manner that showed she had been +expecting the visit. "Have you seen him?" + +Sara closed the door, and then stood with her back against it, +regarding her agitated friend with serious, compassionate eyes. + +"Yes. He is terribly upset. It was a blow to him, Hetty." + +"I am sorry for him, Sara. He was so dreadfully in earnest. But, +thank God, it is over!" She threw back her head and breathed deeply. +"That horrible, horrible nightmare is ended. I suppose it had to +be. But the mockery of it--think of it, Sara!--the damnable mockery +of it!" + +"Poor Leslie!" sighed the other. "Poor old Leslie." + +Hetty's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, I AM sorry for him. He didn't +deserve it. God in heaven, if he really knew everything! If he knew +why I could not listen to him, why I almost screamed when he held +my hands in his and begged--actually begged me to--Oh, it was +ghastly, Sara!" + +She covered her face with her hands, and swayed as if about to fall. +Sara came quickly to her side. Putting an arm about the quivering +shoulders, she led the girl to the broad window seat and threw open +the blinds. + +"Don't speak of it, dearest,--don't think of THAT. Sit here quietly +in the air and pull yourself together. Let me talk to you. Let me +tell you how deeply distressed I am, not only on your account, but +his." + +They were silent for a long time, the girl lying still and almost +breathless against the other's shoulders. She was still wearing +the delicate blue dinner gown, but in her fingers was the exquisite +pearl necklace Sara had given her for Christmas. She had taken it +off and had forgotten to drop it in her jewel box. + +"I suppose he will go up to the city early," she said monotonously. + +"Leslie is a better loser than you think, my dear," said Sara, +looking out over the tops of the cedars. "He will not run away." + +Hetty looked up in alarm. "You mean he will persist in--in his +attentions," she cried. + +"Oh, no. I don't believe you will find him to be the bugbear you +imagine. He can take defeat like a man. He is devoted to you, he +is devoted to me. Your decision no doubt wrecks his fondest hope +in life, but it doesn't make a weakling of him." + +"I don't quite understand--" + +"He is sustained by the belief that he has paid you the highest +honour a man can pay to a woman. There is no reason why he should +turn his back on you, as a sulky boy might do. No, my dear, I think +you may count on him as your best, most loyal friend from this night +on. He has just said to me that his greatest pain lies in the fear +that you may not be willing to accept him as a simple, honest, +unpresuming friend since--" + +"Oh, Sara, if he will only be that and nothing more!" cried the +girl wonderingly. + +Sara smiled confidently. "I fancy you haven't much to fear in that +direction, my dear. It isn't in Leslie Wrandall's make-up to court +a second repulse. He is all pride. The blow it suffered to-night +can't be repeated--at least, not by the same person." + +"I am so sorry it had to be Leslie," murmured Hetty. + +"Be nice to him, Hetty. He deserves that much of you, to say the +least. I should miss him if he found it impossible to come here on +account of--" + +"I wouldn't have that happen for the world," cried the girl +in distress. "He is your dearest friend. Send me away, Sara, if +you must. Don't let anything stand in the way of your friendship +for Leslie. You depend on him for so much, dear. I can't bear the +thought of--" + +"Hush, dearest! You are first in my love. Better for me to lose +all the others and still have you." + +The girl looked at her in wonder for a long time. "Oh, I know you +mean it, Sara, but--but how can it be true?" + +"Put yourself in my place," was all that Sara said in reply, and +her companion had no means of translating the sentence. + +She could only remain mute and wondering, her eyes fixed on that +other mystery: the cameo face in the moon that hung high above the +sombre forest. + +"If it were not for the trip to Lenox," she murmured plaintively. + +"The trip is off," announced Sara. She too was staring at the +cloudless sky. "There will be rain tomorrow." + +"It is very clear to-night, Sara." + +"Do you hear that little wail in the trees--as if a child were +whimpering out there? That is the plaint of the fairies who live +in the buds and twigs, in the flower cups and mosses. They famish, +their gods will hear. Their gods hear when ours is deaf. You will +see. There will be clouds over us to-morrow and we will breathe +the mist." + +The girl shivered. + +Many minutes afterward she said, as one who marvels: "I hear the +promise in the wind, Sara,--the new, cool wind." + +"The gods are whispering. Soon the fairies and elves will come +forth to revel. Ah, what a wonderful thing the night is!" + +"The fairies," mused the girl. "You believe in them?" + +"Resolutely." + +"And I too." + +"We will never grow old, my dear," said Sara. "That is what the +fairies are for: to keep those who love them young." + +Hetty had relaxed. Her soft young body was warm again; that ineffably +feminine charm was revived in her. + +"Poor Leslie," murmured Sara, a long time afterward, a dreamy note +in her voice. "I can't put him out of my thoughts. He will never +get over it. I have never seen one so stricken and yet so brave. +He would have been more than a husband to you, Hetty. It is in him +to be a slave to the woman he loves. I know him well, poor boy." + +Hetty was silent, brooding. Sara resumed her thoughtful observations. + +"Why should you let what happened months ago stand in the way of--" + +She got no farther than that. With an exclamation of horror, the +girl sprang away from her and glowered at her with dilated eyes. + +"My God, Sara!" she whispered hoarsely. "Are you mad?" + +The other sighed. "I suppose you must think it of me," she said +dismally. "We are made differently, you and I. If I cared for a man, +nothing in all this world could stand between me and him. My love +would fortify me against the enemy we are prone to call conscience. +It would justify me in slaying the thing we call conscience. In +your heart, Hetty, you have not wronged Leslie Wrandall by any act +of yours. You owe him no reparation. On the contrary, it is not far +out of the way to say that he owes you something, but of course it +is a claim for recompense and resolves itself into a sentimental +debt, so there's really no use discussing it." + +Hetty was still staring. "You don't mean to say you would have me +marry Challis Wrandall's brother?" she said, in a sort of stupefaction. + +Sara shook her head. "I mean this: you would be justified in +permitting Leslie to glorify that which his brother desecrated; +your womanhood, my dear." + +"My God, Sara!" again fell in a hoarse whisper from the girl's +lips. + +"I simply voice my point of view," explained Sara calmly. "As I +said before, we look at things differently." + +"I can't believe you mean what you have said," cried Hetty. +"Why--why, if I loved him with all my heart, soul and body I could +not even think of--Oh, I shudder to think of it!" + +"I love you," continued Sara, fixing her mysterious eyes on those +of the girl, "and yet you took from me something more than a brother. +I love you, knowing everything, and I am paying in full the debt +he owes to you. Leslie, knowing nothing, is no less your debtor. +All this is paradoxical, I know, my dear, but we must remember that +while other people may be indebted to us, we also owe something +to ourselves. We ought to take pay from ourselves. Please do not +conclude that I am urging or even advising you to look with favour +upon Leslie Wrandall's honourable, sincere proposal of marriage. I +am merely trying to convince you that you are entitled to all that +any man can give you in this world of ours,--we women all are, for +that matter." + +"I was sure that you couldn't ask me to marry him. I couldn't +believe--" + +"Forget what I have said, dearest, if it grieves you," cried Sara +warmly. She arose and drew the girl close to her. "Kiss me, Hetty." +Their lips met. The girl's eyes were closed, but Sara's were wide +open and gleaming. "It is because I love you," she said softly, +but she did not complete the sentence that burned in her brain. +To herself she repeated: "It is because I love you that I would +scourge you with Wrandalls!" + +"You are very good to me, Sara," sobbed Hetty. + +"You WILL be nice to Leslie?" + +"Yes, yes! If he will only let me be his friend." + +"He asks no more than that. Now, you must go to bed." + +Suddenly, without warning, she held the girl tightly in her arms. +Her breathing was quick, as of one moved by some sharp sensation +of terror. When Hetty, in no little wonder, opened her eyes Sara's +face was turned away, and she was looking over her shoulder as if +cause for alarm had come from behind. + +"What is it?" cried Hetty anxiously. + +She saw the look of dread in her companion's eyes, even as it began +to fade. + +"I don't know," muttered Sara. "Something, I can't tell what, came +over me. I thought some one was stealing up behind me. How silly +of me." + +"Ah," said Hetty, with an odd smile, "I can understand how you +felt." + +"Hetty, will you take me in with you to-night?" whispered Sara +nervously. "Let me sleep with you. I can't explain it, but I am +afraid to be alone to-night." The girl's answer was a glad smile +of acquiescence. "Come with me, then, to my bedroom while I change. +I have the queerest feeling that some one is in my room. I don't +want to be alone. Are you afraid?" + +Hetty held back, her face blanching. + +"No, I am not afraid," she cried at once, and started toward the +door. + +"There IS some one in this room," said Sara a few moments later, +when they were in the big bedroom down the hall. + +"I--I wonder," murmured Hetty. + +And yet neither of them looked about in search for the intruder! + +Far into the night Sara sat in the window of Hetty's dressing-room, +her chin sunk low in her hands, staring moodily into the now opaque +night, her eyes sombre and unblinking, her body as motionless as +death itself. The cooling wind caressed her and whispered warnings +into her unheeding ears, but she sat there unprotected against +its chill, her night-dress damp with the mist that crept up with +sinister stealth from the sea. + +In the flats below, a vast army of frogs shrilled in ceaseless +chatter; night birds and insects responded to the bedlam challenge; +the hoarse monotonous grunts of a fog-horn came up from the Sound. +There were people out there, asleep in passage. + +A cat mewed piteously somewhere in the garden. She was curiously +disturbed by this. She hated cats. There had never been one on the +place before. + + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE APPROACH OF A MAN NAMED SMITH + + + + +Mr. Redmond Wrandall, grey and gaunt and somewhat wistful, rode +slowly through the leafy lane, attended some little distance behind +by Griggs the groom, who slumped in the saddle and thought only of +the sylvan dell to curse it with poetic license. (Ever since Mr. +Wrandall had been thrown by his horse in the Park a few years +before his wife had insisted on having a groom handy in case he lost +his seat again: hence Griggs.) It sometimes got on Mr. Wrandall's +nerves, having Griggs lopping along like that, but there didn't +seem to be any way out of it, nor was there the remotest likelihood +that the groom himself might one day be spilled and broken in many +places while engaged in this obnoxious espionage. + +Mr. Wrandall was grey because he was old, he was gaunt because he +was old, and he usually was somewhat wistful for the same reason. +He nourished the lament that he had grown old before his time, +despite the sixty odd years that lay behind him. He was always +a trifle annoyed with himself for not having demanded more of +his youth. Griggs, therefore, was a physical insult, any way you +looked at him: his very presence in the road behind was a blatant, +house-top sort of proclamation that he, Redmond Wrandall, was in +his dotage, and that was something Mr. Wrandall would never have +admitted if he had had anything to say about it. + +To-day he was riding over to Southlook to visit his daughter-in-law +and one whom he looked upon as a prospective daughter-in-law. It +was Wednesday and the family had been in the country since Monday. +His wife and Vivian had motored over on Tuesday. They were letting +no grass grow under their feet, notwithstanding a sudden and +unexplained period of procrastination on the part of Leslie, who +had gone off for a fortnight's fishing in Maine. Moreover, so far +as they knew, he had departed without proposing to Miss Castleton: +an oversight which deprived his mother of at least two weeks of +activity along obvious lines. Naturally, it was quite impossible +to discuss the future with Miss Castleton under the circumstances, +and it was equally out of the question to discuss it with security +in the very constricted circle that Mrs. Wrandall affected in the +country. It really was too bad of Leslie! He should have known +better. + +Half way to Southlook, Mr. Wrandall, turning a bend in the road, +caught sight of two people walking some distance ahead: a man and +a woman. They were several hundred yards away, and travelling in +the direction he was going. He pulled his horse down to a walk, a +circumstance that for the moment escaped the attention of Griggs, +who rode alongside before he quite realised what had happened. + +"Griggs," said his master, staring at the pedestrians, "when did +my son return?" + +Griggs grasped the situation at a glance--a rather vague and imperfect +glance, however. "This morning, sir," he replied promptly, although +he was as much at sea as his master. + +"I understood Mrs. Wrandall to say he was not expected before +Saturday." + +"Yes, sir. He came unexpected, sir." + +"Well," said Mr. Wrandall, with an indulgent smile, "we will not +ride them down." + +"No, indeed, sir," consented Griggs, with a wink that Mr. Wrandall +did not see. + +The pleased, satisfied smile grew on Redmond Wrandall's gaunt old +face: not reminiscent, I am bound to say, yet reflective. + +The tall young man and the girl far ahead apparently were not aware +of the scrutiny. They appeared to be completely absorbed in each +other. At last, coming to a footpath diverging from the macadam, they +stopped and parleyed. Then they turned into this narrow, tortuous +path over the hillside and were lost to view. + +Mr. Wrandall's smile broadened as he touched his horse lightly +with the crop. Coming to the obscure little bypath, he shot a +surreptitious glance into the fastnesses of the wood, but did not +slacken his speed. No one was in sight. + +"I dare say the danger is past, Griggs," he said humorously. "They +are safe." + +"I believe you, sir," said Griggs, also forgetting himself so far +as to steal a look over his right shoulder. + +It was Mr. Wrandall's design to ride on to Southlook and surprise +Leslie and his inamorata at the lodge gates, where he would wait +for them. Arriving there, he dismounted and turned his steed over +to Griggs, with instructions to ride on. He would join Mr. Leslie +and Miss Castleton and walk with them for the remainder of the +distance. + +He sat down on the rustic bench and lighted a cigar. The lodge-keeper +saluted him from the garden below. Later the keeper's small son +came up and from the opposite side of the roadway regarded him with +the wide, curious gaze of a four-year-old. Mr. Wrandall disliked +children. He made no friendly overtures. The child stood his +ground, which was in a sense disconcerting, althought he couldn't +tell why. He felt like saying "shoo!" Presently the keeper's collie +came up and sniffed his puttees, all the while looking askance. +Mr. Wrandall said: "Away with you," and the dog retreated with some +dignity to the steps where he laid down and fixed his eyes on the +stranger. + +Half-an-hour passed. Mr. Wrandall frowned as he looked at his watch. +Another quarter of an hour went by. He changed his position, and +the dog lifted his head, without wagging his tail. + +"'Pon my soul," said Mr. Wrandall in some annoyance. + +Just then the dog and the child deflected their common stare. He +was at first grateful, then interested. The child was beaming, the +dog's tail was thumping a merry tattoo on the wooden step. Footsteps +crunched on the gravel and he turned to look, although it was not +the direction from which he expected his son and Miss Castleton. + +He came to his feet, plainly perplexed. Miss Castleton approached, +but the fellow beside her was not Leslie. + +"How are you, Mr. Wrandall?" called out the young man cheerily, +crossing the road. + +"Good afternoon, Brandon," said Mr. Wrandall, nonplussed. "How do +you do, Miss Castleton? Delighted to see you looking so well. Where +did you leave my son?" + +"Haven't seen him," said Booth. "Is he back?" + +Mr. Redmond Wrandall swallowed hard. + +"I was so informed," he replied, with an effort. + +"Are you not coming up to the house, Mr. Wrandall?" inquired Miss +Castleton, and he thought he detected a note of appeal in her voice. + +"Certainly," he announced, taking his place beside her. To himself +he was saying: "This young blade has been annoying her, confound +him." + +"Miss Castleton had a note from Leslie this morning, saying he +wouldn't start home till Friday," said Booth, puzzled. "You don't +mind my saying so, Miss Castleton?" + +"Not at all. I am sure he said Friday." + +"I fancy he did say Friday," said Mr. Wrandall. "I think Griggs +had been drinking." + +"Griggs?" inquired the two in unison. + +He volunteered no more than that. He was too busily engaged in wondering +what his son could be thinking of, to leave this delightful girl +to the tender mercies of a handsome, fascinating chap like Brandon +Booth. He didn't relish the look of things. She was agitated, +suspiciously so; and Booth wasn't what one would describe as perfectly +at ease. There was something in the air, concluded Leslie's father. + +"I hear you are coming over to spend a fortnight with us, Miss +Castleton," said he pleasantly. + +Hetty started. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Wrandall," she said, although +he had spoken very distinctly. + +"Leslie mentioned it a--oh, some time ago, my dear. This is the +first time I have seen you, otherwise I should have added my warmest +appeal for you to come early and to stay late. Ha-ha! Hope you will +find your way to our place, Brandon. You are always a most welcome +visitor." + +The girl walked on in silence, her lips set with curious firmness. +Booth looked at her and indulged in a queer little smile, to which +she responded with a painful flush. + +"Vivian expects to have a few friends out at the same time--very +quietly, you know, and without much of a hurrah. Young ladies you +ought to know in New York, my dear Miss Castleton. I dare say you +will remember all of them, Brandon." + +"I dare say," said Booth, without interest. + +"I understand the portrait is finished," went on the old gentleman, +blissfully oblivious to the disturbance he had created. "Mrs. +Wrandall says it is wonderful, Brandon. You won't mind showing it +to me? I am very much interested." + +"Glad to have you see it, sir." + +"Thanks." + +He slackened his pace, an uneasy frown appearing between his eyes. + +"I am almost afraid to tell Sara the news we have had from town +this morning. She is so opposed to notoriety and all that sort of +thing. Poor girl, she's had enough to drive one mad, I fear, with +all that wretched business of a year ago." + +Hetty stopped in her tracks. She went very white. + +"What news, Mr. Wrandall?" + +"They say they have stumbled upon a clew,--an absolutely indisputable +clew. Smith had me on the wire this morning. He is the chief operative, +you understand, Miss Castleton. He informs me that his original +theory is quite fully substantiated by this recent discovery. If +you remember, he gave it as his opinion a year ago that the woman +was not--er--I may say, of the class catalogued as fast. He is +coming out to-morrow to see me." + +Things went suddenly black before her eyes, but in an instant she +regained control of herself. + +"They have had many clews, Mr. Wrandall," she complained, shaking +her head. + +"I know," he replied; "and this one may be as futile as the rest. +Smith appears to be absolutely certain this time, however." + +"I understood that Mrs. Wrandall--I mean Mrs. Challis Wrandall--refused +to offer a reward," said Booth. "These big detective agencies are +not keen about--" + +"There is a ten thousand dollar reward still standing, Brandon," +said Mr. Wrandall. + +Again the girl started. + +"That isn't generally known, sir," observed the painter. "Leslie +told me there was no reward." + +"It was privately arranged," explained Leslie's father. + +They came in sight of the house at that moment, and the subject +was dropped, for Sara was approaching them in earnest conversation +with Mr. Carroll, her lawyer. + +They met at the edge of the lower basin, where the waters trickled +down from an imposing Italian fountain on the level above, forming +a deep, clear pool to which the lofty sky lent unfathomable depths. +To the left of the basin there was a small tea-house, snug in the +shadow of the cypresses that lined the crest of the hill. A series +of rough stone steps wound down to the water's edge and the boathouse. + +"Mr. Carroll is the bearer of startling news, Mr. Wrandall," said +Sara, after the greetings. There was a trace of the sardonic in +her voice. + +"Indeed?" said Mr. Wrandall gravely. + +"I was not aware, sir," said the old lawyer stiffly, and with a +positive glare, "that your detectives were such unmitigated asses +as they now appear to be." + +"I fail to understand, Mr. Carroll," with considerable loftiness. + +"That confounded rascal Smith called to see me this morning, sir. +He is a rogue, sir. He--" + +"I beg your pardon, Mr. Carroll," protested Mr. Wrandall, in a far +from conciliatory manner. + +"It seems, in short, that he has been working on a very intimate +clew," said Sara, staring fixedly at her father-in-law's face. + +"So he informed me over the 'phone this morning," said he, rather +taken a-back. "However, he did not go into the details. I am here, +Sara, to tell you that he is coming out to-morrow. I want to ask +you to come over to my place at--" + +"That is out of the question, sir," exclaimed Mr. Carroll vehemently. + +"My dear Mr. Carroll--" began Wrandall angrily, but Sara interrupted +him to suggest that they talk it over in the tea-house. She would +ring for tea. + +"If you will excuse me, Mrs. Wrandall, I think I will be off," said +Booth. + +"Please stay, Mr. Booth," she urged. "I would like to have you +here." + +She fell behind with Hetty. The girl's eyes were glassy. + +"Don't be alarmed," she whispered. + +Booth pressed the button for her. "Thank you. You will be surprised, +Mr. Wrandall, to hear that the new clew leads to a member of your +own family." + +Mr. Wrandall was in the act of sitting down. At her words he dropped. +His eyes bulged. + +"Good God!" + +"It appears that Mr. Smith suspects--ME!" said she coolly. + +Her father-in-law's lips moved, but no sound issued. His face was +livid. + +"The stupid fool!" hissed the irate Mr. Carroll. + +There was deathly silence for a moment following this outburst. +Every face was pale. In Hetty's there was an expression of utter +horror. Her lips too were moving. + +"He has, it seems, put one thing and another together, as if it +were a picture puzzle," went on Sara. "His visit to Mr. Carroll +this morning was for the purpose of ascertaining how much it would +be worth to me if he dropped the case--NOW." + +"The infernal blackmailer!" gasped Mr. Wrandall, finding his voice. +"I will have him kicked off the place if he comes to me with--My +dear, my dear! You cannot mean what you say." + +He was in a shocking state of bewilderment. + +"I'd advise you to call off your infernal blackmailer, Mr. Redmond +Wrandall," snarled Mr. Carroll, pacing back and forth. + +"My dear sir," stammered the other, "I--I--do you mean to imply +that I know anything about this infamous business?" + +"He is your dog, not ours," declared the lawyer, pacing the brick +floor. + +"Peace, gentlemen," admonished Sara. "Let us discuss it calmly." + +"Calmly?" gasped Mr. Wrandall. + +"Calmly!" snapped the lawyer. + +"At least deliberately. It appears, Mr. Wrandall, that Smith has +been working on the theory all along that it was I who went to the +inn with Challis. You recall the description given of the woman? She +was of my size and figure, they said at the time. Well, he has--" + +"It is infamous!" shouted Mr. Wrandall, springing to his feet. +"He shall hear from me to-night. I shall have him lodged in jail +before--" + +"You will do nothing of the sort," interrupted Sara firmly. "I think +you will do well to hear his side of the story. And remember, sir, +that it would be very difficult for me to establish an alibi." + +"Bless me!" groaned the old man. Then his eyes brightened. "But +Miss Castleton can prove that for you, my dear. Don't forget Miss +Castleton." + +"Miss Castleton did not come to me, you should remember, until after +the--the trouble. It occurred the second night after my arrival +from Europe. Mr. Smith has discovered that I was not in my rooms +at the hotel that night." + +"You were not?" fell from Mr. Wrandall's lips. "Where were you?" + +"I spent the night in our apartment--alone." She shivered as with +a chill as she uttered these words. + +"What!" + +"Leslie met me at the dock. He said that Challis had gone away +from town for a day or two. The next day I telephoned to the garage +and asked them to send the big car to me as I wanted to make some +calls. They said that Mr. Wrandall had discharged the chauffeur +a week or two before and had been using my little French runabout +for a few days, driving it himself. I then instructed them to send +the runabout around with one of their own drivers. You can imagine +my surprise when I was told that Mr. Wrandall had taken the car +out that morning and had not returned with it." + +"I see," said Mr. Wrandall, beads of perspiration standing on his +forehead. + +"He had not left town. I will not try to describe my feelings. Late +in the afternoon, I called them up again. He had not returned. It +was then that I thought of going to the apartment, which had been +closed all winter. Watson and his wife were to go in the next day +by my instructions. Challis had been living at a club, I believe. +Somehow, I had the feeling that during the night my husband would +come to the apartment--perhaps not alone. You understand. I went +there and waited all night. That is the story. Of course, it is known +that I did not spend the night at the hotel. Mr. Smith evidently +has learned as much. It is on this circumstance that he bases his +belief." + +Booth was leaning forward, breathless with interest. + +"May I enquire, Mr. Carroll, how the clever Mr. Smith accounts for +the secrecy observed by Mr. Wrandall and his companion, if, as he +proclaims, you were the woman? Is it probable that husband and wife +would have been so mysterious?" + +Mr. Carroll answered. "He is rather ingenious as to that, Mr. +Booth. You must understand that he does not specifically charge +my cli--Mrs. Wrandall with the murder of her husband. He merely +arranges his theories so that they may be applied to her with +a reasonable degree of assurance. He only goes this far in his +deductions: If, as he has gleaned, Challis Wrandall was engaged +in an illicit--er--we'll say distraction--with some one unknown to +Sara his wife, what could be more spectacular than her discovery +of the fact and the subsequently inspired decision to lay a trap +for him? Of course, it is perfect nonsense, but it is the way he +goes about it. It has been established beyond a doubt that Wrandall +met the woman at a station four miles down the line from Burton's +Inn. She came out on one of the local trains, got off at this +station as prearranged, and found him waiting for her. Two men, +you will recall, testified to that effect at the inquest sixteen +months ago. She was heavily veiled. She got in the motor and drove +off with him. This was at half past eight o'clock in the evening. +Smith makes this astounding guess; the woman instead of being the +person expected, was in reality his wife, who had by some means +intercepted a letter. Our speculative friend Smith is not prepared +to suggest an arrest on these flimsy claims, but he believes it to +be worth Mrs. Wrandall's while to have the case permanently closed, +rather than allow these nasty conclusions to get abroad. They would +spread like wildfire. Do you see what I mean?" + +"It is abominable!" cried Hetty, standing before them with flashing +eyes. "I KNOW she did not--" + +"Hetty, my dear!" cried Sara sharply. + +The girl looked at her for a moment in a frenzied way, and then +turned aside, biting her lips to keep back the actual confession +that had rushed up to them. + +"It is blackmail," repeated Mr. Wrandall miserably. + +"In the most diabolical form," augmented Carroll. "The worst of it +is, Wrandall, we can't stop his tongue unless we fairly choke him +with greenbacks. All he has to do is to give the confounded yellow +journals an inkling of his suspicions, and the job is done. It seems +to be pretty well understood that the crime was not committed by a +person in the ordinary walks of life, but by one who is secure in +the protection of mighty influences. There are those who believe +that his companion was one of the well-known and prominent young +matrons in the city, many of whom were at one time or another interested +in him in a manner not at all complimentary. Smith suggests--mind +you, he merely suggests--that the person who was to have met Wrandall +in the country that night was so highly connected that she does +not dare reveal herself, although absolutely innocent of the crime. +Or, it is possible on the other hand, he says, that she may consider +herself extremely lucky in failing to keep her appointment and +thereby alluring him to take up with another, after she had written +the letter breaking off the engagement,--said letter not having +been received by him because it had fallen into the hands of his +wife. Do you see? It is ingenious, isn't it?" + +"What is to be done?" groaned Mr. Wrandall, in a state of collapse. +He was sitting limply back in the chair, crumpled to the chin. + +"The sanest thing, I'd suggest," said Booth sarcastically, "is the +capture of the actual perpetrator of the deed." + +"But, confound them," growled Carroll, "they say they can't." + +"I shall withdraw my offer of reward," proclaimed the unhappy +father, struggling to his feet. "I never dreamed it could come to +such a pass as this. You DO believe me, don't you, Sara, my child--my +daughter? God hear me, I never--" + +"Oh," said she cuttingly, "you, at least, are innocent, Mr. +Wrandall." + +He looked at her rather sharply. + +"The confounded fellow is coming to see me to-morrow," he went on +after a moment of indecision. "I shall be obliged to telephone to +the city for my attorney to come out also. I don't believe in taking +chances with these scoundrels. They--" + +"May I enquire, sir, why you entrusted the matter to a third rate +detective agency when there are such reputable concerns as the +Pinkertons or--" began Mr. Carroll bitingly. + +Mr. Wrandall held up his hand deprecatingly. + +"We had an idea that an unheard of agency might accomplish more +than one of the famous organisations." + +"Well, you see what has come of it," growled the other. + +"I was opposed to the reward, sir," declared Mr. Wrandall with some +heat. "Not that I was content to give up the search, but because I +felt sure that the guilty person would eventually reveal herself. +They always do, sir. It is the fundamental principle of criminology. +Soon or late they falter. My son Leslie is of a like opinion. He +has declared all along that the mystery will be cleared up if we +are quiescent. A guilty conscience takes its own way to relieve +itself. If you keep prodding it with sharp sticks you encourage +fear, and stealth, and all that sort of thing, without really +getting anywhere in the end. Give a murderer a free rope and he'll +hang himself, is my belief. Threaten him with that self-same rope, +and he'll pay more attention to dread than to conscience, and your +ends are defeated." + +Sara was inwardly nervous. She stole a glance at the white, emotionless +face of the girl across the table, and was filled with apprehension. + +"Can you be sure, Mr. Wrandall," she began earnestly, "that justice +isn't the antidote for the poisonous thing we call a conscience? +Suppose this woman to have been fully justified in doing what she +did, does it follow that conscience can force her to admit, even +to herself, that she is morally guilty of a crime against man? I +doubt it, sir." + +She was prepared for a subtle change in Hetty's countenance and was +not surprised to see the light of hope steal back into her eyes. + +"Fully justified?" murmured the old gentleman painfully. + +"Perhaps we would better not go into that question too intimately," +suggested Mr. Carroll. + +"My son Leslie has peculiar views along the very line--" began Mr. +Wrandall, in great distress of mind. He fell into a reflective mood +and did not finish the sentence. + +"I shall see this man Smith," announced Sara calmly. + +Her father-in-law stood over her, his face working. "My dear," +he said, "I promise you this absurd business shall go no farther. +Don't let it trouble you in the least. I will attend to Smith. If +there is no other way to check his vile insinuations, I will pay +his price. You are not to be submitted to these dreadful--" + +She interrupted him. "You will do nothing of the kind, Mr. Wrandall," +she said levelly. "Do you want to convince him that I AM guilty?" + +"God in heaven, no!" + +"Then why pay him the reward you have offered for the person who +is guilty?" + +"It is an entirely different propo--" + +"It amounts to the same thing, sir. He tells you he has discovered +the woman you want and you fulfil your part of the bargain by +paying him for his services. That closes the transaction, so far +as he is concerned. He goes his way fully convinced that he has +put his hands on the criminal, and then proceeds to wash them in +private instead of in public. No. Let me see this man. I insist." + +"He will be at my place to-morrow at eleven," said Wrandall +resignedly. "I wish Leslie were here. He is so level-headed." + +Sara laid her hand on his arm. He looked up and found her regarding +him rather fixedly. + +"It would be just as well as to keep this from Mrs. Wrandall and +Vivian," she said meaningly. + +"You are right, Sara. It would distress them beyond words." + +She smiled faintly. "May I enquire whether Mr. Smith is to report +to you or to Mrs. Wrandall?" + +He flushed. "My wife--er--made the arrangements with him, Sara," he +said, but added quickly: "With my sanction, of course. He reports +to me. As a matter of fact, now that I think of it, he advised me +to say nothing to my wife until he had talked with me." + +"Inasmuch as he has already talked it over with me, through counsel, +I don't see any reason why we should betray his gentle confidence, +do you?" + +"I--I suppose not," said he uncomfortably. + +"Then, bring him here at eleven, Mr. Wrandall," said she serenely. +"He has already paved the way. I imagine he expects to find me at +home. Put the things here, Watson." + +Watson had appeared with the tray. It being a very hot day, he did +not bring tea. + + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +MR. WRANDALL PERJURES HIMSELF + + + + +Smith arrived at eleven, somewhat after the fashion of the Hawkshaws +of "yellow back" fame, who, if our memory serves us right, were so +punctual that their appearance anywhere was described as being in +the "nick o' time," only in this instance he was expected and did +not "drop from the sky," as the saying goes. + +Mr. Wrandall met him at the station and escorted him in a roundabout +way to Southlook, carefully avoiding the main village thoroughfare +and High street, where the fashionable colony was intrenched. Mr. +Smith, being an experienced detective, was not surprised to find +(after the introduction), that Mr. Wrandall's attorney had been a +fellow-passenger from town. If he was impressed, he did not once +betray the fact during the four mile spin to Sara's. On the contrary, +he seemed to be entirely absorbed in the scenery. + +Mr. Wrandall had said, without shaking hands: "We will repair at +once to Mrs. Challis Wrandall's house, Mr. Smith. She is expecting +you. I have informed her of your mission." + +"I think we'd better discuss the matter between ourselves, Mr. +Wrandall, before putting it up to--" + +"There is nothing in connection with this unhappy affair, sir, that +cannot be discussed first-hand with her," said his employer stiffly. + +"Just as you like, sir," said Smith indifferently. "I have talked +it over with old man Carroll. He understands." + +"I am quite sure he does, Mr. Smith," said the other, with emphasis. +Mr. Smith successfully hid a smile. + +He took his seat beside the chauffeur. + +"I am surprised," he observed to the driver, as a "feeler," "that +you haven't changed bodies." + +"Mr. Wrandall ordered the limousine, sir," said the chauffeur. + +"Oh, I see. Keeps it on hand for rainy days, I suppose." + +"It's Mrs. Wrandall's idea," explained the man. "Women are fussy +about their hair. We always have a limousine handy." + +"It is a handy thing to have about," said Mr. Smith drily, as he +looked out of the corner of his eye and remarked the two men behind +him. They were in very close conversation. + +"The boss usually takes the other car. He likes the wind in his +face, he says. I don't know why he ordered the limousine to-day." + +"Probably there's something in the wind to-day he doesn't like," +remarked Smith, after which he devoted himself assiduously to the +road ahead, not being a practiced motorist. + +As they were ascending the steps in Sara's exotic garden, Smith +ventured a somewhat sinister remark. + +"These steps are not good for a man with a weak heart, Mr. Wrandall. +I hope yours is sound." + +"Quite, Mr. Smith. Have no fear," said Mr. Wrandall, with an acute +sense of divination. "You will also find it to be in the right +place." + +"Umph," said Mr. Smith. + +Sara did not keep them waiting long in the morning room. She came +in soon after they were announced, followed by Mr. Carroll, who had +spent the night at Southlook. Hetty Castleton was not in evidence. + +She motioned them to seats after Mr. Wrandall had ceremoniously +introduced his lawyer, and as unceremoniously neglected to do as +much for Smith. + +"This is Mr. Smith, I presume," said she, with a slight uplifting +of her eyebrows. She took a chair facing the detective. + +"Yes, my dear," said her father-in-law. "Joseph Smith." + +"Benjamin, if you please," corrected Mr. Smith. + +"I regret to state that my memory for names does not go back to +the Old Testament," said Wrandall, with a frosty smile. + +"There are no Smiths in the Old Testament," said the detective +grimly. + +"I understand, Mr. Smith, that you are prepared to charge me with +the murder of my husband." + +She said it very quietly, very levelly. Smith was a bit staggered. + +"Well, I--er--hardly that, Mrs. Wrandall," he said, disconcerted. + +"Will you be good enough to come to the point at once?" + +"My report in this matter, madam, is to be made to Mr. Wrandall +here, as I understand it," said the detective, his jaw stiffening. +"We don't, as a rule, report our findings to--well, to the person +we suspect. It isn't what you'd call regular. Mr, Wrandall has +employed me to make the investigation. He can hardly expect me to +reveal my findings to you." + +"My dear Sara--" began Mr. Wrandall. + +"As this is a rather intimate conference, Mr. Smith," interrupted +Sara, with a gracious smile for her father-in-law, "I fancy we have +nothing to gain, one way or another, by recriminations. You have +already consulted Mr. Carroll, and I have talked it over with Mr. +Wrandall. That was to have been expected, I believe. As I understand +the situation, you are somewhat curious to know just how much it +is worth to me to have the matter dropped." + +Smith eyed her steadily. + +"That is the case, precisely," he said briefly. + +"Then you are not really interested in having the guilty person +brought to justice?" + +"I am not an officer of the law, madam. I am a private individual, +working for private ends. It is for Mr. Wrandall to say whether my +discoveries shall be related in court. I respectfully submit that +I am acting within my rights. My deductions have been formed. +That is as far as I can go without his authority. He has offered a +reward, and he has gone farther than that by engaging us to devote +our time, brains and energies to the case. I am in this position at +present: our firm cannot accept the reward he has offered without +deliberately declaring to the world that we can put our hand on +the slayer of his son. As I cannot produce the actual proof that +we have found that person, I am in honour compelled to submit our +findings so far as they have gone, and then either to withdraw from +the matter or carry it on to the end, as he may elect. Our time +is worth something, madam. We have made a careful and exhaustive +investigation. We have come to the point where we can go no farther +without more or less publicly associating you with our theories. +I spoke to Mr. Carroll yesterday, it is true, and I am here to-day +to lay my facts before Mr. Wrandall--and his attorney, I see. Mr. +Carroll chose to call me a blackmailer. He may be correct in his +legal way of looking at it. But he is wrong in assuming that MY +motives are criminal. I submit that they are fair, open and above +board." + +There was a moment's silence following this astonishingly succinct +summing up of his position. The three men had not taken their eyes +from his shrewd, frank face during that clever speech. They had +nothing to say. It had been agreed among them that Sara was to do +the talking. They were to do the watching. + +"You put the case very fairly, Mr. Smith," said she seriously. "I +think your position is clear enough, assuming of course that you +have any real evidence to support your theories, whatever they may +be. I am perfectly free to say that you interest me." + +"Interest you?" he said, in some exasperation. He had expected her +to fly into a passion. "Don't you take me seriously, madam?" + +"As far as you have gone, yes." + +Mr. Wrandall could hold in no longer. He was most uncomfortable. + +"See here, Smith, out with it. Let us have your story. My +daughter-in-law is not in the least alarmed. You've been on the +wrong track, of course. But that isn't the point. What we want now +is to find out just where we stand." + +"You put it in a rather compromising way, Mr. Wrandall. The pronoun +'we' is somewhat general, if you will permit me to say so. Do you +expect me to discuss my findings in the presence of Mrs. Wrandall +and her counsel?" + +"Certainly, sir, certainly. You need have no hesitancy on that +score. I dare say you came here knowing that what you were to say +would go no further than these four walls." + +"Would you say that, sir, if I were to submit proof that would +make it look so black for Mrs. Wrandall that you couldn't very well +doubt her complicity in the crime, even though you saw fit to let +it go no further than these four walls?" + +Mr. Wrandall hesitated. A heavy frown appeared between his eyes; +his fingers worked nervously on the arm of the chair. + +"I may say to you, Mr. Smith, that if you produce conclusive proof +I shall do my duty as a law-respecting citizen. I would not hesitate +on that score." + +Sara looked at him through half-closed lids. His jaws were firmly +set. + +Smith seemed to be reflecting. He did not speak for a long interval. + +"In the first place, it struck me as odd that the man's wife did +not take more interest in the search that was made immediately +after the kill--after the tragedy. Not only that, but it is of +record that she deliberately informed the police that she didn't +care whether they caught the guilty party or not. Isn't that true?" + +The question was directed to no one in particular. + +It was Sara who answered. + +"Quite true, Mr. Smith. And if it will interest you in the least, +I repeat that I don't care even now." + +"You were asked if you would offer a reward in addition to the small +one announced by the authorities. Why didn't you offer a reward?" + +"Because I did not care to make it an object for well-meaning +detectives to pry into the affairs of indiscreet members of society," +she said. + +"I see," said he reflectively. "May I be so bold as to ask why you +don't want to have the guilty punished?" + +She looked at Mr. Wrandall before offering a reply to this direct +question. + +"I can't answer that question without publicly wounding Mr. +Wrandall." + +"We understand each other, Sara," said the old man painfully. "I +think you would better answer his question." + +"Because my husband courted the fate that befell him, Mr. Smith. +That is my reply. While I do not know what actually transpired at +the inn, I am reasonably certain that my husband's life was taken +by some one who had suffered at his hands. I can say no more." + +"The eye for an eye principle, eh?" There was deep sarcasm in the +way he said it. As she did not respond to the challenge, he abruptly +changed tactics. "Where were you on the night of the murder, Mrs. +Wrandall?" + +She smiled. "I thought you knew, Mr. Smith." + +"I have reason to believe that you were at Burton's Inn," he said +bluntly. + +"But you wouldn't be at all sure about it if I said I wasn't there, +would you, Mr. Smith?" + +"I don't quite get you, Mrs. Wrandall." + +"I mean to say, if I made it worth your while to change your +opinion," she said flatly. + +He cleared his throat. "You couldn't change my opinion, so there's +an end to that. You could stop me right where I am, if that's what +you mean. I'm perfectly frank about it, gentlemen. You needn't +look as if you'd like to kill me. I'm not anxious to go on with +the investigation. I don't know enough up to date to be sure of a +conviction, but I guess I could get the proof if it is to be found. +This is a family affair, I take it. Mr. Wrandall here doesn't want +to--" + +Mr. Wrandall struck the arm of his chair a violent blow with his +clenched fist. + +"You have no authority, sir, to make such a statement!" he exclaimed. +"I want it distinctly understood that I would give half of what I +possess to have the slayer of my son brought to justice." + +"But you don't want this thing to go any further so far as Mrs. +Challis Wrandall is concerned," said Smith coolly. + +"Of course not, you miserable scoundrel!" cried the other in a +rage. "She's no more guilty than I am." + +"Don't call names, Mr. Wrandall," said Smith, a steely glitter in +his eyes. "I am prepared to lay before you certain facts that I +have unravelled, but I am not willing to give them to Mrs. Wrandall." + +"My daughter-in-law spent the night at her own apartment, waiting +for my son," said Wrandall, regaining control of himself. "That is +positively known to me, sir. Positively!" + +"How can you be sure of that, Mr. Wrandall?" asked Smith sharply. + +The gaunt old face, suddenly very much older than it had been +before, took on a stern, defiant expression. + +"I spoke with her over the telephone at half past nine o'clock that +night," said he steadily. + +Smith was not the only one to be surprised by this startling +declaration. Sara Wrandall's eyes widened ever so slightly, and +one might have detected a sharp catch in her breath. + +"She called you up?" asked Smith, after a moment to collect his +wits. + +Mr. Wrandall was not to be trapped. He had made up his mind to +lie for Sara in this hour of need, and he had considered well his +methods. + +"No. I called up the apartment." + +"How did you know she was at her apartment?" + +"I did not know it. I called up to speak with my son. She answered +the call, Mr. Smith." + +He arose from the chair. Smith also came slowly to his feet, the +look of astonishment still on his face. + +"And now, sir," went on the old man, levelling a bony finger at +him, "I think we can dispense with your services. I will give you +credit for one thing: you are plain-spoken and above board. You +want money and you don't beat about the bush. If you will instruct +your office to send to me a bill for services, I will pay it. I +engaged you, and I am ready to pay for my stupidity. My car will +take you back to the station." + +Smith picked up his hat and fumbled with it for a moment, plainly +dismayed. + +"If I have been on the wrong lead, Mr. Wrandall, I am willing +to drop it and start all over again. I suppose your reward still +stands. I am sure we can--" + +"It does not stand, sir. I shall withdraw it this very day. God +knows if I had thought it would lead us to this pass, it should +never have been offered. Now, go, sir." + +Smith held his ground doggedly. "There are a few points I'd like +to--" + +"No!" + +"For the sake of justice and--" + +Sara interrupted the man. She had crossed to Mr. Wrandall's side, +a queer light in her eyes. Her hand fell upon his trembling old +arm and he felt a thrill pass from her warm, strong fingers into +the very core of his body. + +"Mr. Smith, will you give me an off-hand estimate of what your +services amount to in dollars and cents up to date?" + +"You don't owe me anything, Mrs. Wrandall," said Smith, flushing +a dull red. + +"You came here to give me a chance, Mr. Smith, feeling that I was +actually implicated. You had a price fixed in your mind. You still +have your doubts, in spite of what Mr. Wrandall says. It occurred +to you that it would be worth considerable to me if the investigation +went no farther. You realised that you could not have brought this +crime home to me, because you could not have found REAL, satisfying +evidence. But you could have gone to the newspapers with your +suspicions, and you could have made one-half the world believe that +an innocent person was guilty of a foul crime. The world loves its +sensations. It would have gloated over the little you could have +given it, and it would have damned me unheard. I owe you something +for sparing me a fate so wretched as that. Your price: What is it?" + +"Sara!" cried Mr. Wrandall, aghast. + +"My dear Mrs. Wrandall," cried Carroll, blinking his eyes, "you +are not thinking of--" + +"I am thinking of paying Mr. Smith his price," said Sara calmly. + +"Why, damn it all," roared Carroll, "you countenance his ridiculous +assertions--" + +"No; I do nothing of the sort, Mr. Carroll, and Mr. Smith knows it +quite as well as you do. He still has it in his power to set the +tongues to wagging. We can't get around that, gentlemen. I want to +pay him to drop the case entirely. The reward has been withdrawn. +Will it satisfy your cupidity, Mr. Smith, if I agree to pay to you +a like amount?" + +"Good Lord!" gasped Smith, staggered. + +"I cannot permit--" began Mr. Wrandall. + +She looked him squarely in the eye and the words died on his lips. + +"I prefer to have it my way," she said. "I will not accept favours +from Mr. Smith--nor any other man." Wrandall alone caught the +significance of the last four words. She would not accept the favour +of a lie from him! And yet she would not humiliate by denying him +in the presence of others. "Mr. Carroll will attend to this matter for +me, Mr. Smith, if you will call at his office at your convenience. +I shall make but a single stipulation in addition to the one +involved: you are to drop the case altogether. Mr. Wrandall has +already dismissed you. You are under no further obligations to him +or his family. I respectfully submit to all of you, gentlemen, that +when the investigations go so far astray as they have gone in this +instance, it isn't safe to let them continue with the possible chance +of proving unwholesome to other innocent persons, toward whom, in +some justice, attention might be drawn. The young woman now in the +far West is a sickening example. I refer to the Ashtley girl. If, +by any chance, the right person should be taken, I will do my part, +Mr. Wrandall, with the same purpose if not the same spirit that +actuates you, but I am opposed to baring skeletons to gratify +the morbid curiosity of a public that despises all of us because, +unhappily, we are what we are. I trust I make myself plain to you. +I loved my husband. I have no desire to know the names of women +who were his--we will say--who were in love with him." + +Mr. Wrandall bowed his head and said not a word. His attorney, who +had been a silent listener from the beginning, spoke for the first +time. + +"If Mr. Smith will call at my office to-morrow, I will attend to +the closing of this matter to his entire satisfaction. Mr. Wrandall +has already authorised me to settle in full for his time and--patience." + +"I don't like to take money in this way--" + +"We won't discuss ethics, Mr. Smith." + +"Just as you like, then. I'm only too happy to be off the job. Good +morning, madam. Good morning, gentlemen." + +He stalked from the room. Watson was waiting in the hall. + +"This way," he said, indicating the big front door. + +Smith grinned sheepishly. "'Gad, they don't even think I can find +a front door," he said. + +Redmond Wrandall turned to the two men after he heard the door of +his automobile slam in the porte-cochere. + +"Gentlemen, I believe it is unnecessary to announce to you that I +did not speak over the telephone with my daughter-in-law on that +wretched night," he said slowly. + +They nodded their heads. + +"I am not a good liar. Do you think the fellow believed me?" + +"No," said Sara instantly. "He is accustomed to better lying than +you can supply. But it doesn't in the least matter. He knows, however, +that you spoke the truth when you said I was in my apartment, even +though you are not sure of it yourself, Mr. Wrandall. I will not +presume to thank you for what you did, but I shall never forget +it, sir." + +He regarded her rather austerely for a moment. "I am glad you do +not thank me, Sara," he said. "You are not to feel that you are +under the slightest obligation to me." + +"I regret that you felt it necessary to perjure yourself," she +said levelly, and then broke into a soft little laugh as she laid +her hand on his arm once more. "Come! Let us have a semi-public +view of Hetty's portrait." + +He looked up alertly at the mention of the girl's name. + +"By the way, where is Miss Castleton?" he asked, drawing a long +breath as if the air had suddenly become wholesome. + +"She is back yonder in the living-room, having her last sitting +to Brandon Booth. Just a few finishing touches, that's all. I hear +them laughing. The day's work is done." + +She led the way down the long hall, followed by the old gentlemen, +who came three abreast, hoary retainers at the heels of youth. + + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +IN THE SHADOW OF THE MILL + + + + +Later on Sara, in sober reflection, endorsed what had appeared at +the time to be a whimsical, quixotic proceeding on her part. She +brought herself completely to the point where she could view her +action with complacency. At first, there was an irritating, nagging +fear that Mr. Wrandall had been genuinely soul-sacrificing in his +effort to defend her; that his decisive falsehood was a sincere +declaration of loyalty to her and not the transparent outburst of +one actuated by a sort of fanatical selfishness, in that he dreaded +the further dragging in the dust of the name of Wrandall, and all +that in spite of his positive belief that she was being wrongly, +unfairly attacked. She knew that her father-in-law had no doubt in +his mind that she could successfully combat any charge Smith might +bring against her; that her innocence would prevail even in the +opinion of the scheming detective. But behind all this was the +Wrandall conclusion that a skin was to be saved, and that skin the +one which covered the Wrandall pride. + +His lie was not glorifying. She even consented that it might +be the first deliberate falsehood this honourable, discriminating +gentleman had told in all his life. At the moment, he may have +been actuated by a motive that deceived him, but even unknown to +him the Wrandall self-interest was at work. He was not lying for +her, but for the Wrandalls! And she would have to remain his debtor +all her life because of that amiable falsehood! + +She intuitively felt the force of that secret motive almost +the instant it found expression, and she resented it even as she +applauded it in the first wave of inward enthusiasm. She might +have marked it down to his credit, and loved him a little for it, +had not his rather distorted integrity impelled him to confess his +transgression to the lawyers, whereas it was perfectly plain that +they appreciated his distortion of the truth without having it +explained to them in so many words. That virtuous little speech +of his was all-illuminating; it let in a great light and laid bare +the weakness that was too strong for him. + +Her abrupt change of front, her suddenly formed resolve to pay the +man his price, was the result of a natural opposition to the elder +Wrandall. She acted hastily, even ruthlessly, in direct contradiction +to her original intentions, but she now felt that she had acted +wisely. There could be no doubt in the mind of the keen-witted +Smith that Mr. Wrandall had lied; his lips therefore were sealed, +not by the declaration, but by her own surprising offer to remunerate. + +When she told Hetty what she had done, the girl, who had been +tortured by doubts and misgivings, threw herself into her arms and +sobbed out her gratitude. + +"I could die for you, Sara. I could die a thousand deaths," she +cried. + +"Oh, I dare say Smith is quite delighted," said Sara carelessly. +"He had come up against a brick wall, don't you see. He could go +no further. There was but one thing for him to do and he did it. +He had no case, but he felt that he ought to be paid just the same. +Mr. Wrandall would never have paid him, he was sure of that. His +game failed. He thinks better of me now than he ever did before, +and I have made a friend of him, strange as it may appear." + +"Oh, I hope so." + +Sara stroked her cheek gently. "Don't be afraid, Hetty. We are +quite safe." + +Hetty secretly gloated over that little pronoun 'we.' It spelt +security. + +"And wasn't it splendid of Mr. Wrandall to say what he did?" she +mused, lying back among the cushions with a sigh of relaxation. + +Sara did not at once reply. She smiled rather oddly. + +"It was," she said succinctly. "I am sure Leslie will go into +raptures over his father's decline and fall." + +"Must he be told?" in some dismay. + +"Certainly. Every son should know his own father," she explained, +with a quiet laugh. + +The next day but one was overcast. On cloudy, bleak days Hetty +Castleton always felt depressed. Shadowless days, when the sun was +obscured, filled her with a curious sense of apprehension, as if +when the sun came out again he would not find the world as he had +left it. She did not mope; it was not in her nature. She was more +than ever mentally alert on such days, for the very reason that +the world seemed to have lapsed into a state of indifference, with +the sun nowhere to be seen. There was a queer sensation of dread +in knowing that that great ball of fire was somewhere in the vault +above her and yet unlocated in the sinister pall that spread over +the skies. Her fancy ofttimes pictured him sailing in the west when +he should be in the east, dodging back and forth in impish abandon +behind the screen, and she wondered at such times if he would be +where he belonged when the clouds lifted. + +Leslie was to return from the wilds on the following day. Early +in the morning Booth had telephoned to enquire if she did not want +to go for a long walk with him before luncheon. The portrait was +finished, but he could not afford to miss the morning hour with +her. He said as much to her in pressing his invitation. + +"To-morrow Leslie will be here and I shan't see as much of you as +I'd like," he explained, rather wistfully. "Three is a crowd, you +know. I've got so used to having you all to myself, it's hard to +break off suddenly." + +"I will be ready at eleven," she said, and was instantly surprised +to find that her voice rang with new life, new interest. The greyness +seemed to lift from the view that stretched beyond the window; she +even looked for the sun in her eagerness. + +It was then that she knew why the world had been bleaker than usual, +even in its cloak of grey. + +A little before eleven she set out briskly to intercept him at +the gates. Unknown to her, Sara sat in her window, and viewed her +departure with gloomy eyes. The world also was grey for her. + +They came upon each other unexpectedly at a sharp turn in the +avenue. Hetty coloured with a sudden rush of confusion, and had +all she could do to meet his eager, happy eyes as he stood over her +and proclaimed his pleasure in jerky, awkward sentences. Then they +walked on together, a strange shyness attending them. She experienced +the faintness of breath that comes when the heart is filled with +pleasant alarms. As for Booth, his blood sang. He thrilled with +the joy of being near her, of the feel of her all about him, of +the delicious feminine appeal that made her so wonderful to him. +He wanted to crush her in his arms, to keep her there for ever, to +exert all of his brute physical strength so that she might never +again be herself but a part of him. + +They uttered commonplaces. The spell was on them. It would lift, +but for the moment they were powerless to struggle against it. At +length he saw the colour fade from her cheeks; her eyes were able +to meet his without the look in them that all men love. Then he +seemed to get his feet on the ground again, and a strange, ineffably +sweet sense of calm took possession of him. + +"I must paint you all over again," he said, suddenly breaking in +on one of her remarks. "Just as you are to-day,--an outdoor girl, +a glorious outdoor girl in--" + +"In muddy boots," she laughed, drawing her skirt away to reveal a +shapely foot in an American walking shoe. + +He smiled and gave voice to a new thought. "By Jove, how much better +looking our American shoes are than the kind they wear in London!" + +"Sara insists on American shoes, so long as I am with her. I don't +think our boots are so villainous, do you?" + +"Just the same, I'm going to paint you again, boots and all. You--" + +"Oh, how tired you will become of me!" + +"Try me!" + +"Besides, you are to do Sara at once. She has consented to sit to +you. She will be wonderful, Mr. Booth, oh, how wonderful!" + +There was no mistaking the sincerity of this rapt opinion. + +"Stunning," was his brief comment. "By the way, I've hesitated +about asking how she and Mr. Wrandall came out with the detective +chap." + +Her face clouded. "It was so perfectly ridiculous, Mr. Booth. The +man is satisfied that he was wrong. The matter is ended." + +"Pure blackmail, I'd call it. I hope it isn't ended so far as she +is concerned. I'd have him in jail so quick his--" + +"She's tender-hearted, and sensitive. No real harm has been done. +She refuses to prosecute him." + +"You can't mean it." + +"If you knew her as I do, you would understand." + +"But her lawyer, what had he to say about it? And Mr. Wrandall? I +should have thought they--" + +"I believe they quite approve of what she has done. Nothing will +come of it." + +He walked on in silence for a couple of rods. "I have a feeling +they will never know who killed Challis Wrandall," he said. "It is +a mystery that can't be solved by deduction or theory, and there +is nothing else for them to work on, as I understand the case. The +earth seems to have been generous enough to swallow her completely. +She's safe unless she chooses to confess, and that isn't likely. +To be perfectly frank with you, Miss Castleton, I rather hope they +never get her. He was something of a beast, you know." + +She was looking straight ahead. "You used the word generous, Mr. +Booth. Do you mean that she deserves pity?" + +"Without knowing all the circumstances, I would say yes. I've had +the feeling that she was more sinned against than sinning." + +"Would you believe that she acted in self-defence?" + +"It is quite possible." + +"Then, will you explain why she does not give herself up to the +authorities and assert her innocence? There is no proof to the +contrary." She spoke hurriedly, with an eagerness which he mistook +for doubt. + +"For one reason, she may be a good woman who was indiscreet. She +may have some one else to think of besides herself. A second reason: +she may lack moral courage." + +"Moral courage!" + +"It is one thing to claim self-defence and another thing to get +people to believe in it. I suppose you know what Leslie thinks +about it?" + +"He has not discussed it with me." + +"He believes his brother deserved what he got." + +"Oh!" + +"For that reason he has not taken an active part in hounding her +down." + +She was silent for a long time, so long indeed that he turned to +look at her. + +"A thoroughly decent, fair-minded chap is Leslie Wrandall," he +pronounced, for want of something better to say. "Still, I'm bound +to say, I'm sorry he is coming home to-morrow." + +The red crept into her cheeks again. + +"I thought you were such pals," she said nervously. + +"I expect to be his best man if he ever marries," said he, whacking +a stone at the road-side with his walking stick. Then he looked +up at her furtively and added, with a quizzical smile: "Unless +something happens." + +"What COULD happen?" + +"He MIGHT marry the girl I'm in love with, and, in that case, I'd +have to be excused." + +"Where shall we walk to this morning?" she asked abruptly. He had +drawn closer to her in the roadway. "Is it too far to the old stone +mill? That's where I first saw you, if you remember." + +"Yes, let us go there," she said, but her heart sank. She knew what +was coming. Perhaps it were best to have it over with; to put it +away with the things that were to always be her lost treasures. It +would mean the end of their companionship, the end of a love dream. +She would have to lie to him: to tell him she did not love him. + +One would go many a fruitless day in quest of a more attractive pair +than they as they strode swiftly down the shady road. They lagged +not, for they were strong and healthy, and walking was a joy +to them, not an exercise. She kept pace beside him, with her free +stride; half a head shorter than he, she did not demand it of him +that he should moderate his stride to suit hers. He was tall and +long-limbed, but not camel-like in his manner of walking, as so many +tall men are apt to be. His eyes were bright with the excitement +that predicted a no uncertain encounter, although he had no +definite purpose in mind. There was something singularly wistful, +unfathomable, in her velvety blue eyes that gave him hope, he knew +not why. + +Coming to the jog in the broad macadam, they were striking off +into the narrow road that led to the quaint old mill, long since +abandoned in the forest glade beyond, when their attention was drawn +to a motor-car, which was slowing down for the turn into Sara's +domain. A cloud of dust swam in the air far behind the machine. + +A bare-headed man on the seat beside the driver, waved his hand to +them, and two women in the tonneau bowed gravely. Both Hetty and +Booth flushed uncomfortably, and hesitated in their progress up +the forest road. + +The man was Leslie Wrandall. His mother and sister were in the back +seat of the touring car. + +"Why--why, it was Leslie," cried Booth, looking over his shoulder +at the rapidly receding car. "Shall we turn back, Miss Castleton?" + +"No," she cried instantly, with something like impatience in her +voice. "And spoil our walk?" she added in the next breath, adding +a nervous little laugh. + +"It seems rather--" he began dubiously. + +"Oh, let us have our day," she cried sharply, and led the way into +the by-road. + +They came, in the course of a quarter-of-an-hour, to the bridge over +the mill-race. Beyond, in the mossy shades, stood a dilapidated, +centurion structure known as Rangely's Mill, a landmark with +a history that included incidents of the revolutionary war, when +eager patriots held secret meetings inside its walls and plotted +under the very noses of Tory adherents to the crown. + +Pausing for a few minutes on the bridge, they leaned on the rail +and looked down into the clear, mirror-like water of the race. Their +own eyes looked up at them; they smiled into their own faces. And +a fleecy white cloud passed over the glittering stream and swept +through their faces, off to the bank, and was gone for ever. + +Suddenly he looked up from the water and fixed his eyes on her +face. He had seen her clear blue eyes fill with tears as he gazed +into them from the rail above. + +"Oh, my dear!" he cried. "What is it?" + +She put her handkerchief to her eyes as she quickly turned away. +In another instant, she was smiling up at him, a soft, pleading +little smile that went straight to his heart. + +"Shall we start back?" she asked, a quaver in her voice. + +"No," he exclaimed. "I've got to go on with it now, Hetty. I didn't +intend to, but--come, let us go up and sit on that familiar old +log in the shade of the mill. You must, dear!" + +She suffered him to lead her up the steep bank beyond and through +the rocks and rotten timbers to the great beam that protruded +from the shattered foundations of the mill. The rickety old wheel, +weather-beaten and sad, rose above them and threatened to topple +over if they so much as touched its flimsy supports. + +He did not release her hand after drawing her up beside him. + +"You must know that I love you," he said simply. + +She made no response. Her hand lay limp in his. She was staring +straight before her. + +"You DO know it, don't you?" he went on. + +"I--God knows I don't want you to love me. I never meant that you +should--" she was saying, as if to herself. + +"I suppose it's hopeless," he said dumbly, as her voice trailed +off in a whisper. + +"Yes, it is utterly hopeless," she said, and she was white to the +lips. + +"I--I shan't say anything more," said he. "Of course, I understand +how it is. There's some one else. Only I want you to know that I +love you with all my soul, Hetty. I--I don't see how I'm going to +get on without you. But I--I won't distress you, dear." + +"There isn't any one else, Brandon," she said in a very low voice. +Her fingers tightened on his in a sort of desperation. "I know what +you are thinking. It isn't Leslie. It never can be Leslie." + +"Then,--then--" he stammered, the blood surging back into his +heart--"there may be a chance--" + +"No, no!" she cried, almost vehemently. "I can't let you go on +hoping. It is wrong---so terribly wrong, You must forget me. You +must--" + +He seized her other hand and held them both firmly, masterfully. + +"See here, my--look at me, dearest! What is wrong? Tell me! You +are unhappy. Don't be afraid to tell me. You--you DO love me?" + +She drew a long breath through her half-closed lips. Her eyes +darkened with pain. + +"No. I don't love you. Oh, I am so sorry to have given you--" + +He was almost radiant. "Tell me the truth," he cried triumphantly. +"Don't hold anything back, darling. If there is anything troubling +you, let me shoulder it. I can--I will do anything in the world +for you. Listen: I know there's a mystery somewhere. I have felt it +about you always. I have seen it in your eyes, I have always sensed +it stealing over me when I'm with you--this strange, bewildering +atmosphere of--" + +"Hush! You must not say anything more," she cried out. "I cannot +love you. There is nothing more to be said." + +"But I know it now. You do love me. I could shout it to--" The +miserable, whipped expression in her eyes checked this outburst. +He was struck by it. even dismayed. "My dearest one, my love," he +said, with infinite tenderness, "what is it? Tell me!" + +He drew her to him. His arm went about her shoulders. The final +thrill of ecstasy bounded through his veins. The feel of her! The +wonderful, subtle, feminine feel of her! His brain reeled in a new +and vast whirl of intoxication. + +She sat there very still and unresisting, her hand to her lips, +uttering no word, scarcely breathing. He waited. He gave her time. +After a little while her fingers strayed to the crown of her limp, +rakish panama. They found the single hat-pin and drew it out. He +smiled as he pushed the hat away and then pressed her dark little +head against his breast. Her blue eyes were swimming. + +"Just this once, just this once," she murmured with a sob in +her voice. Her hand stole upward and caressed his brown cheek and +throat. Tears of joy started in his eyes--tears of exquisite delight. + +"Good God, Hetty, I--I can't do without you," he whispered, shaken +by his passion. "Nothing can come between us. I must have you always +like this." + +"Che sara, sara," she sighed, like the breath of the summer wind +as it sings in the trees. + +The minutes passed and neither spoke. His rapt gaze hung upon the +glossy crown that pressed against him so gently. He could not see +her eyes, but somehow he felt they were tightly shut, as if in +pain. + +"I love you, Hetty. Nothing can matter," he whispered at last. +"Tell me what it is." + +She lifted her head and gently withdrew herself from his embrace. +He did not oppose her, noting the serious, almost sombre look in +her eyes as she turned to regard him steadfastly, an unwavering +integrity of purpose in their depths. + +She had made up her mind to tell him a part of the truth. "Brandon, +I am Hetty Glynn." + +He started, not so much in surprise as at the abruptness with which +she made the announcement. + +"I have been sure of it, dear, from the beginning," he said quietly. + +Then her tongue was loosed. The words rushed to her lips. "I was +Hawkright's model for six months. I posed for all those studies, +and for the big canvas in the academy. It was either that or +starvation. Oh, you will hate me--you must hate me." + +He laid his hand on her hair, a calm smile on his lips. "I can't love +and hate at the same time," he said. "There was nothing wrong in +what you did for Hawkright. I am a painter, you know. I understand. +Does--does Mrs. Wrandall know all this?" + +"Yes--everything. She knows and understands. She is an angel, Brandon, +an angel from heaven. But," she burst forth, "I am not altogether +a sham. I AM the daughter of Colonel Castleton, and I AM the cousin +of all the Murgatroyds,--the poor relation. It isn't as if I were +the scum of the earth, is it? I AM a Castleton. My father comes +of a noble family. And, Brandon, the only thing I've ever done in +my life that I am really ashamed of is the deception I practised +on you when you brought that magazine to me and faced me with it. +I did not lie to you. I simply let you believe I was not the--the +person you thought I was. But I deceived you--" + +"No, you did not deceive me," he said gently. "I read the truth in +your dear eyes." + +"There are other things, too. I shall not speak of them, except +to repeat that I have not done anything else in all my life that I +should be ashamed of." Her eyes were burning with earnestness. He +could not but understand what she meant. + +Again he stroked her hair. "I am sure of that," he said. + +"My mother was Kitty Glynn, the actress. My father, a younger son, +fell in love with her. They were married against the wishes of his +father, who cut him off. He was in the service, and he was brave +enough to stick. They went to one of the South African garrisons, +and I was born there. Then to India. Then back to London, where an +aunt had died, leaving my father quite a comfortable fortune. But +his old friends would have nothing to do with him. He had lived--well, +he had made life a hell for my mother in those frontier posts. He +deserted us in the end, after he had squandered the fortune. My +mother made no effort to compel him to provide for her or for me. +She was proud. She was hurt. To-day he is in India, still in the +service, a martinet with a record for bravery on the field of battle +that cannot be taken from him, no matter what else may befall. I +hear from him once or twice a year. That is all I can tell you about +him. My mother died three years ago, after two years of invalidism. +During those years I tried to repay her for the sacrifice she had +made in giving me the education, the--" She choked up for a second, +and then went bravely on. "Her old manager made a place for me in one +of his companies. I took my mother's name, Hetty Glynn, and--well, +for a season and a half I was in the chorus. I could not stay there. +I COULD not," she repeated with a shudder. "I gave it up after my +mother's death. I was fairly well equipped for work as a children's +governess, so I engaged myself to--" + +She stopped in dismay for he was laughing. + +"And now do you know what I think of you, Miss Hetty Glynn?" he +cried, seizing her hands and regarding her with a serious, steadfast +gleam in his eyes. "You are the pluckiest, sandiest girl I've ever +known. You are the kind that heroines are made of. There is nothing +in what you've told me that could in the least alter my regard for +you, except to increase the love I thought could not be stronger. +Will you marry me, Hetty?" + +She jerked her hands away, and held them clenched against her +breast. + +"No! I cannot. It is impossible, Brandon. If I loved you less than +I do, I might say yes, but--no, it is impossible." + +His eyes narrowed. A grey shadow crept over his face. + +"There can be only one obstacle so serious as all that," he said +slowly. "You--you are already married." + +"No!" she cried, lifting her pathetic eyes to his. "It isn't that. +Oh, please be good to me! Don't ask me to say anything more. Don't +make it hard for me, Brandon. I love you--I love you. To be your +wife would be the most glorious--No, no! I must not even think of +it. I must put it out of my mind. There IS a barrier, dearest. We +cannot surmount it. Don't ask me to tell you, for I cannot. I--I +am so happy in knowing that you love me, and that you still love +me after I have told you how mean and shameless I was in deceiving--" + +He drew her close and kissed her full on the trembling lips. She +gasped and closed her eyes, lying like one in a swoon. Soft, moaning +sounds came from her lips. He could not help feeling a vast pity +for her, she was so gentle, so miserably hurt by something he could +not understand, but knew to be monumental in its power to oppress. + +"Listen, dearest," he said, after a long silence; "I understand +this much, at least: you can't talk about it now. Whatever it is, +it hurts, and God knows I don't want to make it worse for you in +this hour when I am so selfishly happy. Time will show us the way. +It can't be insurmountable. Love always triumphs. I only ask you to +repeat those three little words, and I will be content. Say them." + +"I love you," she murmured. + +"There! You are mine! Three little words bind you to me for ever. +I will wait until the barrier is down. Then I will take you." + +"The barrier grows stronger every day," she said, staring out beyond +the tree-tops at the scudding clouds. "It never can be removed." + +"Some day you will tell me--everything?" + +She hesitated long. "Yes, before God, Brandon, I will tell you. +Not now, but--some day. Then you will see why--why I cannot--" She +could not complete the sentence. + +"I don't believe there is anything you can tell me that will +alter my feelings toward you," he said firmly. "The barrier may be +insurmountable, but my love is everlasting." + +"I can only thank you, dear, and--love you with all my wretched +heart." + +"You are not pledged to some one else?" + +"No." + +"That's all I want to know," he said, with a deep breath. "I thought +it might be--Leslie." + +"No, no!" she cried out, and he caught a note of horror in her +voice. + +"Does--does he know this--this thing you can't tell me?" he demanded, +a harsh note of jealousy in his voice. + +She looked up at him, hurt by his tone. "Sara knows," she said. +"There is no one else. But you are not to question her. I demand +it of you." + +"I will wait for you to tell me," he said gently. + + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +SARA WRANDALL FINDS THE TRUTH + + + + +Sara had kept the three Wrandalls over for luncheon. + +"My dear," said Mrs. Redmond Wrandall, as she stood before Hetty's +portrait at the end of the long living-room, "I must say that Brandon +has succeeded in catching that lovely little something that makes +her so--what shall I say?--so mysterious? Is that what I want? The +word is as elusive as the expression." + +"Subtle is the word you want, mother," said Vivian, standing beside +Leslie, tall, slim and aristocratic, her hands behind her back, her +manner one of absolute indifference. Vivian was more than handsome; +she was striking. + +"There isn't anything subtle about Hetty," said Sara, with a laugh. +"She's quite ingenuous." + +Leslie was pulling at his moustache, and frowning slightly. The +sunburn on his nose and forehead had begun to peel off in chappy +little flakes. + +"Ripping likeness, though," was his comment. + +"Oh, perfect," said his mother. "Really wonderful. It will make +Brandon famous." + +"She's so healthy-looking," said Vivian. + +"English," remarked Leslie, as if that covered everything. + +"Nonsense," cried the elder Mrs. Wrandall, lifting her lorgnette +again. "Pure, honest, unmixed blood, that's what it is. There is +birth in that girl's face." + +"You're always talking about birth, mother," said her son sourly, +as he turned away. + +"It's a good thing to have," said his mother with conviction. + +"It's an easy thing to get in America," said he, pulling out his +cigarette case. "Have a cigarette, mother? Sara?" + +"I'll take one, Les," said Vivian. She selected one and passed the +case on to her mother. Sara shook her head. + +"No, thanks," she said. + +Mrs. Redmond Wrandall laid her cigarette down without attempting +to light it, a sudden frostiness in her manner. Vivian and Leslie +blew long plumes of smoke from the innermost recesses of their +lungs. + +"Nerves?" asked Vivian mildly. + +"I don't like Leslie's brand," explained Sara. + +"They're excellent, I think," said Mrs. Wrandall, and thereupon +accepted a light from Leslie. + +"Well, let's be off," said he, somewhat irritably. "Tell Miss +Castleton we're sorry to have missed her." + +It was then that Sara prevailed upon them to stop for luncheon. +"She always takes these long walks in the morning, and she will be +disappointed if she finds you haven't waited--" + +"Oh, as for that--" began Leslie and stopped, but he could not have +been more lucid if he had uttered the sentence in full. + +"Why didn't you pick her up and bring her home with you?" asked +Sara, as they moved off in the direction of the porch. + +"She seemed to be taking Brandy out for his morning exercise," said +he surlily. "Far be it from me to--Umph!" + +Sara repressed the start of surprise. She thought Hetty was alone. + +"She will bring him in for luncheon, I suppose," she said carelessly, +although there was a slight contraction of the eyelids. "He is a +privileged character." + +It was long past the luncheon hour when Hetty came in, flushed and +warm. She was alone and she had been walking rapidly. + +"Oh, I am so sorry to be late," she apologised, darting a look of +anxiety at Sara. "We grew careless with time. Am I shockingly late?" + +She was shaking hands with Mrs. Redmond Wrandall as she spoke. +Leslie and Vivian stood by, rigidly awaiting their turn. Neither +appeared to be especially cordial. + +"What is the passing of an hour, my dear," said the old lady, "to +one who is young and can spare it?" + +"I did not expect you--I mean to say, nothing was said about +luncheon, was there, Sara?" She was in a pretty state of confusion. + +"No," said Leslie, breaking in; "we butted in, that's all. How are +you?" He clasped her hand and bent over it. She was regarding him +with slightly dilated eyes. He misinterpreted the steady scrutiny. +"Oh, it will all peel off in a day or two," he explained, going a +shade redder. + +"When did you return?" she asked. "I thought to-morrow was--" + +"Leslie never has any to-morrows, Miss Castleton," explained Vivian. +"He always does to-morrow's work to-day. That's why he never has +any troubles ahead of him." + +"What rot!" exclaimed Leslie. + +"Where is Mr. Booth?" inquired Sara. "Wouldn't he come in, Hetty?" + +"I--I didn't think to ask him to stop for luncheon," she replied, +and then hurried off to her room to make herself presentable. + +"Don't be long," called out Sara. + +"We are starving," added Vivian. + +"Vivian!" exclaimed her mother, in a shocked voice. + +"Well, _I_ am," declared her daughter promptly. + +"You know you NEVER eat anything in the middle of the day," said +her mother, frowning. As Sara was paying no attention to their +remarks, Mrs. Wrandall was obliged to deliver the supplemental +explanation to Leslie, who hadn't the remotest interest in the +matter. "She's so silly about getting fat." + +Hetty was in a state of nervous excitement during the luncheon. +The encounter with Booth had not resulted at all as she had fancied +it would. She had betrayed herself in a most disconcerting manner, +and now was more deeply involved than ever before. She had been +determined at the outset, she had failed, and now he had a claim--an +incontestable claim against her. She found it difficult to meet +Sara's steady, questioning gaze. She wanted to be alone. + +"I suppose you have heard nothing recent from poor Lord Murgatroyd," +Mrs. Wrandall was saying to her, in a most sympathetic tone. + +Hetty scarcely grasped the importance of the remark. She looked +rather blankly at their guest. + +Sara stepped into the breach. "What do the morning despatches say, +Mrs. Wrandall?" + +"He is sinking rapidly, I fear. Of course, his extreme age is +against him. How old is he, Miss Castleton?" + +"I--I haven't the remotest idea, Mrs. Wrandall," said the girl. +"He is very, very old." + +"Ninety-two, the Sun says," supplied Vivian. + +There was an unaccountable silence. + +"I suppose there is--ah--really no hope," said Mrs. Redmond Wrandall +at last. + +"I fear not," said Hetty composedly. "Except for the heirs-at-law." + +Mrs. Wrandall sat up a little straighter in her chair. "Dear me," +she said. + +"They've been waiting for a good many years," commented Hetty, +without emotion. "Of course, Mrs. Wrandall, you understand that +I am not one of those who will profit by his death. The estate is +entailed. I am quite outside the walls." + +"I did not know the--ah--" + +"My father may come in for a small interest. He is in England at +present on furlough. But there are a great many near relatives to +be fed before the bowl of plenty gets to him." + +"Dear, dear!" murmured Mrs. Wrandall, quite appalled by her way +of putting it. Leslie looked at her and coughed. "What a delicious +dressing you have for these alligator pears, Sara," she went on, +veering quickly. "You must tell me how it is made." + +After luncheon, Leslie drew Sara aside. + +"I must say she doesn't seem especially overjoyed to see me," he +growled. "She's as cool as ice." + +"What do you expect, Leslie?" she demanded with some asperity. + +"I can't stand this much longer, Sara," he said. "Don't you see +how things are going? She's losing her heart to Booth." + +"I don't see how we can prevent it." + +"By gad, I'll have another try at it--to-night. I say, has she +said--anything?" + +"She pities you," said she, a malicious joy in her soul. "That's +akin to something else, you know." + +"Confound it all, I don't want to be pitied!" + +"Then I'd advise you to defer your 'try' at it," she remarked. + +"I'm mad about her, Sara. I can't sleep, I can't think, I can't--yes, +I CAN eat, but it doesn't taste right to me. I've just got to have +it settled. Why, people are beginning to notice the change in me. +They say all sorts of things. About my liver, and all that sort +of thing. I'm going to settle it to-night. It's been nearly three +weeks now. She's surely had time to think it over; how much better +everything will be for her, and all that. She's no fool, Sara. And +do you know what Vivian's doing this very instant over there in the +corner? She's inviting her to spend a fortnight over at our place. +If she comes,--well, that means the engagement will be announced +at once." + +Sara did not marvel at his assurance in the face of what had gone +before. She knew him too well. In spite of the original rebuff, +he was thoroughly satisfied in his own mind that Hetty Castleton +would not be such a fool as to refuse him the second time. + +"It is barely possible, Leslie," she said, "that she may consider +Brandon Booth quite as good a catch as you, and infinitely better +looking at the present moment." + +"It's this beastly sunburn," he lamented, rubbing his nose gently, +thinking first of his person. An instant later he was thinking +of the other half of the declaration. "That's just what I've been +afraid of," he said. "I told you what would happen if that portrait +nonsense went on for ever. It's your fault, Sara." + +"But I have reason to believe she will not accept him, if it goes +so far as that. You are quite safe in that direction." + +"'Gad, I'd hate to risk it," he muttered. "I have a feeling she's +in love with him." + +Vivian approached. "Sara, you must let me have Miss Castleton for +the first two weeks in July," she said serenely. + +"I can't do it, Vivian," said the other promptly. "I can't bear +the thought of being alone in this big old barn of a place. Nice +of you to want her, but--" + +"Oh, don't be selfish, Sara," cried Vivian. + +"You don't know how much I depend on her," said Sara. + +"I'd ask you over, too, dear, if there weren't so many others coming. +I don't know where we're going to put them. You understand, don't +you?" + +"Perfectly," said her sister-in-law, smiling. + +"But I've been counting on--Hetty." + +"I say, Sara," broke in Leslie, "you COULD go up to Bar Harbour +with the Williamsons at that time. Tell her about the invitation, +Vivie." + +"It isn't necessary," said Sara coldly. "I scarcely know the +Williamsons." She hesitated an instant and then went on with sardonic +dismay: "They're in trade, you know." + +"That's nothing against 'em," protested he. "Awfully jolly +people--really ripping. Ain't they, Viv?" + +"I don't know them well enough to say," said Vivian, turning away. +"I only know we're all snobs of the worst sort." + +"Just a minute, Viv," he called out. "What does Miss Castleton +say about coming ?" It was an eager question. Much depended on the +reply. + +"I haven't asked her," said his sister succinctly. "How could I, +without first consulting Sara?" + +"Then, you don't intend to ask her?" + +"Certainly not." + +"Oh, I'll fix it up with Sara," said he confidently. + +"Eh, Sara?" + +"I'd suggest that you 'fix it up' with Miss Castleton," said Sara +pointedly. + +Vivian shot a swift glance over her shoulder at her sister-in-law, +and then broke into a good-humoured laugh. She joined Hetty and +Mrs. Redmond Wrandall. + +"Sometimes I feel that I really like Vivian," observed Sara, as +much to herself as to Leslie. "She's above the board, at least." + +"Disagreeable as the devil at times, though," said he, biting his +lip. + +After the Wrandalls had departed, Sara took Hetty off to her room. +The girl knew what was coming. + +"Hetty," said the older woman, facing her after she had closed +the door of her boudoir, "what is going on between you and Brandon +Booth? I must have the truth. Are you doing anything foolish?" + +"Foolish? Heaven help me, no! It--it is a tragedy," cried Hetty, +meeting her gaze with one of utter despair. + +"What has happened? Tell me!" + +"What am I to do, Sara darling? He--he has told me that he--he--" + +"Loves you?" + +"Yes." + +"And you have told him that his love is returned?" + +"I couldn't help it. I was carried away. I did not mean to let him +see that I--" + +"You are such a novice in the business of love," said Sara sneeringly. +"You are in the habit of being carried away, I fear." + +"Oh, Sara!" + +"You must put a stop to all this at once. How can you think of +marrying him, Hetty Glynn? Send him--" + +"I do not intend to marry him," said the girl, suddenly calm and +dignified. + +"I am to draw but one conclusion, I suppose," said the other, +regarding the girl intently. + +"What do you mean?" + +"Is it necessary to ask that question?" + +The puzzled expression remained in the girl's eyes for a time, and +then slowly gave way to one of absolute horror. + +"How dare you suggest such a thing?" she cried, turning pale, then +crimson. "How dare you?" + +Sara laughed shortly. "Isn't the inference a natural one? You are +forgetting yourself." + +"I understand," said the girl, through pallid lips. Her eyes were +dark with pain and misery. "You think I am altogether bad." She +drooped perceptibly. + +"You went to Burton's Inn," sententiously. + +"But, Sara, you must believe me. I did not know he was--married. +For God's sake, do me the justice to--" + +"But you went there with him," insisted the other, her eyes hard +as steel. "It doesn't matter whether he was married--or free. You +WENT." + +Hetty threw herself upon her companion's breast and wound her strong +young arms about her. + +"Sara, Sara, you must let me explain--you must let me tell you +everything. Don't stop me! You have refused to hear my plea--" + +"And I still refuse!" cried Sara, throwing her off angrily. "Good +God, do you think I will listen to you? If you utter another word, +I will--strangle you!" + +Hetty shrank back, terrified. Slowly she moved backward in the +direction of the door, never taking her eyes from the impassioned +face of her protector. + +"Don't, Sara, please don't!" she begged. "Don't look at me like +that! I promise--I promise. Forgive me! I would not give you an +instant's pain for all the world. You would suffer, you would--" + +Sara suddenly put her hands over her eyes. A single moan escaped +her lips--a hoarse gasp of pain. + +"Dearest!" cried Hetty, springing to her side. + +Sara threw her head up and met her with a cold, repelling look. + +"Wait!" she commanded. "The time has come when you should know what +is in my mind, and has been for months and months. It concerns you. +I expect you to marry Leslie Wrandall." + +Hetty stopped short. + +"How can you jest with me, Sara?" she cried, suddenly indignant. + +"I am not jesting," said Sara levelly. + +"You--you--really mean--what you have just said?" The puzzled look +gave way to one of revulsion. A great shudder swept over her. + +"Leslie Wrandall must pay his brother's debt to you." + +"My God!" fell from the girl's stiff lips. "You--you must be going +mad--mad!" + +Sara laughed softly. "I have meant it almost from the beginning," +she said. "It came to my mind the day that Challis was buried. It +has never been out of it for an instant since that day. Now you +understand." + +If she expected Hetty to fall into a fit of weeping, to collapse, +to plead with her for mercy, she was soon to find herself mistaken. +The girl straightened up suddenly and met her gaze with one in +which there was the fierce determination. Her eyes were steady, +her bosom heaved. + +"And I have loved you so devotedly--so blindly," she said, in low +tones of scorn. "You have been hating me all these months while I +thought you were loving me. What a fool I have been! I might have +known. You COULDN'T love me." + +"When Leslie asks you to-night to marry him, you are to say that +you will do so," said Sara, betraying no sign of having heard the +bitter words. + +"I shall refuse, Sara," said Hetty, every vestige of colour gone +from her face. + +"There is an alternative," announced the other deliberately. + +"You will expose me to--him? To his family?" + +"I shall turn you over to them, to let them do what they will with +you. If you go as his wife, the secret is safe. If not, they may +have you as you really are, to destroy, to annihilate. Take your +choice, my dear." + +"And you, Sara?" asked the girl quietly. "What explanation will +you have to offer for all these months of protection?" + +Her companion stared. "Has the prospect no terror for you?" + +"Not now. Not since I have found you out. The thing I have feared +all along has come to pass. I am relieved, now that you show me +just where I truly stand. But, I asked: what of you?" + +"The world is more likely to applaud than to curse me, Hetty. It +likes a new sensation. My change of heart will appear quite natural." + +"Are you sure that the world will applaud your real design? You +hate the Wrandalls. Will they be charitable toward you when the +truth is given out? Will Leslie applaud you? Listen, please: I am +trying to save you from yourself, Sara. You will fail in everything +you have hoped for. You will be more accursed than I. The world +will pity me, it may even forgive me. It will listen to my story, +which is more than you will do, and it will believe me. Ah, I am +not afraid now. At first I was in terror. I had no hope of escape. +All that is past. To-day I am ready to take my chances with the +big, generous world. Men will try me, and men are not made of +stone and steel. They punish but they do not avenge when they sit +in jury boxes. They are not women! Good God, Sara, is there a man +living to-day who could have planned this thing you have cherished +all these months? Not one! And all men will curse you for it, even +though they send me to prison or to the--chair. But they will not +condemn me. They will hear my story and they will set me free. And +then, what of you?" + +Sara stood perfectly rigid, regarding this earnest reasoner with +growing wonder. + +"My dear," she said, "you would better be thinking of yourself, +not of me." + +"Why, when I tell my story, the world will hate you, Sara Wrandall. +You have helped me, you have been good to me, no matter what sinister +motive you may have had in doing so. It is my turn to help you." + +"To help me!" cried Sara, astonished in spite of herself. + +"Yes. To save you from execration--and even worse." + +"There is no moral wrong in marriage with Leslie Wrandall," said +Sara, returning to her own project. + +"No moral wrong!" cried Hetty, aghast. "No, I suppose not," she +went on, a moment later. "It is something much deeper, much blacker +than moral wrong. There is no word for it. And if I marry him, +what then? Wherein lies your triumph? You can't mean that--God +in Heaven! You would not go to them with the truth when it was too +late for him to--to cast me off!" + +"I am no such fool as that. The secret would be for ever safe in +that event. My triumph, as you call it, we will not discuss." + +"How you must hate me, to be willing to do such an infamous thing +to me!" + +"I do not hate you, Hetty." + +"In heaven's name, what do you call it?" + +"Justification. Listen to me now. I am saying this for your good +sense to seize and appreciate. Would it be right in me to allow +you to marry any other man, knowing all that I know? There is but +one man you can in justice marry: the one who can repair the wreck +that his own blood created. Not Brandon Booth, nor any man save +Leslie Wrandall. He is the man who must pay." + +"I do not intend to marry," said Hetty. + +"But Leslie will marry some one, and I intend that it shall be you. +He shall marry the ex-chorus girl, the artist's model, the--the +prostitute! Wait! Don't fly at me like that! Don't assume that +look of virtuous horror! Let me say what I have to say. This much +of your story shall they know, and no more. They will be proud of +you!" + +Hetty's eyes were blazing. "You use that name--you call me THAT--and +yet you have kissed me, caressed me--loved me!" she cried hoarse +with passion. + +"He will ask you to-night for the second time. You will accept him. +That is all." + +"You must take back what you have just said to me--of me,--Sara +Wrandall. You must unsay it! You must beg my pardon for THAT!" + +"I draw no line between mistress and prostitute." + +"But I--" + +"Enough!" + +"You wrong me vilely! You must let me--" + +"I have an excellent memory, and it serves me well." + +Hetty suddenly threw herself upon the couch and buried her face in +her arms. Great sobs shook her slender frame. + +Sara stood over her and watched for a long time with pitiless eyes. +Then a queer, uneasy, wondering light began to develop in those +dark, ominous eyes. She leaned forward the better to listen to the +choked, inarticulate words that were pouring from the girl's lips. +At last, moved by some power she could not have accounted for, +she knelt beside the quivering body, and laid her hand, almost +timorously, upon the girl's shoulder. + +"Hetty,--Hetty, if I have wronged you in--in thinking that of +you,--I--I--" she began brokenly. Then she lifted her eyes, and +the harsh light tried to steal back into them. "No, no! What am I +saying? What a fool I am to give way--" + +"You have wronged me--terribly, terribly!" came in smothered tones +from the cushions. "I did not dream you thought that of me." + +"What was I to think?" + +Hetty lifted her head and cried out: "You would not let me speak! +You refused to hear my story. You have been thinking this of me all +along, holding it against me, damning me with it, and I have been +closer to you than--My God, what manner of woman are you?" + +Sara seized her hands and held them in a fierce, tense grip. Her +eyes were glowing with a strange fire. + +"Tell me--tell me now, on your soul, Hetty;--were you--were you--" + +"No! No! On my soul, no!" + +"Look into my eyes!" + +The girl's eyes did not falter. She met the dark, penetrating +gaze of the other and, though dimmed by tears, her blue eyes were +steadfast and resolute. Sara seemed to be searching the very soul +of her, the soul that laid itself bare, denuded of every vestige +of guile. + +"I--I think I believe you," came slowly from the lips of the +searcher. "You are looking the truth. I can see it. Hetty, Hetty, +I--I don't understand myself. It is so--so overwhelming, so +tremendous. It is so incredible. Am I really believing you? Is it +possible that I have been wrong in--" + +"Let me tell you everything," cried the girl, suddenly throwing +her arms about her. + +"Not now! Wait! Give me time to think. Go away now. I want to be +alone." She arose and pushed the girl toward the door. Her eyes +were fixed on her in a wondering, puzzled sort of way, and she was +shaking her head as if trying to discredit the new emotion that +had come to displace the one created ages ago. + +Slowly Hetty Castleton retreated toward the door. With her hand on +the knob, she paused. + +"After what has happened, Sara, you must not expect me to stay with +you any longer. I cannot. You may give me up to the law, but--" + +Some one was tapping gently on the door. + +"Shall I see who it is?" asked the girl, after a long period of +silence. + +"Yes." + +It was Murray. "Mr. Leslie has returned, Miss Castleton, and asks +if he may see you at once. He says it is very important." + +"Tell him I will be down in a few minutes, Murray." + +After the door closed, she waited until the footman's steps died +away on the stairs. + +"I shall say no to him, Sara, and I shall say to him that you +will tell him why I cannot be his wife. Do you understand? Are you +listening to me?" + +Sara turned away without a word or look of response. + +Hetty quietly opened the door and went out. + + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE SECOND ENCOUNTER + + + + +Booth trudged rapidly homeward after leaving Hetty at the lodge. He +was throbbing all over with the love of her. The thrill of conquest +was in his blood. She had raised a mysterious barrier; all the more +zest to the inevitable victory that would be his. He would delight +in overcoming obstacles--the bigger the better,--for his heart +was valiant and the prize no smaller than those which the ancient +knights went out to battle for in the lists of love. He had held +her in his arms, he had kissed her, he had breathed of her fragrant +hair, he had felt the beating of her frightened heart against his +body. With the memory of all this to lift him to the heights of +divine exaltation, he was unable to conjure up a finer triumph than +the winning of her after the manner of the knights of old, to whom +opposition was life, denial a boon. + +It was enough for the present to know that she loved him. + +What if she were Hetty Glynn? What if she had been an artist's +model? The look he had had into the soul of her through those pure +blue eyes was all-convincing. She was worthy of the noblest love. + +After luncheon--served with some exasperation by Patrick an hour +and a half later than usual--he smoked his pipe on the porch and +stared reminiscently at the shifting clouds above the tree-tops, +and with a tenderness about the lips that must have surprised and +gratified the stubby, ill-used brier, inanimate confederate in many +a lofty plot. He recalled all she had said to him in that sylvan +confessional, and was content. His family? Pooh! He had a soul of +his own. It needed its mate. + +He did not see the Wrandall motor at his garden gate until a lusty +voice brought him down from the clouds into the range of earthly +sounds. Then he dashed out to the gate, bareheaded and coatless, +forgetting that he had been sitting in the obscurity of trailing +vines and purple blossoms the while he thought of her. + +Leslie was sitting on the wide seat between his mother and sister. + +"Glad to see you back, old man," said Booth, reaching in to shake +hands with him. "Day early, aren't you? Good-afternoon, Mrs. +Wrandall. Won't you come in?" + +He looked at Vivian as he gave the invitation. + +"No, thanks," she replied. "Won't you come to dinner this evening?" + +He hesitated. "I'm not quite sure whether I can, Vivian. I've got +a half-way sort of--" + +"Oh, do, old chap," cut in Leslie, more as a command than an +entreaty. "Sorry I can't be there myself, but you'll fare quite as +well without me. I'm dining at Sara's. Wants my private ear about +one thing and another--see what I mean?" + +"We shall expect you, Brandon," said Mrs. Wrandall, fixing him with +her lorgnette. + +"I'll come, thank you," said he. + +He felt disgustingly transparent under that inquisitive glass. + +Wrandall stepped out of the car. "I'll stop off for a chat with +Brandy, mother." + +"Shall I send the car back, dear?" + +"Never mind. I'll walk down." + +The two men turned in at the gate as the car sped away. + +"Well," said Booth, "it's good to see you. Pat!" He called through +a basement window. "Come up and take the gentleman's order." + +"No drink for me, Brandy. I've been in the temperance State of Maine +for two weeks. One week more of it and I'd have been completely +pickled. I shall always remember Maine." He dropped into a broad +wicker chair and felt tenderly of his nose. "'Gad, I'm not quite +sure that the sun did it, old man. It was dreadful." + +Booth grinned. "Do any fishing?" + +"Yes. The first day. Oh, you needn't look at me like that. I'm +back in the narrow path." After a moment of painful reflection, he +added, "We didn't see water after the first day. I'm just beginning +to get used to the taste of it again." + +"Never mind, Pat," said Booth, as the servant appeared in the +doorway. "Mr. Wrandall is not suffering." + +"You know I'm not a drinking man," declared Leslie, a pathetic note +of appeal in his voice. "I hate the stuff." + +"It is a good thing to let alone." + +"And don't I let it alone? You never saw me tight in your life." + +Booth sat down on the porch rail, hooked his toes in the supports +and proceeded to fill his pipe. Then he struck a match and applied +it, Leslie watching him with moody eyes. + +"How do you like the portrait, old man?" he inquired between +punctuating puffs. + +"It's bully. Sargent never did anything finer. Ripping." + +"I owe it all to you, Les." + +"To me?" + +"You induced her to sit to me." + +"So I did," said Leslie sourly. "I was Mr. Fix-it sure enough." +He allowed a short interval to elapse before taking the plunge. "I +suppose, old chap, if I should happen to need your valuable services +as best man in the near future, you'd not disappoint me?" + +Booth eyed him quizzically. "I trust you're not throwing yourself +away, Les," he said drily. "I mean to say, on some one--well, some +one not quite up to the mark." + +Leslie regarded him with some severity. "Of course not, old chap. +What the devil put that into your head?" + +"I thought that possibly you'd been making a chump of yourself up +in the Maine woods." + +"Piffle! Don't be an ass. What's the sense pretending you don't +know who she is?" + +"I suppose it's Hetty Castleton," said Booth, puffing away at his +pipe. + +"Who else?" + +"Think she'll have you, old man?" asked Booth, after a moment. + +"I don't know," replied the other, a bit dashed. "You might wish +me luck, though." + +Booth knocked the burnt tobacco from the bowl of his pipe. A serious +line appeared between his eyes. He was a fair-minded fellow, without +guile, without a single treacherous instinct. + +"I can't wish you luck, Les," he said slowly. "You see I'm--I'm in +love with her myself." + +"The devil!" Leslie sat bolt upright and glared at him. "I might +have known! And--and is SHE in love with you?" + +"My dear fellow, you reveal considerable lack of tact in asking +that question." + +"What I want to know is this," exclaimed Wrandall, very pale but +very hot: "is she going to marry you?" + +Booth smiled. "I'll be perfectly frank with you. She says she +won't." + +Leslie gulped. "So you've asked her?" + +"Obviously." + +"And she said she wouldn't? She refused you? Turned you down?" +His little moustache shot up at the ends and a joyous, triumphant +laugh broke from his lips. "Oh, this is rich! Ha, ha! Turned you +down, eh? Poor old Brandy! You're my best friend, and dammit I'm +sorry. I mean to say," he went on in some embarrassment, "I'm sorry +for you. Of course, you can hardly expect me to--er--" + +"Certainly not," accepted Booth amiably. "I quite understand." + +"Then, since she's refused you, you might wish ME better luck." + +"That would mean giving up hope." + +"Hope?" exclaimed Leslie quickly. "You don't mean to say you'll +annoy her with your--" + +"No, I shall not annoy her," replied his friend, shaking his head. + +"Well, I should hope not," said Leslie with a scowl. "Turned you +down, eh? 'Pon my soul!" He appeared to be relishing the idea of +it. "Sorry, old chap, but I suppose you understand just what that +means." + +Booth's lips hardened for an instant, then relaxed into a queer, +almost pitying smile. + +"And you want me to be your best man?" he said reflectively. + +Leslie arose. His chest seemed to swell a little; assuredly he was +breathing much easier. He assumed an air of compassion. + +"I shan't insist, old fellow, if you feel you'd rather not--er--See +what I mean?" It then occurred to him to utter a word or two of +kindly advice. "I shouldn't go on hoping if I were you, Brandy. +'Pon my soul, I shouldn't. Take it like a man. I know it hurts +but--Pooh! What's the use aggravating the pain by butting against +a stone wall?" + +His companion looked out over the tree-tops, his hands in his +trouser pockets, and it must be confessed that his manner was not +that of one who is oppressed by despair. + +"I think I'm taking it like a man, Les," he said. "I only hope +you'll take it as nicely if she says nay to you." + +An uneasy look leaped into Leslie's face. He seemed noticeably +less corpulent about the chest. He wondered if Booth knew anything +about his initial venture. A question rose to his lips, but he +thought quickly and held it back. Instead, he glanced at his watch. + +"I must be off. See you to-morrow, I hope." + +"So long," said Booth, stopping at the top of the steps while his +visitor skipped down to the gate with a nimbleness that suggested +the formation of a sudden resolve. + +Leslie did not waste time in parting inanities; he strode off briskly +in the direction of home, but not without a furtive glance out of +the tail of his eye as he disappeared beyond the hedge-row at the +end of Booth's garden. That gentleman was standing where he had +left him, and was filling his pipe once more. + +The day was warm, and Leslie was in a dripping perspiration when +he reached home. He did not enter the house but made his way direct +to the garage. + +"Get out the car at once, Brown," was his order. + +Three minutes later he was being driven over the lower road toward +Southlook, taking good care to avoid Booth's place by the matter +of a mile or more. He was in a fever of hope and eagerness. It was +very plain to him why she had refused to marry Booth. The iron was +hot. He didn't intend to lose any time in striking. + +And now we know why he came again to Sara's in the middle of +a blazing afternoon, instead of waiting until the more seductive +shades of night had fallen, when the moon sat serene in the seat +of the Mighty. + +He didn't have to wait long for Hetty. Up to the instant of +her appearance in the door, he had revelled in the thought that +the way was now paved with roses. But with her entrance, he felt +his confidence and courage slipping. Perhaps that may explain the +abruptness with which he proceeded to go about the business in +hand. + +"I couldn't wait till to-night," he explained as she came slowly +across the room toward him. She was half way to him before he awoke +to the fact that he was standing perfectly still. Then he started +forward, somehow impelled to meet her at least half-way. "You'll +forgive me, Hetty, if I have disturbed you." + +"I was not lying down, Mr. Wrandall," she said quietly. There was +nothing ominous in the words, but he experienced a sudden sensation +of cold. "Won't you sit down? Or would you rather go out to the +terrace?" + +"It's much more comfortable here, if you don't mind. I--I suppose +you know what it is I want to say to you. You--" + +"Yes," she interrupted wearily; "and knowing as much, Mr. Wrandall, +it would not be fair of me to let you go on." + +"Not fair?" he said, in honest amazement. "But, my dear, I--" + +"Please, Mr. Wrandall," she exclaimed, with a pleading little smile +that would have touched the heart of any one but Leslie. "Please +don't go on. It is quite as impossible now as it was before. I have +not changed." + +He could only say, mechanically: "You haven't?" + +"No. I am sorry if you have thought that I might come to--" + +"Think, for heaven's sake, think what you are doing!" he cried, +feeling for the edge of the table with a support-seeking hand. +"I--I had Sara's word that you were not--" + +"Unfortunately Sara cannot speak for me in a matter of this kind. +Thank you for the honour you would--" + +"Honour be hanged!" he blurted out, losing his temper. "I love you! +It's a purely selfish thing with me, and I'm blowed if I consider +it an honour to be refused by any woman. I--" + +"Mr. Wrandall!" she cried, fixing him with her flashing, indignant +eyes. "You are forgetting yourself." She was standing very straight +and slim and imperious before him. + +He quailed. "I--I beg your pardon. I--I--" + +"There is nothing more to be said," she went on icily. "Good-bye." + +"Would you mind telling me whether there is any one else?" he asked, +as he turned toward the door. + +"Do you really feel that you have the right to ask that question, +Mr. Wrandall?" + +He wet his lips with his tongue. "Then, there IS some one!" +he cried, rapping the table with his knuckles. He didn't realise +till afterward how vigorously he rapped. "Some confounded English +nobody, I suppose." + +She smiled, not unkindly. "There is no English nobody, if that +answers your question." + +"Then, will you be kind enough to offer a reason for not giving me +a fair chance in a clear field? I think it's due--" + +"Can't you see how you are distressing me? Must I again go through +that horrid scene in the garden? Can't you take a plain no for an +answer?" + +"Good Lord!" he gasped, and in those two words he revealed the +complete overturning of a life-long estimate of himself. It seemed +to take more than his breath away. + +"Good-bye," she said with finality. + +He stared at the door through which she disappeared, his hopes, +his conceit, his self-regard trailing after her with shameless +disloyalty to the standards he had set for them, and then, with a +rather ghastly smile of self-commiseration on his lips, he slipped +out of the house, jumped into the motor car, and gave a brief but +explicit command to the chauffeur, who lost no time in assisting +his master to turn tail in ignominious flight. + +Hetty was gloomily but resolutely employed in laying out certain of +her personal belongings, preparatory to packing them for departure, +when Sara entered her room. + +They regarded each other steadily, questioningly for a short space +of time. + +"Leslie has just called up to ask 'what the devil' I meant by +letting him make a fool of himself," said Sara, with a peculiar +little twisted smile on her lips. + +Hetty offered no comment, but after a moment gravely and rather +wistfully called attention to her present occupation by a significant +flaunt of her hand and a saddened smile. + +"I see," said Sara, without emotion. "If you choose to go, Hetty, +I shall not oppose you." + +"My position here is a false one, Sara. I prefer to go." + +"This morning I should have held a sword over your head." + +"It is very difficult for me to realise all that has happened." + +"You are free to depart. You are free in every sense of the word. +Your future rests with yourself, my dear." + +"It hurts me more than I can tell to feel that you have been hating +me all these months." + +"It hurts me--now." + +Hetty walked to the window and looked out. + +"What are your plans?" Sara inquired, after an interval. + +"I shall seek employment--and wait for you to act." + +"I? You mean?" + +"I shall not run away, Sara. Nor do I intend to reveal myself to +the authorities. I am not morally guilty of crime. A year ago I +feared the consequences of my deed, but I have learned much since +then. I was a stranger in a new world. In England we have been led +to believe that you lynch women here as readily as you lynch men. +I now know better than that. From you alone I learned my greatest +lesson. You revealed to me the true meaning of human kindness. +You shielded me who should not. Even now I believe that your first +impulse was a tender one. I shall not forget it, Sara. You will +live to regret the baser thought that came later on. I have loved +you--yes, almost as a good dog loves his master. It is not for me +to tell the story of that night and all these months to the world. +I would not be betraying myself, but you. You would be called upon +to explain, not I. And you would be the one to suffer. When you met +me on the road that night I was on my way back to the inn to give +myself into custody. You have made it impossible for me to do so +now. My lips are sealed. It rests with you, Sara." + +Sara joined her in the broad window. There was a strangely exalted +look in her face. A gilded bird-cage hung suspended in the casement. +Without a word, she threw open the window screen. The gay little +canary in the gilded cage cocked his head and watched her with +alert eyes. Then she reached up and gently removed the cage from +its fastenings. Putting it down upon the window sill, she opened +the tiny door. The bird hopped about his prison in a state of great +excitement. + +Hetty looked on, fascinated. + +At last a yellow streak shot out through the open door and an instant +later resolved itself into the bobbing, fluttering dicky-bird that +had lived in a cage all its life without an hour of freedom. For +a few seconds it circled over the tree-tops and then alighted on +one of the branches. One might well have imagined that he could +hear its tiny heart beating with terror. Its wings were half-raised +and fluttering, its head jerking from side to side in wild +perturbation. Taking courage, Master Dicky hopped timorously to a +nearby twig, and then ventured a flight to a tree-top nearer the +window casement. Perched in its topmost branches he cheeped shrilly, +as if there was fear in his little breast. + +In silence the two women in the window watched the agitated movements +of the bird. The same thought was in the mind of each, the same +question, the same intense wish. + +A brown thrush sped through the air, close by the timid canary. Like +a flash it dropped to the twigs lower down, its wings palpitating +in violent alarm. + +"Dicky!" called Sara Wrandall, and then cheeped between her teeth. + +A moment later Dicky was fluttering about the eaves; his circles +grew smaller, his winging less rhythmic, till at last with a nervous +little flutter he perched on the top of the window shutter, so +near that they might have reached to him with their hands. He sat +there with his head cocked to one side. + +"Dicky!" called Sara again. This time she held out her finger. For +some time he regarded it with indifference, not to say disfavour. +Then he took one more flight, but much shorter than the first, +bringing up again at the shutter-top. A second later he hopped down +and his little talons gripped Sara's finger with an earnestness +that left no room for doubt. + +She lowered her hand until it was even with the open door of the +gilded cage. He shot inside with a whir that suggested a scramble. +With his wings folded, he sat on his little trapeze and cheeped. +She closed and fastened the door, and then turned to Hetty. + +"My symbol," she said softly. + +There were tears in Hetty's eyes. + +Leslie did not turn up at his father's place in the High Street +that night until Booth was safely out of the way. He spent a dismal +evening at the boat club. + +His father and mother were in the library when he came in at +half-past ten. From a dark corner of the garden he had witnessed +Booth's early departure. Vivian had gone down to the gate in the +low-lying hedge with her visitor. She came in a moment after Leslie's +entrance. + +"Hello, Les," she said, bending an inquiring eye upon him. "Isn't +this early for you?" + +Her brother was standing near the fireplace. + +"There's a heavy dew falling, Mater," he said gruffly. "Shan't I +touch a match to the kindling?" + +His mother came over to him quickly, and laid her hand on his arm. + +"Your coat is damp," she said anxiously. "Yes, light the fire." + +"It's very warm in this room," said Mr. Wrandall, looking up from +his book. They were always doing something for Leslie's comfort. + +No one seemed to notice him. Leslie knelt and struck a match. + +"Well?" said Vivian. + +"Well what?" he demanded without looking up. + +His sister took a moment for thought. "Is Hetty coming to stay with +us in July?" + +He stood erect, first rubbing his knee to dislodge the dust,--then +his palms. + +"No, she isn't coming," he said. He drew a very long breath--the +first in several hours--and then expelled it vocally. "She has +refused to marry me." + +Mr. Wrandall turned a leaf in his book; it sounded like the crack +of doom, so still had the room become. + +Vivian had the forethought to push a chair toward her mother. It +was a most timely act on her part, for Mrs. Wrandall sat down very +abruptly and very limply. + +"She--WHAT?" gasped Leslie's mother. + +"Turned me down--cold," said Leslie briefly. + +Mr. Wrandall laid his book on the table without thinking to put the +bookmark in place. Then he arose and removed his glasses, fumbling +for the case. + +"She--she--WHAT?" he demanded. + +"Sacked me," replied his son. + +"Please do not jest with me, Leslie," said his mother, trying to +smile. + +"He isn't joking, mother," said Vivian, with a shrug of her fine +shoulders. + +"He--he MUST be," cried Mrs. Wrandall impatiently. "What did she +REALLY say, Leslie?" + +"The only thing I remember was 'good-bye,'" said he, and then blew +his nose violently. + +"Poor old Les!" said Vivian, with real feeling. + +"It was Sara Gooch's doing!" exclaimed Mrs. Wrandall, getting her +breath at last. + +"Nonsense," said Mr. Wrandall, picking up his book once more and +turning to the place where the bookmark lay, after which he proceeded +to re-read four or five pages before discovering his error. + +No one spoke for a matter of five minutes or more. Then Mrs. Wrandall +got up, went over to the library table and closed with a snap the +bulky blue book with the limp leather cover, saying as she held +it up to let him see that it was the privately printed history of +the Murgatroyd family: + +"It came by post this evening from London. She is merely a fourth +cousin, my son." + +He looked up with a gleam of interest in his eye. + + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +CROSSING THE CHANNEL + + + + +Booth, restless with a vague uneasiness that had come over him +during the night, keeping him awake until nearly dawn, was hard put +during the early hours of the forenoon to find occupation for his +interest until a seasonable time arrived for appearing at Southlook. He +was unable to account for this feeling of uncertainty and irritation. + +At nine he set out to walk over to Southlook, realising that he should +have to spend an hour in profitless gossip with the lodge-keeper +before presenting himself at the villa, but somehow relishing the +thought that even so he would be nearer to Hetty than if he remained +in his own door-yard. + +Half-way there he was overtaken by Sara's big French machine returning +from the village. The car came to a standstill as he stepped aside +to let it pass, and Sara herself leaned over and cordially invited +him to get in and ride home with her. + +"What an early bird you are," he exclaimed as he took his seat +beside her. + +She was not in a mood for airy persiflage, as he soon discovered. + +"Miss Castleton has gone up to town, Mr. Booth," she said rather +lifelessly. "I have just taken her to the station. She caught the +eight-thirty." + +He was at once solicitous. "No bad news, I hope?" There was no +thought in his mind that her absence was other than temporary. + +"She is not coming back, Brandon." She had not addressed him as +Brandon before. + +He stared. "You--you mean--" The words died on his lips. + +"She is not coming back," she repeated. + +An accusing gleam leaped into his eyes. + +"What has happened, Mrs. Wrandall?" he asked. + +She was quick to perceive the change in his voice and manner. + +"She prefers to live apart from me. That is all." + +"When was this decision reached?" + +"But yesterday. Soon after she came in from her walk with you." + +"Do--do you mean to imply that THAT had anything to do with her +leaving your home?" he demanded, with a flush on his cheek. + +She met his look without flinching. "It was the beginning." + +"You--you criticised her? You took her to task--" + +"I notified her that she was to marry Leslie Wrandall, if she +marries any one at all," she said in a perfectly level tone. + +"Good Lord, Mrs. Wrandall!" + +"But she is not going to marry Leslie." + +"I know it--I knew it yesterday," he cried triumphantly. "She loves +me, Sara. Didn't she say as much to you?" + +"Yes, Brandon, she loves you. But she will not be your wife." + +"What is all this mystery? Why can't she be my wife? What is there +to prevent?" + +She regarded him with dark, inscrutable eyes. Many seconds passed +before she spoke. + +"Would you want her for your wife if you knew she had belonged to +another man?" + +He turned very cold. The palms of his hands were wet, as with +ice-water. Something dark seemed to flit before his eyes. + +"I will not believe that of her," he said, shaking his head with +an air of finality. + +"That is not an answer to my question." + +"Yes, I would still want her," he declared steadily. + +"I merely meant to put you to the harshest test," she said, and +there was relief in her voice. "She is a good girl, she is pure. +I asked my question because until yesterday I had reason to doubt +her." + +"Good heavens, how could you doubt those honest, guiltless eyes +of--" + +She shook her head sadly. "To answer you I would have to reveal +the secret that makes it impossible for her to become your wife, +and that I cannot, will not do." + +"Is it fair to me?" + +"Perhaps not, but it is fair to her, and that is why I must remain +silent." + +"Before God, I shall know the truth,--from her, if not from +you,--and--" + +"If you love her, if you will be kind to her, you will let her go +her way in peace." + +He was struck by the somewhat sinister earnestness of her words. + +"Tell me where I may find her," he said, setting his jaw. + +"It will not be difficult for you to find her," she said, frowning, +"if you insist on pursuing her." + +"You drive her away from your house, Sara Wrandall, and yet expect +me to believe that your motives are friendly. Why should I accept +your word as final?" + +"I did not drive her away, nor did I ask her to stay." + +He stared hard at her. + +"Good Lord, what is the meaning of all this?" he cried in perplexity. +"What am I to understand?" + +The car had come to a stop under the porte cochere. She laid her +hand on his arm. + +"If you will come in with me, Brandon, I will try to make some +things clear to you." + +He left in half-an-hour, walking rapidly down the drive, his coat +buttoned closely, although the morning was hot and breathless. He +held in his hand a small scrap of paper on which was written: "If +I loved you less, I would come to you now and lie to you. If you +love me, Brandon, you will let me go my way. It is the only course. +Sara is my friend, and she is yours. Be guided by her, and believe +in my love for you. Hetty." + +And now, as things go in fairy stories, we should prepare ourselves +to see Hetty pass through a season in drudgery and hardship, with +the ultimate quintessence of joy as the reward for her trials and +tribulations. Happily, this is not a fairy tale. There are some +things more fantastic than fairy tales, if they are not spoiled in +the telling. Hetty did not go forth to encounter drudgery, disdain +and obloquy. By no manner of means! She went with a well-filled +purse, a definite purpose ahead and a determined factor behind. + +In a manner befitting her station as the intimate friend of Mrs. +Challis Wrandall, as the cousin of the Murgatroyds, as the daughter +of Colonel Castleton of the Indian Corps, as a person supposed to +be possessed of independent means withal, she went, with none to +question, none to cavil. + +Sara had insisted on this, as much for her own sake as for Hetty's; +she argued, and she had prevailed in the end. What would the world +think, what would their acquaintances think, and above all what +would the high and mighty Wrandalls think if she went with meek +and lowly mien? + +Why should they make it possible for any one to look askance? + +And so it was that she departed in state, with a dozen trunks and +boxes; an obsequiously attended seat in the parlour-car was hers; +a telegram in her bag assured her that rooms were being reserved +for herself and maid at the Ritz-Carlton; alongside it reposed a +letter to Mr. Carroll, instructing him to provide her with sufficient +funds to carry out the plan agreed upon; and in the seat behind +sat the lady's maid who had served her for a twelve-month and more. + +The timely demise of the venerable Lord Murgatroyd afforded the +most natural excuse for her trip to England. The old nobleman gave +up the ghost, allowing for difference in time, at the very moment +when Mrs. Redmond Wrandall was undoing a certain package from +London, which turned out to be a complete history of what his +forebears had done in the way of propagation since the fourteenth +century. + +Hetty did not find it easy to accommodate her pride to the plan +which was to give her a fresh and rather imposing start in the +world. She was to have a full year in which to determine whether she +should accept toil and poverty as her lot, or emulate the symbolic +example of Dicky the canary bird. At the end of the year, unless she +did as Dicky had done, her source of supplies would be automatically +cut off and she would be entirely dependent upon her own wits and +resources. In the interim, she was a probationary person of leisure. +It had required hours of persuasion on the part of Sara Wrandall +to bring her into line with these arrangements. + +"But I am able and willing to work for my living," had been Hetty's +stubborn retort to all the arguments brought to bear upon her. + +"Then let me put it in another light. It is vital to me, of course, +that you should keep up the show of affluence for a while at least. +I think I have made that clear to you. But here is another side to +the matter; the question of recompense." + +"Recompense?" cried Hetty sharply. + +"Without your knowing it, I have virtually held you a prisoner all +these months, condemned in my own judgment if not in the sight of +the law. I have taken the law unto myself. You were not convicted +of murder in this Unitarian court of mine, but of another sin. For +fifteen months you have been living under the shadow of a crime you +did not commit. I was reserving complete punishment for you in the +shape of an ignoble marriage, which was to have served two bitter +ends. Well, I have had the truth from you. I believe you to +be absolutely innocent of the charge I held over you, for which I +condemned you without a hearing. Then, why should I not employ my +own means of making restitution?" + +"You have condescended to believe in me. That is all I ask." + +"True, that is all you ask. But is it altogether the fair way out of +it? To illustrate: our criminal laws are less kind to the innocent +than to the guilty. Our law courts find a man guilty and he is +sent to prison. Later on, he is found to be innocent--absolutely +innocent. What does the State do in the premises? It issues +a formal pardon,--a mockery, pure and simple,--and the man is set +free. It all comes to a curt, belated apology for an error on the +part of justice. No substantial recompense is offered. He is merely +pardoned for something he didn't do. The State, which has wronged +him, condescends to pardon him! Think of it! It is the same as if +a man knocked another down and then said, before he removed his +foot from the victim's neck: 'I pardon you freely.' My father was +opposed to the system we have--that all countries have--of pardoning +men who have been unjustly condemned. The innocent victim is pardoned +in the same manner as the guilty one who comes in for clemency. I +accept my father's contention that an innocent man should not be +shamed and humiliated by a PARDON. The court which tried him should +re-open the case and honourably ACQUIT him of the crime. Then +the State should pay to this innocent man, dollar for dollar, all +that he might have earned during his term of imprisonment, with an +additional amount for the suffering he has endured. Not long ago in +an adjoining State a man, who had served seventeen years of a life +sentence for murder, was found to be wholly innocent. What happened? +A PARDON was handed to him and he walked out of prison, broken +in spirit, health and purse. His small fortune had been wiped out +in the futile effort to prove his innocence. He gave up seventeen +years of his life and then WAS PARDONED for the sacrifice. He +should have been paid for every day spent in prison. That was the +very least they could have done." + +"I see now what you mean," mused Hetty. "I have never thought of +it in that way before." + +"Well, it comes to this in our case, Hetty: I have tried you all +over again in my own little court and I have acquitted you of the +charge I had against you. I do not offer you a silly pardon. You +must allow me to have my way in this matter, to choose my own means +of compensating you for--" + +"You saved my life," protested Hetty, shaking her head obstinately. + +"My dear, I appreciate the fact that you are English," said Sara, +with a weary smile, "but won't you PLEASE see the point?" + +Then Hetty smiled too, and the way was easier after that for Sara. +She gained her quixotic point, and Hetty went away from Southlook +feeling that no woman in all the world was so bewildering as Sara +Wrandall. + +When she sailed for England, two days later, the newspapers announced +that the beautiful and attractive Miss Castleton was returning to +her native land on account of the death of Lord Murgatroyd, and +would spend the year on the Continent, where probably she would +be joined later on by Mrs. Wrandall, whose period of mourning and +distress had been softened by the constant and loyal friendship of +"this exquisite Englishwoman." + +Four hundred miles out at sea, she was overtaken by wireless messages +from three persons. + +Brandon Booth's message said: "I am sailing to-morrow on a faster +ship than yours. You will find me waiting for you on the landing +stage." Her heart gave a leap to dizzy heights, and, try as she +would, she could not crush it back to the depths in which it had +dwelt for days. + +The second bit of pale green paper contained a cry from a most +unexpected source: "Cable your London address. S. refuses to give it +to me. I think I understand the situation. We want to make amends +for what you have had to put up with during the year. She has shown +her true nature at last." It was signed "Leslie." + +From Sara came these cryptic words: "For each year of famine there +will come seven years of plenty." + +All the way across the Atlantic she lived in a state of subdued +excitement. Conflicting emotions absorbed her waking hours but +her dreams were all of one complexion: rosy and warm and full of +a joyousness that distressed her vastly when she recalled them to +mind in the early morning hours. During the day she intermittently +hoped and feared that he would be on the landing stage. In any event, +she was bound to find unhappiness. If he were there her joy would +be short-lived and blighting; if he were not there, her disappointment +would be equally hard to bear. + +He was there. She saw him from the deck of the tender as they +edged up to the landing. His tall figure loomed in the front rank +against the rail that held back the crowd; his sun-bronzed face +wore a look of eager expectancy; from her obscured position in the +shadow of the deck building, purposely chosen for reasons only too +obvious, she could even detect the alert, swift-moving scrutiny +that he fastened upon the crowd. + +Later on, he stood looking down into her serious blue eyes; her hands +were lying limp in his. His own eyes were dark with earnestness, +with the restraint that had fastened itself upon him. Behind her +stood the respectful but immeasurably awed maid, who could not, +for the life of her, understand how a man could be on both sides +of the Atlantic at one and the same time. + +"Thank the Lord, Hetty, say I, for the five day boats," he was +saying. + +"You should not have come, Brandon," she cried softly, and the +look of misery in her eyes was tinged with a glow she could not +suppress. "It only makes everything harder for me. I--I--Oh, I +wish you had not come!" + +"But isn't it wonderful?" he cried, "that I should be here and +waiting for you! It is almost inconceivable. And you were in the +act of running away from me, too. Oh, I have that much of the tale +from Sara, so don't look so hurt about it." + +"I am so sorry you came," she repeated, her lip trembling. + +Noting her emotion, he gave her hands a fierce, encouraging pressure +and immediately released them. + +"Come," he said gently; "I have booked for London. Everything is +arranged. I shall see to your luggage. Let me put you in the carriage +first." + +As she sat in the railway carriage, waiting for him to return, +she tried in a hundred ways to devise a means of escape, and yet +she had never loved him so much as now. Her heart was sore, her +desolation never so complete as now. + +He came back at last and took his seat beside her in the compartment, +fanning himself with his hat. The maid very discreetly stared out +of the window at the hurrying throng of travellers on the platform. +One other person occupied the compartment with them, a crabbed +Englishman who seemed to resent the fact that his seat was not next +the window, and that maids should be encouraged to travel first +class. + +"Isn't it really wonderful?" whispered Booth once more, quite as +if he couldn't believe it himself. She smiled rather doubtfully. +He was sitting quite close to her and leaning forward. + +The Englishman got up and went into the corridor to consult the +conductor. One might have heard him say he'd very much prefer going +into another compartment where it wouldn't be necessary for him +to annoy a beastly American bride and groom--her maid and perhaps +later on his man--all the way up to London. + +"How I love you--Hetty--how I adore you!" Booth whispered passionately. + +"Oh, Brandon!" + +"And I don't mean to give you up," he added, his lean jaw setting +hard. + +"You must--oh, you must," she cried miserably. "I mean it, Brandon--" + +The Englishman came back and took his seat. He glared at Booth +through his eye-glass, and that young gentleman sat up in sudden +embarrassment. + +"What are your plans?" asked he, turning his back on their +fellow-passenger. + +"Please don't ask me," she pleaded. "You must give it up, Brandon. +Let me go my own way." + +"Not until I have the whole story from you. You see, I am not +easily thwarted, once I set my heart on a thing. I gathered this +much from Sara: the obstacle is NOT insurmountable." + +"She--said--that?" + +"In effect, yes," he qualified. + +"What did she tell you?" demanded Hetty, laying her hand on his +arm. + +"I will confess she didn't reveal the secret that you consider a +barrier, but she went so far as to say that it was very dark and +dreadful," he said lightly. They were speaking in very low tones. +"When I pinned her down to it, she added that it did not in any +sense bear upon your honour. But there is time enough to talk about +this later on. For the present, let's not discuss the past. I know +enough of your history from your own lips as well as what little I +could get out of Sara, to feel sure that you are, in a way, drifting. +I intend to look after you, at least until you find yourself. Your +sudden break with Sara has been explained to me. Leslie Wrandall +is at the back of it. Sara told me that she tried to force you to +marry him. I think you did quite right in going away as you did, +but, on the other hand, was it quite fair to me?" + +"Yes, it was most fair," she said, compressing her lips. + +He frowned. + +"We can't possibly be of the same opinion," he said seriously. + +"You wouldn't say that if you knew everything." + +"How long do you intend to stay in London?" + +"I don't know. When does this train arrive there?" + +"At four o'clock, I think. Will you go to an hotel or to friends?" +He put the question very delicately. + +She smiled faintly. "You mean the Murgatroyds?" + +"Your father is here, I am informed. And you must have other friends +or relatives who--" + +"I shall go to a small hotel I know near Trafalgar Square," she +interrupted quietly. "You must not come there to see me, Brandon." + +"I shall expect you to dine with me at--say Prince's this evening," +was his response to this. + +She shook her head and then turned to look out of the window. He +sat back in his seat and for many miles, with deep perplexity in his +eyes, studied her half-averted face. The old uneasiness returned. +Was this obstacle, after all, so great that it could not be overcome? + +They lunched together, but were singularly reserved all through the +meal. A plan was growing in her brain, a cruel but effective plan +that made her despise herself and yet contained the only means of +escape from an even more cruel situation. + +He drove with her from the station to the small hotel off Trafalgar +Square. There were no rooms to be had. It was the week of Ascot and +the city was still crowded with people who awaited only the royal +sign to break the fetters that bound them to London. Somewhat +perturbed, she allowed him to escort her to several hotels of a +like character. Failing in each case, she was in despair. At last +she plucked up the courage to say to him, not without constraint +and embarrassment: + +"I think, Brandon, if you were to allow me to apply ALONE to one +of these places I could get in without much trouble." + +"Good Lord!" he gasped, going very red with dismay. "What a fool +I--" + +"I'll try the Savoy," she said quickly, and then laughed at him. +His face was the picture of distress. + +"I shall come for you at eight," he said, stopping the taxi at +once. "Good-bye till then." + +He got out and gave directions to the chauffeur. Then he did a very +strange thing. He hailed another taxi and, climbing in, started +off in the wake of the two women. From a point of vantage near +the corridor leading to the "American bar," he saw Hetty sign her +slips and move off toward the lift. Whereupon, seeing that she was +quite out of the way, he approached the manager's office and asked +for accommodations. + +"Nothing left, sir." + +"Not a thing?" + +"Everything has been taken for weeks, sir. I'm sorry." + +"Sorry, too. I had hoped you might have something left for a friend +who expects to stop here--a Miss Castleton." + +"Miss Castleton has just applied. We could not give her anything." + +"Eh?" + +"Fortunately we could let her have rooms until eight this evening. +We were more than pleased to offer them to her for a few hours, +although they are reserved for parties coming down from Liverpool +tonight." + +Booth tried the Cecil and got a most undesirable room. Calling up +the Savoy on the telephone, he got her room. The maid answered. +She informed him that Miss Castleton had just that instant gone +out and would not return before seven o'clock. + +"I suppose she will not remove her trunks from the station until +she finds a permanent place to lodge," he inquired. "Can I be of +any service?" + +"I think not, sir. She left no word, sir." + +He hung up the receiver and straightway dashed over to the Savoy, +hoping to catch her before she left the hotel. Just inside the door +he came to an abrupt stop. She was at the news and ticket booth in +the lobby, closely engaged in conversation with the clerk. Presently +the latter took up the telephone, and after a brief conversation +with some one at the other end, turned to Hetty and nodded his +head. Whereupon she nodded her own adorable head and began the +search for her purse. Booth edged around to an obscure spot and +saw her pay for and receive something in return. + +"By Jove!" he said to himself, amazed. + +She passed near him, without seeing him, and went out into the +court. He watched her turn into the Strand. + +When the night boat from Dover to Calais slipped away from her +moorings that evening, Hetty Castleton and her maid were on board, +with all their bags and trunks, and Brandon Booth was supposed to +be completely at sea in the heart of that glittering London-town. + +The night was fog-laden and dripping, and the crossing promised +to be unpleasant. Wrapped in a thick sea-ulster Hetty sat huddled +up in the lea of the deck-house, sick at heart and miserable. She +reproached herself for the scurvy trick she was playing on him, +reviled herself and yet pitied herself. After all, she was doing +him a good turn in forcing him to despise her for the shameless +way in which she treated his devotion, his fairness, his loyalty. +He would be happier in the end for the brief spasm of pain and disgust +he was to experience in this second revelation of her unworthiness. + +Crouching there in the shadow, with the foghorn chortling hoarsely +over the shabby trick,--so it seemed to her,--she stared back at +the misty glow of the pier and tried to pierce the distance that +lay between her and the lights of London, so many leagues away. +HE was there, in the glitter and glamour of it all, but black with +disappointment and wonder. Oh, it was a detestable thing she had +done! Her poor heart ached for him. She could almost see the despair, +the bewilderment in his honest eyes as he sat in his room, hours +after the discovery of her flight, defeated, betrayed, disillusioned. + +There were but few people crossing. Sailors stood by the rail, +peering into the fog, but it seemed to her that no one else was +afoot on board the steamer. Already the boat was beginning to show +signs of the uneasy trip ahead. Many foghorns, far and near, were +barking their lugubrious warnings; the choppy waves were slashing +against the vessel with a steady beat; the bobbling of the ship +increased as it plunged deeper into the cross-seas. But she had +no thought of the ship, the channel or the perils that surrounded +her. Her mind was back in London with her heart, and there was +nothing ahead of her save the dread of tomorrow's sunlight. + +She was a good sailor. A dozen times, perhaps, she had crossed the +English Channel, in fair weather and foul, and never with discomfort. +Her maid, she knew, was in for a wretched brawl with the waves, +but Hetty was too wise a sailor to think of trying to comfort the +unhappy creature. Misery does not always love company. + +A tall man came shambling down the narrow space along the rail +and stopped directly in front of her. She started in alarm as he +reached out his hand to support himself against the deck house. As +he leaned forward, he laughed. + +"You were thinking of me, Hetty," said the man. + +For a long time she stared at him, transfixed, and then, with a +low moan, covered her eyes with her hands. + +"Is it true--is it a dream?" she sobbed. + +He dropped down beside her and gathered her in his strong, eager +arms. + +"You WERE thinking of me, weren't you? And reproaching yourself, +and hating yourself for running away like this? I thought so. Well, +you might just as well try to dodge the smartest detective in the +world as to give me the slip now, darling." + +"You--you spied on me?" she cried, in muffled tones. She lay very +limp in his arms. + +"I did," he confessed, without shame. "'Gad, when I think of what +I might be doing at this moment if I hadn't found you out in time! +Think of me back there in London, racing about like a madman, +searching for you in every--" + +"Please, please!" she implored. + +"But luck was with me. You can't get away, Hetty. I shan't let you +out of my sight again. I'll camp in front of your door and you'll +see me wither and die of sleeplessness, for one or the other of my +eyes will always be open." + +"Oh, I am so tired, so miserable," she murmured. + +"Poor little sweetheart!" + +"I wish you would hate me." + +"Lie where you are, dearest, and--forget!" + +"If I only could--forget!" + +"Rest. I will hold you tight and keep you warm. We're in for a nasty +crossing, but it is paradise for me. I am mad with the delight of +having you here, holding you close to me, feeling you in my arms. +The wilder the night the better, for I am wild with the joy of it +all. I love you! I love you!" He strained her closer to him in a +sort of paroxysm. + +She was quiet for a long time. Then she breathed into his ear: + +"You will never know how much I was longing for you, just as you +are now, Brandon, and in the midst of it all you came. It is like +a fairy story, and oh, I shall always believe in fairies." + +All about them were the sinister sounds of the fog--the hoots, +the growls and groans of lost things in the swirl of the North Sea +current, creeping blindly through the guideless mist. To both of +them, the night had a strangely symbolic significance: whither were +they drifting and where lay the unseen port? + +A huge liner from one of the German ports slipped across their bows +with hoarse blasts of warning. They saw the misty glow of her lights +for an instant, and even as they drew the sharp breath of fear, +the night resumed its mantle and their own little vessel seemed to +come to life again after the shock of alarm and its engines throbbed +the faster, just as the heartbeats quicken when reaction sets in. + +A long time afterward the throbbing ceased, bell-buoys whistled and +clanged about them; the sea suddenly grew calm and lifeless; they +slid over it as if it were a quavering sheet of ice; and lights +sneaked out of the fog and approached with stealthy swiftness. +Bells rang below and above them, sailors sprang up from everywhere +and calls were heard below; the rattling of chains and the thumping +of heavy luggage took the place of that steady, monotonous beat of +the engines. People began to infest the deck, limp and groaning, +harassed but voiceless. A mighty sigh seemed to envelop the whole +ship--a sigh of relief. + +Then it was that these two arose stiffly from their sheltered bench +and gave heed to the things that were about them. + +The Channel was behind them. + + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +BATTLING OLD BONES + + + + +They journeyed to Paris by the night mail. He was waiting for her +on the platform when she descended from the wagon lit in the Gare +du Nord. Sleepy passengers crowded with them into the customs +department. She, alone among them all, was smiling brightly, as if +the world could be sweet at an hour when, by all odds, it should +be sleepiest. + +"I was up and on the lookout for you at Amiens," he declared, as +they walked off together. "You might have got off there, you know," +with a wry grin. + +"I shall not run away from you again, Brandon," she said earnestly. +"I promise, on my honour." + +"By Jove," he cried, "that's a relief!" Then he broke into a happy +laugh. + +"I shall go to the Ritz," she said, after her effects had been +examined and were ready for release. + +"I thought so," he announced calmly. "I wired for rooms before I +left London." + +"Really, this is ridic--" + +"Don't frown like that, Hetty," he pleaded. + +As they rattled and bounced over the cobble-stones in a taxi-metre +on the way to the Place Vendome, he devoted the whole of +his conversation to the delicious breakfast they were to have, +expatiating glibly on the wonderful berries that would come first +in that always-to-be-remembered meal. She was ravenously hungry +by the time they reached the hotel, just from listening to his +dissertation on chops and rolls and coffee as they are served in +Paris, to say nothing of waffles and honey and the marmalade that +no Englishman can do without. + +Alone in his room, however, he was quite another person. His calm +assurance took flight the instant he closed the door and moodily +began to prepare for his bath. Resolution was undiminished, but +the facts in the case were most desolating. Whatever it was that +stood between them, there was no gainsaying its power to influence +their lives. It was no trifle that caused her to take this second +flight, and the sooner he came to realise the seriousness of +opposition the better. + +He made up his mind on one point in that half-hour before breakfast: +if she asked him again to let her go her way in peace, it was only +fair to her and right that he should submit to the inevitable. She +loved him, he was sure of it. Then there must be a very good reason +for her perplexing attitude toward him. He would make one more +attempt to have the truth from her. Failing in that, he would accept +the situation as hopeless, for the time being at least. She should +know that he loved her deeply enough for that. + +She joined him in the little open-air cafe, and they sat down at +a table in a remote corner. There were few people breakfasting. In +her tender blue eyes there was a look of sadness that haunted him, +even as she smiled and called him beloved. + +"Hetty, darling," he said, leaning forward and laying his hand on +hers, "can't you tell me what it is?" + +She was prepared for the question. In her heart she knew the time +had come when she must be fair with him. He observed the pallor +that stole, into her warm, smooth cheeks as she regarded him fixedly +for a long time before replying. + +"There is only one person in the world who can tell you, Brandon. +It is for her to decide. I mean Sara Wrandall." + +He felt a queer, sickening sensation of uneasiness sneak into +existence. In the back of his mind, a hateful fear began to shape +itself. For a long time he looked into her sombre eyes, and as he +looked the fear that was hateful took on something of a definite +shape. + +"Did you know her husband?" he asked, and somehow he knew what the +answer would be. + +"Yes," she replied, after a moment. She was startled. Her lips +remained parted. + +He watched her closely. "Has this--this secret anything to do with +Challis Wrandall?" + +"It has," said she, meeting his gaze steadily. + +His hands clutched the edge of the table in a grip that turned the +knuckles white. + +"Hetty!" he cried, in a hoarse whisper. "You--can't mean that you--" + +"You must go to Sara," she cried hurriedly. "Haven't I told you +that she is the one--" + +"Were you in love with that infernal scoundrel?" he demanded +fiercely. + +"Sara knows everything. She will tell you--" + +"Were you carrying on an affair with him while professing to be +the friend of his wife? Tell me that! Did she find you out and--" + +"Oh, Brandon, why will you persist?" she cried, her eyes aflame. +"I can tell you no more. Why do you glare at me as if I were +the meanest thing on earth? Is this love? Is this your idea of +greatness? Isn't it enough for you to know that Sara is my loyal, +devoted friend; that she--" + +"Wait!" he commanded darkly. "Is it possible that she did not +discover your secret until the day you left her house so abruptly? +Does that explain your sudden departure?" + +"I can answer that," she said quietly. "She has known everything +from the day I met her. I have not said anything, Brandon, to lead +you to believe that I was in love with Challis Wrandall, have I?" + +His eyes softened. "No, you haven't. I--I hope you will forget what +I said. You see, I knew Wrandall's reputation. He had no sense of +honour. He--" + +"Well, I HAVE!" she said levelly. + +He flushed. "I am a beast! I'll put it in this way, then: Was he +in love with you?" + +"You are still unfair. I shall not answer." + +He was silent for a long time. "And Sara's lips are sealed," he +mused, still possessed of doubts and fears. + +"Until she elects to tell the story, dearest love, my lips are also +sealed. I love you better than anything else in all this world. I +could willingly offer up my life for you, but--well, my life does +not belong to me. It is Sara's." + +"For heaven's sake, Hetty, what is all this?" he cried in desperation. + +"I can say no more. It is useless to insist, Brandon. If you can +wrest the story from her, all well and good. You will hate me then, +dear love. But it cannot be helped. I am prepared." + +"Tell me this much: when you refused to marry Leslie, was your +course inspired by what had happened in--in connection with Challis +Wrandall?" + +"You forget that it is YOU that I love," she responded simply. + +"But why should Sara urge you to marry Leslie if there is anything--" + +"Hush! Here is the waiter. Come to my sitting-room after breakfast. +I have something to say to you. We must come to a definite +understanding. This cannot go on." + +He was with her for an hour in that pinched little sitting-room, +and left her there without a vestige of rancour in his soul. She +would not give an inch in the stand she had taken, but something +immeasurably great in his make-up rose to the occasion and he went +forth with the conviction that he had no right to demand more of +her than she was ready to give. He was satisfied to abide by her +decision. The spell of her was over him more completely than ever +before. + +Two days later he saw her off at the Gare de Lyons, bound for +Interlaken. There was a complete understanding between them. She +wanted to be quite alone in the Alpine town; he was not to follow +her there. She had reserved rooms at the Schweitzerhof, and the +windows of her sitting-room looked straight up the valley to the +snow-covered crest of the Jungfrau. She remembered these rooms; as +a young girl she had occupied them with her father and mother. By +some hook or crook, Booth arranged by wire for her to have them +again, not an easy matter at that season of the year. Later she +was to go on to Lucerne, and then to Venice. + +The slightest shred of hope was left for Booth. Even though he might +accomplish the task he had set unto himself--the conquest of Sara +in respect to the untold story--he still had Hetty's dismal prophecy +that after he learned the truth he would come to see why they could +not be married. But he would not despair. + +"We'll see," was all that he said in response to her forlorn cry +that they were parting for ever. There was a grimness in the way +he said it that gave her something to cherish during the months +to come; the hope that he WOULD come back and take her in spite of +herself. + +He sailed from Cherbourg on the first steamship calling there. +Awake, he thought of her; asleep, he dreamed of Challis Wrandall. +There was something uncanny in the persistence with which that +ruthless despoiler of peace forced his way into his dreams, to the +absolute exclusion of all else. The voyage home was made horrid +by these nightly reminders of a man he scarcely knew, yet dreaded. +He became more or less obsessed by the idea that an evil spell had +descended upon him in the shape of a ghostly influence. + +The weeks passed slowly for Hetty. There were no letters from +Sara, but an occasional line or so from Mr. Carroll. She had made +Brandon Booth promise that he would not write to her, nor was he +to expect anything from her. If her intention was to cut herself +off entirely from her recent world and its people, as she might +have done in another way by pursuing the time-honoured and rather +cowardly plan of entering a convent, she was soon to discover that +success in the undertaking brought a deeper sense of exile than +she could have imagined herself able to endure at the outset. She +found herself more utterly alone and friendless than at any time in +her life. The chance companions she formed at Interlaken,--despite +a well-meant reserve,--served only to increase her feeling of +loneliness and despair. The very natural attentions of men, young +and old, depressed her, instead of encouraging that essentially +feminine thing called vanity. She lived as one without an aim, +without a single purpose except to close one day that she might +begin the next. + +After a time, she went on to Lucerne. Here the life on the surface +was gayer, and she was roused from her state of lethargy in spite +of herself. Once, from her little balcony in the National, she +saw two of her old acquaintances in the chorus at the Gaiety. They +were wearing many pearls. Another time, she met them in the street. +She was rather quietly dressed. They did not notice her. But the +prosperous Hebraic gentlemen who attended them were not so careless. + +One day a card was brought to her rooms. For the next two weeks +she had a true and unavoidable friend in Lucerne. It would appear +that Mrs. Rowe-Martin had not been apprised of the rift in the +Wrandall lute. She had no reason to consider the exclusive Miss +Castleton as anything but the most desirable of companions. Mrs. +Rowe-Martin was not long in finding out (though how she did it, +heaven knows!), that Lord Murgatroyd's grandniece was no longer +the intimate of that impossible person, Sara Gooch. She couldn't +think of Sara without thinking of Gooch. + +But at last Mrs. Rowe-Martin departed, much to Hetty's secret +relief, but not before she had increased the girl's burthens by +introducing her into a cold-nosed cosmopolitan set from which there +were but three ways of escape. She refused to marry one of them, +denied another the privilege of making love to her, and declined +to play auction bridge with all of them. They were not long in +dropping her, although it must be said there was real regret among +the men. + +From Mrs. Rowe-Martin and others she heard that Mrs. Redmond Wrandall +and Vivian were to be in Scotland in October, for somebody-or-other's +christening, and that Leslie had been doing some really wonderful +flying at Pau. + +"I am SO glad, my dear," said Mrs. Rowe-Martin, "that you refused +to marry Leslie. He is a cad. Besides, you would have been in a +perpetual state of nerves over his flying." + +Of Sara, there was no news, as might have been expected. Mrs. Rowe-Martin +made it very clear that Sara was a respectable person,--but heavens! + +The chill days of autumn came and the crowd began to dwindle. Hetty +made preparations to join in the exodus. As the days grew short and +bleak, she found herself thinking more and more of the happy-hearted, +symbolic dicky-bird on a faraway window ledge. His life was neither +a travesty nor a tragedy; hers was both of these. + +Something told her too that Brandon Booth had wormed the truth out +of Sara, and that she would never see him again. It hurt her to +think that while Sara believed in her, the man who loved her did +not. It is a way men have. + +On the eve of her departure, an event transpired that was to alter +the whole course of her life; or, more properly speaking, it was +destined to put her back into an old groove. + +She was walking along the quay, in the dusk of early evening, her +mind full of the next day's journey over the mountains to Milan. +The wind was cold; about her neck there was a boa of white ostrich +feathers, one end of which fluttered gaily over her shoulder. She +was continually turning half-way about against the wind to reclaim +the truant end of the boa. It was in the act of doing so on one +occasion that her attention was drawn to two men who sauntered +across the avenue from the approach to the Schweitzerhof. + +She stopped still in her tracks, petrified by amazement--and alarm, +if we may anticipate the sensation by a second or two. + +One of the men was Leslie Wrandall, the other--her own father! + +In a flash came the impulse to avoid them, to fly before they +recognised her. But even as she turned and started off with a +sudden acceleration of speed, a shout assailed her ears, and then +came the swift rush of footsteps over the hard pavement. + +"Hetty! As I live!" cried Leslie, planting himself in front of +her. His astonishment alone kept him from laying hands upon her, +to make sure that she was really there. "Well, of all the--" + +She extended her hand. "This is a surprise," she said, with admirable +control. "I hadn't the faintest notion you were in Lucerne." + +"By Jove!" he mumbled, shaking hands with her but still dazed and +uncertain. He suddenly remembered his companion. Turning with a +shout, he brought the soldierly, middle-aged gentleman about-face +with scant ceremony. "Hey! Colonel Castleton! See who's here! +Doesn't this bowl you over completely?" + +Colonel Castleton, sallow, ascetic, deliberate in his movements, +raised his glass to his eye as he came toward them. + +"'Pon my soul!" burst from his astonished lips a second afterward. +He stopped short and his jaw dropped in a most unmilitary fashion. +"'Pon my soul! It CAN'T be my daughter!" He seemed to be having +difficulty not only with his head but with his feet; neither appeared +to be operating intelligently. As a matter of fact, he stood for an +instant on his toes and then on his heels. He was perilously near +to being bowled over completely and literally. + +Hetty was the first to recover. She advanced with a fair assumption +of warmth in her manner. Her heart, belying her, was as cold as +ice. + +"Father!" she cried, holding out her hands. + +He grasped them, and looked wildly about. + +"Kiss me!" she whispered imperatively. + +He stooped and brushed her cheek with his long moustache. + +"Good God!" he muttered, still incredulous. + +She turned to the excited Leslie with a quavering smile on her +lips. + +"We haven't seen each other in twelve years, Mr. Wrandall," she +said. + +"'Pon my soul!" added her father for the third time, thereby reaching +the limit of emphasis, having placed it differently each time. + +Leslie surprised himself by rising to the occasion. It occurred to +him that they would like to be alone for a little while at least. + +"Then, I'll stroll on, Colonel," he said. "By Jove!" The mild +expletive was a tribute to Providence. + +Not a word was spoken by father or daughter until Wrandall was many +rods away. + +"Where did you meet Leslie Wrandall?" she demanded, showing which +way her thoughts ran. They were far from filial. + +"Aviation field--somewhere," said he in a vague sort of way. "Pau, +I dare say. What are you doing here? I hear you've cut loose from +Wrandall's sister-in-law. Was that a sensible thing to do?" + +"I fancy you've been misinformed," said she in an emotionless voice, +but offered no further word of explanation. + +"Shan't we sit down here on this bench, my dear?" suggested the +Colonel, distinctly ill at ease. + +"For the sake of appearances, yes," she assented. + +Leslie, looking over his shoulder from a distance, saw them sitting +together on one of the outer benches. + +"By Jove!" he said to himself once more, this time with accumulative +perplexity. + +"See here, Hetty, my child," began the Colonel nervously, "it's all +nonsense your taking the stand you do toward me. I am your father. +I repeat, it's all nonsense--damned nonsense. You've got to--" + +"Has it taken you all these years to find out that it's nonsense?" +she demanded, her eyes flashing. "It's no good arguing, father. I +don't like you. There is a very good reason why I should despise +you. We won't go into it. After this meeting, we go our separate +ways again. This, it seems, was unavoidable. I shan't ask anything +of you, and I advise you to ask nothing of me." + +"My God, that a child should utter such words to a father!" he +groaned. + +"A father!" she cried so scornfully that he must have shrivelled +had he been any one else but Colonel Castleton of the Indian Corps. +As it was, he had the grace to turn a very bright red. "A noble +father you have been! And what a splendid, self-sacrificing husband +you were. No! I can't forget how my mother lived and died. You +call it nonsense. Well, I call it something else. You took a most +effective way to punish my poor mother for having the temerity to +marry an English gentleman. Thank God, I have my mother to look +back to for my own ideas of gentility." + +"You never understood the way things went wrong between your mother +and me," he said harshly. "She wasn't all you may be pleased to +think she was. She--" + +"How dare you insinuate--" + +"She chucked me. That's the sum and sub--" + +"Oh, I was old enough to know that she left you--chucked you, if +you will--and to know why she did it. I--I suppose you are looked +upon by--these people here--Leslie Wrandall and every one else, as +a fine English gentleman, a cousin of the great Lord Murgatroyd. +Are you?" + +"Confound you, Hetty, how dare you use such a tone in speaking to +me?" he exclaimed. + +"They THINK you are a gentleman, do they?" + +"THINK? Why, dammit, I am a gentleman. The only ungentlemanly thing +I ever did in my life was to--" He checked the angry words, biting +his lips to keep them down. + +"Was to desert your wife," she supplied scathingly. + +"No! To marry her!" He blurted it out in his rage. + +"Oh!" she cried, shrinking farther away from him, cut to the quick. + +He regarded her with cold, fishy eyes. She was uncommonly pretty, +he was bound to admit that. Her mother's eyes, her mother's exquisite +skin, but singularly like certain Castleton portraits that he knew. +It somehow galled him to find that there was quite as much of the +blue-blooded Castleton in her as there was commonplace Glynn; galled +him more particularly because she was his own flesh and blood after +all and, in spite of that, could taunt him with it. + +"I didn't mean to hurt you, Hetty," he said, to his own surprise. +The touch of tenderness had a brief life. He scowled an instant +later. "We won't discuss the past, if you please. God knows I don't +want to dig up rotten bones. You are against your own father. That's +enough for me. I shan't impose myself upon you. You--" + +"Why couldn't you have treated her with--" began Hetty hotly. + +"Sh! No more of that, I say. I will not be upbraided by my own child. +Now, see here, what do you mean by letting a chance like that get +away from you?" He jerked his head in the direction Leslie had +taken. + +"Chance?" + +"Yes. This Wrandall fellow. 'Gad, I've known him less than +a fortnight and he's told me every secret he ever knew. Why don't +you marry him? He's not a bad sort." + +"That is my affair," said she coldly. + +"I'd take him like a shot if I was a gel in your shoes." + +"He told you I had refused to marry him?" + +"A hundred times." + +"Did you reward his confidence by relating the WHOLE history of +the Castleton family?" + +He stared at her. "Good Lord, do you think I'm an ass?" + +"What have you told him?" + +"Nothing. I permitted him to do all the telling. He gave me a highly +commendable account of myself, of you, of the fine old family of +Glynns and--God knows what all. He restored my pride, 'pon my soul +he did." The Colonel laughed as he twisted his moustache with ironic +fondness. + +She was quite still for a minute or two. "I heard you were in +England," she said, changing the subject. + +"It may interest you to know that the old man overlooked us +completely," he said, striking the calf of his leg with his thin +walking-stick. + +"Why should he leave anything to you?" + +"And why not, curse him?" he growled. "Am I not his brother's son? +What do you mean by asking a question like that?" + +"I think I will say good-bye to you now, father," she said +deliberately. "We may never see each other again." She arose and +stood before him, cold and proud, without a spark of emotion in +her eyes. + +He sat still, looking up at her in surprise. "Do you think you're +doing the right thing, Hetty?" he asked, annoyed in spite of +himself. "Remember that I am your father. I can and will overlook +all you have said and done--" + +"If you will go to her grave and kneel there and ask her pardon, I +may think differently of you because, after all, I am your daughter. +You will not find her buried among the stately Castletons, but in +a poor little spot far, far away from them. I can tell you how to +find it. You have never inquired, I suppose?" + +His eyes narrowed. "By Jove, you are a mean little beggar!" + +"Mean?" she cried, clenching her hands. Then she laughed suddenly, +shrilly. "Oh, if my mother could hear you say that to me!" + +"Damme!" he exclaimed, coming to his feet in considerable agitation. +"Do you want people to hear us ragging each other? Don't go into +hysterics, Hetty! See here, do you forget that I have written to +you--loving letters they were--from the heart--written, I say, over +and over again and what do I get in return? Not a single stroke of +the pen from you, except the note a year ago telling me where you +were and--" + +"And that was merely to relieve your anxiety when you found I'd +given up my work on the stage and might become a burden on you. +Oh, I read between your lines." + +"Nothing of the sort. I never wanted you to go on the stage. Why +have you persistently refused to answer my subsequent letters?" + +"Because I read between the lines in all of them," she said levelly. + +"You have no right to say that I expected you to get money out of +that bally Wrandall woman--the goods merchant's daughter. That's +downright insulting in you. I shan't let it go undefend--" + +"You knew I couldn't lend you a thousand pounds, father," said she, +very slowly and distinctly. + +He coughed, perhaps in apology to her but more than likely to +himself. + +"You are at liberty," she went on, "to tell Mr. Leslie Wrandall +all there is to tell about me. He doesn't know, but it won't matter +much if he does have the truth concerning me. Tell him all if you +like." + +"My child," said he, with a fine display of wounded dignity, "I am +not quite the rotter you think I am." + +He did not feel called upon to explain to her that he had already +borrowed a thousand pounds from her disappointed suitor, and was +setting his nets for another thousand or two. + +"It really won't matter," she said wearily. "Good-bye. I am leaving +at nine to-morrow for Italy." + +"See you at dinner? Or afterward, just for a--" + +"I think not. I do not care to see Mr. Wrandall." + +"Think it over again, Hetty. Don't--" + +"Oh, father! How can you say such things to me?" she cried, a break +in her voice. + +"Good God, my dear, isn't it natural for a father to want to see +his daughter well provided for?" + +She turned away. + +"I am contemplating a visit to the States shortly," he remarked, +following after her. + +She whirled on him. "What!" + +"Young Wrandall has asked me over for a month or two about the +first of the year. His people are in Scotland now, I hear." + +"Are you THROUGH with India?" she asked in a very low voice. + +"Resigned," said he succinctly. + +"TRULY?" + +He flushed and muttered an oath. She understood. He had been "kicked +out!" + +"Hello!" called out a sprightly voice from the gathering darkness, +and the next moment Leslie joined them. "Have dinner with us +to-night, Hetty? Just the three of us. Please do." + +"No, thank you, Mr. Wrandall. I am getting ready to leave to-morrow. +Packing and all that sort of thing." + +"Did Colonel Castleton tell you that I'm off for New York on Saturday? +Mother and Viv are to get the boat at Southampton. I thought you'd +be interested to know what's just turned up over there?" + +"What has happened?" she cried quickly. + +Leslie hesitated. A curious gleam stole into his eyes. Was it of +triumph? + +"Father's got rather old-fashioned ideas about certain things," he +observed, by way of preface. "He writes that Sara is contemplating +a second venture into the state of wedded bliss." + +Hetty stared at him. "I--I don't believe it," she said flatly. "How +can it be possible? She sees no one." + +He laughed. "You're wrong there," said he mendaciously. "She's been +seeing a great deal of a certain mutual friend of ours--all summer +long." + +"You mean?" + +"Brandon Booth. Father says that rumour has it they are to be +married after the holidays. I fancy he needed consolation, after +what happened to him earlier in the year. He was pretty hard hit, +believe me." After a moment, he went on boldly: "I ought to be in +a position to sympathise with him, I suppose, but I don't. It isn't +in me to--" + +"You say they are to be married?" cried Hetty, dazed and bewildered. + +They had fallen behind Colonel Castleton, who walked on stiffly +ahead of them. + +Leslie treated her to his most engaging smile. + +"Looks very Goochy, doesn't it? I'm coming to believe more than +ever that blood will tell. Sara knew what she was doing when she +cleared her decks for action a few months ago. 'Gad, I understand +now why she was so eager to bring off the--well, another match we +know about. Pretty canny, eh?" + +"It is incredible," said she, with unnecessary vehemence. + +"Not in the least. Clever person, Sara is. Sets her heart on a thing, +and--woof! she gets it, whether or no. Now, don't misunderstand +me. I'm fond of Brandon Booth. We all are. We don't object to him +as a sort of family attachment. But if she's going to marry him, +we want to know where we stand in a business way. You see, he will +not only step into my brother Chal's shoes at home, but at the +office. And, heaven knows, Brandy is not a good business man. He's +great on portraits, but--I beg pardon!" + +"I must leave you here, Mr. Wrandall. Good-bye!" + +"Oh, I say, can't we see something of--" + +"I am afraid not." + +He kept pace with her through the hall. + +"I suppose your father told you that I--I haven't altogether given +up hope of--you." + +"He spoke of going to America with you, if that's what you mean," +she said coldly, and left him at the foot of the staircase. + +Leslie's hand trembled as it went up to his moustache. "I can't +understand her beastly obstinacy," he said to himself. + + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +VIVIAN AIRS HER OPINIONS + + + + +Chief among Booth's virtues was his undeviating loyalty to a set +purpose. He went back to America with the firm intention to clear +up the mystery surrounding Hetty Castleton, no matter how irksome +the delay in achieving his aim or how vigorous the methods he would +have to employ. Sara Wrandall, to all purposes, held the key; his +object in life now was to induce her to turn it in the lock and +throw open the door so that he might enter in and become a sharer +in the secrets beyond. + +A certain amount of optimistic courage attended him in his campaign +against what had been described to him as the impossible. He could +see no clear reason why she should withhold the secret under the +new conditions, when so much in the shape of happiness was at stake. +It was in this spirit of confidence that he prepared to confront +her on his arrival in New York, and it was the same unbounded faith +in the belief that nothing evil could result from a perfectly just +and honourable motive that gave him the needed courage. + +He stayed over night in New York, and the next morning saw him on +his way to Southlook. There was something truly ingenuous in his +desire to get to the bottom of the matter without fear or apprehension. +At the very worst, he maintained, there could be nothing more +reprehensible than a passing infatuation, long since dispelled, or +perhaps a mildly sinister episode in which virtue had been triumphant +and vice defeated with unpleasant results to at least one person, +and that person the husband of Sara Wrandall. + +Pat met him at the station and drove him to the little cottage on +the upper road. + +"Ye didn't stay long," said he reflectively, after he had put the +bag up in front. He took up the reins. + +"Not very," replied his master. + +After a dozen rods or more, Pat tried again. + +"Just siventeen days, I make it." + +"Seems longer." + +"Perhaps you'll be after going back soon." + +"Why should you think that, Patrick?" + +"Because you don't seem to be takin' much interest in your surroundin's +here," said Pat loftily. He delivered a smart smack on the crupper +with his stubby whip, and pursed his lips for the companionship to +be derived from whistling. + +"I suppose you know why I went to Europe," said Booth, laying his +hand affectionately on the man's arm. + +"Sure I do," said Pat, forgetting to whistle. "And was it bad luck +you had, sor?" + +"A temporary case of it, I'm afraid." + +"Well," said the Irishman, looking up at his employer with the most +profound encouragement in his wink, "if it's anny help to you, +sor, I'll say that I've niver found bad luck to be annything but +timporary. And, believe ME, I've had plinty of it. Mary was dom +near three years makin' up her mind to say yis to me." + +"And since then you've had no bad luck?" said Booth, with a smile. + +"Plinty of it, begob, but I've had some one besides meself to blame +for it. There's a lot in that, Mr. Brandon. Whin a man marries, he +simply divides his luck into two parts, good and bad, and if he's +like most men he puts the bulk av the bad luck on his wife and +kapes to himself all he can av the good for a rainy day. That's +what makes him a strong man and able to meet trouble when it comes. +The beauty av the arrangement is that bad luck is only timporary +and a woman enjoys talking about it, while good luck is wid us +nine-tinths of the time, whether we know it or not, and we don't +have to talk about it." + +This was fine philosophy, but Booth discerned the underlying motive. + +"Have you been quarrelling?" + +"I have NOT," said Pat wrathfully. "But I won't say as much for +Mary. The point av me argument is that I have all the good luck in +havin' married her, and she claims to have had all the bad luck in +marryin' me. Still, as I said before,'tis but timporary. The good +luck lasts and the bad don't. She'll be after tellin' me so before +sundown. That's like all women. You'll find it out for yourself +wan o' these days, Mr. Brandon, and ye'll be dom proud ye're a man +and can enjoy your good luck when ye get it. The bad luck's always +fallin' behind ye, and ye can always look forward to the good luck. +So don't be down-hearted. She'll take you, or me name's not what +it ought to be." + +Booth was inclined to accept this unique discourse as a fair-weather +sign. + +"Take these bags upstairs, Pat," said he on their arrival at the +cottage, "and then come down and drive me over to Mrs. Wrandall's." + +"Will ye be after stayin' for lunch with her, Mr. Brandon?" inquired +Pat, climbing over the wheel. + +"I can't answer that question now." + +"Hiven help both av us if Mary's good luncheon goes to waste," +said Pat ominously. "That's all I have to say. She'll take it out +av both av us." + +"Tell her I'll be here for lunch," said Booth, with alacrity. From +which it may be perceived that master and man were of one mind when +it came to considering the importance of Mary. + +Pat studied his watch for a moment with a calculating eye. + +"It's half-past eliven now, sor," he announced. "D'ye think ye can +make it?" + +Booth reflected. "I think not," he said. "I'll have luncheon +first." Whereupon he leaped from the trap and went in to tell Mary +how happy he was to be where he could enjoy home-cooking. + +At four he was delivered at Sara's door by the astute Patrick, +announced by the sedate Watson and interrogated by the intelligent +Murray, who seemed surprised to hear that he would NOT have anything +cool to drink. Sara sent word that she would be down in fifteen +minutes, but, as a matter of fact, appeared in less than three. + +She came directly to the point. + +"Well," she said, with her mysterious smile, "she sent you back to +me, I see." He was still clasping her hand. + +"Have you heard from her?" he asked quickly. + +"No. But I knew just what would happen. I told you it would prove +to be a wild goose chase. Where is she?" + +He sat down beside her on the cool, white covered couch. + +"In Switzerland. I put her on the train the night before I sailed. +Yes, she did send me back to you. Now I'm here, I want the whole +story, Sara. What is it that stands between us?" + +For an hour he pleaded with her, all to no purpose. She steadfastly +refused to divulge the secret. Not even his blunt reference to +Challis Wrandall's connection with the affair found a vulnerable +spot in her armour. + +"I shan't give it up, Sara," he said, at the end of his earnest +harangue against the palpably unfair stand both she and Hetty were +taking. "I mean to harass you, if you please, until I get what I'm +after. It is of the most vital importance to me. Quite as much so, +I am sure, as it appears to be to you. If Hetty will say the word, +I'll take her gladly, just as she is, without knowing what all this +is about. But, you see, she won't consent. There must be some way +to override her. You both admit there is no legal barrier. You +tell me to-day that there is no insanity in her family, and a lot +of other things that I've been able to bring out by questioning, +so I am more than ever certain that the obstacle is not so serious +as you would have me believe. Therefore, I mean to pester you until +you give in, my dear Sara." + +"Very well," she said resignedly. "When may I expect a renewal of +the conflict?" + +"Would to-morrow be convenient?" he asked quaintly. + +She returned his smile. "Come to luncheon." + +"Have I your permission to start the portrait?" + +"Yes. As soon as you like." + +He left her without feeling that he had gained an inch along the +road to success. That night, in the gloaming of his star-lit porch, +he smoked many a pipeful and derived therefrom a profound estimate +of the value of tact and discretion as opposed to bold and impulsive +measures in the handling of a determined woman. He would make haste +slowly, as the saying goes. Many an unexpected victory is gained by +dilatory tactics, provided the blow is struck at the psychological +moment of least resistance. + +The weeks slipped by. He was with her almost daily. Other people +came to her house, some for rather protracted visits, others in +quest of pillage at the nightly bridge table, but he was seldom +missing. There were times when he thought he detected a tendency +to waver, but each cunning attempt on his part to encourage the +impulse invariably brought a certain mocking light into her eyes +and he veered off in defeat. Something kept telling him, however, +that the hour was bound to come when she would falter in her +resolution; when frankness would meet frankness, and the veil be +lifted. + +A rather impossible relative in the person of an aunt came to +spend the month of August with Sara--her father's sister. She was +a true, unvarnished Gooch. Booth shuddered at times when she emerged +flat-foot from the background and revelled in the Goochiness that +would not stay put, no matter how hard she tried to subdue it. She +was a good soul,--much too good, in fact,--and her efforts to live +up to requirements were not only ludicrous but exasperating. Sara +was quite serene about her, however. She made no excuses for the +old lady; in fact, she appeared to be quite devoted to her. Booth +was beginning to appreciate something of the horror the Wrandalls +must have felt when Challis took unto himself a Gooch. He berated +himself in secret for his snobbishness and in public made atonement +by being expansively polite to Mrs. Coburn. The good lady had the +habit of telling every one what a wonderful person Sebastian Gooch +had been, sometimes comparing him not unfavourably with Napoleon +Bonaparte and George Washington: he was like the Corsican in getting +the better of his adversaries, no matter how he had to go about +it, but like the Father of his Country in the matter of veracity. +So far as she knew, Sebastian had never told a lie. To Mrs. Coburn, +Sebastian was Saint Sebastian. + +The portrait was finished before Mrs. Coburn left. She liked +everything about it except the gown, the drapery and--yes, the +hands. They were too long and tapering. No Gooch ever had a hand +like that. The Gooch hands were broad and strong: like her own. +All this, notwithstanding the fact that Sara's hand lay exposed all +the time she was speaking, a physical contradiction to her assertion. + +She stayed the month and then re-entered Yonkers. + +There were no letters from Hetty, no word of any description. If +Sara knew anything of the girl's movements she did not take Booth +into her confidence. + +Leslie Wrandall went abroad in August, ostensibly to attend the +aviation meets in France and England. His mother and sister sailed +in September, but not before the entire colony of which they were +a part had begun to discuss Sara and Booth with a relish that was +obviously distasteful to the Wrandalls. + +Where there is smoke there is fire, said all the gossips, and +forthwith proceeded to carry fagots. + +A week or so before sailing, Mrs. Redmond Wrandall had Booth +in for dinner. I think she said en famille. At any rate, Sara was +not asked, which is proof enough that she was bent on making it a +family affair. + +After dinner, Booth sat in the screened upper balcony with Vivian. +He liked her. She was a keen-witted, plain-spoken young woman, +with few false ideals and no subtlety. She was less snobbish than +arrogant. Of all the Wrandalls, she was the least self-centred. +Leslie never quite understood her for the paradoxical reason that +she thoroughly understood him. + +"You know, Brandon," she said, after a long silence between them, +"they've been setting my cap for you for a long, long time." She +blew a thin stream of cigarette smoke toward the moon. + +He started. It was a bolt from a clear sky. "The deuce!" + +"Yes," she went on in the most casual tone, "mother's had her heart +set on it for months. You were supposed to be mine at first sight, +I believe. Please don't look so uneasy. I'm not going to propose +to you." She laughed her little ironic laugh. + +"So that is the way things stood, eh?" he said, still a little +amazed by her candour. + +"Yes. And what is more to the point, I am quite sure I should +have said yes if you had asked me. Sounds odd, doesn't it? Rather +amusing, too, being able to discuss it so unreservedly, isn't it?" + +"Good heavens, Viv!" he cried uncomfortably. "I--I had no idea you +cared--" + +"Cared!" she cried, as he paused. "I don't care two pins for you +in that way. But I would have married you, just the same, because +you are worth marrying. I'd very much rather have you for a husband +than any man I know, but as for loving you! Pooh! I'd love you in +just the way mother loves father, and I wouldn't have been a bit +more trouble to you than she is to him." + +"'Gad, you don't mind what you say!" + +"Failing to nab you, Brandy, I dare say I'll have to come down to +a duke or, who knows? maybe a mere prince. It isn't very enterprising, +is it? And certainly it isn't a gay prospect. Really, I had hoped +you would have me. I flatter myself, I suppose, but, honestly now, +we would have made a rather nice looking couple, wouldn't we?" + +"You flatter me," he said. + +"But," she resumed, calmly exhaling, "you very foolishly fell in +love with some one else, and it wasn't necessary for me to pretend +that I was in love with you--which I should have done, believe me, +if you had given me the chance. You fell in love, first with Hetty +Castleton." + +"First?" he cried, frowning. + +"And now you are heels over head in love with my beautiful +sister-in-law. Which all goes to prove that I would have made just +the kind of wife you need, considering your tendency to fluctuate. +But how dreadful it would have been for a sentimental, loving girl +like Hetty!" + +He sat bolt upright and stared hard at her. + +"See here, Viv, what the dickens are you driving at? I'm not in love +with Sara--not in the least,--and--" He checked himself sharply. +"What an ass I am! You're guying me." + +"In any event, I am right about Hetty," she said, leaning forward, +her manner quite serious. + +"If it will ease your mind," he said stiffly, "I plead guilty with +all my heart." + +She favoured him with a slight frown of annoyance. + +"And you deny the fluctuating charge?" + +"Most positively. I can afford to be honest with you, Viv. You are +a corker. I love Hetty Castleton with all my soul." + +She leaned back in her chair. "Then why don't you dignify your soul +by being honest with HER?" + +"What do you mean?" + +For a half-minute she was silent. "Are you and I of the same stripe, +after all? Would you marry Sara without loving her, as I would have +done by you? It doesn't seem like you, Brandon." + +"Good heaven, I'm not going to marry Sara!" he blurted out. "It's +never entered my head." + +"Perhaps it has entered hers." + +"Nonsense! She isn't going to marry anybody. And she knows how I +feel toward Hetty. If it came to the point where I decided to marry +without love, 'pon my soul, Viv, I believe I'd pick you out as the +victim." + +"Wonderful combination!" she said with a frank laugh. "The +quintessence of 'no love lost.' But to resume! Do you know that +people are saying you are to be married before the winter is over?" + +"Let 'em say it," he said gruffly. + +"Oh, well," she said, despatching it all with a gesture, "if that's +the way you feel about it, there's no more to be said." + +He was ashamed. "I beg your pardon, I shouldn't have said that." + +"You see," she went on, reverting to the original topic, "people +who know Sara are likely to credit her with motives you appear to +be totally ignorant of. She set her heart on my brother Challis, +when she was a great deal younger than she is now, and she got him. +If age and experience count for anything, how capable she must be +by this time." + +He was too wise to venture an opinion. "I assure you she has no +designs on me." + +"Perhaps not. But I fancy that even you could not escape as St. +Anthony did. She is most alluring." + +"You don't like her." + +"Obviously. And yet I don't dislike her. She has the virtue of +consistency, if one may use the expression. She loved my brother. +Leslie says she should have hated him. We have tried to like +her. I think I have come nearer to it than any of the others, not +excepting Leslie, who has always been her champion. I suppose you +know that he was your rival at one time." + +"He mentioned it," said Booth drily. + +"I should have been very much disappointed in her if she had accepted +him." + +"Indeed?" + +"I sometimes wonder if Sara spiked Leslie's guns for him." + +"I can tell you something you don't know, Vivian," said he. "Sara +was rather keen about making a match there." + +Vivian's smile was slow but triumphant. "That is just what I thought. +There you are! Doesn't that explain Sara?" + +"In a measure, yes. But, you see, it developed that Hetty cared +for some one else, and that put a stop to everything." + +"Am I to take it that you are the some one else?" + +"Yes," said he soberly. + +"Then, may I ask why she went away so suddenly?" + +"You may ask but I can't answer." + +"Do you want my opinion? She went away because Sara, failing in +her plan to marry her off to Leslie, decided that it would be fatal +to a certain project of her own if she remained on the field of +action. Do I make myself clear?" + +"Oh, you are away off in your conclusions, Viv." + +"Time will tell," was her cabalistic rejoinder. + +Her father appeared on the lawn below and called up to them. + +"You are wanted at the telephone, Brandon. I've just been talking +to Sara." + +"Did she call you up, father?" asked Vivian, leaning over the rail. + +"Yes. About nothing in particular, however." + +She turned upon Booth with a mocking smile. He felt the colour rush +to his face, and was angry with himself. + +He went in to the telephone. Almost her first words were these: + +"What has Vivian been telling you about me, Brandon?" + +He actually gasped. "Good heavens, Sara!" + +He heard her low laugh. "So she HAS been saying things, has she?" +she asked. "I thought so. I've had it in my bones to-night." + +He was at a loss for words. It was positively uncanny. As he stood +there, trying to think of a trivial remark, her laugh came to him +again over the wire, followed by a drawling "good-night," and then +the soughing of the wind over the "open" wire. + +The next day he called her up on the telephone quite early. He knew +her habits. She would be abroad in her gardens by eight o'clock. +He remembered well that Leslie, in commenting on her absurdly early +hours, had once said that her "early bird" habit was hereditary: +she got it from Sebastian. + +"What put it into your head, Sara, that Vivian was saying anything +unpleasant about you last night?" + +"Magic," she replied succinctly. + +"Rubbish!" + +"I have a magic tapestry that transports me, hither and thither, +and by night I always carry Aladdin's lamp. So, you see, I see and +hear everything." + +"Be sensible." + +"Very well. I will be sensible. If you intend to be influenced by +what Vivian or her mother said to you last night, I think you'd be +wise to avoid me from this time on." + +Prepared though he was, he blinked his eyes and said something she +didn't quite catch. + +She went on: "Moreover, in addition to my attainments in the black +art, I am quite as clever as Mr. Sherlock Holmes in some respects. +I really do some splendid deducing. In the first place, you were +asked there and I was not. Why? Because I was to be discussed. You +see--" + +"Marvellous!" he interrupted loudly. + +"You were to be told that I have cruel designs upon you." + +"Go on, please." + +"And all that sort of thing," she said sweepingly, and he could +almost see the inclusive gesture with her free hand. He laughed +but still marvelled at the shrewdness of her perceptions. + +"I'll come over this afternoon and show you wherein you are wrong," +he began, but she interrupted him with a laugh. + +"I am starting for the city before noon, by motor, to be gone at +least a fortnight." + +"What! This is the first I've heard of it." + +Again she laughed. "To be perfectly frank with you, I hadn't +heard of it myself until just now. I think I shall go down to the +Homestead with the Carrolls." + +"Hot Springs?" + +"Virginia," she added explicitly. + +"I say, Sara, what does all this mean? You--" + +"And if you should follow me there, Vivian's estimate of us will +not be so far out of the way as we'd like to make it." + +True to her word, she was gone when he drove over later on in +the day. Somehow, he experienced a feeling of relief. Not that he +was oppressed by the rather vivacious opinions of Vivian and her +ilk, but because something told him that Sara was wavering in her +determination to withhold the secret from him and fled for perfectly +obvious reasons. + +He had two commissions among the rich summer colonists. One, a full +length portrait of young Beardsley in shooting togs, was nearly +finished. The other was to be a half-length of Mrs. Ravenscroft, +who wanted one just like Hetty Castleton's, except for the eyes, +which she admitted would have to be different. Nothing was said of +the seventeen years' difference in their ages. Vivian had put off +posing until Lent. + +The Wrandalls departed for Scotland, and other friends of his +began to desert the country for the city. The fortnight passed and +another week besides. Mrs. Ravenscroft decided to go to Europe when +the picture was half-finished. + +"You can finish it when I come back in December, Mr. Booth," she +said. "I'll have several new gowns to choose from, too." + +"I shall be busy all winter, Mrs. Ravenscroft," he said coldly. + +"How annoying," she said calmly, and that was the end of it all. +She had made the unpleasant discovery that it WASN'T going to be +in the least like Hetty Castleton's, so why bother about it? + +Booth waited until Sara came out to superintend the closing of her +house for the winter. He called at Southlook on the day of her +arrival. He was struck at once by the curious change in her appearance +and manner. There was something bleak and desolate in the vividly +brilliant face: the tired, wistful, harassed look of one who has +begun to quail and yet fights on. + +"Will you go out with me to-morrow, Brandon, for an all-day trip +in the car?" she asked, as they stood together before the open +fireplace on this late November afternoon. Her eyes were moody, +her voice rather lifeless. + +"Certainly," he said, watching her closely. Was the break about to +come? + +"I will stop for you at nine." After a short pause, she looked up +and said: "I suppose you would like to know where I am taking you." + +"It doesn't matter, Sara." + +"I want you to go with me to Burton's Inn." + +"Burton's Inn?" + +"That is the place where my husband was killed," she said, quite +steadily. + +He started. "Oh! But--do you think it best, Sara, to open old wounds +by--" + +"I have thought it all out, Brandon. I want to go there--just once. +I want to go into that room again." + + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +ONCE MORE AT BURTON'S INN + + + + +Again Sara Wrandall found herself in that never-to-be-forgotten +room at Burton's Inn. On that grim night in March, she had entered +without fear or trembling because she knew what was there. Now she +quaked with a mighty chill of terror, for she knew not what was +there in the quiet, now sequestered room. Burton had told them on +their arrival after a long drive across country that patrons of the +inn invariably asked which room it was that had been the scene of +the tragedy, and, on finding out, refused point-blank to occupy it. +In consequence, he had been obliged to transform it into a sort of +store and baggage room. + +Sara stood in the middle of the murky room, for the shutters had +long been closed to the light of day, and looked about her in awe +at the heterogeneous mass of boxes, trunks, bundles and rubbish, +scattered over the floor without care or system. She had closed +the door behind her and was quite alone. Light sneaked in through +the cracks in the shutters, but so meagrely that it only served to +increase the gloom. A dismantled bedstead stood heaped up in the +corner. She did not have to be told what bed it was. The mattress +was there too, rolled up and tied with a thick garden rope. She +knew there were dull, ugly blood-stains upon it. Why the thrifty +Burton had persevered in keeping this useless article of furniture, +she could only surmise. Perhaps it was held as an inducement to the +morbidly curious who always seek out the gruesome and gloat even +as they shudder. + +For a long time she stood immovable just inside the door, recalling +the horrid picture of another day. She tried to imagine the scene +that had been enacted there with gentle, lovable Hetty Glynn and +her whilom husband as the principal characters. The girl had told +the whole story of that ugly night. Sara tried to see it as it +actually had transpired. For months this present enterprise had +been in her mind: the desire to see the place again, to go there +with old impressions which she could leave behind when ready to +emerge in a new frame of mind. It was here that she meant to shake +off the shackles of a horrid dream, to purge herself of the last +vestige of bitterness, to cleanse her mind of certain thoughts and +memories. + +Downstairs Booth waited for her. He heard the story of the tragedy +from the surly inn-keeper, who crossly maintained that his business +had been ruined. Booth was vaguely impressed, he knew not why, by +Burton's description of the missing woman. "I'd say she was about +the size of Mrs. Wrandall herself, and much the same figger," he +said, as he had said a thousand times before. "My wife noticed it +the minute she saw Mrs. Wrandall. Same height and everything." + +A bell rang sharply and Burton glanced over his shoulder at the +indicator on the wall behind the desk. He gave a great start and +his jaw sagged. + +"Great Scott!" he gasped. A curious greyness stole over his face. +"It's--it's the bell in that very room. My soul, what can--" + +"Mrs. Wrandall is up there, isn't she?" demanded Booth. + +"It ain't rung since the night he pushed the button for--Oh, gee! +You're right. She IS up there. My, what a scare it gave me." He +wiped his brow. Turning to a boy, he commanded him to answer the +bell. The boy went slowly, and as he went he removed his hands from +his pockets. He came back an instant later, more swiftly than he +went, with the word that "the lady up there" wanted Mr. Booth to +come upstairs. + +She was waiting for him in the open doorway. A shaft of bright +sunlight from a window at the end of the hall fell upon her. Her +face was colourless, haggard. He paused for an instant to contrast +her as she stood there in the pitiless light with the vivid creature +he had put upon canvas so recently. + +She beckoned to him and turned back into the room. He followed. + +"This is the room, Brandon, where my husband met the death he +deserved," she said quietly. + +"Deserved? Good heavens, Sara, are you--" + +"I want you to look about you and try to picture how this place +looked on the night of the murder. You have a vivid imagination. +None of this rubbish was here. Just a bed, a table and two chairs. +There was a carpet on the floor. There were two people here, a man +and a woman. The woman had trusted the man. She trusted him until +the hour in which he died. Then she found him out. She had come to +this place, believing it was to be her wedding night. She found no +minister here. The man laughed at her and scoffed. Then she knew. +In horror, shame, desperation she tried to break away from him. +He was strong. She was a good woman; a virtuous, honourable woman. +She saved herself." + +He was staring at her with dilated eyes. Slowly the truth was being +borne in upon him. + +"The woman was--Hetty?" came hoarsely from his stiffening lips. +"My God, Sara!" + +She came close to him and spoke in a half-whisper. "Now you know +the secret. Is it safe with you?" + +He opened his lips to speak, but no words came forth. Paralysis +seemed to have gripped not only his throat but his senses. He +reeled. She grasped his arm in a tense, fierce way, and whispered: + +"Be careful! No one must hear what we are saying." She shot a glance +down the deserted hall. "No one is near. I made sure of that. Don't +speak! Think first--think well, Brandon Booth. It is what you have +been seeking for months:--the truth. You share the secret with us +now. Again I ask, is it safe with you?" + +"My God!" he muttered again, and passed his hand over his eyes. +His brow was wet. He looked at his fingers dumbly as if expecting +to find them covered with blood. + +"Is it safe with you?" for the third time. + +"Safe? Safe?" he whispered, following her example without knowing +that he did so. "I--I can't believe you, Sara. It can't be true." + +"It IS true." + +"You have known--all the time?" + +"From that night when I stood where we are standing now." + +"And--and--SHE?" + +"I had never seen her until that night. I saved her." + +He dropped suddenly upon the trunk that stood behind him, and +buried his face in his hands. For a long time she stood over him, +her interest divided between him and the hall, wherein lay their +present peril. + +"Come," she said at last. "Pull yourself together. We must leave +this place. If you are not careful, they will suspect something +downstairs." + +He looked up with haggard eyes, studying her face with curious +intentness. + +"What manner of woman are you, Sara?" he questioned, slowly, +wonderingly. + +"I have just discovered that I am very much like other women, after +all," she said. "For awhile I thought I was different, that I was +stronger than my sex. But I am just as weak, just as much to be +pitied, just as much to be scorned as any one of my sisters. I have +spoiled a great act by stooping to do a mean one. God will bear +witness that my thoughts were noble at the outset; my heart was +soft. But, come! There is much more to tell that cannot be told +here. You shall know everything." + +They went downstairs and out into the crisp autumn air. She gave +directions to her chauffeur. They were to traverse for some distance +the same road she had taken on that ill-fated night a year and a +half before. In course of time the motor approached a well-remembered +railway crossing. + +"Slow down, Cole," she said. "This is a mean place--a very mean +place." Turning to Booth, who had been sitting grim and silent +beside her for miles, she said, lowering her voice: "I remember +that crossing yonder. There is a sharp curve beyond. This is the +place. Midway between the two crossings, I should say. Please +remember this part of the road, Brandon, when I come to the telling +of that night's ride to town. Try to picture this spot--this smooth, +straight road as it might be on a dark, freezing night in the very +thick of a screaming blizzard, with all the world abed save--two +women." + +[Illustration: For a long time she stood over him, her interest +divided between him and the hall] + +In his mind he began to draw the picture, and to place the two women +in the centre of it, without knowing the circumstances. There was +something fascinating in the study he was making, something gruesome +and full of sinister possibilities for the hand of a virile painter. +He wondered how near his imagination was to placing the central +figures in the picture as they actually appeared on that secret +night. + +At sunset they went together to the little pavilion at the end +of the pier which extended far out into the Sound. Here they were +safe from the ears of eavesdroppers. The boats had been stowed away +for the winter. The wind that blew through the open pavilion, now +shorn of all its comforts and luxuries, was cold, raw and repelling. +No one would disturb them here. + +With her face set toward the sinking east, she leaned against one +of the thick posts, and, in a dull, emotionless voice, laid bare +the whole story of that dreadful night and the days that followed. +She spared no details, she spared not herself in the narration. + +He did not once interrupt her. All the time she was speaking he was +studying the profile of her face as if fascinated by its strange +immobility. For the matter of a full half-hour he sat on the rail, +his back against a post, his arms folded across the breast of the +thick ulster he wore, staring at her, drinking in every word of +the story she told. A look of surprise crept into his face when +she came to the point where the thought of marrying Hetty to the +brother of her victim first began to manifest itself in her designs. +For a time the look of incredulity remained, to be succeeded by utter +scorn as she went on with the recital. Her reasons, her excuses, +her explanations for this master-stroke in the way of compensation +for all that she had endured at the hands of the scornful Wrandalls, +all of whom were hateful to her without exception, stirred him +deeply. He began to understand the forces that compelled her to +resort to this Machiavellian plan for revenge on them. She admitted +everything: her readiness to blight Hetty's life for ever; her +utter callousness in laying down these ugly plans; her surpassing +vindictiveness; her reflections on the triumph she was to enjoy when +her aims were fully attained. She confessed to a genuine pity for +Hetty Castleton from the beginning, but it was outweighed by that +thing she could only describe as an obsession!...How she hated +the Wrandalls!...Then came the real awakening: when the truth came +to her as a revelation from God. Hetty had not been to blame. The +girl was innocent of the one sin that called for vengeance so far +as she was concerned. The slaying of Challis Wrandall was justified! +All these months she had been harbouring a woman she believed +to have been his mistress as well as his murderess. It was not so +much the murderess that she would have foisted upon the Wrandalls +as a daughter, but the mistress!...She loved the girl, she had +loved her from that first night. Back of it all, therefore, lay the +stern, unsuspected truth: from the very beginning she instinctively +had known this girl to be innocent of guile....Her house of cards +fell down. There was nothing left of the plans on which it had +been constructed. It had all been swept away, even as she strove +to protect it against destruction, and the ground was strewn with +the ashes of fires burnt out....She was shocked to find that she +had even built upon the evil spot! Almost word for word she repeated +Hetty's own story of her meeting with Challis Wrandall, and how she +went, step by step and blindly, to the last scene in the tragedy, +when his vileness, his true nature was revealed to her. The girl +had told her everything. She had thought herself to be in love +with Wrandall. She was carried away by his protestations. She was +infatuated. (Sara smiled to herself as she spoke of this. She knew +Challis Wrandall's charm!) The girl believed in him implicitly. +When he took her to Burton's Inn it was to make her his wife, as +she supposed. He had arranged everything. Then came the truth. She +defended herself.... + +"I came upon her in the road on that wild night, Brandon, at the +place I pointed out. Can you picture her as I have described her? +Can you picture her despair, her hopelessness, her misery? I have +told you everything, from beginning to end. You know how she came +to me, how I prepared her for the sacrifice, how she left me. I +have not written to her. I cannot. She must hate me with all her +soul, just as I have hated the Wrandalls, but with greater reason, +I confess. She would have given herself up to the law long ago, if +it had not been for exposing me to the world as her defender, her +protector. She knew she was not morally guilty of the crime of +murder. In the beginning she was afraid. She did not know our land, +our laws. In time she came to understand that she was in no real +peril, but then it was too late. A confession would have placed +me in an impossible position. You see, she thought of me all this +time. She loved me as no woman ever loved another. Was not I the +wife of the man she had killed, and was not I the noblest of all +women in her eyes? God! And to think of what I had planned for +her!" + +This was the end of the story. + +The words died away in a sort of whimpering wail, falling in with +the wind to be lost to his straining ears. Her head drooped, her +arms hung limply at her side. + +For a long time he sat there in silence, looking out over the +darkening water, unwilling, unable indeed, to speak. His heart was +full of compassion for her, mingling strangely with what was left +of scorn and horror. What could he say to her? + +At last she turned to him. "Now you know all that I can tell you of +Hetty Castleton,--of Hetty Glynn. You could not have forced this +from me, Brandon. She WOULD not tell you. It was left for me to do +in my own good time. Well, I have spoken. What have you to say?" + +"I can only say, Sara, that I thank God for EVERYTHING," he said +slowly. + +"For everything?" + +"I thank God for you, for her and for everything. I thank God that +she found him out in time, that she killed him, that you shielded +her, that you failed to carry out your devilish scheme, and that +your heart is very sore to-day." + +"You do not despise me?" + +"No. I am sorry for you." + +Her eyes narrowed. "I don't want you to feel sorry for me." + +"You don't understand. I am sorry for you because you have found +yourself out and must be despising yourself." + +"You have guessed the truth. I despise myself. But what could be +expected of me?" she asked ironically. "As the Wrandalls would say, +'blood will tell.'" + +"Nonsense! Don't talk like that! It is quite unworthy of you. In +spite of everything, Sara, you are wonderful. The very thing you +tried to do, the way you went about it, the way you surrender, makes +for greatness in you. If you had gone on with it and succeeded, +that fact alone would have put you in the class with the great, +strong, virile women of history. It--" + +"With the Medicis, the Borgias and--" she began bitterly. + +"Yes, with them. But they were great women, just the same. You +are greater, for you have more than they possessed: a conscience. +I wish I could tell you just what I feel. I haven't the words. I--" + +"I only want you to tell me the truth. Do you despise me?" + +"Again I say that I do not. I can only say that I regard you +with--yes, with AWE." + +"As one might think of a deadly serpent." + +"Hardly that," he said, smiling for the first time. He crossed +over and laid his hand on her shoulder. "Don't think too meanly +of yourself. I understand it all. You lived for months without a +heart, that's all." + +"You put it very gently." + +"I think I'm right. Now, you've got it back, and it's hungry for +the sweet, good things of life. You want to be happy. You want to +love again and to be loved. You don't want to be pitied. I understand. +It's the return of a heart that went away long months ago and left +an empty place that you filled with gall. The bitterness is gone. +There is something sweet in its place. Am I not right?" + +She hesitated. "If you mean that I want to be loved by my enemies, +Brandon, you are wrong," she said clearly. "I have not been chastened +in that particular." + +"You mean the Wrandalls?" + +"It is not in my nature to love my enemies. We stand on the same +footing as before, and always shall. They understand me, I understand +them. I am glad that my project failed, not for their sake, but +for my own." + +He was silent. This woman was beyond him. He could not understand +a nature like this. + +"You say nothing. Well, I can't ask you to understand. We will not +discuss my enemies, but my friends. What do you intend to do in +respect to Hetty?" + +"I am going to make her my wife," he said levelly. + +She turned away. It was now quite dark. He could not see the +expression on her face. + +"What you have heard does not weaken your love for her?" + +"No. It strengthens it." + +"You know what she has done. She has taken a life with her own +hands. Can you take her to your bosom, can you make her the mother +of your own children? Remember, there is blood on her hands." + +"Ah, but her heart is clean!" + +"True," she said moodily, "her heart is clean." + +"No cleaner than yours is now, Sara." + +She uttered a short, mocking laugh. "It isn't necessary to say a +thing like that to me." + +"I beg your pardon." + +Her manner changed abruptly. She turned to him, intense and serious. + +"She is so far away, Brandon. On the other side of the world, and +she is full of loathing for me. How am I to regain what I have lost? +How am I to make her understand? She went away with that last ugly +thought of me, with the thought of me as I appeared to her on that +last, enlightening day. All these months it has been growing more +horrible to her. It has been beside her all the time. All these +months she has known that I pretended to love her as--" + +"I don't believe you know Hetty as well as you think you do," he +broke in. "You forget that she loved you with all her soul. You +can't kill love so easily as all that. It will be all right, Sara. +You must write and ask her to come back. It--" + +"Ah, but you don't know!" Then she related the story of the liberated +canary bird. "Hetty understands. The cage door is open. She may +return when she chooses, but--don't you see?--she must come of her +own free will." + +"You will not ask her to come?" + +"No. It is the test. She will know that I have told you everything. +You will go to her. Then she may understand. If she forgives she will +come back. There is nothing else to say, nothing else to consider." + +"I shall go to her at once," he said resolutely. + +She gave him a quick, searching glance. + +"She may refuse to marry you, even now, Brandon." + +"She CAN'T!" he cried. An instant later his face fell. "By Jove, +I--I suppose the law will have to be considered now. She will at +least have to go through the form of a trial." + +She whirled on him angrily. "The law? What has the law to do with +it? Don't be a fool!" + +"She ought to be legally exonerated," he said. + +Her fingers gripped his arm fiercely. "I want you to understand one +thing, Brandon. The story I have told you was for your ears alone. +The secret lives with us and dies with us." + +He looked his relief. "Right! It must go no farther. It is not a +matter for the law to decide. You may trust me." + +"I am cold," she said. He heard her teeth chatter distinctly as +she pulled the thick mantle closer about her throat and shoulders. +"It is very raw and wet down here. Come!" + +As she started off along the long, narrow pier, he sprang after +her, grasping her arm. She leaned rather heavily against him for +a few steps and then drew herself up. Her teeth still chattered, +her arm trembled in his clasp. + +"By Jove, Sara, this is bad," he cried, in distress. "You're chilled +to the marrow." + +"Nerves," she retorted, and he somehow felt that her lips were set +and drawn. + +"You must get to bed right away. Hot bath, mustard, and all that. +I'll not stop for dinner. Thanks just the same. I will be over in +the morning." + +"When will you sail?" she asked, after a moment. + +"I can't go for ten days, at least. My mother goes into the hospital +next week for an operation, as I've told you. I can't leave until +after that's over. Nothing serious, but--well, I can't go away. +I shall write to Hetty to-night, and cable her to-morrow. By the +way, I--I don't know just where to find her. You see, we were not +to write to each other. It was in the bargain. I suppose you don't +know how I can--" + +"Yes, I can tell you precisely where she is. She is in Venice, but +leaves there to-morrow for Rome, by the Express." + +"Then you have been hearing from her?" he cried sharply. + +"Not directly. But I will say this much: there has not been a day +since she landed in England that I have not received news of her. +I have not been out of touch with her, Brandon, not even for an +hour." + +"Good heaven, Sara! You don't mean to say you've had her shadowed +by--by detectives," he exclaimed, aghast. + +"Her maid is a very faithful servant," was her ambiguous rejoinder. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +DISTURBING NEWS + + + + +He walked home swiftly through the early night, his brain seething +with tumultuous thoughts. The revelations of the day were staggering; +the whole universe seemed to have turned topsy-turvy since that +devastating hour at Burton's Inn. Somehow he was not able to confine +his thoughts to Hetty Castleton alone. She seemed to sink into the +background, despite the absolution he had been so ready, so eager +to grant her on hearing the story from Sara's lips. Not that his +resolve to search her out and claim her in spite of everything was +likely to weaken, but that the absorbing figure of Sara Wrandall +stood out most clearly in his reflections. + +What an amazing creature she was! He could not drive her out of his +thoughts, even when he tried to concentrate them on the one person +who was dearest to him of all in all the world, his warm-hearted, +adorable Hetty. Strange contrasts suggested themselves to him as he +strode along, head bent and shoulders hunched. He could not help +contrasting the two women. He loved Hetty; he would always love her, +of that he was positive. She was Sara's superior in every respect, +infinitely so, he argued. And yet there was something in Sara that +could crowd this adored one, this perfect one out of his thoughts +for the time being. He found it difficult to concentrate his thoughts +on Hetty Castleton. + +How white and ill Sara had looked when she said good-night to him +at the door! The memory of her dark, mysterious eyes haunted him; +he could see them in the night about him. They had been full of +pain; there were torrents of tears behind them. They had glistened +as if burnished by the fires of fever. + +Even as he wrote his long, triumphant letter to Hetty Castleton, +the picture of Sara Wrandall encroached upon his mental vision. He +could not drive it out. He thought of her as she had appeared to +him early in the spring; through all the varying stages of their +growing intimacy; through the interesting days when he vainly tried +to translate her matchless beauty by means of wretched pigments; +up to this present hour in which she was revealed, and yet not +revealed, to him. Her vivid face was always before him, between +his eyes and the thin white paper on which he scribbled so eagerly. +Her feverish eyes were looking into his; she was reading what he +wrote before it appeared on the surface of the sheet! + +His letter to Hetty was a triumph of skill and diplomacy, achieved +after many attempts. He found it hard not to say too much, and +quite as difficult not to say too little. He spent hours over this +all-important missive. At last it was finished. He read and re-read +it, searching for the slightest flaw: a fatal word or suggestion that +might create in her mind the slightest doubt as to his sincerity. +She was sure to read this letter a great many times, and always +with the view to finding something between the lines: such as pity, +resignation, an enforced conception of loyalty, or even faith! He +meant that she should find nothing there but love. It was full of +tenderness, full of hope, full of promise. He was coming to her +with a steadfast, enduring love in his heart, he wanted her now +more than ever before. + +There was no mention of Challis Wrandall, and but once was Sara's +name used. There was nothing in the letter that could have betrayed +their joint secret to the most acute outsider, and yet she would +understand that he had wrung everything from Sara's lips. Her secret +was his. + +He decided that it would not be safe to anticipate the letter by a +cablegram. It was not likely that any message he could send would +have the desired effect. Instead of reassuring her, in all probability +it would create fresh alarm. + +Sleep did not come to him until after three o'clock. At two he got +up and deliberately added a postscript to the letter he had written. +It was in the nature of a poignant plea for Sara Wrandall. Even as +he penned the lines, he shuddered at the thought of what she had +planned to do to Hetty Castleton. Staring hard at the black window +before him, the pen still in his hand, he allowed his thoughts +to dwell so intimately on the subject of his well-meant postcript +that her ashen face with its burning eyes seemed to take shape in +the night beyond. It was a long time before he could get rid of +the illusion. Afterwards he tried to conjure up Hetty's face and +to drive out the likeness of the other woman, and found that he +could not recall a single feature in the face of the girl he loved! + +When he reached Southlook in the morning, he found that nearly all +of the doors and windows were boarded up. Wagons were standing in +the stable-yard, laden with trunks and crates. Servants without +livery were scurrying about the halls. There was an air of finality +about their movements. The place was being desolated. + +"Yes, sir," said Watson, in reply to his question, "we ARE in a +rush. Mrs. Wrandall expects to close the 'ouse this evening, sir. +We all go up this afternoon. I suppose you. know, sir, we 'ave +taken a new apartment in town." + +"No!" exclaimed Booth. + +"Yes, sir, we 'ave, sir. They've been decorating it for the pawst +two weeks. Seems like she didn't care for the old one we 'ad. As +a matter of fact, I didn't care much for it, either. She's taken +one of them hexpensive ones looking out over the Park, sir. You +know we used to look out over Madison Avenue, sir, and God knows it +wasn't hinspirin'. Yes, sir, we go up this afternoon. Mrs. Wrandall +will be down in a second, thank you, sir." + +Booth actually was startled by her appearance when she entered the +room a few minutes later. She looked positively ill. + +"My dear Sara," he cried anxiously, "this is too bad. You are making +yourself ill. Come, come, this won't do." + +"I shall be all right in a day or two," she said, with a weary little +gesture. "I have been nervous. The strain was too great, Brandon. +This is the reaction, the relaxation you might say." + +"Your hand is hot, your eyes look feverish. You'd better see your +doctor as soon as you get to town. An ounce of prevention, you +know." + +"Well," she said, with a searching look into his eyes, "have you +written to her?" + +"Yes. Posted it at seven o'clock this morning." + +"I trust you did not go so far as to--well, to volunteer a word in +my behalf. You were not to do that, you know." + +He looked uncomfortable. "I'm afraid I did take your name in vain," +he equivocated. "You are a--a wonderful woman, Sara," he went on, +moved to the remark by a curious influence that he could not have +explained any more than he could have accounted for the sudden gush +of emotion that took possession of him. + +She ignored the tribute. "You will persuade her to come to New York +with you?" + +"For your sake, Sara, if she won't come for mine." + +"She knows the cage is open," was her way of dismissing the subject. +"I am glad you came over. I have a letter from Leslie. It came this +morning. You may be interested in what he has to say of Hetty--and +of yourself." She smiled faintly. "He is determined that you shall +not be without a friend while he is alive." + +"Les isn't such a rotter, Sara. He's spoiled, but he is hardly to +be blamed for that." + +"I will read his letter to you," she said, and there was no little +significance in the way she put it. She held the letter in her +hand, but he had failed to notice it before. Now he saw that it +was a crumpled ball of paper. He was obliged to wait for a minute +or two while she restored it to a readable condition. "He was in +London when this was written," she explained, turning to the window +for light. She glanced swiftly over the first page until she found +the place where she meant to begin. "'I suppose Hetty Castleton has +written that we met in Lucerne two weeks ago,'" she read. "'Curious +coincidence in connexion with it, too. I was with her father, Col. +Braid Castleton, when we came upon her most unexpectedly. I ran +across him in Paris just before the aviation meet, and got to know +him rather well. He's a fine chap, don't you think? I confess I was +somewhat surprised to learn that he didn't know she'd left America. +He explained it quite naturally, however. He'd been ill in the +north of Ireland and must have missed her letters. Hetty was on +the point of leaving for Italy. We didn't see much of her. But, +by Jove, Sara, I am more completely gone on her than ever. She is +adorable. Now that I've met her father, who had the beastly misfortune +to miss old Murgatroyd's funeral, I can readily see wherein the +saying "blood will tell" applies to her. He is a prince. He came +over to London with me the day after we left Hetty in Lucerne, and +I had him in to meet mother and Vivian at Clarridge's. They like +him immensely. He set us straight on a good many points concerning +the Glynn and Castleton families. Of course, I knew they were among +the best over here, but I didn't know how fine they were until we +prevailed on him to talk a little about himself. You will be glad +to hear that he is coming over with us on the Mauretania. She sails +the 27th. We'll be on the water by the time you get this letter. +It had been our intention to sail last week, but the Colonel had +to go to Ireland for a few days to settle some beastly squabbles +among the tenants. Next year he wants me to come over for the +shooting. He isn't going back to India for two years, you may be +interested to hear. Two years' leave. Lots of influence, believe me! +We've been expecting him back in London since day before yesterday. +I dare say he found matters worse than he suspected and has +been delayed. He has been negotiating for the sale of some of his +property in Belfast--factory sites, I believe. He is particularly +anxious to close the deal before he leaves England. Had to lift a +mortgage on the property, however, before he could think of making +the sale. I staked him to four thousand pounds, to tide him over. +Of course, he is eager to make the sale. 'Gad, I almost had to beg +him to take the money. Terribly proud and haughty, as the butler +would say. He said he wouldn't sleep well until he has returned the +filthy lucre. We are looking for him back any hour now. But if he +shouldn't get here by Friday, we will sail without him. He said he +would follow by the next boat, in case anything happened that he +didn't catch the Mauretania.'" + +Sara interrupted herself to offer an ironic observation: "If Hetty +did not despise her father so heartily, I should advise you to look +farther for a father-in-law, Brandon. The Colonel is a bad lot. +Estates in the north of Ireland! Poor Leslie!" She laughed softly. + +"He'll not show up, eh?" + +"Not a bit of it," she said. "He may be charged to profit and loss +in Leslie's books. This part of the letter will interest you," +she went on, as if all that had gone before was of no importance +to him. "'I hear interesting news concerning you, my dear girl. +My heartiest congratulations if it is all true. Brandy is one in +a million. I have hoped all along to have him as a full-fledged +brother-in-law, but I'm satisfied to have him as a sort of +step-brother-in-law, if that's the way you'd put it. Father writes +that every one is talking about it, and saying what a fine thing +it is. He has a feeling of delicacy about approaching you in the +matter, and I fancy it's just as well until everything is settled. I +wish you'd let me make a suggestion, however. Wouldn't it be wise +to let us all get together and talk over the business end of the +game? Brandy's a fine chap, a corker, in fact, but the question is: +has he got it in him to take Challis's place in the firm? You've +got to consider the future as well as the present, my dear. We +all do. With his artistic temperament he might play hob with your +interests, and ours too, for that matter. Wouldn't it be wise for +me to sound him a bit before we take him into the firm? Forgive +me for suggesting this, but, as you know, your interests are mine, +and I'm terribly keen about seeing you get the best of everything. +By the way, wasn't he a bit gone on Hetty? Passing fancy, of course, +and not deep enough to hurt anybody. Good old Brandy!'" + +"There is more, Brandon, but it's of no consequence," she said, +tossing the letter upon the table. "You see how the land lays." + +Booth was pale with annoyance. "By Jove, Sara, what an insufferable +ass he is!" + +"The shoe pinches?" + +"Oh, it's such perfect rot! I'm sorry on your account. Have you +ever heard of such gall?" + +"Oh, he is merely acting as the family spokesman. I can see them +now in solemn conclave. They think it their indisputable right to +select a husband for me, to pass upon him, to accept or decline +him as they see fit, to say whether he is a proper man to hang up +his hat and coat in the offices of Wrandall & Co." + +"Do you mean to say--" + +"Let's not talk about it, Brandon. It is too silly." + +They fell to discussing her plans for the immediate future, although +the minds of both were at work with something else. + +"Now that I have served my purpose, I suppose you will not care to +see so much of me," she said, as he prepared to take leave of her. + +"Served your purpose? What do you mean?" + +"I should have put it differently. You have been most assiduous in +your efforts to force the secret from me. It has been accomplished. +Now do you understand?" + +"That isn't fair, Sara," he protested. "If you'll let me come +to see you, in spite of what the gossips and Mr. Redmond Wrandall +predict, you may be sure I will be as much in evidence as ever. I +suppose I have been a bit of a nuisance, hanging on as I have." + +"I admire your perseverance. More than that, I admire your courage +in accepting the situation as you have. I only hope you may win +her over to your way of thinking, Brandon. Good-bye." + +"I shall go up to town to-morrow, kit and bag. When shall I see +you? We have a great deal left to talk about before I sail." + +"Come when you like." + +"You really want me to come?" + +"Certainly." + +He studied her pale, tired face for a moment, and then shook his +head. "You must take care of yourself," he said. "You are unstrung. +Get a good rest and--and forget certain things if you can. Everything +will come out all right in the end." + +"It depends on what one is willing to accept as the end," she said. + +The next morning she received an expected visitor at her apartment. +Expecting him, she made a desperate effort to appear as strong and +unconcerned as she had been on the occasion of a former meeting. +There was little in her appearance to suggest worry, illness +or alarm when she entered the rather unsettled little library and +confronted the redoubtable Mr. Smith. + +The detective had dropped her a line earlier in the week asking +for an audience at the earliest possible moment. + +"You are worried, madam," he said, after he had carefully closed +the door leading to the hall, "and so am I." + +"What do you want now?" she demanded. "You have received your money. +There is nothing else that we--" + +"Beg pardon, Mrs. Wrandall, but there is something else. I'm not +after more money, as you may suspect. The size of the matter is, +I'm here to put you wise to what's going on without your knowing +anything about it. Right or wrong, I'm still interested in this +case of yours. Understand me, I haven't lifted a finger since that +day in the country. I've quit cold, just as I said I would. The +trouble is, other people are still nosing around." + +"Sit down, Mr. Smith. Now, tell me what you are here for." + +Smith followed her example and sat down, drawing a chair quite +close to hers. He lowered his voice. + +"Well, I've got next to something I think you ought to know. Maybe +old man Wrandall is back of it, but I don't think he is. You see, +so far as outsiders are concerned, that reward still stands. A +murder's a murder and that's all there is to it. There are men in +this business who are going to hunt for that woman until they get +her. See what I mean?" + +"Please go on. I suppose some one else suspects me, and may have to +be bought off," she said so significantly that he turned a bright +red. + +"Now don't think that of me, Mrs. Wrandall. I am not in on this, +I swear. You paid me of your own free will and I laid down on the +job. I don't deny that I expected you to do it. I'm not what you'd +call a model of virtue and integrity. I served time in the pen a +good many years ago. They say it takes a thief to catch a thief. +That's not true. A detective has to be dead honest or the thief +catches him. I think most of the men in my business are honest. +They have to be. You may not agree with me, but I thought I was +doing the square thing by you last summer. I had a theory and I +was honest in believing it was the right one. I thought you'd pay +me to drop the matter. I'm now dead sure I was wrong in suspecting +you for a minute. I'm no fool. I--" + +Sara interrupted him. + +"Will you be good enough to come to the point, Mr. Smith?" she said +coldly. + +"Well," he said, leaning forward and speaking very deliberately, +"I've come here to tell you that the police haven't quit on the +job. They're about to make a worse mistake than I made." + +She felt herself turn pale. It required a great effort of the will +to suppress the start that might have betrayed her to the keen-eyed +observer. + +"That would be impossible, Mr. Smith," she said, shaking her head +and smiling. + +"They've been watching that Ashtley girl you sent out West just +after the--er--thing happened. The show-girl, you'll remember." + +He must have observed the swift look of relief that leaped into +her eyes. + +"What arrant stupidity," she cried, unable to choose her words. +"Why, that unhappy girl is dying a slow and awful death. Surely they +can't be hounding her now. Her innocence was clearly established at +the time. That is why I felt it to be my duty to help her. She went +out to her old home, to die or to get well. They must be fools." + +"I'm just telling you, Mrs. Wrandall, that's all. Maybe you can +call 'em off, if you know for a certainty that she's innocent." +There was something accusing in his manner. + +She became very cautious. "My opinion was formed upon the girl's +story, and by what the police said after investigating it thoroughly." + +"It's a way the police have, madam. They were not satisfied at +the time. They simply gave her the rope, that's all. All this time +they've had men watching her, day by day, out there in Montana. +They say they've got new evidence, a lot of it." + +"It is perfectly ridiculous," she cried, very much distressed. "And +it must be stopped. I shall see the authorities at once." + +"You may be too late. I heard last night that she is to be re-arrested +out there and put through a fierce examination. They believe she's +weakening and will confess if they go after her hard enough." + +"Confess? How can she confess when she knows she is innocent?" she +said sharply. + +"You don't know much about the third degree, Mrs. Wrandall. I've +known innocent people to confess under the bullying--" + +"It must be stopped! Do you hear me? This: thing cannot go on." +She began to pace the floor in her agitation. "Yes, I have heard +of those third degree atrocities. You are right, they may brow-beat +the poor, sick thing into a confession. Does she know they have +been watching her?" + +"Sure. That's part of the game. They make it a point to get on the +nerves. Something is bound to give, sooner or later. They've got +her scared to death. She knows they're simply waiting for a chance +to catch her unawares and trip her up. I tell you, it's a fearful +strain. Strong men go down under it time and again. What must it +be to this half-dead girl, who hasn't much to be proud of in life +at the very best?" + +"Tell me what to do," she cried, sitting down again, her eyes +suddenly filling with tears. + +"I don't know, ma'am. You see, if we had a grain of proof to work +on, we might be able to turn 'em back, but there's the rub. We can't +say they're wrong without having something up our sleeves to show +that we are right. See what I mean?" + +"But I tell you she is innocent!" + +"Can you swear to that, Mrs. Wrandall?" + +"I--I believe I can," she said, and then experienced a sharp sense +of dismay. What possessed her to say it? "That is, I could stake +my--" + +"All that won't count for anything, if they get a signed confession +out of her. Now we both know she is innocent. I'm willing to do +what I can to help you. Turn about is fair play. If you want to +send me out there, I'll try to spike their guns. Maybe I can get +there in time to put fresh heart in the girl. She's safe if she +doesn't go to pieces and say something she oughtn't to say." + +"Oh, this is dreadful," she cried, harassed beyond words. + +"It sure is. You see, the police work on the theory that some +one's just got to be guilty of that crime. If it ain't the girl +out yonder, then who is it? They know her private history. She said +enough when she was in custody last year to show that she might +have had a pretty good reason for going after your husband--begging +your pardon. You remember she said he'd given her the go-by not +more than two days before he was killed. They'd been good friends +up to then. All of a sudden he chucks her, without ceremony. She +admits she was sore about it. She says she would have done him +dirt if she had had the chance. Well, that's against her. She did +prove an alibi, as you remember, but they're easy to frame up if +necessary. I don't think she was clever enough to do the job and +get away as slick as the real one did. She was a booze-fighter in +those days. They always mess things up. A mighty smooth party did +that job. Some one with a good deal more at stake than that poor, +reckless girl who didn't care much what became of her. But the +trouble is here: they've got her half crazy with fear. First thing +we know, she'll go clear off her head and BELIEVE she did it. +Then the law will be satisfied. She's so far gone, I hear, that +she won't live to be brought to trial, of course. There's some +consolation in that." + +"Consolation!" cried Sara bitterly. "She is bad, as bad as a woman +can be, I know, but I can't feel anything but pity for her now." + +"I guess your husband made her what she was," said Smith deliberately. +"I don't suppose you ever dreamed what was going on." + +She regarded him with a fixed stare. "You are mistaken, Mr. Smith," +she said, and it was his turn to stare. "Come back this evening +at six. I must consult Mr. Carroll. We will decide what action to +take." + +"I'd advise you to be quick about it, Mrs. Wrandall. Something's +bound to happen soon. The time is ripe. I know for a positive fact +that they're expecting news from out there every day. It'd be a God's +blessing if the poor wretch could die before they get a chance at +her." + +She started. "A God's blessing," she repeated dully. + +"Pretty hard lines, though," he mused, fumbling with his hat near +the door. "Even death wouldn't clear her of the suspicion. Pretty +tough to be branded a murderess, no matter whether you're in the +grave or out of it. I'll be back at six." + +She stood perfectly still, and, although her lips were parted, +she allowed him to go without a word in, response to his sombre +declaration. + +Half an hour later Mr. Carroll was on his way to her apartment, +vastly perturbed by the call that had come to him over the telephone. + +While waiting for him to appear, Sara Wrandall deliberately set +herself to the task of concocting a likely and plausible excuse +for intervention in behalf of the wretched show-girl. She prepared +herself for his argument that the police might be right after all, +and that it would be the better part of wisdom to shift the burden +to their shoulders. She knew she would be called upon to discount +some very sensible advice from the faithful old lawyer. Her reasons +would have to be good ones, not mere whims. He was not likely to +be moved by sentimentality. Moreover, he had once expressed doubt +as to the girl's innocence. + +It did not once occur to her that it was Mr. Carroll's business to +respect the secrets of his clients. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND + + + + +To her secret amazement, the old lawyer did not offer a single protest +when she repeated her convictions that the girl was innocent and +should be protected against herself as well as against the police. +There was something very disquieting in the way he acquiesced. She +began to experience a vague, uneasy sense of wonder and apprehension. + +"I am beginning to agree with that amiable scoundrel, Smith," +he said, fixing his inscrutable gaze on the snapping coals in the +fireplace. "A cleverer woman than this Miss--er--What's-Her-Name +managed that affair at Burton's Inn." + +She watched his face closely. Somehow she felt that he was about +to mention the name of the woman he suspected, and it seemed to +her that her heart stood still during the moment of suspense. + +He lifted his eyes to her face. She saw something in them that set +her to trembling. + +"Why not be fair with me, Sara?" he asked calmly. She stared at +him, transfixed. "Who killed Challis Wrandall?" + +She opened her lips to protest against this startling question, +but something rushed up from within to completely change the whole +course of her conduct; something she could not explain but which +swept away every vestige of strength, and left her weak and trembling, +open-mouthed and pallid, with the liberated truth surging up from +its prison to give itself into the keeping of this staunch, loyal +old friend and counsellor. + +Carroll heard her through to the very end of the story without +an interruption. Then he crossed over and laid his hands on her +shoulders; there was a gleam of relief and satisfaction in his +eyes. + +"I am sorry you did not come to me with all this in the beginning, +Sara. A few words from me,--kindly words, my dear,--would have +shown you the error of your ways and you would have cast out the +ugly devils that beset you. You would not have planned the thing +you are so ashamed of now. Together we could have protected Hetty +and she would not be your accuser now. You began nobly. I am sorry +you have the other part of it to look back upon. But you may rest +assured of one thing: you and Miss Castleton have nothing to fear. +We will keep the secret, if needs be, but if it should come to the +worst no harm would result to her through the law. The main thing +now is to protect that unhappy girl out West against the inquisition." + +She sat with bowed head. + +When Smith returned at six o'clock, he found not only Mr. Carroll +waiting for him but Brandon Booth as well. His instructions were +clearly defined and concise. He was to proceed without delay to +Montana, where he was to bolster up the frail girl's courage and +prevent if possible the disaster. Moreover, he was to assure her +that Challis Wrandall's wife forgave her and would contest every +effort made by the police to lay the crime at her door. He was +empowered to engage legal counsel on his arrival in the Western +town and to fight every move of the police, not only in behalf of +the girl herself, but of Sara Wrandall, who thus publicly pronounced +her faith in the young woman's innocence. + +It was all very cleverly thought out, and Smith went away without +being much wiser than when he came. Before departing he offered +this rather sinister conclusion for Sara's benefit: + +"Of course, Mrs. Wrandall, you understand that the police will +wonder why you take such an interest in this girl. They're bound to +think, and so will every one else, that you know a good deal more +about the case than you've given out. See what I mean?" + +"They are at liberty to think what they like, Mr. Smith," said she. + +After Smith had gone, the three discussed the advisability of +acquainting Hetty with the deplorable conditions that had arisen. + +"I don't believe it would be wise to tell her," said Booth +reflectively. "She'd be sure to sacrifice herself rather than let +harm come to this girl. We couldn't stop her." + +"No, she must not be told," said Sara, with finality. + +"She is almost sure to find this out for herself some time," +said the lawyer dubiously. "I think we'd better take her into our +confidence. It is only right and just, you know." + +"Not at present, not at present," said Sara irritably. "It would +ruin everything." + +Booth appreciated her reasons for delay much more clearly than they +appeared to the matter-of-fact lawyer. + +"The girl may die at any time," he explained, addressing Mr. +Carroll, but not without a queer thrill of shame. + +"That is not what I meant, Brandon," she exclaimed. "I want Hetty +to come back with but one motive in her heart. Can't you see?" + +As Booth and the lawyer walked down Fifth Avenue toward the club +where they were to dine together, the latter, after a long silence, +made a remark that disturbed the young man vastly. + +"She's going all to pieces, Booth. Bound to collapse. That's the +way with these strong-minded, secret, pent-up natures. She has +brooded all these months and she's been living a lie. Well, the +break has come. She's told you and me. Now, do you know what I'm +afraid will happen?" + +"I think I know what's in your mind," said the younger man seriously. +"You are afraid she'll tell others?" + +The lawyer tapped his forehead significantly. "It may result in +THAT." + +"Never!" cried the other emphatically. "It will never be that way +with her, Mr. Carroll. Her head is as clear as--" + +"Brain fever," interrupted Carroll, with a gloomy shake of his head. +"Delirium and all that sort of thing. Haven't you noticed how ill +she looks? Feverish, nervous, irritable? Well, there you are." + +"It is a dreadful state of affairs," groaned Booth. + +"Not especially pleasant for you, my friend." + +"God knows it isn't!" + +"I believe, if I were in your place, I'd rather have the truth +told broadcast than to live for ever with that peril hanging over +me. It would be better for Miss Castleton, too." + +"I am not worrying over that, sir," said the other earnestly. "I +shall be able and ready to defend her, no matter what happens. To +be perfectly honest with you, I don't believe she's accountable to +any one but God in this matter. The law has no claim against her, +except in a perfunctory way. I don't deny that it is only right and +just that Wrandall's family should know the truth, if she chooses +to reveal it to them. If she doesn't, I shall be the last to suggest +it to her." + +"On that point I thoroughly agree with you. The Wrandall family +should know the truth. It is--well, I came near to using the word +diabolical--to keep them in ignorance. There is something owing to +the Wrandalls, if not to the law." + +"Of course they would make a merciless effort to prosecute her," +said Booth, feeling the cold sweat start on his brow. + +"I am not so sure of that, my friend," was the rather hopeful opinion +of the old man. He appeared to be weighing something in his mind, +for as they walked along he shook his head from time to time and +muttered under his breath, the while his companion maintained a +gloomy silence. + +The perceptions of the astute old lawyer were not far out of the +way, as developments of the next day were to prove. When Booth called +in the afternoon at Sara's apartment, he was met by the news that +she was quite ill and could see no one,--not even him. The doctor +had been summoned during the night and had returned in the morning, +to find that she had a very high temperature. The butler could not +enlighten Booth further than this, except to add that a nurse was +coming in to take charge of Mrs. Wrandall, more for the purpose +of watching her symptoms than for anything else, he believed. At +least, so the doctor had said. + +Two days passed before the distressed young man could get any definite +news concerning her condition. He unconsciously began to think of +it as a malady, not a mere illness, due of course to the remark +Carroll had dropped. It was Carroll himself who gave a definite +report of Sara. He met the lawyer coming away from the apartment +when he called to inquire. + +"She isn't out of her head, or anything like that," said Carroll +uneasily, "but she's in a bad way, Booth. She is worrying over +that girl out West, of course, but I'll tell you what I think is +troubling her more than anything else. Down in her heart she realises +that Hetty Castleton has got to be brought face to face with the +Wrandalls." + +"The deuce you say!" + +"To-day I saw her for the first time. Almost immediately she asked +me if I thought the Wrandalls would treat Hetty fairly if they +ever found out the truth about her. I said I thought they would. I +didn't have the heart to tell her that their grievance undoubtedly +would be shifted from Hetty to her, and that they wouldn't be +likely to forgive her for the stand she'd taken. She doesn't seem +to care, however, what the Wrandalls think of her. By the way, have +you any influence over Hetty Castleton?" + +"I wish I were sure that I had," said Booth. + +"Do you think she would come if you sent her a cablegram?" + +"I am going over--" + +"She will have your letter in a couple of days, according to Sara, +who seems to have a very faithful correspondent in the person of +that maid. I shudder to think of the cable tolls in the past few +months! I sometimes wonder if the maid suspects anything more than +a loving interest in Miss Castleton. What I was about to suggest +is this: Couldn't you cable her on Friday saying that Sara is very +ill? This is Tuesday. We'll be having word from Smith to-morrow, +I should think." + +"I will cable, of course, but Sara must not know that I've done +it." + +"Can you come to my office to-morrow afternoon?" + +"Yes. To-morrow night I shall go over to Philadelphia, to be gone +till Friday. I hope it will not be necessary for me to stay longer. +You never can tell about these operations." + +"I trust everything will go well, Brandon." + +Several things of note transpired before noon on Friday. + +The Wrandalls arrived from Europe, without the recalcitrant Colonel. +Mr. Redmond Wrandall, who met them at the dock, heaved a sigh of +relief. + +"He will be over on the Lusitania, next sailing," said Leslie, who +for some reason best known to himself wore a troubled look. + +Mr. Wrandall's face fell. "I hope not," he said, much to the +indignation of his wife and the secret uneasiness of his son. "These +predatory connections of the British nobility--" + +"Predatory!" gasped Mrs. Wrandall. + +"--are a blood-sucking lot," went on the old gentleman firmly. "If +he comes to New York, Leslie, I'll stake my head he won't be long +in borrowing a few thousand dollars from each of us. And he'll not +seek to humiliate us by attempting to pay it back. Oh, I know them." + +Leslie swallowed rather hard. "What's the news here, Dad?" he asked +hastily. "Anybody dead?" + +"Sara is quite ill, I hear. Slow fever of some sort, Carroll tells +me." + +"Is she going to marry Brandy Booth?" asked his son. + +Mr. Wrandall's face stiffened. "I fear I was a little hasty in my +conclusions. Brandon came to the office a few days ago and informed +me in rather plain words that there is absolutely nothing in the +report." + +"The deuce you say! 'Gad, I wrote her a rather intimate letter--" +Leslie got no farther than this. He was somewhat stunned and +bewildered by his private reflections. + +Mr. Wrandall was lost in study for some minutes, paying no attention +to the remarks of the other occupants of the motor that whirled +them across town. + +"By the way, my dear," he said to his wife, a trifle irrelevantly, +"don't you think it would be right for you and Vivian to drop in +this afternoon and see Sara? just to let her know that she isn't +without--" + +"It's out of the question, Redmond," said his wife, a shocked +expression in her face as much as to say that he must be quite out +of his head to suggest such a thing. "We shall be dreadfully busy +for several days, unpacking and--well, doing all sorts of NECESSARY +things." + +"She is pretty sick, I hear," mumbled he. + +"Hasn't she got a nurse?" demanded his wife. + +"I merely offered the suggestion in order--" + +"Well, we'll see her next week. Any other news?" + +"Mrs. Booth, Brandon's mother, was operated on for something or +other day before yesterday." + +"Oh, dear! The poor thing! Where?" + +"Philadelphia, of course." + +"I wonder if--let me see, Leslie, isn't there a good train to +Philadelphia at four o'clock? I could go--" + +"Really, my dear," said her husband sharply. + +"You forget how busy we are, mother," said Vivian, without a smile. + +"Nonsense!" said Mrs. Wrandall, in considerable confusion. "Was it +a serious operation, Redmond?" + +"They cut a bone out of her nose, that's all. Brandon says her heart +is weak. They were afraid of the ether. She's all right, Carroll +says." + +"Goodness!" cried Mrs. Wrandall. One might have suspected a note +of disappointment in her voice. + +"I shall go up to see Sara this afternoon," said Vivian calmly. +"What's the number of her new apartment?" + +"YOU have been up to see her, of course," said Mrs. Wrandall acidly. + +He fidgetted. "I didn't hear of her illness until yesterday." + +"I'll go up with you, Viv," said Leslie. + +"No, you won't," said his sister flatly. "I'm going to apologise to +her for something I said to Brandon Booth. You needn't tag along, +Les." + +At half-past five in the afternoon, the Wrandall limousine stopped +in front of the tall apartment building near the Park, a footman +jerked open the door, and Miss Wrandall stepped out. At the same +moment a telegraph messenger boy paused on the sidewalk to compute +the artistic but puzzling numerals on the imposing grilled doors +of the building. + +Miss Wrandall had herself announced by the obsequious doorman, and +stood by in patience to wait for the absurd rule of the house to +be carried out: "No one could get in without being announced from +below," said the doorman. + +"I c'n get in all right, all right," said the messenger boy, "I +got a tellygram for de loidy." + +"Go to the rear!" exclaimed the doorman, with some energy. + +While Miss Wrandall waited in Sara's reception hall on the tenth +floor, the messenger, having traversed a more devious route, arrived +with his message. + +Watson took the envelope and told him to wait. Five minutes +passed. Miss Wrandall grew very uncomfortable under the persistent +though complimentary gaze of the street urchin. He stared at her, +wide-eyed and admiring, his tribute to the glorious. She stared +back occasionally, narrow-eyed and reproving, HER tribute to the +grotesque. + +"Will you please step into the drawing-room, Miss Wrandall," said +Watson, returning. He led her across the small foyer and threw open +a door. She passed into the room beyond. + +Then he turned to the boy who stood beside the hall seat, making +change for a quarter as he approached. "Here," he said, handing +him the receipt book and a dime, "that's for you." He dropped the +quarter into his own pocket, where it mingled with coins that were +strangers to it up to that instant, and imperiously closed the +door behind the boy who failed to say "thank you." Every man to +his trade! + +There was a woman in the drawing-room when Vivian entered, standing +well over against the windows with her back to the light. The +visitor stopped short in surprise. She had expected to find her +sister-in-law in bed, attended by a politely superior person in +pure white. + +"Why, Sara," she began, "I am SO glad to see you are up and--" + +The other woman came forward. "But I am not Sara, Miss Wrandall," +she said, in a well-remembered voice. "How do you do?" + +Vivian found herself looking into the face of Hetty Castleton. +Instantly she extended her hand. + +"This IS a surprise!" she exclaimed. "When did you return? Leslie +told me your plans were quite settled when he saw you in Lucerne. +Oh, I see! Of course! How stupid of me. Sara sent for you." + +"She has been quite ill," said Hetty, non-committally. "We got in +yesterday. I thought my place was here, naturally." + +"Naturally," repeated Vivian, in a detached sort of way. "How is +she to-day? May I see her?" + +"She is very much better. In fact, she is sitting up in her room." +A warm flush suffused her face, a shy smile appeared in her eyes. +"She is receiving two gentlemen visitors, to be perfectly honest, +Miss Wrandall, her lawyer, Mr. Carroll, and--Mr. Booth." + +They were seated side by side on the uncomfortable Louis Seize +divan in the middle of the room. + +"Perhaps she won't care to see me, after an audience so fatiguing," +said Miss Wrandall sweetly. "And so exasperating," she added, with +a smile. + +Hetty looked her perplexity. + +"But she will see you, Miss Wrandall--if you don't mind waiting. +It is a business conference they're having." + +An ironic gleam appeared in the corner of Vivian's eye. "Oh," she +said, and waited. Hetty smiled uncertainly. All at once the tall +American girl was impressed by the wistful, almost humble look in +the Englishwoman's eyes, an appealing look that caused her to wonder +not a little. Like a flash she jumped at an obvious conclusion, +and almost caught her breath. This girl loved Booth and was losing +him! Vivian exulted for a moment and then, with an impulse she +could not quite catalogue, laid her hand on the other's slim fingers, +and murmured somewhat hazily: "Never mind, never mind!" + +"Oh, you MUST wait," cried Hetty, not at all in touch with the +other's mood. "Sara expects to see you. The men will be out in a +few minutes." + +"I think I will run in to-morrow morning," said Vivian hastily. She +arose almost immediately and again extended her hand. "So glad to +see you back again, Miss Castleton. Come and see me. Give my love +to Sara." + +She took her departure in some haste, and in her heart she was +rejoicing that she had not succeeded in making a fool of herself +by confessing to Sara that she had said unkind things about her to +Brandon Booth. + +Hetty resumed her seat in the broad French window and stared out +over the barren tree-tops in the Park. A frightened, pathetic droop +returned to her lips. It had been there most of the day. + +In Sara's boudoir, the doors of which were carefully closed, three +persons were in close, even repressed conference. The young mistress +of the house sat propped up in a luxurious chaise-longue, wan but +intense. Confronting her were the two men, leaning forward in their +chairs. Mr. Carroll held in his hand a number of papers, prominent +among them being three or four telegrams. Booth's face was radiant +despite the serious matter that occupied his mind. He had reached +town early in the morning in response to a telephone message from +Carroll announcing the sudden, unannounced appearance of Hetty +Castleton at his offices on the previous afternoon. The girl's +arrival had been most unexpected. She walked in on Mr. Carroll, +accompanied by her maid, who had a distinctly sheepish look in her +eyes and seemed eager to explain something but could not find the +opportunity. + +With some firmness, Miss Castleton had asked Mr. Carroll to +explain why the woman had been set to spy upon her every movement, +a demand the worthy lawyer could not very well meet for the good +and sufficient reason that he wasn't very clear about it himself. +Then Hetty broke down and cried, confessing that she was eager to +go to Mrs. Wrandall, at the same time sobbing out something about +a symbolic dicky-bird, much to Mr. Carroll's wonder and perplexity. + +He sent the maid from the room, and retired with Miss Castleton to +the innermost of his private offices, where without much preamble +he informed her that he knew everything. Moreover, Mr. Booth was +in possession of all the facts and was even then on the point of +starting for Europe to see her. Of course, his letter had failed to +reach her in time. There was quite a tragic scene in the seclusion +of that remote little office, during which Mr. Carroll wiped his +eyes and blew his nose more than once, after which he took it upon +himself to despatch a messenger to Sara with the word that he and +Miss Castleton would present themselves within half an hour after +his note had been delivered. + +A telegram already had come from Smith in the far-away Montana town, +transmitting news that disturbed him more than he cared to admit. +The showgirl was lying at the point of death, and he was having a +very hard time of it trying to keep the resolute authorities from +swooping down upon her for the ante-mortem statement they desired. +It would appear that he arrived just in time to put courage into the +girl. He would see to it that any statement she made would be the +truth! But Mr. Carroll was not so sure of Smith's ability to avert +disaster. He knew something of the terrors of the third degree. +The police would fight hard for vindication. + +The meeting between Sara and Hetty was affecting....Almost immediately +the former began to show the most singular signs of improvement. +She laughed and cried and joyously announced to the protesting nurse +that she was feeling quite well again! And, in truth, she got up +from the couch on which she reclined and insisted on being dressed +for dinner. In another room the amazed nurse was frantically +appealing to Mr. Carroll to let her send for the doctor, only to +be confounded by his urbane announcement that Mrs. Wrandall was as +"right as a string" and, please God, she wouldn't need the services +of doctor or nurse again for years to come. Then he asked the nurse +if she had ever heard of a disease called "nostalgia." + +She said she had heard of "home-sickness." + +"Well, that's what ailed Mrs. Wrandall," he said. "Miss Castleton +is the CURE." + +Booth came the next morning....Even as she lay passive in his arms, +Hetty denied him. Her arms were around his neck as she miserably +whispered that she could not, would not be his wife, notwithstanding +her love for him and his readiness to accept her as she was. She +was obdurate, lovingly, tenderly obdurate. He would have despaired +but for Sara, to whom he afterwards appealed. + +"Wait," was all that Sara had said, but he took heart. He was +beginning to look upon her as a sorceress. A week ago he had felt +sorry for her; his heart had been touched by her transparent misery. +To-day he saw her in another light altogether; as the determined, +resourceful, calculating woman who, having failed to attain a certain +end, was now intensely, keenly interested in the development of +another of a totally different nature. He could not feel sorry for +her to-day. + +Hetty deliberately had placed herself in their hands, withdrawing +from the conference shortly before Vivian's arrival to give herself +over to gloomy conjectures as to the future, not only for herself, +but for the man she loved and the woman she worshipped with something +of the fidelity of a beaten dog. + +Carroll had in his hand the second telegram from Smith, just +received. + +"This relieves the situation somewhat," he observed, with a deep +sigh. "She's dead, and she didn't give in, thanks to Smith. Rather +clever of him to get a signed statement, however, witnessed by the +prosecuting attorney and the chief of police. It puts an end to +everything so far as she is concerned." + +"Read again, Mr. Carroll, what she had to say about me," said Sara, +a slight tremour of emotion in her voice. + +He read from the lengthy telegram: "'She wants me to thank Mrs. +Wrandall for all she has done to make her last few months happy +ones, such as they were. She appreciates her kindness all the +more because she realises that her benefactress must have known +everything. Almost the last words she spoke were in the nature of +a sort of prayer that God would forgive her for what she had done +to Mrs. Wrandall.'" + +"Poor girl! She could not have known that it was justice, not +sentiment that moved me to provide for her," said Sara. + +"Well, she is off our minds, at any rate," said the matter-of-fact +lawyer. "Now are you both willing to give serious consideration to +the plan I propose? Take time to think it over. No harm will come +to Miss Castleton, I am confident. There will be a nine days' +sensation, but, after all, it is the best thing for everybody. You +propose living abroad, Booth, so what are the odds if--" + +"I shan't live abroad unless Hetty reconsiders her decision to +not marry me," said the young man dismally. "'Gad, Sara, you must +convince her that I love her better than--" + +"I think she knows all that, Brandon. As I said before, wait! And +now, Mr. Carroll, I have this to say to your suggestion: I for +one am relentlessly opposed to the plan you advocate. There is no +occasion for this matter to go to the public. A trial, you say, +would be a mere formality. I am not so sure of that. Why put poor +Hetty's head in the lion's mouth at this late stage, after I have +protected her so carefully all these months? Why take the risk? +We know she is innocent. Isn't it enough that we acquit her in +our hearts? No, I cannot consent, and I hold both of you to your +promises." + +"There is nothing more I can say, my dear Sara," said Carroll, +shaking his head gloomily, "except to urge you to think it over +very seriously. Remember, it may mean a great deal to her--and to +our eager young friend here. Years from now, like a bolt from the +sky, the truth may come out in some way. Think of what it would +mean then." + +Sara regarded him steadily. "There are but four people who know +the truth," she said slowly. "It isn't likely that Hetty or Brandon +will tell the story. Professional honour forbids your doing so. +That leaves me as the sole peril. Is that what you would imply, my +dear friend?" + +"Not at all," he cried hastily, "not at all. I--" + +"That's all tommy-rot, Sara," cried Booth earnestly. "We just +COULDN'T have anything to fear from you." + +With curious inconsistency, she shook her head and remarked: "Of +course, you never could be quite easy in your minds. There would +always be the feeling of unrest. Am I to be trusted, after all? I +have proved myself to be a vindictive schemer. What assurance can +you and Hetty have that I will not turn against one or the other +of you some time and crush you to satisfy a personal grievance? How +do you know, Brandon, that I am not in love with you at this very--" + +"Good heavens, Sara!" he cried, agape. + +"--at this very moment?" she continued. "It would not be so very +strange, would it? I am very human. The power to love is not denied +me. Oh, I am merely philosophising. Don't look so serious. We will +suppose that I continued along my career as the woman scorned. You +have seen how I smart under the lash. Well?" + +"But all that is impossible," said Booth, his face clearing. "You're +not in love with me, and never can be. That! for your philosophy!" + +At the same instant he became aware of the singular gleam in her +eyes; a liquid, Oriental glow that seemed to reflect light on her +lower lids as she sat there with her face in the shadow. Once or +twice before he had been conscious of the mysterious, seductive +appeal. He stared back at her, almost defensively, but her gaze +did not waver. It was he who first looked away, curiously uncomfortable. + +"Still," she said slowly, "I think you would be wise to consider +all possible contingencies." + +"I'll take chances, Sara," he said, with an odd buoyancy in his voice +that, for the life of him, he could not explain, even to himself. + +"Even admitting that such should turn out to be the case," said +Mr. Carroll judicially, "I don't believe you'd go so far as to +put your loyal friends in jeopardy, Sara. So we will dismiss the +thought. Don't forget, however, that you hold them in the hollow +of your hand. My original contention was based on the time-honoured +saying, 'murder will out.' We never can tell what may turn up. The +best laid plans of men and mice oft--" + +Sara settled back among the cushions with a peremptory wave of her +hand. The loose, flowing sleeve fell away, revealing her white, +exquisitely modelled arm almost to the shoulder. For some strange, +unaccountable reason Booth's eyes fell. + +"I am tired, wretchedly tired. It has been a most exhausting day," +she said, with a sudden note of weariness in her voice. Both men +started up apologetically. "I will think seriously of your plan, +Mr. Carroll. There is no hurry, I'm sure. Please send Miss Wrandall +in to me, will you? Perhaps you would better tell Hetty to come in +as soon as Vivian leaves. Come back to-morrow afternoon, Brandon. +I shall be much more cheerful. By the way, have you noticed that +Dicky, out in the library, has been singing all afternoon as if +his little throat would split? It is very curious, but to-day is +the first time he has uttered a note in nearly five months. Just +listen to him! He is fairly riotous with song." + +Booth leaned over and kissed the hand she lifted to him. "He is +like the rest of us, Sara, inordinately happy." A slight shiver +ran through her arm. He felt it. + +"I am so afraid his exuberance of spirit may annoy Vivian," said +she, with a rare smile. "She detests vulgarity." + +The men departed. She lay back in the chaise-longue, her eyes fixed +on the hand he had touched with his lips. + +Watson tapped twice on the door. + +"Miss Wrandall could not wait, ma'am," he said, opening the door +softly. "She will call again tomorrow." + +"Thank you, Watson. Will you hand me the cigarettes?" + +Watson hesitated. "The cigarettes, ma'am?" + +"Yes." + +"But the doctor's orders, ma'am, begging your pardon for--" + +"I have a new doctor, Watson." + +"I beg pardon, ma'am!" + +"The celebrated Dr. Folly," she said lightly. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +SARA WRANDALL'S DECISION + + + + +When Smith returned from the Far West, a few days after the events +narrated in the foregoing chapter, he repaired at once to Sara's +apartment, bringing with him not only the signed statement of the +Ashtley girl, but the well-worn and apparently cherished prayer-book +that had been her solace during the last few months of her life. +On the fly-leaf she had written: "I have nothing of God's earthly +gifts to leave behind but this. It has brought me riches, but it is +a poor thing in itself. I bequeath it, my only earthly possession, +to the kind and merciful one who taught me that there is good in +this bad world of ours." It was inscribed to "Mrs. Challis Wrandall." + +"She made me promise to give it to you with my own hands, Mrs. +Wrandall," said Smith, in the library, putting as much emotion into +his voice and manner as he thought the occasion and the audience +demanded. Miss Castleton and Mr. Booth were also present. "She +was a queer girl. I never saw one just like her, believe me. Just +after she signed that paper, I had a chance to be alone with her +for a minute or two. She asked me to stoop over so's I could hear +what she had to say, and she made me promise not to say a word +about it until after she was gone. Well, it will surprise you just +as much as it did me, what she had to say with her dying breath, +so to speak." He paused for the effect. + +"What did she say to you?" demanded Sara. + +"Well, sir, do you know that that girl knew all along who it was +that went up to Burton's Inn that evening with your husband? What +do you think of that?" + +There was not a sound in the room. Even the coals in the fireplace +seemed to take that instant to hush their blithe crackling. Smith's +listeners might have been absolutely breathless, they were so rigid. +Each had the grotesque fear that he was about to point his finger +at Hetty Glynn and call upon her to aaswer to an accusation from +the grave. + +The next moment they drew a deep, quivering breath of relief. The +detective went on, almost apologetically. "I tried to bluff her +into telling me who she was, Mrs. Wrandall, but she wouldn't fall +for it. After a little while, I saw it was no use questioning her. +She was as firm as a rock about it. And she was pretty near gone, +I can tell you. As a matter of fact, her heart went back on her +suddenly not ten minutes later, sort of surprising all of us. But +she did manage to whisper a few things to me while the others were +conversing in the hall. She said that she saw another girl with Mr. +Wrandall about a week before the murder, a stranger and a very +pretty one. He knew how to pick out the pretty--I--I beg your +pardon, ma'am. That sort of slipped out. You see--" + +"Never mind. I understand. Go on." + +"Right after that he told her he was through with her. Chucked +her, that's the sum and substance of it, for the new one, whoever +she was. She raised a row with him about it, and he laughed at her. +For nearly a week she spied on him, and she saw him out in the car +with the stranger at least half a dozen times. Now comes the queer +part of it, and the thing that made her keep her lips closed at +first, right after the killing--the murder, I mean. She laid for +him in front of his home on the very day of the murder and swore +she'd do something desperate if he didn't give the other one up. He +took her to a cheap restaurant on the West Side, and she was sure +that several waiters saw that they were quarrelling. To get her +out of the place, he induced her to get in his car and they went +for a ride out as far as Van Courtlandt Park. The police never got +onto all this. But she lived in terror for a few days, believing +that the waiters might remember them, although neither of them had +ever been in the place before. When she was taken up for examination, +she still wondered if they would be called on to identify her. +Nothing doing. It was right then, Mrs. Wrandall, that you stepped +in and said that her alibi was sufficient, and staked her for life +out there in the West. She says she saw the other girl after the +murder, but she wouldn't say where it was or when. Of course, she +couldn't swear that this girl did the job up there at Burton's, +but she was pretty nearly dead certain she was the one who went +up there with him. She was just on the point of telling the police +about this girl, to save herself, when you helped her out of the +fix, and then she got to thinking strange things, she said. This +is what she said to me, there on her death-bed, and I want to tell +you it gave me an idea of character that I had never come across +before in all my experience. She said that if Mrs. Wrandall here +could be fine enough to befriend her, knowing all you did, ma'am, +about her and your husband, it oughtn't to be hard for her to help +another erring girl by keeping her mouth shut. And that's just what +she did. She kept still. That sort of reasoning was new to me. But, +when you stop to think it over, maybe she was right. A word from +her might have sent a fellow creature to the chair. She had had her +lesson in charity from you, Mrs. Wrandall, and, while you didn't +mean it to have that effect, you undoubtedly spoiled the best chance +we'll ever have to get the real woman in the case." + +There was a moment of tense silence. Booth was the first to risk +the effort at speech. + +"And she wouldn't say a word more? She gave you no--no clue?" + +"Not the faintest idea, sir. She took that girl's name to the grave +with her." + +"Her name! She knew her name?" cried Sara, leaning forward. + +"She heard it a day or two after you had her set free, Mrs. +Wrandall. Don't it beat all? Now, don't you see what might have +happened if we'd let the police put the screws on her out there? +Why, the chances are, a hundred to one, she would have broken down +in the end, and told who this other woman is. There is where we +made a fatal mistake. But it's too late now, confound it." + +"Yes, it's too late now," said Sara, relaxing in her chair. + +"I'm telling you this, although maybe I wasn't expected to. She +made me promise not to tell the police. Well, I guess I can keep +that promise. You ain't the police." + +"It is a most remarkable story, Mr. Smith," said Sara, "but I do +not see that it leads us anywhere. We are quite as much in the dark +as before." + +The detective studied the pattern in the rug at his feet, a defeated +look in his eyes. + +"I suppose I MIGHT have forced her to tell me, Mrs. Wrandall, but +I--I didn't have the heart to bully her. I suppose you'll always +have it in for me for letting the chance slip?" + +"I think I have already told you, Mr. Smith, that I am not at all +curious." + +With the departure of the detective, the three conspirators fell +into an agitated discussion of the revelations he had made; so grave +had their peril appeared to be at the opening of his narrative that +they were still in a state of perturbation from which they were +not to recover for a long time. Their cheeks were white and their +eyes were dark with the dread that remained even after the danger +was past. Hetty's arms hung limp and nerveless at her sides as she +lay back in the chair and stared numbly at her friends. + +"Do you really believe she knew that I was the one?" she asked +miserably. "Do you think she knew my name?" she shuddered. + +"What if she did?" demanded Booth with an assumption of indifference +he was not yet able to feel. "She was a brick to keep it to herself. +The danger's past, dearest. Don't let it worry you now." + +"But just think of it! At any time she could have told this story +to the police and--Oh, wasn't it appalling? I thought my heart +would never beat again!" + +"We never knew till now how close we were to the abyss," said +Sara, drawing the thin wrap closer about her shoulders. Suddenly +she laughed. "But why contemplate the disaster that didn't occur? +We are more secure than ever. This girl was the only one who knew, +because no one else could have had the same incentive to spy upon +him, Hetty. She is dead. Your name isn't likely to be shouted from +the housetops, for the simple reason that it is safely locked up +in a grave." She hesitated for a moment and then added: "In two +graves, if it makes you feel more secure." + +The others looked at her in open astonishment. + +Booth was frowning. Sara glanced at his stern face and her eyes fell. +"If that sounded cold and unfeeling, I am sorry, Hetty. It was my +unfortunate way of trying to convince you that there is nothing +left for you to fear." + +She left them a moment later, bending over to kiss Hetty's cheek +as she passed by her chair. + +"Now, you see what I mean, Brandon, when I insist that it would +be a mistake for you to marry me," said Hetty in a troubled voice. +"We could never be sure of immunity." + +"You refer to that remark of hers?" + +"She is a strange woman. I sometimes have the feeling that she wants +to keep me with her for ever. I feel that she will not let me go." + +"That's pure nonsense, Hetty," he said. "She wants you to marry +me, I am positive." He may have thought his tone convincing, but +something caused her to regard him rather fixedly, as if she were +trying to solve an elusive puzzle. + +He took her by the arms and raised her to her feet. Holding her +quite close, he looked down into her questioning eyes and said very +seriously: + +"You are suspicious, even of me, dearest. I want you. There is but +one way for you to be at peace with yourself: shift your cares over +to my shoulders. I will stand between you and everything that may +come up to trouble you. We love one another. Why should we sacrifice +our love for the sake of a shadow? For a week, dearest, I've been +pleading with you; won't you end the suspense to-day--end it now--and +say you will be my wife?" + +The appeal was so gentle, so sincere, so full of longing that she +wavered. Her tender blue eyes, lately so full of dread, grew moist +with the ineffable sweetness of love, and capitulation was in them. +Her warm, red lips parted in a dear little smile of surrender. + +"You know I love you," she said tremulously. + +He kissed the lovely, appealing lips, not once but many times. + +"God, how I worship you," he whispered passionately. "I can't go on +without you, darling. You are life to me. I love you! I love you!" + +She drew back in his arms, the shadow chasing the light out of her +eyes. + +"We are both living in the present, we are both thinking only of +it, Brandon. What of the future? Can we foresee the future? Dear +heart, I am always thinking of your future, not my own. Is it right +for me to bring you--" + +"And I am thinking only of your future," he said gravely. "The future +that shall be mine to shape and to make glad with the fulfilment +of every promise that love has in store for both of us. Put away +the doubts, drive out the shadows, dearest. Live in the light for +ever. Love is light." + +"If I were only sure that my shadows would not descend upon you, +I--" + +He drew her close and kissed her again. + +"I am not afraid of your shadows. God be my witness, Hetty, I glory +in them. They do not reflect weakness, but strength and nobility. +They make you all the more worth having. I thank God that you are +what you are, dear heart." + +"Give me a few days longer, Brandon," she pleaded. "Let me conquer +this strange thing that lies here in my brain. My heart is yours, +my soul is yours. But the brain is a rebel. I must triumph over +it, or it will always lie in wait for a chance to overthrow this +little kingdom of ours. To-day I have been terrified. I am disturbed. +Give me a few days longer." + +"I would not grant you the respite, were I not so sure of the +outcome," he said gently, but there was a thrill of triumph in the +tones. Her eyes grew very dark and soft and her lips trembled with +the tide of love that surged through her body. "Oh, how adorable you +are!" he cried, straining her close in a sudden ecstasy of passion. + +The door-bell rang. They drew apart, breathing rapidly, their +blood leaping with the contact of opposing passions, their flesh +quivering. With a shy, sweet glance at him, she turned toward the +door to await the appearance of Watson. He could still feel her in +his arms. + +A drawling voice came to them from the vestibule, and a moment +later Leslie Wrandall entered the library, pulling off his gloves +as he came. + +"Hello," he said glibly. "I told that fellow downstairs it wasn't +necessary to announce me by telephone. Silly arrangement, I say. +Why the devil should they think everybody's a thief or a book agent +or a constable with a subpoena? He knows I'm one of the family. +I'm likely to run in any time, I told him, and--Oh, I say, I'm not +butting in, am I, Miss Castleton?" + +He shook hands with both of them, and then offered his cigarette +case to Booth, first selecting one for himself. Hetty assured him +that he was not de trop, sheer profligacy on her part in view of +his readiness to concede the point without a word from her. + +"Nipping wind," he said, taking his stand before the fireplace. +"Where is Sara? Never mind, don't bother her. I've got all the time +in the world. By the way, Miss Castleton, what is the latest news +from your father?" + +"I dare say you have later news than I," she said, a trace of +annoyance in her manner. + +"I thought perhaps he had written you about his plans." + +"My father does not know that I have returned to New York." + +"Oh, I see. Of course. Um--um! By the way, I think the Colonel +is a corker. One of the most amiable thoroughbreds I've ever come +across. Ripping. He's never said anything to me about your antipathy +toward him, but I can see with half an eye that he is terribly +depressed about it. Can't you get together some way on--" + +"Really, Mr. Wrandall, you are encouraging your imagination to a +point where words ultimately must fail you," she said very positively. +Booth could hardly repress a chuckle. + +"It's not imagination on my part," said Leslie with conviction, +failing utterly to recognise the obvious. "I suppose you know +that he is coming over to visit me for six weeks or so. We became +rattling good friends before we parted. By Jove, you should hear him +on old Lord Murgatroyd's will! The quintessence of wit! I couldn't +take it as he does. Expectations and all that sort of thing, you +know, going up like a hot air balloon and bursting in plain view. +But he never squeaked. Laughed it off. A British attribute, I dare +say. I suppose you know that he is obliged to sell his estate in +Ireland." + +Hetty started. She could not conceal the look of shame that leaped +into her eyes. + +"I--I did not know," she murmured. + +"Must be quite a shock to you. Sit down, Brandy. You look very +picturesque standing, but chairs were made to sit upon--or in, +whichever is proper." + +Booth shrugged his shoulders. + +"I think I'll stand, if you don't mind, Les." + +"I merely suggested it, old chap, fearing you might have overlooked +the possibilities. Yes, Miss Castleton, he left us in London to go +up to Belfast on this dismal business." There was something in the +back of his mind that he was trying to get at in a tactful manner. +"By the way, is this property entailed?" + +"I know nothing at all about it, Mr. Wrandall," said she, with a +pleading glance at her lover, as if to inquire what stand she should +take in this distressing situation. + +"If it is entailed he can't sell it," said Booth quietly. + +"That's true," said Leslie, somewhat dubiously. Then, with a +magnanimity that covered a multitude of doubts he added: "Of course, +I am only interested in seeing that you are properly protected, +Miss Castleton. I've no doubt you hold an interest in the estates." + +"I can't very well discuss a thing I know absolutely nothing about," +she said succinctly. + +"Most of it is in building lots and factories in Belfast, of course." +It was more in the nature of a question than a declaration. "The +old family castle isn't very much of an asset, I take it." + +"I fancy you can trust Colonel Castleton to make the best possible +deal in the premises," said Booth drily. + +"I suppose so," said the other resignedly. "He is a shrewd beggar, +I'm convinced of that. Strange, however, that I haven't heard +a word from him since he left us in London, I've been expecting +a cablegram from him every day for nearly a fortnight, letting me +know when to expect him." + +Hetty had gone over to the window and was looking out over the +darkening park. + +"Perhaps he means to surprise you, old man," said Booth, with a +smile that Leslie did not in the least interpret. + +With a furtive glance at the girl, whose back was toward them, +he got up from his chair and came quite close to Booth, frowning +slightly as he plucked at his moustache with nervous fingers. +Lowering his voice to a cautious half-whisper, he inquired: + +"I say, Brandy, what do you know about him? Is he on the level, or +is he a damned old rascal?" + +"Did you lend him any money?" asked Booth, with a malicious grin. + +Leslie gulped. A fine perspiration broke out on his forehead. "Yes, +I did," he replied, and, on reflection, slyly kicked himself on the +ankle, making sure however that Hetty was still looking the other +way. "Go on! Break it rudely. He's no good, eh? A shark, eh?" + +"Believe me, I don't know anything about him, Les," said Booth, +with a sudden feeling of loyalty to the Colonel's daughter. "He +may pay up." + +Leslie snapped his fingers while they were on the way to his upper +lip, and almost missed his moustache by the digression. At any +rate, he seemed to be fumbling for it. + +"I did it on her account," he explained, nodding his head in Hetty's +direction. He thought hard for a moment. "Of course, he won't be +such a blithering fool as to come over here, will he?" + +"I shouldn't, if I had been able to get what I wanted at home, as +he very obviously did," said Booth pitilessly. "How much was it?" + +Leslie waved his hand disdainfully. "Oh, a few hundred pounds, +that's all. No harm done." + +"Are you going to California this winter for the flying?" asked +Hetty, coming toward them. + +Sara entered at that juncture, and they all sat down to listen for +half an hour to Leslie's harangue on the way the California meet +was being mismanaged, at the end of which he departed. + +He took Booth away with him, much to that young man's disgust. + +"Do you know, Brandy, old fellow," said he as they walked down Fifth +Avenue in the gathering dusk of the early winter evening, "ever +since I've begun to suspect that damned old humbug of a father of +hers, I've been congratulating myself that there isn't the remotest +chance of his ever becoming my father-in-law. And, by George, you'll +never know how near I was to leaping blindly into the brambles. +What a close call I had!" + +Booth's sarcastic smile was hidden by the dusk. He made no pretence +of openly resenting the meanness of spirit that moved Leslie to +these caddish remarks. He merely announced in a dry, cutting voice: + +"I think Miss Castleton is to be congratulated that her injury is +no greater than Nature made it in the beginning." + +"What do you mean by 'nature'?" + +"Nature gave her a father, didn't it?" + +"Obviously." + +"Well, why add insult to injury?" + +"By Jove! Oh, I SAY, old man!" + +They parted at the next corner. As Booth started to cross over to +the Plaza, Leslie called out after him: + +"I say, Brandy, just a second, please. Are you going to marry Miss +Castleton?" + +"I am." + +"Then, I retract the scurvy things I said back there. I asked her +to marry me three times and she refused me three times. What I +said about the brambles was rotten. I'd ask her again if I thought +she'd have me. There you are, old fellow. I'm a rotten cad, but I +apologise to you just the same." + +"You're learning, Leslie," said Booth, taking the hand the other +held out to him. + +While the painter was dining at his club later on in the evening, +he was called to the telephone. Watson was on the wire. He said +that Mrs. Wrandall would like to know if Mr. Booth could drop in +on her for a few minutes after dinner, "to discuss a very important +matter, if you please, sir." At nine o'clock, Booth was in Sara's +library, trying to grasp a new and remarkable phase in the character +of that amazing woman. + +He found Hetty waiting for him when he arrived. + +"I don't know what it all means, Brandon," she said hurriedly, looking +over her shoulder as she spoke. "Sara says that she has come to a +decision of some sort. She wants us to hear her plan before making +it final. I--I don't understand her at all to-night." + +"It can't be anything serious, dearest," he said, but something +cold and nameless oppressed him just the same. + +"She asked me if I had finally decided to--to be your wife, Brandon. +I said I had asked you for two or three days more in which to +decide. It seemed to depress her. She said she didn't see how she +could give me up, even to you. She wants to be near me always. It +is--it is really tragic, Brandon." + +He took he hands in his. + +"We can fix that," said he confidently. "Sara can live with us if +she feels that way about it. Our home shall be hers when she likes, +and as long as she chooses. It will be open to her all the time, +to come and go or to stay, just as she elects. Isn't that the way +to put it?" + +"I suggested something of the sort, but she wasn't very much +impressed. Indeed, she appeared to be somewhat--yes, I could not +have been mistaken,--somewhat harsh and terrified when I spoke of +it. Afterwards she was more reasonable. She thanked me and--there +were tears in her eyes at the time--and said she would think it +over. All she asks is that I may be happy and free and untroubled +all the rest of my life. This was before dinner. At dinner she +appeared to be brooding over something. When we left the table +she took me to her room and said that she had come to an important +decision. Then she instructed Watson to find you if possible." + +"'Gad, it's all very upsetting," he said, shaking his head. + +"I think her conscience is troubling her. She hates the Wrandalls, +but I--I don't know why I should feel as I do about it,--but I +believe she wants them to know!" + +He stared for a moment, and then his face brightened. "And so do +I, Hetty, so do I! They ought to know!" + +"I should feel so much easier if the whole world knew," said she +earnestly. + +Sara heard the girl's words as she stood in the door. She came +forward with a strange,--even abashed,--smile, after closing the +door behind her. + +"I don't agree with you, dearest, when you say that the world +should know, but I have come to the conclusion that you should be +tried and acquitted by a jury made up of Challis Wrandall's own +flesh and blood. The Wrandalls must know the truth." + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +THE JURY OF FOUR + + + + +The Wrandalls sat waiting and wondering. They had been sent for and +they had deigned to respond, much to their own surprise. Redmond +Wrandall occupied a place at the head of the library table. At his +right sat his wife. Vivian and Leslie, by direction, took seats at +the side of the long table, which had been cleared of its mass of +books and magazines. Lawyer Carroll was at the other end of the +table, perceptibly nervous and anxious. Hetty sat a little apart +from the others, a rather forlorn, detached member of the conclave. +Brandon Booth, pale-faced and alert, drew up a chair alongside +Carroll, facing Sara who alone remained standing, directly opposite +the four Wrandalls. + +Not one of the Wrandalls knew why they, as a family, were there. +They had not the slightest premonition of what was to come. + +The strong glare of an electric chandelier, seldom used in this +quiet, subdued little library, threw its light down upon the group, +outlining every feature with a sharpness that almost created shadows. +It was a trying light. No play of the emotions could be lost under +its convicting glow. A clock struck nine. Outside the first savage +storm of the winter was raging. + +The Wrandalls had been routed from their comfortable fireside--for +what? They were asking the question of themselves and they were +waiting stonily for the answer. + +"It is very stuffy in here," Vivian had said with a glance at the +closed doors after Sara had successfully placed her jury in the +box. + +"Keep still, Viv," whispered Leslie, with a fine assumption of awe. +"It's a spiritualistic meeting. You'll scare the spooks away." + +It was at this juncture that Sara rose from her chair and faced +them, as calmly, as complacently as if she were about to ask them +to proceed to the dining-room instead of to throw a bomb into their +midst that would shatter their smug serenity for all time to come. +With a glance at Mr. Carroll she began, clearly, firmly and without +a prefatory apology for what was to follow. + +"I have asked you to come here to-night to be my judges. I am on +trial. You are about to hear the story of my unspeakable perfidy. +I only require of you that you hear me to the end before passing +judgment." + +At her words, Hetty and Booth started perceptibly; a quick glance +passed between them, as if each was inquiring whether the other +had caught the extraordinary words of self-indictment. A puzzled +frown appeared on Hetty's brow. + +"Perfidy?" interposed Mr. Wrandall. His wife's expression changed +from one of bored indifference to sharp inquiry. Leslie paused in +the act of lighting a cigarette. + +"It is the mildest term I can command," said Sara. "I shall be as +brief as possible in stating the case, Mr. Wrandall. You will be +surprised to hear that I have taken it upon myself, as the wife of +Challis Wrandall and, as I regard it, the one MOST vitally concerned +if not interested in the discovery and punishment of the person +who took his life,--I say I have taken it upon myself to shield, +protect and defend the unhappy young woman who accompanied him to +Burton's Inn on that night in March. She has had my constant, my +personal protection for more than twenty months." + +The Wrandalls leaned forward in their chairs. The match burned +Leslie's fingers, and he dropped it without appearing to notice +the pain. + +"What is this you are saying?" demanded Redmond Wrandall. + +"When I left the inn that night, after seeing my husband's body in +the little upstairs room, I said to myself that the one who took +his life had unwittingly done me a service. He was my husband; I +loved him, I adored him. To the end of my days I could have gone +on loving him in spite of the cruel return he gave for my love and +loyalty. I shall not attempt to tell you of the countless lapses +of fidelity on his part. You would not believe me. But he always +came back to me with the pitiful love he had for me, and I forgave +him his transgressions. These things you know. He confessed many +things to you, Mr. Wrandall. He humbled himself to me. Perhaps you +will recall that I never complained to you of him. What rancour I +had was always directed toward you, his family, who would see no +wrong in your king but looked upon me as dirt beneath his feet. +There were moments when I could have slain him with my own hands, +but my heart rebelled. There were times when he said to me that I +ought to kill him for the things he had done. You may now understand +what I mean when I say that the girl who went to Burton's Inn with +him did me a service. I will not say that I considered her guiltless +at the time. On the contrary, I looked upon her in quite a different +way. I had no means of knowing then that she was as pure as snow +and that he would have despoiled her of everything that was sweet +and sacred to her. She took his life in order to save that which +was dearer to her than her own life, and she was on her way to pay +for her deed with her life if necessary when I came upon her and +intervened." + +"You--you know who she is?" said Mr. Wrandall, in a low, incredulous +voice. + +"I have known almost from the beginning. Presently you will hear +her story, from her own lips." + +Involuntarily four pairs of eyes shifted. They looked blankly at +Hetty Castleton. + +Speaking swiftly, Sara depicted the scenes and sensations experienced +during that memorable motor journey to New York City. + +"I could not believe that she was a vicious creature, even then. +Something told me that she was a tender, gentle thing who had fallen +into evil hands and had struck because she was unevil. I did not +doubt that she had been my husband's mistress, but I could not +destroy the conviction that somehow she had been justified in doing +the thing she had done. My gravest mistake was in refusing to hear +her story in all of its details. I only permitted her to acknowledge +that she had killed him, no more. I did not want to hear the thing +which I assumed to be true. Therein lies my deepest fault. For +months and months I misjudged her in my heart, yet secretly loved +her. Now I understand why I loved her. It was because she was innocent +of the only crime I could lay at her feet. Now I come to the crime +of which I stand self-accused. I must have been mad all these +months. I have no other defence to offer. You may take it as you +see it for yourselves. I do not ask for pardon. After I deliberately +had set about to shield this unhappy girl,--to cheat the law, if you +please,--to cheat you, perhaps,--I conceived the horrible thought +to avenge myself for ALL the indignities I had sustained at the +hands of you Wrandalls, and at the same time to even my account with +the one woman whom I could put my finger upon as having robbed me +of my husband's love. You see I put it mildly. I have hated all of +you, Mrs. Wrandall, even as you have hated me. To-day,--now,--I +do not feel as I did in other days toward you. I do not love you, +still I do not hate you. I do not forgive you, and yet I think I +have come to see things from your point of view. I can only repeat +that I do not hate you as I once did." + +She paused. The Wrandalls were too deeply submerged in horror to +speak. They merely stared at her as if stupefied; as breathless, +as motionless as stones. + +"There came a day when I observed that Leslie was attracted by the +guest in my house. On that day the plan took root in my brain. I--" + +"Good God!" fell from Leslie's lips. "You--you had THAT in mind?" + +"It became a fixed, inflexible purpose, Leslie. Not that I hated +you as I hated the rest, for you tried to be considerate. The +one grudge I held against you was that in seeking to sustain me +you defamed your own brother. You came to me with stories of his +misdeeds; you said that he was a scoundrel and that you would not +blame me for 'showing him up.' Do you not remember? And so my plot +involved you; you were the only one through whom I could strike. +There were times when I faltered. I could not bear the thought of +sacrificing Hetty Castleton, nor was it easy to thoroughly appease +my conscience in respect to you. Still, if I could have had my way +a few months ago, if coercion had been of any avail, you would now +be the husband of your brother's slayer. Then I came to know that +she was not what I had thought she was. She was honest. My bubble +burst. I came out of the maze in which I had been living and saw +clearly that what I had contemplated was the most atrocious--" + +"Atrocious?" cried Mrs. Redmond Wrandall between her set teeth. +"Diabolical! Diabolical! My God, Sara, what a devil you--" She did +not complete the sentence, but sank back in her chair and stared +with wide, horror-struck eyes at her rigid daughter-in-law. + +Her husband, his hand shaking as if with palsy, pointed a finger at +Hetty. "And so YOU are the one we have been hunting for all these +months, Miss Castleton! You are the one we want! You who have sat +at our table, you who have smiled in our faces--" + +"Stop, Mr. Wrandall!" commanded Sara, noting the ashen face of the +girl. "Don't let the fact escape you that I am the guilty person. +Don't forget that she owed her freedom, if not her life to me. +I alone kept her from giving herself up to the law. All that has +transpired since that night in March must be placed to my account. +Hetty Castleton has been my prisoner. She has rebelled a thousand +times and I have conquered--not by threats but by LOVE! Do you +understand? Because of her love for me, and because she believed +that I loved her, she submitted. You are not to accuse her, Mr. +Wrandall. Accuse me! I am on trial here. Hetty Castleton is a +witness against me, if you choose to call upon her as such. If not, +I shall ask her to speak in my defence, if she can do so." + +"This is lunacy!" cried Mr. Wrandall, coming to his feet. "I don't +care what your motives may have been. They do not make her any the +less a murderess. She--" + +"We must give her over to the police--" began his wife, struggling +to her feet. She staggered. It was Booth who stepped quickly to +her side to support her. Leslie was staring at Hetty. + +Vivian touched her father's arm. She was very pale but vastly more +composed than the others. + +"Father, listen to me," she said. Her voice trembled in spite of +her effort to control it. "We are condemning Miss Castleton unheard. +Let us hear everything before we--" + +"Good God, Vivian! Do you mean to--" + +"How can we place any reliance on what she may say?" cried Mrs. +Wrandall. + +"Nevertheless," said Vivian firmly, "I for one shall not condemn +her unheard. I mean to be as fair to her as Sara has been. It shall +not be said that ALL the Wrandalls are smaller than Sara Gooch!" + +"My child--" began her father incredulously. His jaw dropped +suddenly. His daughter's shot had landed squarely in the heart of +the Wrandall pride. + +"If she has anything to say,"--said Mrs. Wrandall, waving Booth +aside and sinking stiffly into her chair. Her husband sat down. +Their jaws set hard. + +"Thank you, Vivian," said Sara, surprised in spite of herself. "You +are nobler than I--" + +"Please don't thank me, Sara," said Vivian icily. "I was speaking +for Miss Castleton." + +Sara flushed. "I suppose it is useless to ask you to be fair to +Sara Gooch, as you choose to call me." + +"Do you feel in your heart that we still owe you anything?" + +"Enough of this, Vivian," spoke up her father harshly. "If Miss +Castleton desires to speak we will listen to her. I must advise +you, Miss Castleton, that the extraordinary disclosures made by my +daughter-in-law do not lessen your culpability. We do not insist on +this confession from you. You deliver it at your own risk. I want +to be fair with you. If Mr. Carroll is your counsel, he may advise +you now to refuse to make a statement." + +Mr. Carroll bowed slightly in the general direction of the Wrandalls. +"I have already advised Miss Castleton to state the case fully and +completely to you, Mr. Wrandall. It was I who originally suggested +this--well, what you might call a private trial for her. I am +firmly convinced that when you have heard her story, you, as her +judges, will acquit her of the charge of murder. Moreover, you +will be content to let your own verdict end the matter, sparing +yourselves the shame and ignominy of having her story told in a +criminal court for the delectation of an eager but somewhat implacable +world." + +"Your language is extremely unpleasant, Mr. Carroll," said Mr. +Wrandall coldly. + +"I meant to speak kindly, sir." + +"Do you mean, sir, that we will let the matter rest after hearing +the--" + +"That is precisely what I mean, Mr. Wrandall. You will not consider +her guilty of a crime. Please bear in mind this fact: but for +Sara and Miss Castleton you would not have known the truth. Miss +Castleton could not be convicted in a court of justice. Nor will +she be convicted here this evening, in this little court of ours." + +"Miss Castleton is not on trial," interposed Sara calmly. "I am +the offender. She has already been tried and proved innocent." + +Leslie, in his impatience, tapped sharply on the table with his +seal ring. + +"Please let her tell the story. Permit me to say, Miss Castleton, +that you will not find the Wrandalls as harsh and vindictive as +you may have been led to believe." + +Mrs. Wrandall passed her hand over her eyes. "To think that we have +been friendly to this girl all these--" + +"Calm yourself, my dear," said her husband, after a glance at his +son and daughter, a glance of unspeakable helplessness. He could +not understand them. + +As Hetty arose, Mrs. Wrandall senior lowered her eyes and not +once did she look up during the recital that followed. Her hands +were lying limply in her lap, and she breathed heavily, almost +stertoriously. The younger Wrandalls leaned forward with their clear, +unwavering gaze fixed on the earnest face of the young Englishwoman +who had slain their brother. + +"You have heard Sara accuse herself," said the girl slowly, +dispassionately. "The shock was no greater to you than it was +to me. All that she has said is true, and yet I--I would so much +rather she had left herself unarraigned. We were agreed that I +should throw myself on your mercy. Mr. Carroll said that you were +fair and just people, that you would not condemn me under the +circumstances. But that Sara should seek to take the blame is--" + +"Alas, my dear, I AM to blame," said Sara, shaking her head. "But +for me your story would have been told months ago, the courts would +have cleared you, and all the world would have execrated my husband +for the thing HE did--my husband and your son, Mrs. Wrandall,--whom +we both loved. God believe me, I think I loved him more than all +of you put together!" + +She sat down abruptly and buried her face in her arms on the edge +of the table. + +"If I could only induce you to forgive her," began Hetty, throwing +out her hands to the Wrandalls, only to be met by a gesture of +repugnance from the grim old man. + +"Your story, Miss Castleton," he said hoarsely. + +"From the beginning, if you please," added the lawyer quietly. +"Leave out nothing." + +Clearly, steadily and with the utmost sincerity in her voice and +manner, the girl began the story of her life. She passed hastily +over the earlier periods, frankly exposing the unhappy conditions +attending her home life, her subsequent activities as a performer +on the London stage after Colonel Castleton's defection; the +few months devoted to posing for Hawkright the painter, and later +on her engagement as governess in the wealthy Budlong family. She +devoted some time and definiteness to her first encounter with +Challis Wrandall on board the westbound steamer, an incident that +came to pass in a perfectly natural way. Her deck chair stood next +to his, and he was not slow in making himself agreeable. It did not +occur to her till long afterwards that he deliberately had traded +positions with an elderly gentleman who occupied the chair on the +first day out. Before the end of the voyage they were very good +friends.... + +"When we landed in New York, he assisted me in many ways. Afterwards, +on learning that I was not to go California, I called him up on +the telephone to explain my predicament. He urged me to stay in New +York; he guaranteed that there would be no difficulty in securing +a splendid position in the East. I had no means of knowing that he +was married. I accepted him for what I thought him to be: a genuine +American gentleman. They are supposed to be particularly considerate +with women. His conduct toward me was beyond reproach, I have never +known a man who was so courteous, so gentle. To me, he was the most +fascinating man in the world. No woman could have resisted him, I +am sure of that." + +She shot a quick, appealing glance at Booth's hard-set face. Her +lip trembled for a second. + +"I fell madly in love with him," she went on resolutely. "I dreamed +of him, I could hardly wait for the time to come when I was to see +him. He never came to the wretched little lodging house I have told +you about. I--I met him outside. One night he told me that he loved +me, loved me passionately. I--I said that I would be his wife. +Somehow it seemed to me that he regarded me very curiously for +a moment or two. He seemed to be surprised, uncertain. I remember +that he laughed rather queerly. It did not occur to me to doubt +him. One day he came for me, saying that he wanted me to see the +little apartment he had taken, where we were to live after we were +married. I went with him. He said that if I liked it, I could +move in at once, but I would not consent to such an arrangement. +For the first time I began to feel that everything was not as it +should be. I--I remained in the apartment but a few minutes. The +next day he came to me, greatly excited and more demonstrative than +ever before, to say that he had arranged for a quiet, jolly little +wedding up in the country. Strangely enough I experienced a queer +feeling that all was not as it should be, but his eagerness his +persistence dispelled the small doubt that had begun even then to +shape itself. I consented to go with him on the next night to an +inn out in the country, where a college friend who was a minister +of the gospel would meet us, driving over from his parish a few +miles away. I said that I preferred to be married in a church. He +laughed and said it could be arranged when we got to the inn and +had talked it over with the minister. Still uneasy, I asked why it +was necessary to employ secrecy. He told me that his family were +in Europe and that he wanted to surprise them by giving them a +daughter who was actually related to an English nobleman. The family +had been urging him to marry a stupid but rich New York girl and +he--oh, well, he uttered a great deal of nonsense about my beauty, +my charm, and all that sort of thing--" + +She paused for a moment. No one spoke. Her audience of judges, +with the exception of the elder Mrs. Wrandall, watched her as if +fascinated. Their faces were almost expressionless. With a perceptible +effort, she resumed her story, narrating events that carried it +up to the hour when she walked into the little upstairs room at +Burton's Inn with the man who was to be her husband. + +"I did not see the register at the inn. I did not know till +afterwards that we were not booked. Once upstairs, I refused to +remove my hat or my veil or my coat until he brought his friend to +me. He pretended to be very angry over his friend's failure to be +there beforehand, as he had promised. He ordered a supper served +in the room. I did not eat anything. Somehow I was beginning +to understand, vaguely of course, but surely--and bitterly, Mr. +Wrandall. Suddenly he threw off the mask. + +"He coolly informed me that he knew the kind of girl I was. I had +been on the stage. He said it was no use trying to work the marriage +game on him. He was too old a bird and too wise to fall for that. +Those were his words. I was horrified, stunned. When I began to cry +out in my fury, he laughed at me but swore he would marry me even +at that if it were not for the fact that he already was married....I +tried to leave the room. He held me. He kissed me a hundred times +before I could break away. I--I tried to scream....A little later +on, when I was absolutely desperate, I--I snatched up the knife. +There was nothing else left for me to do. I struck at him. He fell +back on the bed....I stole out of the house--oh, hours and hours +afterward it seemed to me. I cannot tell you how long I stood there +watching him....I was crazed by fear. I--I--" + +Redmond Wrandall held up his hand. + +"We will spare you the rest, Miss Castleton," he said, his voice +hoarse and unnatural. "There is no need to say more." + +"You--you understand? You DO believe me?" she cried. + +He looked down at his wife's bowed head, and received no sign from +her; then at the white, drawn faces of his children. They met his +gaze and he read something in their eyes. + +"I--I think your story is so convincing that we--we could not endure +the shame of having it repeated to the world." + +"I--I cannot ask you to forgive me, sir. I only ask you to believe +me," she murmured brokenly. "I--I am sorry it had to be. God is my +witness that there was no other way." + +Mr. Carroll came to his feet. There were tears in his eyes. + +"I think, Mr. Wrandall, you will now appreciate my motives in--" + +"Pardon me, Mr. Carroll, if I suggest that Miss Castleton does not +require any defence at present," said Mr. Wrandall stiffly. "Your +motives were doubtless good. Will you be so good as to conduct us +to a room where we may--may be alone for a short while?" + +There was something tragic in the man's face. His son and daughter +arose as if moved by an instinctive realisation of a duty, and perhaps +for the first time in their lives were submissive to an influence +they had never quite recognised before: a father's unalterable +right to command. For once in their lives they were meek in his +presence. They stepped to his side and stood waiting, and neither +of them spoke. + +Mr. Wrandall laid his hand heavily on his wife's shoulder. She +started, looked up rather vacantly, and then arose without assistance. +He did not make the mistake of offering to assist her. He knew +too well that to question her strength now would be but to invite +weakness. She was strong. He knew her well. + +She stood straight and firm for a few seconds, transfixing Hetty +with a look that seemed to bore into the very soul of her, and then +spoke. + +"You ask us to be your judges?" + +[Illustration: Her audience of judges, with the exception of the +elder Mrs. Wrandall, watched her as if fascinated] + +"I ask you to judge not me alone but--your son as well," said +Hetty, meeting her look steadily. "You cannot pronounce me innocent +without pronouncing him guilty. It will be hard." + +Sara raised her head from her arms. + +"You know the way into my sitting-room, Leslie," she said, with +singular directness. Then she arose and drew her figure to its full +height. "Please remember that it is I who am to be judged. Judge +me as I have judged you. I am not asking for mercy." + +Hetty impulsively threw her arms about the rigid figure, and swept a +pleading look from one to the other of the four stony-faced Wrandalls. + +They turned away without a word or a revealing look, and slowly +moved off in the direction of the boudoir. They who remained behind +stood still, motionless as statues. It was Vivian who opened the +library door. She closed it after the others had passed through, +and did not look behind. + +Half an hour passed. Then the door was opened and the tall old man +advanced into the room. + +"We have found against my son, Miss Castleton," he said, his lips +twitching. "He is not here to speak for himself, but he has already +been judged. We, his family, apologise to you for what you have +suffered from the conduct of one of us. Not one but all of us believe +the story you have told. It must never be re-told. We ask this of +all of you. It is not in our hearts to thank Sara for shielding you, +for her hand is still raised against us. We are fair and just. If +you had come to US on that wretched night and told the story of my +son's infamy, WE, the Wrandalls, would have stood between you and +the law. The law could not have touched you then; it shall not touch +you now. Our verdict, if you choose to call it that, is sealed. No +man shall ever hear from the lips of a Wrandall the smallest part +of what has transpired here to-night. Mr. Carroll, you were right. +We thank you for the counsel that led this unhappy girl to place +herself in our hands," + +"Oh, God, I thank thee--I thank thee!" burst from the lips of Sara +Wrandall. She strained Hetty to her breast. + +"It is not for us to judge you, Sara," said Redmond Wrandall, +speaking with difficulty. "You are your own judge, and a harsh one +you will find yourself. As for ourselves, we can only look upon +your unspeakable design as the working of a temporarily deranged +mind. You could never have carried it out. You are an honest woman. +At the last you would have revolted, even with victory assured. +Perhaps Leslie is the only one who has a real grievance against +you in this matter. I am convinced that he loved Miss Castleton +deeply. The worst hurt is his, and he has been your most devoted +advocate during all the years of bitterness that has existed between +you and us. You thought to play him a foul trick. You could not have +carried it to the end. We leave you to pass judgment on yourself." + +"I have already done so, Mr. Wrandall," said Sara. "Have I not +accused myself before you? Have I not confessed to the only crime +that has been committed? I am not proud of myself, sir." + +"You have hated us well." + +"And you have hated me. The crime you hold me guilty of was committed +years ago. It was when I robbed you of your son. To this day I am +the leper in your path. I may be forgiven for all else, but not +for allowing Challis Wrandall to become the husband of Sebastian +Gooch's daughter. That is the unpardonable sin." + +Mr. Wrandall was silent for a moment. + +"You still are Sebastian Gooch's daughter," he said distinctly. +"You can never be anything else." + +She paled. "This last transaction proves it, you would say?" + +"This last transaction, yes." + +She looked about her with troubled, questioning eyes. + +"I--I wonder if THAT can be true," she murmured, rather piteously. +"Am I so different from the rest of you? Is the blood to blame?" + +"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mr. Carroll nervously. "Don't be silly, Sara, +my child. That is not what Mr. Wrandall means." + +Wrandall turned his face away. + +"You loved as deeply as you hate, Sara," he said, with a curious +twitching of his chin. "My son was your god. We are not insensible +to that. Perhaps we have never realised until now the depth and +breadth of your love for him. Love is a bitter judge of its enemies. +It knows no mercy, it knows no reason. Hate may be conquered by +love, but love cannot be conquered by hate. You had reason to hate +my son; Instead you persisted in your love for him. We--we owe you +something for that, Sara. We owe you a great deal more than I find +myself able to express in words." + +Leslie entered the room at this instant. He had his overcoat on +and carried his gloves and hat in his hand. + +"We are ready, father," he said thickly. + +After a moment's hesitation, he crossed over to Hetty, who stood +beside Sara. + +"I--I can now understand why you refused to marry me, Miss Castleton," +he said, in a queer, jerky manner. "Won't you let me say that I +wish you all the happiness still to be found in this rather uneven +world of ours?" + +The crowning testimonial to an absolutely sincere ego! + + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +RENUNCIATION + + + + +On the third day after the singular trial of Hetty Castleton in +Sara's library, young Mrs. Wrandall's motor drew up in front of +a lofty office building in lower Broadway; its owner stepped down +from the limousine and entered the building. A few moments later +she walked briskly into the splendid offices of Wrandall & Co., +private bankers and steamship-owners. The clerks in the outer +offices stared for a moment in significant surprise, and then bowed +respectfully to the beautiful silent partner in the great concern. + +It was the first time she had been seen in the offices since the +tragic event that had served to make her a member of the firm. A +boy at the information desk, somewhat impressed by her beauty and +the trim elegance of her long black broad-tail coat, to say nothing +of the dark eyes that shone through the narrow veil, forgot the +dignity of his office and went so far as to politely ask her who +she wanted to see and "what name, please." + +The senior clerk rushed forward and transfixed the new boy with a +glare. + +"A new boy, Mrs. Wrandall," he made haste to explain. To the new +boy's surprise, the visitor was conducted with much bowing and +scraping into the private offices, where no one ventured except by +special edict of the powers. + +"Who was it?" he asked, in some awe, of a veteran stenographer who +came up and sneered at him. + +"Mrs. Challis Wrandall, you little simpleton," said she, and for +once he failed to snap back. + +It is of record that for nearly two whole days, he was polite to +every visitor who approached him and was generally worth his salt. + +Sara found herself in the close little room that once had been her +husband's, but was now scrupulously held in reserve for her own use. +Rather a waste of space, she felt as she looked about the office. +The clerk dusted an easy chair and threw open the long unused desk +near the window. + +"We are very glad to see you here, madam," he said. "This room +hasn't been used much, as you may observe. Is there anything I can +do for you?" + +She continued her critical survey of the room. Nothing had been +changed since the days when she used to visit her husband here on +occasions of rare social importance: such as calling to take him out +to luncheon, or to see that he got safely home on rainy afternoons. +The big picture of a steamship still hung on the wall across the +room. Her own photograph, in a silver frame, stood in one of the +recesses of the desk. She observed that there was a clean white +blotter there, too; but the ink wells appeared to be empty, if +she was to judge by the look of chagrin on the clerk's face as he +inspected them. Photographs of polo scenes in which Wrandall was a +prominent figure, hung about the walls, with two or three pictures +of his favourite ponies, and one of a ragged gipsy girl with +wonderful eyes, carrying a monkey in a crude wooden cage strapped +to her back. On closer observation one would have recognised Sara's +peculiarly gipsy-like features in the face of the girl, and then +one would have noticed the caption written in red ink at the bottom +of the photograph: "The Trumbell's Fancy Dress Ball, January 10, +'07. Sara as Gipsy Mab." + +With a start, Sara came out of her painful reverie. She passed her +hand over her eyes, and seemed thereby to put the polite senior +clerk back into the picture once more. + +"No, thank you. Is Mr. Redmond Wrandall down this afternoon?" + +"He came in not ten minutes ago. Mr. Leslie Wrandall is also here. +Shall I tell Mr. Wrandall you wish to see him?" + +"You may tell him, that I am here, if you please," she said. + +"I am very sorry about the ink wells, madam," murmured the clerk. +"We--we were not expecting--" + +"Pray don't let it disturb you, Mr. Bancroft. I shall not use them +to-day." + +"They will be properly filled by to-morrow." + +"Thank you." + +He disappeared. She relaxed in the familiar, comfortable old +leather-cushioned chair, and closed her eyes. There was a sharp +little line between them, but it was hidden by the veil. + +The door opened slowly and Redmond Wrandall came into the room. +She arose at once. + +"This is--er--an unexpected pleasure, Sara," he said, perplexed and +ill-at-ease. He stopped just inside the door he had been careful +to close behind him, and did not offer her his hand. + +"I came down to attend to some business, Mr. Wrandall," she said. + +"Business?" he repeated, staring. + +She took note of the tired, haggard look in his eyes, and the +tightly compressed lips. + +"I intend to dispose of my entire interest in Wrandall & Co.," she +announced calmly. + +He took a step forward, plainly startled by the declaration. + +"What's this?" he demanded sharply. + +"We may as well speak plainly, Mr. Wrandall," she said. "You do +not care to have me remain a member of the firm, nor do I blame +you for feeling as you do about it. A year ago you offered to buy +me out--or off, as I took it to be at the time. I had reasons then +for not selling out to you. To-day I am ready either to buy or to +sell." + +"You--you amaze me," he exclaimed. + +"Does your offer of last December still stand?" + +"I--I think we would better have Leslie in, Sara. This is most +unexpected. I don't quite feel up to--" + +"Have Leslie in by all means," she said, resuming her seat. + +He hesitated a moment, opened his lips as if to speak, and then +abruptly left the room. + +Sara smiled. + +Many minutes passed before the two Wrandalls put in an appearance. +She understood the delay. They were telephoning to certain legal +advisers. + +"What's this I hear, Sara?" demanded Leslie, extending his hand +after a second's hesitation. + +She shook hands with him, not listlessly but with the vigour born +of nervousness. + +"I don't know what you've heard," she said pointedly. + +His slim fingers went searching for the end of his moustache. + +"Why,--why, about selling out to us," he stammered. + +"I am willing to retire from the firm of Wrandall & Co.," she said. + +"Father says the business is as good as it was a year ago, but I +don't agree with him," said the son, trying to look lugubrious. + +"Then you don't care to repeat your original proposition?" + +"Well, the way business has been falling off--" + +"Perhaps you would prefer to sell out to me," she remarked quietly. + +"Not at all!" he said quickly, with a surprised glance at his +father. "We couldn't think of letting the business pass out of the +Wrandall name." + +"You forget that MY name is Wrandall," she rejoined. "There would +be no occasion to change the firm's name; merely its membership." + +"Our original offer stands," said the senior Wrandall stiffly. "We +prefer to buy." + +"And I to sell. Mr. Carroll will meet you to-morrow, gentlemen. He +will represent me as usual. Our business as well as social relations +are about to end, I suppose. My only regret is that I cannot further +accommodate you by changing my name. Still you may live in hope +that time may work even that wonder for you." + +She arose. The two men regarded her in an aggrieved way for a +moment. + +"I have no real feeling of hostility toward you, Sara," said Leslie +nervously, "in spite of all that you said the other night." + +"I am afraid you don't mean that, deep down in your heart, Leslie," +she said, with a queer little smile. + +"But I do," he protested. "Hang it all, we--we live in a glass house +ourselves, Sara. I dare say, in a way, I was quite as unpleasant +as the rest of the family. You see, we just can't help being snobs. +It's in us, that's all there is to it." + +Mr. Wrandall looked up from the floor, his gaze having dropped at +the first outburst from his son's lips. + +"We--we prefer to be friendly, Sara, if you will allow us--" + +She laughed and the old gentleman stopped in the middle of his +sentence. + +"We can't be friends, Mr. Wrandall," she said, suddenly serious. +"The pretence would be a mockery. We are all better off if we allow +our paths, our interests to diverge to-day." + +"Perhaps you are right," said he, compressing his lips. + +"I believe that Vivian and I could--but no! I won't go so far as +to say that either. There is something genuine about her. Strange +to say, I have never disliked her." + +"If you had made the slightest effort to like us, no doubt we could +have--" + +"My dear Mr. Wrandall," she interrupted quickly, "I credit YOU +with the desire to be fair and just to me. You have tried to like +me. You have even deceived yourself at times. I--but why these +gentle recriminations? We merely prolong an unfortunate contest +between antagonistic natures, with no hope of genuine peace being +established. I do not regret that I am your daughter-in-law, nor do +I believe that you would regret it if I had not been the daughter +of Sebastian Gooch." + +"Your father was as little impressed with my son as I was with his +daughter," said Redmond Wrandall drily. "I am forced to confess +that he was the better judge. We had the better of the bargain." + +"I believe you mean it, Mr. Wrandall," she said, a note of gratitude +in her voice. "Good-bye. Mr. Carroll will see you to-morrow." She +glanced quickly about the room. "I shall send for--for certain +articles that are no longer required in conducting the business of +Wrandall & Co." + +With a quaint little smile, she indicated the two photographs of +herself. + +"By Jove, Sara," burst out Leslie abruptly. "I wish you'd let ME +have that Gipsy Mab picture. I've always been dotty over it, don't +you know. Ripping study." + +Her lip curled slightly. + +"As a matter of fact," he explained conclusively, "Chal often said +he'd leave it to me when he died. In a joking way, of course, but +I'm sure he meant it." + +"You may have it, Leslie," she said slowly. It is doubtful if he +correctly interpreted the movement of her head as she uttered the +words. + +"Thanks," said he. "I'll hang it in my den, if you don't object." + +"We shall expect Mr. Carroll to-morrow, Sara," said his father, +with an air of finality. "Good-bye. May I ask what plans you are +making for the winter?" + +"They are very indefinite." + +"I say, Sara, why don't you get married?" asked Leslie, surveying +the Gipsy Mab photograph with undisguised admiration as he held it +at arm's length. "Ripping!" This to the picture. + +She paused near the door to stare at him for a moment, unutterable +scorn in her eyes. + +"I've had a notion you were pretty keen about Brandy Booth," he +went on amiably. + +She caught her breath. There was an instant's hesitation on her +part before she replied. + +"You have never been very smart at making love guesses, Leslie," +she said. "It's a trick you haven't acquired." + +He laughed uncomfortably. "Neat stroke, that." + +Following her into the corridor outside the offices, he pushed the +elevator bell for her. + +"I meant what I said, Sara," he remarked, somewhat doggedly. "You +ought to get married. Chal didn't leave much for you to cherish. +There's no reason why you should go on like this, living alone and +all that sort of thing. You're young and beautiful and--" + +"Oh, thank you, Leslie," she cried out sharply. + +"You see, it's going to be this way: Hetty will probably marry Booth. +That's on dit, I take it. You're depending on her for companionship. +Well, she'll quit you cold after she's married. She will--" + +She interrupted him peremptorily. + +"If Challis did nothing else for me, Leslie, he at least gave me +you to cherish. Once more, good-bye." + +The elevator stopped for her. He strolled back to his office with +a puzzled frown on his face. She certainly was inexplicable! + +The angry red faded from her cheeks as she sped homeward in the +automobile. Her thoughts were no longer of Leslie but of another... +She sighed and closed her eyes, and her cheeks were pale. + +Workmen from a picture dealer's establishment were engaged in hanging +a full length portrait in the long living-room of her apartment when +she reached home. She had sent to the country for Booth's picture +of Hetty, and was having it hung in a conspicuous place. For a +long time she stood in the middle of the room, studying the canvas. +Hetty's Irish blue eyes seemed to return the scrutiny, a questioning +look in their painted depths. The warm, half smiling lips appeared +to be on the point of putting into words the eager question that +lay in her wondering eyes. + +Passing the open library door, Sara paused for an instant to peer +within. Then she went on down the hall to her own sitting-room. +The canary was singing glibly in his cage by the window-side. + +She threw aside her furs, and, without removing her hat, passed +into the bed-chamber at the left of the cosy little boudoir. This +was Hetty's room. Her own was directly opposite. On the girl's +dressing-table, leaning against the broad, low mirror, stood +the unframed photograph of a man. With a furtive glance over her +shoulder, Sara crossed to the table and took up the picture in her +gloved hand. For a long time she stood there gazing into the frank, +good-looking face of Brandon Booth. She breathed faster; her hand +shook; her eyes were strained as if by an inward suggestion of +pain. + +She shook her head slowly, as if in final renunciation of a secret +hope or the banishment of an unwelcome desire, and resolutely +replaced the photograph. Her lips were almost white as she turned +away and re-entered the room beyond. + +"He belongs to her," she said, unconsciously speaking aloud; "and +he is like all men. She must not be unhappy." + +Presently she entered the library. She had exchanged her tailor-suit +for a dainty house-gown. Hetty was still seated in the big lounging +chair, before the snapping fire, apparently not having moved since +she looked in on passing a quarter of an hour before. One of the +girl's legs was curled up under her, the other swung loose; an elbow +rested on the arm of the chair, and her cheek was in her hand. + +Coming softly up from behind, Sara leaned over the back of the +chair and put her hands under her friend's chin, tenderly, lovingly. +Hetty started and shivered. + +"Oh, Sara, how cold your hands are!" + +She grasped them in her own and fondly stroked them, as if to +restore warmth to the long, slim fingers which gave the lie to Mrs. +Coburn's declarations. + +"I've been thinking all morning of what you and Brandon proposed to +me last night, dear," said Sara, looking straight over the girl's +head, the dark, languorous, mysterious glow filling her eyes. "It +is good of you both to want me, but--" + +"Now don't say 'but,' Sara," cried Hetty. "We mean it, and you must +let us have our way." + +"It would be splendid to be near you all the time, dear; it would +be wonderful to live with you as you so generously propose, but I +cannot do it. I must decline." + +"And may I ask why you decline to live with me?" demanded Hetty +resentfully. + +"Because I love you so dearly," said Sara. + +THE END + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE HOLLOW OF HER HAND *** + +This file should be named thllh10.txt or thllh10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, thllh11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, thllh10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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