diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 01:29:50 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 01:29:50 -0800 |
| commit | f698e3f81380218c09579fd87f59a809563f056a (patch) | |
| tree | 792db10115095cb5816ee0113fad352d915a6736 | |
| parent | cc18b72ad6c57566a87f6b79ea107a86339eb23f (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-0.txt | 11137 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-0.zip | bin | 204973 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h.zip | bin | 2157320 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h/67728-h.htm | 14225 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 443340 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h/images/i001.jpg | bin | 362257 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h/images/i094.jpg | bin | 350814 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h/images/i191.jpg | bin | 376006 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h/images/i284.jpg | bin | 370649 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67728-h/images/logo.jpg | bin | 81291 -> 0 bytes |
13 files changed, 17 insertions, 25362 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7162e98 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67728 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67728) diff --git a/old/67728-0.txt b/old/67728-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a440e8c..0000000 --- a/old/67728-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11137 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Valley of Content, by Blanche -Upright - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Valley of Content - -Author: Blanche Upright - -Release Date: March 28, 2022 [eBook #67728] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Mardi Desjardins & the online Distributed Proofreaders - Canada team at https://www.pgdpcanada.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VALLEY OF CONTENT *** - -[Illustration: Elinor (Norma Shearer) attends a Bohemian party at the - apartment of Templeton Druid (Ward Crane). -(_“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”_)] - - - - - THE - Valley of Content - - - BY BLANCHE UPRIGHT - - - - [Illustration] - - - - A. L. BURT COMPANY - Publishers New York - - Published by arrangement with W. J. Watt & Company - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1922, BY - W. J. WATT & COMPANY - - - _Printed in the United States of America_ - - - - - WITH LOVE AND DEVOTION - I DEDICATE THESE PAGES - TO - - Marjorie Rambeau - - MY BELOVED INSPIRER - - - - - THE VALLEY OF CONTENT - - - - - CHAPTER I - - -Over the immaculate, freshly ironed white cotton cloth on the little -table set near the window in the kitchen-dining room of the Bentons’ -tiny bungalow, a paper-shaded lamp glowed rosily. From its tempered -rays, the plated knives and forks and spoons, polished to a shine that -forgave the nickel spots of usage, caught a pinkish tinge, and the bowl -of wild roses from its place of state in the center of the table -returned blush for blush. - -But neither the rosy light, nor the roses themselves had anything to do -with the bright flush that adorned Marjorie Benton’s face as she arose -from in front of the oven of her brightly shining kitchen stove. She -felt of her burning cheek with the back of her hand. The twittering -remonstrance of her canary in its cheap little brass cage, disturbed by -the metallic clang of the closing oven door, turned her gaze in his -direction. She shook her head ruefully. - -“More cooking for women and there’d be less rouge, eh, Andy?” she asked, -and an understanding “tweet-tweet” was her reply. Her glance wandered to -the small alarm clock tick-ticking merrily from the shelf above her -head. - -“Another ten minutes,” she murmured. The slowly moving hands of the time -piece marked off seven minutes after six. “Hugh should be here then, and -he does so like his roast just out of the oven. Hmm! So do I—” she went -on, but a cross little look of dawning discontent crept into her eyes as -she glanced at the stove distastefully,—“except that I surely would -like to have someone else take it out for me, for a change. Wonder if -we’re ever going to have a maid, or if I’m just naturally to dry up and -brown to a crisp bending over a stove all my life!” - -Again she felt of her burning cheeks, as she turned toward the neatly -set table. A mended spot in the table cloth caught her eye. She smoothed -it over. - -“Cotton!” she said, plaintively. “Just plain cotton! I can pretend it’s -linen all I want to, but it don’t change the threads, nor—,” and she -lifted a knife with its silver worn undisguisedly off the end and tried -the effect of turning it over. She frowned at the poor pretense. - -She turned back to the stove and picked up the dish cloth she had been -using as a holder. Her hand went toward the kettle that simmered -contentedly, a contrast to the simmering thoughts of the pretty woman -who glanced at it. - -“I wonder—” she began, half aloud. - -She stopped, listening, the dish cloth dangling in her hand. With a -hurried gesture she dropped it, and was across the room to the door that -led into her hallway. Just a moment more she listened, her head with its -fair curls pressed against the door. Then she opened it and tiptoed -quietly through, closing it noiselessly behind her. - -Before the closed nursery door she stopped once more. Unmistakable -sounds from within proved that wee ones behind that portal were not -spending their time in earned repose. Marjorie’s half frown was chased -away by an indulgent smile of mother love. Then she opened the door and -entered the room. - -“Children!” she cried, as sternly as she had ever brought herself to -command. “Dear little people, what does this mean? Mother can’t have -this, you know. It’s sleepy time.” - -From one of the two white cribs surrounded by their halo of the last -rays of the September sun came a little wail. Two-year old Elinor Benton -distinctly disapproved of something—perhaps of going to bed at all -while the sun still shone. - -From the other crib another brown tousled head bobbed up. Its owner sat -erect. Master Howard Benton was reasoning that if his little sister who -was only two should be receiving attention, what then was his due at the -mature age of four. - -Marjorie Benton’s thoughts flew to the kitchen she had just quitted, the -flush from her oven still on her face. Everything was all right there -for a few minutes, she knew. She did not approve of taking babies from -their beds once they were tucked in for the night, but surely this once -she could not refuse. Her glance rested softly on Elinor’s curly head -and her pleading eyes. Then she lifted her gently and sat down with her -in the low rocker. Baby Elinor snuggled in the protecting arms and -though she felt that she may not have been doing the prescribed thing, -Marjorie Benton’s eyes were soft and her voice caressing as her hold -tightened on her baby and she began softly to sing. - -As she sang, the girl-mother’s eyes wandered about the room, resting on -the dado of Mother Goose pictures where more than one darkened spot -proclaimed an interest and love for a particular story-book personage. -What babies Howard and Elinor were! And they were hers! Hers! And -Hugh’s! Her hold tightened the least bit on the baby in her arms, who -was drifting off to dreamland. - -The reverberation of the front door closed cautiously brought the mother -back from drifting. Hugh! She must hurry. - -This time the child made no protest as she was placed in her little crib -and tucked in. But she stopped long enough to place a kiss on the hair -of each baby before she lowered the shade and tiptoed out. - -Her hands gave a quick pat to her own curls as she flew up the hallway -to greet Hugh Benton. He had shuffled out of his light coat and turned -from hanging it on the hall rack with his arms extended to his wife. - -“H’lo sweetheart!” was his tender greeting, but there was all the fervor -in the bear-like squeeze he gave her as she ran into his arms that there -ever had been in the earlier days of their honeymoon. The Bentons were -fond of remarking that their honeymoon was only extended. - -Hugh Benton raised his head and looked over his wife’s shoulder. - -“Um! Dinner!” he exclaimed with a boyish grin. “Pie! Your dinners are -always wonderful, dearest.” And Hugh gave his shiny-haired wife another -hug. - -“Hugh! Please!” Marjorie struggled out of his arms. “You don’t know how -strong you are. You almost hurt me—and do please be quiet—the kiddies -are asleep.” - -“Already?” Hugh Benton’s tone and eyes were full of disappointment. “No -romp to-night? Seems like I never do get much of a chance for a frolic -any more.” - -So genuine was the young father’s disappointment, that Marjorie tempered -the laugh she gave. - -“Big baby!” she chided, lovingly. “It’s not hard to see who wants the -romp most. But dinner will do you more good, just as sleep will do them. -I can’t be having my family spoiled, you know.” - -“Right, dear,—just as you always are. Be with you in a minute—some of -the grime of an honest working man has to come off first.” - -Marjorie Benton hurried to her dinner serving, and as she placed the -roast on the white cloth, her eyes were tender as she heard the -masculine splashing from the bath room and the soft-pedaled whistling -that accompanied it. - -She whispered again softly. “Who could help loving him. It’s enough to -make me the happiest woman in the world to know——” - -Her husband’s entry broke in on her reverie, and it filled her with all -the pride of accomplishment to see the glance of delight with which he -took in the simple tempting dinner. He leaned over to kiss her as he -placed her in her chair—a small attention he had not discarded since -the first days of their marriage. - -“Wonderful little woman!” he complimented softly. “More wonderful every -day.” - -She gave his hand a gentle pat, but tried to put a depth of dignified -remonstrance in her chiding. - -“Don’t forget you’re a married man of five years’ standing, Mr. Hugh -Benton,” she urged, but the laughter in her eyes belied the dignity of -her words. - -“So long!” Hugh took up the carving knife and glanced along its -sharpened edge. “You’ve a fine idea of time, Mrs. Marjorie Benton. Now -I’d say five days—” His eyes twinkled suddenly as though at some sudden -thought, and he nodded toward the bedroom. “Er—pardon me, my dear,—I -forgot,—you have the proof on me——” - -“Flatterer!” Marjorie beamed on her husband as she took the service he -offered her. - -“Anything new to-day?” Hugh was busy with his dinner. - -“Plenty!” was Marjorie’s enthusiastic answer as she let her fork drop -and leaned across the table. “Isn’t there always,—with such children as -ours? Oh, Hugh, dear, there never were such babies,—now don’t you laugh -at me!” as a little quirk in the corner of Hugh’s mouth betrayed he was -not becomingly solemn. “You know I’m not like other mothers,—brag about -my children just because they’re mine—and yours—but you also know -they’re extraordinarily bright.” - -Hugh nodded, but there was that in his satisfied expression before his -wife had completed her résumé of the day’s doings of her wonderful -infants that quite persuaded her that he was of her opinion. As he laid -aside his fork after his last bite of pie, his was the beatific -expression of the inwardly satisfied male. - -“Want help with the dishes?” he asked. Marjorie smiled at him. - -“If I didn’t already know you were the best man in the world,” she -complimented, “that would prove it. Don’t I know how you hate dish -wiping? No, dear, there are only a few,—I’ll do them.” - -“Thereby proving your own wonder,” was Hugh’s praise. “Not another woman -in this town would refuse such an offer.” - -Marjorie laughed and gave him a playful shove toward a chair as she -handed him his paper. - -“There!” she exclaimed. “Take that,—and read it. Maybe you’ll find -something in it to make you appreciate your own wife and babies. I’ll be -through in a minute, and there are lots of things we can do—interesting -things—like sitting on the porch and looking at the moon or something. -It’s been splendid for the last few nights. Have you noticed?” - -Hugh yawned contentedly. “Hasn’t it always been whenever we’ve seen it -together?” - -It had been. Marjorie Benton was sure of that,—surer now than during -any of those five years she had been married. Everything had been -splendid. She could not help considering how much more they had of the -worth while things in the world than any of the friends they had as her -bright head bent over her dish-washing and her glance darted through the -steam of the hot water occasionally to where Hugh sat absorbed in his -paper. - -Perhaps the Benton romance had not been as spectacular as some, but -Marjorie inwardly thanked the Providence that guided her that it was -more _real_. Hugh was right, too. It did seem such a short time that -they had been married. Then, anomalously came the thought that she could -not seem to remember distinctly any time when she and Hugh had not been -one. She had vague memories of the time she had been teaching school in -this very town—that seemed so long ago. She had been used to hearing -people say she was wasting her youth, her beauty and her brains in such -an occupation, but it had in a way satisfied her. Then had come Hugh. He -had come to Atwood to be cashier of the bank, and, though she did not -know it then, he was as much alone in the world as she herself. All -those nearest to them were gone. From the time of their first meeting at -a dance, Marjorie remembered that life had taken on a different meaning -to her. Her thoughts flew back to those beautiful days that followed. -Her lips were tender in their smile of reminiscence as she thought of -that time. There had been only Hugh and Marjorie. That was how it was -to-day,—except that there were two young and tender Hughs and Marjories -to bind them still closer together. Marjorie’s smile grew more wistful -as she thought, her mind far from the bright glasses she was burnishing -as they came hot from their pan of scalding suds. Hugh’s mention of the -moon to-night—He remembered it, then—She, too, remembered how they so -often sat under that big elm in the moonlight, and Hugh softly, huskily -singing,—Poor Hugh! Wasn’t it too bad he never could keep to the same -key for two consecutive bars. But he never noticed, and she knew she -never cared. What was that he was always humming? - -“_What’s the matter with the moon to-night?_” - -Again he was right. There never _had_ been anything the matter with it -where they were concerned. It had helped them tell their love, and -so—— - -“Seems like the end of a story, instead of the beginning,” whispered -Marjorie Benton to her flowered salad bowl, “but——” - -And so, in three months, they had been married. There hadn’t been much -money; there wasn’t yet, but what did it matter? They had their -bungalow; it was their own. What happiness they had had in planning all -the details just as Marjorie had always planned them for herself when -she put herself to sleep nights planning for that “sometime in the -future.” - -“Money!” Marjorie Benton sniffed as she swirled her dish cloth about the -pan, and with one damp hand flung back a recalcitrant bright curl that -tickled her small nose. “Humph! I’m the richest woman in the world! What -else——” - -“Something to tell you, sweetheart, when you’re through.” Hugh looked up -from his paper and broke in on his wife’s reverie. “Something you’ll -like, maybe.” - -“Oh, Hugh, dear! Are they going to raise your salary again?” she asked -eagerly. - -Hugh laughed, but there was a rueful shrug to his shoulders. - -“Nothing so exciting,” he declared. “Have you an idea that’s the Atwood -Bank’s chief occupation? No, dear, but it’s just as long a chance. I got -my patent from Washington to-day, and I believe I have some real people -in New York interested in it.” - -Casually as he spoke, there was in Hugh Benton’s manner that which would -imply that he fully believed he was offering to his wife the equivalent -of fur coats and jewels and estates so large that extra sized depot -wagons would be required to transport the servants. - -“Clever boy!” Marjorie flew to him excitedly. “Oh, I am so proud of -you!” - -“A bit early to be too proud yet, little one,” Hugh replied in the -choppy way he bit off so many of his sentences. “Got to wait for -results. But I’ll tell you this,” and his arm slipped around her waist -as he bent for the kiss she offered, “if this thing does go through, -it’ll go through big, and——” - -“And I’ll be the wife of the great inventor!” Marjorie could not -restrain her enthusiasm. Hugh smiled indulgently. But it was good to be -appreciated,—to be so completely believed in by someone. It was the -instinct of the woman who loves, though, that led her to add: “But if it -doesn’t go through, dear, what of it? Won’t we still be the happiest -people in the whole world? It couldn’t be any other way. Come on out on -the porch and let the moon tell us so.” And she drew him by a coat -sleeve out through the open door onto the small porch that the moon was -beginning to silver with its pale vivid light. - -Through the trees, themselves silvered and softened from their flaunting -autumnal coloring of the day, came wafted to them the fragrance of -new-mown hay. On the top step, they sat down, their faces upturned to -the same old moon that is for lovers the world over. Softly Hugh -Benton’s arm slipped about the slender waist of his lithe young wife. As -of its own accord, her cheek nestled into the curve of his coat sleeve. -Out of the silvered darkness, a phonograph from one of the nearby unseen -homes began to play. Through the stillness came to them the voice of -John McCormack: - -“_For this is the end of a perfect day._” - -“A perfect day,—yes!” sighed Marjorie Benton as the singer’s voice died -out. “But isn’t that the way with all our days? They end and -_start_—perfectly.” - -Hugh Benton’s dark head bent over his wife’s bright one. His lips placed -there his kiss of reverence and thanksgiving. - - - - - CHAPTER II - - -There have been rumors that when the serpent in the Garden showed the -apple to Eve, that it wasn’t exactly an apple she saw. Some even say the -forbidden fruit, as she gazed at it, did what our best movie writers -call “dissolved” and slowly faded into a yellow backed bill. And so the -damage was done. - -At any rate, money or the wishing for it has done a lot to women of all -times ever since Eve first had her vision. Marjorie Benton may have -fully believed in her own heart that it meant nothing to her, but from -the time that Hugh first gave her an idea that his invention with which -she had long been familiar might really mean that she could have -whatever she wished, and was not a nebulous dream, there subtly grew -within her a spirit of discontent which she would have denied—even to -herself—but which was nonetheless real. - -The bungalow. Somehow it didn’t seem the most desirable of all -habitations as she had once thought it. She could so easily use another -bathroom; perhaps two. With money, even these things were possible. And -a dining room. She seemed quite to forget how wonderful had seemed that -kitchen with its small alcove when she and Hugh had planned it from one -of those perfect home magazines, she sitting with her head buried on -Hugh’s shoulder, he holding her tightly with one hand as he marked out -diagrams with the other. The babies! There was so much she wanted for -them now, when she came to think of it, and as for what she wanted for -them in the future—there seemed no end to the wishes or the castle -building. - -To do her justice, Marjorie really hadn’t thought much of what sudden -fortune might mean to her personally. She wasn’t naturally vain. That -is, she had not given herself the first thought. Discontent with her own -lot came upon her gradually, and, as might reasonably be expected, she -had been brought to realize it through other women. Her first -realization was on a day when Mrs. Birmingham and Mrs. Wallace called. -Usually Marjorie had accepted these two small town butterflies with a -smile of tolerance. This time it was different. - -Their talk had been of clothes,—a fairly general topic of conversation -with average women. Mrs. Birmingham grew positively eloquent as she -described her new fall costume with its garnishings of beaver; of the -smart little hat to match; the gloves, shoes; all the little accessories -necessary to an outfit to be envied. But then Mrs. Birmingham was -telling of her possessions with just this purpose in view. Not to be -outdone, Mrs. Wallace drawled: - -“Oh, yes, my dear, but you know it is so much easier to be outfitted if -one does it near home. Now I’ve had to send to New York for my moleskin -stole. Harvey wouldn’t hear of anything else. Seal and the ordinary furs -one sees are so common, don’t you think?” - -In her usual contented frame of mind, Marjorie would have chuckled at -the attempted arrogance. Now she sighed inwardly. Moleskin! And Mrs. -Wallace, poor little mouse-haired nonentity, was actually going to have -it while she, Marjorie— She showed nothing of her thoughts, though, as -she listened, attentive and sweet as usual. - -Not till they had gone and she sat curled up with one foot under her on -a big floor cushion (a favorite attitude when she wanted to think) did -she realize that they had given her food for thought, and that she -wanted things! _Wanted_ them! - -“I’m frazzled and frayed—almost disreputable!” was her half bitter -inward comment. “Why I haven’t had any kind of a new suit in two years, -and as for a hat! Well,—” She laughed ruefully as she clambered to her -feet and mechanically shook out the cushions that still bore the imprint -of Mrs. Birmingham’s none too svelte figure, “I shouldn’t complain, I -suppose. I had a new hat once,—some time before Elinor was born.” - -Aggrieved as she felt for the moment, Marjorie Benton realized that her -lack of finery was not her husband’s fault. He had always wished her to -have it, and had urged that she set aside something for herself. But -always something had happened to it. Once she had been on the verge of -spending it, when Howard had to have his tonsils out; then had come -their contribution toward building the new church. - -Marjorie groaned. “Just one thing after another—all the time,” she -complained, and complaining was something so new Marjorie Benton would -not have recognized it in herself. “Oh, if Hugh should do something with -that invention! Surely he must!” - -And once again with the thought, came in a flood all the day-dreams she -had been indulging since he had spoken to her a week and a half ago of -his hopes. What would she not do? As she stood between the parted -curtains gazing out into the street swept with a scurrying vista of -whirling autumn leaves, it was not the brown and gold of fallen leaves -she saw, but visions of shop windows in gorgeous colors, gowns of purple -and gold and sapphire, and tissues fine as spun cobwebs. All for her. -For Marjorie Benton was at least realizing how well her beauty would -accord with the vanities of femininity and she knew she wanted them—not -as she had thought she had when she had so generously given of her small -store, but in the light of the possibility which Hugh’s hopes had opened -up to her. All these women in Atwood who had somehow seemed to patronize -her, even when they told her how they envied her her happiness. She -wanted to show them! - -Hardly realizing it, Marjorie Benton found herself a victim of an uneasy -restlessness; a rapidly growing discontent. For antidote she plunged -deeper than ever into her household duties, busied herself with the -babies, did everything, anything, to keep her thoughts from straying. -Each night as she heard Hugh’s step on the walk, her heart beat in mad -suspense—“Would there be any news to-night?” was the question -involuntarily on her lips. - -The only answer so far had been Hugh’s sad little negative nod, but -there came a night, after he kissed her, when he handed her a letter -before he vanished into the bedroom where the children were playing. - -Marjorie’s hands were so unsteady she could hardly open it, although -Hugh’s demeanor had been such she almost knew what to expect in advance, -and therefore the courteous refusal that met her eyes did not surprise -her in the least. She brushed away unbidden tears and hastened after -him. - -“Never mind, dear,” she soothed gently, pulling his head down to kiss -him, “you have other firms to hear from yet—we mustn’t let one answer -discourage us.” - -“Brave little girl,” he answered. “Thinking of me as usual, when I know -what that letter meant to you—now wait,” as she started to protest, -“let me finish, dear. Don’t you think, sweetheart, that I haven’t -noticed a change in you this past week? You haven’t been yourself at -all, although you have tried to make believe—and I know it’s been -anxiety over my old invention. Why, dear one,” and Hugh Benton gently -smoothed his wife’s hair as he soothed her as he would one of the -youngsters who were pulling at his coat tails, “if I had known you were -going to take it this way—that it would have caused you a moment’s -worry, I wouldn’t have told you a thing about it until everything was -all settled, and we were millionaires.” - -Marjorie caught a sob in her throat as she gazed at Hugh with wide open -eyes. So he had noticed that something was wrong. How selfish she had -been. A tear trembled on her long lashes as she glanced up at him -contritely. - -“Oh, Hugh, dear, dearest,” she quavered. “I didn’t think you—I didn’t -know—you see—” she clutched his coat sleeve and hid her face in it as -little Elinor and Howard danced about shouting with glee, each with the -idea of some new game. But mother was only searching for words. They -came in a gush, and the little sob that accompanied them made grave for -a moment the face of the man she held to so tightly,—a graveness -replaced in a moment by an indulgent smile of understanding as she -spoke. “Oh, I wasn’t thinking about the money so much, d-d-ear, but Mrs. -Wallace has a new moleskin stole and Mrs. Birmingham has a be-e-aver -co-co-at!” - -So it was out. Man fashion Hugh hadn’t thought that Marjorie might want -the things so dear to the hearts of other women. She had seemed so -different. But he remembered that she was a woman, after all, and it was -with a little pang that he realized how little she had really had during -the past few years. His lips set in a grim line of determination to -change all this as he patted her hair, but his words were as cheery and -hearty as always as he whispered: - -“There, there, honey, don’t fret! You shall have ’em, too! But right -now, don’t you think it would be a good idea to get on the old blue -bonnet and let’s take a whirl at the movies? Cheer up all around? -Charlie Chaplin and Nazimova—weeps and laughs. What say? Can’t you get -Mrs. Clancy to watch the babies?” - -And as though the matter were settled, which Marjorie knew it was, Hugh -Benton, in his usual abrupt way, resumed his interrupted romp with his -son and heir and the little princess of the house of Benton. - -Cypress Avenue was the rather imposing name that the dwellers on that -thoroughfare in Atwood chose to use in referring to their place of -residence. Why Cypress, though, was a question that was bound to present -itself to the casual visitor. There were maple trees in plenty, a few -dogwoods and scattered shrubs of nondescript nomenclature that grew -without regard to any scheme of city gardening either inside or outside -the flagged sidewalks at their own sweet will. But cypresses—stay! Yes, -there was a cypress if one chose to go that far to look for it,—away -out at the end of the street at the entrance to the Forest Home -Cemetery, beyond the more pretentious homes of brick and concrete that -housed such aristocracy as the Birminghams and the Wallaces. Mr. -Birmingham was president of the Atwood Bank, and Edgar Wallace made -sufficient as the town’s chief merchant to clothe his wife in moleskin. -On Cypress Avenue, too, lived the Moultons, the Carvers, the Hopewells, -coal and wood, hardware and grain barons and baronesses of their own -small world. It was something to live on Cypress Avenue, and the -Bentons, in building their shingle bungalow had felt a glow of pride in -taking their place with the elect of their chosen place of residence. -They were farther downtown, though, within such a short distance of -Depot Avenue, the main street and business district, that they could -easily see the lights of the Princess, the movie theater, flash on each -night, and could tell to a nicety the time of night by seeing when Oscar -Merriman, the depot agent and telegrapher, turned out the electrics -preparatory to closing up and going to his own home far across the -railroad tracks in Sandy Hill. - -That the farmers coming and going from the outlying districts chose to -speak of Depot Avenue as the main road, and of Cypress Avenue as the -short cut, in no wise disturbed the residents of that avenue. They were -quite assured that their chief residential street compared most -favorably with that of any street in any town the size of Atwood. - -Shaded as it was, and lighted with the new lights in their opalescent -globes recently installed by the city fathers—and brothers and sisters -and cousins and aunts, too,—it was a foregone conclusion that Cypress -Avenue should be the favorite strolling place for Atwoodites on such -nights as strolling was possible. So when Hugh and Marjorie Benton -closed their front gate and started toward Depot Avenue and the movie -lights, they did not particularly remark the numbers of people who -passed and stopped them to pass laughing comments of the events of the -day. With the thoughts of money she had been harboring, and the newly -arisen desire for a change, Marjorie Benton realized with something of a -pang that such a change as her day dreams had led her to desire would -mean a forfeiting of all this jolly camaraderie. She was not altogether -sure that she really wanted it, after all. But as they turned into the -principal street and the few lights in front of the main stores greeted -her, her mind flew hastily to the vision of New York and its Great White -Way as she remembered it on one of her few visits to the city. Yes, that -was what she wanted—_must have!_ - -So interested was she in her own thoughts, that she did not notice the -unusual quietness of the husband who walked beside her, his brows drawn -into a furrow, his lips compressed with determination as he glanced once -or twice at his pretty young wife, apparently noticing for the first -time that Marjorie’s hat _wasn’t_ in the least like that of Mrs. Rolfe -who had just passed them with a cheery good evening; that Marjorie’s -gloves were undeniably mended; that in spite of the jauntiness with -which she wore it, her little blue velvet coat was badly worn about the -seams. - -It was with a start that Marjorie Benton brought herself back to Atwood -to recognize that a small car had stopped at the curb beside them. -Someone was calling to her. - -“You must be thinking of something very pleasant—and far away,” came -the staccato voice of Mrs. Birmingham, as she leaned out of the car and -shook her hand admonishingly at Marjorie. “I’ve called you three times.” - -“Oh, I’m sorry!” Marjorie was earnestly apologetic. “I was thinking——” - -Little Mr. Birmingham’s snappy laugh broke in to cover her confusion. -“Don’t do it, my dear,” he advised. “Bad for your pretty head. Now -Matilda, here, she never thinks—and look at her——” - -“James William!” Mrs. Birmingham brought all the hauteur she could -command in reprimand of her spouse. Then, ignoring him, she turned to -the Bentons and there was a purr in her voice as she went on: - -“I only stopped you, Marjorie, dear, to see if you would not promise -me—positively _promise_—to be one of the hostesses at the Dilemma -Club’s reception next Friday. We’ve seen so little of you -recently—everyone is asking why you are keeping so to yourself, -and—oh, I know what you’re going to say,” raising her gray gloved hand -protestingly as Marjorie started to speak, “—the babies, and all that, -but you should not neglect your social duties so—other women have -babies, too, and we need you, you know. You’re our prize ‘cultured -lady,’ remember, and besides you’re much better off than so many women -who _never_ neglect the club. You have your incomparable Mrs. Clancy who -will always come when you call her, but how you’re able to manage it -when it is _so_ hard for anyone to get servants,—now my second girl who -has only been with me a week was telling me only to-day that she -couldn’t stay, and——” - -Mr. Birmingham’s sniff was loudly audible. - -“Second chief cook and bottle washer,” he commented, “and twenty-fourth -you’ve tried to have stay and wear a confounded white cap. Hmmph! What a -woman needs of two girls to wait on her beats me, eh, Benton?” - -Though she flushed angrily, Mrs. Birmingham’s control was admirable as -she added, before Marjorie could voice a reply: “Then that’s settled. -You’ll come—I can depend on you——” - -Marjorie’s thoughts were aghast as she thought of her one all-too-worn -best gown, the impossibility of wearing it,—and the still greater -impossibility of getting another. - -“Why, really, I—I can’t say right now—” Marjorie stammered, and she -was conscious of the hot flood that crimsoned her face. - -“Certainly she will go!” Hugh Benton broke in in his decided way. His -single glance into the knowing depths of Mrs. Birmingham’s small gray -eyes had decided him. He felt the slight twinge as his wife nipped his -arm in remonstrance, but his lips were still set in that firm line of -determination that had first come to him when he had learned that -Marjorie wanted more than he had been able to give her. He _would_ make -good for Marjorie, and this should be a beginning. - -“But dear, I——” - -He cut her remonstrance short. - -“If it’s a new gown that’s bothering you,” he said bluntly, “then you -can order one to-morrow,—from New York. You know,” and he looked -squarely at Mrs. Birmingham as she lifted politely inquiring eyebrows, -“my wife has been going out so little, that she has not paid the -attention to frills that are usual with women, I believe.” - -“Splendid!” enthused the banker’s wife, but there was a queer half smile -on Birmingham’s thin lips that told of his glee that his Matilda had -received one quietus to her patronizing. “Then we won’t keep you any -longer. Sorry we haven’t the big car with us,” she drawled. “But it’s a -beautiful night for a stroll, isn’t it?” - -“We’re going to the movies,” remarked Marjorie, in the tone she might -have employed at announcing an opera opening. “They’re having two -splendid pictures to-night—why don’t you come with us?” - -Mrs. Birmingham stifled a well-assumed yawn. “Oh, the movies,” she said -languidly. “They bore me to extinction. I’m dreadfully spoiled, I’m -afraid. In New York when I’m with my sister (you know I spent three -months there the last time) we went to the theater almost every night. -Theaters make the movies seem so—er—banal, don’t you think?” - -“Hmmph!” once more remarked the snappy little banker, in a tone that led -one to believe it was his favorite expression, or, rather, explosion. -“Theatres every night—brother-in-law with a pull that got free tickets -for everything where they couldn’t sell seats—made you forget you once -wanted to dress your hair and roll your eyes like Theda Bara, didn’t -they, eh, Matilda? Well, _I_ like the movies—wish I could be going with -you, folks, but we got to be getting along. Good luck!” His hand went -toward the starter, but the hand of Mrs. Birmingham stayed him for a -last word. - -“Oh, I almost forgot, Marjorie, my dear,” she called, as Hugh and -Marjorie turned toward the lights of Depot Avenue, “my sister sent me a -lot of things yesterday—some new books and so on—and I know you’re -just crazy about reading, so I’m going to send some of them over to you -for you to read and tell me about. I always get _so_ much more benefit -out of a book when someone who is _interested_ tells me about it. You -will, there’s a dear?” - -“Oh, thank you, Mrs. Birmingham,” Marjorie began, and she was almost -startled by the abrupt way in which Hugh hurried her along, her thanks -half expressed. - -“Patronizing old frump!” he fumed. “Well, that’s the last of it—no -more!” - -Marjorie laughed at his intensity. - -“Oh, what harm, Hugh, dear?” she defended, and the humorous light that -he knew and loved so well chased away the half wistfulness of the last -few hours. “She likes it and it doesn’t do me any harm. But,” and she -dimpled as she looked up at her tall husband and gleefully squeezed his -arm, “did you notice she didn’t have on the beaver coat?” - -“Plenty of cat, though,” and Hugh’s frown did not lighten as his hand -slipped into his trousers pocket and he laid his money down on the -cashier’s window in front of the gay little movie theater. - -In shaded Cypress Avenue the Birminghams’ small car whirled along. Its -occupants were silent—for a few moments. Mrs. Birmingham broke that -silence. - -“James William Birmingham,” she declared (he was always “James William” -instead of “Jimmie” when Mrs. Birmingham had anything of great -importance to say), “you have hurt my feelings!” - -The banker snorted. “Then you know how it feels.” - -“And in front of the Bentons, of all people!” She was on the verge of -tears, but Mr. Birmingham believed in letting a lesson sink in. - -“Well, what’s wrong with them?” - -“N-nothing, nothing at all,” was the impatient reply. “But, oh, you know -how it is as well as I do. Marjorie Benton is just perfect in most -people’s eyes, and if anything is wanted, don’t they go and ask her -instead of coming to me, the banker’s wife? All I have is clothes and -theaters and things, and if you think I’m not going to make her feel -that I’m superior in some ways, then you’re all wrong. Marjorie Benton -hasn’t had a new thing in years. I’ve got to get even with her someway, -or she’d be thinking she was better than I am, or than anyone. All of us -pity her, though, because she’s so shabby.” - -Louder than at any time previously James William Birmingham exploded his -“Hmmph!” - -“Hmmph! Pity all you like, but it’ll be wasted, I can tell you. Unless I -miss my guess, the Bentons ’ll soon be richer than anyone in this little -old town, just as she’s already the brightest and prettiest little woman -here, and he’s the finest man I know. Wish I had money enough to back -him myself.” - -“Wonderful invention, indeed!” Matilda Birmingham was disdainful. “That -old rubber stamp thing! Why, we’ve been hearing about it for ages, and I -for one, don’t believe it will ever amount to anything.” - -“All you know about it.” The banker had the closing word. “Well, you -just chew over this—if it wasn’t for a lot of little old inventions -like that women like you would be finding a lot more to do keeping house -and making a home instead of gadding and talking about their new clothes -to someone who hasn’t got ’em!” - - * * * * * - -Mrs. Clancy, the dependable, was dozing in the kitchen when Hugh and -Marjorie returned from their outing. But she had not forgotten to put -out on the little table the bit of supper that she knew Hugh and -Marjorie liked on such occasions. Marjorie’s smile was different from -her usual one, though, as she recalled how often she and Hugh had sat -down at their own little table thus, and over and over had reminded each -other how much better it was than any restaurant, how much luckier they -were than most people. To-night, somehow—well, she wasn’t so sure. - -“Not a whimper out of the blessed lambs,” the old serving woman assured -Marjorie’s eagerness about her babies. “Oi’ve caught forty winks, too, -and—” She stopped in the careful tying of her bonnet strings, to dig -deep into a pocket, bringing out a crumpled telegram. “Now, and if Oi -didn’t almost forget the bit letter Tim Smith’s bye Jerry brought.” - -Marjorie’s heart lost a beat. - -“A telegram!” she cried. “Why, who can it be——” - -Already Hugh had torn it open, and it was with a light of gladness in -his eyes and a flourish as of laying at her feet the wealth of the -world, that he handed it to his wife. - -“We’ve won, dearest,—I’m sure of it. See it is from the biggest of all -the firms I’ve wanted to interest.” - -In a daze Marjorie gazed at the few typed words as though they held -magic. She was but dimly aware of her mechanical good-night to the -good-hearted Irishwoman who made it possible for such little pleasures -as she and Hugh had to-night enjoyed. There was entrancement; the words -danced in letters of gold before her eyes. - - HUGH BENTON - - ATWOOD, N. Y. - - Meeting with Directors Arranged for Ten Thirty, Sept. 23. - Everything Favorable to Date. - - TEMPLETON, BAIRD & CO. - -“Dearest!” At last she found voice. “How perfectly wonderful! Oh, I -_knew_ you would make me proud of you!” She flew to him and her arms -reached up to cling about his neck. The man’s eyes, too, were dim, but -there was in them that which showed he knew now he must not fail,—that -he must do all this woman he loved and who loved him believed him -capable of. His arms folded about her tenderly. With a sudden thought, -though, she drew away a bit to glance once more at the crumpled yellow -sheet that meant so much. “Why dear!” she gasped wonderingly, “it’s -right away, too! Did you notice? This meeting is for _to-morrow_!” - -Hugh Benton nodded. - -“Yes, sweetheart. And I’ve been thinking while you’ve been dreaming and -waking up to realities. I’ll take the morning train—I’ll telephone Mr. -Birmingham—and I can be back at mid-night. You can get Mrs. Clancy to -come over and stay with you.” - -Marjorie drew back reproachfully. - -“Mrs. Clancy! Oh, Hugh, dear! How can you think I could have anybody -about when I’ll have so much to think of—so much to plan——” - -Hugh smiled a bit ruefully. - -“Seemed to me lately you’d already been planning a lot—got new ones to -make?” he asked, half teasingly. - -“Hundreds, thousands, millions of them,” declared Marjorie, sweeping her -hands in a gesture to include the world. “Oh, I won’t be lonely—you can -be sure of that. But,” and her eyes roved toward the table with its -untouched food and the coffee pot simmering on the stove, “here we are -forgetting to eat. It must be serious. Sit down dear, and let’s plan it -all out. I’m going to get the chocolate cake. This isn’t to be an -ordinary feast, you know!” - -Hugh Benton’s eyes were somber as he watched his wife, her face flushed -to a deep wild rose, her eyes shining like stars, as she flew to arrange -their belated supper. His thoughts were far off. - -“I wonder,” he murmured, as he closely followed her movements, his chin -cupped in one hand, his elbow resting on the table with its embroidered -doilies, Marjorie’s own handiwork, “I wonder if it is really what she -wants. But I’ve got to do it—I _must_ make good—I will!” - - - - - CHAPTER III - - -Hugh Benton reached out and took a large piece of the chocolate cake -which his wife held toward him. He bit into it hugely with satisfaction. - -“Well, little one,” he said, his mouth full of the toothsome morsel, -“let’s hear what’s on your mind. Shoot!” - -“Hugh, dear!” Marjorie shook a remonstrative finger at him. “You know -how I dislike slang! And what if the babies should see you with your -mouth crammed like that!” - -Her husband grinned boyishly. - -“Pardon me,” he said, with exaggerated dignity. “What I meant to say, -Mrs. Benton, was, what have you been planning to do when your husband is -no longer a wage slave, a poor minion whose chief duty is to watch other -people’s money, and shall himself become a personage of wealth and -position?” - -Marjorie’s eyes sparkled and her cheeks glowed rosy with excitement as -she answered enthusiastically. “Oh, such heaps and heaps of wonderful -plans, dear. I scarcely know how to begin to tell them all. First of -all, of course, we’ll leave here and go to New York. We will purchase a -lovely home—somewhere on the Drive, I think. Then we will spend days -and days going about in all sorts of quaint little shops searching for -rare antiques and selecting beautiful furniture and draperies. When our -home is ready, we will have a nurse for the kiddies, and after a couple -of years, a governess, and when they grow up, Elinor can go to a select -finishing school for young ladies, and Howard can attend college -and—oh, I could go on forever and ever planning, but it seems absurd, -so many years ahead, and—” She stopped suddenly. “Why dear, you’re not -enthusing at all, and you don’t seem to be interested in anything I am -saying. Don’t my castles in the air meet with your approval?” - -Hugh shook his head sadly. “Well not exactly, dear—the first time since -we’ve been married, too, but our ideas are mighty far apart.” - -“Well then, what do your ideas happen to be?” Marjorie was a little -hurt. - -Hugh contemplated his wife for a moment, as though loath to say anything -that might dim the enthusiasm that glowed in her blue eyes. - -“My thoughts are a long way from New York,” he began, “probably you -wouldn’t be interested at all. But all my life I’ve had just one dream.” - -“Of course, I’m interested in what you want, Hugh dear,” quietly -answered Marjorie, but something in her tone belied the ardor of the -words. “Tell me.” - -“It’s just this.” For a moment Hugh stopped, and the vision he conjured -brought an eagerness to his words when he spoke. - -“I want to be a farmer—a gentleman farmer. I want to buy an estate or -small farm not far from New York but near this place where we have -always been so happy. I’ll hire men to do the rough part of the work, -but I want to keep myself busy and occupied overseeing things. I never -did like to be idle. You know that. Then we can have that nurse for the -children so that we can run up to New York occasionally for a few days -and have all the theaters and opera we want. Then when the youngsters -are old enough to attend school, I should like to send them to a public -school. Some of our greatest men and women have been educated in them, -you must recall. I don’t believe in finishing schools—never did—they’d -make Elinor a snob. As for colleges, unless a boy is absolutely sincere -in wanting to be a professional man, what good would they do him? Howard -would just get in with the idle rich, which in the end would surely -spell disaster for him morally and financially. You see, my dear, I want -my daughter to be a _real_ woman like her mother; and my son, all I ask -is that he be a man!” He stopped, musing. - -Had Hugh Benton not been so interested in his own dream, he would have -seen on the face of his wife more varying emotions than he had ever seen -since he had known her. They would have been new to him. Disappointment -she showed, disapproval, injury, then, swiftly following, a real -indignation in the narrowing to pin points of the pupils of her wide -eyes. But when she spoke, it was in a meek, cool voice. - -“And what about your wife?” - -Hugh laughed. “Why, everything for my wife,” he said. “You’ll be -chatelaine of it all.” He glanced up at her and stopped, fork suspended -in midair at the strange expression he saw. “Why, Marjorie, little -girl,” he queried, earnestly, “what’s wrong? What is it, dear?” - -Marjorie’s foot tapped impatiently on the bare floor of the -kitchen-dining room. She gave an almost imperceptible shrug. - -“Nothing,” she declared, without apparent interest. “Nothing at -all—except that after all these five years of privation and hard work, -now when you have prospects of actually becoming wealthy, you sit there -and calmly propose _to bury me on a farm_!” The scorn in the utterance -of the last words brought a look of surprise, quickly followed by pain -to the eyes of Hugh Benton. He spoke, slowly, contritely. - -“I suppose I’m selfish, like all men,” he said sadly, “but, someway, -because I’ve been so happy myself, I’ve never known before that the -years we’ve been married had been a burden to you.” - -Then the real Marjorie Benton came to the surface. She reached over to -grab his hand convulsively. - -“I’m the one to be forgiven, dear,” she begged contritely. “Oh, I never -meant that—indeed I didn’t—you know I’ve been happy. Oh, I didn’t -realize what I was saying!” She forced back the tears. - -“Of course, it hasn’t been hard—I’ve had you, haven’t I, and my babies, -but somehow, I can’t make you understand how I feel—I’m all unstrung. I -do want to try life in a different sphere among an entirely different -class of people. I can’t help having aspirations for my children, can I, -and I can’t see anything ahead of them if they are narrowed down to a -life like ours has been. And what could I do if we go to live on a farm? -Just routine—monotony—forever!” - -“You could do a great deal of good, dear,” Hugh answered gently. “Think -of all the poor and needy that you could aid. You could be a ministering -angel right here in our own little town, for you know as well as I do -how many there are who would be grateful to have a helping hand.” - -“So you think being a ‘ministering angel’ could fill my life?” - -“Combined with the love of your husband and children, it most assuredly -should. Why, dear, there isn’t anything in the world that can bring you -such happiness as helping someone in distress.” - -“Well, couldn’t I do that in New York?” Marjorie brightened a little. -“There’s lots of room for charity there—I could go in for settlement -work or something. Think how much larger a field I would have to -‘minister’ in!” - -So earnest was his gravity, that he passed his wife’s bit of levity -unheeded. - -“There you are!” he exclaimed. “The field’s too large—and there are -already too many in it—workers of all kinds,—sincere and insincere. I -guess you could find enough to do, if you want to, a lot nearer home.” - -With his usual manner of having settled a matter, Hugh Benton rose from -the little table and yawned broadly. He never even thought as he saw his -wife fingering a doily, nervously folding and unfolding it in creased -patterns, that this was a symptom of nervous tumult. - -“Oh, well, I guess we’re a couple of kids,” he told her with a laugh. -“Day dreaming,—fussing over make believes. We haven’t any -money—yet—Time enough to argue when the papers are signed. And if I -don’t get to bed pretty quick I won’t be in much shape to talk to those -people, either. Coming along?” - -Marjorie shook her head. - -“Not for a few minutes. I must put the cake away. Butter and eggs still -mean something, as you’ve reminded me. So run along.” - -Deeply in love with his wife as he was, Hugh Benton would not have -dropped off to sleep so quickly had he known how long his wife was to -sit where he had left her, brooding over their talk, telling herself of -his unfairness, wearing herself into a mood so entirely unlike herself. -There was indeed, something radically wrong with Marjorie Benton,—and -money was at the bottom of it. Already it had made her almost quarrel -with her husband. Now the prospect of it had roused in her a bitterness -and resentment of which she would not have believed herself capable a -few short weeks before. - -When at last she crept softly in beside her sleeping husband, it was -with the determination that she would not be put aside in the way Hugh -had put her—that she was going to have one great big say as to how that -not-yet-earned money was going to be spent. And none of her plans -included any farms or ministering angels. Restlessly she turned from -side to side, unable to sleep. She was filled with smoldering -indignation. Surely she was right about Hugh treating her unfairly. -Wasn’t it his duty to live where she would be happiest, if he could -afford it? Was it right for him to want to please himself only? And -besides—all that talk about the children. Surely she, their mother, -should know what was best for them. With her last troubled waking -thought a determination to let Hugh understand exactly how she stood in -the matter before he left for New York, she dropped into an uneasy -slumber. - -A dream came. She was walking through a narrow path in a beautiful -garden. On each side of her were rows of magnificent roses. She gathered -them as she walked along. Repeatedly a voice whispered to her to turn -back, but she ignored the warning, and went on her way blithely. As she -reached a bend in the path and was about to turn into it Hugh suddenly -appeared before her. He, too, implored her to relinquish her roses and -return from whence she came. She eyed him haughtily from head to foot, -and disdainfully brushing aside his detaining hand, went forward. Then -it was that the ground gave way under her, and she found herself -slipping downward—downward, with startling rapidity. The weight of the -roses in her arms became unbearable. It was impossible to free herself -from their overwhelming odor of sickening sweetness; she was submerged -beneath them. In desperation she commanded her last ounce of strength -and screamed aloud for Hugh to save her. - -She awoke to find him bending solicitously over her. - -“What is it, honey?” he asked gently. “That nightmare must have been -dreadful—you screamed so you awakened us all.” Marjorie sat up in bed -dazedly, rubbing her eyes. Through the open door she saw Elinor and -Howard peeking at her through the bars of their cribs. “Did I scream?” -she asked wonderingly. “How silly—I did have a dreadful dream, but,” -she sat up wide awake, “what time is it?” - -“Half past six.” - -“Already?” She yawned a bit, but strangely was not sleepy. Sudden memory -of her determination came to her. “Well, then, I’m going to get up and -dress the babies as long as I scared them out of their sleep. I’ll start -them with their breakfast, then I want to have a talk with you, Hugh.” - -Hugh groaned with mock seriousness. - -“Can’t a fellow even go to the big town to make a million dollars -without having to carry a lot of samples to match or have to bring home -an aluminum pan or something?” - -But there was no answering light of humor from his wife. How little Hugh -knew how serious had been their talk of the night before, she thought as -she deftly swung little Elinor around to fasten her tiny rompers. Well, -he would know before he left that she was not going to let him have his -own way without a word from her. - -As a usual thing Hugh’s not over-melodious whistling as he shaved and -dressed was a pleasure to her. She thought of him as a big boy, a -grown-up edition of her own small Howard, and it was with an indulgent -smile that she would listen to him as she hurried the children with -their breakfasts while his coffee was being prepared and the little -table set for their own breakfast. This morning, however, it had a -strangely disturbing effect. Somehow she wished he wouldn’t do it. He -sounded so—well, so overconfident. Of course, she was glad if he felt -confident of the success of his mission in New York, but he shouldn’t be -planning, as she knew he was, to spend their money as he had proposed -the night before. - -But Hugh was so full of his plans for selling his invention, so eager in -his hurried talk, that he never noticed her attitude, her unusual -silence as she opened his eggs, spilling them a little as her hand -trembled with the indignation that she had nursed through the night. He -hurried through the last mouthful, rose and started to put on his -overcoat. - -“Got to hurry a little in spite of our early start, honey,” he observed, -glancing at his watch. “Hurry up with your orders for the head of the -house.” - -Still Marjorie Benton was silent until she had followed her husband from -the kitchen out onto the little porch and closed the door behind her. - -“Hugh,” she began, and there was firmness and determination in her tone -and in the set of her daintily-molded young chin. “I’m sorry to have to -say this, but I can’t let you go off to New York until we come to a -decision about the matter of which we spoke last night.” - -“What matter?” For the minute, his mind far away on what he intended to -do, the master of the house of Benton had forgotten the talk which had -come to mean so much to his wife. Then a light dawned on him, and he -grinned. “Oh, yes, I remember,” and his light laugh only further annoyed -Marjorie, “we spent several million dollars in several different ways, -didn’t we?” - -“It’s no laughing matter, Hugh.” At last Hugh turned his wondering gaze -on his wife’s set face to see that she was really in earnest. “Why, -honey——” - -“Oh, it’s all right to put me off with sweet words,” Marjorie burst out -with a sudden impatience, “but we must have an understanding before you -go. It’s just as well for you to know I won’t be shut up in anybody’s -farm house.” - -The man glanced again at his watch, and all the smile had died from his -eyes as he spoke quietly. - -“Don’t you think it just a little unfair to bring up unpleasant things -to-day, of all days—when I ought not to think of anything but business. -Trivial annoyances of this kind are anything but pleasant at any time, -but——” - -“Trivial possibly to you,” Marjorie retorted, and her face flushed -darkly as she bit her lips to keep back the tears that were imminent, -“but it’s a serious matter to me, and I want you to know exactly how I -feel. I think it is but right that you should, before even another step -is taken. It is just this. Not only do I positively refuse to live on a -farm, but I will not have my children given a public-school education if -I can afford to give them any other!” - -“Said it all?” Hugh bit off his words, and there was a graveness and -injury in his manner that was new to Marjorie, and which she did not -fail to catch. “If you have, I think I’d better be getting along, or we -may not have any money to quarrel over!” - -Chameleon that she was, Marjorie Benton was changed in a minute. One -soft arm reached up to cling around her husband’s neck, while she pulled -him toward her by one overcoat lapel. - -“Oh, Hugh dear, we weren’t quarreling, were we? Please say we weren’t! -Why, we’ve never had a quarrel in our lives, and—oh, I just wanted you -to know how I feel, and try to think as I do. You will, won’t you?” - -Hugh Benton bent and kissed both eyes that looked at him so -beseechingly. - -“I’ll try, dear,” was his grave promise. “You know that your happiness -is all that concerns me, just as you know it is for you that I want to -put this thing across at all.” - -Marjorie Benton sighed with happiness as she bade her husband good-by. -What a good place the world was after all! - - * * * * * - -Busy as she was through the day, Mrs. Hugh Benton often thought -afterward that it was the longest day of her life. It seemed that night -and the train that would bring Hugh back—back to her with the good news -that she was sure he would bring—would never come. - -In the afternoon there was one slight diversion. Mrs. Birmingham’s big -car stopped outside her gate, and the great lady herself came into -Marjorie’s humble little home bearing the books she had promised the day -before. But for once in her life, Marjorie was not in the least -interested in the chatter of the banker’s wife. She did not even take -the trouble to offer any prideful reason for Hugh’s absence in New York. -She only wanted to be alone to think what he was doing, and to plan what -they would all do with the wealth he would lavish on them. - -Four o’clock, five—six at last. Time for Howard’s and Elinor’s supper. -At last they were in bed. The last question was answered, little -Elinor’s eyes shutting tightly in spite of herself as she crooned the -last lines of her “Wock-a baby” she had had in mother’s lap. - -Alone, Marjorie was distinctly restless. She even began to be sorry she -had not sent for Mrs. Clancy, and once even started for the telephone to -send for the garrulous old lady. It was such a long time between -six-thirty and mid-night. But no, she would find something to do. It was -not with a great deal of success that she tried to busy herself, -however. She straightened out the sideboard drawers. Another half hour -gone. There was a lot of mending piled in her sewing basket, but somehow -she did not feel like that now. She contented herself with rearranging -its contents. Scattered about were a lot of magazines she and Hugh had -finished reading. Now was a good time to tie them up to be sent to the -infirmary. She straightened up from this task to glance at the clock -which had never ticked so slowly before. Why, it was only a little after -seven now! Her eyes wandered to the table where she had placed the gayly -bound books Mrs. Birmingham had brought. She idly turned the pages of -one. It did not look uninteresting. Once more her hand reached out for a -moment through habit for the mending basket. Then she laughed as she -withdrew it. What was the use? They wouldn’t have to be wearing mended -things much longer, any of them. She might as well read until Hugh’s -train reached Atwood. - -“I’ll find out just how Mrs. Birmingham’s sister’s taste in literature -runs,” she mused, “though I doubt if Mrs. B. will ever profit very much -this time by having her books read for her.” - -Another shovelful of coal for the fire, and with the big wicker chair -drawn up in front of it, Marjorie Benton gave herself a little shake to -settle down comfortably as she opened her book and slipped her fingers -between its pages to find if there were any uncut leaves. For the first -time that day, she forgot the passage of time. Page after page she -turned as the clock ticked on, striking its hours and half hours -unheeded. It was a fascinating story, at that. - -The soft closing of the kitchen door caused her to look up with a start. -She jumped to her feet as though she could not believe her eyes. There -was Hugh standing before her, a wide bland smile on his handsome face as -he drew off a brand new glove. - -“Hugh, dear!” she exclaimed, “how you startled me! I didn’t hear you -come up the walk—why, I didn’t even hear the train! Did you get an -earlier one? What time is it?” - -“Ten after twelve, honey,” he answered. “You must have been reading -something mighty good, and here I came in so quietly. Thought you’d be -asleep!” - -“Asleep! Oh, how could you! Don’t you know I’m just perishing to know -what happened! Tell me—quick, quick!” - -Hugh Benton’s ready grin broadened. He was teasingly slow in answering -as his hand went into his pocket and he drew out a wallet, and with -maddening slowness drew from it a certified check. - -“Just a scrap of paper,” he commented off-handedly, “but this will tell -you what you want to know, and then I’ll tell you the rest.” - -Marjorie’s eyes widened with amazement at the startling figures on the -face of the small piece of paper he dangled before her. She was too -choked with emotion for a moment to speak. Her husband’s arms closed -gently around her and he drew her to him. - -“We did it, dear—you and I,” he whispered. “And it’s all for you. This -is only a starter, too, for if you think this is big, you ought to see -the contracts I’ve made for royalties.” - -“Hugh! Hugh!” Marjorie’s voice was a sob as she kissed him again and -again. “Oh, I’m too happy to tell you! Oh, please don’t wake me out of -this wonderful dream!” - -“Well, I, for one,” Hugh laughed as he slipped the check between his -fingers, “am too used to handling these things belonging to other people -to think this is a dream. There is only one thing I’m thinking of, and -that is your happiness.” Marjorie drew back from him a step and looked -levelly into his eyes. - -“Are you quite, quite sure, Hugh dear?” she begged earnestly. - -“Quite.” In that one word Hugh Benton put a world of meaning. “I’ve had -plenty of time to think, too—and I’ve decided. You shall do with this -money just exactly as you please. Whatever your plans are, they must be -for the best, so I have given up all thoughts of the farm. And now -that’s settled,” he said, in the old way, giving himself a little shake -of renunciation. - -“Oh, Hugh, you _are_ a darling! And you’ll never regret it—never regret -letting me have my way in this one big thing. I promise you!” - -For a moment the big man’s eyes were solemn. Into them came just a hint -of that far-away look of wonder. But his voice was tender, if a bit -grave as he spoke: - -“Let’s hope not, sweetheart—let’s hope not!” - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - -Christmas Eve in the new home! - -A Christmas tree that glittered and dazzled with its festoons of -twinkling little bulbs of sapphire and gold, ruby, and orange, and -violet, and pale lemon from its wide-spreading base in the center of the -Bentons’ upstairs living room of their fourteen-room house on that most -wonderful of driveways, Riverside, in New York—to the top-most branch -that swept the high creamy ceiling jostling the fine bisque cherub that -adorned that branch— And a house warming. - -As Marjorie Benton with a long-drawn sigh of contentment looked for the -hundredth time about this one new big room with its sweeping spaces, its -gay cretonnes and deep, cushion-piled wicker chairs and out through the -row of French windows across the dusky blue of the Hudson to the -Palisades with their twinkling starlights, she felt that life at last -was worth living. All this—all—and her arms moved in a comprehensive -gesture impelled by her thoughts—was hers! Her home! What more fitting -than that they should have their house warming on Christmas Eve. -Marjorie’s tired nerves and body that ached a bit, too, in sympathy, -reminded her that she had not been able to have all this ready for -Christmas Eve without effort. But how glad she was that she had done it! -Glad! - -True, Hugh was glooming a little—sentimental glooming for a time he -should be glad to have put behind him, but he would get over that she -was sure. He would come to see that her judgment was best, and that this -was the way to live. Once more she sighed with utter contentment as she -rearranged a heavy strand of silver tinsel that dangled inartistically. -It was all ready for the children now and she could take time to -breathe. In a deep chair in front of the sputtering open fire on its -quaintly tiled hearth she dropped down for a moment’s rest and -retrospection. - -How busy and interesting had been the few short months that had passed -since the night Hugh had come home to her in Atwood with his wonderful -news! - -They had been most fortunate in securing the services of a capable and -competent nurse for the children, so they could catch the early train to -New York every day on their house-hunting expeditions. Their reward had -been this beautiful little house on the Drive, with its view of the -Hudson. To Marjorie it seemed a mansion with its fourteen rooms, its -servants’ quarters in the attic, their garage with space for three cars, -and oh, so many more things she had not at first thought of herself. - -Then had begun the real work and pleasure of furnishing it. What a -never-changing miracle it was to Marjorie to be able to select -whatsoever she wished without having to hesitate and consider the price -and durability of each article as she had always been obliged to do. - -Every detail had been completed a few days before Christmas, when they -bade farewell to their friends and the little village with its memories -of five happy years, and moved into the new home. - -Stretched lazily on Marjorie’s wicker _chaise longue_, smoking his -after-dinner cigar, careless of his tumbling of his wife’s carefully -selected new pillows, Hugh Benton let his gaze rove over the vivid -scene. It paused as his eyes reached his wife sitting before the cheery -fire, her slight smile telling of what she saw in the blazing logs. -Because they were so close, so much to each other, Marjorie Benton felt -this and as she turned in Hugh’s direction, her smile broadened as her -features lighted up with expressed happiness. In a moment she was by his -side, kneeling on a cushion in the old familiar child manner her husband -knew and loved, and her fingers were running caressingly through his -shock of dark hair. - -“What do you think of it all, dear?” she asked exultingly. “Isn’t the -tree wonderful? I think those decorators were marvelous, but I guess I’m -not quite used to money yet, for I almost dread to think of the bill -they’ll present.” - -Slowly Hugh sat up, and reached for her hand. He patted it gently as he -spoke. - -“It has all been wonderful, dear,” he answered, “and you mustn’t forget -you’re to forget the bills—but honey-girl,” and there was a little -droop to the corners of his mouth and unmistakable yearning in his -earnest eyes as he voiced his plaint, “somehow I can’t help missing the -little old Christmas Eves we always had at Atwood. Remember how you and -I would sit up nights ahead stringing popcorn, gilding walnuts, -tinseling cotton to represent snow, and doing everything we could to -have a pretty, effective tree for the kiddies, without hardly investing -anything?” - -Marjorie laughed as she gave his hand a playful squeeze. To her it was -incomprehensible, with all this grandeur before him, that Hugh should -regret the Atwood days. - -“How funny, those other little trees were compared with this one, -weren’t they?” she wanted to know. - -But there was no gleam of answering mirth from Hugh. - -“Umm, funny, maybe,” he agreed with an air of reservation. But there was -a fuller meaning than Marjorie caught, as he added: “You’re right—one -couldn’t possibly compare those other trees with this. Still,” and he -was so plaintively appealing that his wife’s clear laughter rang out -more bubblingly than ever, “still, we got a lot of happiness out of -those funny little trees, didn’t we, dear?” - -Marjorie was not going to commit herself too far. - -“Yes—I suppose we did,” was her reluctant admission. - -“And say, do you remember,” Hugh rambled on, his eyes aglow with -animation, “the night we cut out the movies to buy two whole ornaments -the next day—I’ll tell you——” - -Marjorie stopped him a little impatiently. She playfully placed her hand -over his mouth. - -“Now, Hugh darling, don’t lecture—there’s a good boy! I’m not going to -let you on Christmas Eve. You’re just not used to things yet. When you -are, you’ll just be bound to admit you have the wisest little wife in -the world—” She stopped his protest with a quick caress as she got to -her feet, and went over to the tree to place a life-like big doll and a -“really, truly” railroad train in more conspicuous positions. - -“It is beautiful, though, isn’t it, dear?” she repeated, and without -waiting for his reply, hurried on: “There are two people I know who’ll -think so if you don’t. Just wait till you see their eyes in the -morning!” - -She stifled an unwelcome yawn with the pat of fingers. - -“More tired than I thought, dear,” she admitted. “I really must get some -sleep. There’s so much to enjoy to-morrow. Coming along, or are you -going to smoke for awhile?” - -“Believe I’ll finish my cigar. Don’t stay awake waiting for me -now—good-night, dearest, pleasant dreams, and a world of happy -Christmases before you,” and he kissed her as he opened the door for -her, in the old-world manner he never neglected. - -Alone, Hugh Benton extinguished all the lights in the room, even those -on the tree, and seated himself in the rocker before the fire. For a -long time he sat smoking his cigar, gazing into the dying embers. His -thoughts were of many things—of his years of unalloyed happiness—of -his great love for his wife and babies, and then of this newly-acquired -fortune. Marjorie’s theory of living he at last concluded appeared to be -more sensible than his own, after all, and when he finally arose, it was -with the full determination to use every power within his grasp to meet -all the requirements due this new position of his. He would mold his -life anew; become a man of affairs. With all that was in him he would -strive diligently to reach the pinnacle of success that his ambitious -wife had planned for him. - - * * * * * - -Boredom has long been the common complaint of the idle rich. Many things -are excused because of it; many useless and reckless occupations -condoned for and by that favored class on the ground that the time -passes so slowly that they must have something to do. Whether or no this -is exactly the case, however, is a moot question. To come right down to -it, time generally passes a great deal more quickly for those who have -more store of worldly goods than they would wish. To the woman of -fashion and wealth months and days seem actually to have flown by from -the time she made her more or less blushing début until she suddenly -wakes one day to realize that there is gray in her hair, and that it -will take arduous hours at the beauty parlors to smooth over the ravages -of time in a once-unwrinkled countenance. Men, too—more often than not -the man of unlimited means comes to know that middle life is upon him -and that he has not accomplished any of the great things that he had -once planned, always having known that with wealth to back him he could -accomplish them. It is all the fault of time. It flies rapidly—too -rapidly for those who have the means for gratifying every wish and whim. - -The Bentons were no exception to the rule. Time flew by on such light -wings for them that it was hard to realize that so much had been -accomplished, so much changed in the three years that might have been so -many months since they had left Atwood for New York. Of them all, -though, the children had most readily accustomed themselves to the -change and long since had become seasoned little New Yorkers with little -noses turned up at less lucky youngsters who had no nice warm closed car -to command whenever they wished a ride. - -Hugh, too, at the end of the three years (though his change had been -more gradual), might always have lived on Riverside Drive and known club -life since his salad days. Unlike his wife, who in the first flush of -her good fortune had elected play as her life work, Hugh had turned his -attention to work. Ambitious as he was, and before his first success -with his invention with no outlet for it, he had not let grass grow -under his feet since he had changed his cottage in Atwood for a house on -Riverside Drive. Personal attention to the details of the manufacture of -his invention had brought him in contact with business men of wealth and -solidity and deep down Hugh Benton was not the sort of man to neglect -what opportunity threw in his way. From manufacturing to Wall Street had -been but a step. Had Hugh Benton’s lucky fairy been with him day by day -to wave her magic wand, he could not have had more fortune in his -ventures. His was not the story of the ordinary novice. It was the -thousandth one that daily draws more and more grist to the mills of the -“big men” who rule so autocratically in that small street called -Wall;—the story that draws adventurers with all the fascination that -fishermen who daily cast their lines off the bathing beaches know -because of tales of a solitary tide runner that some time has been known -to become unwary. - -So it was, that at the end of three years, Hugh Benton was a rich man. -He was becoming richer. He might have been a blood relation of Midas, -said those who had come eagerly to watch for a tip that might fall from -his lips unguardedly, for in so short a time his had become the -platitudinous but nonetheless expressive sobriquet of “Lucky Benton.” - -With success, came all that it usually implies. His, too, had become the -pleasures of the rich. Almost without knowing it, so subtle had come the -transformation, home no longer held the joys it once did for the former -bank employee. Roadsters of high speed, cards at any of the many clubs -where he had been eagerly welcomed, fishing and hunting expeditions from -the base of a hundred-thousand-dollar “shack” in the Adirondacks had -taken the place of more homely pleasures. It had all come about so -easily too. Looking back in one of his few retrospective moods Hugh -Benton smiled as he recalled the thought he would never accustom himself -to New York. He smiled a bit disdainfully at his own small viewpoint -when he remembered how once he had believed he would be content as a -gentleman farmer. - -Only Marjorie Benton was dissatisfied, though she was queerly conscious -that she ought not to be—that she had everything that she had once so -sincerely believed necessary to her happiness. The artificiality of all -about her had come to her with a shock, an eye opening all the more -distressing because of its suddenness. Marjorie Benton had found out she -did not know how to play. More, she had discovered she did not want to. -At least she did not want to play as did those with whom she came in -contact and who had, from the horizon of Atwood, seemed all that was -most desirable in the world. For instance, one of her most eager plans -when she once put herself to sleep planning was to play bridge and spend -wonderful afternoons in the company of cultured and delightful women -such as those of whom she had read and whom she hoped to emulate. One of -her first steps had been to get an instructress, so that she would be -prepared to enter “society.” - -It had not been hard for the Bentons to enter the charmed circle. It had -been surprisingly easy, in fact, for Hugh’s financial success opened -many doors that might otherwise have been barred, and present-day -“society” may well be trusted not to overlook the tales the journals -have to tell of sudden wealth (and Hugh had proven good copy) however -much they may profess to scorn it. - -So she had met a great many people, as the wives of Hugh’s friends had -called and invited her to one affair after the other. At first she had -been fairly beside herself with joy. But it was of short duration. Try -as she would, she simply could not “take” to any of these new friends. -They were all so frivolous and petty. Life held nothing for them -obviously but bridge, dress, theater and gossip. - -Then had come the day of her own first bridge party and her first real -shock and mute protest. Somehow the thought of playing for money had -never entered her mind. She had imagined that they played for a prize, -the same as they had done at home at their little whist socials; or -perhaps society matrons simply played for amusement. - -“You must be particularly nice to Mrs. Gregory,” Hugh told her when she -was starting off for the bridge party at the exclusive Mrs. Arnold’s -Fifth Avenue home. “She’s one of ‘the’ Gregorys, you know, and it will -mean a great deal socially to have her good will.” - -Marjorie promised. This would not be hard, for was it not her way to be -particularly nice to all her own and her husband’s friends and -acquaintances? It was Mrs. Gregory who gave Mrs. Hugh Benton her -surprise and shock, however. At the table where she sat with three other -players, including Hugh’s Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Allen cut the cards -languidly and remarked: - -“Well, what shall it be? May I suggest a quarter of a cent?” - -Mrs. Gregory suppressed a polite yawn. - -“Oh, my dear!” was her reproof. “How can you suggest wasting our time -so! You know I never play for anything less than two cents—it’s boring -enough even then.” - -So Marjorie Benton played for money. She had not in the least intended -to, but she was too embarrassed to utter a protest. She played, and with -a mind perturbed, of course, played badly. At the end of the afternoon -she had lost sixty dollars. Her cheeks burned as she made out her check -and laid it on the table. - -All the way home as she sat comfortably in her limousine she thought of -it. It wasn’t the money—sixty dollars meant nothing to Marjorie -Benton—she would have felt precisely the same had she won. It was the -principle of the thing that worried her—she felt utterly debased to -think that she had spent an afternoon _gambling_. She couldn’t imagine -just why it should affect her that way, unless it was her puritanical -upbringing that arose to the surface, despite all her efforts to force -it back. - -When she told Hugh about it, he laughed, and called her a “little -old-fashioned country girl.” - -“Have you forgotten about ‘living in Rome,’ honey?” he said lightly. -“Don’t let it upset you. You’ll get used to it!” - -But Marjorie knew better. There was only one thing to do. So never again -did she play bridge. Bridge bored her, she insisted, and she didn’t -enjoy it. - -With everything else it was the same. She couldn’t accustom herself to -seeing the women drink cocktails at a luncheon, and the first time they -passed their cigarette cases she almost gasped. But the thing that -disgusted her above all else was the deceit that she discovered all -about her. - -Her eyes were opened to this. One afternoon she called on Mrs. James, -society matron, and the wife of one of Hugh’s friends. When she entered -the room, three women she had met previously were seated at the -tea-table. Their conversation ceased as abruptly as if a curtain had -been rung down in the middle of an act. She paid little attention to the -matter at the time, as they were all so charming in their manner toward -her, and greeted her so effusively. - -For a while they discussed inconsequential topics, and then their -conversation drifted to another woman, a member of their own set. At -first there wasn’t anything really offensive in their remarks. It merely -brought to the surface a feline quality unsuspected. But the -conversation changed suddenly. To Marjorie it seemed these women surely -couldn’t realize what they were saying. Like a pack of hungry wolves, -they tore the woman they discussed into shreds. - -Dumfounded, Marjorie sat and listened. She couldn’t believe it possible -that four women could say such scandalous things of another they called -friend. She was sure their assertions were untrue, as they insinuated -things impossible for anyone to know. They surmised merely, and it was -upon such scant evidence that they set about to wreck a woman’s -reputation. She felt that she could tolerate it no longer, and was about -to protest, when the woman who had been under the hammer entered the -room. - -To Marjorie’s consternation and amazement the four eager talkers -welcomed the newcomer with open arms. Their terms of affectionate -endearment seemed revolting, but it was when one effusively gushed: -“Your ears must be burning, dear, we were just discussing you and -remarking how unkind you were to deprive us of your charming society for -so long a time,” that Marjorie felt that she had reached the limit of -her endurance, and pleading an important engagement, hurried away. - -Before she reached home, she remembered how strangely they had all acted -when she entered the room. Like a clear light it dawned on her that they -must have been discussing her just as they had this other woman. - -Instances of this sort taught her shallowness and insincerity of the -people with whom she had chosen to mingle, so she managed to see less -and less of them all. Instead, she tried to interest herself in charity, -and again she failed. Whenever she decided to do a kindness, a reporter -would rush in, demand her picture for the front page of the society -section, and make a sensation out of nothing at all. - -Many women would have craved that very thing, and derived great pleasure -from it. But not Marjorie Benton. With true gentility she shrank from -publicity. If she wanted to help those in distress, she wanted to do it -alone, in her own way, without having the whole world know of it. - -She spent as much time as she could with the children while they were -small, but as they grew older and tutors and governesses took the place -of nurses, she found herself more and more lonely. - -Once when Hugh asked her if she were happy, for a moment the inclination -was strong to open up her heart and tell him exactly how she felt—but -the thought of the children forced her to conquer it. For their sakes -she would utter no word of complaint; her own feelings must be -sacrificed for them and for her plans for their education and futures. - -At the expiration of the five years’ lease on their home, Hugh purchased -a magnificent home, within easy motoring distance of New York. A small -army of servants were engaged to take charge of it. - -Then for a time, Marjorie Benton was again happy. Always she had wanted -just such gardens as Hugh’s increased fortune made possible on their new -estate. Exquisite rare flowers diffused their perfume; shaded walks -wound serpentinely through long vistas of greensward and shrubbery; -miniature lakes, crystal clear with water lilies on their shining -bosoms; fountains that spouted and sparkled in the sun that seemed never -to shine so fair as on this wonder garden. At last she had one place of -dreams-come-true. Only the fine stone benches that Hugh had imported -were not part of the picture to her. They were so cold and hard—so -reminiscent of the people for whom they were made. So, old-fashioned as -she had come to admit herself to be, Marjorie Benton had her little -rocker placed out in her garden and it was here that her happiest hours -were spent, among her cherished flowers, wandering about, or sitting -idly, reading or sewing. It disturbed her not one whit that Hugh found -cause for mirth in her sewing. - -“You can have a dozen women to do that for you, my dear,” he reminded -her. “I thought you wanted to get away from all that sort of thing.” - -But Marjorie only smiled her slow smile and made no attempt to make Hugh -understand that she wanted to do something—that she must feel that her -time was not all being wasted. - -It was at this period that Hugh Benton branched out as a host. His -dinners were becoming famous; his week-end invitations favors to be -eagerly bid for. The big new house became the scene of many a social -event, and the Bentons’ hospitality a thing to conjure with. When her -husband’s friends were invited for the week-end, a dinner party, or any -other sort of entertainment, Mrs. Benton was a charming and considerate -hostess. Somehow, though, she was always in the background—she was with -them, but never of them. She had given up even trying to enter into the -spirit of their pleasures and amusements. - -Her clothes, always of the finest materials and expensive, lacked style. -Her evening gowns all had lace or net yokes, with sleeves reaching to -the elbow. She wouldn’t wear a decollete gown, and to her innermost self -she was forced to acknowledge that she could not overcome her -old-fashioned notions of propriety. - -Marjorie couldn’t realize that Hugh, now the ultra-modern host, was the -same man who once had protested with bitterness against their present -manner of life. While Marjorie stood still, his steps dashed madly -ahead. He fairly reveled in it all. As a prince of good fellows he was -hailed among his friends. Money he lavished at home and abroad; every -whim of the children was indulged with a recklessness that was ruinous. - -He couldn’t comprehend Marjorie’s attitude. Surely this was what she had -insisted she wanted. What was the matter with women, anyway? He pleaded -with her to take her place in society and mingle more among people, but -uselessly; he became angry and impatient, and called her attention to -the fact that it was she who had planned their new life and not he, and -at last had come the settling down, the acceptance of things as they -were, Marjorie going on in her strait-laced conventional way, not as -unhappy as she might have been had there not come that subtle rift -between her and her husband which in five years had reached undreamed-of -width; Hugh resigned and indifferent, always kind and courteous, but -seeking his own pleasure, and living his life in his own way. - -To Marjorie Benton had come one final pang when Hugh had decided it -would be more agreeable and comfortable all around if he had his own -suite of rooms. She had dropped a few tears of regret as she arranged -those rooms for him, and in the general upheaval she had come upon his -old ebony military brushes that had so long reposed on their joint -bureau in their bedroom in the Atwood cottage. Marjorie remembered how -she had got them for his birthday, and hers was a twisted little smile -as she laid the little brushes down to compare them with Hugh’s new ones -of ivory. How insignificant they looked! And how dear! She turned and -her wide eyes roved through the big room in search of familiar objects. -Yes, there was his smelly old pipe, the slippers she had embroidered -herself, a little shabby now from much wear and with their gay flowers -faded, but— And the little beaten metal humidor. It was with a start -that she looked up to find Hugh in the room, giving instructions to his -impeccable English valet. He saw the little pile on a big wicker table. -His hand shot out to sweep them all from their resting places and -Marjorie Benton heard the little metal clang of protest as they piled -into a waste paper basket. - -“Here, take all this old junk out and burn it,” he coolly advised. -“Enough stuff around here without all this old junk——” - -His wife’s smile was wan. “Old junk—” How far Hugh had gone from the -dear sentimental old days! It seemed like so much of the days of Atwood -were in the same category. Was everything to go the same way—everything -of that old time, only five years as men counted time, but still so -infinitely of a long, long ago to go the same way, become “old junk.” It -was with a little gesture of benediction that Marjorie laid the little -ebony brushes in the basket with the rest. - -Hugh turned to her a little querulously. - -“My dear,” he observed, “don’t you think it would be just as well to let -the servants attend to this? They probably think it strange that you so -often show such inclination to do their work.” - -And meekly the woman left what was to her a labor of love. She would -have liked Hugh to remember when he was in his suite that it was her -care that made him so comfortable. She could have thought of him in his -deep arm-chair before his blazing logs glancing at the wide mantel where -she had placed photographs of herself and the children; of his smile -when he saw how carefully she had arranged his smoking materials as he -had once liked her to arrange them. But Hugh preferred differently. He -preferred the cold, stolid, mechanical efficiency of his expressionless -English serving man. Long Marjorie Benton sat before her own little fire -in her gold and ivory boudoir and thought it all out. What had happened -to them in these five years? - -After Hugh’s removal to his own quarters there came times that his wife -often did not see him for two or three days at a time. Late returning -from his club, he said he did not care to disturb her; mornings he would -leave too early or else so late that he would not take the time to see -her. And so, these two who had once been soulmates, were slowly drifting -apart. - -Marjorie had not even the consolation of her children now partly to -assuage the loneliness that she had come to admit was the one thing in -her life amid all the gaud that was real. But there was some consolation -in their very absence. She was accomplishing for them all that she had -long ago planned. - -Elinor was attending a select school for young ladies, and Howard had -been sent to prepare for college. She counted the days until Elinor -should grow up and once more be at home. Then she would have a real -companion. What wonderful times she and her daughter would have -together. Of course, Elinor had been willful and stubborn as a little -girl, but she was confident that she would leave all that behind her -when she finished school. - -And then some day Howard would return from college, ready to take his -place in the world, and perhaps after that he would bring a dear, sweet -girl to her, and she would have another daughter to love. - -Dreaming of days to come, putting from her mind all she could the days -that were gone, Marjorie Benton sat gazing into her fire until the clang -of the dressing chimes reminded her that she must dress. That was -something Hugh always insisted on. And she got languidly to her feet -with a sense of being far from happy over the prospective dinner as she -recalled the two effusive, pompous business friends Hugh was having to -dinner. - -She smiled as she saw her children’s pictures looking up at her with -answering smiles from their gold frames in their places on her -gold-strewn dressing table, the toilet things Hugh had given her the -past Christmas with far less interest than he had her celluloid set long -ago, the little set she kept tucked away in a bureau drawer so that she -might use them when she chose. - -How sweet Elinor was! - -How manly Howard! - -She smiled in her old mother way as she lifted each picture and kissed -it in turn. And some day— It could not be long now—time flew so—— - -“Things are not so bad after all, dear ones,” she whispered as she set -them down. “They could not be with any woman who has such lovely -children as mine—so much happiness to look forward to.” - - * * * * * - -And so were bridged the years between. - - - - - CHAPTER V - - -The Benton mansion fairly blazed with lights. Everywhere there was -suppressed excitement. Even from under the dignity of speckless uniforms -and brightly shining buttons, there was evidence that something unusual -was in the air. Hurrying back and forth servants inspected minor -details. Liveried attendants stationed at the door beside his majesty, -the butler, were in readiness to announce the army of guests expected to -celebrate the début of the young daughter of the house—Miss Elinor -Benton. - -Sixteen years had passed since Marjorie and Hugh had come to New York to -live—years that had brought vaster changes to them both than either -would have believed possible. - -Awaiting the arrival of his guests, Hugh, proud father and man of the -world, stood in the center of his elaborately-decorated ballroom and -gazed about with satisfaction. The years had dealt more than kindly with -Hugh Benton. His appearance told nothing of his forty-four years. There -was no trace of gray in his thick dark hair. His love of athletics, and -the splendid ministrations of his valet had kept his figure in excellent -condition. Now his handsome face wore an expression of -self-satisfaction. He might have been taken for his own son’s brother as -he stood there waiting. - -He did not at first see the movement of the trailing vines and flowers -that formed curtains to one of the room’s great entrances. Nor, until -she spoke and came whirling into the room to drop a deep curtsey before -him did he see the girl who had parted those curtains—a girl of such -flower-like beauty that she might have been sister to one of the -blossoms through which she made her way. She looked at him with eyes -that sparkled above delicately flushed cheeks. And Hugh Benton gazed on -his débutante daughter with a joy that was greater by far than he had -ever contemplated any of his wealth of possessions. - -“Well, dad!” Elinor Benton exclaimed breathlessly. “How do I look for my -first formal introduction into society?” - -For a moment the father did not speak as he looked at her. He was trying -to realize that this gloriously beautiful girl of eighteen, bubbling -over with the exuberance and enthusiasm of youth was his daughter. Her -hair was the same that Marjorie’s had been when he had married her. It -was a mass of spun gold with the sun glittering upon it. Features, -complexion, figure—all were flawless, and Hugh’s eyes beamed with pride -as he answered tenderly, truly; “You’re as beautiful as an angel, dear.” - -“Oh, how dear of you to think so, dad!” was her answer, then her manner -changed to an impishness as she added: “It’s certainly fine to have such -a verdict to fall back on first, because there’s going to be a cataclysm -hereabouts in a few minutes about my angelic appearance. Mother’s going -to have a spasm or two when she sees my dress.” Her eyes were full of -mischief as she placed her hand on her father’s arm wheedlingly. “But -you’ll stand by me, won’t you—there’s a good dad?” - -Hugh was surprised. - -“Why, what’s wrong, little one?” he asked. “Looks to me like a very -wonderful little gown,” and his eyes, trained to admire feminine -adornment, took in with admiration the details of his daughter’s dainty -creation of cream lace with its garlands of pink rosebuds. - -“Oh, there’s nothing the matter with the dress, but _look_ at my neck -and arms,” Elinor hastened to explain as she held out the discussed -members for inspection. “Don’t you see they’re actually _bare_. Oh, what -a crime!” She shook her finger admonishingly at her roundly-molded young -arm. Then her mocking turned to more of seriousness as she went on: “I -can tell you things, dad, and you’ll understand, so you might just as -well be told before the explosion how naughty-naughty your little girl -is. The facts are these: When we went to Madame Felice’s for my last -fitting, the dress was just as you see it now, but mother wouldn’t have -it at all. She said it was positively indecent for a girl of eighteen to -expose her neck and arms, and she ordered Madame to fill in the neck -with lace and add sleeves to reach the elbows. Madame declared that it -would ruin the entire charm of the gown, but mother was as firm as a -rock and she couldn’t sway her an inch. Well, when we reached home, I -decided to take the matter into my own hands, so I called up Felice and -told her mother had changed her mind and she was to leave the gown as it -was—well—and here it is!” - -Hugh’s half humorous expression was still entirely admiring as he looked -over the troublesome garment. He laughed as his shoulders shrugged in -dismissal of something not understood. “Well, child,” he added, as he -took her hand and patted it, “as far as I’m concerned, I am still of the -same opinion—both you and you gown are beautiful. Your neck and arms -are perfect, and I don’t see why you should have to hide them—I do -wish,” and there was a hint of impatience in his voice, “that your -mother would get over some of her old-fashioned ideas.” - -“Not any more than I do, dad. Why for years mother has been writing me -that after I graduated she and I would be real chums, and now that I am -home we do nothing but argue all day long. I can’t tell you how many -times I’ve been on the verge of quarreling with her. We haven’t a single -taste in common, and we positively clash on every subject. Why, I’ve -found out mother is simply years behind the times and I—well, you know, -dad, that none of the girls I’ve been to school with are that, to say -the least. I don’t think mother has any conception of modern girls—and -I can’t help it if I’m one, can I?” - -Hugh shook his head. “You suit me, dear,” he answered consolingly. “I -wouldn’t be a bit surprised, either, if there isn’t a good deal in your -argument. But I expect you’ll have to do what I have for a long time, -and make the best of it. Your mother is too set in her opinions to -attempt to change her now—so you’ll have to be content with me and your -girl friends for chums.” - -Neither of them saw Marjorie Benton as she came slowly down the wide -flower-banked stairway and drooped across the hall to the door leading -to her ballroom. With one hand holding aside the blossom curtain, she -stopped and gazed wide-eyed at what she saw, as though she could hardly -believe what the glittering chandelier lights revealed. It was a picture -that some might have called appealing and beautiful—that fairy-like -girl of eighteen with her neck and arms of marble whiteness and -smoothness nestling in her handsome father’s arms. To Marjorie Benton, -however, the beauty of the picture was lost. It was something else she -saw that brought a stern light into eyes faded by years of unrequited -yearning, and hardened the features with which time had not dealt so -lightly as it had with her husband. As she stood there for the moment -unseen, ready for her daughter’s debut, Marjorie Benton could not by any -stretch of the imagination have been placed in the picture class -herself. Sixteen years of loneliness and weary waiting had wrought havoc -with her delicate beauty, and where now, at forty, she should have been -at the full blush of womanly beauty, she might have been a woman of -sixty-five. Golden her hair was still—but it had lost its sheen and -taken on instead the dull luster of carelessly-kept gold and silver. -There was as much silver as gold at forty, too. The corners of her mouth -drooped pathetically—all the starlight had long since departed from her -eyes that bore an expression merely of weariness. Now, too, her gown of -amethyst velvet with lace of the same shade, cut in severely plain -lines, would have been most appropriate for a woman of sixty-five. - -Hugh and Elinor turned with a start, the girl to take on an expression -of defiance as the mother’s voice came low, tense, compelling, from the -doorway: “Elinor! Your dress!” - -“Well,” was the pert retort. “Don’t you like it? Dad does. Don’t you, -dad?” - -But Marjorie was not to be placated. - -“I suppose I’m not to believe this is your fault, my daughter,” added -the mother as though unaware of the interruption. “I take it that Madame -Felice has ignored my orders. To-morrow I shall ’phone her and withdraw -my patronage from her establishment.” - -Hugh had made no move or word as he calmly looked his wife over. But -there was now distaste in the closing of his eyes as though to shut out -the vision in the doorway, and veil the disappointment he feared he -could not hide. - -Gaining confidence in her father’s presence, Elinor Benton answered her -mother calmly, but with little show of due respect. - -“Now, mother,” she implored, “don’t get so excited—this isn’t a -tragedy, and don’t you go and ’phone Felice—because it wasn’t her -fault. I called her up and told her to leave the dress as it was.” - -“Of course, you’re aware she had no right to take orders from you -contrary to mine,” Marjorie persisted, with lifted eyebrows. - -“Oh, I just told her the orders came from you—that you had changed your -mind.” - -“You dared!” Marjorie fairly gasped. “You are admitting you lied about -it. I wouldn’t have believed my daughter capable of such a thing.” - -Hugh believed the time had come for his promised interference. - -“Now, now,” he soothed, “I fail to see what all this fuss is about. If -the child wants to display her pretty neck and arms, I can’t see where -the harm is—and as for her telephoning to Madame Felice, I can readily -understand her doing that in order to evade an unnecessary argument.” - -Marjorie Benton looked her husband over as though he were an interfering -stranger. - -“There have been many things which does not surprise me at your -attitude,” she said icily. “However, that is aside from the point. Come, -Elinor, we will go upstairs and see what Marie can do in arranging some -sort of scarf about you.” - -“We will do nothing of the kind. I won’t! I won’t!” Elinor stamped her -foot angrily. “Once and for all, mother, you’ll have to understand that -I’m not a baby, and I refuse to be ordered about in that manner. I’ll -wear this dress as it is to-night, or I’ll lock myself in my room and -you’ll be obliged to give my debut party without me.” - -Hugh walked over to his wife and placed his hand appealingly on her -lace-covered arm. “She means it, I’m afraid,” he whispered. “Hadn’t you -better permit her to have her way this time? Remember, we have two -hundred guests coming.” - -Just for a moment Marjorie was silent, fighting what she knew was a -losing battle. How bitter it was that she should have to battle with -these two she loved so dearly. She turned away her face that they might -not witness her struggle. When she spoke it was in her usual cool, -expressionless voice—not the voice of the Marjorie Benton of Atwood, -but one which the years between had evolved. - -“Very well,” was her surrender, but neither Elinor who was daintily -whirling about the polished floor in exuberance over her triumph over -the mother she was coming to think an oppressor, nor Hugh Benton who was -looking at his watch with a slight show of impatience, saw the tears in -the mother’s eyes which she was heroically forcing back. - -Elinor stopped suddenly in the middle of a pirouette to cock her head -daintily to one side listening. - -“There they come, Dad,” she cried eagerly, “Miss Elinor Benton is about -to be introduced to society. I wish Howard would hurry. He promised not -to be late for anything.” - -Hugh Benton’s face wore an annoyed frown. - -“I can’t understand what’s keeping him,” he complained. “He should have -been here at five o’clock.” - -“Professor Anderson positively promised to grant him a leave of absence -for to-night, didn’t he?” Elinor asked. “I know he said Howard was not -deserving of any favor, but I will certainly be happy when my big -brother finishes sowing his wild oats.” - -“Reckon we all will be, little girl,” her father laughed. “But we must -have a little patience. ’Spose he’s just got to sew a little crop or -two.” - -Marjorie’s level eyes looked deeply into her husband’s as she asked him -calmly, meaningly: “You mean to say you believe it absolutely necessary -for a boy to sow ‘wild oats’ as you call them? I don’t remember ever -having heard of your doing so.” - -Hugh shrugged. - -“Different with me,” he answered. “I didn’t go to college— I didn’t -mingle with a set of boys such as Howard is thrown in contact with, and -I hadn’t a father who could afford my indulging in any escapades.” - -“I’m afraid there will be an escapade too many one of these days.” - -“You’re such a confirmed pessimist, my dear! The boy’s all right—leave -him alone.” And Hugh turned aside indicating he had said his last word. -“He’ll turn up any minute, so don’t think any more about it.” - -The arrival of the first guests ended further discussion, and shortly -the reception hall, drawing room and ballroom were thronged with the -merry assemblage. - -Promptly at 9:30, the first strains of music floated out from a balcony -screened with ferns and roses. The dance was on. - -To say that Elinor was having a glorious time would be putting it -mildly. She fairly reveled in it all. She felt that she had attained the -heights as the center of attraction, with a bevy of young men -surrounding her, politely fighting for the privilege of a dance. - -She exulted in the thought that this was only the beginning of wonderful -days and nights that lay before her. Surely she possessed everything to -make her happy—Youth, beauty and riches. Life was so wonderful seen -through the rosiest of glasses. - -Eleven o’clock! Still no Howard. Elinor took a few moments to cast some -resentful thoughts Howard-ward, but the fun was too fast and absorbing -for her to worry more than that few moments over her brother’s -dereliction. - -In spite of her husband’s admonishing, Marjorie was acquiring a worry -that momentarily gave evidence of becoming panic-stricken as she watched -the doors with eager eyes for the boy who did not come. She felt she -could not stand it any longer. She must know—must do something. With a -hesitancy that would have been most strange in the Atwood days, she -approached Hugh where he stood talking and laughing in a care-free -manner with a group of his guests. He excused himself to speak to her as -she laid her hand on his arm to ask for a word. - -“Hugh, dear,” she begged, “don’t you think we had better call up -Professor Anderson and find out about Howard—when he left, and——” - -“And get him in bad, I suppose,” Hugh blustered, but there was worry in -his own handsome face as he once more glanced at his watch and then at -the entrances. “No—he’s probably loitering, and——” - -Griggs, his valet, touched him on the arm. He turned to hear the few -hurried whispered words. - -“Important ’phone call, my dear,” he explained. “Make my excuses. Back -in a minute——” - -But Marjorie’s sharp ears had caught the word “sick.” Griggs must have -been talking about Howard. Oh, where was he—her boy! She could not -stand it! She had to find out. - -Careless of guests, of hospitality, of everything, she hurried after her -husband, but already he was out of sight. He must be at one of the -private telephones, she thought, as she stumbled blindly along the -passage. - -But her way would have been still more blind had she seen her husband -with her son at that moment. - -At a side entrance two men were trying to persuade Howard to leave a -taxi. In a maudlin state of intoxication, he refused to budge an inch, -muttering to himself something about “a date with a lil’ blonde.” - -Ordering the passageway clear, Hugh and Griggs managed between them to -convey the indignantly-protesting Howard upstairs to his room. - -From the telephone, the boy’s mother hastened to his room. They must -have brought him home and told her nothing about it. Inside she heard -voices. She knocked softly, and was about to enter, when it was opened -and Hugh stood before her, quickly closing the door behind him. - -“My boy?” she asked breathlessly. “What has happened? Is he here? Is he -ill?” - -Hugh was uncomfortable—flustered. “Ill?—No—yes—that is, he is -ill—but he will soon be all right.” - -“I will go to him at once,” and Marjorie started to brush by Hugh. - -“You will do nothing of the kind,” he answered sternly. “You will return -to your guests, and act as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. -I will join you as soon as possible—we can’t both remain away.” - -“What do I care about my guests, or anyone, if my boy is ill. My place -is at his side, and I’m going——” - -From behind the guarded door, came a volley of oaths, flung at the -faithful Griggs, followed by the incoherent singing of a popular song. - -“Oh—Oh!” Marjorie shuddered, and covered her burning cheeks with her -hands. “So that is what his illness—I can’t believe it—My son -intoxicated— What shall we do? I can’t bear it.” - -“There, there, Marjorie,” Hugh patted her shoulder consolingly. “You -must control yourself, and not create a scene. I’m sorry if any of this -has leaked out among our guests, but I’m afraid it has. Now we must save -the situation by making as light of it as possible. It really isn’t -anything so terrible. He will be himself in the morning, and then I’ll -lecture him good. It seems he met a crowd of the boys when he came in -from college and they persuaded him to go to dinner with them. This is -the result. He is only a boy after all, you must remember, and is easily -led.” - -“That’s just it,” Marjorie answered tragically. “He is only a boy, and -can be easily led—God only knows where to.” - -“Come, now, it isn’t as bad as that. You’re making a mountain out of a -mole hill as usual, but I must go back to him,” as disturbing sounds -again issued forth. “Go downstairs and brave it out. You _must_—if not -for your own sake—for the sake of the boy himself.” - -“For his sake I’ll do the best I can.” She dried her eyes and turned -toward the stairs. “But, oh, Hugh, how can you view this so lightly? How -you’ve changed!” - -Marjorie never remembered how she managed to get through the rest of the -evening, going about among her guests with a smiling face and an aching -heart. When Hugh joined her, he whispered to her that Howard was -sleeping soundly, and would probably not awaken until late the next -afternoon. - -Eventually everything, pleasant or unpleasant, has its ending, and at 3 -A.M. the last guest had departed, and the servants were extinguishing -the lights. - -“Wasn’t it splendid?” Elinor enthused. “I had a wonderful time—I didn’t -have nearly enough dances to go around. All the boys were wild about me -and I know the girls all envied me. Wasn’t I a great success?” - -“You certainly were, you little egotist,” Hugh laughed. - -“What ever in the world happened to Howard? I heard a couple of the boys -talking, and from what I gathered, he came home soused.” - -“Elinor!” Marjorie was shocked. “Where did you ever acquire such slang? -Surely you didn’t learn it at Miss Grayson’s? I can’t understand half of -the things you say, but I do know that they sound shockingly vulgar.” - -“No, mother of mine,” Elinor laughed lightly. Nothing—not even her -mother’s disapproval could worry her after her evening’s triumph. “I -didn’t learn any slang from Miss Grayson, but you must remember that I -knew lots of girls there. Most of them thought it modern and up to date -to use slang. Oh, but I can’t explain it to you, you’re so -old-fashioned.” - -As Hugh closed his eyes, his thoughts were of his beautiful daughter and -the brilliant match she was sure to make. But Marjorie—poor little -mother—all night she lay alone, in her darkened room, her hands pressed -to her throbbing temples, the hot tears scorching her cheeks. Two -thoughts ran riot through her mind—one was that her son, her boy, was -lying a few rooms down the corridor in a drunken stupor. The other was, -that Elinor, her baby, had gone to bed without even attempting to kiss -her good-night. - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - -Elinor Benton’s social success was all that she had seen envisioned on -the night of her début. In the months that followed whirls of teas, -luncheons, dinners, dances all but dizzied her sophisticated little head -as she dashed madly from one to the other. Vague hints in the society -columns linked her name with eligibles who were the despair of the -mothers of other girls in her set. But blonde young Elinor took it as -her meed and due, and laughed to her dimpled face in the mirror when she -told herself how far wrong they were. She had no intention of entering -the ranks of young matrons yet. Life was too full; too sweet. Homage was -too dear to her, and the sway she held in one man’s heart, her father’s, -too complete to think of exchanging him for any other man; her own -wonderful home for that of another. - -True to his word, Hugh Benton had made himself a real chum to her. It -was to him she took her petty worries; her secrets. Though not often -referred to, they had one thing in common not usual between father and -daughter—their disapproval of the mother and wife, their intolerance of -what they chose to call her old-fashioned ways, of her Puritanism, her -love of the good and upstanding orthodoxy. - -Busy at his desk one morning, Hugh frowned at the soft opening and -closing of his door. He did not like even his confidential employees to -disturb him when he was answering personal letters. But he knew it was -no employee when he felt two soft arms about his neck, felt the softness -only less so of rich furs against his cheeks and caught the subtle -perfume he had come to associate with his daughter. - -“Guess who!” whispered Elinor’s voice. Then she answered her own -question with a kiss. Aloud she added with a pretended pout: “Aren’t you -glad to see me—and surprised——” - -Hugh laughed as he pulled her to his knees. - -“Yes, a little—to that last part,” he said, hastening to add gallantly: -“But delighted, nevertheless. What brings you into town at this time? -You must have had an early start.” - -“Oh, a lot. First, there’s a luncheon engagement at the Biltmore with -some of the girls, and then we’re going to the matinée. But those are -small matters. The principal thing was to see you all alone—I have a -lot to talk to you about that I decided would be much better to say here -at your office instead of at home, so I came in an hour ahead of time.” -And Elinor, settling herself in a comfortable easy chair, sat facing her -father with an air of being ready to spend the hour. - -Hugh Benton, his keen eyes taking in every detail of her appearance, -thought he had never seen his daughter more beautiful. Her taffeta gown -of navy blue, her drooping picture hat with its one touch of color, her -graceful squirrel scarf, all went so naturally into the making of the -picture. As had become usual with him when in the presence of this -daughter the man before whom kings of finance bowed, glowed inwardly -with the pride of possession. - -“Well, baby girl, how much?” He smiled as his hand went towards his -check-book. - -“No, Dad dear, it isn’t money this time.” Elinor’s face dimpled -deliciously as she shook her head, “strange as it may seem to you,” she -added. Then seriousness chased the dimples away. “No, dear, it’s -something uncomfortably serious. It’s—it’s about mother!” - -“Your mother!” Hugh’s face, too, became serious. “Not ill, I hope.” - -“No, she is perfectly well,” the girl answered, as a dull red crept into -her cheeks. “Oh, dad, I’m so ashamed of myself to sneak to you in this -way, but dear, you might as well know the truth. It is utterly -impossible for me to get along with mother. There! It’s out! Do you -think I’m so dreadful?” anxiously. - -Hugh was solemn as he listened. Then he nodded. - -“I believe I do know your difficulty, dear,” he answered, as if -uncertain just what to say in this moment he had been in a way prepared -for. “And,” he added, “of course, I don’t think you’re dreadful——” - -Without waiting for him to conclude, Elinor burst out passionately: - -“Oh, Dad, surely you can see I simply cannot be the old-fashioned, -namby-pamby bread-and-butter school-girl that mother wishes me to be. -Why, everything I do meets with her disapproval—we can’t agree in a -single instance. Really, Dad, it is unbearable, and I’m just sick about -it!” - -Tears which had been valiantly withheld began to trickle down her -cheeks. From his pocket Hugh took his handkerchief and wiped them -tenderly away. “There, dear, you mustn’t cry and spoil your pretty -eyes,” he soothed. “Remember your luncheon and matinée—I’m sure your -misunderstanding with your mother can easily be straightened out. Calm -down and tell me about it. What do you do that she objects to?” - -“Oh, just everything.” Elinor’s sigh was one of resignation as she -completed restoring, with a small dab of lace and linen, the ravages to -her complexion her father had begun. “For instance,” she went on, -“mother looks upon my playing bridge for money as a dreadful calamity. -My drinking a cocktail is an utter degradation, and if I attempt to -light a cigarette in her presence, she nearly collapses.” - -“Do all the other girls in your set do these things?” Hugh asked. His -brows met in a slight frown. - -“Why, of course, Dad. All modern girls believe in having a good time. We -never go to extremes in anything; but if you want to be thoroughly up to -date you simply can’t be a prude.” - -“I suppose you’re right,” he admitted slowly, “but just the same, when I -was a young man——” - -“When you _were_ a young man!” Elinor interrupted indignantly. “You’re -as young as a boy now, and you’re the handsomest man in New York, Dad.” - -Her father, flushed, pleased as he always was, at this compliment. -“Little flatterer,” he joked, pinching her cheeks. “You can’t lead me -astray by paying me compliments. The things that you now call modern and -up to date, in my day, would have been considered—fast.” - -“No doubt they would have been too—just that,” was the girl’s composed -retort, “but you know that we’re living in a progressive world, and no -one needs to tell you how rapidly things have changed since your days.” - -“Guess you’re right, baby,” Hugh replied. “I must admit that my own -ideas of life have greatly changed since we came to New York sixteen -years ago. I know one thing—all your friends come from the best of -families, so if you do as they do, I can’t see where objection should -arise.” - -“Bravo, Dad!” Elinor clapped her hands in glee. “I knew you would see -things in the right light. You’re so broad-minded about everything—and -you’ll speak to mother?” - -“Yes, dear, I’ll speak to your mother to-night, and try to reason with -her a little——” - -“Just a minute, Dad. I almost forgot the most important thing that I -want you to try to make mother be reasonable about, and that -is—Geraldine.” - -“Geraldine?” - -“Yes, Geraldine DeLacy. She’s a distant relative of the Thurstons, and -she is visiting them at present. We girls are all crazy about her—she’s -an adorable young widow, just twenty-six, and she makes the most -wonderful chaperone imaginable. That’s the very thing mother so -strenuously objects to.” - -“I can’t see why,” Hugh seemed surprised. “The Thurstons are most -desirable and surely, any relative of theirs must be an aristocrat.” - -Elinor threw out her hands in a gesture of despair. - -“Haven’t I wasted hours and hours trying to make mother realize that -very thing,” she exclaimed, “and with no success whatever! For some -unaccountable reason, she has taken an aversion to Geraldine. She -objects to her age—says she’s too young to be a chaperone—she calls -her frivolous for permitting the girls to address her by her Christian -name and all in all there isn’t a thing the poor woman does that meets -with mother’s approval.” - -Hugh considered deeply. “I fail to see anything objectionable in what -you have told me,” he said finally. “The only thing I can do is to judge -for myself when I have the pleasure of meeting your perfect chaperone. -In the meantime, precious, don’t you worry—your old Dad will always -stand by you. Run along now, and have a good time.” - -He extracted a bill from his wallet, and reaching for Elinor’s mesh bag -tucked it in. - -“Thank you so much, Dad dear, you’re so wonderful to me.” Elinor looked -at him with grateful affectionate eyes. “The Thurstons are giving a -dance for Nell on the 17th—mother received the invitation for it this -morning—she says she is going to decline, but you must arrange to take -me, and then you’ll meet Geraldine. I know you’ll agree with me and -admit that she is adorable.” - -“Splendid—you may count upon me to act as your gallant escort to the -Thurston dance,” and Hugh kissed his daughter affectionately, as they -walked to the door. - -Late as usual, Elinor reached the Biltmore to find Nell Thurston, -Rosebud Greely, and Josephine Wyeth, three of the season’s débutantes, -patiently awaiting her. They were in especially fine humor and willing -even to forgive Elinor since their beloved Mrs. DeLacy was chaperone. -Pretty, happy, light-hearted girls were these friends of Elinor -Benton’s, with but three aims in life—a good time, endeavoring to spend -some of their parents’ too great wealth and to make at last “a brilliant -batch.” - -Mrs. DeLacy, the youthful widow, was remarkable principally because of -her knack of mentioning her late dear husband at the right times, deftly -to manage to secure sympathy and admiration. It had been remarked, too, -that this was most generously forthcoming from men. - -She was prepossessing—there was no denying that—and with a strange -fascination that made her singularly attractive. - -The luncheon was a jolly little affair, the girls were permitted to -indulge in as many cigarettes as they wished, and relate stories worthy -of a demi-monde. - -It was no wonder her charges considered Mrs. DeLacy a wonderful -chaperone. She placed no restraint whatsoever upon any of their actions, -coincided with all their plans and arrangements, and managed to make -herself thoroughly agreeable at all times. The mere fact that she was -_Mrs._ DeLacy sufficed to make her a perfectly proper and legitimate -chaperone in the eyes of the world. - -The curtain was rising as they were ushered to a stage-box. The play, a -modern society drama, in its eighth week, playing to capacity at every -performance, was featuring the popular matinée idol, Templeton Druid, in -the stellar rôle. - -During the intermission, between the first and second acts, as the girls -discussed the play and the star with animated enthusiasm, Mrs. DeLacy -exploded a bombshell in their midst when she calmly remarked: - -“You children seem so fascinated by Mr. Druid—would you like to meet -him?” - -“Do you know him, Geraldine?” The question was chorused eagerly. - -“I have known him all my life,” was the reply. “We were neighbors in -Richmond, raised together as children, attended the same high-school, -and graduated from the same class.” - -“Well, why in the world didn’t you say so before?” Rosebud Greely pouted -as though she had been personally injured, as she pulled her skirts -higher for more comfort for her crossed legs with their bare knees -visible above her rolled-down silk stockings. “Pigging it, I’d call -it—wanted him all to yourself, I suppose. And you knew what play we -were coming to see, and who was starring in it?” - -Geraldine DeLacy smiled tolerantly. - -“Don’t fly off so quickly, dear,” she advised. “I didn’t know myself -till just now, for how could I imagine that Thomas Temple, a boy from my -home town, whom I haven’t seen in years, was this Templeton Druid, -popular Broadway star. I knew he always had a soaring ambition to become -an actor, but I could never dream of his going this far in so short a -time.” - -“Isn’t it wonderfully interesting and romantic?” Nell Thurston, her eyes -aglow with excitement, wanted to know more. - -“You asked about our caring to meet him. Can you manage it, Geraldine?” -Elinor Benton was all eagerness. - -“Easily enough,” Geraldine shrugged her handsome shoulders as she -replied. “I’ll send back a note asking him to join us at the Waldorf for -tea after the matinée. He’ll be there—” There was a worldly meaning in -her last words that even her sophisticated charges failed to get. - -“How positively thrilling!” Rosebud giggled. “Do you know I’ve never -talked to a real actor in my life?” - -With the prospect of meeting the star, interest in the play increased -ten-fold. Romantic revelries ran riot through four foolish little heads. -Geraldine sat back and smiled cynically. “Young idiots,” she thought -contemptuously, as her roving glance settled upon Elinor Benton. With -tightly compressed lips and eyes aflame with envy, she stared at the -girl. Only for a fleeting instance, however, did she permit her -expression to betray her chaotic emotion. She leaned forward in her -chair apparently absorbed in the people on the stage. - -As she had expected, Templeton Druid’s reply to her invitation was a -delightfully affable little billet expressing his pleasure at the hope -of seeing Mrs. DeLacy and meeting her friends. He promised to arrive at -the Waldorf as expeditiously as possible after the matinée. - -After their drive to the Waldorf in the Thurston limousine, it was -Geraldine who maneuvered to walk behind with Elinor, as they strolled -leisurely through the hotel lobby. Young as she was, Elinor Benton could -not help but notice that something was disturbing her chaperone as Mrs. -DeLacy glanced nervously from side to side. - -“What is it, Geraldine?” she asked in concern. “Is anything wrong?” - -Mrs. DeLacy shook her head half-heartedly, then her fine eyes came to -rest appealingly on Elinor’s. - -“No—no,” she began, then hurried on with nervous suddenness. -“No—er—well, yes, there is, Elinor dearest. I hate so to tell you, -but—but—well,” she lowered her voice to a whisper: “I’m afraid, dear, -you’ll have to come to my rescue. Here I have invited you all to tea and -asked Mr. Druid to join us, and I have just discovered that I lack the -necessary funds——” - -“Not another word, please, Geraldine,” Elinor interrupted hastily. “It’s -a pleasure to be of any service to you, dear.” And opening her bag, she -extracted the fifty-dollar bill her father had placed there, and pressed -it into Geraldine’s hands. - -“Thank you so much,” beamed the chaperone, glancing hurriedly at the -bill before she thrust it into her purse. “I’ll return it at the -earliest opportunity.” - -If anyone had dared assert that Geraldine DeLacy was a social parasite, -Elinor would have defended her with emphatic loyalty. - -Nevertheless, that was an appellation Mrs. DeLacy justly deserved. It -was no great secret how she subsisted luxuriously upon the generosity of -friends and acquaintances. Habitual borrowing had become her source of -income, and she was well known to mention her inadequate memory as -extenuation for failing to repay her obligations. - -At their table for six in one of the tea rooms, it was again Geraldine -who adroitly managed to leave the vacant seat for the actor between -Elinor and herself. They had barely fluttered into place before -Templeton Druid entered pompously as was his wont. His appearance caused -the mild sensation he always hoped for. Heads turned in his direction; -there were whispered comments. To the unbiased onlooker, it was clear as -light the actor was not displeased. - -“This is indeed an unexpected pleasure,” he told Geraldine as he reached -her table and bowed low over her hand. “I would have known you anywhere. -If there is a change it is that you are more beautiful than ever, if -that is possible.” - -“And you, I find, still retain your aptitude for pretty speeches,” -Geraldine answered laughingly but not ill pleased herself. “Let me -present you to my friends.” - -He acknowledged each introduction with studied gallantry, retaining -possession of each little hand a fraction of a second longer than -necessary. - -With the tea, toasted muffins, and marmalade Mr. Druid talked, but -regardless of what angle his conversation started from, it invariably -reverted to the one subject uppermost in his consciousness—Templeton -Druid! He spoke of his managers, his contracts, his popularity, of the -requests he received daily for autographed photos, of success, fame, -showered upon him. - -To his young auditors, so sophisticated in many ways, so little in -others, all this was something to be eagerly devoured, to be remembered. -To them he was a figure of fame, of romanticism. But as she listened, -Geraldine DeLacy turned her head that they might not see the smile of -cynicism she could not suppress. For to her, as he would so obviously -have been to any worldly person, Templeton Druid bore no romantic -glamour. He stood out through his own words for what he was—a figure of -unvarnished petty egotism. It was during a lull in his lecture on the -subject of Templeton Druid that the owner of the name bent over Elinor -Benton as he replenished her plate with marmalade. - -“Haven’t I met you before, Miss Benton?” he asked, his deep romantic -eyes apparently filled with perplexity. “Your name is so familiar——” - -Before Elinor could voice a regretful negative, Geraldine DeLacy -interposed hurriedly. - -“Aren’t you thinking of her father, possibly?” she inquired. “Miss -Benton is the daughter of Hugh Benton, the Wall Street magnate, you -know, whose successes have earned him many a column in your favorite -literature—the newspapers.” - -“Indeed!” Templeton’s tone assumed a note of deference. “Of course, I -know of your father, Miss Benton. He is a recognized celebrity in the -financial world.” - -Across the room, three women seated at a table, were bowing and -endeavoring to attract the attention of Geraldine’s party. Nell Thurston -was the first to see them. - -“Do any of you know any of them?” she asked. “They seem to know someone -at this table.” - -“Why yes, I do,” Josephine Wyeth answered quickly. “They are friends of -mine from Baltimore. I know you will pardon me if I go over to their -table for a few moments. Come with me, Rosebud, won’t you? Don’t you -remember meeting Mrs. Powell, the time you motored to Baltimore with -us?” - -“I’ll say I do,” was Rosebud’s slangy reply. Slang for this one -débutante was a favorite medium. “I’m keen for saying ‘hello’ to her. -She sure is a bully little sport.” - -Geraldine moved over next to Nell Thurston. - -“You two keep on talking and forbear with us for a few moments,” she -advised Elinor and Templeton. “I am anxious to discuss my idea for a new -evening frock with Nell.” - -As though the change had been prearranged between them, Templeton Druid -threw a grateful glance at his old-time friend. She must have her own -reasons for giving him this opportunity with the wealthy débutante, and -he would make the most of it. He threw all the magnetism he possessed -into his voice as he said: - -“This is more than I had hoped for, Miss Benton—one little word with -you. The gods must have heard my prayer. From the minute I first saw -you, there was something I knew I must ask you. May I not hope to see -you again?” - -Elinor flushed, as she looked shyly up from the diagrams she was drawing -on the table cloth with her fork. It was not the girl the others knew -who only stammered, for once at a loss: “Why, I—I—oh I should so like -to have you call, Mr. Druid, but I am just out, and my mother -is—is—rather——” - -“Please—” Templeton Druid looked just properly pained, and oh, such an -unjustly misunderstood man,—“I understand perfectly. Your mother -naturally would be particular with so charming a daughter, and a man in -my profession——” - -“No, no, it isn’t that,” Elinor hastened to interrupt. She felt -apologetic, too. “My mother’s ideas are rather peculiar. She’s a dear, -but she is old-fashioned and——” - -“I wonder,” he said slowly, placing his hand over hers as if quite by -accident and allowing it to remain there, “if we couldn’t manage to meet -in spite of—mother’s precaution. I have a perfect little speed marvel -of a roadster. Can’t I take you for a drive?—Say Tuesday afternoon?” - -Elinor’s heart thumped madly, and struggle as she would, she could not -control the trembling of her hands beneath his. But she replied with -seeming carelessness, after what might have been due deliberation. -“Well—er—possibly. I know I should enjoy it immensely—still——” - -Templeton Druid half suppressed a sigh as of deep joy and delight. - -“Then that’s settled,” he breathed, “and I’ll be at the 57th Street -entrance to the park at two o’clock—Ah, kind—so kind!” - -And his eyes, as Geraldine DeLacy caught a quick glimpse of them from -across the table and smiled, said unutterable things as he gazed into -the misty blue orbs of Elinor Benton. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - -Elinor Benton’s worldly intuition that a crisis was imminent in her -home, an inevitable clash with her mother in which one or the other -would have to admit herself vanquished was not without foundation. -Neither the girl nor her father were able to comprehend the mother’s -attitude nor why she should herself be, or wish them to be so different -from all those with whom they were in these days thrown in contact. -Sixteen years of suppressing her emotions, of unsatisfied longings had -made her incapable of showing her inner feelings, the tenderness that so -passionately wished only for the good of those dear to her. From some -remote ancestor she must have inherited the coldness and intolerance she -showed outwardly, and which was to her husband and children their only -criterion. Cold and hard outwardly, intolerant to the extreme of -anything that did not agree with her puritanical convictions which the -years of self-communing had made all but fanatical, Marjorie Benton did -not, could not open her heart and plead with those she loved to -understand her, to meet her half-way in her efforts to make them see all -she wished was to stand for what was good, pure and true. A faulty -reasoning, aided by that inherited stubbornness, had persuaded her her -best source was to assert indomitable authority as wife and mother—to -force her own to bend to her will, with no idea of the give and take -that makes worlds go around smoothly. She had forgot to reason, too, -that her children were her own, and had without doubt inherited some of -that very stubbornness which so momentarily threatened the Benton ship -with going on the rocks. - -Elinor had felt—seen—the clash coming. But she had not expected it -quite so soon after her confidential chat with her father. - -The lateness of the hour—(it was past seven) when she arrived home from -her afternoon at the matinée was the signal—the beginning of it all. -Her father and mother had finished their dinner and were in the library, -the father absorbed in his evening paper, but the mother sat with her -hands idly clasped in her lap, her eyes never wandering from the clock -in the corner until her daughter rushed in apologetically. - -“Sorry to be so late,” she deplored. “I hope you haven’t waited dinner -for me.” - -“Your father and I have had our dinner.” Her mother seemed not to notice -the breathless apology. “I have ordered yours kept warm for you.” - -“Thanks, mother, you are very kind, but I can’t eat a mouthful. We had a -rather sumptuous luncheon, and it was 6:30 when we finished having tea -at the Waldorf.” - -Marjorie walked across the room and pressed the bell. When the butler -entered she ordered him to inform the cook that “Miss Elinor had already -dined.” Then she turned and faced her daughter. - -“It strikes me, Elinor,” she said slowly, “that for a young girl so -recently introduced into society, you are assuming unwarranted -privileges.” - -Though he at first attempted to assume a neutral attitude and kept his -eyes on his paper, Hugh Benton stirred uneasily, his very attitude -showing that the scene he felt sure would ensue was most distasteful to -him. He set his jaws at a belligerent angle. Well, if it must come—— - -Elinor Benton flushed dully at her mother’s words. Her glance sought her -father, and what she saw there apparently gave her courage. With a -calmness and coldness matching Marjorie’s own, and with her dainty chin -tipped at a dangerously belligerent angle that showed her as much like -one parent as the other, she faced her mother, and, as though addressing -an insolent stranger, her answer came icily. - -“I fail to understand you, mother,” was what she said. “As usual you are -speaking enigmatically.” - -“In that case I shall lose no time in making myself clear,” the mother -began, but her words were cut short. - -“I say,” Hugh interrupted hurriedly as he dropped his paper, and glanced -up with a smile as though some remarkable idea had come to him. “How -about you two dressing as quickly as you can and driving into town with -me. We can make one of the Roof shows! Eh, what?” - -Elinor clapped her hands delightedly. - -“Fine, Dad!” was her enthusiastic acceptance. “It won’t take me five -minutes to dress. I’m dying to attend a Roof revue—I hope you can get -tickets.” - -“In case I can’t, we will go over to ‘The Palais Royal,’” Hugh answered, -with a man’s natural eagerness to avert the inevitable argument between -Marjorie and Elinor. - -“One moment, please,” Marjorie cold, wide-eyed, forbidding, addressed -her husband. “Your attempt to silence me, Hugh, is obvious. Besides, you -know perfectly well I never attend a Roof show, and I surely will not -permit my daughter to do so.” - -With a pertness she had not before considered when addressing her -mother, the daughter exclaimed with a toss of her head: - -“Well I can’t see why _you_ should object if Dad proposes taking us!” -Angry tears rushed to her eyes. - -“I consider it unnecessary to state my reasons. It should be sufficient -that I do object—most strenuously. There are a great many things that I -wish to say to you, Elinor. This is probably an opportune time. Perhaps -it would be better for you to come with me to my room.” Marjorie rose -and started toward the door. - -All signs of neutrality vanishing and with a sternness and a fire in his -eyes his wife did not recognize, Hugh Benton threw down his paper and -rose, too. He made his way to his daughter’s side. - -“Elinor!” he said gently as he placed his arm about her. “Please go to -your own room for awhile. I wish to speak with your mother, alone.” - -“You just heard me request Elinor to come to my room?” Marjorie was -astounded. “Surely you——” - -“Elinor, do as I say,” Hugh repeated. His wife he ignored. - -Marjorie’s glance at his white face and tightly compressed lips showed -her a new Hugh. With an indifferent shrug of her shoulders she sat down -to wait. - -Frightened by what was occurring, Elinor’s arms went up to close about -her father’s neck. Marjorie winced unconsciously as she saw the gesture. -It proclaimed so plainly who her daughter believed to be her best -friend—which one she loved. - -“I’m sorry, Dad,” the girl stammered with a sob as she slowly left them. - -Marjorie Benton’s eyebrows went up in disdain as the door closed behind -Elinor and her husband came over to stand before her wordless, hands in -pockets. - -“I suppose,” she commented, bitterly, “you are greatly elated at having -humiliated me before Elinor.” - -“You know that is not true!” Hugh’s voice was tense as he gave his wife -the lie for the first time in his life. He was thoroughly exasperated, -out of patience with her and what he believed were her ideals. “I am -only sure of one thing. You have got into the way of making a tragedy -out of every little thing that does not suit you, and this is just -another example. But if you are looking for tragedy, something real to -dramatize over,” and his lips tightened into a grim line as he -accentuated every word, “I just want to tell you that this time you may -succeed beyond your wildest expectations!” - -“Why, Hugh—what do you mean—I—” Marjorie’s voice was tremulous as she -sought to understand what had brought this storm of her husband’s about -her ears. - -“I think this time you’ll have no cause to complain about not -understanding what I mean. And for once, I expect you to listen to every -word I say!” - -There was no doubting the earnestness of Hugh Benton’s tone, or that he -was wrought up to a pitch rarely known to his easy-going nature. For -once, the cloak of her authority dropped from his wife’s shoulders and -she shrank in her chair as her meek reply came. - -“Very well—I’m listening. I suppose,” and there was a flicker of her -sternness and sarcasm, “I may as well try to comprehend you and your -very peculiar attitude——” - -Hugh Benton flicked his cigarette into the wide fireplace, staring after -it a moment before he turned to face his wife. With arms folded, he -towered over her, his whole manner that of a stern, unyielding judge. - -“Marjorie,” he began, “I realize that you are my wife, and as such, -entitled to many privileges. But there is such a thing as carrying your -prejudices too far. The way matters have been going on in this house for -some time now simply cannot continue. Not only the children, but I, -myself, have reached the limit of my endurance. We came to New York -sixteen years ago at your suggestion, not mine. I always wish you to -remember that. When I realized that your one ambition was for me to -become a success in this great metropolis, I determined to use all my -energies and capabilities to satisfy your desires. Financially and -socially I believe I have reached your expectations. In everything else -my life is a complete failure.” - -“Failure?” Marjorie’s voice trembled as her face showed her genuine -surprise. - -Hugh nodded emphatically. “Yes, failure,” he emphasized. “My children -love me, not for myself, but because I am able to gratify all of their -whims and desires, and strange to say, I am perfectly willing to pay for -their show of affection, because it is the only tie that binds me to my -home.” - -Tears of distress which in spite of her pride forced themselves to -unwelcome eyes, trembled on Marjorie Benton’s eyelids and splashed down -on the hands folded so quietly over her somber gray gown. - -“Hugh!” she cried, distressed. “Surely you don’t know what you say! What -about your wife?” - -“You asked the same thing years ago, Marjorie,” Hugh answered bitterly, -“when we discussed the advisability of coming to New York. You were all -the world to me then, and——” - -“And _now_ I am nothing.” Marjorie’s quivering lips completed the -sentence. “I—I understand, Hugh.” - -“You are still the mother of my children, despite the fact that they are -both disappointments to me.” - -Hugh was calm in the face of his wife’s tragedy, but his very calmness -gave back to his wife some of her fighting spirit. - -“If they are disappointments to you, it is your own fault,” she flared. -“You humor them beyond all reason. I try to enforce strict discipline, -and you invariably interfere. This very evening when I attempted to -reprimand Elinor, you resorted to almost childish subterfuge to prevent -an argument.” - -“I’ll tell you why I interfere.” Hugh was getting to the gist of his -lecture. “It is for the simple reason that I consider you the real -culprit. The children are not to blame because they are selfish, -worldly, way beyond their age, and lacking in love and respect for their -parents. You raised them both in schools and colleges where they were -thrown in contact with the wrong companions. Had you kept your children -with you and reared them in the environment of home and love, everything -would have been different.” - -“How like you to put the blame on me.” Marjorie’s lip curled in scorn, -and her foot in its common sense high shoe tapped impatiently on the -soft-toned rug. But Hugh Benton was in too deadly earnest to be switched -from his main topic by a side remark. He went on, as though his wife had -not spoken. - -“And now, you expect a girl and boy, grown up, to obey you implicitly, -and change in a few days the training they have received for years. I -tell you, Marjorie, you are employing the wrong method. You must realize -it is too late for you to command, and if you persist in continually -arguing with Elinor, and criticising her every act, you will drive her -to desperation, that’s all. She is a self-willed and headstrong girl, -and it is necessary to handle her with caution and the utmost -diplomacy.” - -Marjorie could not forbear one bitter reminder. “As long as you find so -much fault with your family, why don’t you devote less time to your club -and try to remodel them?” - -“If you were the kind of a wife I once believed you to be I shouldn’t -have to find diversion at my club,” Hugh answered sadly. “But what do I -ever find at home now, save criticism.” - -“You really are a badly abused man, Hugh. First it is your children, and -now your wife—I don’t see how you manage to bear up under your heavy -burden.” - -The tinge of sarcasm in Marjorie’s voice stung Hugh to the quick. His -fist banged down on the table with rage. - -“What _is_ the use?” he exclaimed violently. “I may as well try to -reason with an infant. We have been drifting further and further apart -until we haven’t a single idea in common. Our lives together under this -roof is a mockery, but up to now I have always remembered that you are -my wife and have never as much as permitted myself to indulge in the -thought of another woman; but from this moment I am _through_ with -conventionality. I am going to drift wherever the tide takes me. If you -don’t care to be a wife to me, to interest yourself in at least some of -my interests—I can’t find happiness in my own home, I shall seek it -elsewhere!” - -In his old manner of having said the last word on a subject, Hugh Benton -jammed his hands in his pockets and stalked to the door. Marjorie heard -him call out an order to have the limousine at the door in fifteen -minutes. Then she looked up to see him standing with his hand on the -door knob as he looked back into the room for one last word. - -[Illustration: Elinor Benton realizes that Geraldine (Winifred Bryson) has - stolen her father’s affection. -(_“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”_)] - -“And another thing!” He fairly bit off his words. “I understand you’ve -decided to decline our invitation to the Thurston’s ball on the -seventeenth through some foolish notion of not approving of some of -their relations or guests. You are to accept at once—understand? I -intend going and taking Elinor!” - -Marjorie nodded dully—and with no other word he was gone. - -For long minutes after the door had banged after her husband, Marjorie -Benton sat quietly in her chair, almost too stunned to think. Surely she -must have been dreaming. Hugh had never before displayed such a temper. -The things he had said were positively indecent. She was aroused from -her reverie by the slamming of the front door and the sound of the -machine going down the driveway. She sighed as she got slowly to her -feet. She remembered she must talk to Elinor. She must not let what Hugh -had said interfere with her duty. At the locked door she rapped softly. - -“Who is it?” called the girl. - -“It’s mother, dear! I have come to have a talk with you.” - -“Sorry, mother, but I have a dreadful headache,” was the languid -response. “You will have to wait until another time.” - -“I am not going to scold—I just want to have a heart-to-heart chat with -you, dear.” Marjorie was surprised at her own pleading voice as a lump -rose in her throat. - -“I’d rather not talk to-night, mother—please excuse me.” - -“Very well,” Marjorie faltered, but as she turned toward her own rooms, -the hot tears rolled down her cheeks. - - * * * * * - -On Tuesday afternoon, at precisely two o’clock, Templeton Druid parked -his classy little roadster near the 57th Street entrance of the park, -and paced slowly up and down. He was waiting for Elinor Benton. Time -after time he glanced impatiently at his watch. He had never before -waited for anyone—this was a new experience. - -It was twenty minutes past two when he saw her alight from a taxi in -front of the Plaza. He hastened forward to meet her. All his anger at -her tardiness melted away immediately at sight of the beautiful girl in -her stunning sport suit and hat of Chinese blue. - -“I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting,” was her breathless greeting. -“I—I—was unavoidably detained.” - -She felt she just could not confess to this man her difficulties in -endeavoring to get away from her mother. - -Marjorie always attended a settlement meeting on Tuesday, so usually -Elinor was free to do as she pleased; but to-day, the president had been -reported ill and the meeting was postponed. - -So it had been only through soliciting the aid of Mrs. DeLacy over the -telephone that Elinor finally managed to keep her appointment. Mrs. -DeLacy called for her in the Thurston car, begging that she accompany -her to the dentist. Before her mother had a chance to utter a protest, -Elinor had consented, so there was nothing for Marjorie to do. As soon -as they were a safe distance from home, Elinor summoned a taxi and -hastened to her rendezvous. But had she been able to read her dear -Geraldine’s thoughts as that fair chaperone lounged comfortably on her -way to the shopping district, the Benton heiress might not have felt so -grateful as she went light-hearted to meet her matinée idol. For -Geraldine DeLacy, widow, social parasite, chaperone de luxe, was racking -her clever brains for a plan whereby she might most advantageously use -the confidence Elinor had been obliged to place in her. - -“Nothing matters, now that you are here,” was Templeton’s gallant reply -to the girl’s apology. “I was only beginning to fear you would not -come—but now——” - -Elinor’s eyes were on the actor’s car as he led her to it. She glowed. - -“What a stunning little car!” she cried, in delight. - -To praise any of Templeton Druid’s possessions was the next best thing -to praising him. But it was with a blasé air that he consented to agree -with his guest, as he turned the wheel to head toward Long Island. - -“Yes, she is a good little car,” he admitted, a bit boredly, as though -condescending to praise the machine. “When we get out on the road, I’ll -let her out a bit and show you what she can do.” - -Elinor’s eyes gained a new sparkle as the air colored her cheeks. - -“It seems wonderful to be riding like this,” she enthused. “I’m so tired -of always riding behind a chauffeur. Dad wanted to buy me a car of my -own, but mother wouldn’t consider it. He is going to buy one for my -brother when he graduates, and then I’ll coax Howard into teaching me -how to run it.” And Elinor’s eyes brightened with anticipation. - -“You don’t have to wait for that,” Templeton answered magnanimously. -“I’m going to teach you how to run mine this very day. Just as soon as -we strike a nice stretch of road, I’ll put you at the wheel.” - -“How perfectly splendid! But I’m afraid you will find me an awkward -pupil.” - -“I promise not to become impatient,” Templeton laughed, “but I warn you -I may exact a tiny payment.” - -Elinor caught her breath a little as she recognized the eager boldness -with which the actor looked into her eyes, as they paused at a crossing -at the command of the uplifted white hand of a traffic officer. But -already she had determined that her companion should not put her in the -class of the unsophisticated. For this one day she would put behind her -all thoughts of prudishness, all the reminders of her mother’s teachings -she had come so to despise, but had not quite forgotten. So her blush -was belied by the boldness of her words as she pertly retorted: - -“I’ve never yet heard a complaint that I don’t pay my debts!” - -Templeton Druid smiled complacently as he turned in at the ferry -entrance. This was going to be easier than he thought. But—oh, well, -wasn’t that always the way. There was certainly something in being -Templeton Druid. - -It was a glorious day. The sun shone radiantly, and the balmy breath of -spring with bewildering fragrance flooded the atmosphere. - -Gradually her companion persuaded Elinor Benton to talk of herself and -family. Before long she was telling him her life’s history without once -suspecting that he had purposely encouraged her to do so. - -“By the way,” he suddenly seemed to remember. “I forgot to tell you -something. Through Mrs. DeLacy’s kindness I have received an invitation -to a dance at the Thurstons’ on the 17th.” - -“Splendid!” Elinor exclaimed, her eyes dancing her pleasure. “Of course, -you’ll accept?” - -The man shook his head slowly. “I have thought of declining because I -can’t get there until after the theater,” he demurred, “and that will be -so late, but of course, if you wish me to come——” - -“Why, of course, I do—ever so much!” - -“You’ll promise to save a dance for me?” - -“Two,” promised the girl, her mind busily engaged with the thought of a -wonderful new frock for the occasion. - -True to his word, he put her at the wheel, and she thoroughly enjoyed -her first lesson in driving. The rose color flamed in her cheeks, and -her eyes sparkled like twin stars. Templeton Druid, glancing at her from -the corner of his eye, caught his breath in admiration. “She is only a -slip of a girl,” he thought. “But what a magnificent woman she will be!” - -As they stood up to leave the little inn where they had their sandwiches -and tea, the actor, in his most courtly manner bent over, and reaching -for her hand, pressed his lips gently to the tips of her fingers. - -His was a vast experience with women. It had taught him much, enough to -realize that, impetuous and pampered as this girl was, he must use the -utmost discrimination in endeavoring to arouse her admiration. - -Elinor’s heart pounded bewilderingly as she withdrew her hand and turned -toward the car. It had not resumed its rhythmic beating even when they -reached the Plaza where they were met by Mrs. DeLacy, who was true to -her promise to see Elinor through her escapade. Templeton Druid found -time for one confidential whisper. - -“Now don’t forget your promise,” he reminded, his tone languishing as -though nothing else in the world meant so much. “Be sure to ’phone me -to-morrow morning and let me know when I can see you again.” - -Elinor nodded but her eyes betrayed much to that wise little lady when -she took her seat by Geraldine DeLacy’s side in the Thurston limousine. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - -Judged from a standpoint of society notables present, the Thurston dance -was the success of the season. True, there was a notable lack of the old -conservative element, the Knickerbocker strain, but no one noticed the -absence of these kill-joys, as some of the younger set were wont to -refer to them, and their absence was more than atoned for by the bevy of -débutantes, second-season belles and attractive matrons whose doings -filled so many columns in the society gossip. To say nothing of a -scattering of celebrities. And to anyone who knew him, it was plain that -Templeton Druid considered himself not the least of these. - -The Broadway star made a late, a very late appearance—the affair had -progressed to the stage where the younger set had long since abandoned -their more proper dancing for the jazziest of modern Terpsichorean -feats, utterly careless, in most cases, oblivious of the few frowns that -met them from the few older matrons who had not accustomed themselves to -seeing the sons and daughters of their own sort resort to the gyrations -of public dance halls. - -The Bentons, father and daughter, (it had been the greatest joy to -Elinor when her mother had made a final declination of her own and her -father’s invitation to accompany them) were among the earlier arrivals. -Elinor Benton had not yet become so blasé that she was willing to forego -any moment of triumph which was inevitably hers at such an affair. Her -very happiness at the thought of meeting Templeton Druid again (though -that one ride had only been the precursor of others which had followed -and which had led in this short time to an intimacy she had never known -with any of the men in her own set), of being held in his arms in the -dance, and with the added zest of being from under her mother’s eyes, -for she had dreaded the thought of introducing the matinée hero to her -mother and being questioned as to her friendship, had further enhanced -the beauty that made her the center of attraction wherever she went. -Much thought had been spent on the gown she wore—a marvelous creation -of georgette crêpe, its _couleur de rose_ shading from the deepest tint -to a delicate shell pink. And strangely enough for her, it had not been -the thought that it would bring the usual crowds of callow youth about -her that had been responsible for the careful toilette. What Templeton -Druid would think of her—could she further bring him to her feet—had -been the all-absorbing hope as she had stood before her long mirror -while her maid put the finishing touches to the dream she saw before -her. - -Elinor Benton had no worry about her father as far as her actor was -concerned. She knew her father—knew his careless acceptance of anything -she might tell him; knew, too, the only half hidden snobbery that would -accept without question any guest of the Thurstons. Hugh Benton had -reached the point where his society gods and goddesses could do no -wrong. - -A one-step was starting as the Bentons entered the big ball room. Hugh -looked about him with as happy eyes as did his daughter. This was the -kind of thing he loved; this what he had always been denied. His wife -cared so little for the enjoyments of the society into which his hard -work and diplomacy had landed them. But had he been a bit more -observant, he would have seen that his little girl’s eyes were not as -care-free as usual, that she was restless; there was still something -that must occur to make her happiness complete. There was the thought -that three hours must elapse before Templeton Druid should make his -appearance. She saw several youths making their way in her direction. Of -a sudden they seemed unspeakably inane. She did not want to dance with -them. She placed her hand on her father’s arm. - -“Come on, Dad, let’s dance,” she urged. “This is a one-step; I know you -can dance that——” - -Hugh Benton looked down and laughed as he placed his arm about his -daughter. - -“What’s in the baby that makes her want to dance with her old Dad, -instead of these youngsters who are breaking their necks to reach her?” -he asked humorously. But as they swung off, Elinor looked up at him, -wrinkled her pretty nose and sniffed as she murmured: “My _old_ Dad! -Hmmph! Handsomest, youngest man in the room, I’ll tell the world. The -girls’ll all be dying with jealousy——” - -A light-gloved hand brushed her bare arm. A warm perfume unlike any he -had ever smelt made Hugh Benton glance up quickly. A soft musical voice -drawled: - -“Hello, child! Do I have to interrupt your dance to make you notice -me—to say good-evening. I’ve been trying to catch your eye ever since -you came in.” - -Elinor Benton swung out of her father’s arms to face Geraldine DeLacy—a -marvelous Geraldine in her soft clinging iridescent gown, her deep dark -eyes sparkling with pleasurable enjoyment, as though seeing and speaking -with Elinor Benton was the event of the evening most to be desired. - -“Oh, Geraldine,” cried the girl. “Isn’t it fine to see you! And right -now when I’m with Dad. Goodness knows,” and she flashed an impish smile -at her parent, “when the other girls get a chance at him, I’m going to -see precious little of him this evening—and I do so want you two to -know each other. This is Mrs. DeLacy, Dad—you know, Geraldine, of whom -I’ve told you so much.” - -“She has indeed, Mrs. DeLacy,” Hugh Benton added cordially. “I feel -almost as if we were old friends——” - -The woman shot him an arch glance. - -“Which we may be, I hope?” she queried, and there was something in that -glance and appealing voice which sent a quiver through the financier’s -nerve centers such as he had not known in many a day. “As I hope,” she -added, playfully pinching Elinor’s cheek, “that it has been nice things -this child has been saying about me.” - -Elinor interrupted breathlessly. - -“Why, Dad, I told you, didn’t I, that she was beautiful and fascinating -and——” - -“Quite the most wonderful creature alive—I admit it myself,” -Geraldine’s laugh was whole-hearted, but the look she gave Hugh was one -of mutual understanding. “It’s quite wonderful to be a chaperone to -children who can find no fault in you because you love to see them enjoy -themselves. And besides, a widow must have some admiration, and from -what better source than the girls she loves?” - -Hugh Benton had appreciated the glance of understanding, but now he -could not restrain his gallant: “She wasn’t half eloquent enough, Mrs. -DeLacy.” - -Geraldine smiled and lowered her lashes over her wonderful dark eyes. - -“It’s so fine to hear such things—even if one is not a débutante, and -of course, has to take a back seat at such affairs as this.” - -The music was beginning for a new dance. Elinor saw Frank Joyce, whose -name was on her card, approaching. - -“Oh, Dad,” she said, regretfully, “we’ve missed our dance, but we’ll -have another later. Take good care of my family, Geraldine,” she called -laughingly as she whirled away in young Joyce’s arms, her mind still on -the slow moving time that separated her from Templeton Druid. - -“Would you care to dance, Mrs. DeLacy, or would you prefer sitting it -out?” asked Hugh. - -“Oh, let’s talk,” Geraldine replied eagerly. “I can _always_ dance, -but—” Her eyes were full of meaning. Hugh linked her arm within his and -led her out to one of the verandahs. - -“Will you have a wrap?” he inquired solicitously. - -“Thank you, no,—the night is glorious.” - -“This seems cozy,” Hugh said, as he drew up two wicker easy chairs -beside a row of potted palms. - -They were at the farthest end of the verandah. Music floated out from -the ballroom, the soft rays of the moon slanted toward them, and the -fragrance of the sweet peas and roses was wafted up from the sunken -gardens. - -Geraldine heaved a little sigh of contentment and settled back in her -chair: “I’m sorry to have made you miss your dance with Elinor.” - -“The pleasure of meeting you has entirely recompensed me,” Hugh replied -gallantly. - -“How lovely of you to say that.” Geraldine stared at Hugh so openly for -a few moments, that he found himself blushing like a school-girl. - -“I—I—beg your pardon,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to stare so -rudely, only I just _can’t_ realize it.” - -“What is it that you can’t realize?” - -“Why, that you are Elinor’s father—you are so—so young!” - -“I’m forty-four years old,” Hugh answered smilingly. - -“Really, Mr. Benton! Surely you have discovered an elixir of youth. I’ve -met Mrs. Benton, and I can’t understand how you—oh please—forgive -me—I have an abominable habit of thinking aloud.” Geraldine lowered her -eyes while she waited anxiously to see what effect her thrust had taken. - -“My wife is four years younger than I,” Hugh replied gravely. “You must -remember that time deals more lightly with a man than it does with a -woman.” - -“You won’t think I’m presuming if I say that anyone would take Mrs. -Benton to be many years your senior. Has she been ill?” - -“No, Mrs. Benton has not been ill,” he sighed. “She is quite reserved, -and a bit old-fashioned. Don’t you think it rather difficult to keep -one’s youth without indulging in a few modern pleasures?” - -“Indeed, I do,” Geraldine answered, and her sigh asked for understanding -as she added, as though reluctantly, “and I can sympathize with you—my -husband and I were—er——” - -All the world—all his own world of finance and business, at least, gave -Hugh Benton credit for being a clever man. It was a common expression -among his club and business associates that anyone would have to get up -early to put anything over on Hugh Benton. But there would have been -smiles, contemptuous, tolerant, amused, could those men have seen Hugh -Benton in the hands of a woman as clever as himself, cleverer by far, in -her own sphere. For Hugh Benton had never lived by his wits. Geraldine -DeLacy’s daily bread depended on hers. She molded him like wax. In her -hands he was pliable as a child. It would have astonished even him could -he have stood off in an astral body and heard himself discussing his -most intimate domestic affairs with a total stranger. He did not know -that Mrs. DeLacy was but satisfying her curiosity concerning the rumors -she had heard of incompatibility in the Benton family, but Geraldine -knew that it took her but one-half hour to discover all she wished to -know. - -But as he talked, becoming each minute more confidential, it seemed less -and less that this beautiful woman was a stranger. It was so much to -have her sitting next to him, looking at him tenderly, with eyes -expressing sympathy and warmth. Her complete understanding of everything -he said seemed so thorough. Her capability to grasp intuitively his -innermost thoughts amazed him. - -Geraldine adroitly turned the conversation to herself. She spoke of -marriage to a man uncongenial to her every way—a marriage described as -a sacrifice to save a home for her people—one of the old families of -Virginia,—and then of her widowhood; how Mr. DeLacy had passed away six -years ago, after losing his entire fortune, and leaving her a mere -pittance of an income, barely enabling her to keep up a respectable -appearance. - -Hugh unconsciously cast a look of surprised inquiry at her magnificent -gown. - -Geraldine shrugged and laughed a little bitterly. - -“You are looking at my gown,” she interposed quickly. “I’ll tell you a -secret, one that I have never confided in another soul—I make all my -own gowns. But what is one to do?” She spread her hands in a gesture of -mute helplessness. - -“Remarkable!” Hugh was genuinely admiring. “But it must keep you very -busy.” - -“It does—sometimes I sit up until four in the morning sewing—I can’t -let it interfere with any of my social engagements, and still I must do -it—it is the only way I can manage at all. Why the price of the gown -your daughter is wearing this evening would provide six for me.” - -“Wonderful little woman!” Hugh reached out daringly to pat her hand. “So -few women would be content under such circumstances.” - -“Oh, but I’m not always content. Sometimes I become very much -discouraged, and heartsick—I’m so terribly alone in the world. The -Thurstons are good, kind people, but somehow I just can’t unburden -myself to them. We Lees, of Virginia, are so terribly proud, you know. -If I only had someone to take a little interest in my affairs—the small -amount of money that I have invested properly would mean so much to me.” - -Had this bald bid come from any man he knew, Hugh Benton would have -smiled his understanding smile and put it from his mind. But now so -thoroughly had Geraldine DeLacy hypnotized the man who for years had -been without sympathy or the flattery that is man’s meed that he did not -even see that it was a blatant asking for aid. All he could see was that -here was a beautiful, a sympathetic, an understanding woman in financial -straits, that she, proud as she was, had confided in him, had given him -confidence for confidence in the short time it had taken them to be such -good friends, and that he knew he could aid her. Why, he could make it -possible for her to be independent of any of these friends or relatives. -It would not be necessary for her to sit up late at night, dimming her -wonderful eyes, pricking those dainty fingers making gowns in which she -looked so amazingly well dressed. He could imagine how hard it was for -her to have to depend on even such relations as the Thurstons. Here was -his opportunity to show himself a real friend—not the casual -acquaintance of a few idle hours at a dance, talking while the music -purred and the moon made it an hour for confidences. - -“Why not let me help you?” he asked eagerly. “You know, investing money -is my business, and when I hear of something good, let me double or -triple that little sum for you?” - -“Why, Mr. Benton!” Geraldine exclaimed, concealing her delight with -well-feigned emotion. “You surely wouldn’t bother with me! I couldn’t -let a busy man like you.” - -“It would be the greatest pleasure, Mrs. DeLacy.” - -“But it—it seems like such an imposition! Oh, it—it actually looks as -though I—I was hinting—Oh, Mr. Benton, I wouldn’t have you think that -for the world!” - -“Nonsense! I don’t think anything of the kind. You happened to mention -your affairs and I happened to be in a position to render you a little -assistance—that’s all there is about it.” - -“All?—Why—I—I—” Geraldine covered her eyes with her handkerchief and -began to sob softly. - -“Oh, please,” Hugh drew her hands from her eyes and patted her shoulder -consolingly. “I can’t bear to see a woman cry.” - -“You’re like all men in that respect,” Geraldine dried her eyes -obediently and smiled up at him. “But in every other way you’re so -different—I never met anyone like you—my friend. I won’t attempt to -thank you now; I should only cry again. Hadn’t we better join the -others?” Geraldine rose from her chair. - -“Yes, I suppose we must.” Hugh reached for her hand and kissed the tips -of her fingers. “But,” he added, meaningly, “remember this—you have -called me your friend and—we shall meet again.” He finished abruptly as -he led her toward the brightly-lighted windows, and there was -determination in his tone. - -Nell Thurston was just taking Templeton Druid, who had but made his -belated pompous appearance, over to meet her father and mother when Mrs. -DeLacy re-entered the ballroom on the arm of Hugh Benton. They made -their way toward Elinor who stood alone for the moment, her eyes -fastened with all the fascination of a bird on its natural enemy on the -tall, lithe figure of the Thespian. So interested was she that she did -not even see her father and friend, though she had taken occasion two or -three times to wonder a little at their prolonged absence. “He’s here -just to see me—me!” was her exultant thought. “Oh, what would they all -think if they knew,” pridefully. - -Like nearly everyone else the big room, so effectually had Templeton -Druid learned to make his entrances, Hugh Benton saw the man, and his -brows twisted in perplexity as he looked. - -“Who is he?” he asked his companion. “It seems as if I know him, but I -can’t quite place——” - -“Templeton Druid,” informed Mrs. DeLacy. - -Hugh’s “Oh,” was somewhat illuminative. “Oh,” he said, “Templeton Druid, -the actor? Is he—is he a friend of the Thurstons?” - -“He’s a friend of mine,” was Geraldine’s information, in a tone that -removed from Hugh Benton’s mind any doubt of the matinée idol’s -eligibility anywhere. “We went to the same school in Richmond. He’s from -an excellent family.” They had reached Elinor’s side just in time for -the girl to hear the last remark of Mrs. DeLacy, and it was a look of -gratitude she shot at her friend and chaperone as she quickly took in of -whom they were speaking. “Ah, Elinor,” purred Geraldine, as she placed -her arm about the waist of the other, “I see a friend of ours. You -know,” and she turned informatively to the father, “I introduced several -girls to Mr. Druid at the Waldorf one afternoon while we were having -tea. You were one of them, weren’t you, dear?” Elinor nodded, but -Geraldine chattered on. “He’s really charming and cultured, but—ah, you -shall judge for yourself, Mr. Benton.” Templeton Druid, his -introductions to his hosts completed had straightened his tall figure in -its immaculate evening garb and was looking about the room as though in -search of someone. His glance caught Geraldine’s and she beckoned. He -approached with an eagerness that brought a frown of something akin to -jealousy to the financier’s face as he bent a keen look on his new-found -friend. Geraldine held out her hand cordially. - -“I’m so glad you could come,” she enthused. “You’ve met Miss Benton, -haven’t you?” turning to Elinor, who felt as if the pounding of her -heart must be heard above the buzz of conversation. - -“I have had the pleasure,” Templeton replied, bending over Elinor’s -hand. - -“And this is Mr. Benton, Elinor’s father,” Geraldine continued. - -“Glad to know you, Mr. Druid,” Hugh said as they shook hands. “I’ve -always admired your work——” - -Druid’s laugh was frank and hearty. - -“And I yours, Mr. Benton,” he countered. “It’s a far more popular art.” -Hugh Benton grinned understandingly. - -“We artists,” he began, but the bang of jazz for the next dance drowned -his unfinished epigram. - -“Will you dance, Miss Benton?” Templeton turned to Elinor. - -He held the girl closely to him as they circled about the room. “You’re -ravishingly beautiful to-night,” he whispered, his voice vibrating with -passionate tenderness. “Can’t we manage to slip away for a few moments -so that I can have you to myself?” - -“I don’t see how we can possibly get away,” she pouted prettily. “After -this dance Nell will be waiting to introduce you to half a dozen girls, -and they will monopolize you for the rest of the evening.” - -“There isn’t a soul I want to meet—I only accepted this invitation in -order to be near you,” he replied quickly. “Surely you can think of some -way to rescue me from a lot of uninteresting girls. I can’t see anyone -in this room but you—dear.” - -Elinor thrilled delightedly at the “dear”—it was the first term of -endearment he had used in addressing her. - -“I’ll tell you what I will do,” she planned quickly. “After this dance, -I’ll run upstairs for a wrap, while you manage to disappear through that -French window at the end of the room—it leads into the garden and at -the end of the path, you’ll find an adorable little summer-house. Wait -there until I join you. But we can only remain away a few moments,” she -continued as he started to voice his gratitude. “The lion of the hour -will be missed, you know, and a search instituted for him.” - -“Five minutes alone with the most bewitching girl in the world,” he -assured her, “will compensate me for the balance of the evening.” - -It was less hard than Elinor’s biased imagination had supposed for the -man to slip away unobserved to the “adorable little summer-house” at the -end of the path. - -“My, but I’ve had a lot of dodging to do,” Elinor exclaimed breathlessly -as she entered a few minutes later. “Whenever you’re anxious to avoid -people, one seems to spring up like a jack-out-of-the-box at every -turn!” - -“Elinor,” Templeton murmured, reaching for her hand, and holding it -close within his own. “Do you know why I begged you to grant me a few -moments alone?” - -“I can’t imagine,” she replied coyly, “unless it was for the purpose of -admiring this wonderful moon.” - -Elinor Benton’s eyes turned upward toward the silvery shining circle -that beamed down upon them through the tangled vines of the summer -house. She was tantalizingly close to the man who still held her warm -little fingers. The perfume that clung about her soft young body stung -all the man’s unbridled senses like a whiplash. His eyes and brain saw -red as he threw out his arms and clasped her roughly to him, raining -kisses on her upturned face. - -“You tantalizing, wonderful little beauty!” he breathed. “Is there some -vampire in you? You know very well that I’m mad about you! I adore you! -The moon, stars and sun, all are eclipsed in your presence!” - -Passively she remained in his arms while he kissed her again and again. -He held her off at arms length and looked longingly at her. - -“Do you care for me? A little?” he asked eagerly. “Tell me?” - -Elinor’s head fell forward on his breast. - -“I—I _love_ you,” she whispered, but there was a passion in the -whispered words that even Templeton Druid, past master of heart affairs, -had never before heard. - -“My darling!” - -His voice was softly caressing. But by the light of the moon the girl in -his arms could not see the triumphant gleam in his eyes. - -Content for the moment only to stand heart to heart with the man she -loved, feeling his caressing touch, hearing his tender words of -devotion, Elinor Benton let the world go by unheeded. Then came an -unwelcome thought to obtrude. She drew back from him, and stared off -into space. - -“Oh, what will mother say?” she wailed dismally. “I’m not a bit worried -about Dad—I can easily win him over—but _mother_?” - -“Why?—Why?” he stammered confusedly. “Need we tell them anything about -it?” - -“You foolish boy! You’re so confused,” she laughed. “Isn’t it customary -for a man to ask a girl’s parents for her hand in marriage?” - -“Marriage!” he ejaculated. “Oh—to be sure—only we will have to keep -all this secret for awhile—that is what I meant by suggesting our not -mentioning anything to your parents—just yet. You see, dearest, I must -play the rest of this season according to my contract, and one-half of -my popularity is centered in my being an _unmarried_ matinée hero. -Besides, there is another matter, it will be necessary for me to -adjust—one that I cannot explain at present.” - -“I understand, dear. You are suggesting that we remain secretly engaged -for the present?” she asked eagerly. - -“Yes—that’s it exactly. Do you mind, sweetheart?” - -“Oh, I think it will be wonderful; so delightfully romantic, and my -meeting you clandestinely won’t seem at all wrong now that you are my -affianced husband,” she replied with suppressed excitement. - -“You’re a genuine little sport,” he exclaimed, generously helping -himself to more of her kisses which she unhesitatingly returned. - -“We will surely be missed,” Elinor struggled out of his embrace, and -began to readjust her hair. “I’ll hurry back, and you come in a few -minutes later.” - -“Be sure to telephone to me to-morrow, dearest.” - -“It is almost to-morrow now. I’ll ’phone you to-day—instead,” she -answered laughingly as she hurried away. - -Elinor snuggled in the car beside her father on their way home from the -dance. She was supremely happy. Her heart sang in tune to the purring of -the motor. - -“He loves me! He loves me!” - -Templeton Druid, the idol of all the young women in New York—loved -_her_! - -It seemed almost too wonderful to be true. There was but one flaw. What -would her mother say—when she finally told her? Her heart missed a beat -in mere anticipation. “Dad will surely understand,” she told herself. -She could always bring him about to her way of thinking. - -She reached for his hand. “Are you tired, Daddy dear?” - -“No, little one,” he replied. “I was just living over the evening—I -don’t remember when I have so thoroughly enjoyed myself.” - -“I’m so glad. I was afraid you might be dreadfully bored. How do you -like Geraldine?” - -“She is one of the most charming, interesting women I have ever met.” -His answer came decisively, then there was a note of peevishness in his -voice as he added: “Really, Elinor, I can’t see why your mother should -object to her.” - -The girl tossed her head. - -“Oh, mother objects to anyone who is—well, the least bit—modern,” she -replied impatiently. “Was she always so—so old-fashioned, Dad?” - -Hugh closed his eyes. His thoughts traveled back over the years, until -he found himself sitting on the steps of a humble four-room cottage, a -beautiful girl beside him, his arm about her waist, and her head -pillowed on his shoulder, their hearts aflame with love, pure, warm and, -they believed, changeless. - -“I don’t know,” he answered dreamily. “Your mother was very beautiful, -my dear, and there was a time she meant the world to me. Perhaps—I -can’t tell now—perhaps she was always—what you term—old-fashioned, -but our ideas coincided perfectly in those days—now everything appears -differently to me. I wonder sometimes, am I the one who is changed?” - -Elinor Benton gave her father’s arm a little squeeze. - -“Well, if you were ever like mother is to-day, all I can say is, thank -heaven you have changed,” she said, with fervor. “But Daddy, dear, you -never could have been like mother; you’re so wonderfully broad-minded -about everything.” - -“Am I, baby girl?” Hugh smiled. “Perhaps I appear that way to you, -because as yet there has been nothing to warrant my acting otherwise.” - -“That’s just it. The things that you consider perfectly all right, are -the very ones that meet with mother’s disapproval. I wonder how she will -act when the time arrives for me to choose a husband?” She seemed to -ponder aloud, but in reality feeling her way cautiously. - -“Why wonder about anything as distant as that?” - -“Surely, you don’t wish me to be an old maid?” Elinor demanded -indignantly. - -“An old maid,” Hugh laughed heartily. “You are only a baby, and just -beginning to see the world.” - -“I’m past eighteen—please remember that, and——” - -Her father turned her face upward to look at her quizzically. - -“Who is the man, Elinor?” Hugh asked playfully. - -“What—what do you mean, Daddy?” She could not quite hide a feeling of -alarm, but her fears were calmed as her father queried: “Young Bronlee?” - -“How ridiculous!” she exclaimed impatiently. “Does the fact of my having -expressed an opinion, necessitate there being anyone in particular? And -why should you immediately suggest Paul Bronlee? No,” and she shook her -head sagely, “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Dad, but I shall never marry -Paul Bronlee even if he is one of ‘the’ Bronlees and so desirable in -your own and mother’s eyes. He bores me to death. In a year’s time, I -should be obliged to divorce him. But why discuss anything so silly? -Here we are home at last and I’m dead tired.” - -Her father walked with her to the foot of the stairs and kissed her -gently. - -“Hurry up into slumber-land; I’m going to have another cigar. We can -talk about your marriage another time. I don’t want to think of losing -my girl yet, nor must she think of leaving. Good-night, dear.” - -“Good-night, Dad,” she replied as she returned his caress perfunctorily, -anxious to hurry away, to be alone. - -Elinor Benton closed her door softly, though her impulse was to slam it. -She flung her opera coat at a couch across the room and kicked a silver -slipper into another. She stamped the still shod foot. - -“Paul Bronlee, indeed!” she muttered. - -She crossed over to her escritoire and from a locked drawer took out an -autographed photograph of Templeton Druid. Her heart leapt as she gazed -at it. Ah, there was a man! And he loved her! She held the pictured -likeness to her lips, then held it at arm’s length as she half -whispered: - -“And they would talk to me about Paul Bronlee when I have you, dear -heart! But never fear—I’ll show them I have a mind of my own. Looks as -if I was going to have trouble with dad, too, but we’ll both show them. -Marry first and tell them after—that’s the idea.” - -Tenderly as though the pictured likeness were a living entity, she -placed it back in its drawer which she carefully locked. Then she turned -to ring for her maid. When Marie’s soft knock came on the door, Elinor -Benton was lounging in a deep easy chair, her fair head nodding, but her -thoughts wide awake, her mind filled with the image of one man. - -In his favorite nook in the library, Hugh Benton was doing some thinking -on his own account. What Elinor had said about an eventual marriage had -disturbed him a little, but he passed it over hurriedly as a thing of -the future. His great ambition was for his daughter to make a good -marriage,—in which respect he was still like his wife, but to-night any -future marriage of Elinor’s was of minor consideration. It was himself, -what he was to do with his own life that had suddenly risen to stare him -in the face. He felt that he was facing some sort of crisis, vague, it -was true, but nevertheless imminent. He had paced the floor for a long -time, till his subconscious mind had taken in every detail of the thick -rug before he realized he was tired. He sank into his deep leather chair -and sat facing the fire which, even in summer, was kept lighted here in -the evenings. He must face squarely the thing that was worrying him—be -honest with himself, at least. His lighted cigar fell into ash as he -moodily stared before him, recalling the past, dreaming of what the -future might be, if only—— - -He had been married to Marjorie for twenty-one years; now, the plain -fact of the matter was he had fallen in love with another woman at first -sight, precisely as a boy of twenty might have done. At first he -severely criticised his own weakness, and then, suddenly and furiously, -he blamed his wife for it all. She alone was responsible for the -indifference existing between them. Their lives together under the same -roof had been a mockery for the past few years. Had an atmosphere of -congeniality and warmth prevailed in his home, he would not have been so -susceptible to the charms of a beautiful and fascinating woman. Only a -few weeks before he had threatened Marjorie that should the opportunity -present itself, he would grasp elsewhere the happiness he could not -obtain in his own home, little dreaming at that time how soon he would -lose his head. - -Dawn showed grayly through the half-drawn curtains. Completely worn out, -he rose and went slowly up the stairs to his room, his perplexing -problem still unsolved. It had left him utterly at sea. Well, matters -would have to readjust themselves as best they could. He was in the -hands of Fate, and would drift wherever the tide carried him. He -realized, with just one slight pang of a resisting conscience that he -did not feel the shame he should. The alluring prospects of an exciting -adventure only caused him to experience a sensation of keen rebellion -and joyous anticipation. So had actually changed the Hugh Benton of the -Atwood days of sixteen years before. - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - -That all Hugh Benton’s problems were not concerned with his own -troublesome heart where the fair Geraldine DeLacy was concerned, or with -his daughter whose willfulness he feared might lead her into a marriage -less desirable than the one he hoped for with Paul Bronlee, came home to -him in a cataclysmic rush a few days later when Howard, his son, -appeared on the immediate horizon. Howard had been so long at college -that Hugh had got into the habit of thinking of him as merely a -financial annoyance, the personal equation of which was luckily distant. -There was not much affection between the two. There could not have been, -since Hugh Benton had seen his son so rarely during those portions of -his vacation the young man chose to spend in his home. But Hugh Benton -never forgot his fatherly duties. He remembered that Howard was his son. -And how, indeed, was he to forget it after that blithe and dashing young -man had been home from college for a few weeks. - -It was shortly after the Thurston dance that Howard had been graduated. -It had been rather as much of a surprise to Howard that this had been -accomplished as it had to anyone else—nevertheless, it had been done. -He had flunked in everything the beginning of the term, but mysteriously -he had managed to get through by an amazingly close margin. - -Marjorie was very proud of her son. Mother-like, she overlooked all of -his faults—saw him only through eyes of love, and did not attempt to -look beneath the surface. To his father, though, Howard was not a young -god. He saw him as he was: egotistical, reckless, a selfish young -spendthrift. - -Hugh called him into the library one evening after he had had time to -consider the young man’s case. - -“I want to have a little talk with you, Howard,” he told his son with a -firmness that presaged no casual talk. - -“All right, Dad, see that it is a _little_ talk, as I have a date in -town.” Howard dropped lazily on the davenport, extracted a cigarette -from his new platinum case and blew rings of smoke toward the ceiling. - -The parent eyed his offspring critically. He was considering him from -all angles. Handsome enough, he thought, and there was self-satisfaction -in his recognition of his own features in those of his sprawling son. -But another thought came to drive away pleasure in any personal -appearance. - -“And insolent, too,” was the further thought, and an ominous frown -accompanied the mental comment. But when he spoke aloud, it was slowly -and with the dignity he always used when addressing Howard. He indicated -the sprawling attitude. - -“I prefer to have you sit up while I talk,” he said with unmistakable -reproof, “and as for your—er—date—it will have to wait.” - -“I say—” Howard began, but as he caught sight of his father’s stern -countenance, he slowly straightened out of his reclining position, and -sat waiting. - -“Howard,” Hugh went directly to the point, “I haven’t been at all -satisfied with your conduct during your three years at college——” - -“Why, what’s the matter?” Howard’s tone conveyed genuine surprise. -“Didn’t I graduate?” - -“You did. God only knows how. Neither Professor Anderson nor I have been -able to fathom it.” - -Howard flushed angrily: “Maybe you think I cheated?” - -“I am so glad that you’re through I don’t believe I care how you managed -it. You know without my having to tell you how you wasted your time; but -I didn’t call you in here to discuss past performances or lecture you. I -merely want to know what you intend doing now that you are a college -graduate and have fully satisfied your mother’s ambitions?” Hugh himself -did not realize the tinge of bitterness in his voice. - -“Doing? Just what do you mean by that, Dad?” - -“Do you care to come into the office with me,” Hugh answered, “or would -you rather go to work for one of my friends?” - -“Work!” Howard sat up like a shot. Amazement rang in his voice. “Surely, -Dad, you don’t expect me to work!” - -“Well, what do you expect to do, now that you can’t go to school any -longer?” Hugh remembered his cherished dignity and sought to control -himself, but with ill success. - -“Why, you have so much money, Dad, I thought I’d just be a—a -gentleman.” - -Hugh turned fiercely. His anger had leapt bounds. “A gentleman?” he -sneered. “You mean, you want to be a good-for-nothing idler. Well, I -won’t stand for it—do you hear—I won’t stand for it!” - -Howard languidly lighted a fresh smoke. “Any need to get so excited?” - -All semblance of dignity gone by this goading of his nonchalant, -indifferent heir, Hugh Benton towered over him, an apoplectic flush on -his usually calm face. - -“Yes!” he shouted. “Yes! To hear you talk of being a ‘gentleman’—would -you infer that I am not one? Have I been too good to work? To hand out -money to you hand over fist to gratify your mother’s desire for you to -be college-bred? And now what do I get! You sit there calmly and -announce your intention of being a ‘gentleman!’ You, who have cost a -small fortune to put through college, to say nothing of the escapades -I’ve had to get you out of——” - -Hugh’s explosion ended in a splutter. Howard coolly blew another exact -smoke ring into the air. He almost yawned in his intense boredom as he -answered: - -“Haven’t I heard you say, Dad, that there is no use in going over past -performances?” - -“What else is there to do when you propose going on the same way?” Hugh -calmed himself to better his argument. “I can’t help saying, too, that -your lack of respect and air of impertinence surprise me,” he added -coldly. - -“I didn’t mean to be impertinent, Dad, honestly I didn’t—only this rôle -of the stern parent is so foreign and unbecoming to you, that it strikes -me as a sort of joke. You’ve always been such a good fellow, and regular -pal. However, I’ll come into the office with you, if you wish,” he added -condescendingly. - -“Very well, report at nine o’clock Monday morning—I’ll have Bryson -assign some work to you.” And it was Hugh who turned away abruptly, -ending the argument. - -“I’ll be there,” Howard assured, magnanimously. At the door, he turned -suddenly: “Say, Dad, how about the roadster you promised me when I was -through college. Can I have it?” - -“Yes,” Hugh answered listlessly. “Order it whenever you please.” - -“Thanks, Dad, you’re great!” And Howard ran upstairs, whistling the air -of a popular song. - -For a few moments Hugh paced about the room; then, coming to a sudden -standstill, he threw back his head and laughed bitterly. “What is the -_use_?” he murmured. “If I attempt to reason with my children, they -become insufferably insolent, or else they endeavor to win me over with -subtle flattery.” - -The jangle of the telephone bell on his desk startled him. - -“Is this Mr. Benton?” a sweetly low voice came over the wire. - -“Yes.” - -“This is Geraldine DeLacy, Mr. Benton.” - -“How do you do, Mrs. DeLacy,” he replied, but he was not unconscious of -the quickening of his heart. - -“I fear you have forgotten me. Don’t you remember promising to arrange -for me to call at your office?” - -“Forgotten you, Mrs. DeLacy! You suggest an impossibility. On the -contrary I’ve been waiting to hear from you. Do you happen to be at -leisure to-morrow?” - -“Why yes—I—” she began, but in his masterful way Hugh Benton took -matters in his own hands. - -“Well, then, suppose we say eleven-thirty, at my office, and after our -little business conference, perhaps you will do me the honor to lunch -with me?” - -“I shall be delighted.” - -“Thank you,” he murmured, as he hung up the receiver, Geraldine’s -musical “good-by” singing in his ears. - -When Hugh entered the breakfast room the next morning, he found all the -members of his family at the table. This was an occurrence so unusual as -to cause surprise. Of late years while the children were away at school, -Marjorie and Hugh breakfasted together on an average of about once a -month. Since Elinor’s return, she had ordered her tray sent up at least -five mornings out of seven, and Howard had not shown himself one morning -in the few days that he had been home. Therefore, Hugh’s inquiring -glance was to be expected. - -“Good morning,” he said, as he pulled out his watch. It was just 9:30. -“What a lot of early birds!” - -Marjorie laid aside the letter she was reading as she answered: “Good -morning, Hugh. I don’t believe I am any earlier than usual. I breakfast -every morning regularly at 9:15.” - -“I wasn’t referring to you, Marjorie,” Hugh laughed good-naturedly. “I -know your life is one long martyrdom of punctuality.” - -“Your sarcasm isn’t especially appreciated, Hugh.” Marjorie flushed -deeply, as she resumed the reading of her mail. - -“I hadn’t the slightest intention of being sarcastic, my dear Marjorie,” -he replied, seating himself at the table and reaching for his folded -paper, “but as usual, you prefer to misconstrue my meaning.” - -“Good morning, Dad,” Elinor interrupted, anxious to prevent a needless -argument. “You’re looking fine, and you’re all dressed up. Is that a new -suit?” - -“Practically new. I’ve had it about a month, but this is the first time -I’ve worn it.” - -“Well, it is vastly becoming, and your shirt and tie harmonize -beautifully.” - -“Maybe Dad has a date,” Howard interposed mischievously. - -“Howard, flippancy is distasteful to me,” Marjorie again looked up from -her letter to reprove coldly. - -“Why all this discussion?” Hugh demanded. “I happen to wear a new suit, -a thing I have done innumerable times without causing the slightest -comment, and for some unknown reason the family proceed to hold a -conference terminating in a general wrangle.” - -“I’m sure I meant it all right, Dad. I don’t see why Howard had to -interfere—I wish he’d mind his own business,” Elinor remarked -peevishly. - -“Oh, is that so?” Howard returned. “You think you’re mighty clever, -don’t you? I’ve as much right to speak as you have, and I’ll tell you -one——” - -“Children—children!” Marjorie intervened. - -“Well this a _pleasant_ little party,” Hugh exploded, throwing down his -paper in disgust. “If I had dreamt that things were going to be so -agreeable, I’d have had my breakfast in town. You must have all stepped -out on the wrong side of the bed. It evidently doesn’t agree with you to -rise so early. Anyway, what happens to be the occasion?” - -“I’m anxious to get into town to order my roadster,” Howard replied. -“Will you give me a lift, as far as the Circle, Dad?” - -Hugh nodded absent-mindedly. “And you, Elinor?” he asked. - -“Oh, I have an early appointment—one of the girls I knew at Miss -Grayson’s is visiting some friends in New York, and I am going to spend -the day with her.” - -“Who is she?” Marjorie inquired, coldly concerned. She had not yet -accustomed herself to Elinor’s doing as she pleased without consulting -her. - -“You don’t know her, mother, so there wouldn’t be any use in my telling -you.” Elinor tossed her head defiantly. - -“Just the same,” Marjorie began, “I want to know.” - -Hugh arose hastily. “Come on, Howard, if you want to ride into town with -me,” he called. It was plain he was anxious to escape from listening to -one of Marjorie’s catechisms. - -“Righto, Dad,” answered the boy. “Try to improve your disposition, Sis,” -he called back over his shoulder. “I’m going to get a swell roadster, -and you may want to ride with me.” - -“Howard,” Hugh began, as soon as they were seated in the car, and headed -for town, “how is it that you and Elinor can’t be together half an hour -without quarreling?” - -“Oh, I don’t know,” Howard sulked. “She always starts things.” - -“You should remember that she is a woman, and women are nearly always -difficult enigmas,” Hugh sighed rather deeply. - -“You must be right, Dad,” Howard’s voice was full of sympathy. “I know -you’re speaking from experience.” - -“What do you mean by that?” - -To which Howard replied, innocently enough: “Why Elinor and I were -discussing you the other evening, and we agreed that you must have a -pretty tough time of it, trying to hit it off with mother.” - -Hugh fidgeted uneasily. “I don’t see what could have given you that -impression,” he said. - -“Oh everything. You’re such a real sport, Dad, and mother is,” Howard -waxed confidential, “so very——” - -“Stop!” Hugh commanded. “Your attempting to criticise your mother to me -is very bad taste, Howard. I must refuse to listen to you.” - -“All right, Dad. Here’s where I get out!” He called to the chauffeur to -stop. “But,” and there was unmistakable meaning in the eyes of the son, -“I’m all for you, and you know it.” - -Hugh leaned back and closed his eyes as his car whirled toward his -office. - -“Even my children pity me,” he meditated resentfully. “What a mess -Marjorie and I have made of things!” But it was a commentary on the -changed Hugh Benton that only for one solitary moment did he blame -himself. Surely, he reflected morosely, Marjorie was anything but a -successful wife or mother. - -At precisely 11:30 his clerk announced Mrs. DeLacy. She swept into the -room gracefully, and extended her hand. “Good morning,” she said -brightly. “I think you will find me exactly on time.” - -Hugh glanced at the clock. “To the minute,” he answered, taking the -offered hand. “You are one of earth’s rarities—a punctual woman.” - -“You would consider me very unappreciative if I kept you waiting,” she -smiled, as she sank languidly into the easy chair which Hugh had drawn -up for her. - -Sitting opposite her, his arms folded across his chest, Hugh stared at -her approvingly. She seemed neither to notice nor resent the scrutiny as -she chattered on for a few moments about commonplaces. She was -bewitchingly charming to-day, he thought. Her dress, a symphony in brown -from head to foot, was flattering in the extreme. - -With reluctance, the man forced himself to recall that Mrs. DeLacy’s -visit was on business. There was so much more he would rather talk to -her about. But then he remembered that it would be to her -advantage—that it was in his power to aid her. He pulled a pad of paper -toward him and dipped his pen into the wrought bronze ink-well on his -shining desk. - -“Let us get down to business,” he said abruptly. “Tell me just how much -money you have, how it is invested, and all the particulars.” - -“I have so little, I’m almost ashamed to mention it. It’s so good of you -to bother with me at all,” she replied. She reached into her bag, -extracted a number of papers and placed them upon his desk. - -In short order he had made a note of everything. Placing the memorandum -in his desk’s drawer, he said bluntly: “Leave it all to me, my dear Mrs. -DeLacy. It won’t take long to double or triple your money for you.” - -“How powerful you are,” she murmured admiringly, “and how wonderful to -have found such a friend!” - -“Thank you.” He found himself blushing. “And now, where shall we go for -luncheon?” - -“I don’t know,” Geraldine stammered confusedly. “We must be -discreet—people are so unkind—especially to a widow. Can’t you suggest -some place where we wouldn’t be apt to meet anyone who knows us?” - -“If you don’t object to a little ride, I think I know the very place,” -was the prompt reply. “It is an inn on the road to Jamaica. I have -stopped there on my way to the races.” - -“Splendid,” she enthused. “The ride will give us an appetite, and I -adore inns.” - -“You had better go down ahead of me,” he said. “I will join you in a few -moments after I give my clerk some instructions for the afternoon. We -will go out in a taxi—my chauffeur—you know——” - -“I understand,” she saved him from further embarrassment. “You are more -than considerate, and I appreciate your kind protection. I’ll wait -below.” - -But Hugh Benton could not see the exultation in her eyes, nor know her -no less exultant thoughts as she rode down in the elevator. - -At Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street, they were halted by congested -traffic. - -Fate, or the imp that has so much joy in arranging just such contretemps -must have laughed with glee that day when Marjorie Benton had felt the -urge to go into town shopping. And it was that same imp who must have -led her out onto the sidewalk to her waiting limousine just at the -moment that a taxi halted in front of her,—and in that taxi were -Geraldine DeLacy and Hugh Benton—a different Hugh than she had known in -a long time herself, a Hugh so raptly attentive to his handsome -companion, so joyously laughing at her witty sallies, so light-hearted -that his attention did not swerve for one single moment to the pathetic -figure on the sidewalk, an unattractive figure at best in her gray gown -of severe cut. - -Marjorie Benton’s knees almost gave way under her at the sight. It was -only her indomitable will power that helped her survive the shock. -Realizing at once that they had not seen her, a thing for which she was -truly grateful, she slipped back into the entrance of the store and from -that concealed position, gazed with uncontrollable fascination at the -two before her. Her eyes were blinded with tears she could not force -back, but her cheeks burned with indignation. - -The traffic officer flashed the signal and the taxi vanished from sight. -Still Marjorie remained rooted to the spot. Strange as it may seem, -through all the years of estrangement, she had never once associated -Hugh with deception of any kind. Somehow, she had always believed he -would remain the gentleman she had married. - -Struggling to regain her composure, she summoned her car to be driven -home. Lowering the shades, she sat wearily down upon the luxuriously -upholstered seat. The mere rocking of the car caused her to place her -hands to her wildly throbbing temples. A hot uprush of jealousy not -unmingled with scorn overwhelmed her. How was she to bear it, was the -one thought that run frantically through her head. An overburdening -sense of inexpressible bitterness against the woman began to manifest -itself within her. Could the sensation of dislike and mistrust with -which she always encountered Geraldine DeLacy have been a presentiment? -The all-important question was: What should she do? If she went to him -and told him what she had seen, he would probably face her calmly and -say: “I warned you, Marjorie, that I should seek my happiness wherever -it presented itself.” She could not leave him. That would leave an -indelible stain upon Elinor and Howard just as they were being launched -forth into the sea of aristocracy. There was under the circumstances -only one thing left for her to do, and that was willfully to close her -eyes and stoically endure this, and presumably more insults to follow. -It would not be so very difficult for her to disguise her feelings. She -and Hugh had arrived at the point in their lives where they merely -exchanged conventional civilities. - -By the time the car reached home, she had her emotions under control. -Going directly to her own room, she removed her wraps and methodically -put everything where it belonged in her usual manner, hoping thereby to -regain composure sufficient to enable her calmly to review the situation -and reach a more logical decision. - -It was late in the afternoon when she calmly walked to the telephone, -called the Thurston home and asked to speak with Mrs. DeLacy. - -“Yes, this is Mrs. DeLacy,” Geraldine drawled. “Who is this, please?” - -“Mrs. DeLacy,” Marjorie answered, her voice distinct and serene, while -her heart throbbed, “this is Mrs. Benton. I have a request to make of -you.” - -“Why—Mrs. Benton,” Geraldine with difficulty disguised her surprise. It -was the first time Mrs. Benton had deigned to telephone her. “What can I -do for you?” - -“Will you call to see me to-morrow, and give me a few minutes of your -time. There is something I wish to discuss with you. I would come to you -only the matter is quite confidential, and I think we shall be freer -from interruption here.” - -“You fill me with curiosity, Mrs. Benton. I shall be glad to come, only -to-morrow happens to be a very busy day for me. As long as it is to be a -short interview, will it be convenient for you to see me at six o’clock, -on my way home from a five o’clock tea at the Woodsons?” - -“That will be all right. I shall expect you at six to-morrow. -Good-by—and—thank you,” Marjorie added reluctantly. - -Geraldine hung up the receiver in a marked state of disconcertion. What -in the world could Marjorie Benton wish to see her about? She had never -telephoned to her before. In fact, she had barely treated her with -formal civility when they happened to meet. She couldn’t understand why -she should be at all perturbed unless perhaps it was a twinge of -conscience. At all events she would put it from her until to-morrow. No -doubt it was something concerning Elinor—she knew that Marjorie -strongly disapproved of their intimacy. Well, she—— - -The dinner gong interrupted any further soliloquy. She hurried down to -the dining room. The Thurstons were having guests for dinner, one of -whom she was most desirous of knowing, a wealthy, distinguished -bachelor. True, she had had a remarkably interesting start with Hugh -Benton, but after all, he was married, so it could do no harm to exert -her affability in Mr. Tilmar’s direction. One could never tell just what -might happen. She could not afford to allow a single opportunity to -escape her. - -Marjorie Benton was satisfied. She had carefully debated all afternoon, -and had finally concluded that her only course lay in facing Geraldine -DeLacy. She would be different from other women and come out into the -open. Perhaps she could reach the DeLacy woman’s sense of honor. At all -events, she would not permit her to imagine that she was a poor, -deceived wife, the victim of a cheap and tawdry triangle. Those things -were all very well on the stage—but in real life—Well, she would -handle the situation differently. - -All the next day, she rehearsed in her mind just what she would say, and -at a few minutes past six, when Griggs announced Mrs. DeLacy she was -calmly waiting for her. - -Geraldine entered apologetically: “Am I a few minutes late, Mrs. Benton? -My dressmaker detained me this afternoon, and consequently I was tardy -with all my engagements.” - -“Thank you for coming, Mrs. DeLacy.” Marjorie motioned to her to be -seated. “I should have come to you, but as I told you, when I -telephoned, I thought it would be easier to arrange a private interview -here.” - -“How interesting. Sounds as if it were to be quite confidential.” -Geraldine sank languidly into a comfortable chair and extracted a -cigarette from her case. “Have one? Oh—I forgot—you never indulge. No -objections to my having a puff or two, I hope? It rests my nerves -so—after I’ve been rushing about.” - -Marjorie merely nodded. The insolence of the woman was almost -unbearable. - -“Well, now, Mrs. Benton, what is this secret? I am fairly consumed with -curiosity. Is it about Elinor? I hope the dear child has not -been,—well—let us say—indiscreet?” - -“I am perfectly capable of managing my daughter myself, Mrs. DeLacy—and -I would hardly send for you to advise me concerning her,” Marjorie -answered freezingly. - -“Why is it, Mrs. Benton, that you dislike me so?” Geraldine faced her -squarely. “From the moment of our first meeting, you have shown me -plainly just how you feel toward me.” - -“You’re right,” Marjorie realized that without undue maneuvering, the -cards were on the table, “I never liked you—you will pardon me for -having to say this in my own house—indeed, I mistrusted and disliked -you, but I never feared you, until yesterday—because I have always had -faith in my husband.” - -“Your husband?” - -“I was shopping on the avenue yesterday, and I saw you and my husband in -a cab. I immediately hailed another and—followed you!” Marjorie felt -the blood mounting to her cheeks, and she turned her head in order to -conceal her embarrassment as she brought this bit of strategy into play. -“So you see there isn’t any use for you to deny it.” - -“So that’s it.” Geraldine DeLacy threw away her cigarette and faced her -accuser defiantly. “Well, there isn’t anything for me to deny. I called -at Mr. Benton’s office on business. He is a broker and attending to some -of my affairs—surely I have a right to employ his services. It happened -to be lunch time and he invited me to go with him. I must confess that I -am surprised to think that the honorable Mrs. Benton has stooped to -spying.” - -Marjorie was struggling for calmness. - -“I’d do more than that, Mrs. DeLacy,” she said, with feverish meaning. -“I’d fight to the bitter end for the man I love.” - -“You love?” Geraldine’s laugh ended in a sneer. “Why, you don’t know -what love means—_you_, with your haughty air of superiority—your -repellent coldness. What can you mean to any man—particularly a man -like Hugh Benton?” - -Marjorie faced her proudly: “Something that no other woman in the world -means—I am the mother of his children.” - -Geraldine coolly lighted another cigarette. She seemed to be -considering. “When two people reach the climax in their lives, when they -mean as little to one another as you two,” she commented insultingly, -“then even children do not count.” - -“What do you know concerning our lives?” - -Geraldine’s shrug was expressive, and she half yawned in a bored manner. - -“What everybody else knows,” she enlightened, “that you are -mismated—that you haven’t an idea in common—that your husband believes -in living while you have stayed at home—and—well,—” She eyed her -rival insolently from head to foot,—“have you ever looked at yourself -in the mirror? When Hugh Benton told me he was four years your senior I -wouldn’t believe it. You’re more like his mother. Why, you’re forty -years old, Marjorie Benton, and I’m thirty-six—yes—I know I tell -everybody I’m twenty-six (I’ve been taken for twenty-three) _that’s_ the -difference between us. I’m being brutally frank with you because I want -to show you how impossible it is for you to hold your husband.” - -Marjorie gulped as the stinging words flayed her. - -“Perhaps all you say is true, Mrs. DeLacy,” she admitted slowly. “I may -be as you say—decidedly unattractive,—but I do know that until you -came into my husband’s life, I was the only woman in it.” - -“How ridiculous,” Geraldine laughed. “You mean I am the only one you -happen to think you know about.” - -“It is useless for me to waste words with you.” Marjorie Benton, usually -so calm, so cool, so complete mistress of herself, lost all control in -this crisis. She spoke bitterly. “I can never bring you to see things -from my viewpoint, and I could never stoop to your level to discuss -them.” - -“Stop!” Geraldine commanded angrily as she hurriedly rose. “You may go a -bit too far—even with me, Mrs. Benton. I came here at your request, and -have submitted calmly to your insults because, in my heart, I pity you! -But I refuse to allow you to presume any further. Up to now your husband -has simply been my friend and counselor. But he cares for me—I know he -does—and I shall act accordingly!” - -Marjorie eyed her disdainfully. “So it’s threats, now!” - -“Merely fair warning.” Gaining confidence in herself each moment, -Geraldine DeLacy was twisting the iron. - -“Then you will deliberately step in between husband and wife?” - -For her, Marjorie Benton was almost pleading, but her plea was made to a -woman soulless, caring only for what might best further her own -interests. - -“I cannot come into Hugh Benton’s life,” answered that woman, weighing -each word with cruel deliberation, “unless he is willing for me to do -so—therefore, I think the matter rests entirely with him, and neither -you nor I have a right to discuss it.” - -Mrs. Hugh Benton, her self-control all miraculously returned, an -unaccustomed red spot on either pale cheek, rose in all her dignity. - -“Your impertinence, Mrs. DeLacy,” she commented dryly, “is beyond -comprehension. I regret exceedingly having requested you to call, but -having done so, I now request you to leave!” - - - - - CHAPTER X - - -As though at the prearranged signal of the same imp that had been taking -such a hand in Marjorie Benton’s affairs, it was at this dramatic moment -that Hugh Benton entered the room. He was mystified, worried, at what he -saw; uneasy, too, at seeing the woman he believed he had come to love in -an obvious altercation with his wife. - -Two angry women, almost too intent on their own belligerency to notice -his appearance, faced each other. His own wife, those two angry red -spots on her white withered cheeks, stood like some accusing goddess -with hand pointing to the door, her eyes never leaving those dark -flaming ones of Geraldine DeLacy. What could it mean? Had Hugh’s -conscience been a clear one, he could not have been more dumfounded at -the scene that greeted him. - -It was Geraldine DeLacy who saw him first. She turned to him -appealingly, her eyes asking for sympathy and understanding. She laughed -nervously as she answered the question he had not found voice to form. - -“Your wife has just requested me to leave, Mr. Benton,” she told him. - -“Requested you to leave? Why Marjorie,” Hugh turned to his wife -perturbed, “what does this mean?” - -“I prefer not to discuss it now, Hugh.” Marjorie replied as calmly as -she could. “I will explain to you—when we are alone.” - -Geraldine flared angrily. “Well, I will explain it to him now,” she -cried. “Your wife sent for me, Mr. Benton, to accuse me of luring you -away from her. She happened to see us driving together yesterday, and -immediately reached her own conclusion. I have never been so grossly -insulted in my life.” - -More confused than ever, Hugh searched for words. - -“I can’t believe it,” was his inconsequential reply. “Marjorie, you must -be insane to do a thing like this. I demand that you apologize to Mrs. -DeLacy at once.” - -Trembling from head to foot, white as death, Marjorie Benton drew -herself up to her fullest height. One long, searching look she turned on -each and it was still with the dignity of the avenger that she turned -and swept from the room. - -Hugh stared after her in utter astonishment. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. DeLacy, -I’m sure you know that,” he said, in pained confusion. “I can’t -understand it. The only thing I can do is to apologize to you for Mrs. -Benton.” - -“Please don’t say a word, Mr. Benton.” The change in Geraldine DeLacy -was an instantaneous one. A light of mirth danced in the eyes that had -been so wrathful, the hard voice purred. “It is you of whom I am -thinking. You don’t know how I feel for you. I don’t believe Mrs. Benton -realized what she was doing. She was just beside herself—I can only -pity her.” - -“You are indeed generous,” he murmured. - -“It must be a dreadful thing,” she said so softly that she might have -been thinking aloud, “for a woman to feel that the man she cares for, is -slipping away from her, even though she is to blame.” - -“Understanding as usual,” was Hugh’s admiring comment, “but,” and the -words tumbled over themselves in their eagerness to be voiced, “why is -it, I wonder, that life always holds just one thing from us to make our -happiness complete? I’ve had more than my share of good fortune in all -things except the love and companionship—and——” - -“You’re just in the prime of life,” answered the woman dreamily. “Who -knows what may be waiting for you—just around the corner?” - -She turned toward the door, but stopped to smile, as she observed: “I’m -staying at home to-morrow evening—alone. The family are going to a -concert which would bore me to death.” - -“You may look for me about eight-thirty,” was the man’s quick answer. “I -am anxious to have you expound more of your marvelous philosophy.” - -She held out her hand. “I think you will find that we have many thoughts -in common. Good-by.” - -In her car, homeward bound, Geraldine DeLacy reflected exultingly. Fate -had brought about the very situation she longed for but would have found -difficult to arrange. How fortunate for her that she had held herself -discriminatingly aloof at the luncheon yesterday. Hugh could only judge -her to be a greatly wronged and unjustly accused woman. She -congratulated herself again and again upon her cleverness in assuming -the attitude of magnanimous generosity. His admiration and respect she -knew she had attained, and she would determine upon her next move -to-morrow night. - -With Mrs. DeLacy gone, Hugh Benton lost no time in searching out his -wife. He went directly to her room. He opened the door unceremoniously -and walked in. Marjorie was seated in a rocker by the window, her eyes -inflamed and swollen with weeping. She glanced up surprisedly as Hugh -entered—quite an unusual thing for him to do without knocking. - -“I suppose you have come to apologize,” she faltered, “for the dreadful -way in which you humiliated me.” - -“Apologize!” he fairly exploded. “I should say not—I have come to ask -you how you dared to insult Mrs. DeLacy in that manner?” - -“So that’s it!” Marjorie bounded to her feet. “You should be ashamed to -mention her name in my presence—your——” - -Something in his eyes forbade her finishing the sentence as it had been -intended, but she went on, instead: “A woman who comes into my life for -the sole purpose of wrecking it—I wasn’t afraid to face her with the -truth.” - -“But that’s just it,” thundered the husband, “it wasn’t the truth.” - -Marjorie Benton laughed her hard laugh. She dropped into the chair from -which she had risen, but her hand trembled as she searched for a -magazine. Her thin shoulders shrugged, her eyebrows lifted. “So?” she -inquired coolly. “Then perhaps I spoke just in time to prevent it from -ever becoming—the truth.” - -Hugh stared at her in blank amazement. “Marjorie, I believe you are -going insane—it is so utterly ridiculous for me to attempt even to -argue with you.” - -With no further word, he rushed from the room, colliding with Howard at -the door, and almost knocking him over. - -“Good evening, Dad—you’re just the one I want to see. I’ve got my car. -Come down to the garage and——” - -Hugh brushed by his son without deigning to reply. Howard pursed his -lips in a long whistle. - -“Gee whiz, mother—what’s eating Dad?” he asked, as he gently pushed -open his mother’s door. “Have you been telling him tales about me?” - -“No, dear, I haven’t mentioned you.” The mother’s reply was listless. - -“Well, what’s wrong with him—he didn’t even answer me, and almost threw -me off my feet! I was going to ask him—” He stopped short at a sudden -idea. “I say, mother,” he urged, “what’s the matter with you doing it? -Come on downstairs with me for a few moments—I want to show you -something.” - -“I am very tired and nervous, dear,” Marjorie replied wearily. “Can’t -you explain what it is without my having to go downstairs?” - -But the boy was insistent. “Oh, come on, mother,” he coaxed, taking hold -of her arm. “I’ve just got to show it to someone, and you’re the only -one home.” - -Something pulled violently at Marjorie’s heart-strings, as a flood of -tender recollections surged through her. She could see Howard again as a -tiny boy tugging at her apron and coaxing for a lollypop. After all, he -was only an overgrown, handsome boy—and her own. Obeying a sudden -impulse, she placed her arms tenderly about him. - -“Do you love me very much, Howard?” she asked. - -Having spent so much time away from home, attending boarding school and -college, Howard had experienced little real affection. For his father he -possessed a great admiration. He enjoyed being designated as the son of -Hugh Benton, the Wall Street magnate, and he also knew that he owed his -ability to indulge in many extravagances to his father’s generosity. His -mother, in his eyes, had always been a nice old lady, rather impossible -and aggravating at times. He had often wondered, he was forced to admit, -why a handsome, distinguished man like his father had ever married such -an old-fashioned, plain woman. - -He was perceptibly embarrassed at his mother’s unexpected query, but an -innate kindness and generosity of which he knew little himself, bade him -return her caress with a gentle pressure as he told her with careless -tenderness: - -“Why, of course, I love you, mother—why shouldn’t I? But come on -down—be a real sport.” Gently he took her arm, hurried her down the -stairs and out to the yard. - -“Look,” he said proudly, “isn’t she a beauty!” - -Standing in the garage was an expensive, high-class bright red roadster. - -“My new present from Dad,” he explained. - -“How did you get it so quickly?” Marjorie asked. “It was only yesterday -morning that I heard you say you were going to order it.” Then she -added, dubiously, as she walked nearer and eyed it critically: “This -must have been very expensive,” she said, noticing the make. - -“Well, Dad didn’t limit me; he simply told me I could have a car, so I -thought I might as well get one of the best.” Howard took it as a matter -of course. - -“Your father always indulges both Elinor and you to a ridiculous -extent,” his mother demurred. - -“Dad’s all right!” Howard bristled up. “And if you’d take a tip from me, -mother, you’d try to spruce up a bit and be a little more companionable -to him, or some ‘chicken’ will be stealing him away from you one of -these days.” - -Marjorie turned ghastly as she clutched at the car for support. Could it -be possible that Howard knew something, and was trying to warn her? No, -she decided, as she glanced up and saw that he was busily engaged -examining the engine, and not paying the slightest attention to what he -had said. It was only a chance remark, but oh, how the thrust had gone -home! - -Marjorie Benton looked at this handsome boy who was her own son, her -flesh and blood. A surge of deep feeling came over her. Why, he was no -longer a boy! He was a man—her son, one to comfort and cherish her. A -thought which brought the quick blood to her face, so foreign was it to -her usual restraint and the way she had come to bear her burdens -silently overwhelmed her. Why not tell Howard? Why not ask his aid? - -She walked slowly over to the youth who was whistling as he patted the -smooth shining hood of his new toy as though it were a living feeling -thing, and placed her hand on his arm. Howard looked up quickly, but -something he saw in his mother’s eyes brought a remonstrance to his -lips. - -“Why, mother—dear—what is it?” he asked. “You look so queer!” - -The mother’s smile was wan. - -“I feel queer, dear,” she admitted. “The whole world looks queer. -Howard, my son, I must tell you something. Your father and I have -quarreled and I’m afraid _seriously_.” - -“So that is what was wrong with him,” Howard whistled again, but there -was relief in his voice as he added, carelessly: “Well, why should he -take it out on me—I can’t help it if you two can’t hit it off -together—can I?” - -“Oh, Howard!” Marjorie shuddered. “How can you——” - -“Now, don’t you go and misunderstand me, mater—but what’s the use of -being so serious? You’ve quarreled many times before, and it always -blows over.” - -“But this is different. Whenever we’ve quarreled before, it has always -been over you or Elinor—or places to go, or people to entertain—but -this time it is a—woman!” Shame brought the last word out barely above -a whisper. - -“A woman!—Not Dad?” Howard laughed. “Who would have believed it? How -did you catch him?” - -“Howard,” Marjorie struggled with her choking sobs, “_please_ try to -understand—can’t you see—my heart is breaking. I haven’t anyone in the -world to turn to but you. You’re a man, dear, I—I thought perhaps you -can help me or advise me?” - -Howard’s face became grave. “I’m sorry, mother,” he begged, “forgive me. -Of course, I’ll help you all I can. Who is this woman?” - -“I’d rather not tell you her name.” - -“Is she young and pretty?” - -“She’s only four years younger than I,” was the sad answer, “but you -would take her for a girl—and she is very pretty.” - -Howard seemed to be considering the matter seriously. When he spoke it -was with carefully chosen words. - -“Mater, do you mind if I hand it to you straight from the shoulder?” he -asked bluntly. - -“Say whatever you wish,” she replied. - -“Well then,” he said, and he could not help but see his mother’s wince -of pain as her own son went on, “this is all your own fault. You’ve -never been willing to go anywhere with Dad; you won’t keep yourself -young for him. Why, he’s just like a boy! Whenever we go out together, -everyone thinks he’s my brother. If he can’t find the companionship he -needs in his own home, he is bound to seek it on the outside.” - -“But Howard,” demurred Marjorie weakly, “I don’t believe in cabarets, -and musical comedies, and it seems silly to fix up like a girl of -twenty. I don’t believe in trying to make myself young.” - -“But mother, you are young,” Howard persisted. “Why don’t you say—‘to -hell with my beliefs! My husband’s love is the only thing that counts.’” - -“Why—Howard—” Marjorie was shocked, but pleased nevertheless. - -“Beat this other woman to it,” Howard was speaking in the sage manner of -a man of the world. “Get the right kind of clothes—fix yourself up, and -then do a little vamping on your own account and just see what happens.” - -“Oh—I wonder—if I could,” she murmured. - -“Of course, you could—take it from me, mother! You can hold your own -with any woman, if you just buckle up a bit. Well, I’m going to take a -spin around the block and then go downtown.” Howard Benton had been -serious long enough for one day. He hesitated, then, “I wonder, -mater—could you spare fifty—I’m awfully low in funds?” he wheedled. - -“Yes, dear,” she answered dreamily, “come with me to my room.” - -Upstairs she extracted a number of bills from her purse. “There’s a -hundred for you,” she said, handing them to him. - -“Thanks awfully!” The boy kissed her, and walked to the door. Something -urged him to turn. His mother was looking at him with eyes filled with -longing. He grinned at her cheerily. “And I say, mother,” he offered, -“ask me anything you wish to know—I’m the best little advisor you ever -met. Good-night.” - -Marjorie Benton locked her door, walked straight to her dressing table, -and sitting down before the mirror, gazed at herself long and intently. -It was time for an inventory. But even she was shocked at what she saw. - -Surely, she thought, that pale, drawn face with its drooping mouth, -lusterless eyes and severely arranged hair didn’t belong to her! She had -been pretty and attractive once, she knew. - -“Buckle up a bit.” - -The words seemed to stand out before her in letters of fire. Perhaps -Howard had been the instrument by which her problem would be solved. She -would try it at any rate. Probably when Hugh saw her looking as other -women, he would lose all desire for anyone else and she would regain her -place in his heart. - -It was a new Marjorie, one rejuvenated and enthused who hastened down -the corridor to Elinor’s room, where she found Marie, her daughter’s -maid, mending a party frock. - -“Marie, will you help me a little?” she stammered in evident -embarrassment. - -Marjorie had never possessed a maid of her own. She could not be -bothered with someone fumbling about her, and besides, her style was so -simple she had always declared. It was different with Elinor. She had -written to her father asking that a maid be installed for her before she -returned from school. Marie arose and put aside her work. - -“_Oui, Madame, avec plaisir_,” she answered, smiling encouragingly. - -Because of Marjorie’s kind and courteous manner with all of the -servants, they were genuinely fond of her. - -“Do you think you could dress my hair, massage my face and—oh—sort of -fix me up in general?” Marjorie blushed. “I’ve taken a notion -to—to——” - -“I understand, Madame,” Marie beamed. “And oh, I am so glad—you are ze -very pretty woman, and when Marie feenish you—oh—la—la— You will be -lovely!” - -“Thank you, Marie, but I haven’t a thing except a little powder—I want -to be dressed when Mr. Benton comes home for dinner—just to—just -to—surprise him. My dresses are all so—well, so——” - -“Nevair mind—you leave everything to me. Go to your room—I bring all -ze things you need—and your dress—well—a needle, ze thread, a -scissair—and zere you are, Madame!” - -“All right, I shall remember you for this, Marie,” and Marjorie returned -to her room, her heart beating like a trip hammer. - -“Here we are,” Marie announced, entering a few minutes later, carrying a -small box filled with an array of bottles and jars which she plumped -down rattling on Marjorie’s dresser. Then, with her small head cocked -birdlike on one side, she surveyed her prospect. - -“First of all, Madame,” she declared with authority, “you must have ze -nice warm bath.” - -“Everything is in your hands, Marie.” And Marjorie, smiling so brightly -that it transformed her expression, started for the bathroom. - -“No, no, Madame,” Marie gently forced her back to the chaise longue. “I -do everything—draw ze watair—put in ze perfume—just like I do for -Mees Elinor. You rest here, and be comfortable—so.” She proceeded to -remove Marjorie’s gown and shoes, and arrange the cushions at her head. - -Marjorie closed her eyes and nestled down contentedly. She really -believed she was enjoying this new experiment of being waited upon. Only -yesterday she had been quite disgusted with Elinor, when upon entering -her room, she had discovered her stretched lazily in an easy chair, with -Marie on her knees lacing her boots. Surely, she had thought, a healthy -young girl like Elinor should be able to do such things for herself. It -was all right to have a maid, if you desired one to dress your hair, or -fasten an intricately arranged frock, but to lace your boots—that was a -different matter. And here she was, the following day, permitting Marie -to fill her bath and actually remove her shoes. - -Marjorie, emerging from her bath, tingling and greatly refreshed, placed -herself completely in the maid’s willing hands. After a delightful -massage, the array of jars and bottles came into play. Then a tiny -tweezer came into view. At the first pluck of an eyebrow, Marjorie -almost jumped out of her chair: “Oh—that hurts! What are you doing?” -she demanded. - -“I pull out ze ugly thick eyebrow and shape heem magnifique,” she -replied calmly, as she yanked out another. - -“No, no,” Marjorie remonstrated. “I can’t allow it—it is -too—well—silly.” - -“Seely?—Why you say seely?—Eet is stylish, and what all ze well -groomed women she have. You say you leave everysing to Marie. Why not -now you do as you say—_pourquoi_?” - -“Very well, I’ll go through with this thing, now that I’ve started—have -it your own way.” Marjorie settled down resignedly, clenching her fists -as if preparing for a serious operation. - -When the brows were carefully arched, Marie started in with the bottles. -First, the grayish complexion was transformed into a pearly whiteness, -to which was added a slight tinge of blush rose, from a tiny jar, at the -sight of which Marjorie shuddered inwardly and closed her eyes. Then -came a touch of carmine to the lips, and a carefully studied tracing of -mascara to the eyes. - -“_S’il vous plait_, Madame. Do not look in ze mirror until aftair I have -you feenish. I want zat it be—surprise.” - -Marie began a vigorous brushing of the heavy strands of hair, the -lifelessness of which she remedied considerably with a little -brilliantine. After arranging a most becoming and modish coiffeur, she -entered the clothes closet and carefully surveyed the dresses. - -“_Mon Dieu_,” Marie groaned inwardly, as her eyes wandered over the rows -of unattractive garments. Finally, after much deliberation, she selected -a gown of black lace. The skirt with its double flounce swept the ground -evenly, and the V-shaped neck was filled in with silk net, which formed -a high collar, boned to run up behind the ears. The same material was -gathered from the elbow sleeve of lace to the wrist. - -“Now, Madame will please to slip on ze dress while I make ze -alteration.” - -Marjorie stood patiently, while Marie measured and pinned up the -flounces so that they hung gracefully just above the ankles. - -“So zat is bettair. Madame will sit here and relax.” Marie wrapped a -dressing-gown about her mistress and seated her in a comfortable -lounging chair. - -“It will take me about half an hour for ze work. In Mees Elinor’s room I -have all ze things necessaire, so I feex heem in zere,” the maid -explained. - -When Marie had departed with the dress, Marjorie tilted her head -comfortably against the headrest of the chair and gazed intently at the -ceiling. “How surprised the family will be when I go down to dinner,” -she reflected anticipatingly. Hugh would be pleased, she felt sure. He -had urged her so often to try to modernize her ideas. Of course, her -awakening as to his short-comings had been somewhat rude and sudden, but -she would try to think it had been for the best. Perhaps they would -drift back again into their old days of love and devotion. She smiled -wryly as she thought how Howard’s tactless little speech had done more -for her than all of Hugh’s pleadings and Elinor’s criticisms. - -Further reflection was cut short by Marie’s enthusiastic entrance. - -“Oh, Madame,” she exclaimed in her enthusiastic way, “ze dress is -magnifique! I hafe feex heem so good—no, no,” holding it behind her as -Marjorie attempted to examine it. “First I will put heem on you and zen -you shall—see!” - -“All right, I’ll close my eyes.” Marjorie laughed, as Marie slipped the -gown over her head. - -“Now—Madame will please to look.” - -Marjorie walked to the long cheval mirror and started in genuine -astonishment at the apparition before her. - -“Marie, what have you done to me!” she exclaimed in hushed wonderment. -“I hardly recognize myself!” - -“Madame ees vairy beautiful.” The little maid beamed delightedly. “Eet -ees just zat all ze beauty be brought out.” - -Wonders indeed had Marie’s clever fingers worked with the simple black -gown. She had removed the net from the neck and sleeves, had shortened -the skirt so that it revealed Marjorie’s slim ankles and graceful feet -encased in dainty black satin slippers, and then around the waist she -had folded a wide girdle of black maline interwoven with a double-faced -satin ribbon of orchid and turquoise blue, lending an irresistible charm -and certain individuality to the entire dress. - -“I would not have thought it possible that you could improve me like -this, Marie,” said the mistress gratefully. “I shall not forget your -kindness.” - -“Eet ees ze great _plasair_ to do for Madame—eef only Madame would buy -some chic gowns,” Marie ventured hesitatingly. - -“To-morrow I shall shop, Marie, and you shall come with me,” Marjorie -announced, with unusual enthusiasm, as the dinner chimes sounded below. - -Glowing with optimistic anticipation, she nodded brightly to the maid, -and walked buoyantly down the stairs. Entering the dining room she found -Elinor and Howard there before her. Neither had taken the trouble to -dress. Elinor was absorbed in her book while Howard sat almost buried in -the evening paper, so that the first intimation they had of Marjorie’s -presence in the room was her low: “Good evening, children.” - -Howard arose to his feet with nonchalant courtesy, and Elinor languidly -lifted her eyes from her book. Then came the simultaneous exclamation: -“Mother!” - -Both stared at Marjorie with unfeigned astonishment. Howard was the -first to reach her side. - -“Why mater, you’re marvelous,” he assured her with profound admiration. -“You’ve been holding out on us all these years, and you sure have all -the Broadway chickens I know skinned a mile.” - -“Oh, Howard,” Marjorie blushed, but she did not chide him for his slangy -compliment, instead answered laughingly: “You have such a funny little -way of expressing yourself, dear.” - -“Funny little way!” Elinor could scarcely believe her ears. Why -yesterday at the same remark, her mother would have glanced coldly at -Howard and spoken of respect for her presence. - -“Do I please you, Elinor?” Marjorie turned timidly to her daughter. - -“I’m just trying to regain my equilibrium, mother. You’ve fairly taken -my breath away. Like you? I’m delighted with you. You’re positively -adorable!” Elinor enthused, throwing her arms affectionately about her -mother. “Just think what it means to me, to have a mother like other -girls. What in the world has brought about the change?” - -“Here’s Dad,” Howard interrupted, as his father’s step neared. “Can you -imagine his surprise!” - -Marjorie’s heart pounded as she flushed agitatedly. - -“Evening, everybody,” Hugh Benton spoke brusquely as he breezed into the -room. His evening clothes indicated his intention of going out, as his -wife’s indifference had long since caused him to discontinue dressing -for dinner unless there were guests present. - -“Hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” he apologized. “I’m due at a—a -little stag affair this evening, so I thought I would save time by -dressing before dinner.” He crossed to the table and stood behind -Marjorie’s chair, holding it for her, according to his mechanical custom -of years. - -With a murmured “Thank you” she accepted the seat, and allowed him to -move it forward. Elinor and Howard taking their accustomed places, held -their breaths in suspense and eagerly waited for their father’s gaze to -rest upon their mother. - -“Well, how’s everything?” Hugh asked cheerfully, as he unfolded his -napkin. He seemed to be in remarkably fine spirits for some reason. “I -noticed the car as I came in, Howard. It seems to be fine. You surprised -me by obtaining one so quickly—trust you’ll make as rapid headway in -business deals.” He picked up his spoon to attack the soup the butler -placed before him. His mind seemed anywhere save on the things -immediately before him, though his cheerfulness was exuberant. “Had a -funny experience this morning, that I must tell you about,” he declared. -He launched forth into a long, uninteresting business transaction -lasting through the first three courses. - -By the time the roast reached the table, Elinor and Howard were -fidgeting uncomfortably. Marjorie had begun to wilt like a faded flower; -she had scarcely touched a morsel of food. - -Elinor, unable to stand the strain another moment, burst forth -breathlessly: “Daddy, haven’t you noticed anything?” - -Marjorie’s protesting shake of her head was too late. - -“Noticed what?” asked her father curiously. His glance wandered about -the room. - -“You’ve been talking so incessantly,” Elinor blurted forth like a -spoiled child, “you haven’t noticed mother.” - -Hugh glanced across at Marjorie. “Why, you have your hair fixed -differently, haven’t you, Marjorie?” he inquired, with careless -indifference. “It is quite becoming.” He returned to his carving. - -A solemn and awful hush pervaded the atmosphere. Howard, with diplomacy -worthy of an older man, came to the rescue, and broke the tension by -beginning to discuss the political affairs of the day. - -Hugh Benton pushed his _mousse_ away from him impatiently. - -“No fripperies for me to-night, thank you,” he said. “I’m going to -finish off with a cigar. No, son,” he added with uplifted hand to stay -him as Howard started to rise to accompany him. “Stay and finish your -dinner.” - -Howard subsided into his seat, as his father stalked out. - -In Marjorie Benton’s eyes two tears glittered that she tried to force -back, but it was a tremulous laugh she gave as she remarked wryly: - -“Old hens don’t wear chicken plumage very successfully, do they, my -dears?” - -She tried to go on with her own dessert, but it seemed that each -mouthful would choke her. She must have one word with Hugh before he -left the house. She must make one final effort! She laid down her spoon -listlessly as she looked up at Howard and Elinor. - -“I think I will leave you, too, children, if you don’t mind?” she -queried, with her usual careful courtesy. But they were not the light -steps with which she had entered the room but a short time before that -Marjorie Benton followed her husband. - -Elinor and Howard stared at each other without uttering a word. - -It was Howard who first found voice. - -“Well, what do you know about that!” he exclaimed pityingly. “Poor -mater—she didn’t even phase him, and it was at my advice she pulled -herself together the way she did.” - -“It’s a shame, that’s what it is!” his sister replied angrily. “I’m -surprised at Dad, and deeply disappointed. I thought he’d bubble over -with joy and we should be a happy and congenial family at last.” - -“‘And they lived happy ever after’—that’s the way it always ends in the -story-book. _Story_-book is good—only I should say plain _lie_.” - -With grim determination to make one final effort, Marjorie followed Hugh -into the library after dinner, where he had gone with his cigar. - -“Hugh,” she ventured timidly, “must you go to this—stag affair -to-night?” - -“Why?” he inquired, in a tone of surprise. - -“Because I should like you to take me to a—a theater.” - -“Oh, my dear Marjorie,” he laughed heartily, “you know well enough that -you and I could never enjoy the same play. You’d pick out some prosaic -sermon that would have me snoring inside of ten minutes, and I’d select -a rattling musical comedy, the mere mention of which would cause you to -turn up your nose disdainfully. No, just tell me the play you have in -mind, and I’ll get you tickets for a matinée. You can take some lady -friend.” - -“I haven’t any play in mind, Hugh, and I’m perfectly willing to attend -any musical comedy you select,” answered his wife quietly. - -“Hmm!” Hugh was almost too bewildered to speak. “That is very nice of -you, but I’m sorry I can’t break the engagement I have for this -evening.” - -“How about to-morrow evening?” she asked intrepidly. - -“To-morrow night is my club night,” he answered coldly, “and besides, it -is so long since we went anywhere together I have rather systemized my -evenings to suit myself.” - -She flushed as she turned to go. But the thought of all that a -misunderstanding with Hugh on this evening of evenings would mean, she -determined on one more effort, cost what it might in pride. She came -over and stood before him. “Hugh,” she offered diffidently, as might a -child pleading for admiration, “I have changed my style of -dress—especially to please you. Do you like it?” - -Her husband glanced at her casually. Then he picked up his gloves and -started to draw them on. - -“Oh, it’s all right, I suppose,” was his comment, “but pray don’t -inconvenience yourself in an effort to please me. You gave that up long -ago.” - -Marjorie took another step toward him and her gesture was pleading. - -“Hugh,” she begged. “I’m humbling myself a great deal! Don’t you think -you might unbend a little?” - -The man’s whole attitude was as forbidding as the wide shoulders he -turned from her, and over which he flung his parting words. - -“It is unnecessary for you to humble yourself at all as far as I am -concerned, Marjorie,” was his cold rejoinder. “I might as well tell you -I’ve become indifferent to anything you might say or do. You must see -that it is impossible for you to rectify the mistakes of years.” - -No word from Marjorie that both might have made mistakes. For once in -her life she was willing to take the blame—willing to admit anything if -only—— - -Her husband had almost reached the door. Marjorie Benton ran across the -room after him and clutched at his coat sleeve. - -“Oh, Hugh, dear, my husband!” she faltered. “Couldn’t we—couldn’t we -begin all over again! Oh, say it isn’t too late! Please! I’m so willing -to try!” - -He shook off her detaining hand impatiently. - -“I’m afraid it is entirely too late,” he answered, in a voice that -chilled her to the marrow. “Good-night.” - -Entering the library fifteen minutes later, Elinor found her mother, a -pathetically crushed little heap on her knees in front of the fireplace, -her face buried in her hands, her body convulsed with sobs. - -In a moment she was beside her, her arms about her protectingly. - -“What is it, mother dear?” she inquired anxiously. “Tell me what has -happened.” - -Marjorie arose staggeringly, hastily dabbing her eyes with her -handkerchief. “Noth—ing,” she stammered, “nothing at all—I’m nervous -and overwrought—I——” - -“You’re never nervous, mother,” Elinor interrupted. “You’re always calm -and composed—I’ve never known you to give way like this before.” - -“I know,” Marjorie replied, trying to regain her self-control. “I’ve -never given way so foolishly before. I seemed to be under a tension, and -it snapped suddenly.” - -“But mother,” Elinor persisted, “something must have caused it—won’t -you tell me—I’m so sorry.” - -The mother only shook her head. Sympathetically as it was offered, she -strangely found Elinor’s interest unbearable. Unconsciously she harbored -the thought that her daughter had been responsible for Hugh’s -introduction to the cause of her sorrow and a feeling akin to bitter -resentment against even her own daughter rankled in her heart. - -“I think I will retire, dear,” she sighed, slowly advancing toward the -door. “Rest and absolute quiet are what I most require.” - -“Very well, mother,” Elinor answered indifferently. She was stung to the -quick by her mother’s cold repulsion. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - -Locked securely in the sanctuary of her own rooms, the wife and mother -undressed feverishly, without once permitting her eyes to wander toward -a mirror. She knew that she would see there only a skeleton beneath the -artifices she had permitted the French maid to gloss her with. She was -feeling all about her the ghosts—of what once had been, what might have -been. - -So this was the end! She had tried—tried after Hugh’s own suggestions -imposed on her so often—and had failed! This time, too, it had further -been the suggestion of her son. She dropped wearily into a chair, her -eyes closely examining her slender foot, but her thoughts far from it. -Howard had told her—He had meant so well, too, poor boy! - -What was that he had said—Oh, yes—— - -“To hell with your beliefs—your husband’s love means more than -beliefs.” - -And now it was too late! Now she had nothing left but her beliefs. She -must cling to them—must live her wrecked life as worthily as her -conscience bade her. Slowly she prepared for bed. She would try to rest, -to forget, if she could, that Hugh might be, probably was with Geraldine -DeLacy while she, Marjorie, grieved over their dead love. - -The feeling of the make-up on her face annoyed her. She went into her -bathroom and carefully washed it all off. - -She censured herself severely for being ridiculous enough to imagine for -a moment that she could rekindle the fire in her husband’s heart by -artifice. Never again would she stoop to employ tricks worthy only of a -class of women depicted on the motion picture screen, vampires, she -believed they were called. But for the children’s sake she would remain -with Hugh and deliberately close her eyes to his unfaithfulness. - -She did not even realize her own unfairness. For without attempting to -investigate the situation, or obtain evidence other than the scene she -had witnessed in the taxi, Marjorie had jumped to the conclusion of -there being but one solution to her husband’s transgression. She had -forced her husband into another woman’s willing arms. - -When Hugh Benton left home in so ungraciously hurried a manner, he found -it was a little early for his appointment with Mrs. DeLacy, so he -ordered his chauffeur to drive slowly through the park. It would at -least be restful in the car and he was desperately tired of these -continual scenes and arguments at home. By the time he reached the -Thurston home, he had put his unpleasant talk with Marjorie from his -mind. - -Mrs. DeLacy was waiting for him in the living room. She wore a clinging -gown of orchid canton crêpe, effectively trimmed with crystal beads. The -stage had been set perfectly. All the large lights were out, and only -the soft glow of rose-shaded lamps illuminated the room. It was just -chilly enough to permit of a small fire in the grate, thereby lending an -atmosphere of homelike comfort to the room. - -“I’m so glad to see you,” she greeted cordially, seating him in a -comfortable easy chair, and placing a smoking stand beside him. - -“This is good of you,” Hugh Benton sighed pleasurably. - -“On the contrary,” she smiled, arranging her chair opposite him just -where one of the lamps would shine softly upon her, “it is good of you -to come here and keep me company.” - -“Mrs. DeLacy,” he began earnestly, “I want to apologize to you again for -Mrs. Benton’s conduct yesterday afternoon. I thought perhaps I could -succeed in persuading her to write you a note or——” - -“Please, Mr. Benton, don’t refer to it again—I assure you I——” - -“Surely, it must have hurt you deeply.” - -“Yes,” she answered, her lips quivering. “I was dreadfully hurt. You -know how absolutely innocent I was and how undeserved the unkind things -she said to me. I wouldn’t intentionally harm anyone for the world.” - -“You have no need to tell me that,” he assured her. “Your gentle -forbearance has been magnificent—please believe me when I say—I am -deeply grateful.” - -“Don’t you think that forgiveness is best?” she asked him, ruminatively. -“To me there are always extenuating circumstances. I have been thinking -it over and perhaps Mrs. Benton——” - -“There was no excuse in the world for Mrs. Benton’s conduct,” the man -exclaimed decisively. He shook his head sadly. “This is not the first -time I have feared my wife is losing her mind.” - -“I forbid you to mention this affair again,” she scolded gently. “We -will consider it a closed chapter.” - -“Very well, it shall be as you desire,” he agreed, “and now I shall sit -here and listen while you tell me a great many things I am anxious to -know.” - -“Insignificant me—to tell you things,” she laughed, “how absurd. -However, I’ll do my best. Just what is it you are so anxious to know?” - -Hugh had his queries ready. - -“First of all,” he asked, “what would you consider the most important -thing in a man’s life. Take your time in answering—that’s important, -too.” - -The woman appeared to ponder deeply. - -“I have it!” she announced spiritedly. “The most important thing in a -man’s life is—his loyalty.” - -“His loyalty?—To whom?” He was a bit perplexed. - -“To himself, of course!” Then she went on eagerly as she leaned toward -her guest. “So that he may meet the eternal problem of life squarely—to -realize once and for all that his life is his own—to do with as he -pleases.” - -“But what about others? Shouldn’t we consider them?” - -“No,” she answered resolutely. “There was a time in my life when duty -figured above all else, but with the passing years, I have been forced -to acknowledge the futility of it all. We sacrifice our youth, our -ambitions, our desires—everything on the altar of duty, and in the end -try to console ourselves with the memories of what might have been. It -doesn’t pay, I tell you. Life at its best holds so little for us—the -heartaches outweigh the joys—ten to one. And do you know,” she hurried -on, as she saw how deeply her words were sinking in as seed in a soil -all too well prepared for them, “do you know how the ones we sacrifice -everything for really feel toward us?” - -“Why, yes—some appreciate us, and others take things as a matter of -fact. They——” - -“Oh, no,” she interrupted. “You’re wrong—I’ll tell you how they feel. -In their heart of hearts they hate the very ones who are continually -giving up everything for them.” - -“Hate?—But why?——” - -“Because,” she continued gravely, “people who are willing to accept day -after day the life’s happiness of another—cannot be anything but -selfish, narrow-minded and little souled, and it is that very littleness -that fills their hearts with envy for the big and generous. As envy is -never the stepping stone to love, it must lead to its opposite, and that -is—hatred. Now do you understand?” Geraldine DeLacy leaned back in her -chair and waited for the verdict on the strange cause she had pleaded. -It came unhesitatingly. - -“I understand,” admired Hugh Benton, “that you are a most remarkable and -logical little woman. But,” and the lines of thought deepened between -his brows, “would you advise a man to grasp his happiness should he see -it before him, regardless of anything or anyone else?” - -“Yes,” she replied slowly, “I should advise just that.” - -Hugh Benton got to his feet and went over to his hostess. Eagerly he -grasped both her hands as he bent over her, and his voice was choked -with emotion as he said: - -“Then I should grasp—_you_.” - -“Me?” The woman sprang to her feet, her feigned astonishment complete. - -“You mean happiness to me. Can’t you see that I love you!” - -“Why—why—Mr. Benton,” she floundered piteously. “I hadn’t the least -idea that you were referring to yourself when you asked for my advice—I -thought you were speaking of men in general. You must believe me when I -assure you that I never dreamed of such a thing.” - -“Am I displeasing to you?” he inquired anxiously. - -“No—no—I don’t mean that—only I hadn’t the least suspicion that I -meant anything to you.” - -“You mean _everything_ to me—I love you, dear—I can’t tell you how -deeply.” His arms went out to her to draw her to him, but she turned -away, her bare white shoulders quivering. - -“You haven’t the right to speak to me of love,” she protested chokingly. -“I’m sorry if I have given you the impression that I was the sort of -woman you could say such things to——” - -“Why, my dear,” stupidly he tried to explain, to protest, as he sought -for the hand she withheld. “I have only the most profound respect and -admiration for you.” - -“You—you have a wife,” she accused. As an actress Geraldine DeLacy -would have made a profound success, for her simulation now was perfect. -She choked back her sobs. “And yet you speak to me of love. What am I to -think?” - -“When I came into this room to-night, I hadn’t the slightest intention -of revealing my sentiments toward you. It was you yourself, with your -logical reasoning, who gave me the courage to speak. If I were free, do -you think—oh my dear, answer me truthfully—do you think you could -learn to care for me?” He pleaded wistfully. - -“Just what do you mean?” she breathed. - -“If I can persuade Marjorie to divorce me—have I a chance to win your -love?” - -She dropped her eyes to veil the exultation in their dark depths. -“Whenever you are free I shall be waiting for you,” she answered simply. - -“You care?” he whispered. - -“Yes, dear.” And of her own accord, she crept into his open arms. “I -care—a great deal.” - -The dismal failure of Marjorie’s attempted reconciliation served to -forge a new link in the chain of discord already predominant in the -Benton home. More and more Hugh absented himself from the family -fireside. Sometimes he remarked carelessly that he was “remaining at the -club for dinner,” but more frequently he remained away without even -deigning to offer an explanation. - -Howard’s time was completely taken up with his car and “the boys,” a -wild set of society’s idle rich, each one striving to outdo the other in -some sort of asinine absurdity. - -More than ever before Marjorie withdrew into her shell. She had become -acquainted with the painful problems of life and brooded in silence, -determining to bear her cross until the children married and launched -forth on their own resources. In regard to Elinor, her aspirations were -of the loftiest, and in order to assure the success of her most sanguine -hopes she endeavored to demand an accounting for every minute of her -daughter’s time. Elinor, in consequence, was not long in becoming a -genius in the art of deception. - -She saw Templeton Druid nearly every day; and each day she became more -infatuated with him. When he professed to cherish an undying love and -everlasting devotion for her, she trusted him implicitly. After all, -Elinor was only a spoiled headstrong girl possessing a bit of -imagination and an exaggerated opinion of herself. She believed she -understood the ways of the world and men—particularly men—perfectly. - -If anyone had ventured to tell her that a man who really loved a girl -would never for a moment dream of compromising her—she would have -replied defiantly that she was broad-minded enough to wave petty -conventionalities—and most capable of managing her own affairs. And she -did manage them—to her own satisfaction—obtaining all the pleasure she -could out of life and finding after awhile a sort of fiendish joy in -this continued resorting to subterfuge. - -Elinor Benton may indeed have become adept at fooling her mother. At her -worst, Marjorie Benton was never the dragon her daughter believed her, -and it never occurred to her that her daughter might tell her untruths -concerning her comings and goings. Her duty, she believed, was done when -she insisted on her strict accounting. In the Benton household, however, -there was one not so easily fooled. For a long time Howard Benton, -though engaged himself in pursuits far from wholesome, had believed he -had cause to wonder where his sister was headed. He had never caught her -deliberately, however, until one night when he happened to be lounging -at home, and Elinor came in upon him. She was exquisitely attired in -evening dress and a beautiful ermine wrap was on her arm. - -“’Lo, sis,” called Howard, looking up from his paper. “Where’re you -bound?” - -“I’m going over to Nell’s,” she told him. “She’s giving a little -dinner.” - -Howard flung down his paper and scowled. - -“What’s your idea?” he demanded. - -“My idea?” - -“In lying to me?” - -“Why—why Howard—what do you mean?” - -“I know you’re not going to Nell’s,” he sneered, “because I have an -engagement to take her to dinner and a show.” - -For a moment Elinor paled. “Heavens, what an escape,” she laughed, -“suppose mother had been here. You won’t give me away, will you, -Howard?” - -“Why should I bother to say anything.” He shrugged. “Only I would like -to know where you’re going that you have to be so secret about it.” - -“As long as you’re such a good sport about it, I’ll tell you,” Elinor -confided in a low and confidential tone, her glance flung hurriedly -toward the door. “It’s Templeton Druid’s birthday, and he’s giving a -little dinner in his apartment after the show. It’s going to be a jolly -little affair and I so wanted to go. I knew I could never get out that -late, so I’m going to spend the evening with Rosebud Greely and leave -there in time to go to Templeton’s. I told mother I was going to Nell’s, -because she likes her the best of all my girl friends.” - -“And how will you explain getting in so late from a dinner,” Howard -inquired. - -“Mother won’t have any idea as to the time I get in,” she answered -quickly. “She’ll be in bed—and if by any chance she should be up—leave -it to me to think of something to say.” - -“Well, just the same, Sis, I don’t like it.” Howard fairly growled. - -“_You_ don’t like it,” she laughed heartily. “Well of all things—since -when do I have to cater to your likes and dislikes?” - -“I know Templeton Druid pretty well,” he answered. “He’s a good bit of a -rotter, and I don’t like to see my sister get mixed up with him.” - -“Why, Howard! When I told you I knew him, you said he was a good friend -of yours, and one of the finest fellows you knew—didn’t you?” she asked -spiritedly. - -“Yes; but I didn’t think you would fall for him like this. He chases -after every girl he meets.” - -“That isn’t true,” Elinor flared. “It’s the girls who run after him. -Why, you’d be surprised if you only knew how many women in our own set -write to him.” - -“Yes,” Howard sneered, “and I suppose he tells you about them, or -probably shows you their letters. That ought to show you just what kind -of a fellow he is.” - -“At any rate,” she assured him, “I’d be willing to wager you one thing. -He’d prove a better friend than you are. He wouldn’t knock you—behind -your back.” - -“I didn’t mean to knock him.” Her brother hastened to vindicate himself, -“and I wouldn’t to anyone else; but you’re my sister, and it’s my duty -to warn you.” - -Elinor smiled as she replied with sarcasm: “This sudden splurge of -brotherly devotion is really touching, Howard. It’s a pity you developed -it so late in life.” - -“It’s true we’ve never been very close to one another since we were -kids, but just the same,” he frowned, “I’ll not stand for any fellow -making a fool of you.” - -“Don’t worry about me, old dear! I’m quite capable of taking care of -myself any old time!” - -“All right, have it your own way!” was the brother’s retort, settling -down behind his paper with an apparent indifference as though he had -lost all interest and was dismissing the subject. “But,” and he peered -over the sheet he turned to favor her with a brotherly frown as he shot -out his advice. “But when something happens to you, remember I warned -you, and—Watch Your Step!” - -“Oh, mind your own business!” snapped Elinor, as she threw her wrap -about her and hurried away. - -She was furiously angry, as she thought about Howard’s nerve, as she -termed it, for daring to attempt to interfere with her. Now, she -supposed, he was going to try to enact the rôle of the protecting -brother and make things more difficult for her than ever. She just -wouldn’t have it! - -The hot tears gushed to her eyes. Things in her home were disagreeable -enough without having this new discordant element to contend with. -Templeton must marry her soon and take her away from it all. She would -speak to him this very night! - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - -In classifying Howard Benton as a ne’er-do-well his father had not been -altogether right. So much of the young man’s training was responsible -for the recklessness which was making his name a by-word even among his -own sort, accustomed as they were themselves to _outré_ performances. -Nor was his unwillingness to work congenital, but only that he had been -led to believe that the son of his father—the son of Hugh Benton, Wall -Street magnate—was expected to lead an idle life. What was the good of -so much money if it was not to be spent? - -But in spite of Howard’s wild life, there was something underlying it -all that would, if he had admitted it, proclaimed him the son of his -mother also, and there was not a little of Marjorie’s Puritanism lying -dormant in the subconsciousness of her son. Howard’s reaction now to -what his sister had told him of where she was going and her admission of -the deception she had practiced in order to do as she pleased rather -amazed him, as much as the facts themselves disturbed him. Who was he, -he thought, to censor anyone? But with Druid it was different. Elinor -was his sister. It was his duty to see that she was not led into -anything or any place where harm could reach her. He had been right in -telling her he knew all about Templeton Druid and the manner of man the -actor was. His fine eyebrows knit in perplexity as he considered the -matter. It would not do to let Elinor go on. Quite fully he realized -that. But equally well he realized that no word of his would in the -least turn her from the path she had chosen. It was obviously a case -where he would have to play tale bearer, no matter how angry his sister -might be. - -He crunched out the lighted end of his cigarette with a force that -showed his mind made up, rose and crossed the room. - -“Griggs!” he called down the hallway. “Is dad upstairs?” - -“No, Mr. Howard,” was the reply. “Mr. Benton didn’t come home for -dinner—I believe he said he would remain at the club.” - -Howard turned in the direction of his mother’s room. But before he had -gone many steps thought better of it and turned about, muttering to -himself. - -“No, she wouldn’t understand—I’ll see dad to-morrow.” - -Nell Thurston’s jolly and interesting companionship drove all thoughts -of Elinor from his mind, and it was not until they were seated in The -Claridge, having dinner, that he was unexpectedly reminded of her again. - -“I feel so wonderfully independent to-night,” Nell laughed. “Just -imagine, this is the first time I have ever been out with a gentleman -unchaperoned; but mother and dad, having known you ever since you were a -youngster, feel toward you as if you were my brother.” - -“Well, I sure do feel complimented to think they have confidence enough -in me to trust me with their precious child,” he rejoined laughingly. “I -didn’t know your folks went in so much for all this propriety stuff.” - -“Mother’s not nearly as strict as dad. I could reason with her easily,” -she sighed, “but dad is so set in his ideas.” - -“Isn’t that funny? It’s just the reverse in our family. Dad’s dead -easy—it’s mother who is the difficult one.” - -“Oh—I know—Elinor’s talked enough about it,” Nell replied. “Your -mother may have her peculiarities, but just the same, I admire her, -because she has the courage to stand by her convictions. By the way, how -does she feel about Elinor and Templeton Druid—or doesn’t she know -about him yet?” - -“Why, what is there to know about Elinor and Druid?” Howard turned to -face her, as surprised as he was anxious. - -“Heavens! I hope I haven’t put my foot into it!” Nell pursed up her -lips, and gave her attention to her _hors d’œuvre_. “I thought you -surely knew! Isn’t he a particular friend of yours?” - -“Know _what_?” he demanded. There was a grimness in the boy’s tone that -worried the girl. - -“What’s the excitement?” she answered crossly. “Gracious, you don’t have -to shout at me like that. There isn’t anything dreadful to know, only -that Elinor and Templeton are going about together a great deal, and -that she’s simply mad about him.” - -“I hadn’t even an idea that they were seeing each other until this -evening,” he replied, and then he told her about the argument he had had -with Elinor just before she went out. - -“What’s the matter with the little fool?” Nell demanded angrily. -“Wouldn’t you think if she were going to use me as an excuse to get out, -she’d at least have the decency to tell me about it. Supposing your -mother should take a notion to call up my house—she’d be bound to find -out.” - -“Mother will never think of calling your house,” he assured her. “She’ll -be in bed by nine o’clock. There isn’t any reason why she should suspect -Elinor of not dining with you, is there?” - -“No—none that I know of—but just the same you never can tell what -might happen. I’ll warn Elinor to-morrow never to use my name again -unless she is willing to take me into her confidence in advance so that -I can at least be prepared to meet an emergency, should it arrive.” - -“That won’t be necessary, Nell,” Howard said quickly. “I’ll see that -Elinor doesn’t meet him after to-night!” The tight line of his lips as -he made his affirmation showed that Howard Benton meant what he said. - -At the theater later, his mind was miles away. Somehow, he couldn’t rid -his thoughts of Elinor. As soon as he had taken Nell home, he ordered -the taxi to return to town and take him to the club. He would probably -find his father there, and he would tell him without delay about these -clandestine meetings. - -But Howard Benton did not find his father at his club. He found friends, -though, and while he was enjoying his drinks with them could he have -seen and heard his father at that hour, he would have had more to -disturb him over cataclysms imminent in his own family than he was -disturbed by his sister’s friendship for the Broadway prodigal Druid. - -For him, Hugh Benton had returned home early. - -“Griggs,” he ordered, as the man took his hat and stick, “will you go to -Mrs. Benton’s room and ask her please to come to me in the library?” - -As he waited for her, he fidgeted uneasily. This night, he believed was -to be a great climax in his life. He wondered how Marjorie would act, -how she would feel (he could not, even in his selfishness engendered and -nurtured by Geraldine DeLacy through the past weeks keep from one -thought of this kind)—what she would say. Oh, well, he might as well -make up his mind that whatever she would say it would be unpleasant. But -it would be for the last time. So thoroughly had his selfish desires -gained a hold on the man who had once been so stanch and upright that -the time had come when he could wait no longer. But just how much of his -impatience was due to the subtle urging of Geraldine DeLacy even he did -not know. So he waited nervously, picking up a book here, an ornament -there, examining the intricacies of the carved woodwork during what -seemed the unconscionable time it took Marjorie to appear. - -But his wife had not kept him waiting. Instead, so unusual had been the -request that Griggs purveyed to her that she rose at once, placed the -book she had been reading on the table, and hurried down. - -Hugh lost no time. He did not mean to mince matters in this interview. - -“Marjorie,” he began at once when she stood before him inquiringly. -“I’ll not keep you long. What I have to say may be said quickly, but the -time has come to say it and I hope you’ll be reasonable.” - -Marjorie sat down quietly. “Yes, Hugh,” she replied, outwardly calm -enough, but seized with a nervous inward trembling. - -Hugh dropped the cigar he had been picking to pieces, crossed over and -stood facing her, his arms folded across his chest. - -“Marjorie, you know just as well as I do,” he went directly to the -point, “that you and I haven’t been congenial for a very long time.” - -“I tried to remedy it, though, Hugh,” she answered quickly, “only a -short time ago, but you refused to meet me even half way.” - -Her husband’s brows contracted in annoyance. - -“I told you at that time that it was entirely too late,” was his -impatient comment. “Your years of indifference have killed something -inside of me that nothing can ever bring to life again.” - -“I—I don’t understand,” she ventured feebly, and the sobs she had -sought to hold back shook her slender frame. The sight but annoyed the -man the more. - -“Please refrain from creating a scene,” he admonished coldly. “It will -not in the least facilitate matters.” - -Hopeless as she felt it in her innermost being to be, Marjorie Benton -felt that she must struggle with all her might through one other battle -in an effort to keep her husband—he who was all in the world to her, -though he so little realized it. - -She looked up at him, her hands clasped tightly for self-control (Hugh -always did so dislike tears, she remembered), her eyes pleading. - -“Surely, Hugh dear,” she begged, “you cannot mean what you are saying! -You cannot mean that your love for me is so wholly dead—why, think of -all the years—” Hugh turned his face indifferently away—“no small -thing like different tastes and beliefs could make them count for -nothing, I know—Oh, Hugh!” and a wail crept into the pleading voice, -“can it be—was I right after all? Is it—is it—that—woman?” - -Hugh Benton kicked at the rug under his feet. He could not bring himself -at first to look into the face of his suffering wife. Then his shoulders -straightened and his level glance came to meet her defiantly. His words -were cold, calm. - -“If you are referring to Mrs. DeLacy,” he observed, “then let me tell -you, that you yourself were the indirect cause of forcing me into the -realization of all that she meant to me.” - -“You expect me to believe that, Hugh?” There was a suggestion of a sneer -on her drawn lips. - -“Believe it, or not, as you please,” he answered nonchalantly, “but up -to the afternoon when you took it upon yourself so unjustly to insult -her, I had merely liked and admired Mrs. DeLacy.” - -“Indeed! I am consumed with curiosity to know just how _I_ happened to -play the rôle of Cupid in your love affair?” Marjorie Benton’s dignity -was coming to her aid. - -“Sarcasm won’t succeed in getting us anywhere, Marjorie,” was Hugh’s -stern comment. “Yours has lost the power to sting me in the least. But -if you wish to know, after you had treated Mrs. DeLacy so shamefully, I -called upon her the following evening, determined to offer some excuse -for you,” he went on serenely. “It was then that we discovered for the -first time our exact sentiments toward one another.” - -“How delightfully romantic!” The wife laughed hysterically. “You—you -really are foolish enough to think she cares for you? You are a rich -man, Hugh.” - -His impatience increased. “Please permit me to be the judge,” he -advised, in a satisfied manner. “I want to be perfectly frank and honest -with you, Marjorie—that is why I have stated the absolute truth to -you.” - -She shook her head as she replied bitterly: “You are indeed kind to me.” - -“I don’t want to be cruel, but I see that you refuse to permit me to be -anything else,” he snapped impatiently. “The problem is this: I love -her! What are you going to do about it?” - -“What do you expect me to do?” She shuddered and closed her eyes. - -“Well, I thought—perhaps—” He found it a difficult thing to say in -spite of himself, “couldn’t we—er—come to some agreement, say, whereby -you would consent to a—a divorce?” - -“A—a divorce—Oh—no—no—I don’t believe in divorce!” Marjorie -Benton’s voice rose hysterically. But her husband was not to be swayed -from his purpose. - -“But surely, Marjorie,” he reasoned, “you wouldn’t care to continue -living under the same roof with me—knowing that I love—another woman?” - -“Have you thought of the children, at all?” She grasped at the -suggestion of the dreadful scandal this thing would be bound to create, -knowing as she did, Hugh’s horror of anything of the sort. - -Parrot-like, Hugh Benton repeated the exact words of Geraldine DeLacy as -she had expounded her philosophy of life to him, but had anyone told him -that he was so swayed into unconscious repetition, he would have denied -it with indignation. Hugh Benton was fond of declaring he was a man with -a mind of his own. So, at the reference to his children, he turned and -told her with calm dignity: - -“For once in my life I am thinking only of myself and my _own_ -happiness, Marjorie. Up to now I have always considered others, but I -can’t see that it has brought me very much.” - -“And yet I can remember you telling me,” she hastened to remind him, -“that the only real happiness in life could be derived through helping -others.” - -“If I said that, it must have been a great many years ago—before I -became disillusioned.” The retort was bitter. - -Marjorie Benton rose and herself stooped to pick up the shredded -handkerchief she had dropped. There was a hauteur in her manner that -conveyed her belief that humiliation had gone far enough. She must put -an end to the scene before her tautened nerves snapped and she became a -driveling suppliant at the feet of the husband who was so cruelly -telling her he had done with her—that he loved another. - -“Don’t you think we’ve said enough for one evening, Hugh?” she queried. -“We don’t appear to be getting anywhere, as you put it, and—and I might -as well tell you,” and the emphasis of her utterance left no room for -doubt, “I will never consent to a divorce! Treat me as you please—do -anything you please—I shall always remain Mrs. Hugh Benton!” - -She started to brush by him, but he caught roughly at her arm as she -swept by. She stopped, startled at the fury in his face. - -“But that is so thoroughly unreasonable,” he urged querulously. “You -haven’t cared for me in years. You want to hold me now, just because -someone else has come into my life.” - -“Suppose I were to tell you that I _do_ care for you. What then?” she -asked slowly, contemplatively. - -“I shouldn’t believe you! Oh, Marjorie, please listen to me. Doesn’t it -seem foolish to wreck both of our lives? I intend being more than fair -with you. I will settle three-quarters of my fortune upon you.” - -Marjorie’s lips curved in a slow smile. “And what does Mrs. DeLacy say -to that?” was her query. - -“Why we haven’t even discussed such a thing.” - -“Well, then, go to her,” she commanded, “tell her exactly just what you -propose doing, and see if the fervor of her devotion remains the same.” - -“And if it does—what then?” - -“I will be reasonable enough to acknowledge that I have misjudged -that—er—Mrs. DeLacy.” - -“And what will you do?” he asked eagerly. - -She faced him proudly: “I will still remain—Mrs. Hugh Benton.” - -Hugh fairly glared as his wife swept triumphantly toward the door. “So -that is your attitude, is it?” he frothed, and he had reached the open -portal before her. From outside, he hurled back his ultimatum. “Well, -then, I shall be forced to use other methods. I am determined to gain my -freedom, and you can rest assured I will manage it in spite of you!” - -Still fighting for the dignity and self-control that had deserted her, -Marjorie Benton stood still where he had left her for moments, her hand -pressed to her heart. The tension broke. She swayed back and forth, -staggering to the davenport. In its comforting depths she sank down, -sobbing hysterically. - -“Oh, I can’t bear it—I can’t bear it,” she moaned over and over again. -Fully, completely, now that she was about to lose her husband, Marjorie -Benton realized how much she loved him. What a fool she had been to -allow her pride and her silly ambitions to come between them. Her -thoughts traveled back over the years to the time she was a happy wife -and mother in her humble little cottage. She buried her head in the -pillows, endeavoring to crush out the memories—memories that burned and -scarred. She thought her brain on fire. With futile fists she beat the -air, her one moan that this thing could not be true. - -In a frenzy she sprang to her feet and began to pace the floor. Up and -down—up and down—she walked like an animal at bay, trying to peer into -the darkness that seemed stretched before her. There might be -years—God!—think of it!—Years of loneliness and heartaches waiting -for her! - -Thoroughly exhausted, physically and mentally, she sat down heavily. Her -brain refused to think any longer. Hot, bitter tears rained down her -cheeks, and then, without the slightest warning, she began to laugh, at -first almost inaudibly, then loud and wildly. What a huge joke life had -seen fit to play upon her. She had passed years of unhappiness without -uttering a single protest, sacrificing everything for her children, and -it had brought her—this! - -In the hallway outside, Griggs heard the strange cachinnations. He came -running in. - -“What is it, Mrs. Benton?” he inquired anxiously. - -“Why—why—” she began, looking at him in bewilderment. - -“You’re here all alone, and laughing so. Are you ill?” - -“Ill? Why no—I’m all right. Only something struck me as being very -funny. We don’t have to read the comic sections of the papers, Griggs. -All we have to do is look for the comedy in our own lives.” - -“Yes—Madame—I suppose so. But don’t you think you had better let me -send for Marie? She will help you to your room. You are——” - -“No, Griggs, I’ll pull myself together in a moment, and I’m not going to -my room. I shall wait here until Miss Elinor or Mr. Howard come in.” - -“But it is only ten-thirty,” Griggs protested, “and they may not come -for hours.” - -“Miss Elinor is bound to come in early. She is at the Thurstons’. Just -put another log on the fire, and I’ll wait.” - -“Very well, Madame,” Griggs attended to the fire, and left the room, -turning as he reached the door. “I shall be just outside should you wish -me.” - -“Thank you, Griggs,” she murmured, gazing intently into the flames. - -With only a dulled pain she was able to visualize what Hugh was doing, -where he had gone since he left her. Her instinct told her he had gone -straight to Geraldine DeLacy. And, right as is so often the case with a -woman who loves, Marjorie Benton’s instinct had been right. - -Straight as a homing pigeon, the infatuated man had rushed from the room -where he had had his aggravating and unsatisfactory interview with his -wife, and, waiting long enough only to telephone to be sure that she was -in, he had hurried to the woman who had taken his wife’s place in his -affections. No thought of the pain of the woman he had left behind. Only -an eagerness to be with the new love—to hear her soft voice whisper -words of love and compassion, to tell him there was nought else in the -world beside their love, to reassure him he had been right. - -Geraldine DeLacy, alone, as she told him, since the Thurstons were in -Atlantic City and Nell, the daughter of the house, was out with Hugh’s -own son, carefully hung up the receiver after her telephonic interview -and rushed to arrange her hair and to slip into a becoming negligee. -From Hugh’s tone, she knew that something was wrong. She did not need -his further assurance that he was “frightfully upset,” but she shrewdly -suspected the reason for his being so. - -She had known right along that Marjorie would prove difficult, but Hugh -had been so sure of being able to reason with her. “Like all men,” she -thought impatiently, “he believes he can handle any situation. Hmph! -Men!” There was a deep sarcasm in the gesture with which she shook out a -clinging flounce. One thing she was assured of, however. She must be -cautious and most tactful in everything she said to him, as he would -probably be in a trying mood. - -She met him with an encouraging smile: “What has happened, dear? I have -been terribly worried about you. You seem so unnerved!” - -“Darling!” he replied. “My one comfort in a comfortless world!” He took -her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. “I’ve been through a dreadful -scene—I just had to come to you to talk it over.” - -“There, there,” she soothed him, “everything is bound to be all right. -Sit here beside me and tell me all about it.” - -“Well—I went to Marjorie to-night, as we discussed doing,”—Geraldine -smiled inwardly when she remembered who it was who had suggested the -interview,—“and asked her to divorce me.” - -“Yes—and—?” The young widow’s hand trembled beneath his. - -Hugh threw out his hands impatiently. “She positively refuses to give me -my freedom, and you know that I, myself, haven’t a chance in the world -of obtaining it.” - -“What did she say—what reasons did she give?” Geraldine purred softly -to hide her chagrin. - -“Oh, she used every argument available,” was the despairing reply. “Said -she loved me and was anxious to start life anew. Then she brought up the -children—their futures, and what this scandal would mean to them.” - -“Perhaps you went about it in the wrong way. You may have been harsh -when you should have been gentle,” she ventured. - -“I tried hard to control myself and reason with her, and I didn’t -actually lose my temper until she intimated that you didn’t care about -me—it was only my money.” - -“How dared she say that?” Geraldine sat up indignantly. “What have I -ever done that has given her the right to consider me mercenary?” - -“It was in answer to a proposition of mine.” - -“What was it?” She leaned toward him anxiously. - -“I tried to—to bribe her,” he confessed, somewhat shamefully. “I -offered to settle a—a very large amount upon her, if she would consent -to free me. She jumped up excitedly and asked me what you had to say to -that.” - -“Yes—yes—and——?” - -“I told her I hadn’t even discussed it with you, and then she said I -should go to you and tell you what I proposed doing, and I should soon -see whether or not your devotion remained the same.” - -“So that is her opinion of me?” Geraldine DeLacy’s eyes flashed -dangerously. “Well, you can tell her from me—that I’d marry you -to-morrow, Hugh Benton, if you hadn’t a dollar in the world!” - -“My own darling!” he exclaimed, as his arms went out and he held her -close to him. “I knew it—I knew it.” - -She lay in his arms passively submitting to his caresses, but inwardly -she boiled with rage. So Marjorie Benton thought she could spoil her -game, did she! Well—they should see—they should see! The cleverest one -in this case would have the last laugh. - -“I am so grateful for your wonderful love, dear,” he whispered, “and had -Marjorie considered my proposition, I should still have plenty left with -which to surround you with all the luxury you so richly deserve.” - -“Oh,” she breathed, “as if that mattered!” But the light in her eyes -shone radiantly as a weight of lead dropped from her heart. - -“I shall have a talk with my attorney to-morrow, and see what he -advises,” Hugh assured her. “There must be some way to go about this -thing.” - -“Perhaps when you tell your wife that it is not your money I care about, -as she seems to think, she may reconsider her decision.” - -“My dear, I wouldn’t allow her to think for a moment that I had even -mentioned her miserable suspicions to you.” He pulled out his watch. “It -is growing late and I must hurry along before Nell and Howard return. -I’ll telephone you to-morrow. Good-night, dearest.” - -She clung to him tenderly: “You are so strong and forceful,” was her -farewell, “your arms seem like a haven of refuge.” - -He felt that he could not bear to return home, so he ordered his -chauffeur to drive to one of his clubs. Never again would he return home -until he and Marjorie had reached some sort of compromise. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - -Howard Benton’s wait for his father had been as futile as it was long. -At first he had sat slumped in a chair grumpily, watching the door -impatiently for each new arrival, his whole attention given to this new -emotion of his, this wakening to duty and his new sense of -responsibility toward his sister. Where in the world could his dad be? -He ought to be there right then listening to what he, Howard, had to -divulge. No telling what Elinor was doing by now! She was such a -silly—such a headstrong—— - -The clap of Woods Thorndyke’s hand on his shoulder in no light fashion -awakened him from his reverie. - -“Come out of it, old top!” exclaimed the newcomer cheerily. “What’s on -the youngster’s mind? Come on up to the card room. One of the chaps has -some of his dad’s best private stock and you’ll just fit in for a -rubber!” - -Howard shook his head. - -“No, thanks, Thorn, old boy,” he declared, “no time for cards -to-night—got an engagement—with my own dad!” - -“Oh, come on,” urged the other, “you can get your call down any old -time, and a nice little game—one rubber——” - -But the Benton heir was firm about one thing. His head shake was more -decided than ever. - -“No—nary a rub—” he declared with positiveness, “but,” and he wavered -a little as he eyed his companion. Really, he began to feel sorry for -himself. What right did Elinor have to get him all wrought up like this. -He felt that by now he needed, most likely deserved, a drink. “But,” he -went on brightening a little, “I believe I could use a little shot or -so!” - -And one or two in that congenial company of his boon companions led to -more and more, until by two o’clock he had quite forgotten all about -Elinor, forgotten many things, in fact, save his determination not to -enter a card game which might last interminable hours. Somewhere in his -hazy consciousness it was borne in on him that he had an important -engagement with his father, but he could not just think what it was -about. - -He made a trip to the smoking room and learned that his father had -neither been seen nor heard from. Oh, well, whatever it was he was going -to talk to dad about would have to wait. He was tired; he was going -home. - -He started for the hat room. Just outside the door two chaps were -talking. Both of them he knew well, but the “Hello” he had almost hurled -at them was frozen on his lips at a name he heard. In a twinkling the -haziness disappeared. He knew why he had been waiting. He stepped back -into the shadow of a potted palm and listened without compunction. - -“Elinor Benton!” was the exclamation he heard. “You can’t be serious. -She’d never fall for that fourflusher, Druid.” - -“But I tell you they’re everywhere together,” the other replied. “I meet -them driving in the park nearly every day, she at the wheel, and often -his arm about her. I’ve seen them coming out of inns and roadhouses, -rather questionable ones too—if you’ll take it from me. I’m surprised -her people stand for it.” - -“Perhaps they don’t know anything about it, and if they do, they may -look upon it as a harmless flirtation.” - -“Harmless flirtation!” The man laughed. “Knowing Druid as well as you -do, I can’t see how you could ever imagine a flirtation with him -harmless.” - -“Oh—well then,” came the answer, “maybe he intends to marry her. He -could do a lot worse, you know, than to fall in for some of the Benton -money.” - -“I agree with you, and no doubt he does too, but I know it will take -some time before he is free. His wife is suing him for divorce now.” - -“What!” the other exclaimed. “I never knew he had a wife.” - -“It isn’t generally known for business reasons. Those theater chappies -consider him a more profitable investment unmarried. I happen to know, -though, that he married a little chorus girl about six years ago -somewhere in the Middle West.” - -“Where is she now?” - -“They couldn’t get along together, so,”—and outspread hands finished -the sentence. “She’s out on the Coast now, working in pictures, and is -interested in someone else—hence, the divorce proceedings.” - -Howard stepped forth from his place of concealment. His eyes blazed like -coals of fire in his gray face. - -“Benton!” came the disturbed exclamation. - -“’Sall right, boys.” He smiled feebly. “You didn’t know I was there.” - -“Oh—I’m sorry, Benton,” Frank Crimmins assured him earnestly as he -stepped forward. “I feel like a silly gossiping woman. Please don’t pay -any attention to what I’ve said.” - -“On the contrary, I think you’ve done me a service. You see, I hadn’t -any idea that Druid was a married man.” - -“Didn’t you know that he has been rather friendly with your sister?” - -“The news of his friendship for my sister has come to me only to-night -through three different sources. Now, I am going to get it directly from -his own lips,” he announced ominously. - -Crimmins endeavored to restrain him: “Wait a minute, Benton, don’t make -a fool of yourself! You’re not in a condition to see anyone right -now—wait until to-morrow.” - -“I’m going now.” He brushed aside the friendly detaining hand and -demanded his things from the coat-boy. “I’ll show him that he can’t -juggle with my sister’s reputation and get away with it.” - -“The hot-headed young idiot,” Crimmins said, as Howard rushed from the -club. “I suppose he’ll go up to Druid’s and attempt to mop up the place -with him.” - -“Feel sorry for him if he does,” the other replied with a meaning grin. -“He’ll get the worst of it—Druid’s some athlete.” - -Crimmins was still conscience-stricken. “Perhaps we should have gone -with him?” he suggested. - -“Nonsense! Take my advice and always keep out of other people’s -quarrels. Come on, have another ball, and then I’m going to turn in.” - -It was mid-night when Elinor Benton arrived at Templeton Druid’s studio -apartment—a delightful hour, she thought, shivering deliciously, to be -arriving anywhere, and unaccompanied. Since she had made her début, it -was not at all unusual for her to be dancing in the small hours and -twelve o’clock usually saw the top of the excitement. But always she had -conventionally arrived at dance or reception or whatever gayety along -with those of all her set at much more seasonable hours. Templeton and -all his friends were so excitingly different. But still when she had -thrown aside her ermine wrap with the solicitous aid of her hero -himself, who did not neglect to give her arm an affectionate squeeze, -she found herself, among the bizarre appointments of the actor’s -home—and his astonishingly elated and at ease guests, a bit diffident -and shy. But not for long. For an ingénue, Elinor Benton found she was -able with great ease to adapt herself to the unfamiliar atmosphere. -Perhaps it may have been something in the weird lighting effects; -perhaps the subtle perfume of the Orient that rose in hazy fumes from -swinging censers, the dim reflection of the lighted sconces on mirrors -that made the restless guests seem figures in a pageant and far off, -with eerie faces that so effectually drowned her diffidence and made her -senses whirl with abandon like the fumes of a heady wine. Or maybe it -was the possessive, lover-like attitude of Templeton Druid himself that -bade her throw aside stilted convention and become one of those with -whom her hero surrounded himself. However, it may have been, Elinor -Benton, débutante, at the end of ten minutes of her first visit to -Templeton Druid’s apartments might have been long a woman of the world, -the stage world, which, until the time of his opportune recognition by -Geraldine DeLacy had been the man’s only world. - -Introductions, had she but known it, were of no account in that -assemblage, but Templeton Druid remembering her social training, did not -dispense with them with his favored guest. To each, as he made the -circle of the long studio room, he introduced her as “his dearest little -friend”—not forgetting to add that she was the daughter of Hugh Benton, -the financier. - -Another round of cocktails was served. The somewhat blasé guests took -heart. Dinner was announced, and the fun began to wage fast and furious. -Elinor was enjoying every minute of it. Here was a party worth while, -she thought. What a wonderful crowd of whole-hearted, happy-go-lucky -people. And she would soon be one of them—after she and Templeton were -married! She would give all sorts of dinners and parties, and invite -this same crowd of charming, congenial people. - -As befitted the most honored guest, she was seated next to her host at -the table. At first he was discreetness personified in all his actions -toward her. But as the dinner progressed and he imbibed more and more -freely of the various wines the possession of which only he could have -explained, he threw all caution to the winds. Openly he avowed his -passion for her. - -“I’m mad about you, darling,” he whispered, bending his head close to -her ear. “Each time I see you, I want you more and more for my very -own.” - -Elinor listened with shining eyes. - -“I’m glad to hear you say that, dear,” she nodded, “because there’s -something I want to talk to you about. The most disagreeable thing has -happened at home and——” - -“Won’t have you telling me disagreeable things on—my birthday.” He -hiccoughed slightly. “Going to stop that pretty little mouth with -kisses.” And disregarding guests, appearances, he grabbed her to him to -carry out his threat. - -“Please—please, Templeton.” She struggled to free herself, her face -suffused with blushes. “Let me go! You embarrass me dreadfully! Don’t -you see everyone is looking at you.” - -“Let ’em look. What do I care? You’re my little girl—I love you, and -I’m proud of it! So there—and there!” He caught the struggling girl -with one arm, swung her from her chair, as he emphasized his words with -fervent caresses. - -With face suffused with scarlet, Elinor Benton drew herself from the -arms of the man who had so publicly declared himself her lover. But as -she glanced at Druid’s other guests, in full expectation of an -embarrassing few moments, she was as much bewildered as surprised to see -that the episode had passed unnoticed. Each was too intent on his or her -own affairs. A small stream of wine flowed redly across the white cloth -from its shattered goblet that had been overturned as Marie Shaw, a -Follies girl, had over-reached herself in her attempt to bombard Giles -Fellowes, her own pet press agent, who sat across the table with the -centerpiece of orchids which now trailed, a bedraggled mess half down to -the floor. Teddy Martin, a composer, who himself admitted he was a -popular one, wanted to show off his latest hit. He tipped over his chair -in his eagerness to reach the piano. - -Harold Westley, handsome as a screen actor should be, danced over to -Elinor and pulled her away from Templeton Druid. - -“Come on,” he urged. “Teddy’s giving us a fox trot,” then, as Druid put -out an unsteady protesting hand, he laughed at him: “Needn’t think, just -because you’re one of those ‘appears, personally, himself’s’ that you -can monopolize Miss Benton the whole evening!” - -Before she realized it, Elinor felt herself whirled away in the movie -actor’s arms. - -“Some party—I’ll say,” he drawled. “Having a good time?” - -“Wonderful,” she answered. “I’ve never been to anything like this -before—it’s so different.” - -“How do you mean—different?” - -“Well, for one thing, it’s so free from restraint of any kind. Everyone -does just as he pleases, and no one seems to think anything about it.” - -He laughed heartily. “If you think this is free from restraint, you -should have been here at the party Templeton gave a week ago! We had -some night of it.” - -“I—I know—” she stammered, trying to conceal her confusion, her heart -thumping madly. “I couldn’t come that night on account of a previous -engagement.” - -“You missed one great time—but never mind,” he reassured her, “the -night’s young yet, and you can’t tell how this will wind up—although -there doesn’t begin to be the number of pretty babies that were here the -other night. Why you’re by far the one best bet in the room to-night,” -and he attempted to hold her closer. But at this all the girl’s training -rebelled. It was one thing for Templeton to—she was engaged to him—but -for this unknown actor—— - -“I can’t dance any more—I’m tired, and I believe the wine has gone to -my head,” she said weakly. She was angry, too, at what he had told her -about Templeton. - -“Sit here,” Westley said, leading her to a large chair in the corner, -“and I’ll bring you some black coffee—that’ll fix you up all right.” - -As soon as he was out of sight, she looked around for Druid. As she -caught his eye, she beckoned for him to come to her. - -“Well, sweetness—did you have a nice dance?” he inquired, sitting on -the arm of her chair. But she pushed him away from her, and faced him. - -“You had a party here last week,” she accused him furiously, “and there -were a lot of girls present.” - -“Well—well—well! Who’s been telling you the news?” - -[Illustration: Marjorie Benton (Mary Alden) refuses to allow her daughter - (Norma Shearer) to attend a roof-garden review. -(_“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”_)] - -“Never mind who’s been telling me! I know it—that’s enough! I—I -thought you were absolutely true to me, and now—you’ve broken my -heart.” Her wail ended in a sob. - -“Come now, Elinor, don’t be foolish and create a scene.” He looked -around uneasily. The laugh would be on him if the bunch— “You know I -love you, darling,” he added quickly, insinuatingly. “There isn’t -another woman in the world who means anything to me.” - -“Oh—if I could only believe you!” But the sobs still came. “I love you -so! I’m insanely jealous of your every thought. When I think of you day -after day—thrown in contact with so many beautiful and clever women, I -am filled with the fear of someone coming between us—I couldn’t bear it -now—I couldn’t, dear!” - -“Listen to me, darling,” he whispered, gently drying her eyes with his -daintly-perfumed handkerchief. “I love you and only you! Please remember -that, and when you are my little wife——” - -“When will that be, dear?” She looked up through her tears to ask -anxiously. - -“Soon—very soon—my own,” he murmured. Forgetting the hilarious, -laughing merry-makers around her, conscious only of one thing—that she -loved this man and wanted his comfort and assurance, Elinor Benton let -him draw her into his arms, hold her close. - -She clung to him passionately; his kisses she returned with wild -abandon. Unnoticed, the pins slipped from her hair and it hung about her -like a shower of gold, as she nestled in his arms. - -There was a commotion at the door as someone swept by the valet and -pulled aside the portieres. Elinor and Templeton looked up -simultaneously. - -Standing in the doorway, wild-eyed and white as death was Howard Benton! - -By the time Howard had reached Druid’s apartments, he was seeing red. He -refused to allow the hallboy to announce him. He was expected, he said. -When Druid’s valet opened the door, he thrust him aside and made -straight for the living room. It was the valet’s attempt to restrain -him, and Howard’s persistency that caused the commotion that brought -Elinor and Templeton Druid from their trance, caused them at glance -upward to see him standing in the doorway. - -“Howard!” Elinor could only gasp weakly. - -“Hello, Howard,” Druid put Elinor out of his arms, and came forward, -struggling to gain his self-control. “This is a surprise. Did you drop -in to wish me a happy birthday?” He held out his hand. - -“No—damn you!” gritted the boy, as he brushed aside Druid’s hand. His -lips drew back from his teeth in animal-like passion. “No! I came here -to demand an explanation of you! And I’m—going—to—have—it!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - -In the sudden hush that spread through the room, only the stertorous -breathing of the angry young man who faced Templeton Druid could be -heard. For just a moment after Howard spoke, Teddy Martin, at the piano, -jangled out a bit of jazz, but it had the hollow sound that a popular -song might have at a funeral. He whirled about on the piano bench as -much astonished at the peculiar quiet as a man in different environment -might have been had a bomb exploded at his feet. Marie Shaw stopped -stock still, stunned into actual quietude for once, with skirt still -uplifted in her unfinished pirouette. - -Gradually, unconsciously, Druid’s guests closed in about the two -belligerent men to form a half circle. In the tenseness, each waited -with bated breath for what next might happen. Howard Benton’s attitude -was unmistakable. He meant trouble. - -Elinor was the first to gain control of herself. She ran to her brother -and grabbed him by the arm. - -“Howard!” she shrieked, vixenishly. “How dare you come in here like -this! You’re drunk! Go home at once! You wait until Dad hears of -this——” - -“You shut up!” He pushed her roughly aside. “You’re a fine one to tell -me I’m drunk! Look at you, with your hair hanging around you, and your -clothes almost falling off—God!” He buried his face in his hands. “I -never thought I should find my sister like this!” - -Teddy Martin came forward quickly. “See here, Benton, you don’t know -what you’re talking about. This is Druid’s birthday, and we’re having a -little party. There isn’t a thing wrong——” - -“You can’t make a fool of me!” he answered hotly. “Didn’t I see her in -his arms when I came in?” - -“Well, supposing you did,” Druid interrupted. “At an informal party like -this, we don’t stand on ceremony. This doesn’t happen to be one of -your—society functions,” with deep sarcasm. - -“Put on your things at once.” Howard turned commandingly to Elinor. -“I’ll send you home in a taxi and then I’ll come back and settle with -him.” - -“But what if I don’t feel like going home?” Elinor faced him furiously. -“You’ve got your nerve to think you can humiliate me like this in front -of my friends.” - -“Friends?” Howard sneered. “And I suppose this man,” pointing to -Templeton and trembling as a man with ague, so eager was he to fasten -his hands on the actor’s throat, “is your friend too?” - -Elinor Benton drew herself up with all the dignity inherited from a -haughty parentage. She looked at her brother, squarely, then defiantly -about the half circle of watching silent people. - -“He’s _more_ than my friend,” Elinor announced haughtily, but with a -touch of pride. “He is—my affianced husband!” - -Living on sensation as most of her hearers did, proof against surprises -in usual matters, still the simply-worded announcement of Elinor Benton -was sufficient to cause jaws to drop, to cause glances to dart from one -to the other at a statement that, to say the least, to most of them was -startling. Then those glances came back to settle on the face of -Templeton Druid—the glances of these people who knew him. What they saw -was that his suave countenance had turned scarlet, and that his eyes -wavered unsteadily as he, too, glanced stealthily around the room. - -“How wonderfully interesting!” Howard’s sarcastic laugh rang out, “but -don’t you think it would have been proper and more gentlemanly for him -to have waited until he had disposed of his present wife before honoring -you with his proposal?” - -“His wife!” Elinor turned ghastly. “It isn’t true! Tell him it isn’t -true—Templeton?” - -“Just look at him!” Howard blazed. “You can read his answer in his -face.” - -“Well, I told you there was a matter of great importance I had to -settle—before I could marry you—didn’t I?” Druid turned to Elinor -almost fiercely. - -“Yes—but a—wife—a wife!” Once more her wail turned to sobs, as her -slender body was shaken in a gale of emotion, of chagrin. - -Howard took a menacing step nearer Druid. - -“You’ve played fast and loose with my sister’s affections in order to -feed your disgusting vanity,” he began, chokingly. “You will——” - -“Now you get out of here—you and your sister!” All of Druid’s polish -dropped from him like a cloak. “I’ve taken about all I care to stand -from you. If you think, for a moment, that you can come into my home and -insult me in front of my guests, you’re mistaken! Your sister isn’t a -baby—she’s capable of taking care of herself. In fact, I think she -knows considerably more than you think.” He was sneeringly insinuating. - -“You—you cad!” Unable further to hold himself in check, Howard sprang -forward. “I’m going to give you the beating you so justly deserve.” - -Westley took a step forward and turned aside the angry boy’s arm. - -“Steady there, Benton,” Druid’s eyes flashed fire. “If you start -anything with me, you’ll find more than you bargained for! You’re not my -match in strength, and I don’t like to take advantage of a boy!” - -With only the memory of Druid’s words to “get out,—you and your sister” -ringing in her ears, and hurt unbelievably that they should have come -from the man who but a moment before was softly voicing undying devotion -to her, Elinor Benton attempted to interfere, to put an end to the -sordid scene. She put her hand on Howard’s arm which he was still waving -threateningly. - -“Come on, Howard. Mr.—Mr. Druid is right. We have created enough -disturbance here. I—I’m ready to go home with you,” she said with -dignity. - -“You—keep out of this!” Howard shook off her hand. His eyes blazed fire -as he advanced on his enemy. “So I’m a boy, am I?” he sneered. “Well at -least, I’m not a _coward_ and I don’t make play-things of women.” - -“Get out!” Druid thundered. - -Howard’s answer was to pull off his coat, fling it on the floor and -lunge forward with closed fists. Elinor screamed hysterically and fled -to the corner of the room, covering her eyes with both trembling hands. - -But Druid was not caught off his defense. He caught Howard’s fists in -his hands and there was a triumphant light in his eyes as he hissed -between closed teeth: “Very well, you damned fool! If you’re bound on -fighting, I’ll give you a thrashing you’ll not forget in a hurry.” - -Men guests, less befuddled, sprang forward protestingly, but he waved -them back dramatically, as he pulled off his coat. - -“All of you keep out of this. My patience has been tried beyond all -endurance, and this child,” he paused just the right length of time for -his dramatic taunt, “must be taught a lesson!” The sneer accompanying -the words curled back his lips over the perfect teeth. - -It only took Druid a few seconds to discover that he was up against -anything but a novice. Howard had taken a special course of pugilistic -training besides being a born athlete. In college he had carried off -first honors in every contest. Druid was no mean athlete himself and not -loth to exploit his prowess, but he depended too much on brute strength, -a strength his evening’s debauch had much weakened. He found himself no -match for Howard’s cleverness—taught him by one of the most scientific -men in the ring. - -Templeton Druid was getting the worst of it. That was plain. He had been -down twice and was terribly groggy. Both men were bleeding profusely and -indiscriminately over the room which looked as if a cyclone had struck -it. - -A half stifled, hysterical shriek at some telling bloody blow from one -of the women, a groan, or muffled mumble of admiration from the men -guests who were watching as eagerly as at any mill in the padded ring -was all that could be heard above the labored breathing of the battlers, -save the steady hysterical sobbing of Elinor Benton from her corner. -Rugs were torn up, furniture overturned, priceless bric-a-brac fell with -a crash that added to the general ensemble; the grinning Buddha toppled -from his pedestal and crashed into a thousand pieces, his grin alone -looking up from the floor in the midst of his shattered features. - -Templeton Druid dropped to the floor with finality. Men sprang forward, -thinking it was the end, when slowly he began to pull himself up again. -His hand went to his hip-pocket, and he pulled forth a small revolver. -Howard saw it at the moment its shine appeared and leapt for it. - -A struggle—more furious than ever for a moment. A shot rang out. - -Templeton Druid staggered, threw his hands in the air, and fell, face -downward on the torn, blood-stained Persian rug. - -Howard Benton stood over the crumpled figure on the rug with the shining -revolver in his hand. He looked at it half understandingly, as though it -were a strange thing he had never seen before—that he could not -recognize. Then it dropped from his nerveless fingers with a clatter -among the pieces of the broken Buddha. His eyes shifted aimlessly about, -to fix themselves once more on the huddled figure at his feet. - -“My God!” he gasped. “I’ve killed him!” - -In the speechless pause, Elinor Benton’s shrieks rent the air wildly. -She staggered from her corner, throwing aside hands that with kindly -intent sought to restrain her, to fall prone on the still form on the -floor, her gown drinking in the crimson that flowed out darkly across -the polished floor. - -“Oh, my darling! Speak to me!” she moaned and pleaded. “I don’t care for -anyone in the world! I love you! Oh—speak to me! Speak to me!” - -The quiet that had reigned during the encounter became turmoil. -Trembling, wild-eyed, Druid’s valet’s white face appeared at the door. -Westley rushed to him. - -“Is there a doctor in the building?” he howled. - -The man’s teeth chattered as his shuddering glance took in the scene. - -“Yes, sir,” he stuttered. “On the ground floor.” - -“Get him!” commanded the movie actor. - -Women rushed to get wraps, looking about with anxious eyes for the -opportunity of making cautious exits. Only Elinor Benton seemed not to -think of escape as she wept over the still figure of the man on the -floor. But that escape was out of the question was obvious in but a -moment when the apartment began to fill with excited, curious tenants -who had heard the shot and crowded forward morbidly to see what was -going on. - -Orders, suggestions, flew backward and forward. Apparently the only calm -person in the apartment was Howard Benton. He had walked unseeingly to a -bench at one side of the room and dropped on it. He was too stunned to -speak. Attempts to speak to him were met with a dazed incomprehension. - -Teddy Martin touched him on the shoulder and offered: “I’m sorry, -Benton. Is there anything I can do for you?” - -The not unkindly touch helped to bring him out of himself. - -“Is he—is he—dead—or only wounded?” he asked quietly. - -“We don’t know yet,” Martin answered. “The doctor will be here in a -minute, and then we will find out. Here he is now.” - -Doctor Adams looked on in surprise while one of the girls pulled Elinor -away from Druid, trying to make the hysterical girl understand that the -doctor had arrived. - -“What’s happened here?” the medical man inquired brusquely. - -Harold Westley stepped forward. “Two men had a quarrel,” he informed, -“and one of them was shot—accidentally.” - -“Humph! Looks more like a free-for-all fight,” the doctor answered, -glancing around the room. He bent over the still form; turned him over. -His examination lasted but a few seconds. - -“Dead,” he announced solemnly. “A clean shot through the heart—died -instantaneously.” - -“No! No!” Elinor moaned, attempting to rush forward again. - -“Are you his wife?” the doctor inquired more gently. - -Elinor shook her head, but sobs wracked her. - -“Oh—well—it is my duty to inform the authorities. Of course, you know -no one must leave before their arrival?” He rose from beside the body. - -Howard reached for the only friendly hand outheld to him and gripped it. - -“Martin,” he asked, “will you try to locate my father? Call the club, -and if he isn’t there, try our home. If you get him, give him an idea of -what had happened, and ask him to come to me.” - -“I’ll do all that I can,” Teddy assured him, and hurried out to the -telephone. - -He was fortunate in locating Hugh Benton at the Club, catching him just -as he was leaving for home. In a very few moments, he gave him a brief -outline of the tragic affair. - -“I—I’ll be over at once,” said the father in a choked voice. The -catastrophe stunned him. He could barely make himself understood, but he -added, as assurance for Howard: “I’m going to try to reach my attorney -and have him go with me.” - -But it was an old and broken man who hung up the telephone and clung to -the table for support as he swayed, fighting for courage to carry him -through the ordeal he was called on to face—fighting for immediate -strength to telephone the man on whom he must rely for present aid. - -Howard was pacing nervously up and down, when his father and John -Hammond, the celebrated attorney, arrived at the scene of the tragedy. -He went to his father manfully. - -“I’m terribly sorry, Dad, to have caused this trouble,” he apologized, -“but I—I couldn’t help it. The revolver was discharged accidentally. -He—he was a coward to the end—he couldn’t even—fight fair.” - -“Tell me the entire thing, Howard; just what brought you here, and how -it happened.” Mr. Hammond said quietly. - -Howard told it all as clearly as he could remember. Once or twice the -lawyer interrupted him to ask a question, or to have him make some point -a little more definite. At the conclusion, he turned to Hugh. - -“This looks like a simple case of self-defense, Benton,” he said, and -his tone and off-hand manner gave rising hope to father and son. “The -boy came here to protect his sister’s good name—a fight ensued, Druid -pulled his revolver—there are witnesses enough here to attest that,” -looking about at the sadly morose lot who so short a time before had -been merry-makers. “The boy secured possession of it—it was discharged -accidentally, or at the worst, discharged in self-defense.” - -“Yes—but think of the scandal—” Hugh was not altogether appeased. - -“That is something we cannot help,” the lawyer replied as his jaws -snapped shut. “Be grateful to think you can save the boy! There are a -certain amount of preliminaries necessary to go through, and then he can -go home with you. Just a moment, before we go—I want to speak to these -men,” indicating a couple of officers and detectives who had entered the -room. - -“I must arrange to send Elinor home.” Hugh mentioned his daughter for -the first time, although the sight of her, when he had come into the -room had almost taken the breath from his body. - -It was a brilliant commentary on Hugh Benton’s attitude of mind that, as -he sat before the telephone at this crisis in his life, maneuvering to -save both son and daughter as well as to drown out as much as possible -of the scandal that must ensue, that not even for one moment did he -think of calling his wife to his aid. As he sat there nervously jangling -the hook up and down, it was Geraldine DeLacy who was going through his -mind. Geraldine! She loved him! She would come to him—would help him -through. Only for a moment did the vision of Marjorie cross his mind, -and then he dismissed her with a queer wry smile. In this, his time of -trouble, he wanted Geraldine. To the woman he loved, and to her only, -would he entrust his foolish daughter. - -The sleeping butler at the Thurston home was not easily roused to answer -the telephone. Even then, Benton had a difficult time in persuading him -his business was of the most vital importance, and that he must awaken -Mrs. DeLacy. - -It seemed ages before a sleepy voice answered him. “Why—Hugh! What on -earth do you mean at this hour in the morning. Why——” - -“Geraldine, a _terrible_ thing has happened!” The man’s voice trembled -with earnestness. “I cannot tell you over the ’phone,” he went on, “but -I want you to dress as quickly as you can, jump in a taxi and come here -at once.” He gave her the address of the apartment. - -“What place is that—and what do you want me for—what has happened?” -she inquired in one breath. - -“I can’t go into details now—all I can tell you is that Howard has -killed—Templeton Druid. Don’t ask any questions—just come to me, -dear—I need you.” His voice quivered more unmistakably. - -“Great heavens!” For once Geraldine was all but speechless as she -gasped. “I—I’ll come to you at once, dear.” - -She never remembered how she dressed, ordered the taxi, or hurried to -the apartment. She knew she accomplished it all in a remarkably short -space of time, because Hugh met her at the door and said gratefully: - -“You certainly came quickly, dear—thank you so much.” He told her as -rapidly as possible just what had transpired. “And now,” he urged, “I -want you to take Elinor home. There wasn’t anyone here I felt I could -entrust her to. She is in a frightfully hysterical condition and should -be put to bed at once.” - -“I shall be glad to take her, dear, and oh—you don’t know how I am -suffering with you. Shall I take Elinor home with me—or——” - -“No, no—take her to her own home. My lawyer will have to talk with her -to-morrow, and besides,” he continued, “she may want her—mother.” - -“Don’t you think Marjorie will resent my entering her home?” - -“Marjorie has doubtless been in bed for hours—there is no need to -awaken her. She will have to be told everything in the morning, but that -is time enough.” - -“I will do just as you wish, my dear. My only desire is to serve you, as -you know. Nothing else matters,” and she patted his arm lovingly. - -She went to Elinor and put her arms protectingly about her. - -“Oh—oh—Geraldine!” Elinor began sobbing anew. “What are you doing -here? Do you know what has happened? Oh—I just want to die—I want to -die!” - -“There, there, darling,” Geraldine soothed, helping her on with her wrap -she had brought. “I am going to take you home. You can tell me -everything in the taxi. You must pull yourself together, dear, and be -brave.” - -“How can I be—brave—when—when—my heart is breaking! Just—just -think! A little while ago, I—I was in his arms—and—and—now—I -shall-nev-er—see him again!” - -“Come, dear, we will go now. Your father is anxious for you to go home.” -And Geraldine led her to the door, where Hugh joined them. - -Elinor fell into his arms. “Daddy! Daddy!” she cried, heart-brokeningly. -“What shall I do? I—I can’t stand this.” - -Hugh held her closely in his arms as he tenderly murmured: “Never mind, -darling, your Daddy will always stand by you—no—no matter what -happens. Mrs. DeLacy will take you home. Howard and I will have to wait -awhile, but we’ll follow you.” - -“Howard!” Elinor turned like a tigress. “He is to blame for all this—I -hate him! Do you understand? I hate him! And I hope he is made to suffer -for his crime!” - -Geraldine DeLacy put her arm protectingly about the girl whose whole -body shook with the fury and fervor of the hate with which she denounced -the brother who had killed the man she believed she loved. Hugh Benton’s -surprised shocked countenance gave proof of his little understanding of -the side of his daughter’s character she was showing. But Geraldine only -drew her more closely into protecting arms. - -“Come with me, darling,” she soothed. “You’re all unnerved.” She shook -her head protestingly at Hugh Benton as his mouth opened to speak. -Without a word, he helped the woman and girl into the waiting cab and -turned back toward the apartment entrance. But his head hung low as he -walked, and there was a sense of unrealness, a sense of bewilderment, -wonder, annoyance at the complexity of life as he went slowly back to -the son who had sought only to do as his conscience bade. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - -Until the muffled bells of the cathedral clock in the hall slowly and -sweetly chimed out the mid-night hour, Marjorie Benton had sat in front -of the fire in the library where Griggs had left her—waiting. She had -no idea when Howard would come in, but she expected Elinor almost any -minute, as she had only gone to the Thurstons for dinner and could not -remain away much longer. - -To Marjorie, whose every nerve was keyed to a snapping tension, the -evening had seemed endless. Her eyes were riveted upon the hands of the -clock. At twelve-thirty, she bounded from her seat, and fairly flew to -the telephone, unable to curb her patience a second longer. - -Central was obliged to ring a number of times before the Thurston number -answered. - -“What seems to be the trouble?” Marjorie demanded irritably. “That -number should answer at once.” - -“I am ringing them, Madam,” Central replied mechanically. - -“Such service. You never can get a number when you want one,” Marjorie -muttered irritably as she shook the hook. - -“They do not answer,” the operator drawled. - -“But I tell you they do answer! They must answer,” Marjorie insisted. -“Why, they’re having——” - -“There’s your party,” Central interrupted. “Go ahead.” - -“Oh—hello—I’d like to speak to Miss Benton, please.” - -“There’s no one here by that name,” came the answer curtly. “You must -have the wrong number.” - -“Is this Mrs. Horace Thurston’s residence?” - -“Yes, Madame—but there isn’t anyone here by the name of Benton. If it’s -Hugh Benton’s home you wish, I can give you the number. It——” - -“No—this is the number I wish. Kindly call Mrs. Thurston to the -’phone.” - -“Mrs. and Mr. Thurston are both in Atlantic City—until to-morrow.” - -Marjorie felt the ground giving way beneath her feet. She clutched at -the desk for support as she inquired: - -“Where is Miss Thurston?” - -“In bed, Madame. At least, I suppose she is. She returned home about -twelve o’clock and went straight to her room. Do you wish me to call -her?” - -“No—no—it will not be necessary. I—I made a mistake—that is all. -Somehow I was under the impression that Miss Thurston was entertaining -at dinner this evening, but I realize now that it was—someone else.” - -“Yes, Madame. That must be it,” the butler agreed. “Because Miss -Thurston went out to dinner and the theater with a gentleman this -evening.” - -“Thank you—I—I’m sorry to have disturbed you at this hour.” - -“That’s all right, Madame. Do you care to leave your name for Mrs. -Thurston?” - -“Oh, no—I—I’ll call Mrs. Thurston myself—to-morrow. Good-night,” she -faltered as she hung up the receiver and stood as one petrified, staring -into space. - -What new horror was about to confront her? Elinor had deliberately -deceived her, and perhaps this had not been the first time. Where could -she have gone? What did it all mean? - -Again she began to pace the floor. Her own trouble was almost blotted -from her mind as this new fear clutched at her heart. Where was Elinor? -Where was she? Over and over again she asked herself the question as she -traveled back and forth between the window and the farthest book-lined -wall. - -Twice the faithful Griggs attempted to speak to her, but she waved him -back frantically, refusing to listen. As long as she lived, this night -would leave its mark upon her. She had passed hours of unspeakable -suffering and torture. - -At four o’clock, with the faint coming of dawn, Griggs placed another -log on the fire which he had kept burning all night, and then confronted -Marjorie determinedly with the assurance of an old and trusted servant. - -“Mrs. Benton, won’t you please go to bed! It’s four o’clock, and you -must be worn out! Pardon the liberty of an old servant, but——” - -“Four o’clock—four o’clock—” Marjorie kept wringing her hands -despairingly, “and not one of them home yet! God! What can have -happened!” - -“Nothing has happened, ma’am! Miss Elinor and Mr. Howard are most likely -with Mr. Benton at some party or dance,” Griggs endeavored to console -her. - -“Four o’clock,” she kept repeating. “Why, they couldn’t remain anywhere -as late as that.” - -“Indeed, they’ve come in late many times, Mrs. Benton; only you have -been asleep in your own room and didn’t know it.” - -“As late as this?” - -“Well—no—not quite as late—but I’m sure there’s no reason for you to -worry. Come to your room—please—and let me bring you some coffee.” - -“Thanks, Griggs,” Marjorie replied gratefully. “You’re very kind, and I -appreciate your remaining up with me like this more than I can tell you, -but I couldn’t leave here—I must wait.” - -“Mrs. Benton, I’ll call you the minute anyone comes. It won’t do any -good for you to wear yourself——” - -The sound of a machine coming up the driveway cut short further -arguments. Griggs rushed to the window. - -“Here’s a cab now, Ma’am,” he said, hastening to open the door. - -“At last! At last!” Marjorie held her hand over her heart. “Thank -God—they’ve come!” - -She stood with bated breath, facing the door, expecting she knew -not—what. But whatever else it might have been that unfolded itself -before Marjorie Benton’s hot worried eyes, it could not have stabbed her -as what she did see. An icy hand clutched her heart. The room swam about -her. She tried to move forward with a cry, but stood rooted to the spot. -For there, standing on the threshold was her own daughter, her baby, -Elinor—hair hanging in wild disarray, white-faced, trembling, clothing -disarranged, while moans and sobs issued from her distorted pale lips. -Holding her up, guiding her tottering footsteps, her arms possessively, -protectingly around Marjorie Benton’s daughter was the one woman in the -world whom she hated with a deadly hatred, the woman who had taken from -her the love of her own husband—Geraldine DeLacy. - -The mother’s breath came with a quick intake as her arms went -quiveringly out toward the girl. - -“Elinor!” the cry came in a pitiful wail. - -“Oh, mother! Mother!” Elinor sobbed brokenly, as she wrenched herself -from Geraldine’s arms and tottered toward her mother. Marjorie caught -her as she fell. She held her closely as she had held her as a baby. - -“What is it, dear?” she murmured tenderly. Mother instinct told her it -was no time for reproaches, but a time for soothing. “What has happened? -Try to control yourself and tell me.” - -“Oh—I—I can’t! I can’t!” Elinor moaned. “It’s so terrible!” - -Trembling from head to foot Marjorie, holding Elinor closely to her, -turned to Geraldine. “Perhaps, Mrs. DeLacy, you will kindly tell -me—what this all means?” she asked. - -“I’m very sorry, Mrs. Benton,” Geraldine replied gravely, “but a -terrible thing has happened. I—I scarcely know how to tell you.” - -Marjorie’s eyes flashed fire. “Nothing can be more terrible than this -dreadful suspense! You must tell me at once!” she commanded. - -“Very well, but I want you to believe me, Mrs. Benton, when I tell you -that it grieves me greatly to be the bearer of this news.” Geraldine’s -attempt at friendly conciliation passed by the distracted mother. - -“Go on—please!” she ordered, with set lips. - -“This evening,” Geraldine began, “Templeton Druid had a dinner party in -his rooms after the show——” - -“Who is Templeton Druid?” Marjorie interrupted. - -“Templeton Druid was,” she laid stress upon the word, a stress unnoticed -by Marjorie, although Elinor shivered in her mother’s clasp, “an -actor—the most popular leading man on Broadway, and a friend of -Elinor’s and Howard’s. Elinor knew you would never consent to her going -to the party, so she told you she was going to the Thurstons’.” - -“I—I know,” Marjorie murmured. “I telephoned the Thurstons at -twelve-thirty.” She closed her eyes as if to shut out the memory of the -shock she had received. - -“She spent the early part of the evening,” Geraldine continued, “with -Rosebud Greeley, and then went to Mr. Druid’s apartment.” - -“Oh, my dear! My dear!” Marjorie wailed. “Go on, please, Mrs. DeLacy.” - -“Howard happened to know where Elinor was going, and disapproved of it. -He had spent the evening with Nell Thurston, and after seeing her home, -went downtown to the club, where he imbibed rather freely with some of -the boys. He happened to overhear a conversation concerning Elinor and -Druid, which enraged him past endurance. He jumped in a taxi and went -directly to Druid’s apartment——” - -“Oh—mother—mother—” Elinor clutched her wildly. “I can’t bear it. -Why—why——” - -“Hush, darling,” Marjorie patted her head, “I must hear the rest.” - -“When Howard arrived,” went on Mrs. DeLacy as though repeating a -carefully rehearsed lesson, “a wild party was on, which only went toward -confirming the things he had heard. A furious scene followed—and a—a -fist battle. In the midst of which Druid pulled a revolver out of his -pocket—Howard managed to secure it. There was a shot and Druid fell to -the floor!” Geraldine dramatically turned her eyes as she reached her -climax as though too tender-hearted to witness the mother’s despair. But -underneath the lids that veiled her eyes, there was gloating. - -“Oh—No! No!” Marjorie felt the iron hand closing tighter around her -heart. It was crushing it. “He didn’t—_kill—him_?” - -“Instantly!” - -The monosyllabic reply was like the closing of life’s chapter to the -mother who heard it. The world seemed far away. She could not -think—could not breathe to recognize the familiar action. That iron -hand was closing and unclosing, squeezing from her heart but icy drops. -Vaguely she could feel her arms about her daughter while her mind -wandered to the son—could feel Elinor clutching her hands, her -arms,—could hear her wailing. - -“Oh, mother! Mother! I loved him so! I loved him! Oh, what shall I do!” - -The iron hand held a dagger. It was draining her life blood. She felt it -leaving her face, her limbs. She felt the gray pallor of her cheeks. -Limply she sank down into the deep chair beside her (and even in her -despair there came a queer flash of memory over her that it was Hugh’s -chair) as she stared at the bearer of the news. Her comprehension was -unable to cope with its suddenness. - -Elinor, clinging helplessly to her mother, fell on her knees, burying -her head in her lap. - -“I—I can’t realize it!” Marjorie felt her lips framing the words, but -to her own ears they were inaudible. “It is all—so horrible.” - -“I know, Mrs. Benton.” Outwardly, Geraldine was all sympathy. “But you -must face this thing as bravely as you can, for Mr. Benton’s sake——” - -Marjorie bit her lips so hard she drew the blood in two places. -“Where—where is Howard now?” she demanded. - -“They ’phoned the club and managed to locate Mr. Benton. He called his -attorney. There are certain arrangements to be made and then he will -bring Howard home.” - -In her dazed consciousness it had already occurred to Marjorie to wonder -where Hugh was, and she had had an added pang when she had realized what -all this would mean to him. She would so have tried to spare him. - -So he already knew! And he had not even let her know, come to her, or -sent to her in his trouble. No—instead it had been this—this other -woman he had— Bitterness welled to take the place of pity. And that -bitterness swelled her heart till she felt it had reached the bursting -point. - -To think that her husband had dared to select that woman to bring Elinor -home! She should have been sent for! Wasn’t she still his wife, and -Elinor’s mother? Had Hugh thrown her into the dust and trampled upon -her, he could not have humiliated her more than by sending this, to her, -abominable creature as the conveyer of this appalling news. The -strangeness of it all began to dawn upon her. How had Mrs. DeLacy been -available at such an hour? Was Hugh in her company at the time? Her lips -curled slightly as she asked: “Were you at that party, Mrs. DeLacy?” - -Geraldine drew herself haughtily erect. “I? Certainly not!” she cried -indignantly. “Why do you ask?” - -“Because I fail to understand your connection in the affair,” replied -the wife coldly. “What are you doing here? How do you come to bring -Elinor home?” - -“Mr. Benton telephoned to me,” Geraldine flushed angrily as she faced -Marjorie Benton’s cold, accusing eyes. “He knew that he could place -every confidence in me—and asked me as a special favor to him, to bring -Elinor home——” - -“I _understand_.” Marjorie spoke simply, but with finality. “Thank -you—and good-night.” - -“I should like to remain if you don’t mind,” Geraldine strolled -impertinently toward the davenport, adding, “until Mr. Benton and Howard -come.” - -“Don’t you think it indelicate for you to attempt to intrude, Mrs. -DeLacy? This is a time when the family desire to be alone.” - -“I realize that,” Geraldine smiled serenely. “But don’t you see, when -one is such a trusted friend, I really feel as if I were one of the -family.” - -Marjorie Benton had felt before that she had stood all that could be -imposed on human nature. But now she found that it had been only a -beginning. The cold, unadulterated nerve of the woman who assumed such -prerogatives so casually, and at such a time, was beyond anything she -could have dreamed. No longer was she physically weak. A great power was -given to her. Gently she put aside her daughter’s clinging hands and -rose to her feet with a firmness born of indignation too great for -words. - -“Your assumption is a bit previous,” she remarked icily. “You have -wrought destruction enough in this home for the present. I am sorry, but -I must deny you the pleasure of remaining longer.” - -“Oh, very well!” Geraldine shrugged her shoulders meaningly, as she -turned toward the door. “I regret exceedingly that you will not accept -my well-meant offer of friendship. If you should need me any time, -Elinor,” she called back, “you know where to find me—good-night.” - -Marjorie stood still as a statue, waiting until she heard the door close -after Mrs. DeLacy. Then she resumed her chair, pulled a low stool up -beside her and tenderly seated Elinor upon it. - -“Darling little girl,” she murmured soothingly, gently caressing the -disordered hair which futile hands sought to arrange. “Come, tell mother -everything. I—I’m not angry, dear—my heart is over-flowing with love -and sympathy for you, and I want to help you!” - -One upward glance the girl gave her mother. She shook her head sadly. - -“Your love and your desire to help me, mother, have come too late.” - -Marjorie caught her breath sharply. - -“Oh, please! Please, dear, don’t say that!” - -“You’ve kept me away from you so long,” Elinor continued apathetically, -plaintively. “I have never been able to confide in you. The wonderful -comradeship I’ve seen between other girls and their mothers—never -existed between us. Your continual fault finding with everything I did -forced me to be untruthful, and to deceive you.” - -“I meant it all for your good, dear!” Marjorie’s voice vibrated with -emotion. “You _will_ believe me—you must!—when I tell you my only -desire was for your happiness!” - -“And _Howard_!” Elinor’s voice was bitter in its hysterical -condemnation. “What right had he to judge anyone? Templeton would have -married me, and now—my life is wrecked.” - -“You are not in the condition to realize anything now. Perhaps later you -will be able to view all this in a different light. Your brother must -love you very——” - -“Love me!” Elinor screamed wildly. “He has a great way of showing it, -when he robs me of all the happiness life held for me! Oh—I hate him! -Even if he is my brother, I——” - -“Oh—hush, dear, hush,” Marjorie placed her hand across Elinor’s mouth, -“you mustn’t talk that way.” - -“I—I don’t know what I’m going to do, mother! I’m almost crazy! I’m so -frightened, and I don’t know where to turn!” The girl’s passion subsided -into a wail of self-pity. She sobbed and buried her head in Marjorie’s -lap again. - -A light of dawning hope slowly welled up in the woman’s anguished eyes. - -“Turn to your mother, darling,” she pleaded, lovingly, tenderly, “the -one who will never fail you! Come—I’m going to take you upstairs and -put you to bed, just as I did when you were my little baby—and I shall -sit beside you and hold your hand, dear, until you fall asleep.” - -Elinor arose wearily and stood coldly unresponsive to her mother’s -declarations of love and devotion. She submitted passively to the tender -embrace as she was led toward the hall. - -The slamming of the front door caused them both to start violently. -Howard, wanly pale and trembling, came toward them. Marjorie’s arms went -out to him. - -“Oh—Howard—my boy, I—I——” - -“Please, mother!” Howard twisted his fingers and pulled at his collar. -“Don’t you start in on me—I’m a wreck, and my nerves are all shot to -pieces now! Dad hasn’t stopped talking for a moment all the way home—I -just _can’t_ stand much more!” He walked unsteadily to the mantle and -stood, leaning his head upon it. - -Elinor dropped back to the large chair her mother had recently occupied, -and curled up in it, her feet under her, her head buried in her arms. - -In a few quick steps, the mother crossed the room to her son’s side. Her -arm went protectingly about his bowed, weary shoulders. - -“Oh, my dear, my dear!” and there was a world of sympathy and love in -the vibrating voice, “I’m not going to upbraid you! I just want to tell -you that——” - -A slight sound at the door made her turn to glance over her shoulder. -Hugh Benton stood there, stern and relentless. His eyes roved from the -stricken girl huddled in her chair to rest on the bowed head of his son -and the mother who stood beside him, her attitude one of soothing. - -Like a cold accusing judge he stood towering there. Slowly his hand came -up into a sweeping gesture to include the scene. Then the hand was -pointed relentlessly, unforgivingly, at the suffering mother. When he -spoke his voice was harsh, repelling. - -“Well, Marjorie!” he bit off his words, “I trust you’re satisfied!” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - -“Hugh!” It was a cry of pain torn from the mother heart. But even in her -anguish for her children there came a pang for the man she loved as she -gazed at him wide-eyed, distressed. He seemed to have aged ten years -since his interview with her only a few hours before. His face was drawn -and haggard. Large, dark circles were about the eyes. The wife forced -herself to speak calmly. “What do you mean?” she queried. - -“I mean,” he answered, coming slowly into the room with lagging -footsteps, “that this is all your work!” His gesture took in Elinor and -Howard. “And I hope it pleases you,” he repeated bitterly. - -“Hugh, at a time like this, when we need all your strength and sympathy -to sustain us—you speak to me like this?” Marjorie’s voice was full of -reproach. “Why do you use such tones to me?” - -“Because,” he replied and there was no suspicion of a softening heart in -his hard voice, “I hold you responsible for everything! If I had -listened to the dictates of my own heart, we would never have come to -New York—but I was weak enough to yield to your persuasions.” - -“Surely, Hugh,—” Marjorie’s lips quivered pitifully as she started to -protest, but he authoritatively motioned her to silence. - -“I tried to argue with you at the time and impress upon you just what an -environment such as this would mean to our children, but you wouldn’t -listen to me!” he raged. “You told me that you, their mother, should -know what was best for them. Well, there they are! Look at your -daughter, the pitiful creature of a dissolute man’s fancy, and your son, -a——” - -“Stop, Hugh!” Marjorie commanded. “You seem to forget one thing, and -that is, that they are your children as well as mine.” - -“On the contrary,—I have not forgotten it. I am simply trying to -impress upon them that I am not to blame for their misfortunes.” - -“Then you believe that I alone am entirely responsible for this awful -calamity?” - -“Entirely and absolutely,” he answered. - -“And you call yourself a man!” Marjorie turned upon him, her eyes ablaze -with anger. “You inspire me only with contempt! Last night I thought -because of the children I could never leave you! But now, for the very -same reason, I refuse to remain or to allow them to remain with you -another day!” - -This was rather more than the angry man had bargained for. In his way he -loved Howard and Elinor, and his pride, too, was at stake. - -“Do you mean,” Hugh endeavored to conceal his anxiety but it was -nevertheless poignant, “that you will take Elinor and Howard away from -me?” - -“That is precisely what I mean to do!” - -“We shall see about _that_.” He strode forward angrily. “I think the -children themselves are the ones to choose between us.” - -“Do you imagine for a moment,” Marjorie replied haughtily, “you could -persuade them to leave their mother?” - -“Elinor and Howard,” Hugh began suddenly, “I want you both to listen to -me for a moment.” - -Elinor sat up in her chair, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief, -while Howard turned and stood with his back to the fireplace, staring -sullenly in front of him. - -“Children, your mother and I have come to the parting of the ways. As -you heard her remark a few minutes ago—you are _mine_ as well as hers. -I love you both, and—I want you—but you are old enough to decide for -yourselves.” - -Silence, distressing in its intensity, followed the father’s brutal -ultimatum. - -“Oh—I—I don’t know what to say?” Elinor was filled with confusion. Her -wail was faltering. “This is all so sudden—so strange!” - -“You know, dear,” Hugh strode to her chair, and stood looking down upon -her, “I am willing to do anything for you—I will take you abroad until -this nasty scandal has a chance to blow over, and when we return, should -you have any enemies you will find that the best weapon with which to -fight them is your father’s money.” - -“Elinor, darling,” Marjorie pleaded, “all that I can do is to offer you -my love and devotion—and when it comes to protection, you will find -that there isn’t a weapon in the world to compare with your mother’s -love.” - -“Oh, mother—I—I don’t know what to say!” Once more the girl’s frail -body was racked with sobs as she sought to see the light—what best to -do. “Dad has always been wonderful to me! Ever since I can remember, he -has granted my every wish! I don’t know how to answer! Oh, what shall I -say?” - -“This is a question that your heart must answer for you, dear.” -Marjorie’s reply was faint but her voice told of the heart yearning -behind the simple reply. “I—I didn’t believe,” she caught her breath -sobbingly, “you would hesitate an instant.” - -“Well, you see, mother,” Elinor’s mood changed to querulousness and she -pouted, “I’ve always been selfish and headstrong—you’ve told me so -yourself many times! So I—I think—if you don’t mind,” she dropped her -eyes and stared at the floor, “I—I shall stick to Dad! I guess he’ll -understand me better!” - -“My little girl!” Hugh exclaimed tenderly, as he leaned over and -gathered her in his arms. - -“Oh—my baby—my baby!” Marjorie moaned, her arms outstretched before -her, the tears rolling down her cheeks. - -“Well, Howard! We’re waiting!” Hugh turned expectantly to his son. - -Howard looked his father squarely in the eye as he demanded, with slow -deliberation: “Well—what are you waiting for?” - -“This is an awful mess—that you have gotten yourself into,” Hugh -hastened to explain, but his eyes wavered before the steady gaze of his -son. “My attorney says there isn’t a doubt concerning your vindication. -All of the witnesses swear that it was either an accident or -self-defense—and your motive for quarreling was thoroughly -justifiable—but just the same, the law has peculiar twists and -angles—and it is going to take a fortune to save you.” - -“Well?” - -“I want to keep you with me, Howard—and my money——” - -“Stop!” It was a son he had never known who took a menacing step toward -him, rage flaming in the eyes of scorn with which he searched out his -father’s soul. “You and your money!” He flung out. “You think that with -it you can conquer the world! You hold my mother responsible for all -this trouble—don’t you? Do you want to know the real cause of all the -suffering in this room to-night? I’ll tell you—it’s your money! The -thing that made me the good-for-nothing idler that I am—that made my -sister the frivolous callous-hearted woman you see before you! Your -money! You may buy another woman with it and break my mother’s heart! -You may make Elinor forget that some day she may have children of her -own—but if you think, for a moment, that you can make me forget my -manhood to the extent of deserting my mother, then even prison is far -too good for me!” - -Marjorie stared at him in amazement! Slowly she awakened from her -apathy. In a dawning glory that transformed her, her face was aglow with -mother love. Her eyes, dim from grief and weeping, fairly beamed with -pride and joy. Hugh walked the length of the room twice without -speaking. He strove to master himself, but the selfish anger had not -been conquered when he came to a stop before his son. - -“So that is the way you look at it. Isn’t this display of chivalry -rather sudden?” The sneer was in his voice and words. - -“I know that I’ve never amounted to very much,” Howard was ready to -acknowledge his short-comings, “but I think, Dad, now that it has come -to a showdown—I’m more of a man than you are!” - -Tiger and cub, they faced each other, glaring. - -“I’ve had enough of this.” Hugh’s voice was thunder when he was first to -break under the strain. “Go with your mother! Play the hero as much as -you damned please! I’m through with you! You’ll find it pretty hard to -get out of this trouble without a penny of the money you scorn to help -you!” - -“I’ll take my chances with hundreds of others—that’s all.” Howard’s -serene reply held the indulgence of the conqueror. - -Marjorie Benton, too heartfull to speak, to stand between father and -son, could hardly realize that this wonderful boy, standing there, -superbly defending her, was her son! Never for a moment had she doubted -Elinor’s loyalty, and the blow she had received from her had been as -unexpected as crushing. - -Now, as her husband stalked toward the door with the finality she knew -so well, she hurried across the space to place herself in the doorway, -obstructing his passage. There was no hint of pleading now, though. All -that had gone from Marjorie Benton forever. But there was in the -determination with which she barred Hugh Benton’s way something -greater—the greatest thing in all the world—the determination of the -mother to fight for the child she loves. Her voice was menacingly soft -as she spoke, ignoring his annoyed gesture to be allowed to past. - -“Just a moment, Hugh,” she said, “we have not quite finished yet. Last -night,” she went on, “you made me an offer. You have not forgotten it?” - -“An offer?” Hugh lifted eyebrows in puzzled surprise. - -“You said if I would consent to a divorce, you would arrange everything -and settle three-quarters of your fortune upon me.” - -“Yes—I believe I did say that.” - -“Are you still willing to go through with it?” - -“Most assuredly I am.” - -“Then,” Marjorie’s voice rang clear as a bell, “I accept your -proposition! Get your divorce any way that you please! I don’t care what -the grounds are—only see that I am given every dollar that you promised -me!” - -“I understand,” Hugh sneered. “You intend using that money for Howard.” - -“What difference can it make to you—how I intend using it?” she -inquired coldly. - -His voice was cold as her own as he rejoined: - -“Nothing matters to me—except my freedom. Come, baby!” He looked -pityingly at Elinor. “You’re completely worn out—I’m going to take you -upstairs.” - -Alone with his mother, Howard’s diffidence returned. In spite of all his -newly-found chivalry he did not feel at ease. - -“Mother,” he began, “I can’t let you do this for me. You don’t believe -in divorce.” - -“I believe in a _great many_ things,” Marjorie answered, her eyes filled -with unshed tears, “that I never believed before. I believe that it -takes a great sorrow to bring forth the real character of a true man or -woman.” - -“You never would have given father his freedom if this hadn’t happened -with me.” - -Marjorie placed both hands tenderly upon Howard’s shoulders and looked -up at him with eyes brimming with love. - -“I’m so proud of you—my son!” she murmured. - -“Gee whiz, mater,” Howard was the boy once more,—the boy who shied at -too much display of emotion! “I only did what any fellow would do.” - -“Your father has always been such a pal to you, while I have never -been—very close—and yet you turn to me. I—I can’t understand why!” -she murmured on softly. - -“Oh—well—you know, father’s all right—but there’s something about a -boy’s mother—Gee!—that gets him, from the time he’s born till he’s an -old man.” - -“Do you know, dear, that at this moment, when I should be heart-broken, -I am the happiest woman in the world!” - -“But mother, you’re crying,” he protested. - -“Tears of joy, dear—because—I am _your_ mother!” - -“I’ve never done a thing in my life to make you proud of me, mother, and -now I’ve brought this new disgrace upon you. It seems almost too bad -that Druid didn’t get me first.” - -“Hush, dear!” Marjorie shivered. “You are all that I have, now, and we -will face this thing bravely—together.” - -There was little sleep for any members of the Benton family that night, -or rather morning, as it was close to five o’clock before they retired. -When Mr. Hammond called at ten o’clock, he found Hugh waiting in the -library for him. - -“Good morning, Benton,” he began in his abrupt manner. “Hope you managed -to get some rest? I’ve been busy since before eight, and I’m afraid -things are not going to be quite as simple as they seemed a few hours -ago.” - -“Why—what do you mean?” Hugh asked anxiously. - -“Well it seems that Howard did a lot of talking at the club before he -went to Druid’s apartment. He spoke to two of the members, and the -entire conversation was overheard by the coat-boy.” - -“What could he have said?” - -“Oh, many things—all leading up to the statement ‘that he intended to -get Druid and settle with him for ruining his sister’s reputation.’ -Mind—I don’t say this will make any difference in the outcome of it -all—it will just complicate matters. If it hadn’t been for the -influence we brought forward last night, I don’t believe we should have -been able to bail him out until after the coroner’s inquest.” - -“When does that take place?” - -“This afternoon.” - -“Just what do you think their verdict will be, Hammond?” - -“I expect it to be ‘death by accident,’” the lawyer answered -confidently. “Then this thing will never have to be tried. Now I’d like -to have a talk with both Elinor and Howard. Are they up yet?” - -“I believe so,” Hugh answered. “Would it be possible for you to give me -about half an hour of your time before seeing them?” - -“Why, yes!” Hammond pulled out his watch. “We don’t have to be downtown -until two o’clock.” - -Hugh opened the bottom drawer of his desk and brought out a box of -choice Havanas. He offered them to the lawyer, then lighted one himself. -But he was apparently ill at ease as Hammond waited inquiringly. - -“You and I have been friends a great many years, haven’t we, Hammond?” -was his beginning. - -“Indeed, we have,” Hammond replied warmly. “I am happy to have you look -upon me as your friend instead of merely your attorney.” - -“I need your friendship now, Hammond, more than I ever needed anything -in my life.” - -Hammond grasped his hand firmly: “You can depend upon me, Hugh. Had -Howard been anyone’s son but yours, I should never have bothered with -this case. You know it is entirely out of my line of work.” - -“It is not about Howard at all that I wish to speak,” Hugh announced -calmly. - -“No? Of whom then?” - -“Myself——” - -“Yourself?” Hammond inquired, surprisedly. - -“Myself and my wife. Hammond, you will no doubt be very much surprised -to hear that Mrs. Benton and I have agreed—to separate.” - -“Separate! Why I can’t believe it!” The lawyer seemed dumfounded at the -news. “You have a grown son and daughter, and you have been married a -great many years. Why I thought that you and Mrs. Benton——” - -“You thought the same thing as everyone else who knows us,” Hugh -interrupted with undisguised bitterness, “that we are an absolutely -mismated couple endeavoring to drag out an unhappy existence together.” - -“You’re wrong, Benton. I never thought that. I knew that Mrs. Benton was -different from the majority of the women of to-day, and candidly -speaking, I admired her for that very reason.” - -“But don’t you think Mrs. Benton carries her ideas of propriety rather -to the extreme?” Hugh asked irritably. - -“That depends entirely upon the way you look at it. I must confess that -I am somewhat of the old school myself, and therefore I don’t -particularly approve of your modern ‘feminists,’ as I believe they -choose to call themselves.” - -“Just what is your definition of ‘feminist,’” asked Hugh. “And why the -disapproval?” - -“Because,” and there was a dreaminess in Hammond’s eyes that would have -astonished many a judge and lawyer in New York city, could they but have -seen it, “they have tried to replace the most wonderful women of all -times—the women of bygone years—the women our mothers were. Instead of -glorying in wifehood and motherhood—the true mission of every womanly -woman—they launch forth into politics or business or professions with -ambitions and determinations worthy of men, or else they fritter their -lives away, becoming more and more useless every day.” - -“Why, Hammond, you speak as though you have been the victim of a bitter -experience.” - -“No,” was the answer, with a shake of the head, “I’m not speaking from -experience at all—I’m speaking from observation. In my career, I can -view the drama of Life from a front-seat.” - -“Strange,” Hugh meditated. “In all the years that I have known you, John -Hammond, I never once suspected that you, with your abrupt manner and -stern demeanor could be an idealist.” - -“Well,” he laughed, “I wouldn’t go quite so far as to say I am an -idealist, but I do admire and hold in the highest esteem a true woman.” - -“But you won’t permit your ideas to influence you—you’ll be perfectly -fair with me?” Hugh demanded. - -“I always try to be fair, Benton—but in this case I’ll be more than -fair, inasmuch as we will not consider this an interview between client -and attorney, but a talk—between friends.” - -“Fine, Hammond—I couldn’t ask for more. Now, then, as I told you -before, Mrs. Benton and myself have agreed to separate.” - -“Yes? May I ask why?” - -“Incompatibility, for one thing,” answered Benton, his eyes roving about -the room. Those searching orbs of the lawyer made him nervous, he -fretted to himself. - -Hammond was silent a moment: then abruptly he asked: “Just how many -years have you been married?” - -“Almost twenty-two.” - -“And it has taken you two people twenty-two years to discover that you -are incompatible? You asked me to be fair, Benton—I in return must ask -you to be honest with me?” - -“But—I don’t——” - -“You’re asking for my advice,” Hammond continued sharply. “Why don’t you -come out at once and tell me plainly that you have lost your head over -another woman?” - -“Why—I—” Hugh blushed and stammered uneasily, “I thought to give you -the facts as delicately as possible. Your method seems—er—pardon -me—almost crude.” - -“Come, come, Benton,” Hammond replied impatiently. “I don’t believe in -beating about the bush! You can’t change a deed or a statement by -attempting to glaze it over with a polish. The fundamental fact remains -the same no matter what you do. Just a minute, please,” as Hugh -endeavored to interrupt him, “let me tell you that I’ll have a great -deal more respect for you if you stop this quibbling and come out with -the plain truth!” - -“Very well, then. I have fallen in love with another woman, and I want -to marry her.” - -“Of course, you know you could never obtain a divorce from Mrs. Benton?” - -“Mrs. Benton has agreed to obtain the divorce from me. I will arrange -all of the details, and I want you to help me.” - -“Does Mrs. Benton know on what grounds she will have to bring suit?” -Hammond inquired in surprise. - -“Certainly she knows!” Benton was becoming irascible. He was unused to -being talked to like a naughty child, and Hammond’s tone, to say the -least, was not the kind the financier usually heard. “We have discussed -the New York State laws,” he replied. - -Hammond pondered seriously and there was a chilling change from the -friendliness of a moment before when he asked: - -“Just when did you reach this decision? I can readily understand your -not mentioning it to me last night in all the excitement, but you were -in my office two days ago and never said a word. If I remember rightly, -I inquired after Mrs. Benton, which would have given you an opening -should you have desired to speak?” - -“We only reached an understanding early this morning,” Hugh answered -hurriedly, “after I came home with Howard. I had talked it over with -Marjorie—before—but she refused to listen. Something happened this -morning—and she changed her mind.” - -“If it is not too personal, would you mind telling me just what that -‘something’ was?” - -Hugh Benton threw all subterfuge to the winds. This man was too good a -cross-examiner. He would make a clean breast of it and have done with it -once and for all. It was an abominable mess, however it was taken. - -“Oh, well, if you must know,” and his wide shoulders lifted, “I may as -well tell you now as any time, for you will have to know it in order to -help me arrange my affairs. You see, Hammond, when we first came to New -York to live, it was entirely against my wishes. We had been married -five years at the time, and the heated discussion and argument -concerning this move caused our first quarrel. Being young and very much -in love, I couldn’t hold out long against my wife’s desires. She was -filled with ambitions for us all, and to her New York spelled one word -in capital letters, and that was ‘Success.’” - -“Well, from all that I happen to know about your affairs,” the lawyer -glanced about the sumptuously furnished room, “you seem to have given -her her desire.” - -“Yes,” Hugh answered bitterly, “from a financial viewpoint, I suppose I -am a success—but—outside of that——” He compressed his lips tightly -for a moment. “Oh, I’m not going to play upon your sympathy, Hammond, -and go into every little detail regarding the misery of many years! All -I’ll say is that it has been—hell.” - -The lawyer looked his surprise. - -“Apparently you’ve always been the happiest of men—why everyone——” - -Hugh Benton broke in irritably. “Surely you don’t expect me to go about -like a woman carrying my heart on my sleeve! I’ll tell you one thing, -Hammond,” and he jumped up excitedly, “when two people cease to care for -one another—when they reach a state of absolute indifference and still -continue to live together under the same roof—it’s a crime! They go -on—either because they think they owe a duty to children—God, -children!” He covered his face with his hands, and there was weariness -in all his features as he looked up to continue: “Or else, they fear the -censorship of the world! And for one of these two damnable creeds, they -condemn themselves to years of torture!” - -“I’m sorry, old man, to think that things have been as bad as that,” -Hammond was not unsympathetic, but he was beginning to wonder if -sympathy would not be wasted here. - -“I didn’t mean to drift into all this,” Hugh sighed, impatient at his -own garrulity as he went on: “But the remark you passed about my success -started me off! Let’s get back to where we were and finish this thing.” - -“Exactly—where were we? Oh, yes, I remember. You are to furnish the -grounds, and Mrs. Benton is to divorce you.” - -“I’ll tell you just what I propose doing.” Hugh drew his chair closer -and proceeded to lay out his plan. It was a lengthy recital, during -which he kept his gaze focused on his desk. He wouldn’t have admitted -even to himself that he was doing something of which he should feel -ashamed, and yet there was that within him which prevented him from once -lifting his eyes and looking the lawyer in the face. - -“I understand.” It was with difficulty Hammond managed to subdue the -ring of contempt in his voice. “You have thought it all out admirably; -it should do you credit.” - -Benton looked up quickly, but Hammond’s expression was blank. He must be -mistaken in thinking that last remark revealed a tinge of veiled -sarcasm. - -“Have you any suggestions to offer?” he asked, lighting a fresh cigar. - -“I may have several to offer—but first it will be necessary for me to -ask you a few questions.” Hammond’s reply was calmly non-committal. - -“Very well—go ahead.” - -“I asked you this question before, but you happened to drift away from -the subject. What I want to know is—just what was it that caused Mrs. -Benton to change her mind?” - -“Early last evening, I went to my wife honestly,” Hugh was angry to feel -himself blushing at the word, “told her exactly what had happened and -pleaded with her to grant me my freedom. She refused, absolutely, and I -left the house indignant and determined to find some way or means by -which I could compel her to listen to me. When I came home with Howard -this morning, I lost complete control of myself and accused her openly -of being responsible for all the misfortune which had come to us.” - -“Did that seem fair—to you?” Hammond demanded sternly. - -“Yes—it did.” Stubbornly Hugh held to his fatuous belief and condoning -of himself. “She was entirely to blame for our coming here, and——” - -“For Heaven’s sake, Benton.” Irritably the lawyer jumped from his chair -to pace the floor. “You can’t mean to sit there—a man of your -intelligence—and tell me, with all sincerity, that you hold your coming -to New York responsible for the existing conditions?” - -“Absolutely! If we had remained in——” - -“What about Fate or Destiny, or whatever you choose to call it, playing -a part in your life, and all the other lives about you? New York! -Ridiculous, I tell you! Had you been in Paris, France, or Trenton, New -Jersey, you would have stood just exactly where you stand to-day. Don’t -you believe at all in predestination?” - -“I do, in every instance—but this.” - -“How interesting! But go on—we’ll come back to this later—After you -upbraided Mrs. Benton, _et cetera_—what happened?” - -“One word led to another,” Hugh answered, pretending to ignore Hammond’s -sarcasm, “and finally she declared that ‘she would leave me and take the -children with her!’” - -“Mm, I see! And then?” - -“I told her the children were no longer babies—that they were old -enough to decide for themselves, and then I endeavored to make the -situation clear to them. Elinor came to the conclusion that she would -prefer to remain with me——” - -Hammond merely smiled, but Hugh did not see the movement of the lips -under the grizzled mustache that formed: “Selfish little beast.” - -“Howard handed me the surprise of my life,” Hugh continued in a tone of -self-pity. “When I explained to him that this mess he had gotten himself -into would cost me a fortune, but that I was willing to spend it if he -would remain with me, why, he turned on me like a maniac and denounced -me shamefully! Acted like the hero in a dime novel—played heroics to a -fare-thee-well—ending up by telling me plainly just what he thought of -me and my money!” - -Hammond’s eyes shone bright as he urged: “Yes! Yes! Go on—I’m greatly -interested.” - -“He had tried my patience a bit too far, so I ordered him to go and see -just where he would find himself without my money. Then Mrs. Benton made -her entrance dramatically, as I daresay she believed. She declared she -would accept my offer of the early evening, and grant me my freedom -providing I gave her the money I had promised her.” - -“It is like her, to do a thing like that,” Hammond murmured, almost -inaudibly, “and you consented—I suppose?” He turned inquiringly to -Benton. - -“Certainly—I wanted my freedom, and if Fate chose to bring——” - -“Ah!” the lawyer interrupted him. “There you are! Now you believe in -Fate! This is evidently one of the instances when you choose to believe -in it.” In a twinkling the lawyer’s attitude changed. All semblance of -friendship dropped from him like a cloak. He turned on the financier -with accusingly uplifted hand while the voice that so often had brought -terror to the heart of a culprit, had swayed juries and filled -courtrooms, thundered. “You’re a coward, Hugh Benton! You want to leave -this woman, who has been your wife for twenty-two years, and the mother -of your children, for another woman and you’re afraid to acknowledge -that you yourself are to blame and——” - -“But I’m _not_ to blame,” Hugh insisted. “I told you that we have been -uncongenial for years——” - -“You managed to stand the uncongeniality in your home for twenty-two -years, and you would have stood it to the very end—if some other woman -hadn’t aroused your passion.” - -“See here, Hammond,” Hugh turned white. Hammond was going too far -entirely. “I don’t like your tone. You’re my attorney, and you said you -were my friend. That is why I am telling you all this. I didn’t ask you -for your opinion of me, and it’s immaterial whether my conduct meets -with your approval or not! If you don’t wish to handle my affairs, say -so—I shall be able to find another attorney in the city.” - -“Precisely!” Hammond roared. “You haven’t an inducement you could offer -with which to retain my services! I’ve curbed my impatience with -difficulty in order to let you reach the end of your narrative. Now I -want to tell you that after twenty-five years of practice, I find myself -unable to read a man’s character correctly. I was never so deceived in -all my life as I have been in you, Hugh Benton, and I blush to think I -called you—friend!” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - -“Very well, Hammond,” Hugh arose wearily from his chair, “I’m not going -to quarrel with you,” he informed. “I’m sorry to lose your friendship, -but as long as you feel the way you do—perhaps it’s just as well.” - -“Benton, I’m going to be candid with you, and tell you that I intend -offering my services to Howard and Mrs. Benton. The boy will need help -and I’m going to stand by him,” Hammond announced as he stood up to -leave. - -“Griggs,” he said to the waiting butler when he reached the hall, “will -you kindly ask Mrs. Benton to see me for a few moments? Tell her I wish -to speak to her on a matter of great importance.” - -“Mrs. Benton will be with you directly, sir.” Griggs returned with the -message almost immediately. “Will you wait here?” he asked, indicating -Marjorie’s morning room as he opened the door. - -Hammond stood gazing out of the window when the mother of Howard -entered. - -She held out her hand. “You wish to see me, Mr. Hammond?” she murmured -politely, though the paleness of her face, the distraught manner showed -plainly how pain had been with her through the hours. She added, -hesitatingly: “I think I know why. But after the events of last night, -and this morning, don’t you think Hugh could have been a little more -considerate, and at least had waited a day before sending his attorney -to me?” - -“Mr. Benton didn’t send me at all, Mrs. Benton—I’ve come of my own -accord.” - -“But I don’t understand. You’ve always been Hugh’s attorney, so -naturally I thought he had consulted you, and Howard told me you were -with him—last night.” Her lips quivered pitifully over the last two -words. - -Hammond nodded. “Yes—I was with him last night, and I have been -closeted with him in the library for the past half hour or so, just long -enough for me to refuse to act as his attorney in the future.” - -Marjorie’s astonishment was great as she heard him and saw the -tightening of the lips under the grizzled mustache. - -“Why, Mr. Hammond, you’ve been friends for years! Have -you—have—you—quarreled?” she queried. - -“We haven’t exactly quarreled, Mrs. Benton, but we can’t agree on -certain points, so——” - -But to the mother, with thought now only for the son she loved, such a -contingency could only take on the proportions of a catastrophe. She -knew the reputation held by John Hammond. For years, since he had been -her husband’s attorney she had been told of his legal prowess, and had -come to believe that anything he undertook of that nature could mean -only triumph for his client. All the hours since the painful scene in -the library she had hugged to her breast the thought that Howard would -be defended by this cleverest of lawyers, and the outcome was to her a -foregone conclusion. She caught her breath painfully as she realized now -that Howard might, through some nonsensical quarrel of his father’s, be -denied the lawyer’s protection. She caught at his sleeve with an -appealing gesture. - -“Oh—Mr. Hammond,” she cried, her lips trembling, “you can’t desert us -now! What will Howard do? Your cleverness, your knowledge means so much -to my boy!” - -“There, there, Mrs. Benton! Sit down and calm yourself!” He pulled a -chair forward and forced her into it. Then, still standing, he went on: -“When I came here this morning to see your husband, I hadn’t an idea of -this estrangement between you—my business concerned Howard. I only -learned of the other affair a short while ago. It was over that Mr. -Benton and I could not agree.” - -“I must confess that you have aroused my curiosity, Mr. Hammond. I’ve -always been under the impression that a lawyer obeyed his clients’ -instructions in a case like this,” she smiled wanly, “without -questioning.” - -“Some lawyers,” he amended, as he, too, smiled. “No, Mrs. Benton, I -disapprove of the step your husband is about to take. His dismissal and -my resignation were delivered at the same time. So now, I have sent for -you to offer my services in Howard’s behalf as well as your own.” - -“Then Hugh has evidently told you about Howard’s defense of me?” -Marjorie was eager and her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Oh, he was so -wonderful, Mr. Hammond, and I’m so grateful to you for standing by him! -That is all you—anyone—can do for me. You know I have consented to -give Hugh his freedom?” - -“You don’t have to do it, Mrs. Benton,” he answered sternly. - -“I am to receive a great deal of money from Hugh in payment of my kind -consideration of him,” she informed bitterly. - -Hammond went over to Marjorie and bowed low before her. “You’re a big -woman, Mrs. Benton,” he paid homage, “and there are very few like you in -these days. I understand your motive thoroughly, but—” and he looked at -her sharply. “Mrs. Benton—you don’t believe in divorce——” - -She waved away the matter with resignation as her nervous hands pulled -to pieces the rose she had taken from a floor vase near. - -“Nothing matters about _me_, Mr. Hammond,” was her firm reply. “It’s -only my boy of whom I’m thinking! I must save him!” - -Hammond’s jovial countenance turned apoplectic in his sudden burst of -rage as he looked at the shrinking, suffering mother and thought of the -man he had just left who was responsible for so much of her sorrow, so -proudly borne. - -“What a beastly advantage to take of mother love!” he fumed. “Your own -husband, the father of your children, forcing you to relinquish the -doctrine in which you have always believed! In a fit of rage he turned -Howard adrift, as it were, little dreaming at the time that you would -come forward and accept his bribe. I’m sorry to hurt you, Mrs. Benton,” -he apologized gently, as Marjorie buried her face in her arm and -shuddered at the word, “but that is exactly what it is—his bribe! When -you, in your beautiful loyalty and love for your son, offered him his -freedom in return for the money, he considered it ‘an act of Providence’ -providing him with the means to gratifying his desire.” Each word was -cutting sarcasm that should have buoyed Marjorie Benton. But she was -passed caring for most things. She scattered the petals in a shower at -her feet, watching them fall idly. - -“After all,” she sighed and shook her head sadly, “it doesn’t make any -difference. I can’t hold him if he doesn’t care for me.” - -“You may not be able to hold his love,” he replied, “but you can prevent -him from remarrying if you wish to, as you need never divorce him. That -is what I am here to tell you. I will take Howard’s case, I’ll save him, -too, and it will never cost you a dollar!” - -“Oh—Mr. Hammond.” The tears sprang to her eyes. “You are indeed a -friend, and I’m at a loss for words in which to express my gratitude! -But I’ve quite made up my mind to let Hugh have his freedom.” - -“That is entirely up to you. Candidly speaking, I don’t think he’s worth -holding, but I hate to see you hurt so deeply,” he asserted. - -“Don’t you think there can come a time, when one is past being hurt?” -Her lips formed a smile, but her eyes were heavy with tears. “There have -been so many shocks the last few weeks, I just can’t seem to feel at -all—any more.” - -“It doesn’t surprise me—it seems remarkable to me, that you have been -able to hold up at all. Ah—” he turned as Howard entered, “Good -morning—I was just about to send for you.” - -“Good morning, Mr. Hammond,” Howard’s heavy eyes betrayed the lack of -sleep and the tension. “Hope I haven’t kept you waiting.” - -“No, I was just going over a little business with your mother. We’ll -have to be going downtown soon though. We’re due at the coroner’s -inquest at two o’clock.” - -“Shall I come with you?” Marjorie asked quickly. - -“No, indeed, Mrs. Benton—not at all necessary,” Hammond assured her. -“Nothing will go wrong. You must try to trust me implicitly, Mrs. -Benton. Rest all you can. We may have a case before us, and then you -will require your strength, but I assure there is nothing to fear. We -will have to hurry a bit, my boy,” Hammond went on, in his curt, -businesslike manner that he had discarded with Marjorie. “We can talk in -my car on the way to town. I’ll leave a message with Griggs for your -father. I want him to bring Elinor down ahead of time, so that I can -have a few words with her. Good-by, Mrs. Benton,” and he held both her -hands in a warm, firm grip, “keep up your courage, little woman! -Everything’s going to be all right!” - -“I feel assured of that, Mr. Hammond.” She smiled as brightly as -possible. “How could it be otherwise—in your capable hands. When will I -know anything?” - -“We’ll ’phone you just as soon as it’s over. I’m going to see Griggs a -moment—I’ll meet you in the car, Howard.” - -“Good-by, mother.” Howard held his mother tightly in his arms for a -moment. Strange what comfort he got from those arms—how new that -comfort was—that he had never known these years. He kissed her mouth -and the eyes which bravely forced back the tears. “Don’t you worry, -dear!” - -Hugh Benton and his daughter arrived at John Hammond’s office but a -short time after his arrival there with the financier’s accused son. He -had had time for only a short talk with Howard, who only repeated his -story of the night before, when Hugh and Elinor were announced. - -“They might just as well come in now,” he told Howard. “There are some -questions I would like to ask you and your sister together.” - -Elinor Benton, pale, and dramatically conscious of the part she played -in her own mind of being all but widowed, entered the inner office of -the lawyer leaning heavily on the arm of her father. John Hammond -frowned annoyedly when he saw she had chosen to costume herself in -black; that she gave all outward evidences of being grief stricken, and -he thought it ill became her at such a time. But he was not altogether -surprised. He had known the girl since she was a tiny child, and her -character was an open book to him. - -“Sit down,” he said, brusquely, motioning to them to be seated. “This -will not take very long.” - -Neither Elinor nor Hugh deigned to notice Howard, who sat looking at -them through partly closed eyes. Notwithstanding the fact that he was -under the strain he was, he could scarcely suppress a smile as he looked -at Elinor. - -“Just like her,” he muttered, “to dress the part.” - -Hammond drew a pad in front of him and dipped his pen in the ink. “Now -then, Elinor!” He looked up. - -The pale, small figure in black met his eye again. It was too much for -him. He fairly exploded: - -“What in—well—what in thunderation do you mean by dressing like that? -Do you want to play upon the sympathy of a jury and ruin your brother?” - -“Why, Mr. Hammond!” Elinor’s handkerchief went straight to her eyes. -“How can you talk—to me—like that? Can’t you see—I’m heart-broken?” - -Hugh had her in his arms instantly. - -“There, darling, don’t cry,” he said soothingly. He turned savagely to -Hammond. “I won’t have you talking to her like that! She’s suffering -enough—hasn’t she just told you she’s heart-broken?” - -“Well, then, let her be sensibly heart-broken!” Hammond brought his fist -down upon the desk. “Can you imagine the light it is going to throw upon -the case when this slip of a girl appears upon the scene in the garb of -an inconsolable widow?” - -Elinor removed the handkerchief from her eyes—eyes that were hard -behind the glistening of newly shed tears. Her voice was steely as she -spoke, the toss of her head defiant. - -“I care nothing whatever about Howard!” she said. “You may as well -understand that right now! I shall tell the truth, and nothing will -induce me to alter my testimony. If things go against him, he will have -to suffer the consequences—that’s all!” - -“But that is all I require of you—simply to tell the truth. There can’t -be anything damaging in your testimony?” The lawyer was evidently a bit -worried over Elinor’s peculiar attitude. - -“That depends entirely upon how you look at it,” she replied frigidly. -“All I know is that Howard quarreled with me at home early in the -evening, when I told him I was going to Templeton’s——” - -“I didn’t quarrel with you, Elinor,” Howard interrupted. “I merely told -you what I thought of Druid, and tried to persuade you——” - -“I choose to call it quarreling,” she replied loftily, without -permitting him to finish. - -“Well, what if he did quarrel with you when he discovered that you were -associating with the wrong kind of a man?” Hammond spoke up. “That only -goes to prove his brotherly love——” - -“Brotherly love! Brotherly devotion!” Elinor’s voice rose to a shriek. -“I’m sick of the very words! Everyone knows how we have always -disagreed! Why we were never in each other’s society for ten minutes -without quarreling—even mother and dad can tell you that! And now -everyone expects me to shout from the housetops and proclaim him my -valiant defender!” She sneered and her most ardent admirer would not -have called Elinor Benton beautiful at that moment of denouncing her -brother. “Well, I refuse to do it!” she hastened on, and the -stubbornness that had been her birthright was clearly in the ascendant -as she spoke. “He killed the man I loved! You can never make me see -anything heroic in that!” - -“Very well, then, if that’s your attitude, I see no use in my attempting -to question you at all.” Hammond laid down his pen. “I can only trust to -your sense of justice in answering the questions at the inquest. I have -but one request to make, and that is that you will not deliberately try -to place a false conception upon everything you say?” - -“You need never fear, Mr. Hammond,” she answered. “I shall be perfectly -truthful.” - -“Benton, I’d like to speak with you alone for a moment before we start.” -Hammond turned bluntly to Hugh. “Will you step in here?” He opened the -door of a smaller office. - -Hugh followed him, Elinor and Howard remaining where they were, each one -busy with his and her own thoughts. They may as well have been total -strangers for all the notice they deigned to take of one another. - -“Hugh,” Hammond began, as soon as they were alone, “I know that you and -I parted in anger a short while ago, and that I have since offered my -services to Mrs. Benton and Howard. But I can’t allow our personal -grievances to stand between right and wrong. It is my duty to warn you -that if you don’t use your influence with Elinor before the inquest, I -am afraid her testimony is going to do Howard a great deal of damage.” - -“I have very little influence over her, I’m sorry to say,” Hugh answered -unconcernedly. “She is terribly embittered.” - -“But do you realize what this means to your son?” - -“I haven’t any son.” - -Hugh Benton’s sharp declaration showed plainly that all the embitterment -in the Benton family was not monopolized by his daughter. - -“Why—why—” Hammond found it difficult to control himself. “You can’t -actually be mean enough to want to see the boy get the worst of it?” he -blurted. - -“I’ll do the best I can with Elinor,” carelessly answered the financier. -“I can’t promise any more. Hadn’t we better go?” - -“By all means, let’s go. If we remain here much longer, I’ll not be -responsible for myself!” Hammond banged the door shut as they returned -to the other room. - - * * * * * - -Elinor Benton was one of the last witnesses to be examined at the -inquest into the death of Templeton Druid. She took the stand, -trembling, nervous, and in an apparently dazed condition. She stumbled -and faltered over her answers. More than once she had to be reprimanded -sharply. - -John Hammond was thoroughly exasperated. He knew so well the workings of -the girl’s mind. But he saw that the face of every juryman bore a look -of pity as he took in the pitiful little figure in black with the sad -eyes and the distress over the death of the man she loved so evident, -though as evidently torn between that love and the love she felt for her -own brother, who had been the cause of the tragedy. - -True, Elinor Benton was being true to her promise. She was telling the -truth, but as each word came from her tight lips as though forced, -telling glances passed between the newspapermen seated at the long table -in the center of the room, scribbling for dear life. This was a story -something like, those glances said! Aside from Hammond and Howard -himself, not one in that packed court room (for the inquest had brought -out an eager crowd of morbid curiosity seekers to dip into this scandal -which touched the lives of those of high estate) could even guess at the -double meaning that was in each word that fell hesitatingly from the -society beauty’s lips. - -Hammond realized that the best he could do for Howard was to cut short -Elinor’s testimony as quickly as possible. But he was not quicker than -she. In a moment she had grasped his intention. She wavered for a -second, then both hands went to her face and her head bowed forward as -she wept silently for a moment. Then she looked up, and it was with -stricken eyes and the bewildering despair of a child who did not -understand that she hurled the bomb that she knew would bring both -brother and mother into the dust. For a moment there was an awed -silence. The furious scribbling of the newspaper men could be heard. One -of them half stood up as he beckoned to a messenger boy in back of him. - -“Here!” he whispered in a rasping voice that cut the stillness. “Shoot -this along for the extra. Tell the boss it’s the head!” - -From where he stood facing the witness chair, John Hammond caught a -glance at the letters that sprawled across the one sheet of copy paper. - - SOCIETY GIRL’S TESTIMONY CONVICTS BROTHER - -Without another question, John Hammond sat down. The girl had beaten -him. For, in that moment of dueling, when the fate of her brother had -trembled in the balance, Elinor Benton had looked up with those stricken -eyes, those bewildered eyes of a child who did not understand, and her -arms had gone out toward her father pleadingly as she wailed; half -choked: - -“Oh, Daddy! Daddy! I can’t say any more! Please, please, don’t let them -ask me any more! I—I—don’t want to incriminate Howard! You warned me -to be careful, but you see, they are forcing me to speak!” - -At the harsh command of the coroner, Hugh Benton was compelled to -explain that his only warning to Elinor had been that she be absolutely -truthful. - -But Elinor’s victory was complete. The jury returned the verdict of -manslaughter. - -Elinor sat with her handkerchief to her eyes, her father’s arm -protectingly about her. Hammond jumped to his feet and rushed over to -her. - -“I don’t blame you for weeping, Elinor. Let me congratulate you upon -your cleverness!” - -“Why Mr. Hammond—I did the best I could! After you and Daddy spoke to -me, I thought it over,” Elinor looked up at him, as innocently as a -child, “and I decided that you were right. After all, he is my -brother—so you heard me tell them. I didn’t want to speak—they -forced——” - -“Please don’t say another word.” Hammond made no effort to conceal his -contempt. “You may have succeeded in fooling a great many people, -Elinor, but you could never deceive me. You knew exactly what you were -doing, and said just the things you wanted to say, yet you made it -appear that every word you uttered was dragged from you. The only regret -I have is that Howard ever felt it his duty to defend you. You’re a -clever woman of the world, my dear, and you could cope with many a woman -of forty, despite your youth—and innocence!” - -“Oh, Daddy!” Elinor sobbed as she hid her face in his coat sleeve. “Do -you hear what he is saying to me? I—I don’t deserve it!” - -“Never mind, dear,” Hugh soothed her, then he turned to Hammond with -flashing eyes. “Be careful you don’t go too far, Hammond! I’ve had -enough—so has she!” - -Howard sat as if stunned. He uttered no word, and he stared at the -floor, his eyes riveted upon some invisible object. Elinor and Hugh -passed him on their way out. - -“I’m sorry about this, Howard,” Hugh said, trying to speak kindly. “But -don’t worry—Hammond will get you out of it all right.” - -Elinor smiled as she added her mite: “I did the very best I could for -you, Howard.” - -He didn’t attempt to answer either one of them, and was still staring at -nothing, when Hammond touched him on the arm. - -“There, there, my boy—you mustn’t allow this to discourage you,” he -said cheerfully. “It only means that it will take longer, and put us to -a little more trouble, but such evidence can never convict you.” - -“I’m not thinking about that, Mr. Hammond—I’m not afraid! I just can’t -realize that my sister has really done this terrible thing to me. Why, -she didn’t want to have them dismiss me! She was anxious for them to -bring in a charge against me! Just think of it—my own sister!” - -“It does seem terrible, Howard, but she’ll suffer for it a great deal -more than you will. At present her mind is filled with but one thought, -and that is, revenge. But it won’t be long before remorse will step in.” - -“I can’t understand her still loving that fellow after it has been -proven to her that he was a married man,” Howard said wonderingly. “His -intentions toward her were not honorable—and she knew it!” - -“It’s a strange thing, my boy—but women always seem to love that sort -of a man—but it isn’t really love with Elinor. She was infatuated with -him true enough, and now she imagines herself the heroine of a tragic -love affair. This posing in the limelight isn’t quite as distasteful to -her as she would have you think.” - -“How was it, Mr. Hammond,” Howard questioned, “that you and I saw -through her actions instantly when she was on the stand, and yet dad -believed her implicitly, and thought she was hysterical and not -accountable for what she was saying?” - -Hammond smiled knowingly. “Your father believed her because he wanted to -believe her. But now, my boy, we must telephone your mother.” - -“Poor mother! Can you imagine the shock this will be to her? She thought -it would all be over in a few hours, and now, there may be months of -anxiety ahead of her.” - -“Oh no,” Hammond hastened to assure him, “it will never take that long. -We’ll have it rushed through as expeditiously as possible. Come, boy,” -and the hand he laid on the stricken youth’s shoulder held all the -gentleness and sympathy the father had denied. - - * * * * * - -Marjorie was pacing up and down the living room when the summons came. -She had passed the never-ending afternoon she knew not how. Half of the -time she had spent upon her knees within the sanctuary of her own room, -praying as she had not prayed in years. The remainder of the time she -had traveled throughout the house, covering an area of miles, it seemed. - -She reached the telephone white and trembling. “Yes,” she faltered, her -hands shaking so violently she could scarcely hold the receiver to her -ear. - -“Mrs. Benton,” Hammond’s voice sounded quite cheerful, “we were detained -a little longer than I expected. I know you have been waiting to hear -from us.” - -“Yes—yes—” came the eager voice, “I’m almost wild with anxiety. Is—is -everything all right?” - -“Why, yes, Mrs. Benton. Everything’s all right, or rather, everything’s -going to be all right. The verdict was not exactly what we looked for, -but that doesn’t mean a thing outside of a little extra work and -inconvenience. There’s not the least necessity for you to worry at all.” -He was doing his best to make as light of it as possible. - -“What—what was the verdict?” she barely breathed. - -It was a second or two before the reply came; then his voice seemed -miles away, as he said slowly: “Manslaughter. Here, Mrs. Benton, Howard -has something to say to you.” There was no answer. “I say—Mrs. Benton, -are you there?” He shook the hook violently. All was silent at the other -end of the wire. - -Marjorie Benton had slipped quietly to the floor, a little crushed heap -of unconsciousness. - -Howard snatched the telephone away from Hammond. “Hello, mother, I’m all -right. Why don’t you speak? I——” - -“What’s the trouble?” the operator cut in. “Didn’t you get your party?” - -“Why, yes, I was talking to her—we must have been disconnected.” - -“Wait a minute.” - -“What is it, do you suppose?” Howard turned anxiously to Hammond. - -“You haven’t been disconnected,” Central returned. “They’ve left the -receiver off the hook at the other end, and we can’t get a reply.” - -“Something’s happened to my mother!” Howard dropped the ’phone to leap -for the door. “The shock may have killed her!” - -“I’ll go with you, Howard.” Hammond hurried him below to the waiting -car. “I don’t believe it’s anything serious. She fainted most likely. -Poor little woman!” - -All the way home, although the chauffeur exceeded the speed limit at -every opportunity, the car, to Howard, seemed actually to crawl. - -Marjorie Benton had been picked up by Griggs and the housekeeper, and -carefully put to bed. She regained consciousness in time to prevent them -from sending for the doctor. - -“It’s nothing at all,” she assured them. “I wouldn’t think of having -Doctor Morton.” - -“But Mrs. Benton!” The housekeeper leaned over her solicitously. “You’re -so white, and it was some time before we could bring you around.” - -“I’ve been under a terrific strain for some time, Mrs. Williams. This -little spell doesn’t mean a thing otherwise than a sort of let-down. All -I need is a couple of hours’ rest to set me right.” - -“Very well, ma’am,” Mrs. Williams assented. “You’re the best judge, I -suppose—although I think you’re a lot sicker than you imagine.” - -“Dear, kind Mrs. Williams!” Marjorie smiled gratefully. “Just lower the -shades and I’ll try to relax. Only the very moment Mr. Howard comes in, -send him to me.” - -“Yes, ma’am—just ring if you should need me.” She did as her mistress -requested, and left the room, softly closing the door behind her. - -Left to herself, the stricken woman buried her head in the pillow and -gave free vent to her grief. Her frail body was shaken like a reed, as -she went from one paroxysm of convulsive sobbing into another. One word -rang in her ears like a death knell—Manslaughter! Manslaughter! She was -totally unaware of the opening of the door, until Howard knelt -impetuously beside her. - -“How are you, mother?” he asked worriedly. “Mrs. Williams tells me you -had a severe fainting spell.” - -“Oh, my dear! My dear!” She gathered him in her arms, and held him as -though she would never let him go again. “I’m—I’m perfectly well now!” -With all her might she tried to force a smile through her tears. “But -you, dear, are you nervous—or frightened?” - -“Why _no_, mother dear.” (It sounded almost like bravado.) “As far as -I’m concerned, I’m as calm as can be! It’s only about you that I’m -nervous and worried.” - -“Well, you won’t have to be.” She sat up and resolutely brushed the -tears from her eyes. “I’ll show you from now on, dear, that I can be -just as brave as you.” - -“That’s the way to talk.” He kissed her again. “Just make up your mind -that there isn’t anything to worry about, and there won’t be! Mr. -Hammond says: ‘there are two kinds of people in the world—the negatives -and the positives—and the positives always come out on top!’” - -“There’s a good deal of logic to that, just as there is to everything -Mr. Hammond says. What a splendid man he is!” She was fervent in her -encomium. - -“Indeed he is, and that reminds me,” he said as he placed her gently -back among the pillows, “he’s downstairs now. He brought me home when we -couldn’t get a response from you at the telephone. I think he was as -badly frightened as I.” - -“You’ll thank him for me, for his kindness, won’t you, dear? And ask him -to pardon me for not coming down? I do feel the need of a little -rest—unless it is important for him to see me.” - -“Just you rest, dearest! There isn’t a thing for him to see you about -now. I’ll come back later and sit beside you, ready to tell you whatever -you wish to know.” - -She closed her eyes obediently and heaved a little sigh of contentment, -as she heard him hurrying down the stairs. It had taken a dreadful -crisis to bring her boy to her arms; but the overwhelming joy the -knowledge of possessing his love gave her, made all the suffering of -years fade into insignificance. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - -In the breaking up of the Benton home, there were no distressing -leave-takings. The father was the first to go. Indeed, it cannot be said -that he ever made The Castle his home again after the night he spent -there preceding the inquest into the death of Templeton Druid and his -son’s consequent indictment on the charge of manslaughter. - -How much of this was due to Geraldine DeLacy’s influence it would be -hard to say. The man himself would have denied that she in any way held -sway over his movements, but the subtle suggestions she was able to -throw out, always with words of love and with the persuasiveness of her -own logic that Hugh must do things for his own sake, were balm to the -man whose selfishness had grown so great that he was unable to see that -there was anything paramount to his own desires. - -So on the day following the tragic dénouement in the inquest room, Hugh -Benton installed himself in a suite of rooms in one of the city’s most -fashionable hotels. Elinor was enthusiastic when she learned where he -had gone. It had always been her desire to live in just such a fashion, -and she gleefully welcomed the opportunity of freedom it would give her. -She knew that her father’s chaperonage would at no time be irksome. - -“How wonderful, Daddy!” she exclaimed as she flew from one wide window -of his sitting room to another to look out over the towering roofs of -the humming city. “When may I come? And where are you going to put me?” - -When her father took her into the adjoining suite he had reserved for -her and led her into the blue silk-lined boudoir which was its crowning -glory, her happiness knew no bounds. She forgot the tragedy that hung -over her brother and mother, forgot everything save that she was to be a -woman of the world, and live her life to please herself in such -surroundings. Her father looked on with pleased eyes as he saw her -rapture. - -“It’s ready for you, baby, whenever you like, but do you think you -should leave—just yet?” He was a little dubious about the proprieties. -The lessons of years are not unlearned in hours. - -Elinor pouted. - -“What’s the use of staying with those others any longer?” she asked. -“Why, Daddy, you have no idea how disagreeable it all is—how they look -at me (if they do at all), as though I were the criminal, instead -of——” - -Hugh Benton turned on his heel. It grated to hear his son referred to as -a criminal, even from his own daughter. - -Shut up in her own rooms, the rooms where she had planned so many hours -of happiness when son and daughter should be home, Marjorie Benton tried -to shut her ears to the bustle of preparations for departure. But each -thump of a trunk as she heard it carried from her daughter’s room made -an added bruise on her lacerated heart—gave her a sense of loss that -even all of Howard’s loving protection (he was the only one who came to -break her solitude) could not entirely heal. Her baby was going away -from her! It was her baby who had chosen to do this thing! - -On the day that the girl’s father came for her to take her to her new -hotel home, she met him outside the door. She flew into his arms with -eagerness. But, with one foot on the running board of his car, her eyes -turned backward for a moment. She looked up at Hugh for guidance. - -“Do you think—do you think, Daddy,” she faltered, confused, “that I -ought to say good-by?” - -Hugh Benton’s thoughts were not on the daughter he was taking from home -and mother. He had no time to discuss matters, nor to wait while Elinor -made up her mind. He was to meet Geraldine DeLacy at their favorite -little café for lunch in an hour (their regular daily meeting) and he -was eager not to be late. He shrugged indifferently, as he held open the -door of the limousine. - -“Suit yourself, my dear,” he said, “but I can’t see——” - -“Nor I!” Elinor leaped lightly into the machine. “What’s the use of -good-bys? I’ve had enough of scenes—forever.” - -And she turned her face resolutely toward the new life. - -Geraldine DeLacy was kept waiting for a short time, but when she saw -Hugh Benton’s tall familiar figure coming toward her, her mood of -pettishness passed as though a hand had wiped out the lines from her -face, and it was a smiling eager countenance with which she greeted him -as he bent over her hand a moment before taking the chair opposite her -in their favorite little corner in the downtown café. Geraldine DeLacy -was a careful player. She knew there was yet much to lose by a false -move, and she prided herself that never yet had anyone called to her, -“Checkmate!” There was the Benton money, for instance. Something must be -devised—It would never do to have Marjorie Benton come out victor -there, and she knew quite well through her familiarity with the divorce -proceedings that were already under way in less than two weeks after -Hugh had gained Marjorie’s permission to start them, that Hugh intended -to live up to the letter of his promise to his wife, given that night he -had forced her hand. - -So it was with no suggestion either of her discontent in this matter, -nor of the bad temper that had spent itself over having been kept -waiting that the young widow spoke softly to the man who apologized. - -“Of course, it was long waiting, Hugh, dear,” she pouted prettily. “But -it’s always an age if I have to wait for you a moment! And to think -before I knew you I never thought I could miss anyone in the world!” - -“I knew you would understand, little one,” he smiled tenderly, “you -always do! But I was kept unconscionably late to-day for several -reasons. First, Elinor—I told you I had installed her at the Alliston -with me, did I not?” Geraldine nodded, but as she bent over her plate of -oysters picking at them with the tiny fork, Hugh Benton could not see -the annoyance in the dropped eyes. “Then,” he went on, “just as I was -ready to leave the office, one of those new lawyers of mine dropped in. -I’ll say I’m going to have trouble making them understand that they must -make appointments like other people,—Hammond always understood such -things so well—and they had a lot of questions to ask about that -settlement of mine——” - -Mrs. DeLacy showed signs of quickening interest, but her eyes were still -upon her plate as she thought best how to inject some of her own ideas -into the man’s reasoning. - -“It’s all so maddening,” Hugh went on, “to be tied up in this manner -over money! Here all I want in the world is you,—and you want me, I’m -sure, little one,” Geraldine lifted her eyes to flash him a dazzling -smile of happiness and understanding, “and they keep us——” - -Geraldine DeLacy laid down her fork and leaned across the table toward -her companion, gazing at him thoughtfully and consideringly, as though -there were something vital she wished to say, but wanted to be sure of -her ground. Hugh smiled tenderly. - -“What’s on your mind, dear?” he laughed. “Come on—we’re not going to -let you be serious as that without an explanation.” - -“I was just thinking——” - -“With any other woman, I’d say, ‘Be careful!’” he assured her, with a -benignant grin. Hugh Benton still believed in the vast superiority of -the masculine. But Geraldine did not answer his smile. It must be -something serious she was considering. - -“If I were to be very frank with you, Hugh,” she began hesitatingly, and -her eyes held only a look of adoration, and something that seemed to -tell his vanity that she feared to displease him by anything she might -say, “would you consider me presuming or guilty of an unpardonable -interference in your affairs?” - -“My dear, how little you know me! You know I am always glad to listen to -anything you may have to say.” - -“Well, then,” she was most cautious, still hesitating, “does Marjorie -know exactly how much you are worth? Have you always taken her into your -confidence regarding your financial standing? Please do not think my -asking these questions strange—you will soon see, dear, that I have -only your interest at heart.” - -“Why, no,” he answered, but puzzled at this new interest of the woman -who had always so carefully refrained from the mention of money, -“Marjorie doesn’t know anything about my affairs.” - -The semi-lighting effects of the café and her large, drooping hat, -prevented him from seeing the triumphant gleam in the woman’s eyes. - -“When we first came to New York,” he explained, “we used to discuss all -the transactions of the office, but that was only for a very short time. -For years she has not shown the slightest interest in me or my doings. I -have paid all the bills and given her a liberal allowance, nearly all of -which she invested in charity.” - -“How about Mr. Hammond? Does he happen to know just what you are worth?” - -“My dear, I see that you know very little about business,” he replied -laughingly, “or else you would understand that when one speculates as I -do, no one knows—not even myself—just what I am worth.” - -“You’re right—I know nothing whatever about business,” she pouted -childishly. “I’m only trying, in my poor little way, to prevent you from -doing yourself a great injustice.” - -“An injustice?” - -“Yes! Oh my dear! You’re so wonderful—so generous—that you never even -stop to consider yourself for a moment! No, you mustn’t interrupt me,” -as she leaned across the table, and gave him a gentle pat on the hand. -“You’ve been an ideal husband and father all these years. It isn’t your -fault if you have been misunderstood by your wife, and unappreciated by -your son. Then why should you, at your time of life, beggar yourself so -that your money may be recklessly squandered by an irresponsible boy?” - -“But I’m not making a settlement upon Howard. It’s Marjorie I’m——” - -“Hugh! You’re as gullible as a child!” she smiled. “Don’t you know she -will give every dollar she possesses to Howard, especially after you -disinherited him because he sided with her.” - -“I never thought of that,” he acknowledged comprehendingly. “You’re -absolutely right. It is precisely what she would do.” - -“Just how much did you promise to—give her?” she asked eagerly. - -“I told her I would give her three-quarters of my possessions if she -would consent to grant me my freedom.” - -“You—you—” She dug her finger-nails deep into her palm. Rage flamed -inwardly in spite of her efforts at self-control and her soft-spoken -words—“liberal, big-hearted darling! That is just what I would have -expected you to do—without once giving yourself a thought!” - -“I would have given anything to be free—for you, darling—and I could -afford to be generous. I feel more capable than ever of making many a -fortune,” he replied, with great confidence. - -“I haven’t the least doubt of your capabilities, dear. Only you happened -to remark but an hour ago that this was one of the most precarious years -frenzied finance has ever known. Therefore, I think,” she pleaded -wistfully, “you should exercise your better judgment.” - -“What is it you would advise me doing? Have you a suggestion to offer?” - -“Y-e-es, I think so,” she hesitated, as though not sure of herself. “Of -course, I know very little about business, as you know, but to me it -seems a good one.” She leaned forward animatedly. “As long as Marjorie -is entirely ignorant of just how much you are actually worth, why don’t -you give her a great deal less, and allow her to think, she is -getting—exactly what you promised her?” - -“Why—why—” he stammered, “wouldn’t that be dishonest?” - -“Not at all!” she replied emphatically. “Merely diplomatic.” - -“Somehow, it doesn’t seem fair—my conscience,—why dear, what is the -trouble?” he inquired anxiously, as Geraldine without warning placed her -handkerchief to her eyes and began weeping silently. - -“You—you don’t know how you hurt me, Hugh! Why—why—you as much as -imply that I was suggesting to you an act of dishonesty, when the only -thing that entered my mind was your welfare. As far as I am concerned, I -told you once before, dear—that I’d marry you if you were a pauper.” - -“Forgive me, dearest, and dry your eyes, I implore you. How can you -imagine, for a moment, that I would intentionally offend you?” - -“I’m such a baby,” she replied, drying her eyes obediently, “and my -great love for you would carry me beyond all sense of reasoning. Of -course, if you think there is anything wrong about my suggestion, why -then——” - -“I’m not trying to say there is anything wrong about it—only—I have -always been open and above board in all my dealings,—” he toyed -nervously with his own fork,—“I should feel rather uncomfortable about -doing anything underhanded.” - -But the plotter could see her victim was weakening. She hastened to make -the most of it. - -“Why, my dear, you couldn’t even harbor a dishonest thought! I can’t -help wondering just a little how you, who are always so very considerate -of others, have apparently forgotten all about Elinor.” - -“Elinor? What has she to do with it?” - -“A great deal, I think,” she replied. “You know, Elinor volunteered of -her own free will to remain with you, therefore it does not seem fair to -give so much to Marjorie and Howard, while Elinor will be compelled to -depend solely upon your further success for her share. It is true that -you have always been most fortunate—but my dear, we can never tell just -when the tide may turn.” - -“And what about you?” He looked at her admiringly. “You wonderful woman! -All of your pleadings have been for me and for Elinor—never once have -you mentioned yourself as deserving of a little consideration!” - -“There isn’t a thing in the world that I need or want outside of your -love,” she answered sweetly. - -“That you shall always have,” he said fervently as he reached across the -table and his big white hand crushed her small one tenderly. “And a -great many things besides. You have made me view matters in an entirely -different light. I shall act accordingly.” - -So it was that when a few days later his lawyer handed Marjorie his -check after the signing of the necessary documents, the divorced wife -found it difficult to suppress her genuine surprise. - -“Is there anything wrong, Mrs. Benton?” the lawyer inquired, noticing -her peculiar expression. - -“Well—I—I am a little surprised—at the amount!” She glanced at the -paper in her hand again. “I have always been under the impression that -Mr. Benton was a very wealthy man.” - -“There was never a certain sum stipulated, was there?” - -“Why, no—Mr. Benton agreed to give me three-quarters of all he -possessed, but if _this_ amount is in accordance with that promise—then -he is worth a great deal less than I ever imagined.” - -“You know that Mr. Benton speculates in vast sums daily; his fortune is -bound to fluctuate. Would you care to send a message to him?” he asked, -as he reached for his hat. - -“No, thank you. This is perfectly—satisfactory,” she replied. - -But with the memory of that check in mind, and of the need of vast sums -for the defense of her son in mind, Marjorie Benton, in making her own -departure from The Castle, did not follow her husband’s example and -install herself and her son in a fashionable, expensive hotel. Instead, -she chose a much smaller one further uptown—a hostelry where -exclusiveness superseded the pomp of the hotel home which housed her -former husband and her daughter. - -Marjorie could see that Howard was somewhat questioning at the move she -made, though he said nothing. She was in a quandary. She would have -liked to explain to Howard that she was not being penurious, not -following the conservative bent which had so long been the cause of so -much trouble in the Benton family, but she could not. She could not -explain to him. He had lost all respect for his father as it was, and -she felt she could not be the one to plant the seed of hatred in his -heart. - -Howard, on the other hand, had been deeply hurt when his mother had -neglected to mention to him just what was the sum of the settlement upon -her. The confidence she failed to place in him gave him the impression -of not being trusted. But his pride would not permit him to question -her; he feared she might misconstrue his motive, and consider his -interest a selfish one. - -Through all her travail Marjorie Benton had had one other consolation -save her son. John Hammond had proven himself the friend he had offered -to be on the morning he had told her he was no longer her husband’s, but -her own and her son’s representative. Each day during the progress of -the suit, he had called her up or seen her, and his gentle courtesy had -done much to lighten her burden. Now he was busy with Howard’s affairs, -and because of the lawyer’s deep interest and enthusiasm, the mother had -laid aside much of her worry for Howard, believing that it was an -assured thing that John Hammond would acquit him. - -In a way, she was beginning to be more cheerful, to look at the future -as not all dark, in spite of the fact that her resources were far from -what she had believed they would be. However, she argued, if she and -Howard lived as carefully as possible, they need never want until her -son should himself be in a position to add to their income,—a prospect -that was a surety with Marjorie since Howard had been speaking so -earnestly about it. He had only to place himself—to find himself—and -surely she and the boy themselves had enough influential friends to see -that he got a start. - -Hammond had called her up one morning to assure her that her son’s -affairs were progressing rapidly, and to say that the case had been -given a place on the calendar which would be reached in a week or two. -She was so glad that it would soon be over. - -All during her luncheon, which she ate alone—Howard had telephoned he -would be detained in the city—she thought of the approaching trial, and -her heart warmed as she pictured the great lawyer defending her son. -What a man he was! What a friend he had proven! And, what was as much to -Marjorie Benton in her straitened circumstances, how much it meant to -both Howard and herself that John Hammond persisted in his purpose to -handle the matter without fees. - -She looked up from the book she had been idly scanning at her solitary -meal to see her son standing in the door. So white and strained he was, -so actually ill he seemed that the mother’s hand went to her throat to -ease the choking lump that rose. What could have happened now? - -“Howard!” she cried chokingly. “What is it, dear? What is wrong?” - -Without a word, he crossed to his mother’s chair and laid before her the -paper he held. The black type stared up at her, and for a moment, she -could not take it in. - - PROMINENT LAWYER KILLED IN STREET - AS AUTOS COLLIDE - JOHN HAMMOND, FORMER SENATOR - DIES INSTANTLY - -Tears that had not come for so long to the eyes of Marjorie Benton, who -had believed they had dried forever, gathered under the hot lids. She -could not read further. She looked up at her son, standing there with -his hopeless expression, and her arms went out to him as she hid her -face on his rough coat. - -“Oh, my dear! My dear!” she cried heart-rendingly, “it can’t be true! -We’ve lost our best friend!” - -Howard was tender as he stroked her head. But the stricken expression -went from his eyes. He straightened himself, then leaned over his mother -and lifted her head to look directly at her. - -“No, mother,” he said gently. “We’ve lost a friend—a wonderful -friend—but not our best friend while you or I live!” - -The papers were all loud in their praise of the prominent man. They -spoke of him in terms of profound respect and admiration. He had won a -great name and enviable reputation for himself, by his many acts of -benevolence and absolute integrity in all his dealings. There were many -he had befriended who mourned him sincerely. - -But there were none who felt his loss as keenly as Marjorie and Howard -Benton. They knew they had lost a friend who could not be replaced. - -With the tragedy occurring so near the beginning of Howard’s trial, the -days were busy ones that followed. New counsel had to be procured, and -when, through friends, Monroe Garden, a celebrated trial lawyer, had -been called into the case, they found that the work of weeks had to be -gone over. With a sinking heart, too, Marjorie Benton found that it -would strain her resources if the matter should be long delayed. - -And delayed it was. Mr. Garden’s ideas were different from Hammond’s. -The latter had been all for rushing the matter through. He fought for -delay upon delay, explaining to his impatient clients that it was the -best thing to do. - -Perhaps he was right. For after several months of anxiety and -nerve-racking suspense, Howard was acquitted! - -The strain upon Marjorie had been frightful—both upon her mentality and -her bank account. There had been one expense after the other, and as she -already knew, the lawyer’s fee was exorbitant. She was so overjoyed at -the verdict, though, that she paid him gladly, and it was not until it -was all over, that she realized to the full extent how terribly her -funds had been depleted. - -But it was with a heart full of thankfulness, a deep sigh of relief that -she had her son—that he stood free and cleared of intent of crime -before the world—that Marjorie Benton turned to take up the slackened -thread of her life. There was so much to hope for. And surely all that -could possibly happen had happened, and there must now be some peace and -happiness awaiting her. - -It was with a ruder shock than any that had preceded that the mother was -awakened from her new dream. Ever since his acquittal Howard had seemed -listless, not entirely himself. She had put this down to the strain, -however, knowing well how it had affected her, too. Howard would soon be -himself, and they would have a wonderful life together. - -She was preparing to leave her room for the dining room in the hotel one -morning—(she always breakfasted early with him these days) when word -was brought her that her son was ill. She rushed into his room to find -that the boy had collapsed as he tried to leave his bed. The physician -who was hastily summoned advised an immediate removal, and before an -hour had passed, Howard Benton was in a small room in a sanitarium, -tossing in the feverish delirium of typhoid. The weeks he laid there -passed into months; one complication on another set in, for his -constitution was in a badly run-down condition, owing to the months of -anxiety he had been obliged to endure during his trial. - -There was something martyrlike in the way Marjorie managed to bear up -under her heavy cross. She grew haggard and pale as she hovered near the -bedside of her boy day and night. It was only when the doctor threatened -to bar her from the room entirely, that she consented to go home for a -few hours’ rest at night. But even then she didn’t rest. She either -paced the floor in her anguish and despair, or she knelt beside her bed -praying to God not to take her beloved boy from her now—now that she -had just found him. - -And God in His great mercy, heard her prayers, for Howard began slowly -to fight his way back again to health and strength. It was then, in -these days of convalescence that the wonderful devotion between mother -and son became noticeable to everyone connected with the sanitarium. - -Outside of going to her room for a few hours at night, she never left -him for a minute. She read to him by the hour, played all sorts of games -with him, such as a small boy might have enjoyed, and when he was able -to be taken out a bit, she wheeled him up and down the corridor, or out -into the garden without ever tiring. - -On his part, he was never happy unless she was beside him. He wouldn’t -go to sleep at night without holding her hands, and in the morning, if -she was delayed ten minutes in arriving, he would insist upon the nurse -telephoning to find out whether anything had happened. - -It was beautiful—this great love—to all who witnessed it. Especially -was it so to Marjorie herself. She fairly reveled in it. Her soul, -love-starved for so many years, reached out passionately for this -new-found joy. - -In Howard’s presence she was always smiling and cheerful. Never for a -moment did she permit him to think that there was anything wrong. No -matter how hard she would be obliged to struggle, she would never reveal -to him the true state of their affairs until he had completely -recovered. - -It was amazing to her the way her money seemed to diminish as if by -magic. There wasn’t anyone she could appeal to. Hugh and Elinor had left -for Paris a few days after the trial ended, and even if Hugh had not -gone, she would have died before appealing to him. He had treated her -shamefully all through the trial, coming into court day after day, -without once speaking to her, or even noticing her. Of course, she never -guessed that he was really ashamed to look at her. Conscience is a -difficult tormentor at times. - -The day before they sailed, Elinor called her on the ’phone. - -“We’re leaving for Europe to-morrow, mother,” she announced. “May I come -out to see you before we go?” - -“I really can’t see why you should wish to see me, Elinor,” she answered -as coolly as her daughter had spoken, but her heart was beating madly. - -“Well, I’m going a long ways from here, and somehow—I should like -you—to wish me luck.” There was a little sob in her voice. - -“I do wish you the best luck in the world—_always_,” Marjorie replied -heartily; “only I don’t feel as if I could stand seeing you just yet.” - -“I’m sorry, mother. Good-by.” - -Marjorie heard the receiver click at the other end of the line. - -Elinor and Hugh had passed out of her life. - -When she discovered her funds dwindling away to almost nothing, she -endeavored to economize in every possible way. She gave up their rooms -in the hotel where Howard had fallen ill, and moved into a back-room in -a private dwelling close to the sanitarium, explaining to Howard that -she had made the change in order to be nearer him. - -One morning, she entered Howard’s room, expecting to find him sitting up -in bed finishing his breakfast as usual. To her great surprise, he -rushed toward her and grabbed her in his arms. He was dressed for the -street, while his suitcase stood in the corner, packed and strapped. - -“Hello, dearest!” he cried, kissing her fondly, “what do you think of -your boy now?” - -“Why, darling—what does this mean?” She struggled out of his embrace -and looked about her in surprise. - -“It means that I’m perfectly well, mother—and able to go home with you -now.” He kissed her again. “I knew all about it yesterday, but I begged -Doctor Simpson and Miss Sanders not to tell you. I wanted the pleasure -of surprising you myself. Are you happy, dear?” - -“Happy to see you well and able to leave here? Why, darling, you know -how happy I am, only—only—” she stammered helplessly, “I—I wish you -had told me yesterday.” - -“But why, mother? I can’t see why it was necessary to tell you in -advance? All you have to do is to call a taxi and take me home.” - -“Well—you see, dear—” she hesitated slightly, “I wanted to know a day -or two in advance so that I could look for a small apartment, or else -engage another room—in the house—where I am now living.” - -“Another room? Why, dearest, do you mean to say that you have only one -room?” - -“Why yes—you see——” - -“I can’t understand it! Surely you knew I wasn’t going to remain here -forever! You should have remained in your comfortable room at the hotel. -You could have easily taken a taxi back and forth from here.” - -“Well I—I—” The tears she had held back in his presence for those long -months suddenly gushed forth. She had reached the end of her strength. -Sobs shook her. - -“Dearest, _what_ is it? Sit here and tell me all about it.” Howard -placed her tenderly in the rocker, and drew a chair for himself close -beside her. - -“No—no—it’s nothing at all.” She tried hard to check her tears as she -protested, but unavailingly. “I’ll tell you as soon as you’re well and -strong, but now——” - -“I’m well and strong now! Why Doctor Simpson says I’m in a better -physical condition than I’ve ever been since I was a boy. I insist upon -your telling me just exactly what it is that is troubling you, mother,” -he said firmly. - -“Very well, dear.” She realized it was useless to refuse. - -So she told him everything,—just what amount of money Hugh had given -her and exactly how much of it had been spent. - -“Oh, mother, dear, if you had only mentioned it to me at the time,” he -reproached her gently. “You can’t imagine how hurt I was because you -failed to tell me. I thought it was because you didn’t trust me enough.” - -“No, no, it wasn’t that,” she hastened to assure him. “I didn’t wish you -to feel more embittered toward your father.” - -“I’d have gone to him at the time and told him plainly just what I -thought of him!” he exclaimed indignantly. “He cheated you, -mother—that’s what he did—and all because of that miserable creature!” - -“Hush, dear, you’re only exciting yourself needlessly,” she cautioned -him, “and it won’t do a bit of good. The thing is this—just what are we -going to do?” - -“_We_ are not going to do anything, dearest.” He put his arms tenderly -about her. “_I’m_ going to do it all. I’m going to work, and take care -of you the rest of your life!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - -Hugh Benton had lost no time (nor had the widow allowed him, for that -matter) after obtaining his divorce decree, in marrying Geraldine -DeLacy. Some of their intimates, many of the more conservative element -or the society in which they moved, believed that the marriage had -occurred indecently soon after Marjorie had been put aside. But in -general society let them alone to go their own way. Shoulders were -raised eloquently in a few quarters, in others the names of Hugh Benton -and the former Mrs. DeLacy were quietly erased from invitation lists, -but the scandal was (as is so often the case among the busy four or five -thousand who were once four hundred) not long in giving place to -something more recent. Society was beginning to yawn when the name of -Benton was mentioned. - -The financier, happy in the possession of the woman with whom he was so -deeply infatuated; his new wife, elated at the good fortune she had so -triumphantly maneuvered, apparently cared not a whit for what society -might say. Knowing most of them as she did, Geraldine DeLacy Benton -smiled knowingly into her dressing table mirror, as she told herself -that all would come in good time. With Hugh Benton’s money at her -command, she was more than willing to wait her time to take the social -leadership she felt so confidently would be hers before long. - -Only Elinor was dissatisfied. The freedom she had been so happy over -having had not brought her the joy she had expected it to. Even before -leaving for Europe with her father and newly acquired step-mother, she -had felt the sting of disapproval, and it had only made her more -misanthropic than she was already speedily becoming. She could not help -noticing that many of her own friends were avoiding her. Invitations -were noticeably scarce. But it was some time before she took notice of -this, since, in her new freedom, she had taken to visiting the more -public tea and dance rooms in company with her various admirers, all of -whom seemed to flock around her more than ever, in contradistinction to -the cooling ardor for her friendship of their sisters and mothers. It -was not until she met Rosebud Greely in the Plaza one afternoon that the -truth of the matter was brought home to her, though. Elinor touched the -girl on the arm as Rosebud passed through the aisle on her way to a -table on the other side of the room, where her mother and some friends -were sitting. - -“Hello, Rosebud!” she greeted. “I’ve been waiting and waiting for you to -come and see my new quarters. Come down to the hotel and have tea with -me to-morrow, won’t you?” - -Rosebud Greeley, usually so open, so ready for anything, was noticeably -uncomfortable. She cast a furtive glance across the room toward her -mother. - -“’Fraid I can’t, Elinor,” she said nervously. “The mater—you know——” - -Elinor lifted surprised eyebrows. - -“Why, what can she have against me?” was her hurt query. - -Rosebud shook her head and turned to hurry along. But the hurt look in -Elinor’s eyes touched the girl’s tender heart, and she gently brushed -Elinor Benton’s arm. “Don’t you worry, old dear,” she advised. “It’ll -all blow over—it’s so silly anyhow—but you must know what everyone is -saying because you’re flying around unchaperoned, and you know my mater. -Just the same, I wish I could do what you’re doing for a while!” She -took Elinor in enviously and nodded her head toward the table the Benton -heiress had left where a blasé youth was sitting waiting for her. “Try -to see you some more, some time. Bye!” - -Elinor could hardly realize it. So they were saying things about her, -were they? Well, she’d show them! Her father—— - -She could hardly get out of the place quickly enough to tell him. With -head held haughtily high, she left the tea room, looking neither to -right nor left at the many she knew who were seeing her. But her cheeks -flamed hotly as instinct told her she was the subject of conversation at -more than one table that she swept by. - -Hugh Benton was sympathetic and gentle as he had been since Elinor had -chosen to go with him. But he did not take the matter as seriously as -she had thought he should. There were matters on his own mind clamoring -for attention. One of these was that he had not told his daughter of his -intended marriage to Geraldine DeLacy—for the incident of the Plaza tea -had occurred before Elinor had any idea her father contemplated -re-marriage. Elinor had known, of course, of his infatuation for the -widow, and that she had been the cause of the differences between her -father and mother. Equally, of course, she had heard much of the gossip -concerning the two. But, loving her father as she did, knowing him as -she believed she did, it had not entered her head that Hugh Benton would -really marry Mrs. DeLacy. And this Hugh Benton knew. - -He seized on his daughter’s humiliating experience for an entering wedge -for his confession. - -“Poor little girl,” he sympathized. “So she’s seeing that her old dad -isn’t accepted as a proper chaperon, is she? I was afraid of as -much—but never mind, dear,” and he pulled her to him and seated her on -his knee. “We’ll fix all that! There really ought to be an older woman -to look after you——” - -Elinor squirmed about to face him. - -“Why, Daddy!” she exclaimed. “Whatever do you mean—” Then as her eyes -searched his face, and she saw the half shamed, half triumphant look -there, the truth slowly dawned on her. She drew back as if stung. She -was surprised, angry by turns. She caught his two arms and shook him -furiously. - -“Oh, Daddy! Daddy!” she cried. “Surely, you don’t mean to say that you -really intend to marry Geraldine DeLacy?” - -“Surely, I speak plainly enough, Elinor,” he answered irritably. - -“But Daddy—she doesn’t love you! She’ll never make you happy!” - -“Please permit me to be the judge of that.” He was very stern as he -lifted her from his knees and set her on her feet. “What right have you -to say anything about it?” - -“The right of one who really loves you, dear.” She threw her arms around -his neck in spite of his move to turn away. “One who wants you to be -happy. Besides, you’re all I have in the world. I—I can’t bear to lose -you.” - -“You’ll not lose me, baby!” Once more he was all gentleness. “I’ll be -just as close to you as ever. Only you do need a woman’s hand, you know, -and Geraldine loves you so devotedly. She’ll be just like a sister to -you.” - -“I’m glad, Daddy,” Elinor smiled almost sadly, “that you didn’t say -she’d be like—a mother—to me. Oh, well, I suppose you’ve quite made up -your mind, so nothing I could say would influence you?” - -“As you say, I’ve quite made up my mind. I’m not a child; and I never -allow anyone to influence me.” - -But if Elinor Benton liked the idea of her father’s marriage so little -at the time he told her of it, she liked it still less as the days grew -into weeks. On the day of the wedding, she knew that the emotion that -she held toward Geraldine was hatred; and it increased day by day with -the closer relationship. At first, it was prompted by self-pity. She -could not overlook the fact that Geraldine had appropriated her place in -her father’s heart; but, before long, she began to realize just how -little her father really meant to this vain, selfish creature, who had -forced herself—yes, she had always been certain of that—into her -mother’s place. Her mother! The woman she had held in contempt and -ridicule because of her old-fashioned ideas. Why, it seemed almost like -sacrilege to even think of her in the presence of this woman! - -She was positively astounded at her father’s actions. He was an -enigmatical problem, impossible of solution. He permitted himself to be -dragged about like a toy poodle. If he passed his opinion about anything -or anyone, and it failed to coincide with Geraldine’s—well, he changed -it, that was all! And in an apologetical and almost cringing manner that -fairly nauseated Elinor. - -What had happened to this big, powerful, handsome man, of whom she had -once been so proud? There were times when she pitied him. There was -something pathetic in his anxiety to please this parasite, who with a -smile, or a few words of endearment, could send him to the seventh -heaven of delight, or with a frown cast him into the very depths of -despair. - -But if Elinor Benton was astonished at the change that came over her -father in less than a year, she would have been more astonished could -she have realized the change that had occurred in herself. She would not -have known herself—nor would any of her former friends have known -her—for the gay, careless, laughter-loving, joyous creature who had -played the butterfly for those few months after her début. - -She was at outs with the world. It seemed that everyone plotted against -her. Constant brooding over her “wrongs” soon changed the butterfly into -a cynical woman of the world. Her brother had “wronged” her terribly by -killing the man she loved, or rather, thought she loved, for now as she -looked back upon it all, she realized that what she had felt for -Templeton Druid had not been love at all, but merely a schoolgirl’s -infatuation. Her mother had “wronged” her by refusing ever to see her, -and simply shutting her out of her heart and life; and now her -father—her Daddy, whom she had idolized had “wronged” her by marrying -this clever, designing woman. Geraldine DeLacy had been a most desirable -chaperon for her—while she remained Mrs. DeLacy, but as her father’s -wife—That was an entirely different matter. - -So she consoled herself as best she could with violent flirtations with -the foreign gallants with which Paris swarmed. Neither her father nor -Geraldine appeared either to know or care what she was doing. But -somehow, the sweetness of her freedom had palled, and there came times -that she wished for a restraining hand. There were more times when she -more bitterly wished herself away from her father and his new wife than -she had ever, back there in the security of her own boudoir in her -sheltered home in “The Castle,” wished herself away from it. - -One thing she made up her mind to, though, and that was that never would -she return with them to her former home. This was the bitterest pill of -all. They were going back, her father told her. It was Geraldine’s wish. -Their year in Paris was almost over when he told them at breakfast one -morning that he had cabled Griggs to re-open the place. - -He would have preferred disposing of it and purchasing a new place; but -Geraldine had firmly made up her mind—a long time ago—that one day she -should be mistress of “The Castle”; therefore she insisted upon -re-opening it, declaring that she would redecorate it anew, just as soon -as they were settled. - -But though things had gradually been shaping themselves for a general -cataclysm for months, it was not until just before their preparations -for sailing were completed that a crisis came. Only Hugh Benton had been -placidly unaware of anything wrong. He believed he held the world. He -did not know, could not seem to realize, that he was like a child, or a -weakling in the hands of his wife. She ruled his every act, his every -thought. Like an avalanche, she swept everything before her in the one -mad desire to satisfy her unappeasable greed. But her native subtlety -had aided her to hide this from Hugh Benton, if not from his daughter. -He went about like a man in a dream. He imagined himself to be the -happiest of men. He had a young and beautiful wife, who loved him -devotedly. What more could he ask? He put the past from him like a bad -dream, and lived only in the present. And then suddenly—the awakening! - -He had been for a long walk with Geraldine in the afternoon. He had -fairly reveled in her gayety, her bubbling wit, the fact that she was -his own, and that every man they passed paused to give the dazzling -dark-eyed beauty an admiring glance. He had made a note of her -admiration of a string of pearls they saw at a famous jeweler’s where -they had stopped to get a ring she had left for resetting. Then she had -gone home before him, as even in Paris, the calls of his vast business -across the water took more of his time than he would like to have taken -from his wife’s side. - -When he hurried into the luxurious sitting room of the suite they were -occupying, he found Elinor there alone. She was already dressed, and -stood looking out of the window in a bored fashion. She did not even -turn as she greeted her father, hastening to add: - -“Hello, dad. You’ll have to hustle and dress for dinner. You know we’re -going to the opera to-night.” She couldn’t have shown less enthusiasm -had she announced that it was time to retire. - -“It will only take me a few minutes,” he said. “Where’s Geraldine?” - -Elinor shrugged her shoulders indifferently. “I’m sure I don’t know. -Dressing, I suppose.” - -Geraldine swept into the room, magnificently gowned in a striking -costume of cloth of silver. - -“You’re very late, Hugh,” she said peevishly. “Where have you been all -afternoon?” - -“Now, darling. You mustn’t be cross—I had something to do. My! How -beautiful you are!” He attempted to caress her. - -“Please, Hugh,” she held him off, “I wish you wouldn’t paw all over me! -Nanette simply couldn’t arrange my hair to suit me to-night! I had to do -it myself and it was exasperatingly stubborn!” - -“It looks wonderful, darling.” - -“No, it doesn’t!” She walked to the mantel and stared into the mirror. -“It looks a fright, but I can’t help it, and I did want to look -particularly nice to-night.” - -“Why to-night?” Hugh asked curiously. “To me you always look -particularly nice,” he added gallantly. - -“There are some people here from New York,” Geraldine answered his -question without paying the slightest heed to his compliment—“people -who had the impertinence deliberately to cut me—before we were married. -I am looking forward to the pleasure of retaliating. I think the women -will feel it a great deal more, if I am looking my best.” - -“What a disgusting parvenu!” was Elinor’s thought as she still stared -into the lighted streets. - -“What a child you are,” Hugh laughed indulgently. “Well, I have -something here,” and he pulled a long box from his pocket, “that may -help you a little. This is what delayed me.” - -He held the long string of perfectly matched, lustrous pearls before -her. - -“Oh, you darling!” she exclaimed, as she threw her arms about him, hair -forgotten. “You are too good to me! Here, put them on me!” - -She stood still while he clasped the pearls and kissed her neck. - -“Aren’t they wonderful?” She fingered them caressingly, and then rushed -to the mirror again. “Elinor!” she turned suddenly. “What do you think -of them?” - -“I think they are very beautiful,” the girl answered simply, as she -turned slowly to take in the scene. - -Hugh walked over and placed his arm lovingly about his daughter. “I’ve -ordered a string as near like them as possible for you, baby. They -promised to have them for me in a few days.” - -“Oh—no, Daddy—you shouldn’t have done that. I really don’t care for -them, for myself.” - -“Nonsense! Of course you do! Besides, I want my two treasures to always -share alike,” he beamed joyously, glancing across at Geraldine. - -She stood in the center of the room, two bright red spots burning in -each cheek, as she tugged frantically at the clasp at the back of her -neck. - -“Why, darling, what is the matter?” He hastened to her. - -“Take these things off!” Geraldine screamed. “I won’t have them! If you -can’t buy me a thing without immediately ordering a duplicate of it for -her,” she pointed her finger dramatically at Elinor, “then I don’t want -you to give me anything!” - -“Why, Geraldine—” Elinor stepped forward anxiously. She could scarcely -control her voice. “You just heard me tell Daddy I didn’t want them. -Please keep yours on and don’t make a scene. I assure you, even if Daddy -gets them for me, I’ll not accept them.” - -“Stop playing the self-sacrificing little angel with me!” She turned on -Elinor fiercely. “I know perfectly well how you hate me, and you know -how I feel about you. I’m sick and tired of keeping up this pretense any -longer!” - -“But—my dear.” Hugh was even whiter than Elinor. “I—I thought that you -loved Elinor devotedly, and that you two would be just like sisters. -You’re—you’re nervous and upset to-night. You don’t know what you’re -saying——” - -“Please! Don’t make excuses for me, Hugh,” Geraldine interrupted -savagely. “I don’t love her! I never have loved her, and I never _will_ -love her! And you might as well know it right now!” - -“You gave me to understand one night in New York that you had only -Elinor’s interest at heart—when you persuaded me to do—something—I -didn’t think was quite fair. Do you remember it, Geraldine?” Hugh set -his lips in their old grim line, as memory flashed back the picture. - -Geraldine tossed aside her necklace. A look of pure contempt, all but -hatred, distorted her features as she looked at her husband slowly. Then -her lip curled and she laughed. - -“For a clever and brilliant business man, you’re the biggest fool I’ve -ever met in all my life!” she flung at him. She rushed into her own room -and banged the door after her. - -For a moment Hugh stood and stared at the closed door, too astonished to -move. When the realization of the miserable scene he had just passed -through, finally dawned upon his numbed consciousness, he sank heavily -down upon the nearest chair and groaned aloud. - -Elinor was on her knees beside him instantly. “Oh, Daddy,” she murmured -soothingly, “Daddy—dear.” - -He buried his head in his hands. “Oh—my God!” His body shook -convulsively. “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it!” - -The sound of his daughter’s heart-broken sobs roused him from his own -misery. Her head was buried on his knee, her whole figure a picture of -abject misery. He bent over and touched her tumbled hair, idly tried to -arrange the torn lace of her bodice. - -“There! There, dear!” he begged, but his tone was one of hopelessness as -he tried to give the sympathy he was himself so much in need of. “Don’t -cry, sweetheart—it’ll all be all right!” - -Elinor lifted a tear-stained face to her father’s. She shook her head. -Then the sobbing burst out afresh. - -“Oh, Daddy! Daddy!” she wailed, “I—want—my—mother!” - - * * * * * - -Hugh Benton was wrong in believing that matters would right themselves -when Geraldine’s nerves should be soothed. He was to learn that she had -but dropped the mask that had irked her through all the year that she -had been making for herself the place that she was determined to -have—bringing Hugh Benton to an abject posture beneath her feet. For -the scene she had made about the string of pearls had been but the -woman’s opening gun in her new campaign. It was the first of her -quarrels with her husband, but others followed in such rapid succession -that the first was not long in being lost sight of. - -Elinor left them the week following her denunciation by her step-mother. -She met some friends who invited her to spend the winter in Italy. She -was delighted at the chance to escape from her unhappy surroundings, and -Hugh was glad to let her go. He had come to know the impossibility of -keeping her under the same roof with Geraldine. - -Alone with his new wife, there began a life so terrible for Hugh Benton, -that at times he was almost certain it could not be true. He was merely -having a dreadful nightmare from which he would suddenly awaken. - -Geraldine seemed fairly to thrive upon quarrels and violent scenes. At -first, Hugh attempted to plead or remonstrate, or argue with her; but he -soon found that that was the thing she craved, so he simply lapsed into -silence until the tirade was over. But oh! how it told on him! How it -crushed the manhood within him and made of him a thing he himself -despised! - -[Illustration: Hugh Benton (Huntly Gordon) comes to his daughter’s - assistance. -(_“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”_)] - -On their return to New York Geraldine had redecorated “The Castle,” but -he never entered it without seeing before him a vision of Marjorie, as -she stood in the library that never-to-be-forgotten night, completely -rejuvenated and beautiful, trying to rekindle his love and pleading with -him to give up his engagement and take her to the theater. - -Surely that was the night on which God had forsaken him, or he would -have listened to her pleadings, and have been spared all this torture. - -Hugh Benton knew he was nearing the end of the road. His associates -recognized the change in the man, but there was little sympathy such as -might have been expected for a man, old and broken before his time, from -any other cause than the one which had aged and grayed the financier. -For the first time in his life, he bowed his head, content to take the -lashings of Fate because of sheer inability longer to fight. He had been -vanquished by a woman—a woman for whose sake he had driven wife and -children from him, had outlawed his friends, cut short his life. - -As he drooped into his office one morning, he felt that the end could -not be far off. And he welcomed it. One more blow from the hand of -Fate—— - -He started to look over the opened letters his secretary had left in -front of him. There was one, a personal letter, unopened. He recognized -Elinor’s handwriting. What would he give for one sight of her! A thought -came to him. Why not cut it—go back to Europe with Elinor, let -Geraldine do as she pleased. The very thought cheered him. It was worthy -of more than passing consideration. Eagerly he opened the letter. But -the eagerness turned to pain as he read; the white face turned ashen. -The letter dropped with the hand to his knee, and he sat staring at it -as though the writing stared out at him in letters of fire. - -“Dear Daddy:” Elinor had written: - - I know that you are expecting me home soon, but this is to tell - you that I am not coming back—ever. What I have to tell you - will certainly surprise you, perhaps shock you (or are you past - the time of shocks and surprises?) I have been married a month - to Signor Guglielmo Bellini, a young baritone in the opera here, - of whom you have perhaps never heard, but who is well known and - thought of here. Do I love him? I am not sure—any more than I - am sure there is any such thing as love. But he is kind and—— - He is not exactly what you might call of our kind, but I am - through with our kind—forever—and he can give me all that I - now crave; constant change and forgetfulness. - - So it’s good-by, Daddy, and don’t forget your baby. I shall - never forget you. You have always been so kind to me and have - given me everything, except—my mother. - - So, if in the future you don’t hear from me often, just remember - that I am fluttering about the world, for that is how I shall - find peace. - - Your loving daughter, - ELINOR. - -The letter fluttered from the man’s nerveless fingers to the floor. His -head drooped forward until it rested on the edge of his great mahogany -desk, the sharp edge of the glass pressing into his forehead unheeded. -His whole body shook with sobs. - -“‘That is how I shall find peace!’” he quoted. “Oh, Marjorie! Marjorie!” -he groaned aloud, “if you could see me now, you could find it in your -great heart to forgive me!” - -Wearily he lifted his head and his hand searched out a desk button. The -clerk who answered was told to send Bryson, the manager. When the man -stood deferentially before the financier, Benton asked him hurriedly: - -“Bryson, I wonder if you will be able to take complete charge here, -while I go to California?” - -“To California? Shall you be gone long, Mr. Benton?” - -“I can’t tell exactly—probably all summer.” - -“It would be quite a responsibility for me,” Bryson answered uneasily. -“You know what a peculiar state the market is in, Mr. Benton.” - -“But you’ve been with me so many years, Bryson,” Hugh argued. “You know -my methods. I have every confidence in your judgment.” - -“Thank you, sir, I appreciate your faith in me,” Bryson acknowledged -gratefully. “When do you intend starting?” - -“The day after to-morrow.” - -“Why, Mr. Benton! That’s impossible! You have that gigantic deal on hand -with Randall, Small & Company! It might be disastrous for you to leave -before it is completed.” - -Hugh shook his head stubbornly. “Come back in an hour, and we’ll talk -this thing over again,” he ordered. - -But on the man’s return at the end of the hour, he found Hugh Benton’s -private office empty. A note on the desk informed him that Mr. Benton -had gone. He was leaving for Chicago at once, and from there to San -Francisco. He left everything in Bryson’s hands, and he would write him -particulars as soon as he arrived. - -“Strangest thing I ever heard of,” Bryson muttered, reading the note -again. “Chances are, he’ll think better of it and hurry right back.” - -In her boudoir in “The Castle,” Geraldine DeLacy Benton stopped in her -preparations for a gay party to scan the telegram her maid handed her. - -“Hmmph!” was her comment, as she dipped deeply into her gold powder box. -“California, eh? Rather sudden—wonder how long he’ll stay? Well,” and -she held out her slender foot for the velvet slipper the long-suffering -maid held, “he needn’t hurry back on my account!” - -The only one who knew he never intended to come back at all was—Hugh -Benton! - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - -It is one thing to announce a heroic determination to become the family -bread winner. It is quite another to put that determination to practical -account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days that followed his -sojourn at the sanitarium and since learning that his mother’s resources -were almost gone. - -Particularly when one’s talents run only to running a sporty little -racer and a thorough knowledge of all the most recent dance steps and a -canny way of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a talent -which the young man put into the limbo of forgotten things as his first -step in his new life. - -Both he and his mother felt he could put his knowledge of automobiles to -practical account. But when he applied for one position after another -with automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains. Not even he had -realized exactly how little he did know about machines. Too long had he -left the disagreeable part to mechanics. - -His belief in friends (at first) had led him into the offices of those -he had known in palmier days. But it was with stung pride that he -abandoned this after a few efforts. They had all seemed kind -enough—patronizing even—but always it was the same thing he had heard -in Thurston’s bond office: “Nothing now, my boy—but if you don’t get -settled, you might call again some time.” - -But Howard Benton never called again. Instead, he took to spending his -evenings with his mother, going over advertisements, writing answers to -which, because of his lack of experience, there were few replies. How -terribly had he wasted the years at college—years that could not now -help him earn a living! - -It was when it actually became a question of food that he determined to -take whatever might be offered. Months had passed, and he had kept his -promise to his mother, but they had gone through hardships together, and -there were times when the price of a meal had been difficult to earn. - -In the end, his earnestness won him a position in the office of a large -manufacturing concern. The salary was not large, but to Marjorie, and to -her son, the youth who had once squandered double the amount in a single -evening, but who had come to know what it meant to walk about for days -trying to earn enough to keep a shelter above their heads, it seemed a -small fortune. - -And so two years had passed. As soon as possible they had moved into a -new home, a little four-room flat in Harlem. It was cozy and -comfortable, a sitting and dining room combined, two bedrooms and a tiny -kitchen. Marjorie did all of the work, even to their washing. At first, -Howard objected to this. She seemed so frail, he was sure that she could -never stand it; but when she assured him that she never felt better in -all her life, that the work was like play, and gave her something with -which to occupy herself while he was at work, he agreed to let her do as -she pleased. - -He left at seven-thirty every morning to go to his work, and at six he -returned, always to find a hot, tempting dinner waiting for him. At -noon, when he opened his lunch-box, some new delicacy or dainty -invariably met his eye. How could he possibly know that Marjorie went -without her own lunch many a day in order to provide these little -luxuries for him? - -How was he to know that when evening after evening she greeted him at -the door with a smile, she had dragged herself about all day doing her -work, cooking his dinner, mending his clothes, without uttering a word -of complaint, while she suffered the most excruciating pain? It had -begun about a year ago, while they were enduring so many hardships, a -sharp, stinging sensation, somewhere in the region of her heart, that at -times almost drove her insane. - -Apparently they were both quite happy. They never referred to the past. -Their lives seemed to date from the day when they left Hugh Benton’s -house together. Howard could not know that at times Marjorie lay awake -all night wondering about Elinor and Hugh. She had never heard a word -from Elinor since the day she said good-by to her over the telephone, -and of Hugh, she had heard but twice, and that was through the society -columns of the paper. - -The first time it had been quite by accident. Howard had been lying on -the couch one Sunday afternoon reading “The Times.” He had fallen -asleep, and the paper slipped to the floor. She picked it up, and the -name “Benton” caught her eye. It was a small item saying that Mr. and -Mrs. Hugh Benton had returned from Paris, and had reopened “The Castle,” -where they expected to entertain extensively during the coming season. -After that, she searched the paper every day, but she never saw another -article until one day, she read of the departure of Hugh Benton for -California for an indefinite stay. - -On the other hand, how was she to know that at times Howard was lonely -and unhappy? He was just a boy—not quite twenty-three. All day long he -worked hard, and then came home to spend his evenings with her. It was -true that he loved her devotedly, and that he rejoiced in the thought of -being able to take care of her, but just the same, he was young, and at -times he craved young society. The monotony began to get on his nerves. -The worst of it all was that he couldn’t see where it would ever change; -but he wouldn’t worry his mother, so he smiled and laughed always, and -made her believe he was contented and happy—just as she never permitted -him to know of her days of suffering, of her heartaches and longing, her -hours of loneliness. In front of the boy she worshiped, she was always -bright and smiling. - -They were sitting down to dinner one evening when Howard, shyly and half -shame-facedly told his mother of a dance he would like to attend. - -“I wonder if you would mind, dearest, if I went?” he asked. - -“Why, no dear,” she answered heartily. “I’d be glad to have you go -anywhere for a little pleasure. You work so hard you need more -recreation.” - -“But you know, I don’t like to leave you alone evenings, mother,” the -boy demurred. “Even when I go to the first show at the movies, and you -won’t go with me, I’m uneasy until I get back to you.” - -“That’s foolish, dear. You shouldn’t feel like that.” She smiled at him -lovingly. “I’m rather tired at night, and I usually have some mending or -darning to do. But about this dance, shall I get your dress-suit out of -the trunk? You haven’t worn it in two years and I’m afraid you’ve -outgrown it.” - -“No, indeed, mother!” He laughed heartily. “First of all, you’ll never -find it! I sold it long ago, when we were so hard up, and if I went to -this dance in a dress-suit, they’d mob me.” - -“Why, Howard!” She was becoming alarmed. “What sort of a dance is it?” - -“Oh, it’s a nice enough dance all right, but it isn’t a society affair.” -He laughed again. “It’s just a lot of plain working girls and boys like -myself. One of the boys in the office asked me to go.” - -“That’s fine, dear. It will do you a lot of good. I’ll sponge and press -your blue suit and have it all ready for you.” - -If a bride were being dressed, there couldn’t have been more excitement -in a home than there was in the little flat on Saturday night, when -Howard prepared to go to the dance. Marjorie had laid all his things out -on his bed during the afternoon. His suit nicely cleaned and pressed, a -beautifully laundered shirt, his tie, collar, handkerchief—everything -was ready. - -“Why, mother,” he laughed, as she bustled about, handing him his things. -“I feel like a girl getting ready for my first party! I really believe -you’re enjoying all this.” - -“I am, dear,” she answered, her cheeks bright with excitement. - -“Well, I’m ready.” He stepped back from the mirror. “Do I look all -right?” - -“I never saw anyone like you!” She clasped her hands and looked at him -adoringly. “All the girls will be fighting over you! You’re so handsome, -dear.” - -“Mother, you’re a little flatterer.” He caught her up in his strong arms -to dance about the room with her. - -“Oh, please, dear—please don’t!” she screamed. Her face paled, and she -held her hand to her side. - -“Why, mother—you’re ill! What’s wrong with you?” He placed her gently -on the bed and knelt beside her. - -“It’s—it’s—nothing, dear.” She forced a smile to her lips. - -“But you screamed with pain—and you’re so white. I’m going to call a -doctor.” - -“No—no—I won’t allow you to be so foolish. I—I’m perfectly all right, -dear. You picked me up so suddenly and you’re so big and strong. It was -just a stitch in my side. See, it’s entirely gone now.” She sat up on -the edge of the bed. - -“Just the same,” he said resolutely, “I’m not going! I wouldn’t think of -leaving you alone.” - -“But you are going, dear—I insist upon it. There’s not a thing in the -world the matter with me, but if you stayed at home, you’d make me think -I was really ill.” - -For ten minutes she argued until he was finally persuaded to go. At the -door she kissed him affectionately. “Good-night, darling! Have a -wonderful time and don’t worry for a minute—I’m perfectly well.” - -She never knew how she managed to reach her bed. For half an hour she -suffered the agony of death until the spasm passed. - -But Howard Benton went to his first dance in two years with a heavy -heart. In spite of his mother’s repeated assurances that she was -perfectly well, he could not get her white, drawn face out of his mind. -Once or twice he was inclined to turn back, but the fear of aggravating -her prevented him. At all events, he would insist upon her seeing a -doctor to-morrow. - -When he arrived at the Hall about nine-thirty, the dance was well under -way. He felt strange and ill at ease. The crowd was so entirely -different from the crowd in which he had mingled in the old days. -Outside of a few of the boys from the office, he didn’t know a soul. But -it didn’t take him very long to become acquainted. He was a good dancer, -handsome, and a gentleman—three things always bound to attract young -women in whatever station of life. - -About eleven o’clock, Frank O’Connor, one of the Floor Committee came up -to him: “Say, Benton,” he offered, “I want to introduce you to a peach -of a girl. She’s a dandy dancer, and as pretty as a picture.” - -“All right, you can’t hurt my feelings,” Howard laughed. “Lead the way!” - -He followed him across the room to a corner, where a girl stood talking -to two other girls. O’Connor touched her on the shoulder: “Just a -minute, Kate—I want you to meet a friend of mine.” - -She turned, and Howard was looking at one of the prettiest girls he had -ever seen. Her beauty was neither statuesque nor dainty and refined; it -was something quite different. Just a saucy, Irish face, with dark blue -roguish eyes, white and pink skin, a little turned-up nose, and bobbed, -black curls. - -“Miss Walsh, meet Mr. Benton.” O’Connor performed the introductions. - -“Happy to know you, Mr. Benton!” She smiled at him, revealing two rows -of dazzling white teeth. - -“I’m very glad to meet you, Miss Walsh!” Howard bowed. “How about this -dance?” as the “specially engaged jazz-band” began to play “Mammy.” - -“Sorry,” she answered. “Just promised it to a guy. But will you meet me -here for the next, if you ain’t got it taken?” - -He met her for the next, and the next, and the next. By the time the -dance was over, he had been her partner eight times, and had gained her -consent to see her home. - -She lived just three blocks from his own home, and a distance of twenty -blocks from the hall. But they walked slowly home in the moonlight, she -clinging to his arm and looking up into his face as she talked. They -hadn’t gone ten blocks before she had told him her life’s history—how -her mother had been married three times, and of all the children in the -family, real brothers and sisters, half brothers and sisters, and -step-brothers and sisters. She possessed real Irish wit, and her way of -telling these things was most amusing. Howard found himself laughing -heartily. Through it all, she told him she was perfectly independent, as -she had been self-supporting since she was ten years old. - -“I ain’t never had much chance to go to school,” she said. “Just picked -up what learnin’ I could now and then. I never seen my real father—he -died when I was just a little thing, and step-fathers ain’t much for -lookin’ after other people’s kids. So I just had to work and take care -of myself.” - -“You deserve a lot of credit for it, Miss Walsh,” Howard said -admiringly. “It’s pretty hard for a man to battle with the world, but it -must be mighty tough on a woman, especially a slip of a girl—like you.” - -“I ain’t never noticed it much. Guess it’s cause I ain’t never knowed -the difference.” - -“You live at home with your mother, don’t you?” he asked. - -“Sure I do! Ma and me always gets along fine. She lets me do just as I -want, ’cause she knows I’m independent, and besides, she’s got her hands -full with the other kids.” - -When they reached her door, she held out her hand. “I’m awful glad to -have met you, Mr. Benton. Hope I’ll see you again?” - -“May I call?” he asked eagerly. - -“Why sure you can. I’ll be glad to have you any time you say.” - -“How about—to-morrow evening?” - -“Gee! You believe in rushin’ things, don’t you?” She giggled. “All -right—to-morrow evenin’ ’ll be fine.” - -She hurried upstairs and crawled into bed with three little sisters. -Soon she was dreaming about a boy with wonderful dark eyes and curly -hair. - -As Howard walked the remaining three blocks to his home, he wondered -what had happened to him. He felt so happy and light-hearted. The -sensation of loneliness that had made him so miserable only yesterday, -seemed suddenly to have disappeared. As he inserted his key in the lock, -he felt like whistling or humming a tune, and it was only the -remembrance of the lateness of the hour that kept him from yielding to -his inclination. - -“Howard!” Marjorie called from her room as she heard him come in. - -He started suddenly as he opened her door and peered into the darkness: -“What are you doing awake as late as this, dearest? Are you feeling -better?” - -“Of course, dear. I told you I was all right before you left. Did you -have a good time?” - -“Yes, mother, I had a dandy time.” - -“I’m so glad. To-morrow you shall tell me all about it. You must be -tired after so much dancing. Good-night, darling.” - -“Good-night, dearest.” He bent over and kissed her tenderly. - -Instead of undressing and hurrying into bed, he walked to the window in -his room and opened it wide, staring out upon the fire-escapes filled -with lines of washing. - -He still couldn’t imagine what had happened to him that night; and he -was trying to fathom it. He wasn’t thinking of the dance or the girl he -had met. He was thinking that he had left his home heavy-hearted and -terribly worried over his beloved mother, and yet he had come back a few -hours later in such a state of exultation, that he had forgotten all -about her until she startled him by calling his name. It almost -frightened him—this thing that had taken possession of him—and that he -couldn’t explain, even to himself! - -The next morning he slept until almost noon for Marjorie always let him -rest as long as he pleased on Sunday. He opened his eyes greatly -refreshed in mind and body. The feeling of light-heartedness still -remained with him. He could have started singing joyously—for some -unaccountable reason. But the anxious and worried feeling about his -mother he had the night before had disappeared. Somehow things appear so -different in the daylight than they do in the darkness. - -He sat down to the tempting breakfast Marjorie placed before him. - -“Umm—mother—waffles and maple-syrup? Just what I feel like eating. -Aren’t you going to have some?” - -“No, indeed!” she laughed. “I’ve had my breakfast hours ago. It’s noon, -dear, but I knew you were tired after last night, so I just let you -sleep it out.” - -“I’m glad you did; I feel thoroughly rested.” - -She sat opposite him while he ate, enjoying the way he seemed to relish -each mouthful. - -“Now tell me all about the dance,” she said. “Did they have a nice -crowd?” - -“Yes—a very nice crowd.” - -“Did you dance every dance?” - -“Every blessed one! The music was fine, and as I told you, last night, I -had a dandy time. Would you like to go to Central Park this afternoon?” -he asked suddenly, anxious to change the subject. - -Somehow he didn’t want to talk about last night, but couldn’t have given -a reason for the reluctancy he felt in mentioning it. - -“No, dear,” Marjorie answered. “I prefer resting this afternoon, if you -don’t mind. But you go somewhere yourself—to a movie, or a vaudeville.” - -“No, I’ll stay home with you. I—I may take a little run out—this -evening.” - -“Certainly, dear. That’s right.” She began clearing away the dishes. - -Kate Walsh received Howard Benton in the “front-room” of the Walsh -flat—a shabbily furnished little square of room that was used mainly -for three purposes—receiving company, exhibiting a new baby, or holding -a wake. - -The family had been banished to the kitchen at the end of the hall for -the evening, with the exception of her mother, whom Kate brought into -introduce to Howard. Mrs. Walsh was a good-natured, stout little woman, -rather tired and faded looking. She had been in this country since she -was sixteen, but she still clung to her native brogue. - -“Shure, Mister Benton, ’tis glad to meet ye Oi am. Kitty here’s been -tellin’ me what a foine young gintleman ye are.” - -“Oh, Ma, you do say such things!” Kate giggled. “You ain’t got no -delicacy at all.” - -Mrs. Walsh looked wise, but kept silent. She didn’t know exactly what -Kitty meant by delicacy. After a minute, she held out her hand to -Howard. - -“If ye’ll be afther excusin’ me, Mister Benton,” she apologized, “Oi’ll -be sayin’ good-night to ye, and goin’ back to the babies. It’s about -toime they wuz in bed.” - -And feeling that she had nobly done her duty by her daughter by coming -in to be introduced to the gentleman—the same as all the society -matrons did in the novels Kitty read and told her about—Mrs. Walsh -bowed herself out, and hastened to the more urgent duties awaiting her -in the kitchen. - -Howard remained until ten-thirty. He enjoyed the evening immensely; Kate -was such good company. - -“Of course,” he began making excuses to himself on his way home, “she is -illiterate, and she did say some of the most ridiculous things, trying -to use expressions she had picked up in novels. But altogether, she is a -sort of rough diamond, and after all, education doesn’t amount to very -much—I’ll tell the world mine hasn’t! And she’s so very young! A few -months’ instruction from a private teacher would do wonders for her, -or—um—um—maybe I could take her on myself.” The idea was far from -disagreeable to the youth who had never believed pedagogy to be anywhere -in his line. - -At the end of the week, after he had seen Kate five more times, he knew -what was the matter with him. For the first time in his young life he -was madly in love! - -He didn’t know whether his love was reciprocated or not. Kate seemed to -like him pretty well; she was glad to stay at home and have him call -when she might have gone out with some other chap. He had never even -attempted to kiss her. She wasn’t the kind of girl who invited that sort -of thing. He went with her steadily for another month, taking her to -movies, or dances, on the evenings he didn’t spend at her home. - -“What did his mother think about his going out every night?” he -wondered. She never questioned him when evening after evening he kissed -her good-night and said: “I won’t be out very late, mother, just going -for a walk”; or, “Going to a show”; or, “Going to a dance to-night.” -Finally he felt that he must say something to her—sort of pave the way -as it were. She must know that he was going about with a girl, or else -some day it might prove too much of a shock. - -“Dearest,” he said one evening, after he had kissed her good-by, “don’t -you think my going out like this every evening sort of—well—sort of -funny?” - -“Why, no, dear,” she answered bravely, struggling hard to look -unconcerned lest he read the contradiction to her words in her face. -“I’m glad to see you go—you were getting into a rut, staying in so -much. You’re too young to do that.” - -“It’s a joy to have a mother who looks at things as sensibly as you do,” -he answered, patting her hand affectionately. “You see, dear, I—I’ve -met a very nice little girl—and I enjoy going about with her.” - -“Yes—dear——” Although she smiled, the mother’s heart held a leaden -weight. “That’s nice,” was her comment. - -“I’m going to bring her to meet you some day,” he told her, but he was -careful not to say too much. - -A month later Howard proposed to Kate. One Sunday afternoon and they had -gone for a long walk. Everything seemed to be in his favor. The day -could not have been more perfect—one of those glorious, crisp, sunshiny -days every New Yorker knows and loves. They came to a bench in one of -the smaller parks, and sat down to rest. The sky had never seemed so -blue nor the grass so green. The birds sang more sweetly than he had -ever known they could, and the flowers about them had wafted a fragrance -that was heady. What a wonderful place this old world was after all, he -thought, as he reached for her hand. Just made for love and joy and -youth! - -“Katie, dear,” he said simply as his grip tightened on the capable -little fingers, “I—I want to tell you that I love you very, very -dearly.” - -“Oh—Howard—” She hung her head. - -“Do you—like me—a little?” He lifted her chin, and looked into her -eyes. - -“Of course—I like you!” She was blushing rosy red. “But not a little! -I—I like you a whole lot.” - -“You darling!” His arms went out to draw her to him. They were in a -secluded spot, but it would have made no difference to Howard Benton had -they been in the open. “You darling—little girl—I—I’m just crazy -about you!” - -“Howard—someone might see you,” the girl demurred, but her sigh of -happiness contradicted her speech as she snuggled closer to him. “Gee, -but I’m happy you love me!” - -“I’ve loved you since the first moment I met you, Katie—but I was -afraid you might not care about me.” - -“Ain’t that funny now! I loved you too, from the start. It must abeen -love at first sight,” she giggled. “Only I was afraid a swell educated -fellow like you wouldn’t notice an ignorant girl like me.” - -“You’re sweet and good—and I love you, dear.” He kissed her. “And after -we’re married, I’ll spend a lot of time teaching you, and in a short -time you won’t know yourself.” - -“Gee, that’ll be great! Ain’t it a shame I never went to school much? I -had to work ever since I was a kid.” - -“I’m sure you’re not to blame because you’ve never had the opportunity -to obtain an education. But that will come in time.” - -“Well, I’ll try hard enough,” she replied earnestly. - -“And you’ll succeed too,” he assured her. “Now, darling, I must tell you -something that I think you ought to know. It may make a difference in -your love for me.” - -He told her all about the affair of two years ago—of Elinor, of his -father, of Mrs. DeLacy, of his wonderful mother. Everything just as it -had happened. He was a long time in telling it, as he dwelt on each -point, to make it all perfectly clear to her. - -When he had finished, it was with a sad little smile he asked: “So now, -dear, you see, I’ve had quite a past. Will it make a difference?” - -“Just this much of a difference.” The tears were streaming down her -cheeks as she clutched him. “That I love you more than ever. Why you’re -grand, dear! You’re a hero—I—I’m proud of you!” - -“Oh, Katie, dear, you wonderful girl!” - -“I knew all along you wuz a swell, though, and didn’t belong with the -gang around here!” She nodded her head vigorously at the recognition of -her own sagacity. - -“When can we get married, Katie? I hope we won’t have to wait too long?” -Now that he had spoken, Howard was all eagerness. - -“I can be ready most any time. Of course,” she added with a twinkle in -her eye and her little nose wrinkled up in that maddening way she had, -“it may take a few months to get my troussee ready. I’ll see if Lady -Duff Gordon or Lucille can spare the time.” - -“Funniest little kid!” he laughed heartily. “But let’s talk it over now -and try to settle upon a day.” He told her about his position and just -what he was earning. - -“Gee, that’s a wonderful job, Howard, and you’re earning more than Ma’s -old man, and he’s been in one place for years.” - -“Then you think we can manage on it all right?” - -“Manage? Why, we’ll live like millionaires,” she enthused. - -“Of course, we won’t have to get a house—that will help some. Our -flat’s furnished very nicely and we have four rooms.” - -“I know—I ain’t never seen yours, but I’ve been in the buildin’ to see -Mrs. Lambert, and they’re beautiful flats. Say, do you think your -mother’s goin’ to like me?” - -“How could _anyone_ help liking you? You’re so pretty, so sweet, Katie.” - -“Maybe—but that don’t mean very much to most women,” she answered -dubiously. - -“My mother’s different,” he defended. “She’ll be wonderful to you and -help you a lot. I know you two are going to get along wonderfully -together.” - -“Why, Howard!” she sat back suddenly and looked at him. “You ain’t -figurin’ on your mother livin’ with us, are you?” - -“Certainly, dear.” His astonishment was equal to her own. “Surely, you -didn’t think I intended to leave my mother?” - -“Well, don’t every boy and every girl leave their mothers when they get -married? You ain’t no different!” - -“No—but my mother’s different,” he answered tenderly. “Why, she’s a -brick, I tell you. She stood by me through thick and thin! She had a lot -of money two years ago, but she spent every dollar of it for me!” - -“Well, it’s a mother’s duty to stand by her children, ain’t it?” - -“I don’t know about that! I hadn’t been such a wonderful son to her, and -it’s only in the last two years we’ve grown so close to each other. I -wouldn’t hurt her for the world!” he declared. - -“Oh, all right, kid!” Katie moved away from him. “If that’s the way you -feel about it—let’s just call our engagement off!” - -“Katie! You wouldn’t do that! I love you too much!” - -“And I love you, Howard. But there ain’t goin’ to be no mother-in-law -business in my life. My ma says to me: ‘Take it from me, Kitty, there -ain’t no home big enough for two families.’ And she ought to know. She’s -been married three times.” - -“But there wouldn’t be anything like that with my mother—you’re bound -to love her.” - -“Sure! That’s all right,” she answered heartily. “I want to love her, -and I want her to love me! But I don’t want to live with her.” - -“It’s the terrible loneliness of it all that keeps me thinking,” Howard -went on ruminatively, as though he were thinking aloud. “You see, mother -never goes anywhere. Why she never leaves the flat unless it is to go on -an errand, or do her marketing. She hasn’t a friend or companion. She -just lives for me alone.” - -“Well, we can see her every day, can’t we? She’ll get used to it all -right. Every mother’s got to see her kids grow up and get married, and -leave her. She didn’t think you was goin’ to be a—a—you know what I -mean—an old-maid man—did she?” - -Howard smiled in spite of himself. “No, I suppose not. But come up now, -and meet my mother. You may feel differently after that.” - -“I’ll go and meet your mother willingly—but I won’t change my mind,” -was his fiancée’s stubborn reply. “There ain’t goin’ to be no -mother-in-laws——” - -He stopped her with a kiss as they started down the path. - -Marjorie had just stepped out to go to the delicatessen store on the -corner for a few things. It was just a little after five, her table was -set, and everything ready for supper, although she didn’t expect Howard -for another hour. Very often on Sunday night, she arranged a cold meal. -Howard opened the door and drew the bashful Katie in after him. - -“Come in, dear—I’ll call mother.” He went to the door leading to the -kitchen. “Oh, mother, dear.” - -He looked in and then went to the bedroom. “She’s not here—” he turned -to Kate, “but she won’t be long. I suppose she has gone on an errand. -See the table is set for supper. Come take off your things,” attempting -to remove her hat. - -“No, I won’t take off my hat.” She fidgeted about. “I’m so nervous—I’ll -just wait and meet your mother, and then I’ll run downstairs and visit -Mrs. Lambert.” - -“You don’t have to be nervous, dear—everything’s bound to be all -right.” He pulled down the shade and switched on the light. - -Kate looked about admiringly. - -“My, this is a gorgeous flat. Ain’t the furniture handsome!” she -enthused. - -“I’m so glad you like it. We’re going to be very happy. You do love me, -don’t you?” Howard caught her in his arms. - -“Of course, I do—you big boob.” She kissed him. “You know, I’m just -crazy about you.” - -“No more than I am about you.” He returned her kiss. “Still,” he added, -“I’d give anything dear, if I could only persuade you to let my mother -live with us.” - -Kate turned irritably. “Do we have to start all over that thing again?” -she asked, with eyes flashing. “I thought it was all settled.” - -Further discussion was interrupted by Marjorie’s entrance. She was -carrying a market basket and she looked pale and tired in her shabby -little dress. - -“Good evening, dear,” she said, as Howard rushed to her, and relieved -her of the basket. “I didn’t expect you home so early. I have a cold -supper, just the things you like. I had a little time to spare so I ran -down to the corner to get a few things for to-morrow. Oh—I beg your -pardon.” She noticed Kate for the first time. “I didn’t know you had -company.” - -“Mother,” he said, putting his arm about her, and leading her forward, -“I want you to meet Katie—Katie Walsh—the girl I told you—I—I cared -for. Well, she has promised—to—become my wife!” - -“Your—your wife, dear? Why—why I am surprised.” She leaned against him -heavily. - -“I’ve cared for Katie ever since the first night I met her—but I wasn’t -sure she loved me—until this afternoon. We came right up to tell you.” - -“I—I see.” Marjorie was endeavoring, with all her might, to come out of -her state of bewilderment. Steadying herself with an effort she went -over to Kate and held out her hand. - -“I’m glad to know you, dear,” she said in her sweet, simple tones, “and -I hope you will make my boy—very happy.” - -“I’m goin’ to try to, Mrs. Benton,” Katie replied warmly. “I’m for him -as much as he is for me,—so I can’t see how we can help bein’ happy.” - -Marjorie winced, but she spoke cheerfully. “Love is the foundation of -all real happiness, my dear. I’m glad you have the right idea. You must -stay and have supper with us—it won’t take a second to set another -place. I’m anxious to have you tell me all about yourself.” - -“I—I don’t think I can stay.” Katie was evidently uncomfortable. “I was -just goin’ to run down to see Mrs. Lambert—before goin’ home. Howard -can come over after his supper.” - -“But you mustn’t run away like this,” Marjorie urged. “I’ve only just -met you! We’ve so much to talk about, you know. Come, Howard, you coax -her to stay.” - -“Of course, she’ll stay, mother.” Howard removed Katie’s hat without -asking her, whispering in her ear: “Stay if she wants you to, dear.” - -“That’s fine!” Marjorie started for the kitchen. “I know you’ll excuse -me for a few minutes.” - -Howard opened the door and carried her basket into the kitchen for her, -then he hurried back to Katie and squeezed her joyously. - -“Now, wasn’t she fine? What did I tell you?” - -“Whew!” Katie made a stab at whistling. “She’s so grand she makes the -chills run up and down my back! Do you know, Howard, all the time she -was talkin’ to me, I felt as if she was lookin’ right inside of -me—through my clothes and all.” - -“Mother’s true blue all right!” Howard declared proudly. “The way she -took it is a great relief to me. I confess I was terribly nervous for a -minute. I hope we won’t have any trouble with your mother, dear?” - -“Humph! My Ma’s goin’ to be tickled to death! Besides, she ain’t got -nothin’ to say about me—I told you I’ve always been self-supportin’.” - -In the kitchen Marjorie was gathering up the dishes and cutlery for the -extra place at the table. Her tears were falling so fast they almost -blinded her. She kept brushing them away as she whispered over and over -to herself: - -“Dear God, help me to-night. Give me the strength to make my -boy—happy!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - - -Howard’s mother arranged a place at the table next to him for Katie, -then brought in a platter of cold meats, some potato salad, and a pot of -coffee. Howard, as was his custom, held the chairs for his mother and -their guest, then seated himself. - -“I hope you like cold meat and potato salad, Katie?” Marjorie asked, as -she began to serve. “Howard prefers it to anything else on Sunday -evening, especially during the warm weather.” - -“I think it’s fine,” Katie answered, playing nervously with her napkin, -“and it saves a lot of work—cooking.” - -“Don’t you care about housework?” - -“Well, I ain’t crazy about it, but it’s got to be done. Ma says: -‘’tain’t no use killin’ yourself over cleanin’ a house—it only gets -dirty all over again.’ And Ma’s nearly always right.” - -Marjorie sat almost dumfoundedly looking back and forth between Katie -and Howard. Surely she must be dreaming all this. Her wonderful -boy—intending to marry this girl who couldn’t even speak grammatically. - -“Please pour my coffee, mother.” Howard was anxious to say something. - -“Yes, dear.” She began pouring the coffee, her mind miles away from what -she was doing. - -“You’re spilling it, mother.” He stopped her, impatiently. - -“I—I’m sorry, dear,” she murmured as she handed a cup to Katie. “I -don’t know what made me so careless.” - -She never remembered how she finished the meal. With a sort of -fascinated horror she kept her eyes upon the girl whom her son had -chosen. It was really pitiful to watch the child struggling to handle -her knife and fork correctly. Once or twice Marjorie tried to draw her -into a conversation, but when she realized how uncomfortable she was -making her, she gave it up. So it was Howard who kept up a meaningless -chatter until the supper was over. - -“I—I think I’ll be goin’ now, if you don’t mind, Mrs. Benton,” Kate -Walsh announced as soon as they rose. “Ma will wonder what’s keepin’ me. -Thank you for my elegant supper. I enjoyed it very much.” - -She lost no time getting her hat and bag. - -Marjorie held out her hand. “I—I suppose you’ll come soon again?” she -asked, politely. - -“Oh, yes!” The girl placed her hand in Marjorie’s rather timidly. “I -will. Now that you and me’ve met, I won’t be no stranger.” - -Howard’s nerves were fairly on edge as he helped his fiancée into her -jacket. Everything she said seemed to magnify ten-fold in front of his -mother. He hadn’t noticed it nearly as much when they were alone. - -“Good-by,” Marjorie said. “Come in—whenever you wish.” - -“All right—I’ll run in from work to-morrow. Oughten’ I to kiss you, -Mrs. Benton—now that I’ll be callin’ you—Ma?” - -Marjorie hesitated an instant, but one look at Howard’s flushed cheeks -and pleading eyes, made her answer: “Why, certainly—Katie.” She kissed -her, then turned to Howard. “Shall you remain out late, dear?” - -“No, mother, I’ll be home early. Will you wait for me?” - -“Yes—I’ll wait.” - -As soon as the door closed after them, she sank to her knees and buried -her head in her hands. - -“Oh, God,” she prayed fervently, “don’t let me live to see this! He -can’t marry a girl like that—it will ruin his life! He has suffered so -much, and so have I. We have gone through a great deal and borne up, but -in mercy, spare us this awful thing. Please, God—Oh, please,” she -moaned, as she rocked to and fro. - -On the way to Katie’s house, Howard made a last effort. “Do you think -you’re going to love my mother, Katie?” he asked her. - -“You just bet I am, Howard—she’s so sweet and kind.” - -“Well, then—won’t you reconsider about living with her, dear?” he asked -anxiously. - -“No—I—I just can’t! I don’t know nothin’.” She blushed furiously as -she made the admission. “I seen it to-night plainer than ever. I just -got to learn a lot, before I could be around a woman like your mother!” - -“But she’ll help you, dear—she’ll help you all the time,” he pleaded. - -“No—I couldn’t stand that, Howard. I—I want to learn, and I will -learn, but I just couldn’t have no woman tellin’ me what to do every -minute. I wish I could make you understand—what I mean,” she said -wistfully. - -“I think I do understand,” he said gently, “and I love you so much I -guess you’ll have to have it your way.” - -“Gee, you are good, Howard—and some day when I learn everything, you’re -goin’ to be proud of me!” - -“Well, then,” he tried to throw off his disappointment, “I suppose you -know I’ll have to take care of my mother.” - -“Of course,” she answered emphatically. “It’s only right for you to do -that.” - -“Well, you know, I don’t make a million a month. It will mean a lot of -scrimping.” - -“That will be all right with me,” she assured him, “I’m used to -scrimpin’. I ain’t never done nothin’ else since I can remember.” - -“We’ll have to look about for a flat. I’d like to stay in this -neighborhood in order to be near mother.” - -“I don’t see why we don’t keep your flat,” she suggested, as a vision of -the “handsome” furniture appeared before her. “It would be easier to get -a couple of rooms for your mother.” - -“Turn mother out of her home!” For a moment he was angry with Kate -Walsh. What could she mean? “Impossible!” He shut his teeth with a -click. - -“Don’t get sore at me, Howard.” There were tears in her voice, and a -tremble that soothed the anger. After all, this little girl didn’t -understand, he remembered. It was her training. “I didn’t mean nothin’ -by that,” she went on as she timidly touched his arm. “I was just tryin’ -to figure out the most savin’ way.” - -“I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to get cross with you—but I can’t bear -to think about hurting my mother.” - -Child as she was, though, Kate Walsh was a true daughter of Eve. She -knew what she wanted. And she knew how to get it. From the moment of her -first view of the dainty little apartment Marjorie had worked so hard to -make homelike and pleasing, this little child of the people whose beauty -had bound Howard Benton to her in bonds unbreakable, had made up her -mind that it should be her own. - -She slipped her arm through Howard’s and reached downward with her hand -till the warm fingers found their way into his own. Her whole warm, -round little body snuggled up to him. - -“I don’t know much, as I told you, dear, but I think you’re kind of -silly, Howard,” she began coaxing. “I just bet your mother would say the -same thing herself. First of all, she’d never be wantin’ no four-room -flat all by herself. Besides, ain’t it easier for one person to move -into a couple of rooms than for us to have to hustle around and buy -furniture and things?” - -“Maybe—you’re right,” he admitted. “But it seems so cruel, I’m afraid -she wouldn’t see it as we do——” - -“I just bet she would!” the girl interrupted. “She’s got lots of good -sense. Why don’t you ask her and see?” - -“Yes—I suppose that would be the proper thing to do.” But he sighed at -the prospect of such a proposed interview with the mother who had done -so much for him; been so much to him. - -When he returned home, he found his mother seated by the table in the -dining room. She hadn’t even attempted to clear the supper things away -and he could not help but notice that her eyes were red and swollen with -weeping. - -“Well, mother?” He tenderly touched her shoulder. - -“Yes, dear—yes.” She reached up and patted his hand. - -“I—I know you’re dreadfully disappointed. I—I’m _sorry_, mother.” - -Marjorie shook her head sadly. She must control herself before speaking. -Howard moved a chair over opposite her and sat down. - -“You must give me a little time, Howard,” she said slowly. “This has all -happened so suddenly—it is difficult for me to grasp.” - -“Well you expected me to marry—some day. Didn’t you, mother?” he asked -gently. - -“Oh, yes, dear—yes!” she assured him. “I’ve always wanted you to marry -and have a home—and babies—and—” Her sobs choked her, and she could -not finish. - -“Perhaps. But you don’t like Katie! It’s true she hasn’t an education, -but——” - -“It isn’t _that_,” she interrupted him. “I can’t hold the girl -responsible for circumstances preventing her from obtaining one. -It’s—it’s the difference!” - -“The difference?” - -“Yes,” she hurried on. “The great chasm—between you. You’re blinded by -love now, dear, so you think that the only thing lacking in this girl -you love is education, something one can always remedy to a certain -extent. But it isn’t that. It’s the natural refinement, the inborn -breeding, which go to constitute the lady. Those are the things she -lacks. They are the things bound to raise a wall between you such as you -will never be able to scale.” - -“But mother,” Howard attempted to argue, “real love should be able to -overcome every obstacle, haven’t you always held that?” - -“Love could do a great deal, my son—if the break were only half or less -than half way even. But you haven’t a thing in common with this girl. -She is so entirely out of your class.” - -“And—just what do you call my class?” Howard asked, with the impatience -of the youth suddenly become a man, to whom the stings of pain of two -years past were still fresh. “A girl like Nell Thurston, I suppose,” he -suggested bitterly, “a fair weather friend who at the first hint of -trouble packs her trunks, leaves for California, and marries the first -man she meets.” - -“You can’t judge every girl by that one.” - -“Well, nearly all of the society butterflies I ever met were of the same -sort,” he answered scornfully. “Besides, I’m away from all that now. You -know, we’re living an entirely different life from that of two years -ago.” - -Marjorie Benton was at a loss for words. She felt that here was a -situation that required the utmost diplomacy. She prayed for strength, -but it came not. - -“Howard,” she asked slowly and thoughtfully, her eyes on her son’s face -to lose no shade of expression. “Have you absolutely made up your mind -to marry this—Katie Walsh?” - -“Yes, mother, I have,” he answered firmly, but gently. And watching him, -Marjorie Benton knew that no matter what else she and Hugh might have -endowed him with, that Howard had inherited the stubbornness that had -been so big a part of both their natures, that had wrought so much ruin -to them both. She knew that it was inevitable that the illiterate little -Irish girl would become the wife of her son. “I love her. I can’t tell -you how dearly! I was very lonely when I met her, and she crept into my -heart. She’s a good, true girl, and after we’re married, you and I can -teach her together.” - -Marjorie Benton bowed her head to Fate’s decree. She had done what she -could. She had tried before—and failed. But it was left for her this -night to see the new monument to Hope she had raised up lie crumbling in -ruins at her feet. - -“I can’t say anything more to you, Howard,” she said falteringly, -“because I love you too much, dear, to stand in the way of your -happiness. I’ll just ask God to bless you—and I’ll pray that it is all -for the best.” - -“Mother, dear.” He leapt from his chair to kiss her. “You’re such a -_brick_! You’ve made me so happy!” - -“I’m glad of that.” She smiled up into his eager face, but he could not -see the smile was soulless. He had turned to pace up and down, fidgeting -about uneasily. Suddenly he stopped in front of his mother who had not -moved. “I have something else to tell you, mother,” he gulped, “and I—I -don’t know just how—to say it.” - -Marjorie reached for his hand and stroked it gently. “You mustn’t -hesitate to tell me anything,” she assured him. “We’ve been very close -to each other since—since we came here. There must never again be a -lack of confidence between us.” - -“I’ll have to tell you, mother.” He clasped his hands behind him, and -cleared his throat. “I hope you won’t misunderstand—you’ve got out of -the way of misunderstanding me since—since—” he stammered. - -His mother nodded encouragingly. “You know I love you,” he hurried on, -“but I love Katie, too. We want to be married very soon, and -she—we—want to start—living alone.” - -“You—you mean—you want to move?” She closed her eyes for a moment, -“into a place of your own? You want to live—by yourselves? I—I can’t -blame you for that—only—only—it is going to be very lonely -here—without you.” - -“I—I’ll see you every day, mother—and so will Katie.” He was eager as -the words tumbled over each other in his hurry to have done with the -disagreeable task his promised wife had set him. “We—we don’t want to -move! Katie likes this place very much—and it is just the right -size—for us. We—we thought—if we could find you—a couple of -rooms—in the neighborhood—you know—near to us—it would be fine—and -it would be much easier—for you to move than it would be—for -us—to—to—find a place.” - -He was scarlet when he finished, and he could not lift his eyes from the -floor. The mother sat as if carved in stone. But the only emotion she -betrayed was a slight quivering of the lips, and a sudden twitching of -her eyelids. - -“I—I’ll always take care of you, dear,” Howard hastened to assure her. -“Every week you shall have a certain amount of my pay.” - -“You—you couldn’t do it, dear.” Marjorie found her voice at last, -although it was faint and trembled pitifully. “You couldn’t afford to -keep up two homes.” - -“Oh, yes, I can!” he eagerly plead. “Kate says she doesn’t mind -scrimping at all—she doesn’t care how hard we have to struggle. Only -she’s taken it into her head that she doesn’t want to live -with—her—mother-in-law.” His voice was a husky whisper as the word he -knew would flay his mother, came. - -A sob that she could not choke broke on the stillness. In a moment -Howard was on his knees beside her, his arms holding her close. - -“Please, mother!” he begged. “Don’t feel that way! I love you just the -same—but I’m a man now, and I’ve met the woman I want to marry. This -comes into everyone’s life.” - -Her arm closed about his neck and she held him close. - -“Oh, my dear—my dear!” and now the sobs came unchecked. “You’re so -precious to me—all that is left to me in the world! Husband! Daughter! -All gone! Only you, dear,—only you!” - -“But I’m not going, mother. Don’t you understand? I’ll see you as much -as ever.” - -“Why—why can’t I stay here?” In her despair, she pleaded frantically. -“I’ll keep to myself—I—I won’t interfere with a thing. I won’t be in -anyone’s way—I just want to be where I can see you—where I can be near -you—should you need me! See, I’m throwing away all my pride, dear,” as -she slipped to her knees, “and begging you to let me stay—because—I -love you so—I love you so!” - -“Hush, mother.” He lifted her from her knees, and wiped his eyes. -“You’re making this very hard for me. You know I wouldn’t intentionally -hurt you for the world. I’ve talked this over again and again with -Kate—but she won’t have it any other way. I—I don’t know what to do.” - -“It’s—all right, dear,” she whispered, but the tone was barely audible -and broken. “It’s all right! I—I’ll go.” - -“I know just as soon as you’re calm, mother, you will see things in a -different light.” - -“Yes, dear—I understand, dear!” she said quietly, but the voice was one -of despair that the son did not recognize nor heed. “I’ll be calm and -_sensible_! You want me to be——” - -“Yes, dear. Please try—I’ll be back in a minute.” He went into his room -and closed the door. - -With a calmness that was appalling she sat where he had left her, -staring in front of her with glassy eyes. How long it had been with her -she did not know, but she slowly became conscious of the physical pain -gnawing at her heart. Oh, how she welcomed it! She wanted it to hurt and -hurt until it would carry her off, where she would be free from pain -forever. In a moment’s time, there flashed before her a panoramic view -of her life. Oh, God, how useless—how in vain—it had all been! And now -(she stretched her arms out before her) she stood ready to go out into -the future—alone! Alone! Alone! - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - - -“Out into the future—alone! Alone! Alone!” Marjorie Benton read the -words aloud. - -For a moment she sat very still, looking about her in bewilderment. - -“Oh—oh!” she exclaimed, and again: “O-o-h!” - -She jumped up from her comfortable wicker chair and ran to the bedroom -door. She opened it softly. There in their little cribs, sound asleep, -were Elinor and Howard. She looked about the room once more and sighed -contentedly. Yes, here she was in her own wonderful little kitchen. She -picked up the book she had been reading and which had dropped to the -floor and placed it on the table. She looked at it, and turned with a -shudder. - -The door opened quietly, and Hugh tiptoed in. - -“Why darling!” he whispered, mindful of the babies. “Up yet? It’s after -twelve o’clock.” - -With a little scream of delight, Marjorie ran to him and threw herself -into his arms. - -“Hugh! Oh Hugh, darling!” she exclaimed breathlessly. Again and again -she kissed him. “Dearest—sweetheart! Is it you?” - -“Why, honey girl!” Hugh laughed as he held her in his arms. “If this is -the reception I receive after being away a few hours, I think I’ll have -to go somewhere and stay a week.” - -“You are my own sweetheart, aren’t you, Hugh?” She pinched his arms, and -felt of his shoulders and chest. - -“Of course, I am! What’s the matter with you, dear?” He shook her -gently. “I’ve never seen you act this way before?” - -“Nothing—only I’m so _happy_, dear.” She laughed hysterically as she -clung to him. “Because you’re you—and I’m me—and our babies are -ours—and this——” - -“Whatever in the wide world—” Hugh was emphatically nonplused. - -His wife giggled at his perplexity. - -“Goose!” she chided playfully. “Can’t I have a few dramatics for myself, -and ease up some of my emotions.” But as she saw his concerned -expression as he looked at her so closely, she added: “Well, if you must -know, here’s the answer. You know how I love to read a book and always -put you in the hero’s place and make myself the heroine——” - -“Yes, I know all about that, you little romancer,” he laughed, and he -pinched her flushed cheek. “According to the different people you’ve -been, you must be hundreds of years old!” - -“You can make fun of me—I don’t care,” she pouted. “Well, after you -left, Mrs. Birmingham sent me some books to read for her. And I’ve been -reading this one!” She picked it up, only to drop it as though it burned -her. “It’s all about a young couple like us,” she informed, “and they -had two babies, a boy and a girl, and so I put Howard and Elinor in -their places. I had just finished the story when you came in.” - -“Well, it certainly must have been exciting, judging from the way I -found you when I came in.” - -“It was—terrible—dear!” She shuddered. “The man became very wealthy -through an inheritance, but I pretended it was through an -invention—Darling, what about you—I forgot to ask you?” - -“Finish telling me your story first, and then I’ll tell you,” he -answered quietly. - -“There isn’t anything more to tell. Only the most dreadful things -happened to them all. You can’t imagine how happy I was when I realized -I had only been reading a book,” she sighed, “and now, dear, how about -you? Were you successful?” - -“Why—why,” he hesitated for a moment, “yes, dear—I——” - -“Oh—no—no dear—don’t tell me that!” There was a catch in her voice as -her hand went out to him pleadingly. - -“Why, darling, I don’t understand you.” He tried to look into her eyes. -“I thought you wanted to be rich—to live in New York and do all the -things you had planned?” - -“Oh, no—no.” She threw her arms about him. “I just want to stay -here—with my babies, and my husband, and—my happiness!” - -“Well, if that’s the way you feel about it, sweetheart, then I’ll tell -you the truth,” Hugh answered. “I fibbed to you just now—I didn’t -succeed.” - -“You _didn’t_ succeed?” Her eyes sparkled as she asked the question. - -“No, dear.” He shook his head. “I’m an utter failure. My invention isn’t -worth anything just yet. I’m afraid we’ll just have to remain poor—for -awhile.” - -“Oh, I’m so happy!” Marjorie exclaimed joyously. “But we can never be -poor, dear, while we possess love, the greatest fortune in the world!” - -“Sweetheart!” He kissed her again. “Tell me what it was that made you -change your ideas?” - -“It was just the book I read to-night, dear—that’s all,” she answered -solemnly. “The book God must have sent me in time—just to open my -eyes.” - -“This little thing?” He picked up the volume from where Marjorie had -dropped it on the table. He read the title aloud. “Hmmph! ‘Building -Castles!’ Why that should have pleased you, dear,” he remarked, with a -grin. “Isn’t that what you’re always doing?” - -“No more! No more!” Marjorie shook her head till the blonde curls -threatened to loosen their holding pins. “I have all the castle I want -right here. Why, just look around this room! Isn’t it wonderful?” - -Hugh glanced carelessly about. - -“It’s a comfortable enough kitchen,” he remarked casually, “but I don’t -see any particular wonders about it.” - -“Oh, don’t you?” Marjorie’s nose went up in the air and she sniffed. -“Why, just look at this chair!” And she whirled the wicker rocker she -had sat in during the evening before him. “It’s a genuine Louis the -Fifteenth,” she informed him solemnly. “That mirror,”—her hand swept in -a gesture to include it, “yes, I mean the one you use to shave by in the -cold weather,—but it’s from the salon of the Empress Josephine, -nevertheless. And this table,—” the hand came to rest on the small -table on which rested her books and the basket of neglected mending, -“—why famous men and women have gathered——” - -Hugh swept her to him, ending her explanations with the bear hug his -wife always welcomed. - -“Little witch!” he teased. “Seeing everything just the way you want it. -But tell me, seriously, sweetheart,” and he lifted her face to look -closely into her eyes. “I know you’ve been living on the heights for -some time through your belief in me. Tell me, have you really decided -you don’t want to live in New York?” - -His wife snuggled closer to him. - -“‘The heights!’” she repeated. “No, Hugh dear,—I’m willing to let who -will live on the hilltops of life. For me, the valley. The only place I -wish to live the rest of my life is in the Valley of Content.” - -For a long moment—a moment when all misunderstanding was wiped out -forever—Hugh Benton held his wife close to him. Then he leaned over and -placed a kiss on her bright hair that swept his bosom. - -“You’ve chosen the only place where you can always be happy, dear,” he -said softly. - -His head came up with a start. Marjorie drew away from him, to listen -sharply. - -“Did you hear something?” he asked her, his eyes on the bedroom door. - -With finger uplifted for caution, Marjorie Benton tiptoed to the door -from behind which had come the disturbing sound, and softly turned the -knob. Hugh watched her with eyes of love as she disappeared. But in a -moment she was back with him, the door as softly closed behind her. - -“It was Elinor,” she told him. “She was sleeping on her back. Something -made her cry in her sleep.” - -“Dreaming, I suppose—just like her mother!” In his light-hearted -relief, Hugh could not refrain from teasing, but Marjorie only laughed. - -“Dreaming that Howard had broken her dolly, probably,” she agreed. -“Precious baby! I turned her on her side and tucked her in. She’ll sleep -till morning. Ready for tea, dear?” - -Hugh nodded and slumped with a contented sigh into his seat beside the -little table where Marjorie had placed her best chocolate plates and the -cups for their tea. Before the stove, Marjorie squinted a moment at her -fire. Then she lifted the stove lid and carefully placed a shovelful of -coal on the half dying embers. The tea pot was ready with its aromatic -herbs. She had seen to that, too. She lifted the kettle of boiling water -from where it sang its contented tune on the back of the polished stove. - -Then a sudden memory came to her. She turned, uplifted kettle in her -hand to the husband who watched her with prideful eyes. - -“Oh, Hugh, dear,” she remembered, “on your way to work in the morning, -will you stop in at Thompson’s and send me out twelve yards of tennis -flannel? I must make some new nighties for the babies. And be sure to -send pink; it always washes so much better than blue——” - - - THE END. - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -A few obvious punctuation and typesetting errors have been corrected -without note. - -[End of _The Valley of Content_ by Blanche Upright] - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VALLEY OF CONTENT *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/67728-0.zip b/old/67728-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4d03e6f..0000000 --- a/old/67728-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67728-h.zip b/old/67728-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4b9cd95..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67728-h/67728-h.htm b/old/67728-h/67728-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 89e0f6a..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h/67728-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14225 +0,0 @@ -<!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" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Valley of Content</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg"/> - <meta name="cover" content="images/cover.jpg" /> - <meta name="DC.Title" content="The Valley of Content"/> - <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Blanche Upright"/> - <meta name="DC.Language" content="en"/> - <meta name="DC.Created" content="1922"/> - <meta name="Pubdate" content="1922"/> - <meta name="DC.Subject" content="fiction, film adaptation"/> - <meta name="Tags" content="fiction, film adaptation"/> - <meta name="generator" content="fpgen 4.64a"/> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left:8%;margin-right:10%; } - .it { font-style:italic; } - .sc { font-variant:small-caps; } - p { text-indent:0; margin-top:0.5em; margin-bottom:0.5em; - text-align: justify; } - div.lgc { } - div.lgc p { text-align:center; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; } - h1 { - text-align:center; - font-weight:normal; - page-break-before: always; - font-size:1.2em; margin:2em auto 1em auto - } - - hr.tbk100{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid black; width:30%; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align:center; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35% } - hr.tbk101{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid white; width:30%; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; text-align:center; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35% } - hr.tbk102{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid white; width:30%; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; text-align:center; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35% } - hr.tbk103{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid white; width:30%; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; text-align:center; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35% } - hr.tbk104{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid white; width:30%; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; text-align:center; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35% } - hr.tbk105{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid white; width:30%; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; text-align:center; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35% } - hr.tbk106{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid white; width:30%; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; text-align:center; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35% } - hr.tbk107{ border:none; border-bottom:1px solid silver; width:90%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align:center; margin-left:5%; margin-right:5% } - hr.pbk { border:none; border-bottom:1px solid silver; width:100%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em } - .figcenter { - text-align:center; - margin:1em auto; - page-break-inside: avoid; - } - - div.blockquote { margin:1em 2em; text-align:justify; } - p.caption { text-align:center; margin:0 auto; width:100%; } - p.credit { text-align:right; margin:0 auto; width: 100%; } - - .nobreak { page-break-before: avoid; } - p.line { text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; } - .pindent { margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-indent:1.5em; } - .noindent { margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-indent:0; } - .hang { padding-left:1.5em; text-indent:-1.5em; } - </style> - <style type="text/css"> - h1 { font-size: 1.3em;} - .pindent {margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0em;} - .poetry-container { margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em } - </style> - </head> - <body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Valley of Content, by Blanche Upright</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Valley of Content</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Blanche Upright</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: March 28, 2022 [eBook #67728]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Mardi Desjardins & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at https://www.pgdpcanada.net</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VALLEY OF CONTENT ***</div> -<div class='figcenter'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0000' style='width:75%;height:auto;'/> -</div> - -<hr class='pbk'/> - -<div class='figcenter'> -<img src='images/i001.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0001' style='width:100%;height:auto;'/> -<p class='caption'><span style='font-size:smaller'>Elinor (Norma Shearer) attends a Bohemian party at the apartment of Templeton Druid (Ward Crane).</span><br/><span style='font-size:smaller'>(<span class='it'>“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”</span>)</span></p> -</div> - -<hr class='pbk'/> - -<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line' style='font-size:1.5em;font-weight:bold;'>THE</p> -<p class='line' style='font-size:2em;font-weight:bold;'>Valley of Content</p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'><span class='sc'>By</span> BLANCHE UPRIGHT</p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<div class='figcenter'> -<img src='images/logo.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0002' style='width:15%;height:auto;'/> -</div> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'>A. L. BURT COMPANY</p> -<p class='line'>Publishers New York</p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'><span style='font-size:smaller'>Published by arrangement with W. J. Watt & Company</span></p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -</div> <!-- end rend --> - -<hr class='pbk'/> - -<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'><span class='sc'>Copyright, 1922, by</span></p> -<p class='line'>W. J. WATT & COMPANY</p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'><span class='it'>Printed in the United States of America</span></p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -</div> <!-- end rend --> - -<hr class='pbk'/> - -<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'>WITH LOVE AND DEVOTION</p> -<p class='line'>I DEDICATE THESE PAGES</p> -<p class='line'>TO</p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'><span style='font-size:x-large'>Marjorie Rambeau</span></p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'>MY BELOVED INSPIRER</p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'> </p> -</div> <!-- end rend --> - -<hr class='pbk'/> - -<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.5em;'>THE VALLEY OF CONTENT</p> - -<hr class='tbk100'/> - -<div><h1 class='nobreak'>CHAPTER I</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Over the immaculate, freshly ironed white cotton -cloth on the little table set near the window -in the kitchen-dining room of the Bentons’ tiny -bungalow, a paper-shaded lamp glowed rosily. From -its tempered rays, the plated knives and forks and -spoons, polished to a shine that forgave the nickel -spots of usage, caught a pinkish tinge, and the bowl -of wild roses from its place of state in the center of -the table returned blush for blush.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But neither the rosy light, nor the roses themselves -had anything to do with the bright flush that -adorned Marjorie Benton’s face as she arose from -in front of the oven of her brightly shining kitchen -stove. She felt of her burning cheek with the back -of her hand. The twittering remonstrance of her -canary in its cheap little brass cage, disturbed by the -metallic clang of the closing oven door, turned her -gaze in his direction. She shook her head ruefully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“More cooking for women and there’d be less -rouge, eh, Andy?” she asked, and an understanding -“tweet-tweet” was her reply. Her glance wandered -to the small alarm clock tick-ticking merrily from -the shelf above her head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Another ten minutes,” she murmured. The -slowly moving hands of the time piece marked off -seven minutes after six. “Hugh should be here then, -and he does so like his roast just out of the oven. -Hmm! So do I—” she went on, but a cross little -look of dawning discontent crept into her eyes as -she glanced at the stove distastefully,—“except that -I surely would like to have someone else take it out -for me, for a change. Wonder if we’re ever going -to have a maid, or if I’m just naturally to dry up -and brown to a crisp bending over a stove all my -life!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Again she felt of her burning cheeks, as she -turned toward the neatly set table. A mended spot -in the table cloth caught her eye. She smoothed it -over.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Cotton!” she said, plaintively. “Just plain cotton! -I can pretend it’s linen all I want to, but it -don’t change the threads, nor—,” and she lifted a -knife with its silver worn undisguisedly off the end -and tried the effect of turning it over. She frowned -at the poor pretense.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She turned back to the stove and picked up the -dish cloth she had been using as a holder. Her -hand went toward the kettle that simmered contentedly, -a contrast to the simmering thoughts of the -pretty woman who glanced at it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I wonder—” she began, half aloud.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She stopped, listening, the dish cloth dangling in -her hand. With a hurried gesture she dropped it, -and was across the room to the door that led into -her hallway. Just a moment more she listened, her -head with its fair curls pressed against the door. -Then she opened it and tiptoed quietly through, -closing it noiselessly behind her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Before the closed nursery door she stopped once -more. Unmistakable sounds from within proved -that wee ones behind that portal were not spending -their time in earned repose. Marjorie’s half frown -was chased away by an indulgent smile of mother -love. Then she opened the door and entered the -room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Children!” she cried, as sternly as she had ever -brought herself to command. “Dear little people, -what does this mean? Mother can’t have this, you -know. It’s sleepy time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>From one of the two white cribs surrounded by -their halo of the last rays of the September sun came -a little wail. Two-year old Elinor Benton distinctly -disapproved of something—perhaps of going to -bed at all while the sun still shone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>From the other crib another brown tousled head -bobbed up. Its owner sat erect. Master Howard -Benton was reasoning that if his little sister who -was only two should be receiving attention, what -then was his due at the mature age of four.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton’s thoughts flew to the kitchen -she had just quitted, the flush from her oven still on -her face. Everything was all right there for a few -minutes, she knew. She did not approve of taking -babies from their beds once they were tucked in for -the night, but surely this once she could not refuse. -Her glance rested softly on Elinor’s curly head and -her pleading eyes. Then she lifted her gently and -sat down with her in the low rocker. Baby Elinor -snuggled in the protecting arms and though she felt -that she may not have been doing the prescribed -thing, Marjorie Benton’s eyes were soft and her -voice caressing as her hold tightened on her baby -and she began softly to sing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As she sang, the girl-mother’s eyes wandered -about the room, resting on the dado of Mother -Goose pictures where more than one darkened spot -proclaimed an interest and love for a particular story-book -personage. What babies Howard and Elinor -were! And they were hers! Hers! And Hugh’s! -Her hold tightened the least bit on the baby in her -arms, who was drifting off to dreamland.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The reverberation of the front door closed cautiously -brought the mother back from drifting. -Hugh! She must hurry.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>This time the child made no protest as she was -placed in her little crib and tucked in. But she -stopped long enough to place a kiss on the hair of -each baby before she lowered the shade and tiptoed -out.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her hands gave a quick pat to her own curls as -she flew up the hallway to greet Hugh Benton. He -had shuffled out of his light coat and turned from -hanging it on the hall rack with his arms extended to -his wife.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“H’lo sweetheart!” was his tender greeting, but -there was all the fervor in the bear-like squeeze he -gave her as she ran into his arms that there ever -had been in the earlier days of their honeymoon. -The Bentons were fond of remarking that their -honeymoon was only extended.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton raised his head and looked over -his wife’s shoulder.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Um! Dinner!” he exclaimed with a boyish grin. -“Pie! Your dinners are always wonderful, dearest.” -And Hugh gave his shiny-haired wife another -hug.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh! Please!” Marjorie struggled out of his -arms. “You don’t know how strong you are. You -almost hurt me—and do please be quiet—the kiddies -are asleep.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Already?” Hugh Benton’s tone and eyes were -full of disappointment. “No romp to-night? Seems -like I never do get much of a chance for a frolic -any more.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So genuine was the young father’s disappointment, -that Marjorie tempered the laugh she gave.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Big baby!” she chided, lovingly. “It’s not hard -to see who wants the romp most. But dinner will -do you more good, just as sleep will do them. I -can’t be having my family spoiled, you know.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Right, dear,—just as you always are. Be with -you in a minute—some of the grime of an honest -working man has to come off first.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton hurried to her dinner serving, -and as she placed the roast on the white cloth, her -eyes were tender as she heard the masculine splashing -from the bath room and the soft-pedaled whistling -that accompanied it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She whispered again softly. “Who could help -loving him. It’s enough to make me the happiest -woman in the world to know——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her husband’s entry broke in on her reverie, and -it filled her with all the pride of accomplishment to -see the glance of delight with which he took in the -simple tempting dinner. He leaned over to kiss her -as he placed her in her chair—a small attention he -had not discarded since the first days of their marriage.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Wonderful little woman!” he complimented -softly. “More wonderful every day.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She gave his hand a gentle pat, but tried to put -a depth of dignified remonstrance in her chiding.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t forget you’re a married man of five years’ -standing, Mr. Hugh Benton,” she urged, but the -laughter in her eyes belied the dignity of her words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So long!” Hugh took up the carving knife and -glanced along its sharpened edge. “You’ve a fine -idea of time, Mrs. Marjorie Benton. Now I’d say -five days—” His eyes twinkled suddenly as though -at some sudden thought, and he nodded toward the -bedroom. “Er—pardon me, my dear,—I forgot,—you -have the proof on me——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Flatterer!” Marjorie beamed on her husband as -she took the service he offered her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Anything new to-day?” Hugh was busy with his -dinner.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Plenty!” was Marjorie’s enthusiastic answer as -she let her fork drop and leaned across the table. -“Isn’t there always,—with such children as ours? -Oh, Hugh, dear, there never were such babies,—now -don’t you laugh at me!” as a little quirk in the corner -of Hugh’s mouth betrayed he was not becomingly -solemn. “You know I’m not like other mothers,—brag -about my children just because they’re mine—and -yours—but you also know they’re extraordinarily -bright.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh nodded, but there was that in his satisfied -expression before his wife had completed her résumé -of the day’s doings of her wonderful infants that -quite persuaded her that he was of her opinion. As -he laid aside his fork after his last bite of pie, his -was the beatific expression of the inwardly satisfied -male.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Want help with the dishes?” he asked. Marjorie -smiled at him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If I didn’t already know you were the best man -in the world,” she complimented, “that would -prove it. Don’t I know how you hate dish wiping? -No, dear, there are only a few,—I’ll do them.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thereby proving your own wonder,” was Hugh’s -praise. “Not another woman in this town would -refuse such an offer.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie laughed and gave him a playful shove -toward a chair as she handed him his paper.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There!” she exclaimed. “Take that,—and read -it. Maybe you’ll find something in it to make you -appreciate your own wife and babies. I’ll be through -in a minute, and there are lots of things we can do—interesting -things—like sitting on the porch and -looking at the moon or something. It’s been splendid -for the last few nights. Have you noticed?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh yawned contentedly. “Hasn’t it always -been whenever we’ve seen it together?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It had been. Marjorie Benton was sure of that,—surer -now than during any of those five years -she had been married. Everything had been splendid. -She could not help considering how much more -they had of the worth while things in the world than -any of the friends they had as her bright head bent -over her dish-washing and her glance darted through -the steam of the hot water occasionally to where -Hugh sat absorbed in his paper.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Perhaps the Benton romance had not been as spectacular -as some, but Marjorie inwardly thanked the -Providence that guided her that it was more <span class='it'>real</span>. -Hugh was right, too. It did seem such a short time -that they had been married. Then, anomalously -came the thought that she could not seem to remember -distinctly any time when she and Hugh had not -been one. She had vague memories of the time she -had been teaching school in this very town—that -seemed so long ago. She had been used to hearing -people say she was wasting her youth, her beauty -and her brains in such an occupation, but it had -in a way satisfied her. Then had come Hugh. He -had come to Atwood to be cashier of the bank, and, -though she did not know it then, he was as much -alone in the world as she herself. All those nearest -to them were gone. From the time of their first -meeting at a dance, Marjorie remembered that life -had taken on a different meaning to her. Her -thoughts flew back to those beautiful days that followed. -Her lips were tender in their smile of reminiscence -as she thought of that time. There had -been only Hugh and Marjorie. That was how it -was to-day,—except that there were two young and -tender Hughs and Marjories to bind them still closer -together. Marjorie’s smile grew more wistful as -she thought, her mind far from the bright glasses -she was burnishing as they came hot from their pan -of scalding suds. Hugh’s mention of the moon to-night—He -remembered it, then—She, too, remembered -how they so often sat under that big elm in the -moonlight, and Hugh softly, huskily singing,—Poor -Hugh! Wasn’t it too bad he never could keep to -the same key for two consecutive bars. But he never -noticed, and she knew she never cared. What was -that he was always humming?</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>What’s the matter with the moon to-night?</span>”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Again he was right. There never <span class='it'>had</span> been anything -the matter with it where they were concerned. -It had helped them tell their love, and so——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Seems like the end of a story, instead of the beginning,” -whispered Marjorie Benton to her flowered -salad bowl, “but——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And so, in three months, they had been married. -There hadn’t been much money; there wasn’t yet, but -what did it matter? They had their bungalow; it -was their own. What happiness they had had in -planning all the details just as Marjorie had always -planned them for herself when she put herself to -sleep nights planning for that “sometime in the future.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Money!” Marjorie Benton sniffed as she swirled -her dish cloth about the pan, and with one damp -hand flung back a recalcitrant bright curl that tickled -her small nose. “Humph! I’m the richest woman -in the world! What else——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Something to tell you, sweetheart, when you’re -through.” Hugh looked up from his paper and -broke in on his wife’s reverie. “Something you’ll -like, maybe.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Hugh, dear! Are they going to raise your -salary again?” she asked eagerly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh laughed, but there was a rueful shrug to -his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nothing so exciting,” he declared. “Have you -an idea that’s the Atwood Bank’s chief occupation? -No, dear, but it’s just as long a chance. I got my -patent from Washington to-day, and I believe I have -some real people in New York interested in it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Casually as he spoke, there was in Hugh Benton’s -manner that which would imply that he fully believed -he was offering to his wife the equivalent of -fur coats and jewels and estates so large that extra -sized depot wagons would be required to transport -the servants.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Clever boy!” Marjorie flew to him excitedly. -“Oh, I am so proud of you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“A bit early to be too proud yet, little one,” Hugh -replied in the choppy way he bit off so many of his -sentences. “Got to wait for results. But I’ll tell -you this,” and his arm slipped around her waist as -he bent for the kiss she offered, “if this thing does -go through, it’ll go through big, and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And I’ll be the wife of the great inventor!” -Marjorie could not restrain her enthusiasm. Hugh -smiled indulgently. But it was good to be appreciated,—to -be so completely believed in by someone. -It was the instinct of the woman who loves, though, -that led her to add: “But if it doesn’t go through, -dear, what of it? Won’t we still be the happiest -people in the whole world? It couldn’t be any other -way. Come on out on the porch and let the moon -tell us so.” And she drew him by a coat sleeve out -through the open door onto the small porch that the -moon was beginning to silver with its pale vivid light.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Through the trees, themselves silvered and softened -from their flaunting autumnal coloring of the -day, came wafted to them the fragrance of new-mown -hay. On the top step, they sat down, their -faces upturned to the same old moon that is for lovers -the world over. Softly Hugh Benton’s arm -slipped about the slender waist of his lithe young -wife. As of its own accord, her cheek nestled into -the curve of his coat sleeve. Out of the silvered -darkness, a phonograph from one of the nearby unseen -homes began to play. Through the stillness -came to them the voice of John McCormack:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>For this is the end of a perfect day.</span>”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“A perfect day,—yes!” sighed Marjorie Benton -as the singer’s voice died out. “But isn’t that the -way with all our days? They end and <span class='it'>start</span>—perfectly.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton’s dark head bent over his wife’s -bright one. His lips placed there his kiss of reverence -and thanksgiving.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER II</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>There have been rumors that when the serpent -in the Garden showed the apple to Eve, that -it wasn’t exactly an apple she saw. Some even -say the forbidden fruit, as she gazed at it, did what -our best movie writers call “dissolved” and slowly -faded into a yellow backed bill. And so the damage -was done.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At any rate, money or the wishing for it has done -a lot to women of all times ever since Eve first had -her vision. Marjorie Benton may have fully believed -in her own heart that it meant nothing to her, -but from the time that Hugh first gave her an idea -that his invention with which she had long been familiar -might really mean that she could have whatever -she wished, and was not a nebulous dream, -there subtly grew within her a spirit of discontent -which she would have denied—even to herself—but -which was nonetheless real.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The bungalow. Somehow it didn’t seem the most -desirable of all habitations as she had once thought -it. She could so easily use another bathroom; perhaps -two. With money, even these things were possible. -And a dining room. She seemed quite to -forget how wonderful had seemed that kitchen with -its small alcove when she and Hugh had planned -it from one of those perfect home magazines, she -sitting with her head buried on Hugh’s shoulder, he -holding her tightly with one hand as he marked out -diagrams with the other. The babies! There was -so much she wanted for them now, when she came -to think of it, and as for what she wanted for them -in the future—there seemed no end to the wishes or -the castle building.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To do her justice, Marjorie really hadn’t thought -much of what sudden fortune might mean to her -personally. She wasn’t naturally vain. That is, she -had not given herself the first thought. Discontent -with her own lot came upon her gradually, and, -as might reasonably be expected, she had been -brought to realize it through other women. Her -first realization was on a day when Mrs. Birmingham -and Mrs. Wallace called. Usually Marjorie -had accepted these two small town butterflies with a -smile of tolerance. This time it was different.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Their talk had been of clothes,—a fairly general -topic of conversation with average women. Mrs. -Birmingham grew positively eloquent as she described -her new fall costume with its garnishings of -beaver; of the smart little hat to match; the gloves, -shoes; all the little accessories necessary to an outfit -to be envied. But then Mrs. Birmingham was telling -of her possessions with just this purpose in view. -Not to be outdone, Mrs. Wallace drawled:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, my dear, but you know it is so much -easier to be outfitted if one does it near home. Now -I’ve had to send to New York for my moleskin stole. -Harvey wouldn’t hear of anything else. Seal and -the ordinary furs one sees are so common, don’t -you think?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In her usual contented frame of mind, Marjorie -would have chuckled at the attempted arrogance. -Now she sighed inwardly. Moleskin! And Mrs. -Wallace, poor little mouse-haired nonentity, was -actually going to have it while she, Marjorie— She -showed nothing of her thoughts, though, as she listened, -attentive and sweet as usual.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Not till they had gone and she sat curled up with -one foot under her on a big floor cushion (a favorite -attitude when she wanted to think) did she realize -that they had given her food for thought, and that -she wanted things! <span class='it'>Wanted</span> them!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m frazzled and frayed—almost disreputable!” -was her half bitter inward comment. “Why I -haven’t had any kind of a new suit in two years, -and as for a hat! Well,—” She laughed ruefully as -she clambered to her feet and mechanically shook -out the cushions that still bore the imprint of Mrs. -Birmingham’s none too svelte figure, “I shouldn’t -complain, I suppose. I had a new hat once,—some -time before Elinor was born.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Aggrieved as she felt for the moment, Marjorie -Benton realized that her lack of finery was not her -husband’s fault. He had always wished her to have -it, and had urged that she set aside something for -herself. But always something had happened to it. -Once she had been on the verge of spending it, when -Howard had to have his tonsils out; then had come -their contribution toward building the new church.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie groaned. “Just one thing after another—all -the time,” she complained, and complaining -was something so new Marjorie Benton would not -have recognized it in herself. “Oh, if Hugh should -do something with that invention! Surely he must!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And once again with the thought, came in a flood -all the day-dreams she had been indulging since he -had spoken to her a week and a half ago of his -hopes. What would she not do? As she stood between -the parted curtains gazing out into the street -swept with a scurrying vista of whirling autumn -leaves, it was not the brown and gold of fallen leaves -she saw, but visions of shop windows in gorgeous -colors, gowns of purple and gold and sapphire, and -tissues fine as spun cobwebs. All for her. For Marjorie -Benton was at least realizing how well her -beauty would accord with the vanities of femininity -and she knew she wanted them—not as she had -thought she had when she had so generously given -of her small store, but in the light of the possibility -which Hugh’s hopes had opened up to her. All these -women in Atwood who had somehow seemed to -patronize her, even when they told her how they envied -her her happiness. She wanted to show them!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hardly realizing it, Marjorie Benton found herself -a victim of an uneasy restlessness; a rapidly -growing discontent. For antidote she plunged -deeper than ever into her household duties, busied -herself with the babies, did everything, anything, to -keep her thoughts from straying. Each night as she -heard Hugh’s step on the walk, her heart beat in -mad suspense—“Would there be any news to-night?” -was the question involuntarily on her lips.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The only answer so far had been Hugh’s sad -little negative nod, but there came a night, after he -kissed her, when he handed her a letter before he -vanished into the bedroom where the children were -playing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s hands were so unsteady she could -hardly open it, although Hugh’s demeanor had been -such she almost knew what to expect in advance, and -therefore the courteous refusal that met her eyes -did not surprise her in the least. She brushed away -unbidden tears and hastened after him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Never mind, dear,” she soothed gently, pulling -his head down to kiss him, “you have other firms -to hear from yet—we mustn’t let one answer discourage -us.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Brave little girl,” he answered. “Thinking of -me as usual, when I know what that letter meant to -you—now wait,” as she started to protest, “let me -finish, dear. Don’t you think, sweetheart, that I -haven’t noticed a change in you this past week? You -haven’t been yourself at all, although you have tried -to make believe—and I know it’s been anxiety over -my old invention. Why, dear one,” and Hugh Benton -gently smoothed his wife’s hair as he soothed -her as he would one of the youngsters who were -pulling at his coat tails, “if I had known you were -going to take it this way—that it would have caused -you a moment’s worry, I wouldn’t have told you a -thing about it until everything was all settled, and we -were millionaires.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie caught a sob in her throat as she gazed -at Hugh with wide open eyes. So he had noticed -that something was wrong. How selfish she had -been. A tear trembled on her long lashes as she -glanced up at him contritely.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Hugh, dear, dearest,” she quavered. “I -didn’t think you—I didn’t know—you see—” she -clutched his coat sleeve and hid her face in it as -little Elinor and Howard danced about shouting with -glee, each with the idea of some new game. But -mother was only searching for words. They came in -a gush, and the little sob that accompanied them -made grave for a moment the face of the man she -held to so tightly,—a graveness replaced in a moment -by an indulgent smile of understanding as she spoke. -“Oh, I wasn’t thinking about the money so much, -d-d-ear, but Mrs. Wallace has a new moleskin stole -and Mrs. Birmingham has a be-e-aver co-co-at!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So it was out. Man fashion Hugh hadn’t thought -that Marjorie might want the things so dear to the -hearts of other women. She had seemed so different. -But he remembered that she was a woman, after all, -and it was with a little pang that he realized how -little she had really had during the past few years. -His lips set in a grim line of determination to change -all this as he patted her hair, but his words were as -cheery and hearty as always as he whispered:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There, there, honey, don’t fret! You shall have -’em, too! But right now, don’t you think it would be -a good idea to get on the old blue bonnet and let’s -take a whirl at the movies? Cheer up all around? -Charlie Chaplin and Nazimova—weeps and laughs. -What say? Can’t you get Mrs. Clancy to watch the -babies?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And as though the matter were settled, which -Marjorie knew it was, Hugh Benton, in his usual -abrupt way, resumed his interrupted romp with his -son and heir and the little princess of the house of -Benton.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Cypress Avenue was the rather imposing name -that the dwellers on that thoroughfare in Atwood -chose to use in referring to their place of residence. -Why Cypress, though, was a question that was bound -to present itself to the casual visitor. There were -maple trees in plenty, a few dogwoods and scattered -shrubs of nondescript nomenclature that grew without -regard to any scheme of city gardening either -inside or outside the flagged sidewalks at their own -sweet will. But cypresses—stay! Yes, there was a -cypress if one chose to go that far to look for it,—away -out at the end of the street at the entrance to -the Forest Home Cemetery, beyond the more pretentious -homes of brick and concrete that housed -such aristocracy as the Birminghams and the Wallaces. -Mr. Birmingham was president of the Atwood -Bank, and Edgar Wallace made sufficient as -the town’s chief merchant to clothe his wife in moleskin. -On Cypress Avenue, too, lived the Moultons, -the Carvers, the Hopewells, coal and wood, hardware -and grain barons and baronesses of their own -small world. It was something to live on Cypress -Avenue, and the Bentons, in building their shingle -bungalow had felt a glow of pride in taking their -place with the elect of their chosen place of residence. -They were farther downtown, though, within -such a short distance of Depot Avenue, the main -street and business district, that they could easily see -the lights of the Princess, the movie theater, flash -on each night, and could tell to a nicety the time of -night by seeing when Oscar Merriman, the depot -agent and telegrapher, turned out the electrics preparatory -to closing up and going to his own home -far across the railroad tracks in Sandy Hill.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>That the farmers coming and going from the outlying -districts chose to speak of Depot Avenue as -the main road, and of Cypress Avenue as the short -cut, in no wise disturbed the residents of that avenue. -They were quite assured that their chief residential -street compared most favorably with that of any -street in any town the size of Atwood.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Shaded as it was, and lighted with the new lights -in their opalescent globes recently installed by the city -fathers—and brothers and sisters and cousins and -aunts, too,—it was a foregone conclusion that Cypress -Avenue should be the favorite strolling place -for Atwoodites on such nights as strolling was possible. -So when Hugh and Marjorie Benton closed -their front gate and started toward Depot Avenue -and the movie lights, they did not particularly remark -the numbers of people who passed and stopped -them to pass laughing comments of the events of the -day. With the thoughts of money she had been harboring, -and the newly arisen desire for a change, -Marjorie Benton realized with something of a -pang that such a change as her day dreams had led -her to desire would mean a forfeiting of all this jolly -camaraderie. She was not altogether sure that she -really wanted it, after all. But as they turned into -the principal street and the few lights in front of the -main stores greeted her, her mind flew hastily to the -vision of New York and its Great White Way as -she remembered it on one of her few visits to the -city. Yes, that was what she wanted—<span class='it'>must have!</span></p> - -<p class='pindent'>So interested was she in her own thoughts, that -she did not notice the unusual quietness of the husband -who walked beside her, his brows drawn into -a furrow, his lips compressed with determination as -he glanced once or twice at his pretty young wife, -apparently noticing for the first time that Marjorie’s -hat <span class='it'>wasn’t</span> in the least like that of Mrs. Rolfe who -had just passed them with a cheery good evening; -that Marjorie’s gloves were undeniably mended; -that in spite of the jauntiness with which she wore it, -her little blue velvet coat was badly worn about the -seams.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was with a start that Marjorie Benton brought -herself back to Atwood to recognize that a small -car had stopped at the curb beside them. Someone -was calling to her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You must be thinking of something very pleasant—and -far away,” came the staccato voice of Mrs. -Birmingham, as she leaned out of the car and shook -her hand admonishingly at Marjorie. “I’ve called -you three times.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’m sorry!” Marjorie was earnestly apologetic. -“I was thinking——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Little Mr. Birmingham’s snappy laugh broke in -to cover her confusion. “Don’t do it, my dear,” he -advised. “Bad for your pretty head. Now Matilda, -here, she never thinks—and look at her——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“James William!” Mrs. Birmingham brought all -the hauteur she could command in reprimand of her -spouse. Then, ignoring him, she turned to the Bentons -and there was a purr in her voice as she went -on:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I only stopped you, Marjorie, dear, to see if you -would not promise me—positively <span class='it'>promise</span>—to be -one of the hostesses at the Dilemma Club’s reception -next Friday. We’ve seen so little of you recently—everyone -is asking why you are keeping so to yourself, -and—oh, I know what you’re going to say,” -raising her gray gloved hand protestingly as Marjorie -started to speak, “—the babies, and all that, -but you should not neglect your social duties so—other -women have babies, too, and we need you, you -know. You’re our prize ‘cultured lady,’ remember, -and besides you’re much better off than so many -women who <span class='it'>never</span> neglect the club. You have your -incomparable Mrs. Clancy who will always come -when you call her, but how you’re able to manage it -when it is <span class='it'>so</span> hard for anyone to get servants,—now -my second girl who has only been with me a week -was telling me only to-day that she couldn’t stay, -and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mr. Birmingham’s sniff was loudly audible.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Second chief cook and bottle washer,” he commented, -“and twenty-fourth you’ve tried to have -stay and wear a confounded white cap. Hmmph! -What a woman needs of two girls to wait on her -beats me, eh, Benton?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Though she flushed angrily, Mrs. Birmingham’s -control was admirable as she added, before Marjorie -could voice a reply: “Then that’s settled. -You’ll come—I can depend on you——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s thoughts were aghast as she thought -of her one all-too-worn best gown, the impossibility -of wearing it,—and the still greater impossibility of -getting another.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, really, I—I can’t say right now—” Marjorie -stammered, and she was conscious of the hot -flood that crimsoned her face.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Certainly she will go!” Hugh Benton broke in -in his decided way. His single glance into the knowing -depths of Mrs. Birmingham’s small gray eyes -had decided him. He felt the slight twinge as his -wife nipped his arm in remonstrance, but his lips -were still set in that firm line of determination that -had first come to him when he had learned that -Marjorie wanted more than he had been able to -give her. He <span class='it'>would</span> make good for Marjorie, and -this should be a beginning.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But dear, I——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He cut her remonstrance short.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If it’s a new gown that’s bothering you,” he said -bluntly, “then you can order one to-morrow,—from -New York. You know,” and he looked squarely at -Mrs. Birmingham as she lifted politely inquiring -eyebrows, “my wife has been going out so little, -that she has not paid the attention to frills that are -usual with women, I believe.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Splendid!” enthused the banker’s wife, but there -was a queer half smile on Birmingham’s thin lips -that told of his glee that his Matilda had received -one quietus to her patronizing. “Then we won’t -keep you any longer. Sorry we haven’t the big car -with us,” she drawled. “But it’s a beautiful night -for a stroll, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We’re going to the movies,” remarked Marjorie, -in the tone she might have employed at announcing -an opera opening. “They’re having two splendid -pictures to-night—why don’t you come with us?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. Birmingham stifled a well-assumed yawn. -“Oh, the movies,” she said languidly. “They bore -me to extinction. I’m dreadfully spoiled, I’m afraid. -In New York when I’m with my sister (you know -I spent three months there the last time) we went -to the theater almost every night. Theaters make -the movies seem so—er—banal, don’t you think?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hmmph!” once more remarked the snappy little -banker, in a tone that led one to believe it was his -favorite expression, or, rather, explosion. “Theatres -every night—brother-in-law with a pull that got -free tickets for everything where they couldn’t sell -seats—made you forget you once wanted to dress -your hair and roll your eyes like Theda Bara, didn’t -they, eh, Matilda? Well, <span class='it'>I</span> like the movies—wish -I could be going with you, folks, but we got to be -getting along. Good luck!” His hand went toward -the starter, but the hand of Mrs. Birmingham stayed -him for a last word.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I almost forgot, Marjorie, my dear,” she -called, as Hugh and Marjorie turned toward the -lights of Depot Avenue, “my sister sent me a lot of -things yesterday—some new books and so on—and -I know you’re just crazy about reading, so I’m going -to send some of them over to you for you to read -and tell me about. I always get <span class='it'>so</span> much more -benefit out of a book when someone who is <span class='it'>interested</span> -tells me about it. You will, there’s a dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, thank you, Mrs. Birmingham,” Marjorie -began, and she was almost startled by the abrupt -way in which Hugh hurried her along, her thanks -half expressed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Patronizing old frump!” he fumed. “Well, -that’s the last of it—no more!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie laughed at his intensity.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, what harm, Hugh, dear?” she defended, -and the humorous light that he knew and loved so -well chased away the half wistfulness of the last -few hours. “She likes it and it doesn’t do me any -harm. But,” and she dimpled as she looked up at -her tall husband and gleefully squeezed his arm, “did -you notice she didn’t have on the beaver coat?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Plenty of cat, though,” and Hugh’s frown did -not lighten as his hand slipped into his trousers -pocket and he laid his money down on the cashier’s -window in front of the gay little movie theater.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In shaded Cypress Avenue the Birminghams’ small -car whirled along. Its occupants were silent—for a -few moments. Mrs. Birmingham broke that silence.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“James William Birmingham,” she declared (he -was always “James William” instead of “Jimmie” -when Mrs. Birmingham had anything of great importance -to say), “you have hurt my feelings!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The banker snorted. “Then you know how it -feels.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And in front of the Bentons, of all people!” -She was on the verge of tears, but Mr. Birmingham -believed in letting a lesson sink in.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, what’s wrong with them?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“N-nothing, nothing at all,” was the impatient -reply. “But, oh, you know how it is as well as I -do. Marjorie Benton is just perfect in most people’s -eyes, and if anything is wanted, don’t they go and -ask her instead of coming to me, the banker’s wife? -All I have is clothes and theaters and things, and if -you think I’m not going to make her feel that I’m -superior in some ways, then you’re all wrong. Marjorie -Benton hasn’t had a new thing in years. I’ve -got to get even with her someway, or she’d be thinking -she was better than I am, or than anyone. All -of us pity her, though, because she’s so shabby.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Louder than at any time previously James William -Birmingham exploded his “Hmmph!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hmmph! Pity all you like, but it’ll be wasted, -I can tell you. Unless I miss my guess, the Bentons -’ll soon be richer than anyone in this little old -town, just as she’s already the brightest and prettiest -little woman here, and he’s the finest man I -know. Wish I had money enough to back him myself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Wonderful invention, indeed!” Matilda Birmingham -was disdainful. “That old rubber stamp -thing! Why, we’ve been hearing about it for ages, -and I for one, don’t believe it will ever amount to -anything.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All you know about it.” The banker had the -closing word. “Well, you just chew over this—if -it wasn’t for a lot of little old inventions like that -women like you would be finding a lot more to do -keeping house and making a home instead of gadding -and talking about their new clothes to someone -who hasn’t got ’em!”</p> - -<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;'>• • • • •</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. Clancy, the dependable, was dozing in the -kitchen when Hugh and Marjorie returned from -their outing. But she had not forgotten to put out -on the little table the bit of supper that she knew -Hugh and Marjorie liked on such occasions. Marjorie’s -smile was different from her usual one, -though, as she recalled how often she and Hugh -had sat down at their own little table thus, and over -and over had reminded each other how much better -it was than any restaurant, how much luckier they -were than most people. To-night, somehow—well, -she wasn’t so sure.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Not a whimper out of the blessed lambs,” the -old serving woman assured Marjorie’s eagerness -about her babies. “Oi’ve caught forty winks, too, -and—” She stopped in the careful tying of her -bonnet strings, to dig deep into a pocket, bringing -out a crumpled telegram. “Now, and if Oi didn’t -almost forget the bit letter Tim Smith’s bye Jerry -brought.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s heart lost a beat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“A telegram!” she cried. “Why, who can it -be——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Already Hugh had torn it open, and it was with -a light of gladness in his eyes and a flourish as of -laying at her feet the wealth of the world, that he -handed it to his wife.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We’ve won, dearest,—I’m sure of it. See it is -from the biggest of all the firms I’ve wanted to interest.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In a daze Marjorie gazed at the few typed words -as though they held magic. She was but dimly -aware of her mechanical good-night to the good-hearted -Irishwoman who made it possible for such -little pleasures as she and Hugh had to-night enjoyed. -There was entrancement; the words danced -in letters of gold before her eyes.</p> - -<div class='blockquote'> - -<p class='noindent'><span class='sc'>Hugh Benton</span></p> - -<p class='pindent'> <span class='sc'>Atwood, N. Y.</span></p> - -<p class='noindent'><span class='sc'>Meeting with Directors Arranged -for Ten Thirty, Sept. 23. Everything -Favorable to Date.</span></p> - -<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:2em;'><span class='sc'>Templeton, Baird & Co.</span></p> - -</div> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dearest!” At last she found voice. “How perfectly -wonderful! Oh, I <span class='it'>knew</span> you would make me -proud of you!” She flew to him and her arms -reached up to cling about his neck. The man’s eyes, -too, were dim, but there was in them that which -showed he knew now he must not fail,—that he -must do all this woman he loved and who loved him -believed him capable of. His arms folded about her -tenderly. With a sudden thought, though, she drew -away a bit to glance once more at the crumpled -yellow sheet that meant so much. “Why dear!” -she gasped wonderingly, “it’s right away, too! Did -you notice? This meeting is for <span class='it'>to-morrow</span>!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton nodded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, sweetheart. And I’ve been thinking while -you’ve been dreaming and waking up to realities. -I’ll take the morning train—I’ll telephone Mr. -Birmingham—and I can be back at mid-night. You -can get Mrs. Clancy to come over and stay with -you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie drew back reproachfully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. Clancy! Oh, Hugh, dear! How can you -think I could have anybody about when I’ll have so -much to think of—so much to plan——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh smiled a bit ruefully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Seemed to me lately you’d already been planning -a lot—got new ones to make?” he asked, half teasingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hundreds, thousands, millions of them,” declared -Marjorie, sweeping her hands in a gesture to -include the world. “Oh, I won’t be lonely—you can -be sure of that. But,” and her eyes roved toward -the table with its untouched food and the coffee pot -simmering on the stove, “here we are forgetting to -eat. It must be serious. Sit down dear, and let’s -plan it all out. I’m going to get the chocolate cake. -This isn’t to be an ordinary feast, you know!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton’s eyes were somber as he watched -his wife, her face flushed to a deep wild rose, her -eyes shining like stars, as she flew to arrange their -belated supper. His thoughts were far off.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I wonder,” he murmured, as he closely followed -her movements, his chin cupped in one hand, his -elbow resting on the table with its embroidered -doilies, Marjorie’s own handiwork, “I wonder if it -is really what she wants. But I’ve got to do it—I -<span class='it'>must</span> make good—I will!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER III</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton reached out and took a large -piece of the chocolate cake which his wife -held toward him. He bit into it hugely with -satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, little one,” he said, his mouth full of the -toothsome morsel, “let’s hear what’s on your mind. -Shoot!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh, dear!” Marjorie shook a remonstrative -finger at him. “You know how I dislike slang! -And what if the babies should see you with your -mouth crammed like that!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her husband grinned boyishly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Pardon me,” he said, with exaggerated dignity. -“What I meant to say, Mrs. Benton, was, what -have you been planning to do when your husband is -no longer a wage slave, a poor minion whose chief -duty is to watch other people’s money, and shall -himself become a personage of wealth and position?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s eyes sparkled and her cheeks glowed -rosy with excitement as she answered enthusiastically. -“Oh, such heaps and heaps of wonderful -plans, dear. I scarcely know how to begin to tell -them all. First of all, of course, we’ll leave here -and go to New York. We will purchase a lovely -home—somewhere on the Drive, I think. Then we -will spend days and days going about in all sorts of -quaint little shops searching for rare antiques and -selecting beautiful furniture and draperies. When -our home is ready, we will have a nurse for the -kiddies, and after a couple of years, a governess, and -when they grow up, Elinor can go to a select finishing -school for young ladies, and Howard can attend -college and—oh, I could go on forever and ever -planning, but it seems absurd, so many years ahead, -and—” She stopped suddenly. “Why dear, you’re -not enthusing at all, and you don’t seem to be interested -in anything I am saying. Don’t my castles -in the air meet with your approval?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh shook his head sadly. “Well not exactly, -dear—the first time since we’ve been married, too, -but our ideas are mighty far apart.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well then, what do your ideas happen to be?” -Marjorie was a little hurt.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh contemplated his wife for a moment, as -though loath to say anything that might dim the enthusiasm -that glowed in her blue eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My thoughts are a long way from New York,” -he began, “probably you wouldn’t be interested at -all. But all my life I’ve had just one dream.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, I’m interested in what you want, -Hugh dear,” quietly answered Marjorie, but something -in her tone belied the ardor of the words. -“Tell me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s just this.” For a moment Hugh stopped, -and the vision he conjured brought an eagerness to -his words when he spoke.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I want to be a farmer—a gentleman farmer. I -want to buy an estate or small farm not far from -New York but near this place where we have always -been so happy. I’ll hire men to do the rough -part of the work, but I want to keep myself busy -and occupied overseeing things. I never did like to -be idle. You know that. Then we can have that -nurse for the children so that we can run up to New -York occasionally for a few days and have all the -theaters and opera we want. Then when the youngsters -are old enough to attend school, I should like -to send them to a public school. Some of our -greatest men and women have been educated in -them, you must recall. I don’t believe in finishing -schools—never did—they’d make Elinor a snob. -As for colleges, unless a boy is absolutely sincere in -wanting to be a professional man, what good would -they do him? Howard would just get in with the -idle rich, which in the end would surely spell disaster -for him morally and financially. You see, my -dear, I want my daughter to be a <span class='it'>real</span> woman like -her mother; and my son, all I ask is that he be a -man!” He stopped, musing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Had Hugh Benton not been so interested in his -own dream, he would have seen on the face of his -wife more varying emotions than he had ever seen -since he had known her. They would have been -new to him. Disappointment she showed, disapproval, -injury, then, swiftly following, a real indignation -in the narrowing to pin points of the pupils -of her wide eyes. But when she spoke, it was in a -meek, cool voice.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And what about your wife?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh laughed. “Why, everything for my wife,” -he said. “You’ll be chatelaine of it all.” He -glanced up at her and stopped, fork suspended in -midair at the strange expression he saw. “Why, -Marjorie, little girl,” he queried, earnestly, “what’s -wrong? What is it, dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s foot tapped impatiently on the bare -floor of the kitchen-dining room. She gave an almost -imperceptible shrug.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nothing,” she declared, without apparent interest. -“Nothing at all—except that after all these -five years of privation and hard work, now when -you have prospects of actually becoming wealthy, -you sit there and calmly propose <span class='it'>to bury me on a -farm</span>!” The scorn in the utterance of the last words -brought a look of surprise, quickly followed by pain -to the eyes of Hugh Benton. He spoke, slowly, -contritely.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I suppose I’m selfish, like all men,” he said sadly, -“but, someway, because I’ve been so happy myself, -I’ve never known before that the years we’ve been -married had been a burden to you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Then the real Marjorie Benton came to the surface. -She reached over to grab his hand convulsively.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m the one to be forgiven, dear,” she begged -contritely. “Oh, I never meant that—indeed I -didn’t—you know I’ve been happy. Oh, I didn’t -realize what I was saying!” She forced back the -tears.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, it hasn’t been hard—I’ve had you, -haven’t I, and my babies, but somehow, I can’t make -you understand how I feel—I’m all unstrung. I -do want to try life in a different sphere among an -entirely different class of people. I can’t help having -aspirations for my children, can I, and I can’t -see anything ahead of them if they are narrowed -down to a life like ours has been. And what could -I do if we go to live on a farm? Just routine—monotony—forever!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You could do a great deal of good, dear,” -Hugh answered gently. “Think of all the poor and -needy that you could aid. You could be a ministering -angel right here in our own little town, for you -know as well as I do how many there are who would -be grateful to have a helping hand.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So you think being a ‘ministering angel’ could -fill my life?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Combined with the love of your husband and -children, it most assuredly should. Why, dear, -there isn’t anything in the world that can bring you -such happiness as helping someone in distress.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, couldn’t I do that in New York?” Marjorie -brightened a little. “There’s lots of room for -charity there—I could go in for settlement work or -something. Think how much larger a field I would -have to ‘minister’ in!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So earnest was his gravity, that he passed his -wife’s bit of levity unheeded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There you are!” he exclaimed. “The field’s too -large—and there are already too many in it—workers -of all kinds,—sincere and insincere. I -guess you could find enough to do, if you want to, -a lot nearer home.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With his usual manner of having settled a matter, -Hugh Benton rose from the little table and yawned -broadly. He never even thought as he saw his wife -fingering a doily, nervously folding and unfolding it -in creased patterns, that this was a symptom of -nervous tumult.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, well, I guess we’re a couple of kids,” he told -her with a laugh. “Day dreaming,—fussing over -make believes. We haven’t any money—yet—Time -enough to argue when the papers are signed. And -if I don’t get to bed pretty quick I won’t be in much -shape to talk to those people, either. Coming -along?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie shook her head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Not for a few minutes. I must put the cake -away. Butter and eggs still mean something, as -you’ve reminded me. So run along.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Deeply in love with his wife as he was, Hugh -Benton would not have dropped off to sleep so -quickly had he known how long his wife was to sit -where he had left her, brooding over their talk, -telling herself of his unfairness, wearing herself into -a mood so entirely unlike herself. There was indeed, -something radically wrong with Marjorie -Benton,—and money was at the bottom of it. Already -it had made her almost quarrel with her husband. -Now the prospect of it had roused in her a -bitterness and resentment of which she would not -have believed herself capable a few short weeks -before.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When at last she crept softly in beside her sleeping -husband, it was with the determination that she -would not be put aside in the way Hugh had put -her—that she was going to have one great big say -as to how that not-yet-earned money was going to -be spent. And none of her plans included any farms -or ministering angels. Restlessly she turned from -side to side, unable to sleep. She was filled with -smoldering indignation. Surely she was right about -Hugh treating her unfairly. Wasn’t it his duty to -live where she would be happiest, if he could afford -it? Was it right for him to want to please himself -only? And besides—all that talk about the children. -Surely she, their mother, should know what -was best for them. With her last troubled waking -thought a determination to let Hugh understand -exactly how she stood in the matter before he left -for New York, she dropped into an uneasy slumber.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A dream came. She was walking through a narrow -path in a beautiful garden. On each side of her -were rows of magnificent roses. She gathered them -as she walked along. Repeatedly a voice whispered -to her to turn back, but she ignored the warning, -and went on her way blithely. As she reached a -bend in the path and was about to turn into it Hugh -suddenly appeared before her. He, too, implored -her to relinquish her roses and return from whence -she came. She eyed him haughtily from head to -foot, and disdainfully brushing aside his detaining -hand, went forward. Then it was that the ground -gave way under her, and she found herself slipping -downward—downward, with startling rapidity. -The weight of the roses in her arms became unbearable. -It was impossible to free herself from their -overwhelming odor of sickening sweetness; she was -submerged beneath them. In desperation she commanded -her last ounce of strength and screamed -aloud for Hugh to save her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She awoke to find him bending solicitously over -her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it, honey?” he asked gently. “That -nightmare must have been dreadful—you screamed -so you awakened us all.” Marjorie sat up in bed -dazedly, rubbing her eyes. Through the open door -she saw Elinor and Howard peeking at her through -the bars of their cribs. “Did I scream?” she asked -wonderingly. “How silly—I did have a dreadful -dream, but,” she sat up wide awake, “what time -is it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Half past six.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Already?” She yawned a bit, but strangely was -not sleepy. Sudden memory of her determination -came to her. “Well, then, I’m going to get up and -dress the babies as long as I scared them out of their -sleep. I’ll start them with their breakfast, then I -want to have a talk with you, Hugh.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh groaned with mock seriousness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Can’t a fellow even go to the big town to make -a million dollars without having to carry a lot of -samples to match or have to bring home an -aluminum pan or something?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But there was no answering light of humor from -his wife. How little Hugh knew how serious had -been their talk of the night before, she thought as -she deftly swung little Elinor around to fasten her -tiny rompers. Well, he would know before he left -that she was not going to let him have his own way -without a word from her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As a usual thing Hugh’s not over-melodious whistling -as he shaved and dressed was a pleasure to -her. She thought of him as a big boy, a grown-up -edition of her own small Howard, and it was with -an indulgent smile that she would listen to him as -she hurried the children with their breakfasts while -his coffee was being prepared and the little table -set for their own breakfast. This morning, however, -it had a strangely disturbing effect. Somehow -she wished he wouldn’t do it. He sounded so—well, -so overconfident. Of course, she was glad if -he felt confident of the success of his mission in New -York, but he shouldn’t be planning, as she knew he -was, to spend their money as he had proposed the -night before.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Hugh was so full of his plans for selling his -invention, so eager in his hurried talk, that he never -noticed her attitude, her unusual silence as she -opened his eggs, spilling them a little as her hand -trembled with the indignation that she had nursed -through the night. He hurried through the last -mouthful, rose and started to put on his overcoat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Got to hurry a little in spite of our early start, -honey,” he observed, glancing at his watch. “Hurry -up with your orders for the head of the house.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Still Marjorie Benton was silent until she had -followed her husband from the kitchen out onto the -little porch and closed the door behind her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh,” she began, and there was firmness and -determination in her tone and in the set of her -daintily-molded young chin. “I’m sorry to have to -say this, but I can’t let you go off to New York until -we come to a decision about the matter of which we -spoke last night.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What matter?” For the minute, his mind far -away on what he intended to do, the master of the -house of Benton had forgotten the talk which had -come to mean so much to his wife. Then a light -dawned on him, and he grinned. “Oh, yes, I remember,” -and his light laugh only further annoyed -Marjorie, “we spent several million dollars in several -different ways, didn’t we?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s no laughing matter, Hugh.” At last Hugh -turned his wondering gaze on his wife’s set face -to see that she was really in earnest. “Why, -honey——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s all right to put me off with sweet words,” -Marjorie burst out with a sudden impatience, “but -we must have an understanding before you go. It’s -just as well for you to know I won’t be shut up in -anybody’s farm house.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The man glanced again at his watch, and all the -smile had died from his eyes as he spoke quietly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you think it just a little unfair to bring -up unpleasant things to-day, of all days—when I -ought not to think of anything but business. Trivial -annoyances of this kind are anything but pleasant -at any time, but——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Trivial possibly to you,” Marjorie retorted, and -her face flushed darkly as she bit her lips to keep -back the tears that were imminent, “but it’s a -serious matter to me, and I want you to know exactly -how I feel. I think it is but right that you -should, before even another step is taken. It is just -this. Not only do I positively refuse to live on a -farm, but I will not have my children given a public-school -education if I can afford to give them any -other!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Said it all?” Hugh bit off his words, and there -was a graveness and injury in his manner that was -new to Marjorie, and which she did not fail to -catch. “If you have, I think I’d better be getting -along, or we may not have any money to quarrel -over!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Chameleon that she was, Marjorie Benton was -changed in a minute. One soft arm reached up to -cling around her husband’s neck, while she pulled -him toward her by one overcoat lapel.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Hugh dear, we weren’t quarreling, were we? -Please say we weren’t! Why, we’ve never had a -quarrel in our lives, and—oh, I just wanted you -to know how I feel, and try to think as I do. You -will, won’t you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton bent and kissed both eyes that -looked at him so beseechingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll try, dear,” was his grave promise. “You -know that your happiness is all that concerns me, -just as you know it is for you that I want to put this -thing across at all.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton sighed with happiness as she -bade her husband good-by. What a good place -the world was after all!</p> - -<hr class='tbk101'/> - -<p class='pindent'>Busy as she was through the day, Mrs. Hugh -Benton often thought afterward that it was the -longest day of her life. It seemed that night and -the train that would bring Hugh back—back to her -with the good news that she was sure he would bring—would -never come.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In the afternoon there was one slight diversion. -Mrs. Birmingham’s big car stopped outside her -gate, and the great lady herself came into Marjorie’s -humble little home bearing the books she had -promised the day before. But for once in her life, -Marjorie was not in the least interested in the chatter -of the banker’s wife. She did not even take the -trouble to offer any prideful reason for Hugh’s absence -in New York. She only wanted to be alone -to think what he was doing, and to plan what they -would all do with the wealth he would lavish on -them.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Four o’clock, five—six at last. Time for Howard’s -and Elinor’s supper. At last they were in bed. -The last question was answered, little Elinor’s eyes -shutting tightly in spite of herself as she crooned -the last lines of her “Wock-a baby” she had had in -mother’s lap.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Alone, Marjorie was distinctly restless. She even -began to be sorry she had not sent for Mrs. Clancy, -and once even started for the telephone to send for -the garrulous old lady. It was such a long time between -six-thirty and mid-night. But no, she would -find something to do. It was not with a great deal -of success that she tried to busy herself, however. -She straightened out the sideboard drawers. Another -half hour gone. There was a lot of mending -piled in her sewing basket, but somehow she did not -feel like that now. She contented herself with rearranging -its contents. Scattered about were a lot -of magazines she and Hugh had finished reading. -Now was a good time to tie them up to be sent to -the infirmary. She straightened up from this task -to glance at the clock which had never ticked so -slowly before. Why, it was only a little after seven -now! Her eyes wandered to the table where she -had placed the gayly bound books Mrs. Birmingham -had brought. She idly turned the pages of one. It -did not look uninteresting. Once more her hand -reached out for a moment through habit for the -mending basket. Then she laughed as she withdrew -it. What was the use? They wouldn’t have to be -wearing mended things much longer, any of them. -She might as well read until Hugh’s train reached -Atwood.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll find out just how Mrs. Birmingham’s sister’s -taste in literature runs,” she mused, “though I doubt -if Mrs. B. will ever profit very much this time by -having her books read for her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Another shovelful of coal for the fire, and with the -big wicker chair drawn up in front of it, Marjorie -Benton gave herself a little shake to settle down comfortably -as she opened her book and slipped her -fingers between its pages to find if there were any -uncut leaves. For the first time that day, she forgot -the passage of time. Page after page she turned -as the clock ticked on, striking its hours and half -hours unheeded. It was a fascinating story, at that.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The soft closing of the kitchen door caused her -to look up with a start. She jumped to her feet as -though she could not believe her eyes. There was -Hugh standing before her, a wide bland smile on -his handsome face as he drew off a brand new glove.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh, dear!” she exclaimed, “how you startled -me! I didn’t hear you come up the walk—why, I -didn’t even hear the train! Did you get an earlier -one? What time is it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Ten after twelve, honey,” he answered. “You -must have been reading something mighty good, and -here I came in so quietly. Thought you’d be -asleep!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Asleep! Oh, how could you! Don’t you know -I’m just perishing to know what happened! Tell -me—quick, quick!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton’s ready grin broadened. He was -teasingly slow in answering as his hand went into his -pocket and he drew out a wallet, and with maddening -slowness drew from it a certified check.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just a scrap of paper,” he commented off-handedly, -“but this will tell you what you want to know, -and then I’ll tell you the rest.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s eyes widened with amazement at the -startling figures on the face of the small piece of -paper he dangled before her. She was too choked -with emotion for a moment to speak. Her husband’s -arms closed gently around her and he drew -her to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We did it, dear—you and I,” he whispered. -“And it’s all for you. This is only a starter, too, -for if you think this is big, you ought to see the -contracts I’ve made for royalties.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh! Hugh!” Marjorie’s voice was a sob as -she kissed him again and again. “Oh, I’m too -happy to tell you! Oh, please don’t wake me out of -this wonderful dream!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I, for one,” Hugh laughed as he slipped -the check between his fingers, “am too used to handling -these things belonging to other people to think -this is a dream. There is only one thing I’m thinking -of, and that is your happiness.” Marjorie -drew back from him a step and looked levelly into -his eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Are you quite, quite sure, Hugh dear?” she -begged earnestly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Quite.” In that one word Hugh Benton put a -world of meaning. “I’ve had plenty of time to -think, too—and I’ve decided. You shall do with -this money just exactly as you please. Whatever -your plans are, they must be for the best, so I have -given up all thoughts of the farm. And now that’s -settled,” he said, in the old way, giving himself a -little shake of renunciation.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Hugh, you <span class='it'>are</span> a darling! And you’ll never -regret it—never regret letting me have my way in -this one big thing. I promise you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a moment the big man’s eyes were solemn. -Into them came just a hint of that far-away look of -wonder. But his voice was tender, if a bit grave -as he spoke:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Let’s hope not, sweetheart—let’s hope not!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER IV</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Christmas Eve in the new home!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A Christmas tree that glittered and dazzled -with its festoons of twinkling little bulbs of -sapphire and gold, ruby, and orange, and violet, and -pale lemon from its wide-spreading base in the center -of the Bentons’ upstairs living room of their fourteen-room -house on that most wonderful of driveways, -Riverside, in New York—to the top-most -branch that swept the high creamy ceiling jostling the -fine bisque cherub that adorned that branch— And -a house warming.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As Marjorie Benton with a long-drawn sigh of -contentment looked for the hundredth time about this -one new big room with its sweeping spaces, its gay -cretonnes and deep, cushion-piled wicker chairs and -out through the row of French windows across the -dusky blue of the Hudson to the Palisades with their -twinkling starlights, she felt that life at last was -worth living. All this—all—and her arms moved -in a comprehensive gesture impelled by her thoughts—was -hers! Her home! What more fitting than -that they should have their house warming on Christmas -Eve. Marjorie’s tired nerves and body that -ached a bit, too, in sympathy, reminded her that -she had not been able to have all this ready for -Christmas Eve without effort. But how glad she -was that she had done it! Glad!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>True, Hugh was glooming a little—sentimental -glooming for a time he should be glad to have put -behind him, but he would get over that she was sure. -He would come to see that her judgment was best, -and that this was the way to live. Once more she -sighed with utter contentment as she rearranged a -heavy strand of silver tinsel that dangled inartistically. -It was all ready for the children now and -she could take time to breathe. In a deep chair in -front of the sputtering open fire on its quaintly tiled -hearth she dropped down for a moment’s rest and -retrospection.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>How busy and interesting had been the few short -months that had passed since the night Hugh had -come home to her in Atwood with his wonderful -news!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>They had been most fortunate in securing the -services of a capable and competent nurse for the -children, so they could catch the early train to New -York every day on their house-hunting expeditions. -Their reward had been this beautiful little house on -the Drive, with its view of the Hudson. To Marjorie -it seemed a mansion with its fourteen rooms, -its servants’ quarters in the attic, their garage with -space for three cars, and oh, so many more things -she had not at first thought of herself.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Then had begun the real work and pleasure of -furnishing it. What a never-changing miracle it was -to Marjorie to be able to select whatsoever she -wished without having to hesitate and consider the -price and durability of each article as she had always -been obliged to do.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Every detail had been completed a few days before -Christmas, when they bade farewell to their -friends and the little village with its memories of -five happy years, and moved into the new home.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Stretched lazily on Marjorie’s wicker <span class='it'>chaise -longue</span>, smoking his after-dinner cigar, careless of -his tumbling of his wife’s carefully selected new -pillows, Hugh Benton let his gaze rove over the -vivid scene. It paused as his eyes reached his wife -sitting before the cheery fire, her slight smile telling -of what she saw in the blazing logs. Because they -were so close, so much to each other, Marjorie Benton -felt this and as she turned in Hugh’s direction, -her smile broadened as her features lighted up with -expressed happiness. In a moment she was by his -side, kneeling on a cushion in the old familiar child -manner her husband knew and loved, and her fingers -were running caressingly through his shock of dark -hair.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What do you think of it all, dear?” she asked -exultingly. “Isn’t the tree wonderful? I think -those decorators were marvelous, but I guess I’m -not quite used to money yet, for I almost dread to -think of the bill they’ll present.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Slowly Hugh sat up, and reached for her hand. -He patted it gently as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It has all been wonderful, dear,” he answered, -“and you mustn’t forget you’re to forget the bills—but -honey-girl,” and there was a little droop to the -corners of his mouth and unmistakable yearning in -his earnest eyes as he voiced his plaint, “somehow -I can’t help missing the little old Christmas Eves we -always had at Atwood. Remember how you and I -would sit up nights ahead stringing popcorn, gilding -walnuts, tinseling cotton to represent snow, and -doing everything we could to have a pretty, effective -tree for the kiddies, without hardly investing anything?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie laughed as she gave his hand a playful -squeeze. To her it was incomprehensible, with all -this grandeur before him, that Hugh should regret -the Atwood days.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How funny, those other little trees were compared -with this one, weren’t they?” she wanted to -know.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But there was no gleam of answering mirth from -Hugh.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Umm, funny, maybe,” he agreed with an air of -reservation. But there was a fuller meaning than -Marjorie caught, as he added: “You’re right—one -couldn’t possibly compare those other trees with -this. Still,” and he was so plaintively appealing -that his wife’s clear laughter rang out more bubblingly -than ever, “still, we got a lot of happiness -out of those funny little trees, didn’t we, dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie was not going to commit herself too far.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—I suppose we did,” was her reluctant admission.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And say, do you remember,” Hugh rambled on, -his eyes aglow with animation, “the night we cut -out the movies to buy two whole ornaments the -next day—I’ll tell you——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie stopped him a little impatiently. She -playfully placed her hand over his mouth.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now, Hugh darling, don’t lecture—there’s a -good boy! I’m not going to let you on Christmas -Eve. You’re just not used to things yet. When you -are, you’ll just be bound to admit you have the wisest -little wife in the world—” She stopped his protest -with a quick caress as she got to her feet, and went -over to the tree to place a life-like big doll and a -“really, truly” railroad train in more conspicuous -positions.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It is beautiful, though, isn’t it, dear?” she repeated, -and without waiting for his reply, hurried -on: “There are two people I know who’ll think so -if you don’t. Just wait till you see their eyes in the -morning!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She stifled an unwelcome yawn with the pat of -fingers.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“More tired than I thought, dear,” she admitted. -“I really must get some sleep. There’s so much to -enjoy to-morrow. Coming along, or are you going -to smoke for awhile?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Believe I’ll finish my cigar. Don’t stay awake -waiting for me now—good-night, dearest, pleasant -dreams, and a world of happy Christmases before -you,” and he kissed her as he opened the door for -her, in the old-world manner he never neglected.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Alone, Hugh Benton extinguished all the lights -in the room, even those on the tree, and seated himself -in the rocker before the fire. For a long time -he sat smoking his cigar, gazing into the dying -embers. His thoughts were of many things—of his -years of unalloyed happiness—of his great love for -his wife and babies, and then of this newly-acquired -fortune. Marjorie’s theory of living he at last concluded -appeared to be more sensible than his own, -after all, and when he finally arose, it was with the -full determination to use every power within his -grasp to meet all the requirements due this new position -of his. He would mold his life anew; become -a man of affairs. With all that was in him -he would strive diligently to reach the pinnacle of -success that his ambitious wife had planned for -him.</p> - -<hr class='tbk102'/> - -<p class='pindent'>Boredom has long been the common complaint of -the idle rich. Many things are excused because of -it; many useless and reckless occupations condoned -for and by that favored class on the ground that the -time passes so slowly that they must have something -to do. Whether or no this is exactly the case, however, -is a moot question. To come right down to -it, time generally passes a great deal more quickly -for those who have more store of worldly goods -than they would wish. To the woman of fashion -and wealth months and days seem actually to have -flown by from the time she made her more or less -blushing début until she suddenly wakes one day -to realize that there is gray in her hair, and that it -will take arduous hours at the beauty parlors to -smooth over the ravages of time in a once-unwrinkled -countenance. Men, too—more often than -not the man of unlimited means comes to know that -middle life is upon him and that he has not accomplished -any of the great things that he had once -planned, always having known that with wealth to -back him he could accomplish them. It is all the -fault of time. It flies rapidly—too rapidly for those -who have the means for gratifying every wish and -whim.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The Bentons were no exception to the rule. Time -flew by on such light wings for them that it was -hard to realize that so much had been accomplished, -so much changed in the three years that might have -been so many months since they had left Atwood -for New York. Of them all, though, the children -had most readily accustomed themselves to the -change and long since had become seasoned little -New Yorkers with little noses turned up at less -lucky youngsters who had no nice warm closed car -to command whenever they wished a ride.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh, too, at the end of the three years (though -his change had been more gradual), might always -have lived on Riverside Drive and known club life -since his salad days. Unlike his wife, who in the -first flush of her good fortune had elected play as -her life work, Hugh had turned his attention to -work. Ambitious as he was, and before his first -success with his invention with no outlet for it, he -had not let grass grow under his feet since he had -changed his cottage in Atwood for a house on Riverside -Drive. Personal attention to the details of the -manufacture of his invention had brought him in -contact with business men of wealth and solidity and -deep down Hugh Benton was not the sort of man -to neglect what opportunity threw in his way. From -manufacturing to Wall Street had been but a step. -Had Hugh Benton’s lucky fairy been with him day -by day to wave her magic wand, he could not have -had more fortune in his ventures. His was not the -story of the ordinary novice. It was the thousandth -one that daily draws more and more grist to the -mills of the “big men” who rule so autocratically in -that small street called Wall;—the story that draws -adventurers with all the fascination that fishermen -who daily cast their lines off the bathing beaches -know because of tales of a solitary tide runner that -some time has been known to become unwary.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So it was, that at the end of three years, Hugh -Benton was a rich man. He was becoming richer. -He might have been a blood relation of Midas, said -those who had come eagerly to watch for a tip that -might fall from his lips unguardedly, for in so short -a time his had become the platitudinous but nonetheless -expressive sobriquet of “Lucky Benton.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With success, came all that it usually implies. -His, too, had become the pleasures of the rich. Almost -without knowing it, so subtle had come the -transformation, home no longer held the joys it -once did for the former bank employee. Roadsters -of high speed, cards at any of the many clubs where -he had been eagerly welcomed, fishing and hunting -expeditions from the base of a hundred-thousand-dollar -“shack” in the Adirondacks had taken the -place of more homely pleasures. It had all come -about so easily too. Looking back in one of his few -retrospective moods Hugh Benton smiled as he -recalled the thought he would never accustom himself -to New York. He smiled a bit disdainfully at -his own small viewpoint when he remembered how -once he had believed he would be content as a gentleman -farmer.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Only Marjorie Benton was dissatisfied, though -she was queerly conscious that she ought not to be—that -she had everything that she had once so sincerely -believed necessary to her happiness. The -artificiality of all about her had come to her with -a shock, an eye opening all the more distressing because -of its suddenness. Marjorie Benton had -found out she did not know how to play. More, -she had discovered she did not want to. At least -she did not want to play as did those with whom she -came in contact and who had, from the horizon of -Atwood, seemed all that was most desirable in the -world. For instance, one of her most eager plans -when she once put herself to sleep planning was to -play bridge and spend wonderful afternoons in the -company of cultured and delightful women such as -those of whom she had read and whom she hoped -to emulate. One of her first steps had been to get -an instructress, so that she would be prepared to -enter “society.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It had not been hard for the Bentons to enter -the charmed circle. It had been surprisingly easy, -in fact, for Hugh’s financial success opened many -doors that might otherwise have been barred, and -present-day “society” may well be trusted not to -overlook the tales the journals have to tell of sudden -wealth (and Hugh had proven good copy) however -much they may profess to scorn it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So she had met a great many people, as the wives -of Hugh’s friends had called and invited her to one -affair after the other. At first she had been fairly -beside herself with joy. But it was of short duration. -Try as she would, she simply could not “take” -to any of these new friends. They were all so frivolous -and petty. Life held nothing for them obviously -but bridge, dress, theater and gossip.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Then had come the day of her own first bridge -party and her first real shock and mute protest. -Somehow the thought of playing for money had -never entered her mind. She had imagined that they -played for a prize, the same as they had done at -home at their little whist socials; or perhaps society -matrons simply played for amusement.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You must be particularly nice to Mrs. Gregory,” -Hugh told her when she was starting off for the -bridge party at the exclusive Mrs. Arnold’s Fifth -Avenue home. “She’s one of ‘the’ Gregorys, you -know, and it will mean a great deal socially to have -her good will.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie promised. This would not be hard, for -was it not her way to be particularly nice to all her -own and her husband’s friends and acquaintances? -It was Mrs. Gregory who gave Mrs. Hugh Benton -her surprise and shock, however. At the table where -she sat with three other players, including Hugh’s -Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Allen cut the cards languidly -and remarked:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, what shall it be? May I suggest a quarter -of a cent?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. Gregory suppressed a polite yawn.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my dear!” was her reproof. “How can you -suggest wasting our time so! You know I never play -for anything less than two cents—it’s boring enough -even then.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So Marjorie Benton played for money. She had -not in the least intended to, but she was too embarrassed -to utter a protest. She played, and with a -mind perturbed, of course, played badly. At the end -of the afternoon she had lost sixty dollars. Her -cheeks burned as she made out her check and laid -it on the table.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>All the way home as she sat comfortably in her -limousine she thought of it. It wasn’t the money—sixty -dollars meant nothing to Marjorie Benton—she -would have felt precisely the same had she won. -It was the principle of the thing that worried her—she -felt utterly debased to think that she had spent -an afternoon <span class='it'>gambling</span>. She couldn’t imagine just -why it should affect her that way, unless it was her -puritanical upbringing that arose to the surface, despite -all her efforts to force it back.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When she told Hugh about it, he laughed, and -called her a “little old-fashioned country girl.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Have you forgotten about ‘living in Rome,’ -honey?” he said lightly. “Don’t let it upset you. -You’ll get used to it!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Marjorie knew better. There was only one -thing to do. So never again did she play bridge. -Bridge bored her, she insisted, and she didn’t -enjoy it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With everything else it was the same. She -couldn’t accustom herself to seeing the women drink -cocktails at a luncheon, and the first time they passed -their cigarette cases she almost gasped. But the -thing that disgusted her above all else was the deceit -that she discovered all about her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her eyes were opened to this. One afternoon she -called on Mrs. James, society matron, and the wife -of one of Hugh’s friends. When she entered the -room, three women she had met previously were -seated at the tea-table. Their conversation ceased -as abruptly as if a curtain had been rung down in -the middle of an act. She paid little attention to the -matter at the time, as they were all so charming in -their manner toward her, and greeted her so effusively.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a while they discussed inconsequential topics, -and then their conversation drifted to another -woman, a member of their own set. At first there -wasn’t anything really offensive in their remarks. -It merely brought to the surface a feline quality unsuspected. -But the conversation changed suddenly. -To Marjorie it seemed these women surely couldn’t -realize what they were saying. Like a pack of -hungry wolves, they tore the woman they discussed -into shreds.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Dumfounded, Marjorie sat and listened. She -couldn’t believe it possible that four women could -say such scandalous things of another they called -friend. She was sure their assertions were untrue, -as they insinuated things impossible for anyone to -know. They surmised merely, and it was upon such -scant evidence that they set about to wreck a woman’s -reputation. She felt that she could tolerate it no -longer, and was about to protest, when the woman -who had been under the hammer entered the room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To Marjorie’s consternation and amazement the -four eager talkers welcomed the newcomer with open -arms. Their terms of affectionate endearment -seemed revolting, but it was when one effusively -gushed: “Your ears must be burning, dear, we were -just discussing you and remarking how unkind you -were to deprive us of your charming society for so -long a time,” that Marjorie felt that she had reached -the limit of her endurance, and pleading an important -engagement, hurried away.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Before she reached home, she remembered how -strangely they had all acted when she entered the -room. Like a clear light it dawned on her that they -must have been discussing her just as they had this -other woman.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Instances of this sort taught her shallowness and -insincerity of the people with whom she had chosen -to mingle, so she managed to see less and less of -them all. Instead, she tried to interest herself in -charity, and again she failed. Whenever she -decided to do a kindness, a reporter would rush -in, demand her picture for the front page of the -society section, and make a sensation out of nothing -at all.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Many women would have craved that very thing, -and derived great pleasure from it. But not Marjorie -Benton. With true gentility she shrank from -publicity. If she wanted to help those in distress, -she wanted to do it alone, in her own way, without -having the whole world know of it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She spent as much time as she could with the children -while they were small, but as they grew older -and tutors and governesses took the place of nurses, -she found herself more and more lonely.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Once when Hugh asked her if she were happy, for -a moment the inclination was strong to open up her -heart and tell him exactly how she felt—but the -thought of the children forced her to conquer it. -For their sakes she would utter no word of complaint; -her own feelings must be sacrificed for them -and for her plans for their education and futures.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At the expiration of the five years’ lease on their -home, Hugh purchased a magnificent home, within -easy motoring distance of New York. A small army -of servants were engaged to take charge of it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Then for a time, Marjorie Benton was again -happy. Always she had wanted just such gardens -as Hugh’s increased fortune made possible on their -new estate. Exquisite rare flowers diffused their -perfume; shaded walks wound serpentinely through -long vistas of greensward and shrubbery; miniature -lakes, crystal clear with water lilies on their shining -bosoms; fountains that spouted and sparkled in the -sun that seemed never to shine so fair as on this -wonder garden. At last she had one place of -dreams-come-true. Only the fine stone benches that -Hugh had imported were not part of the picture to -her. They were so cold and hard—so reminiscent -of the people for whom they were made. So, old-fashioned -as she had come to admit herself to be, -Marjorie Benton had her little rocker placed out in -her garden and it was here that her happiest hours -were spent, among her cherished flowers, wandering -about, or sitting idly, reading or sewing. It disturbed -her not one whit that Hugh found cause for -mirth in her sewing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You can have a dozen women to do that for you, -my dear,” he reminded her. “I thought you wanted -to get away from all that sort of thing.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Marjorie only smiled her slow smile and -made no attempt to make Hugh understand that -she wanted to do something—that she must feel -that her time was not all being wasted.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was at this period that Hugh Benton branched -out as a host. His dinners were becoming famous; -his week-end invitations favors to be eagerly bid for. -The big new house became the scene of many a social -event, and the Bentons’ hospitality a thing to conjure -with. When her husband’s friends were invited -for the week-end, a dinner party, or any other sort -of entertainment, Mrs. Benton was a charming and -considerate hostess. Somehow, though, she was always -in the background—she was with them, but -never of them. She had given up even trying to -enter into the spirit of their pleasures and amusements.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her clothes, always of the finest materials and expensive, -lacked style. Her evening gowns all had -lace or net yokes, with sleeves reaching to the elbow. -She wouldn’t wear a decollete gown, and to her -innermost self she was forced to acknowledge that -she could not overcome her old-fashioned notions of -propriety.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie couldn’t realize that Hugh, now the -ultra-modern host, was the same man who once had -protested with bitterness against their present -manner of life. While Marjorie stood still, his -steps dashed madly ahead. He fairly reveled in it -all. As a prince of good fellows he was hailed -among his friends. Money he lavished at home and -abroad; every whim of the children was indulged -with a recklessness that was ruinous.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He couldn’t comprehend Marjorie’s attitude. -Surely this was what she had insisted she wanted. -What was the matter with women, anyway? He -pleaded with her to take her place in society and -mingle more among people, but uselessly; he became -angry and impatient, and called her attention to the -fact that it was she who had planned their new life -and not he, and at last had come the settling down, -the acceptance of things as they were, Marjorie -going on in her strait-laced conventional way, not as -unhappy as she might have been had there not come -that subtle rift between her and her husband which -in five years had reached undreamed-of width; Hugh -resigned and indifferent, always kind and courteous, -but seeking his own pleasure, and living his life in his -own way.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To Marjorie Benton had come one final pang -when Hugh had decided it would be more agreeable -and comfortable all around if he had his own suite -of rooms. She had dropped a few tears of regret -as she arranged those rooms for him, and in -the general upheaval she had come upon his old -ebony military brushes that had so long reposed on -their joint bureau in their bedroom in the Atwood -cottage. Marjorie remembered how she had got -them for his birthday, and hers was a twisted little -smile as she laid the little brushes down to compare -them with Hugh’s new ones of ivory. How insignificant -they looked! And how dear! She turned -and her wide eyes roved through the big room in -search of familiar objects. Yes, there was his -smelly old pipe, the slippers she had embroidered -herself, a little shabby now from much wear and -with their gay flowers faded, but— And the little -beaten metal humidor. It was with a start that she -looked up to find Hugh in the room, giving instructions -to his impeccable English valet. He saw the -little pile on a big wicker table. His hand shot out -to sweep them all from their resting places and -Marjorie Benton heard the little metal clang of -protest as they piled into a waste paper basket.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Here, take all this old junk out and burn it,” he -coolly advised. “Enough stuff around here without -all this old junk——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His wife’s smile was wan. “Old junk—” How -far Hugh had gone from the dear sentimental old -days! It seemed like so much of the days of Atwood -were in the same category. Was everything to go -the same way—everything of that old time, only -five years as men counted time, but still so infinitely -of a long, long ago to go the same way, become -“old junk.” It was with a little gesture of benediction -that Marjorie laid the little ebony brushes in -the basket with the rest.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh turned to her a little querulously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My dear,” he observed, “don’t you think it would -be just as well to let the servants attend to this? -They probably think it strange that you so often -show such inclination to do their work.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And meekly the woman left what was to her a -labor of love. She would have liked Hugh to remember -when he was in his suite that it was her care -that made him so comfortable. She could have -thought of him in his deep arm-chair before his -blazing logs glancing at the wide mantel where she -had placed photographs of herself and the children; -of his smile when he saw how carefully she had arranged -his smoking materials as he had once liked -her to arrange them. But Hugh preferred differently. -He preferred the cold, stolid, mechanical -efficiency of his expressionless English serving man. -Long Marjorie Benton sat before her own little fire -in her gold and ivory boudoir and thought it all out. -What had happened to them in these five years?</p> - -<p class='pindent'>After Hugh’s removal to his own quarters there -came times that his wife often did not see him for -two or three days at a time. Late returning from -his club, he said he did not care to disturb her; -mornings he would leave too early or else so late -that he would not take the time to see her. And -so, these two who had once been soulmates, were -slowly drifting apart.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie had not even the consolation of her children -now partly to assuage the loneliness that she -had come to admit was the one thing in her life -amid all the gaud that was real. But there was -some consolation in their very absence. She was -accomplishing for them all that she had long ago -planned.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor was attending a select school for young -ladies, and Howard had been sent to prepare for -college. She counted the days until Elinor should -grow up and once more be at home. Then she would -have a real companion. What wonderful times she -and her daughter would have together. Of course, -Elinor had been willful and stubborn as a little girl, -but she was confident that she would leave all that -behind her when she finished school.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And then some day Howard would return from -college, ready to take his place in the world, and -perhaps after that he would bring a dear, sweet girl -to her, and she would have another daughter to love.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Dreaming of days to come, putting from her mind -all she could the days that were gone, Marjorie -Benton sat gazing into her fire until the clang of -the dressing chimes reminded her that she must -dress. That was something Hugh always insisted -on. And she got languidly to her feet with a sense -of being far from happy over the prospective dinner -as she recalled the two effusive, pompous business -friends Hugh was having to dinner.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She smiled as she saw her children’s pictures -looking up at her with answering smiles from their -gold frames in their places on her gold-strewn dressing -table, the toilet things Hugh had given her the -past Christmas with far less interest than he had -her celluloid set long ago, the little set she kept -tucked away in a bureau drawer so that she might -use them when she chose.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>How sweet Elinor was!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>How manly Howard!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She smiled in her old mother way as she lifted -each picture and kissed it in turn. And some day— It -could not be long now—time flew so——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Things are not so bad after all, dear ones,” she -whispered as she set them down. “They could not -be with any woman who has such lovely children as -mine—so much happiness to look forward to.”</p> - -<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em;'>• • • • •</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And so were bridged the years between.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER V</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>The Benton mansion fairly blazed with lights. -Everywhere there was suppressed excitement. -Even from under the dignity of speckless uniforms -and brightly shining buttons, there was evidence -that something unusual was in the air. Hurrying -back and forth servants inspected minor details. -Liveried attendants stationed at the door beside his -majesty, the butler, were in readiness to announce -the army of guests expected to celebrate the début -of the young daughter of the house—Miss Elinor -Benton.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Sixteen years had passed since Marjorie and -Hugh had come to New York to live—years that -had brought vaster changes to them both than either -would have believed possible.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Awaiting the arrival of his guests, Hugh, proud -father and man of the world, stood in the center -of his elaborately-decorated ballroom and gazed -about with satisfaction. The years had dealt more -than kindly with Hugh Benton. His appearance -told nothing of his forty-four years. There was no -trace of gray in his thick dark hair. His love of -athletics, and the splendid ministrations of his valet -had kept his figure in excellent condition. Now his -handsome face wore an expression of self-satisfaction. -He might have been taken for his own son’s -brother as he stood there waiting.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He did not at first see the movement of the trailing -vines and flowers that formed curtains to one of -the room’s great entrances. Nor, until she spoke -and came whirling into the room to drop a deep -curtsey before him did he see the girl who had parted -those curtains—a girl of such flower-like beauty that -she might have been sister to one of the blossoms -through which she made her way. She looked at -him with eyes that sparkled above delicately flushed -cheeks. And Hugh Benton gazed on his débutante -daughter with a joy that was greater by far than he -had ever contemplated any of his wealth of possessions.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, dad!” Elinor Benton exclaimed breathlessly. -“How do I look for my first formal introduction -into society?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a moment the father did not speak as he -looked at her. He was trying to realize that this -gloriously beautiful girl of eighteen, bubbling over -with the exuberance and enthusiasm of youth was -his daughter. Her hair was the same that Marjorie’s -had been when he had married her. It was -a mass of spun gold with the sun glittering upon it. -Features, complexion, figure—all were flawless, and -Hugh’s eyes beamed with pride as he answered -tenderly, truly; “You’re as beautiful as an angel, -dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, how dear of you to think so, dad!” was her -answer, then her manner changed to an impishness -as she added: “It’s certainly fine to have such a -verdict to fall back on first, because there’s going to -be a cataclysm hereabouts in a few minutes about -my angelic appearance. Mother’s going to have a -spasm or two when she sees my dress.” Her eyes -were full of mischief as she placed her hand on her -father’s arm wheedlingly. “But you’ll stand by me, -won’t you—there’s a good dad?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh was surprised.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, what’s wrong, little one?” he asked. -“Looks to me like a very wonderful little gown,” -and his eyes, trained to admire feminine adornment, -took in with admiration the details of his daughter’s -dainty creation of cream lace with its garlands of -pink rosebuds.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, there’s nothing the matter with the dress, -but <span class='it'>look</span> at my neck and arms,” Elinor hastened to -explain as she held out the discussed members for -inspection. “Don’t you see they’re actually <span class='it'>bare</span>. -Oh, what a crime!” She shook her finger admonishingly -at her roundly-molded young arm. Then her -mocking turned to more of seriousness as she went -on: “I can tell you things, dad, and you’ll understand, -so you might just as well be told before the -explosion how naughty-naughty your little girl is. -The facts are these: When we went to Madame -Felice’s for my last fitting, the dress was just as you -see it now, but mother wouldn’t have it at all. She -said it was positively indecent for a girl of eighteen -to expose her neck and arms, and she ordered -Madame to fill in the neck with lace and add sleeves -to reach the elbows. Madame declared that it would -ruin the entire charm of the gown, but mother was -as firm as a rock and she couldn’t sway her an inch. -Well, when we reached home, I decided to take the -matter into my own hands, so I called up Felice and -told her mother had changed her mind and she was -to leave the gown as it was—well—and here it is!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh’s half humorous expression was still entirely -admiring as he looked over the troublesome garment. -He laughed as his shoulders shrugged in dismissal -of something not understood. “Well, child,” he -added, as he took her hand and patted it, “as far -as I’m concerned, I am still of the same opinion—both -you and you gown are beautiful. Your neck -and arms are perfect, and I don’t see why you -should have to hide them—I do wish,” and there -was a hint of impatience in his voice, “that your -mother would get over some of her old-fashioned -ideas.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Not any more than I do, dad. Why for years -mother has been writing me that after I graduated -she and I would be real chums, and now that I am -home we do nothing but argue all day long. I can’t -tell you how many times I’ve been on the verge of -quarreling with her. We haven’t a single taste in -common, and we positively clash on every subject. -Why, I’ve found out mother is simply years behind -the times and I—well, you know, dad, that none of -the girls I’ve been to school with are that, to say -the least. I don’t think mother has any conception -of modern girls—and I can’t help it if I’m one, -can I?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh shook his head. “You suit me, dear,” he -answered consolingly. “I wouldn’t be a bit surprised, -either, if there isn’t a good deal in your -argument. But I expect you’ll have to do what I -have for a long time, and make the best of it. Your -mother is too set in her opinions to attempt to -change her now—so you’ll have to be content with -me and your girl friends for chums.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Neither of them saw Marjorie Benton as she -came slowly down the wide flower-banked stairway -and drooped across the hall to the door leading to -her ballroom. With one hand holding aside the -blossom curtain, she stopped and gazed wide-eyed at -what she saw, as though she could hardly believe -what the glittering chandelier lights revealed. It -was a picture that some might have called appealing -and beautiful—that fairy-like girl of eighteen with -her neck and arms of marble whiteness and smoothness -nestling in her handsome father’s arms. To -Marjorie Benton, however, the beauty of the picture -was lost. It was something else she saw that brought -a stern light into eyes faded by years of unrequited -yearning, and hardened the features with which time -had not dealt so lightly as it had with her husband. -As she stood there for the moment unseen, ready -for her daughter’s debut, Marjorie Benton could not -by any stretch of the imagination have been placed -in the picture class herself. Sixteen years of loneliness -and weary waiting had wrought havoc with her -delicate beauty, and where now, at forty, she should -have been at the full blush of womanly beauty, she -might have been a woman of sixty-five. Golden her -hair was still—but it had lost its sheen and taken on -instead the dull luster of carelessly-kept gold and -silver. There was as much silver as gold at forty, -too. The corners of her mouth drooped pathetically—all -the starlight had long since departed from her -eyes that bore an expression merely of weariness. -Now, too, her gown of amethyst velvet with lace -of the same shade, cut in severely plain lines, would -have been most appropriate for a woman of sixty-five.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh and Elinor turned with a start, the girl to -take on an expression of defiance as the mother’s -voice came low, tense, compelling, from the doorway: -“Elinor! Your dress!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well,” was the pert retort. “Don’t you like it? -Dad does. Don’t you, dad?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Marjorie was not to be placated.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I suppose I’m not to believe this is your fault, -my daughter,” added the mother as though unaware -of the interruption. “I take it that Madame Felice -has ignored my orders. To-morrow I shall ’phone -her and withdraw my patronage from her establishment.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh had made no move or word as he calmly -looked his wife over. But there was now distaste -in the closing of his eyes as though to shut out the -vision in the doorway, and veil the disappointment -he feared he could not hide.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Gaining confidence in her father’s presence, Elinor -Benton answered her mother calmly, but with little -show of due respect.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now, mother,” she implored, “don’t get so excited—this -isn’t a tragedy, and don’t you go and -’phone Felice—because it wasn’t her fault. I called -her up and told her to leave the dress as it was.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, you’re aware she had no right to take -orders from you contrary to mine,” Marjorie persisted, -with lifted eyebrows.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I just told her the orders came from you—that -you had changed your mind.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You dared!” Marjorie fairly gasped. “You are -admitting you lied about it. I wouldn’t have believed -my daughter capable of such a thing.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh believed the time had come for his promised -interference.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now, now,” he soothed, “I fail to see what -all this fuss is about. If the child wants to display -her pretty neck and arms, I can’t see where the harm -is—and as for her telephoning to Madame Felice, I -can readily understand her doing that in order to -evade an unnecessary argument.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton looked her husband over as -though he were an interfering stranger.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There have been many things which does not surprise -me at your attitude,” she said icily. “However, -that is aside from the point. Come, Elinor, -we will go upstairs and see what Marie can do in -arranging some sort of scarf about you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We will do nothing of the kind. I won’t! I -won’t!” Elinor stamped her foot angrily. “Once -and for all, mother, you’ll have to understand that -I’m not a baby, and I refuse to be ordered about -in that manner. I’ll wear this dress as it is to-night, -or I’ll lock myself in my room and you’ll be obliged -to give my debut party without me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh walked over to his wife and placed his -hand appealingly on her lace-covered arm. “She -means it, I’m afraid,” he whispered. “Hadn’t you -better permit her to have her way this time? Remember, -we have two hundred guests coming.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Just for a moment Marjorie was silent, fighting -what she knew was a losing battle. How bitter it -was that she should have to battle with these two -she loved so dearly. She turned away her face that -they might not witness her struggle. When she -spoke it was in her usual cool, expressionless voice—not -the voice of the Marjorie Benton of Atwood, -but one which the years between had evolved.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well,” was her surrender, but neither -Elinor who was daintily whirling about the polished -floor in exuberance over her triumph over the -mother she was coming to think an oppressor, nor -Hugh Benton who was looking at his watch with a -slight show of impatience, saw the tears in the -mother’s eyes which she was heroically forcing back.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor stopped suddenly in the middle of a pirouette -to cock her head daintily to one side listening.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There they come, Dad,” she cried eagerly, “Miss -Elinor Benton is about to be introduced to society. -I wish Howard would hurry. He promised not to -be late for anything.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton’s face wore an annoyed frown.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t understand what’s keeping him,” he complained. -“He should have been here at five o’clock.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Professor Anderson positively promised to grant -him a leave of absence for to-night, didn’t he?” -Elinor asked. “I know he said Howard was not -deserving of any favor, but I will certainly be happy -when my big brother finishes sowing his wild oats.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Reckon we all will be, little girl,” her father -laughed. “But we must have a little patience. -’Spose he’s just got to sew a little crop or two.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s level eyes looked deeply into her husband’s -as she asked him calmly, meaningly: “You -mean to say you believe it absolutely necessary for a -boy to sow ‘wild oats’ as you call them? I don’t -remember ever having heard of your doing so.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh shrugged.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Different with me,” he answered. “I didn’t go -to college— I didn’t mingle with a set of boys such -as Howard is thrown in contact with, and I hadn’t -a father who could afford my indulging in any escapades.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m afraid there will be an escapade too many -one of these days.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re such a confirmed pessimist, my dear! -The boy’s all right—leave him alone.” And Hugh -turned aside indicating he had said his last word. -“He’ll turn up any minute, so don’t think any more -about it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The arrival of the first guests ended further -discussion, and shortly the reception hall, drawing -room and ballroom were thronged with the merry -assemblage.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Promptly at 9:30, the first strains of music floated -out from a balcony screened with ferns and roses. -The dance was on.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To say that Elinor was having a glorious time -would be putting it mildly. She fairly reveled in -it all. She felt that she had attained the heights -as the center of attraction, with a bevy of young -men surrounding her, politely fighting for the privilege -of a dance.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She exulted in the thought that this was only the -beginning of wonderful days and nights that lay -before her. Surely she possessed everything to make -her happy—Youth, beauty and riches. Life was so -wonderful seen through the rosiest of glasses.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Eleven o’clock! Still no Howard. Elinor took -a few moments to cast some resentful thoughts -Howard-ward, but the fun was too fast and absorbing -for her to worry more than that few moments -over her brother’s dereliction.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In spite of her husband’s admonishing, Marjorie -was acquiring a worry that momentarily gave evidence -of becoming panic-stricken as she watched the -doors with eager eyes for the boy who did not come. -She felt she could not stand it any longer. She must -know—must do something. With a hesitancy that -would have been most strange in the Atwood days, -she approached Hugh where he stood talking and -laughing in a care-free manner with a group of his -guests. He excused himself to speak to her as she -laid her hand on his arm to ask for a word.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh, dear,” she begged, “don’t you think we -had better call up Professor Anderson and find out -about Howard—when he left, and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And get him in bad, I suppose,” Hugh blustered, -but there was worry in his own handsome face as he -once more glanced at his watch and then at the entrances. -“No—he’s probably loitering, and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Griggs, his valet, touched him on the arm. He -turned to hear the few hurried whispered words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Important ’phone call, my dear,” he explained. -“Make my excuses. Back in a minute——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Marjorie’s sharp ears had caught the word -“sick.” Griggs must have been talking about Howard. -Oh, where was he—her boy! She could not -stand it! She had to find out.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Careless of guests, of hospitality, of everything, -she hurried after her husband, but already he was -out of sight. He must be at one of the private telephones, -she thought, as she stumbled blindly along -the passage.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But her way would have been still more blind had -she seen her husband with her son at that moment.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At a side entrance two men were trying to persuade -Howard to leave a taxi. In a maudlin state -of intoxication, he refused to budge an inch, muttering -to himself something about “a date with a lil’ -blonde.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Ordering the passageway clear, Hugh and Griggs -managed between them to convey the indignantly-protesting -Howard upstairs to his room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>From the telephone, the boy’s mother hastened -to his room. They must have brought him home -and told her nothing about it. Inside she heard -voices. She knocked softly, and was about to enter, -when it was opened and Hugh stood before her, -quickly closing the door behind him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My boy?” she asked breathlessly. “What has -happened? Is he here? Is he ill?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh was uncomfortable—flustered. “Ill?—No—yes—that -is, he is ill—but he will soon be all -right.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I will go to him at once,” and Marjorie started -to brush by Hugh.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You will do nothing of the kind,” he answered -sternly. “You will return to your guests, and act -as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. I -will join you as soon as possible—we can’t both -remain away.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What do I care about my guests, or anyone, if -my boy is ill. My place is at his side, and I’m -going——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>From behind the guarded door, came a volley of -oaths, flung at the faithful Griggs, followed by the -incoherent singing of a popular song.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—Oh!” Marjorie shuddered, and covered her -burning cheeks with her hands. “So that is what -his illness—I can’t believe it—My son intoxicated— What -shall we do? I can’t bear it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There, there, Marjorie,” Hugh patted her -shoulder consolingly. “You must control yourself, -and not create a scene. I’m sorry if any of this has -leaked out among our guests, but I’m afraid it has. -Now we must save the situation by making as light -of it as possible. It really isn’t anything so terrible. -He will be himself in the morning, and then I’ll lecture -him good. It seems he met a crowd of the -boys when he came in from college and they persuaded -him to go to dinner with them. This is the -result. He is only a boy after all, you must remember, -and is easily led.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That’s just it,” Marjorie answered tragically. -“He is only a boy, and can be easily led—God only -knows where to.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come, now, it isn’t as bad as that. You’re making -a mountain out of a mole hill as usual, but I -must go back to him,” as disturbing sounds again -issued forth. “Go downstairs and brave it out. -You <span class='it'>must</span>—if not for your own sake—for the sake -of the boy himself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“For his sake I’ll do the best I can.” She dried -her eyes and turned toward the stairs. “But, oh, -Hugh, how can you view this so lightly? How -you’ve changed!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie never remembered how she managed to -get through the rest of the evening, going about -among her guests with a smiling face and an aching -heart. When Hugh joined her, he whispered to her -that Howard was sleeping soundly, and would probably -not awaken until late the next afternoon.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Eventually everything, pleasant or unpleasant, has -its ending, and at 3 <span class='sc'>a.m.</span> the last guest had departed, -and the servants were extinguishing the lights.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Wasn’t it splendid?” Elinor enthused. “I had -a wonderful time—I didn’t have nearly enough -dances to go around. All the boys were wild about -me and I know the girls all envied me. Wasn’t I -a great success?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You certainly were, you little egotist,” Hugh -laughed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What ever in the world happened to Howard? -I heard a couple of the boys talking, and from what -I gathered, he came home soused.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor!” Marjorie was shocked. “Where did -you ever acquire such slang? Surely you didn’t learn -it at Miss Grayson’s? I can’t understand half of -the things you say, but I do know that they sound -shockingly vulgar.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, mother of mine,” Elinor laughed lightly. -Nothing—not even her mother’s disapproval could -worry her after her evening’s triumph. “I didn’t -learn any slang from Miss Grayson, but you must remember -that I knew lots of girls there. Most of -them thought it modern and up to date to use slang. -Oh, but I can’t explain it to you, you’re so old-fashioned.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As Hugh closed his eyes, his thoughts were of his -beautiful daughter and the brilliant match she was -sure to make. But Marjorie—poor little mother—all -night she lay alone, in her darkened room, her -hands pressed to her throbbing temples, the hot tears -scorching her cheeks. Two thoughts ran riot -through her mind—one was that her son, her boy, -was lying a few rooms down the corridor in a -drunken stupor. The other was, that Elinor, her -baby, had gone to bed without even attempting to -kiss her good-night.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER VI</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton’s social success was all that -she had seen envisioned on the night of her -début. In the months that followed whirls of -teas, luncheons, dinners, dances all but dizzied her -sophisticated little head as she dashed madly from -one to the other. Vague hints in the society columns -linked her name with eligibles who were the despair -of the mothers of other girls in her set. But blonde -young Elinor took it as her meed and due, and -laughed to her dimpled face in the mirror when she -told herself how far wrong they were. She had -no intention of entering the ranks of young matrons -yet. Life was too full; too sweet. Homage was -too dear to her, and the sway she held in one man’s -heart, her father’s, too complete to think of exchanging -him for any other man; her own wonderful home -for that of another.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>True to his word, Hugh Benton had made himself -a real chum to her. It was to him she took her -petty worries; her secrets. Though not often referred -to, they had one thing in common not usual -between father and daughter—their disapproval of -the mother and wife, their intolerance of what they -chose to call her old-fashioned ways, of her Puritanism, -her love of the good and upstanding orthodoxy.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Busy at his desk one morning, Hugh frowned at -the soft opening and closing of his door. He did -not like even his confidential employees to disturb -him when he was answering personal letters. But -he knew it was no employee when he felt two soft -arms about his neck, felt the softness only less so of -rich furs against his cheeks and caught the subtle -perfume he had come to associate with his daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Guess who!” whispered Elinor’s voice. Then -she answered her own question with a kiss. Aloud -she added with a pretended pout: “Aren’t you glad -to see me—and surprised——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh laughed as he pulled her to his knees.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, a little—to that last part,” he said, hastening -to add gallantly: “But delighted, nevertheless. -What brings you into town at this time? You must -have had an early start.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, a lot. First, there’s a luncheon engagement -at the Biltmore with some of the girls, and then -we’re going to the matinée. But those are small -matters. The principal thing was to see you all -alone—I have a lot to talk to you about that I decided -would be much better to say here at your office -instead of at home, so I came in an hour ahead of -time.” And Elinor, settling herself in a comfortable -easy chair, sat facing her father with an air of being -ready to spend the hour.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton, his keen eyes taking in every detail -of her appearance, thought he had never seen his -daughter more beautiful. Her taffeta gown of navy -blue, her drooping picture hat with its one touch of -color, her graceful squirrel scarf, all went so naturally -into the making of the picture. As had become -usual with him when in the presence of this daughter -the man before whom kings of finance bowed, -glowed inwardly with the pride of possession.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, baby girl, how much?” He smiled as his -hand went towards his check-book.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, Dad dear, it isn’t money this time.” Elinor’s -face dimpled deliciously as she shook her head, -“strange as it may seem to you,” she added. Then -seriousness chased the dimples away. “No, dear, -it’s something uncomfortably serious. It’s—it’s -about mother!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your mother!” Hugh’s face, too, became serious. -“Not ill, I hope.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, she is perfectly well,” the girl answered, as -a dull red crept into her cheeks. “Oh, dad, I’m so -ashamed of myself to sneak to you in this way, but -dear, you might as well know the truth. It is utterly -impossible for me to get along with mother. -There! It’s out! Do you think I’m so dreadful?” -anxiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh was solemn as he listened. Then he -nodded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I believe I do know your difficulty, dear,” he -answered, as if uncertain just what to say in this -moment he had been in a way prepared for. “And,” -he added, “of course, I don’t think you’re dreadful——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Without waiting for him to conclude, Elinor burst -out passionately:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Dad, surely you can see I simply cannot be -the old-fashioned, namby-pamby bread-and-butter -school-girl that mother wishes me to be. Why, -everything I do meets with her disapproval—we -can’t agree in a single instance. Really, Dad, it is -unbearable, and I’m just sick about it!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Tears which had been valiantly withheld began to -trickle down her cheeks. From his pocket Hugh -took his handkerchief and wiped them tenderly away. -“There, dear, you mustn’t cry and spoil your pretty -eyes,” he soothed. “Remember your luncheon and -matinée—I’m sure your misunderstanding with your -mother can easily be straightened out. Calm down -and tell me about it. What do you do that she objects -to?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, just everything.” Elinor’s sigh was one of -resignation as she completed restoring, with a small -dab of lace and linen, the ravages to her complexion -her father had begun. “For instance,” she went on, -“mother looks upon my playing bridge for money -as a dreadful calamity. My drinking a cocktail is -an utter degradation, and if I attempt to light a -cigarette in her presence, she nearly collapses.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do all the other girls in your set do these -things?” Hugh asked. His brows met in a slight -frown.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, of course, Dad. All modern girls believe -in having a good time. We never go to extremes -in anything; but if you want to be thoroughly up -to date you simply can’t be a prude.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I suppose you’re right,” he admitted slowly, -“but just the same, when I was a young man——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“When you <span class='it'>were</span> a young man!” Elinor interrupted -indignantly. “You’re as young as a boy now, -and you’re the handsomest man in New York, Dad.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her father, flushed, pleased as he always was, at -this compliment. “Little flatterer,” he joked, pinching -her cheeks. “You can’t lead me astray by paying -me compliments. The things that you now call -modern and up to date, in my day, would have been -considered—fast.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No doubt they would have been too—just that,” -was the girl’s composed retort, “but you know that -we’re living in a progressive world, and no one -needs to tell you how rapidly things have changed -since your days.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Guess you’re right, baby,” Hugh replied. “I -must admit that my own ideas of life have greatly -changed since we came to New York sixteen years -ago. I know one thing—all your friends come from -the best of families, so if you do as they do, I can’t -see where objection should arise.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Bravo, Dad!” Elinor clapped her hands in glee. -“I knew you would see things in the right light. -You’re so broad-minded about everything—and -you’ll speak to mother?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, dear, I’ll speak to your mother to-night, -and try to reason with her a little——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just a minute, Dad. I almost forgot the most -important thing that I want you to try to make -mother be reasonable about, and that is—Geraldine.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Geraldine?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, Geraldine DeLacy. She’s a distant relative -of the Thurstons, and she is visiting them at present. -We girls are all crazy about her—she’s an adorable -young widow, just twenty-six, and she makes the -most wonderful chaperone imaginable. That’s the -very thing mother so strenuously objects to.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t see why,” Hugh seemed surprised. “The -Thurstons are most desirable and surely, any relative -of theirs must be an aristocrat.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor threw out her hands in a gesture of despair.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Haven’t I wasted hours and hours trying to make -mother realize that very thing,” she exclaimed, “and -with no success whatever! For some unaccountable -reason, she has taken an aversion to Geraldine. She -objects to her age—says she’s too young to be a -chaperone—she calls her frivolous for permitting -the girls to address her by her Christian name and -all in all there isn’t a thing the poor woman does -that meets with mother’s approval.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh considered deeply. “I fail to see anything -objectionable in what you have told me,” he said -finally. “The only thing I can do is to judge for -myself when I have the pleasure of meeting your -perfect chaperone. In the meantime, precious, don’t -you worry—your old Dad will always stand by you. -Run along now, and have a good time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He extracted a bill from his wallet, and reaching -for Elinor’s mesh bag tucked it in.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you so much, Dad dear, you’re so wonderful -to me.” Elinor looked at him with grateful -affectionate eyes. “The Thurstons are giving a -dance for Nell on the 17th—mother received the -invitation for it this morning—she says she is going -to decline, but you must arrange to take me, and -then you’ll meet Geraldine. I know you’ll agree -with me and admit that she is adorable.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Splendid—you may count upon me to act as your -gallant escort to the Thurston dance,” and Hugh -kissed his daughter affectionately, as they walked -to the door.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Late as usual, Elinor reached the Biltmore to -find Nell Thurston, Rosebud Greely, and Josephine -Wyeth, three of the season’s débutantes, patiently -awaiting her. They were in especially fine humor -and willing even to forgive Elinor since their beloved -Mrs. DeLacy was chaperone. Pretty, happy, light-hearted -girls were these friends of Elinor Benton’s, -with but three aims in life—a good time, endeavoring -to spend some of their parents’ too great wealth -and to make at last “a brilliant batch.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. DeLacy, the youthful widow, was remarkable -principally because of her knack of mentioning -her late dear husband at the right times, deftly to -manage to secure sympathy and admiration. It had -been remarked, too, that this was most generously -forthcoming from men.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She was prepossessing—there was no denying that—and -with a strange fascination that made her -singularly attractive.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The luncheon was a jolly little affair, the girls -were permitted to indulge in as many cigarettes as -they wished, and relate stories worthy of a demi-monde.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was no wonder her charges considered Mrs. -DeLacy a wonderful chaperone. She placed no restraint -whatsoever upon any of their actions, coincided -with all their plans and arrangements, and -managed to make herself thoroughly agreeable at -all times. The mere fact that she was <span class='it'>Mrs.</span> DeLacy -sufficed to make her a perfectly proper and legitimate -chaperone in the eyes of the world.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The curtain was rising as they were ushered to -a stage-box. The play, a modern society drama, -in its eighth week, playing to capacity at every performance, -was featuring the popular matinée idol, -Templeton Druid, in the stellar rôle.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>During the intermission, between the first and -second acts, as the girls discussed the play and the -star with animated enthusiasm, Mrs. DeLacy exploded -a bombshell in their midst when she calmly -remarked:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You children seem so fascinated by Mr. Druid—would -you like to meet him?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you know him, Geraldine?” The question -was chorused eagerly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I have known him all my life,” was the reply. -“We were neighbors in Richmond, raised together -as children, attended the same high-school, and graduated -from the same class.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, why in the world didn’t you say so before?” -Rosebud Greely pouted as though she had -been personally injured, as she pulled her skirts -higher for more comfort for her crossed legs with -their bare knees visible above her rolled-down silk -stockings. “Pigging it, I’d call it—wanted him all -to yourself, I suppose. And you knew what play -we were coming to see, and who was starring in it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine DeLacy smiled tolerantly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t fly off so quickly, dear,” she advised. “I -didn’t know myself till just now, for how could I -imagine that Thomas Temple, a boy from my home -town, whom I haven’t seen in years, was this -Templeton Druid, popular Broadway star. I knew -he always had a soaring ambition to become an actor, -but I could never dream of his going this far in so -short a time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Isn’t it wonderfully interesting and romantic?” -Nell Thurston, her eyes aglow with excitement, -wanted to know more.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You asked about our caring to meet him. Can -you manage it, Geraldine?” Elinor Benton was all -eagerness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Easily enough,” Geraldine shrugged her handsome -shoulders as she replied. “I’ll send back a -note asking him to join us at the Waldorf for tea -after the matinée. He’ll be there—” There was -a worldly meaning in her last words that even her -sophisticated charges failed to get.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How positively thrilling!” Rosebud giggled. -“Do you know I’ve never talked to a real actor in -my life?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With the prospect of meeting the star, interest in -the play increased ten-fold. Romantic revelries ran -riot through four foolish little heads. Geraldine sat -back and smiled cynically. “Young idiots,” she -thought contemptuously, as her roving glance settled -upon Elinor Benton. With tightly compressed lips -and eyes aflame with envy, she stared at the girl. -Only for a fleeting instance, however, did she permit -her expression to betray her chaotic emotion. She -leaned forward in her chair apparently absorbed in -the people on the stage.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As she had expected, Templeton Druid’s reply to -her invitation was a delightfully affable little billet -expressing his pleasure at the hope of seeing Mrs. -DeLacy and meeting her friends. He promised to -arrive at the Waldorf as expeditiously as possible -after the matinée.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>After their drive to the Waldorf in the Thurston -limousine, it was Geraldine who maneuvered to -walk behind with Elinor, as they strolled leisurely -through the hotel lobby. Young as she was, Elinor -Benton could not help but notice that something was -disturbing her chaperone as Mrs. DeLacy glanced -nervously from side to side.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it, Geraldine?” she asked in concern. -“Is anything wrong?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. DeLacy shook her head half-heartedly, then -her fine eyes came to rest appealingly on Elinor’s.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—no,” she began, then hurried on with -nervous suddenness. “No—er—well, yes, there is, -Elinor dearest. I hate so to tell you, but—but—well,” -she lowered her voice to a whisper: “I’m -afraid, dear, you’ll have to come to my rescue. Here -I have invited you all to tea and asked Mr. Druid -to join us, and I have just discovered that I lack the -necessary funds——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Not another word, please, Geraldine,” Elinor -interrupted hastily. “It’s a pleasure to be of any -service to you, dear.” And opening her bag, she -extracted the fifty-dollar bill her father had placed -there, and pressed it into Geraldine’s hands.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you so much,” beamed the chaperone, -glancing hurriedly at the bill before she thrust it into -her purse. “I’ll return it at the earliest opportunity.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>If anyone had dared assert that Geraldine DeLacy -was a social parasite, Elinor would have defended -her with emphatic loyalty.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Nevertheless, that was an appellation Mrs. DeLacy -justly deserved. It was no great secret how -she subsisted luxuriously upon the generosity of -friends and acquaintances. Habitual borrowing had -become her source of income, and she was well -known to mention her inadequate memory as extenuation -for failing to repay her obligations.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At their table for six in one of the tea rooms, it -was again Geraldine who adroitly managed to leave -the vacant seat for the actor between Elinor and herself. -They had barely fluttered into place before -Templeton Druid entered pompously as was his -wont. His appearance caused the mild sensation -he always hoped for. Heads turned in his direction; -there were whispered comments. To the unbiased -onlooker, it was clear as light the actor was not -displeased.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This is indeed an unexpected pleasure,” he told -Geraldine as he reached her table and bowed low -over her hand. “I would have known you anywhere. -If there is a change it is that you are more beautiful -than ever, if that is possible.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And you, I find, still retain your aptitude for -pretty speeches,” Geraldine answered laughingly but -not ill pleased herself. “Let me present you to my -friends.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He acknowledged each introduction with studied -gallantry, retaining possession of each little hand a -fraction of a second longer than necessary.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With the tea, toasted muffins, and marmalade Mr. -Druid talked, but regardless of what angle his conversation -started from, it invariably reverted to the -one subject uppermost in his consciousness—Templeton -Druid! He spoke of his managers, his contracts, -his popularity, of the requests he received daily for -autographed photos, of success, fame, showered -upon him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To his young auditors, so sophisticated in many -ways, so little in others, all this was something to -be eagerly devoured, to be remembered. To them -he was a figure of fame, of romanticism. But as she -listened, Geraldine DeLacy turned her head that -they might not see the smile of cynicism she could -not suppress. For to her, as he would so obviously -have been to any worldly person, Templeton Druid -bore no romantic glamour. He stood out through -his own words for what he was—a figure of unvarnished -petty egotism. It was during a lull in his lecture -on the subject of Templeton Druid that the -owner of the name bent over Elinor Benton as he -replenished her plate with marmalade.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Haven’t I met you before, Miss Benton?” he -asked, his deep romantic eyes apparently filled with -perplexity. “Your name is so familiar——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Before Elinor could voice a regretful negative, -Geraldine DeLacy interposed hurriedly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Aren’t you thinking of her father, possibly?” she -inquired. “Miss Benton is the daughter of Hugh -Benton, the Wall Street magnate, you know, whose -successes have earned him many a column in your -favorite literature—the newspapers.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Indeed!” Templeton’s tone assumed a note of -deference. “Of course, I know of your father, Miss -Benton. He is a recognized celebrity in the financial -world.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Across the room, three women seated at a table, -were bowing and endeavoring to attract the attention -of Geraldine’s party. Nell Thurston was the -first to see them.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do any of you know any of them?” she asked. -“They seem to know someone at this table.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why yes, I do,” Josephine Wyeth answered -quickly. “They are friends of mine from Baltimore. -I know you will pardon me if I go over to their table -for a few moments. Come with me, Rosebud, won’t -you? Don’t you remember meeting Mrs. Powell, -the time you motored to Baltimore with us?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll say I do,” was Rosebud’s slangy reply. Slang -for this one débutante was a favorite medium. “I’m -keen for saying ‘hello’ to her. She sure is a bully -little sport.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine moved over next to Nell Thurston.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You two keep on talking and forbear with us for -a few moments,” she advised Elinor and Templeton. -“I am anxious to discuss my idea for a new evening -frock with Nell.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As though the change had been prearranged between -them, Templeton Druid threw a grateful -glance at his old-time friend. She must have her -own reasons for giving him this opportunity with the -wealthy débutante, and he would make the most of -it. He threw all the magnetism he possessed into -his voice as he said:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This is more than I had hoped for, Miss Benton—one -little word with you. The gods must have -heard my prayer. From the minute I first saw you, -there was something I knew I must ask you. May -I not hope to see you again?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor flushed, as she looked shyly up from the -diagrams she was drawing on the table cloth with -her fork. It was not the girl the others knew who -only stammered, for once at a loss: “Why, I—I—oh -I should so like to have you call, Mr. Druid, but -I am just out, and my mother is—is—rather——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please—” Templeton Druid looked just properly -pained, and oh, such an unjustly misunderstood -man,—“I understand perfectly. Your mother -naturally would be particular with so charming a -daughter, and a man in my profession——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, no, it isn’t that,” Elinor hastened to interrupt. -She felt apologetic, too. “My mother’s ideas -are rather peculiar. She’s a dear, but she is old-fashioned -and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I wonder,” he said slowly, placing his hand over -hers as if quite by accident and allowing it to remain -there, “if we couldn’t manage to meet in spite of—mother’s -precaution. I have a perfect little speed -marvel of a roadster. Can’t I take you for a -drive?—Say Tuesday afternoon?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor’s heart thumped madly, and struggle as she -would, she could not control the trembling of her -hands beneath his. But she replied with seeming -carelessness, after what might have been due deliberation. -“Well—er—possibly. I know I should -enjoy it immensely—still——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Templeton Druid half suppressed a sigh as of -deep joy and delight.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Then that’s settled,” he breathed, “and I’ll be -at the 57th Street entrance to the park at two -o’clock—Ah, kind—so kind!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And his eyes, as Geraldine DeLacy caught a quick -glimpse of them from across the table and smiled, -said unutterable things as he gazed into the misty -blue orbs of Elinor Benton.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER VII</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton’s worldly intuition that a -crisis was imminent in her home, an inevitable -clash with her mother in which one or the other -would have to admit herself vanquished was not -without foundation. Neither the girl nor her father -were able to comprehend the mother’s attitude nor -why she should herself be, or wish them to be so -different from all those with whom they were in -these days thrown in contact. Sixteen years of suppressing -her emotions, of unsatisfied longings had -made her incapable of showing her inner feelings, -the tenderness that so passionately wished only for -the good of those dear to her. From some remote -ancestor she must have inherited the coldness and -intolerance she showed outwardly, and which was to -her husband and children their only criterion. Cold -and hard outwardly, intolerant to the extreme of -anything that did not agree with her puritanical convictions -which the years of self-communing had made -all but fanatical, Marjorie Benton did not, could not -open her heart and plead with those she loved to -understand her, to meet her half-way in her efforts -to make them see all she wished was to stand for -what was good, pure and true. A faulty reasoning, -aided by that inherited stubbornness, had persuaded -her her best source was to assert indomitable authority -as wife and mother—to force her own to -bend to her will, with no idea of the give and take -that makes worlds go around smoothly. She had -forgot to reason, too, that her children were her -own, and had without doubt inherited some of that -very stubbornness which so momentarily threatened -the Benton ship with going on the rocks.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor had felt—seen—the clash coming. But she -had not expected it quite so soon after her confidential -chat with her father.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The lateness of the hour—(it was past seven) -when she arrived home from her afternoon at the -matinée was the signal—the beginning of it all. Her -father and mother had finished their dinner and were -in the library, the father absorbed in his evening -paper, but the mother sat with her hands idly clasped -in her lap, her eyes never wandering from the clock -in the corner until her daughter rushed in apologetically.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sorry to be so late,” she deplored. “I hope you -haven’t waited dinner for me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your father and I have had our dinner.” Her -mother seemed not to notice the breathless apology. -“I have ordered yours kept warm for you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thanks, mother, you are very kind, but I can’t -eat a mouthful. We had a rather sumptuous -luncheon, and it was 6:30 when we finished having -tea at the Waldorf.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie walked across the room and pressed -the bell. When the butler entered she ordered him -to inform the cook that “Miss Elinor had already -dined.” Then she turned and faced her daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It strikes me, Elinor,” she said slowly, “that for -a young girl so recently introduced into society, you -are assuming unwarranted privileges.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Though he at first attempted to assume a neutral -attitude and kept his eyes on his paper, Hugh Benton -stirred uneasily, his very attitude showing that the -scene he felt sure would ensue was most distasteful -to him. He set his jaws at a belligerent angle. -Well, if it must come——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton flushed dully at her mother’s words. -Her glance sought her father, and what she saw -there apparently gave her courage. With a calmness -and coldness matching Marjorie’s own, and -with her dainty chin tipped at a dangerously belligerent -angle that showed her as much like one parent -as the other, she faced her mother, and, as though -addressing an insolent stranger, her answer came -icily.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I fail to understand you, mother,” was what she -said. “As usual you are speaking enigmatically.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“In that case I shall lose no time in making myself -clear,” the mother began, but her words were cut -short.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I say,” Hugh interrupted hurriedly as he -dropped his paper, and glanced up with a smile as -though some remarkable idea had come to him. -“How about you two dressing as quickly as you can -and driving into town with me. We can make one -of the Roof shows! Eh, what?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor clapped her hands delightedly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Fine, Dad!” was her enthusiastic acceptance. -“It won’t take me five minutes to dress. I’m dying -to attend a Roof revue—I hope you can get tickets.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“In case I can’t, we will go over to ‘The Palais -Royal,’ ” Hugh answered, with a man’s natural eagerness -to avert the inevitable argument between -Marjorie and Elinor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“One moment, please,” Marjorie cold, wide-eyed, -forbidding, addressed her husband. “Your attempt -to silence me, Hugh, is obvious. Besides, you know -perfectly well I never attend a Roof show, and I -surely will not permit my daughter to do so.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With a pertness she had not before considered -when addressing her mother, the daughter exclaimed -with a toss of her head:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well I can’t see why <span class='it'>you</span> should object if Dad -proposes taking us!” Angry tears rushed to her -eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I consider it unnecessary to state my reasons. It -should be sufficient that I do object—most strenuously. -There are a great many things that I wish -to say to you, Elinor. This is probably an opportune -time. Perhaps it would be better for you to -come with me to my room.” Marjorie rose and -started toward the door.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>All signs of neutrality vanishing and with a sternness -and a fire in his eyes his wife did not recognize, -Hugh Benton threw down his paper and rose, too. -He made his way to his daughter’s side.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor!” he said gently as he placed his arm -about her. “Please go to your own room for awhile. -I wish to speak with your mother, alone.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You just heard me request Elinor to come to -my room?” Marjorie was astounded. “Surely -you——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor, do as I say,” Hugh repeated. His wife -he ignored.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s glance at his white face and tightly -compressed lips showed her a new Hugh. With an -indifferent shrug of her shoulders she sat down to -wait.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Frightened by what was occurring, Elinor’s arms -went up to close about her father’s neck. Marjorie -winced unconsciously as she saw the gesture. It -proclaimed so plainly who her daughter believed -to be her best friend—which one she loved.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m sorry, Dad,” the girl stammered with a sob -as she slowly left them.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton’s eyebrows went up in disdain -as the door closed behind Elinor and her husband -came over to stand before her wordless, hands in -pockets.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I suppose,” she commented, bitterly, “you are -greatly elated at having humiliated me before -Elinor.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You know that is not true!” Hugh’s voice was -tense as he gave his wife the lie for the first time -in his life. He was thoroughly exasperated, out of -patience with her and what he believed were her -ideals. “I am only sure of one thing. You have -got into the way of making a tragedy out of every -little thing that does not suit you, and this is just -another example. But if you are looking for -tragedy, something real to dramatize over,” and his -lips tightened into a grim line as he accentuated every -word, “I just want to tell you that this time you may -succeed beyond your wildest expectations!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Hugh—what do you mean—I—” Marjorie’s -voice was tremulous as she sought to understand -what had brought this storm of her husband’s -about her ears.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I think this time you’ll have no cause to complain -about not understanding what I mean. And for -once, I expect you to listen to every word I say!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>There was no doubting the earnestness of Hugh -Benton’s tone, or that he was wrought up to a pitch -rarely known to his easy-going nature. For once, -the cloak of her authority dropped from his wife’s -shoulders and she shrank in her chair as her meek -reply came.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well—I’m listening. I suppose,” and there -was a flicker of her sternness and sarcasm, “I may -as well try to comprehend you and your very peculiar -attitude——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton flicked his cigarette into the wide -fireplace, staring after it a moment before he turned -to face his wife. With arms folded, he towered -over her, his whole manner that of a stern, unyielding -judge.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Marjorie,” he began, “I realize that you are -my wife, and as such, entitled to many privileges. -But there is such a thing as carrying your prejudices -too far. The way matters have been going on in this -house for some time now simply cannot continue. -Not only the children, but I, myself, have reached -the limit of my endurance. We came to New York -sixteen years ago at your suggestion, not mine. I -always wish you to remember that. When I realized -that your one ambition was for me to become -a success in this great metropolis, I determined to -use all my energies and capabilities to satisfy your -desires. Financially and socially I believe I have -reached your expectations. In everything else my -life is a complete failure.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Failure?” Marjorie’s voice trembled as her face -showed her genuine surprise.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh nodded emphatically. “Yes, failure,” he -emphasized. “My children love me, not for myself, -but because I am able to gratify all of their whims -and desires, and strange to say, I am perfectly willing -to pay for their show of affection, because it is the -only tie that binds me to my home.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Tears of distress which in spite of her pride forced -themselves to unwelcome eyes, trembled on Marjorie -Benton’s eyelids and splashed down on the -hands folded so quietly over her somber gray gown.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh!” she cried, distressed. “Surely you don’t -know what you say! What about your wife?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You asked the same thing years ago, Marjorie,” -Hugh answered bitterly, “when we discussed -the advisability of coming to New York. You were -all the world to me then, and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And <span class='it'>now</span> I am nothing.” Marjorie’s quivering -lips completed the sentence. “I—I understand, -Hugh.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You are still the mother of my children, despite -the fact that they are both disappointments to me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh was calm in the face of his wife’s tragedy, -but his very calmness gave back to his wife some of -her fighting spirit.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If they are disappointments to you, it is your -own fault,” she flared. “You humor them beyond -all reason. I try to enforce strict discipline, and you -invariably interfere. This very evening when I attempted -to reprimand Elinor, you resorted to almost -childish subterfuge to prevent an argument.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll tell you why I interfere.” Hugh was getting -to the gist of his lecture. “It is for the simple reason -that I consider you the real culprit. The children -are not to blame because they are selfish, worldly, -way beyond their age, and lacking in love and respect -for their parents. You raised them both in schools -and colleges where they were thrown in contact with -the wrong companions. Had you kept your children -with you and reared them in the environment -of home and love, everything would have been different.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How like you to put the blame on me.” Marjorie’s -lip curled in scorn, and her foot in its common -sense high shoe tapped impatiently on the soft-toned -rug. But Hugh Benton was in too deadly earnest -to be switched from his main topic by a side remark. -He went on, as though his wife had not spoken.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And now, you expect a girl and boy, grown up, -to obey you implicitly, and change in a few days the -training they have received for years. I tell you, -Marjorie, you are employing the wrong method. -You must realize it is too late for you to command, -and if you persist in continually arguing with Elinor, -and criticising her every act, you will drive her to -desperation, that’s all. She is a self-willed and headstrong -girl, and it is necessary to handle her with -caution and the utmost diplomacy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie could not forbear one bitter reminder. -“As long as you find so much fault with your family, -why don’t you devote less time to your club and try -to remodel them?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If you were the kind of a wife I once believed -you to be I shouldn’t have to find diversion at my -club,” Hugh answered sadly. “But what do I ever -find at home now, save criticism.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You really are a badly abused man, Hugh. -First it is your children, and now your wife—I don’t -see how you manage to bear up under your heavy -burden.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The tinge of sarcasm in Marjorie’s voice stung -Hugh to the quick. His fist banged down on the -table with rage.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What <span class='it'>is</span> the use?” he exclaimed violently. “I -may as well try to reason with an infant. We have -been drifting further and further apart until we -haven’t a single idea in common. Our lives together -under this roof is a mockery, but up to now I have -always remembered that you are my wife and have -never as much as permitted myself to indulge in the -thought of another woman; but from this moment -I am <span class='it'>through</span> with conventionality. I am going to -drift wherever the tide takes me. If you don’t care -to be a wife to me, to interest yourself in at least -some of my interests—I can’t find happiness in my -own home, I shall seek it elsewhere!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In his old manner of having said the last word -on a subject, Hugh Benton jammed his hands in his -pockets and stalked to the door. Marjorie heard -him call out an order to have the limousine at the -door in fifteen minutes. Then she looked up to see -him standing with his hand on the door knob as he -looked back into the room for one last word.</p> - -<div class='figcenter'> -<img src='images/i094.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0003' style='width:100%;height:auto;'/> -<p class='caption'><span style='font-size:smaller'>Elinor Benton realizes that Geraldine (Winifred Bryson) has stolen her father’s affection.</span><br/><span style='font-size:smaller'>(<span class='it'>“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”</span>)</span></p> -</div> - -<p class='pindent'>“And another thing!” He fairly bit off his words. -“I understand you’ve decided to decline our invitation -to the Thurston’s ball on the seventeenth -through some foolish notion of not approving of -some of their relations or guests. You are to accept -at once—understand? I intend going and taking -Elinor!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie nodded dully—and with no other word -he was gone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For long minutes after the door had banged after -her husband, Marjorie Benton sat quietly in her -chair, almost too stunned to think. Surely she must -have been dreaming. Hugh had never before displayed -such a temper. The things he had said were -positively indecent. She was aroused from her -reverie by the slamming of the front door and the -sound of the machine going down the driveway. -She sighed as she got slowly to her feet. She remembered -she must talk to Elinor. She must not -let what Hugh had said interfere with her duty. At -the locked door she rapped softly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Who is it?” called the girl.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s mother, dear! I have come to have a talk -with you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sorry, mother, but I have a dreadful headache,” -was the languid response. “You will have to wait -until another time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am not going to scold—I just want to have a -heart-to-heart chat with you, dear.” Marjorie was -surprised at her own pleading voice as a lump rose -in her throat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’d rather not talk to-night, mother—please excuse -me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well,” Marjorie faltered, but as she -turned toward her own rooms, the hot tears rolled -down her cheeks.</p> - -<hr class='tbk103'/> - -<p class='pindent'>On Tuesday afternoon, at precisely two o’clock, -Templeton Druid parked his classy little roadster -near the 57th Street entrance of the park, and paced -slowly up and down. He was waiting for Elinor -Benton. Time after time he glanced impatiently at -his watch. He had never before waited for anyone—this -was a new experience.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was twenty minutes past two when he saw her -alight from a taxi in front of the Plaza. He hastened -forward to meet her. All his anger at her -tardiness melted away immediately at sight of the -beautiful girl in her stunning sport suit and hat of -Chinese blue.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting,” was her -breathless greeting. “I—I—was unavoidably detained.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She felt she just could not confess to this man -her difficulties in endeavoring to get away from her -mother.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie always attended a settlement meeting on -Tuesday, so usually Elinor was free to do as she -pleased; but to-day, the president had been reported -ill and the meeting was postponed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So it had been only through soliciting the aid of -Mrs. DeLacy over the telephone that Elinor finally -managed to keep her appointment. Mrs. DeLacy -called for her in the Thurston car, begging that she -accompany her to the dentist. Before her mother -had a chance to utter a protest, Elinor had consented, -so there was nothing for Marjorie to do. As soon -as they were a safe distance from home, Elinor -summoned a taxi and hastened to her rendezvous. -But had she been able to read her dear Geraldine’s -thoughts as that fair chaperone lounged comfortably -on her way to the shopping district, the Benton -heiress might not have felt so grateful as she went -light-hearted to meet her matinée idol. For Geraldine -DeLacy, widow, social parasite, chaperone de -luxe, was racking her clever brains for a plan -whereby she might most advantageously use the confidence -Elinor had been obliged to place in her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nothing matters, now that you are here,” was -Templeton’s gallant reply to the girl’s apology. “I -was only beginning to fear you would not come—but -now——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor’s eyes were on the actor’s car as he led -her to it. She glowed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What a stunning little car!” she cried, in delight.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To praise any of Templeton Druid’s possessions -was the next best thing to praising him. But it was -with a blasé air that he consented to agree with his -guest, as he turned the wheel to head toward Long -Island.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, she is a good little car,” he admitted, a bit -boredly, as though condescending to praise the machine. -“When we get out on the road, I’ll let her -out a bit and show you what she can do.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor’s eyes gained a new sparkle as the air -colored her cheeks.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It seems wonderful to be riding like this,” she -enthused. “I’m so tired of always riding behind a -chauffeur. Dad wanted to buy me a car of my own, -but mother wouldn’t consider it. He is going to buy -one for my brother when he graduates, and then I’ll -coax Howard into teaching me how to run it.” And -Elinor’s eyes brightened with anticipation.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You don’t have to wait for that,” Templeton -answered magnanimously. “I’m going to teach you -how to run mine this very day. Just as soon as we -strike a nice stretch of road, I’ll put you at the -wheel.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How perfectly splendid! But I’m afraid you -will find me an awkward pupil.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I promise not to become impatient,” Templeton -laughed, “but I warn you I may exact a tiny payment.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor caught her breath a little as she recognized -the eager boldness with which the actor looked into -her eyes, as they paused at a crossing at the command -of the uplifted white hand of a traffic officer. -But already she had determined that her companion -should not put her in the class of the unsophisticated. -For this one day she would put behind her all -thoughts of prudishness, all the reminders of her -mother’s teachings she had come so to despise, but -had not quite forgotten. So her blush was belied -by the boldness of her words as she pertly retorted:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ve never yet heard a complaint that I don’t -pay my debts!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Templeton Druid smiled complacently as he turned -in at the ferry entrance. This was going to be easier -than he thought. But—oh, well, wasn’t that always -the way. There was certainly something in being -Templeton Druid.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was a glorious day. The sun shone radiantly, -and the balmy breath of spring with bewildering -fragrance flooded the atmosphere.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Gradually her companion persuaded Elinor Benton -to talk of herself and family. Before long she -was telling him her life’s history without once suspecting -that he had purposely encouraged her to -do so.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“By the way,” he suddenly seemed to remember. -“I forgot to tell you something. Through Mrs. -DeLacy’s kindness I have received an invitation to -a dance at the Thurstons’ on the 17th.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Splendid!” Elinor exclaimed, her eyes dancing -her pleasure. “Of course, you’ll accept?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The man shook his head slowly. “I have thought -of declining because I can’t get there until after the -theater,” he demurred, “and that will be so late, but -of course, if you wish me to come——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, of course, I do—ever so much!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’ll promise to save a dance for me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Two,” promised the girl, her mind busily engaged -with the thought of a wonderful new frock -for the occasion.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>True to his word, he put her at the wheel, and -she thoroughly enjoyed her first lesson in driving. -The rose color flamed in her cheeks, and her eyes -sparkled like twin stars. Templeton Druid, glancing -at her from the corner of his eye, caught his breath -in admiration. “She is only a slip of a girl,” he -thought. “But what a magnificent woman she will -be!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As they stood up to leave the little inn where they -had their sandwiches and tea, the actor, in his most -courtly manner bent over, and reaching for her -hand, pressed his lips gently to the tips of her fingers.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His was a vast experience with women. It had -taught him much, enough to realize that, impetuous -and pampered as this girl was, he must use the utmost -discrimination in endeavoring to arouse her -admiration.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor’s heart pounded bewilderingly as she withdrew -her hand and turned toward the car. It had -not resumed its rhythmic beating even when they -reached the Plaza where they were met by Mrs. -DeLacy, who was true to her promise to see Elinor -through her escapade. Templeton Druid found -time for one confidential whisper.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now don’t forget your promise,” he reminded, -his tone languishing as though nothing else in the -world meant so much. “Be sure to ’phone me to-morrow -morning and let me know when I can see -you again.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor nodded but her eyes betrayed much to that -wise little lady when she took her seat by Geraldine -DeLacy’s side in the Thurston limousine.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER VIII</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Judged from a standpoint of society notables -present, the Thurston dance was the success of -the season. True, there was a notable lack of -the old conservative element, the Knickerbocker -strain, but no one noticed the absence of these kill-joys, -as some of the younger set were wont to refer -to them, and their absence was more than atoned for -by the bevy of débutantes, second-season belles and -attractive matrons whose doings filled so many -columns in the society gossip. To say nothing of a -scattering of celebrities. And to anyone who knew -him, it was plain that Templeton Druid considered -himself not the least of these.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The Broadway star made a late, a very late appearance—the -affair had progressed to the stage -where the younger set had long since abandoned -their more proper dancing for the jazziest of modern -Terpsichorean feats, utterly careless, in most cases, -oblivious of the few frowns that met them from the -few older matrons who had not accustomed themselves -to seeing the sons and daughters of their own -sort resort to the gyrations of public dance halls.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The Bentons, father and daughter, (it had been -the greatest joy to Elinor when her mother had -made a final declination of her own and her father’s -invitation to accompany them) were among the -earlier arrivals. Elinor Benton had not yet become -so blasé that she was willing to forego any moment -of triumph which was inevitably hers at such an -affair. Her very happiness at the thought of meeting -Templeton Druid again (though that one ride -had only been the precursor of others which had followed -and which had led in this short time to an intimacy -she had never known with any of the men in -her own set), of being held in his arms in the dance, -and with the added zest of being from under her -mother’s eyes, for she had dreaded the thought of -introducing the matinée hero to her mother and -being questioned as to her friendship, had further -enhanced the beauty that made her the center of -attraction wherever she went. Much thought had -been spent on the gown she wore—a marvelous creation -of georgette crêpe, its <span class='it'>couleur de rose</span> shading -from the deepest tint to a delicate shell pink. And -strangely enough for her, it had not been the thought -that it would bring the usual crowds of callow -youth about her that had been responsible for the -careful toilette. What Templeton Druid would -think of her—could she further bring him to her -feet—had been the all-absorbing hope as she had -stood before her long mirror while her maid put the -finishing touches to the dream she saw before her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton had no worry about her father as -far as her actor was concerned. She knew her -father—knew his careless acceptance of anything -she might tell him; knew, too, the only half hidden -snobbery that would accept without question any -guest of the Thurstons. Hugh Benton had reached -the point where his society gods and goddesses could -do no wrong.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A one-step was starting as the Bentons entered -the big ball room. Hugh looked about him with as -happy eyes as did his daughter. This was the kind -of thing he loved; this what he had always been -denied. His wife cared so little for the enjoyments -of the society into which his hard work and diplomacy -had landed them. But had he been a bit more -observant, he would have seen that his little girl’s -eyes were not as care-free as usual, that she was -restless; there was still something that must occur -to make her happiness complete. There was the -thought that three hours must elapse before Templeton -Druid should make his appearance. She saw -several youths making their way in her direction. -Of a sudden they seemed unspeakably inane. She -did not want to dance with them. She placed her -hand on her father’s arm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come on, Dad, let’s dance,” she urged. “This -is a one-step; I know you can dance that——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton looked down and laughed as he -placed his arm about his daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s in the baby that makes her want to dance -with her old Dad, instead of these youngsters who -are breaking their necks to reach her?” he asked -humorously. But as they swung off, Elinor looked -up at him, wrinkled her pretty nose and sniffed as -she murmured: “My <span class='it'>old</span> Dad! Hmmph! Handsomest, -youngest man in the room, I’ll tell the world. -The girls’ll all be dying with jealousy——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A light-gloved hand brushed her bare arm. A -warm perfume unlike any he had ever smelt made -Hugh Benton glance up quickly. A soft musical -voice drawled:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hello, child! Do I have to interrupt your dance -to make you notice me—to say good-evening. I’ve -been trying to catch your eye ever since you came in.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton swung out of her father’s arms to -face Geraldine DeLacy—a marvelous Geraldine in -her soft clinging iridescent gown, her deep dark eyes -sparkling with pleasurable enjoyment, as though -seeing and speaking with Elinor Benton was the -event of the evening most to be desired.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Geraldine,” cried the girl. “Isn’t it fine to -see you! And right now when I’m with Dad. -Goodness knows,” and she flashed an impish smile -at her parent, “when the other girls get a chance at -him, I’m going to see precious little of him this -evening—and I do so want you two to know each -other. This is Mrs. DeLacy, Dad—you know, -Geraldine, of whom I’ve told you so much.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“She has indeed, Mrs. DeLacy,” Hugh Benton -added cordially. “I feel almost as if we were old -friends——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The woman shot him an arch glance.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Which we may be, I hope?” she queried, and -there was something in that glance and appealing -voice which sent a quiver through the financier’s -nerve centers such as he had not known in many a -day. “As I hope,” she added, playfully pinching -Elinor’s cheek, “that it has been nice things this child -has been saying about me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor interrupted breathlessly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Dad, I told you, didn’t I, that she was -beautiful and fascinating and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Quite the most wonderful creature alive—I -admit it myself,” Geraldine’s laugh was whole-hearted, -but the look she gave Hugh was one of -mutual understanding. “It’s quite wonderful to be -a chaperone to children who can find no fault in you -because you love to see them enjoy themselves. And -besides, a widow must have some admiration, and -from what better source than the girls she loves?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton had appreciated the glance of understanding, -but now he could not restrain his gallant: -“She wasn’t half eloquent enough, Mrs. DeLacy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine smiled and lowered her lashes over her -wonderful dark eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s so fine to hear such things—even if one is -not a débutante, and of course, has to take a back -seat at such affairs as this.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The music was beginning for a new dance. Elinor -saw Frank Joyce, whose name was on her card, approaching.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Dad,” she said, regretfully, “we’ve missed -our dance, but we’ll have another later. Take good -care of my family, Geraldine,” she called laughingly -as she whirled away in young Joyce’s arms, her mind -still on the slow moving time that separated her -from Templeton Druid.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Would you care to dance, Mrs. DeLacy, or -would you prefer sitting it out?” asked Hugh.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, let’s talk,” Geraldine replied eagerly. “I -can <span class='it'>always</span> dance, but—” Her eyes were full of -meaning. Hugh linked her arm within his and led -her out to one of the verandahs.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Will you have a wrap?” he inquired solicitously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you, no,—the night is glorious.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This seems cozy,” Hugh said, as he drew up two -wicker easy chairs beside a row of potted palms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>They were at the farthest end of the verandah. -Music floated out from the ballroom, the soft rays -of the moon slanted toward them, and the fragrance -of the sweet peas and roses was wafted up from the -sunken gardens.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine heaved a little sigh of contentment and -settled back in her chair: “I’m sorry to have made -you miss your dance with Elinor.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“The pleasure of meeting you has entirely recompensed -me,” Hugh replied gallantly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How lovely of you to say that.” Geraldine stared -at Hugh so openly for a few moments, that he found -himself blushing like a school-girl.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I—beg your pardon,” she stammered. “I -didn’t mean to stare so rudely, only I just <span class='it'>can’t</span> -realize it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it that you can’t realize?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, that you are Elinor’s father—you are so—so -young!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m forty-four years old,” Hugh answered smilingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Really, Mr. Benton! Surely you have discovered -an elixir of youth. I’ve met Mrs. Benton, and -I can’t understand how you—oh please—forgive me—I -have an abominable habit of thinking aloud.” -Geraldine lowered her eyes while she waited anxiously -to see what effect her thrust had taken.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My wife is four years younger than I,” Hugh -replied gravely. “You must remember that time -deals more lightly with a man than it does with a -woman.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You won’t think I’m presuming if I say that anyone -would take Mrs. Benton to be many years your -senior. Has she been ill?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, Mrs. Benton has not been ill,” he sighed. -“She is quite reserved, and a bit old-fashioned. -Don’t you think it rather difficult to keep one’s youth -without indulging in a few modern pleasures?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Indeed, I do,” Geraldine answered, and her sigh -asked for understanding as she added, as though -reluctantly, “and I can sympathize with you—my -husband and I were—er——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>All the world—all his own world of finance and -business, at least, gave Hugh Benton credit for being -a clever man. It was a common expression among -his club and business associates that anyone would -have to get up early to put anything over on Hugh -Benton. But there would have been smiles, contemptuous, -tolerant, amused, could those men have -seen Hugh Benton in the hands of a woman as clever -as himself, cleverer by far, in her own sphere. For -Hugh Benton had never lived by his wits. Geraldine -DeLacy’s daily bread depended on hers. She -molded him like wax. In her hands he was pliable -as a child. It would have astonished even him could -he have stood off in an astral body and heard himself -discussing his most intimate domestic affairs -with a total stranger. He did not know that Mrs. -DeLacy was but satisfying her curiosity concerning -the rumors she had heard of incompatibility in the -Benton family, but Geraldine knew that it took her -but one-half hour to discover all she wished to know.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But as he talked, becoming each minute more confidential, -it seemed less and less that this beautiful -woman was a stranger. It was so much to have her -sitting next to him, looking at him tenderly, with eyes -expressing sympathy and warmth. Her complete -understanding of everything he said seemed so thorough. -Her capability to grasp intuitively his innermost -thoughts amazed him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine adroitly turned the conversation to herself. -She spoke of marriage to a man uncongenial -to her every way—a marriage described as a sacrifice -to save a home for her people—one of the old -families of Virginia,—and then of her widowhood; -how Mr. DeLacy had passed away six years ago, -after losing his entire fortune, and leaving her a -mere pittance of an income, barely enabling her to -keep up a respectable appearance.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh unconsciously cast a look of surprised inquiry -at her magnificent gown.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine shrugged and laughed a little bitterly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You are looking at my gown,” she interposed -quickly. “I’ll tell you a secret, one that I have never -confided in another soul—I make all my own gowns. -But what is one to do?” She spread her hands in a -gesture of mute helplessness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Remarkable!” Hugh was genuinely admiring. -“But it must keep you very busy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It does—sometimes I sit up until four in the -morning sewing—I can’t let it interfere with any -of my social engagements, and still I must do it—it -is the only way I can manage at all. Why the -price of the gown your daughter is wearing this -evening would provide six for me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Wonderful little woman!” Hugh reached out -daringly to pat her hand. “So few women would -be content under such circumstances.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, but I’m not always content. Sometimes I -become very much discouraged, and heartsick—I’m -so terribly alone in the world. The Thurstons are -good, kind people, but somehow I just can’t unburden -myself to them. We Lees, of Virginia, are so terribly -proud, you know. If I only had someone to -take a little interest in my affairs—the small amount -of money that I have invested properly would mean -so much to me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Had this bald bid come from any man he knew, -Hugh Benton would have smiled his understanding -smile and put it from his mind. But now so thoroughly -had Geraldine DeLacy hypnotized the man -who for years had been without sympathy or the -flattery that is man’s meed that he did not even see -that it was a blatant asking for aid. All he could -see was that here was a beautiful, a sympathetic, an -understanding woman in financial straits, that she, -proud as she was, had confided in him, had given -him confidence for confidence in the short time it -had taken them to be such good friends, and that -he knew he could aid her. Why, he could make it -possible for her to be independent of any of these -friends or relatives. It would not be necessary for -her to sit up late at night, dimming her wonderful -eyes, pricking those dainty fingers making gowns in -which she looked so amazingly well dressed. He -could imagine how hard it was for her to have to -depend on even such relations as the Thurstons. -Here was his opportunity to show himself a real -friend—not the casual acquaintance of a few idle -hours at a dance, talking while the music purred and -the moon made it an hour for confidences.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why not let me help you?” he asked eagerly. -“You know, investing money is my business, and -when I hear of something good, let me double or -triple that little sum for you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Mr. Benton!” Geraldine exclaimed, concealing -her delight with well-feigned emotion. “You -surely wouldn’t bother with me! I couldn’t let a -busy man like you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It would be the greatest pleasure, Mrs. DeLacy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But it—it seems like such an imposition! Oh, -it—it actually looks as though I—I was hinting—Oh, -Mr. Benton, I wouldn’t have you think that for -the world!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nonsense! I don’t think anything of the kind. -You happened to mention your affairs and I happened -to be in a position to render you a little assistance—that’s -all there is about it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All?—Why—I—I—” Geraldine covered her -eyes with her handkerchief and began to sob softly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, please,” Hugh drew her hands from her eyes -and patted her shoulder consolingly. “I can’t bear -to see a woman cry.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re like all men in that respect,” Geraldine -dried her eyes obediently and smiled up at him. “But -in every other way you’re so different—I never met -anyone like you—my friend. I won’t attempt to -thank you now; I should only cry again. Hadn’t -we better join the others?” Geraldine rose from her -chair.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I suppose we must.” Hugh reached for -her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. “But,” -he added, meaningly, “remember this—you have -called me your friend and—we shall meet again.” -He finished abruptly as he led her toward the -brightly-lighted windows, and there was determination -in his tone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Nell Thurston was just taking Templeton Druid, -who had but made his belated pompous appearance, -over to meet her father and mother when Mrs. DeLacy -re-entered the ballroom on the arm of Hugh -Benton. They made their way toward Elinor who -stood alone for the moment, her eyes fastened with -all the fascination of a bird on its natural enemy on -the tall, lithe figure of the Thespian. So interested -was she that she did not even see her father and -friend, though she had taken occasion two or three -times to wonder a little at their prolonged absence. -“He’s here just to see me—me!” was her exultant -thought. “Oh, what would they all think if they -knew,” pridefully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Like nearly everyone else the big room, so effectually -had Templeton Druid learned to make his -entrances, Hugh Benton saw the man, and his brows -twisted in perplexity as he looked.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Who is he?” he asked his companion. “It seems -as if I know him, but I can’t quite place——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Templeton Druid,” informed Mrs. DeLacy.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh’s “Oh,” was somewhat illuminative. “Oh,” -he said, “Templeton Druid, the actor? Is he—is -he a friend of the Thurstons?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“He’s a friend of mine,” was Geraldine’s information, -in a tone that removed from Hugh Benton’s -mind any doubt of the matinée idol’s eligibility anywhere. -“We went to the same school in Richmond. -He’s from an excellent family.” They had reached -Elinor’s side just in time for the girl to hear the last -remark of Mrs. DeLacy, and it was a look of gratitude -she shot at her friend and chaperone as she -quickly took in of whom they were speaking. “Ah, -Elinor,” purred Geraldine, as she placed her arm -about the waist of the other, “I see a friend of ours. -You know,” and she turned informatively to the -father, “I introduced several girls to Mr. Druid at -the Waldorf one afternoon while we were having -tea. You were one of them, weren’t you, dear?” -Elinor nodded, but Geraldine chattered on. “He’s -really charming and cultured, but—ah, you shall -judge for yourself, Mr. Benton.” Templeton -Druid, his introductions to his hosts completed had -straightened his tall figure in its immaculate evening -garb and was looking about the room as though in -search of someone. His glance caught Geraldine’s -and she beckoned. He approached with an eagerness -that brought a frown of something akin to -jealousy to the financier’s face as he bent a keen -look on his new-found friend. Geraldine held out -her hand cordially.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad you could come,” she enthused. -“You’ve met Miss Benton, haven’t you?” turning -to Elinor, who felt as if the pounding of her heart -must be heard above the buzz of conversation.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I have had the pleasure,” Templeton replied, -bending over Elinor’s hand.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And this is Mr. Benton, Elinor’s father,” Geraldine -continued.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Glad to know you, Mr. Druid,” Hugh said as -they shook hands. “I’ve always admired your -work——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Druid’s laugh was frank and hearty.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And I yours, Mr. Benton,” he countered. “It’s -a far more popular art.” Hugh Benton grinned understandingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We artists,” he began, but the bang of jazz for -the next dance drowned his unfinished epigram.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Will you dance, Miss Benton?” Templeton -turned to Elinor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He held the girl closely to him as they circled -about the room. “You’re ravishingly beautiful to-night,” -he whispered, his voice vibrating with passionate -tenderness. “Can’t we manage to slip away -for a few moments so that I can have you to myself?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t see how we can possibly get away,” she -pouted prettily. “After this dance Nell will be waiting -to introduce you to half a dozen girls, and they -will monopolize you for the rest of the evening.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There isn’t a soul I want to meet—I only accepted -this invitation in order to be near you,” he -replied quickly. “Surely you can think of some -way to rescue me from a lot of uninteresting girls. -I can’t see anyone in this room but you—dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor thrilled delightedly at the “dear”—it was -the first term of endearment he had used in addressing -her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll tell you what I will do,” she planned quickly. -“After this dance, I’ll run upstairs for a wrap, while -you manage to disappear through that French -window at the end of the room—it leads into the -garden and at the end of the path, you’ll find an -adorable little summer-house. Wait there until I -join you. But we can only remain away a few -moments,” she continued as he started to voice his -gratitude. “The lion of the hour will be missed, you -know, and a search instituted for him.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Five minutes alone with the most bewitching girl -in the world,” he assured her, “will compensate me -for the balance of the evening.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was less hard than Elinor’s biased imagination -had supposed for the man to slip away unobserved -to the “adorable little summer-house” at the end of -the path.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My, but I’ve had a lot of dodging to do,” Elinor -exclaimed breathlessly as she entered a few minutes -later. “Whenever you’re anxious to avoid people, -one seems to spring up like a jack-out-of-the-box at -every turn!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor,” Templeton murmured, reaching for her -hand, and holding it close within his own. “Do you -know why I begged you to grant me a few moments -alone?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t imagine,” she replied coyly, “unless it -was for the purpose of admiring this wonderful -moon.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton’s eyes turned upward toward the -silvery shining circle that beamed down upon them -through the tangled vines of the summer house. She -was tantalizingly close to the man who still held her -warm little fingers. The perfume that clung about -her soft young body stung all the man’s unbridled -senses like a whiplash. His eyes and brain saw red -as he threw out his arms and clasped her roughly -to him, raining kisses on her upturned face.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You tantalizing, wonderful little beauty!” he -breathed. “Is there some vampire in you? You -know very well that I’m mad about you! I adore -you! The moon, stars and sun, all are eclipsed in -your presence!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Passively she remained in his arms while he kissed -her again and again. He held her off at arms length -and looked longingly at her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you care for me? A little?” he asked eagerly. -“Tell me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor’s head fell forward on his breast.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I <span class='it'>love</span> you,” she whispered, but there was a -passion in the whispered words that even Templeton -Druid, past master of heart affairs, had never before -heard.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My darling!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His voice was softly caressing. But by the light -of the moon the girl in his arms could not see the -triumphant gleam in his eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Content for the moment only to stand heart to -heart with the man she loved, feeling his caressing -touch, hearing his tender words of devotion, Elinor -Benton let the world go by unheeded. Then came -an unwelcome thought to obtrude. She drew back -from him, and stared off into space.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, what will mother say?” she wailed dismally. -“I’m not a bit worried about Dad—I can -easily win him over—but <span class='it'>mother</span>?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why?—Why?” he stammered confusedly. -“Need we tell them anything about it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You foolish boy! You’re so confused,” she -laughed. “Isn’t it customary for a man to ask a -girl’s parents for her hand in marriage?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Marriage!” he ejaculated. “Oh—to be sure—only -we will have to keep all this secret for awhile—that -is what I meant by suggesting our not mentioning -anything to your parents—just yet. You see, -dearest, I must play the rest of this season according -to my contract, and one-half of my popularity -is centered in my being an <span class='it'>unmarried</span> matinée hero. -Besides, there is another matter, it will be necessary -for me to adjust—one that I cannot explain at -present.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I understand, dear. You are suggesting that we -remain secretly engaged for the present?” she asked -eagerly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—that’s it exactly. Do you mind, sweetheart?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I think it will be wonderful; so delightfully -romantic, and my meeting you clandestinely won’t -seem at all wrong now that you are my affianced -husband,” she replied with suppressed excitement.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re a genuine little sport,” he exclaimed, -generously helping himself to more of her kisses -which she unhesitatingly returned.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We will surely be missed,” Elinor struggled out -of his embrace, and began to readjust her hair. “I’ll -hurry back, and you come in a few minutes later.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Be sure to telephone to me to-morrow, dearest.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It is almost to-morrow now. I’ll ’phone you -to-day—instead,” she answered laughingly as she -hurried away.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor snuggled in the car beside her father on -their way home from the dance. She was supremely -happy. Her heart sang in tune to the purring of -the motor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“He loves me! He loves me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Templeton Druid, the idol of all the young -women in New York—loved <span class='it'>her</span>!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It seemed almost too wonderful to be true. There -was but one flaw. What would her mother say—when -she finally told her? Her heart missed a beat -in mere anticipation. “Dad will surely understand,” -she told herself. She could always bring him about -to her way of thinking.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She reached for his hand. “Are you tired, Daddy -dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, little one,” he replied. “I was just living -over the evening—I don’t remember when I have -so thoroughly enjoyed myself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad. I was afraid you might be dreadfully -bored. How do you like Geraldine?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“She is one of the most charming, interesting -women I have ever met.” His answer came decisively, -then there was a note of peevishness in his -voice as he added: “Really, Elinor, I can’t see why -your mother should object to her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The girl tossed her head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mother objects to anyone who is—well, the -least bit—modern,” she replied impatiently. “Was -she always so—so old-fashioned, Dad?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh closed his eyes. His thoughts traveled back -over the years, until he found himself sitting on the -steps of a humble four-room cottage, a beautiful -girl beside him, his arm about her waist, and her -head pillowed on his shoulder, their hearts aflame -with love, pure, warm and, they believed, changeless.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know,” he answered dreamily. “Your -mother was very beautiful, my dear, and there was -a time she meant the world to me. Perhaps—I -can’t tell now—perhaps she was always—what you -term—old-fashioned, but our ideas coincided perfectly -in those days—now everything appears differently -to me. I wonder sometimes, am I the one -who is changed?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton gave her father’s arm a little -squeeze.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, if you were ever like mother is to-day, all -I can say is, thank heaven you have changed,” she -said, with fervor. “But Daddy, dear, you never -could have been like mother; you’re so wonderfully -broad-minded about everything.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Am I, baby girl?” Hugh smiled. “Perhaps I -appear that way to you, because as yet there has -been nothing to warrant my acting otherwise.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That’s just it. The things that you consider -perfectly all right, are the very ones that meet with -mother’s disapproval. I wonder how she will act -when the time arrives for me to choose a husband?” -She seemed to ponder aloud, but in reality feeling -her way cautiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why wonder about anything as distant as that?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Surely, you don’t wish me to be an old maid?” -Elinor demanded indignantly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“An old maid,” Hugh laughed heartily. “You -are only a baby, and just beginning to see the world.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m past eighteen—please remember that, -and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her father turned her face upward to look at her -quizzically.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Who is the man, Elinor?” Hugh asked playfully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What—what do you mean, Daddy?” She could -not quite hide a feeling of alarm, but her fears were -calmed as her father queried: “Young Bronlee?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How ridiculous!” she exclaimed impatiently. -“Does the fact of my having expressed an opinion, -necessitate there being anyone in particular? And -why should you immediately suggest Paul Bronlee? -No,” and she shook her head sagely, “I’m sorry to -disappoint you, Dad, but I shall never marry Paul -Bronlee even if he is one of ‘the’ Bronlees and so -desirable in your own and mother’s eyes. He bores -me to death. In a year’s time, I should be obliged -to divorce him. But why discuss anything so silly? -Here we are home at last and I’m dead tired.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her father walked with her to the foot of the -stairs and kissed her gently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hurry up into slumber-land; I’m going to have -another cigar. We can talk about your marriage -another time. I don’t want to think of losing my -girl yet, nor must she think of leaving. Good-night, -dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good-night, Dad,” she replied as she returned -his caress perfunctorily, anxious to hurry away, to -be alone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton closed her door softly, though her -impulse was to slam it. She flung her opera coat -at a couch across the room and kicked a silver -slipper into another. She stamped the still shod -foot.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Paul Bronlee, indeed!” she muttered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She crossed over to her escritoire and from a -locked drawer took out an autographed photograph -of Templeton Druid. Her heart leapt as she gazed -at it. Ah, there was a man! And he loved her! -She held the pictured likeness to her lips, then held -it at arm’s length as she half whispered:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And they would talk to me about Paul Bronlee -when I have you, dear heart! But never fear—I’ll -show them I have a mind of my own. Looks as if I -was going to have trouble with dad, too, but we’ll -both show them. Marry first and tell them after—that’s -the idea.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Tenderly as though the pictured likeness were a -living entity, she placed it back in its drawer which -she carefully locked. Then she turned to ring for -her maid. When Marie’s soft knock came on the -door, Elinor Benton was lounging in a deep easy -chair, her fair head nodding, but her thoughts wide -awake, her mind filled with the image of one man.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In his favorite nook in the library, Hugh Benton -was doing some thinking on his own account. What -Elinor had said about an eventual marriage had -disturbed him a little, but he passed it over hurriedly -as a thing of the future. His great ambition was -for his daughter to make a good marriage,—in -which respect he was still like his wife, but to-night -any future marriage of Elinor’s was of minor consideration. -It was himself, what he was to do with -his own life that had suddenly risen to stare him -in the face. He felt that he was facing some sort -of crisis, vague, it was true, but nevertheless imminent. -He had paced the floor for a long time, till -his subconscious mind had taken in every detail of -the thick rug before he realized he was tired. He -sank into his deep leather chair and sat facing the -fire which, even in summer, was kept lighted here -in the evenings. He must face squarely the thing -that was worrying him—be honest with himself, at -least. His lighted cigar fell into ash as he moodily -stared before him, recalling the past, dreaming of -what the future might be, if only——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He had been married to Marjorie for twenty-one -years; now, the plain fact of the matter was he had -fallen in love with another woman at first sight, -precisely as a boy of twenty might have done. At -first he severely criticised his own weakness, and -then, suddenly and furiously, he blamed his wife for -it all. She alone was responsible for the indifference -existing between them. Their lives together under -the same roof had been a mockery for the past few -years. Had an atmosphere of congeniality and -warmth prevailed in his home, he would not have -been so susceptible to the charms of a beautiful and -fascinating woman. Only a few weeks before he had -threatened Marjorie that should the opportunity -present itself, he would grasp elsewhere the happiness -he could not obtain in his own home, little -dreaming at that time how soon he would lose his -head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Dawn showed grayly through the half-drawn curtains. -Completely worn out, he rose and went slowly -up the stairs to his room, his perplexing problem -still unsolved. It had left him utterly at sea. Well, -matters would have to readjust themselves as best -they could. He was in the hands of Fate, and would -drift wherever the tide carried him. He realized, -with just one slight pang of a resisting conscience -that he did not feel the shame he should. The alluring -prospects of an exciting adventure only -caused him to experience a sensation of keen rebellion -and joyous anticipation. So had actually -changed the Hugh Benton of the Atwood days of -sixteen years before.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER IX</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>That all Hugh Benton’s problems were not -concerned with his own troublesome heart -where the fair Geraldine DeLacy was concerned, -or with his daughter whose willfulness he -feared might lead her into a marriage less desirable -than the one he hoped for with Paul Bronlee, came -home to him in a cataclysmic rush a few days later -when Howard, his son, appeared on the immediate -horizon. Howard had been so long at college that -Hugh had got into the habit of thinking of him as -merely a financial annoyance, the personal equation -of which was luckily distant. There was not much -affection between the two. There could not have -been, since Hugh Benton had seen his son so rarely -during those portions of his vacation the young man -chose to spend in his home. But Hugh Benton -never forgot his fatherly duties. He remembered -that Howard was his son. And how, indeed, was -he to forget it after that blithe and dashing young -man had been home from college for a few weeks.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was shortly after the Thurston dance that -Howard had been graduated. It had been rather as -much of a surprise to Howard that this had been accomplished -as it had to anyone else—nevertheless, -it had been done. He had flunked in everything -the beginning of the term, but mysteriously he had -managed to get through by an amazingly close -margin.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie was very proud of her son. Mother-like, -she overlooked all of his faults—saw him only -through eyes of love, and did not attempt to look -beneath the surface. To his father, though, Howard -was not a young god. He saw him as he was: -egotistical, reckless, a selfish young spendthrift.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh called him into the library one evening after -he had had time to consider the young man’s case.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I want to have a little talk with you, Howard,” -he told his son with a firmness that presaged no -casual talk.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All right, Dad, see that it is a <span class='it'>little</span> talk, as I -have a date in town.” Howard dropped lazily on -the davenport, extracted a cigarette from his new -platinum case and blew rings of smoke toward the -ceiling.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The parent eyed his offspring critically. He was -considering him from all angles. Handsome -enough, he thought, and there was self-satisfaction -in his recognition of his own features in those of -his sprawling son. But another thought came to -drive away pleasure in any personal appearance.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And insolent, too,” was the further thought, and -an ominous frown accompanied the mental comment. -But when he spoke aloud, it was slowly and -with the dignity he always used when addressing -Howard. He indicated the sprawling attitude.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I prefer to have you sit up while I talk,” he said -with unmistakable reproof, “and as for your—er—date—it -will have to wait.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I say—” Howard began, but as he caught sight -of his father’s stern countenance, he slowly straightened -out of his reclining position, and sat waiting.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard,” Hugh went directly to the point, “I -haven’t been at all satisfied with your conduct during -your three years at college——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, what’s the matter?” Howard’s tone conveyed -genuine surprise. “Didn’t I graduate?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You did. God only knows how. Neither Professor -Anderson nor I have been able to fathom it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard flushed angrily: “Maybe you think I -cheated?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am so glad that you’re through I don’t believe -I care how you managed it. You know without my -having to tell you how you wasted your time; but -I didn’t call you in here to discuss past performances -or lecture you. I merely want to know what you -intend doing now that you are a college graduate -and have fully satisfied your mother’s ambitions?” -Hugh himself did not realize the tinge of bitterness -in his voice.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Doing? Just what do you mean by that, Dad?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you care to come into the office with me,” -Hugh answered, “or would you rather go to work -for one of my friends?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Work!” Howard sat up like a shot. Amazement -rang in his voice. “Surely, Dad, you don’t -expect me to work!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, what do you expect to do, now that you -can’t go to school any longer?” Hugh remembered -his cherished dignity and sought to control himself, -but with ill success.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, you have so much money, Dad, I thought -I’d just be a—a gentleman.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh turned fiercely. His anger had leapt -bounds. “A gentleman?” he sneered. “You mean, -you want to be a good-for-nothing idler. Well, I -won’t stand for it—do you hear—I won’t stand for -it!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard languidly lighted a fresh smoke. “Any -need to get so excited?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>All semblance of dignity gone by this goading of -his nonchalant, indifferent heir, Hugh Benton towered -over him, an apoplectic flush on his usually calm -face.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes!” he shouted. “Yes! To hear you talk -of being a ‘gentleman’—would you infer that I am -not one? Have I been too good to work? To hand -out money to you hand over fist to gratify your -mother’s desire for you to be college-bred? And -now what do I get! You sit there calmly and announce -your intention of being a ‘gentleman!’ You, -who have cost a small fortune to put through college, -to say nothing of the escapades I’ve had to -get you out of——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh’s explosion ended in a splutter. Howard -coolly blew another exact smoke ring into the air. -He almost yawned in his intense boredom as he -answered:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Haven’t I heard you say, Dad, that there is no -use in going over past performances?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What else is there to do when you propose going -on the same way?” Hugh calmed himself to better -his argument. “I can’t help saying, too, that your -lack of respect and air of impertinence surprise me,” -he added coldly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t mean to be impertinent, Dad, honestly I -didn’t—only this rôle of the stern parent is so foreign -and unbecoming to you, that it strikes me as -a sort of joke. You’ve always been such a good -fellow, and regular pal. However, I’ll come into -the office with you, if you wish,” he added condescendingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, report at nine o’clock Monday -morning—I’ll have Bryson assign some work to -you.” And it was Hugh who turned away abruptly, -ending the argument.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll be there,” Howard assured, magnanimously. -At the door, he turned suddenly: “Say, Dad, how -about the roadster you promised me when I was -through college. Can I have it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” Hugh answered listlessly. “Order it -whenever you please.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thanks, Dad, you’re great!” And Howard ran -upstairs, whistling the air of a popular song.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a few moments Hugh paced about the room; -then, coming to a sudden standstill, he threw back -his head and laughed bitterly. “What is the <span class='it'>use</span>?” -he murmured. “If I attempt to reason with my -children, they become insufferably insolent, or else -they endeavor to win me over with subtle flattery.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The jangle of the telephone bell on his desk -startled him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Is this Mr. Benton?” a sweetly low voice came -over the wire.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This is Geraldine DeLacy, Mr. Benton.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How do you do, Mrs. DeLacy,” he replied, but -he was not unconscious of the quickening of his -heart.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I fear you have forgotten me. Don’t you remember -promising to arrange for me to call at your -office?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Forgotten you, Mrs. DeLacy! You suggest an -impossibility. On the contrary I’ve been waiting -to hear from you. Do you happen to be at leisure -to-morrow?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why yes—I—” she began, but in his masterful -way Hugh Benton took matters in his own hands.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, then, suppose we say eleven-thirty, at my -office, and after our little business conference, perhaps -you will do me the honor to lunch with me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I shall be delighted.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you,” he murmured, as he hung up the -receiver, Geraldine’s musical “good-by” singing -in his ears.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When Hugh entered the breakfast room the next -morning, he found all the members of his family -at the table. This was an occurrence so unusual as -to cause surprise. Of late years while the children -were away at school, Marjorie and Hugh breakfasted -together on an average of about once a month. -Since Elinor’s return, she had ordered her tray sent -up at least five mornings out of seven, and Howard -had not shown himself one morning in the few days -that he had been home. Therefore, Hugh’s inquiring -glance was to be expected.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good morning,” he said, as he pulled out his -watch. It was just 9:30. “What a lot of early -birds!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie laid aside the letter she was reading -as she answered: “Good morning, Hugh. I don’t -believe I am any earlier than usual. I breakfast -every morning regularly at 9:15.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I wasn’t referring to you, Marjorie,” Hugh -laughed good-naturedly. “I know your life is one -long martyrdom of punctuality.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your sarcasm isn’t especially appreciated, -Hugh.” Marjorie flushed deeply, as she resumed -the reading of her mail.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I hadn’t the slightest intention of being sarcastic, -my dear Marjorie,” he replied, seating himself at -the table and reaching for his folded paper, “but -as usual, you prefer to misconstrue my meaning.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good morning, Dad,” Elinor interrupted, anxious -to prevent a needless argument. “You’re looking -fine, and you’re all dressed up. Is that a new -suit?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Practically new. I’ve had it about a month, but -this is the first time I’ve worn it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, it is vastly becoming, and your shirt and -tie harmonize beautifully.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Maybe Dad has a date,” Howard interposed -mischievously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard, flippancy is distasteful to me,” Marjorie -again looked up from her letter to reprove -coldly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why all this discussion?” Hugh demanded. “I -happen to wear a new suit, a thing I have done innumerable -times without causing the slightest comment, -and for some unknown reason the family proceed -to hold a conference terminating in a general -wrangle.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m sure I meant it all right, Dad. I don’t see -why Howard had to interfere—I wish he’d mind -his own business,” Elinor remarked peevishly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, is that so?” Howard returned. “You think -you’re mighty clever, don’t you? I’ve as much right -to speak as you have, and I’ll tell you one——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Children—children!” Marjorie intervened.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well this a <span class='it'>pleasant</span> little party,” Hugh exploded, -throwing down his paper in disgust. “If I had -dreamt that things were going to be so agreeable, -I’d have had my breakfast in town. You must have -all stepped out on the wrong side of the bed. It -evidently doesn’t agree with you to rise so early. -Anyway, what happens to be the occasion?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m anxious to get into town to order my roadster,” -Howard replied. “Will you give me a lift, -as far as the Circle, Dad?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh nodded absent-mindedly. “And you, Elinor?” -he asked.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I have an early appointment—one of the -girls I knew at Miss Grayson’s is visiting some -friends in New York, and I am going to spend the -day with her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Who is she?” Marjorie inquired, coldly concerned. -She had not yet accustomed herself to -Elinor’s doing as she pleased without consulting her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You don’t know her, mother, so there wouldn’t -be any use in my telling you.” Elinor tossed her -head defiantly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just the same,” Marjorie began, “I want to -know.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh arose hastily. “Come on, Howard, if you -want to ride into town with me,” he called. It was -plain he was anxious to escape from listening to one -of Marjorie’s catechisms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Righto, Dad,” answered the boy. “Try to improve -your disposition, Sis,” he called back over his -shoulder. “I’m going to get a swell roadster, and -you may want to ride with me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard,” Hugh began, as soon as they were -seated in the car, and headed for town, “how is it -that you and Elinor can’t be together half an hour -without quarreling?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I don’t know,” Howard sulked. “She always -starts things.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You should remember that she is a woman, and -women are nearly always difficult enigmas,” Hugh -sighed rather deeply.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You must be right, Dad,” Howard’s voice was -full of sympathy. “I know you’re speaking from -experience.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What do you mean by that?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To which Howard replied, innocently enough: -“Why Elinor and I were discussing you the other -evening, and we agreed that you must have a pretty -tough time of it, trying to hit it off with mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh fidgeted uneasily. “I don’t see what could -have given you that impression,” he said.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh everything. You’re such a real sport, Dad, -and mother is,” Howard waxed confidential, “so -very——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Stop!” Hugh commanded. “Your attempting -to criticise your mother to me is very bad taste, -Howard. I must refuse to listen to you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All right, Dad. Here’s where I get out!” He -called to the chauffeur to stop. “But,” and there -was unmistakable meaning in the eyes of the son, -“I’m all for you, and you know it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh leaned back and closed his eyes as his car -whirled toward his office.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Even my children pity me,” he meditated resentfully. -“What a mess Marjorie and I have made -of things!” But it was a commentary on the -changed Hugh Benton that only for one solitary -moment did he blame himself. Surely, he reflected -morosely, Marjorie was anything but a successful -wife or mother.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At precisely 11:30 his clerk announced Mrs. DeLacy. -She swept into the room gracefully, and extended -her hand. “Good morning,” she said -brightly. “I think you will find me exactly on time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh glanced at the clock. “To the minute,” he -answered, taking the offered hand. “You are one -of earth’s rarities—a punctual woman.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You would consider me very unappreciative if I -kept you waiting,” she smiled, as she sank languidly -into the easy chair which Hugh had drawn up for -her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Sitting opposite her, his arms folded across his -chest, Hugh stared at her approvingly. She seemed -neither to notice nor resent the scrutiny as she chattered -on for a few moments about commonplaces. -She was bewitchingly charming to-day, he thought. -Her dress, a symphony in brown from head to foot, -was flattering in the extreme.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With reluctance, the man forced himself to recall -that Mrs. DeLacy’s visit was on business. There -was so much more he would rather talk to her about. -But then he remembered that it would be to her -advantage—that it was in his power to aid her. He -pulled a pad of paper toward him and dipped his -pen into the wrought bronze ink-well on his shining -desk.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Let us get down to business,” he said abruptly. -“Tell me just how much money you have, how it is -invested, and all the particulars.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I have so little, I’m almost ashamed to mention -it. It’s so good of you to bother with me at all,” -she replied. She reached into her bag, extracted a -number of papers and placed them upon his desk.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In short order he had made a note of everything. -Placing the memorandum in his desk’s drawer, he -said bluntly: “Leave it all to me, my dear Mrs. -DeLacy. It won’t take long to double or triple your -money for you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How powerful you are,” she murmured admiringly, -“and how wonderful to have found such a -friend!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you.” He found himself blushing. “And -now, where shall we go for luncheon?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know,” Geraldine stammered confusedly. -“We must be discreet—people are so unkind—especially -to a widow. Can’t you suggest some place -where we wouldn’t be apt to meet anyone who -knows us?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If you don’t object to a little ride, I think I know -the very place,” was the prompt reply. “It is an -inn on the road to Jamaica. I have stopped there -on my way to the races.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Splendid,” she enthused. “The ride will give us -an appetite, and I adore inns.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You had better go down ahead of me,” he said. -“I will join you in a few moments after I give my -clerk some instructions for the afternoon. We will -go out in a taxi—my chauffeur—you know——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I understand,” she saved him from further embarrassment. -“You are more than considerate, and -I appreciate your kind protection. I’ll wait below.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Hugh Benton could not see the exultation in -her eyes, nor know her no less exultant thoughts as -she rode down in the elevator.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street, they -were halted by congested traffic.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Fate, or the imp that has so much joy in arranging -just such contretemps must have laughed with -glee that day when Marjorie Benton had felt the -urge to go into town shopping. And it was that -same imp who must have led her out onto the sidewalk -to her waiting limousine just at the moment -that a taxi halted in front of her,—and in that taxi -were Geraldine DeLacy and Hugh Benton—a different -Hugh than she had known in a long time herself, -a Hugh so raptly attentive to his handsome companion, -so joyously laughing at her witty sallies, so -light-hearted that his attention did not swerve for -one single moment to the pathetic figure on the sidewalk, -an unattractive figure at best in her gray gown -of severe cut.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton’s knees almost gave way under -her at the sight. It was only her indomitable will -power that helped her survive the shock. Realizing -at once that they had not seen her, a thing for which -she was truly grateful, she slipped back into the -entrance of the store and from that concealed position, -gazed with uncontrollable fascination at the -two before her. Her eyes were blinded with tears -she could not force back, but her cheeks burned with -indignation.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The traffic officer flashed the signal and the taxi -vanished from sight. Still Marjorie remained -rooted to the spot. Strange as it may seem, through -all the years of estrangement, she had never once -associated Hugh with deception of any kind. Somehow, -she had always believed he would remain the -gentleman she had married.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Struggling to regain her composure, she summoned -her car to be driven home. Lowering the -shades, she sat wearily down upon the luxuriously -upholstered seat. The mere rocking of the car -caused her to place her hands to her wildly throbbing -temples. A hot uprush of jealousy not unmingled -with scorn overwhelmed her. How was -she to bear it, was the one thought that run frantically -through her head. An overburdening sense -of inexpressible bitterness against the woman began -to manifest itself within her. Could the sensation -of dislike and mistrust with which she always encountered -Geraldine DeLacy have been a presentiment? -The all-important question was: What -should she do? If she went to him and told him -what she had seen, he would probably face her -calmly and say: “I warned you, Marjorie, that I -should seek my happiness wherever it presented itself.” -She could not leave him. That would leave -an indelible stain upon Elinor and Howard just as -they were being launched forth into the sea of aristocracy. -There was under the circumstances only -one thing left for her to do, and that was willfully to -close her eyes and stoically endure this, and presumably -more insults to follow. It would not be so very -difficult for her to disguise her feelings. She and -Hugh had arrived at the point in their lives where -they merely exchanged conventional civilities.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>By the time the car reached home, she had her -emotions under control. Going directly to her own -room, she removed her wraps and methodically put -everything where it belonged in her usual manner, -hoping thereby to regain composure sufficient to -enable her calmly to review the situation and reach -a more logical decision.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was late in the afternoon when she calmly -walked to the telephone, called the Thurston home -and asked to speak with Mrs. DeLacy.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, this is Mrs. DeLacy,” Geraldine drawled. -“Who is this, please?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. DeLacy,” Marjorie answered, her voice -distinct and serene, while her heart throbbed, “this -is Mrs. Benton. I have a request to make of you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—Mrs. Benton,” Geraldine with difficulty -disguised her surprise. It was the first time Mrs. -Benton had deigned to telephone her. “What can I -do for you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Will you call to see me to-morrow, and give me -a few minutes of your time. There is something I -wish to discuss with you. I would come to you only -the matter is quite confidential, and I think we shall -be freer from interruption here.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You fill me with curiosity, Mrs. Benton. I shall -be glad to come, only to-morrow happens to be a -very busy day for me. As long as it is to be a short -interview, will it be convenient for you to see me at -six o’clock, on my way home from a five o’clock tea -at the Woodsons?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That will be all right. I shall expect you at -six to-morrow. Good-by—and—thank you,” Marjorie -added reluctantly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine hung up the receiver in a marked state -of disconcertion. What in the world could Marjorie -Benton wish to see her about? She had never telephoned -to her before. In fact, she had barely -treated her with formal civility when they happened -to meet. She couldn’t understand why she should -be at all perturbed unless perhaps it was a twinge -of conscience. At all events she would put it from -her until to-morrow. No doubt it was something -concerning Elinor—she knew that Marjorie strongly -disapproved of their intimacy. Well, she——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The dinner gong interrupted any further soliloquy. -She hurried down to the dining room. The -Thurstons were having guests for dinner, one of -whom she was most desirous of knowing, a -wealthy, distinguished bachelor. True, she had had -a remarkably interesting start with Hugh Benton, -but after all, he was married, so it could do no harm -to exert her affability in Mr. Tilmar’s direction. -One could never tell just what might happen. She -could not afford to allow a single opportunity to -escape her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton was satisfied. She had carefully -debated all afternoon, and had finally concluded that -her only course lay in facing Geraldine DeLacy. She -would be different from other women and come -out into the open. Perhaps she could reach the -DeLacy woman’s sense of honor. At all events, she -would not permit her to imagine that she was a poor, -deceived wife, the victim of a cheap and tawdry triangle. -Those things were all very well on the stage—but -in real life—Well, she would handle the situation -differently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>All the next day, she rehearsed in her mind just -what she would say, and at a few minutes past six, -when Griggs announced Mrs. DeLacy she was -calmly waiting for her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine entered apologetically: “Am I a few -minutes late, Mrs. Benton? My dressmaker detained -me this afternoon, and consequently I was -tardy with all my engagements.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you for coming, Mrs. DeLacy.” Marjorie -motioned to her to be seated. “I should have come -to you, but as I told you, when I telephoned, I -thought it would be easier to arrange a private interview -here.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How interesting. Sounds as if it were to be -quite confidential.” Geraldine sank languidly into -a comfortable chair and extracted a cigarette from -her case. “Have one? Oh—I forgot—you never -indulge. No objections to my having a puff or two, -I hope? It rests my nerves so—after I’ve been -rushing about.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie merely nodded. The insolence of the -woman was almost unbearable.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, now, Mrs. Benton, what is this secret? -I am fairly consumed with curiosity. Is it about -Elinor? I hope the dear child has not been,—well—let -us say—indiscreet?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am perfectly capable of managing my daughter -myself, Mrs. DeLacy—and I would hardly send for -you to advise me concerning her,” Marjorie answered -freezingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why is it, Mrs. Benton, that you dislike me so?” -Geraldine faced her squarely. “From the moment -of our first meeting, you have shown me plainly just -how you feel toward me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re right,” Marjorie realized that without -undue maneuvering, the cards were on the table, “I -never liked you—you will pardon me for having to -say this in my own house—indeed, I mistrusted and -disliked you, but I never feared you, until yesterday—because -I have always had faith in my husband.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your husband?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I was shopping on the avenue yesterday, and I -saw you and my husband in a cab. I immediately -hailed another and—followed you!” Marjorie felt -the blood mounting to her cheeks, and she turned her -head in order to conceal her embarrassment as she -brought this bit of strategy into play. “So you see -there isn’t any use for you to deny it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So that’s it.” Geraldine DeLacy threw away her -cigarette and faced her accuser defiantly. “Well, -there isn’t anything for me to deny. I called at Mr. -Benton’s office on business. He is a broker and attending -to some of my affairs—surely I have a right -to employ his services. It happened to be lunch time -and he invited me to go with him. I must confess -that I am surprised to think that the honorable Mrs. -Benton has stooped to spying.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie was struggling for calmness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’d do more than that, Mrs. DeLacy,” she said, -with feverish meaning. “I’d fight to the bitter end -for the man I love.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You love?” Geraldine’s laugh ended in a sneer. -“Why, you don’t know what love means—<span class='it'>you</span>, with -your haughty air of superiority—your repellent coldness. -What can you mean to any man—particularly -a man like Hugh Benton?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie faced her proudly: “Something that no -other woman in the world means—I am the mother -of his children.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine coolly lighted another cigarette. She -seemed to be considering. “When two people reach -the climax in their lives, when they mean as little to -one another as you two,” she commented insultingly, -“then even children do not count.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What do you know concerning our lives?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine’s shrug was expressive, and she half -yawned in a bored manner.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What everybody else knows,” she enlightened, -“that you are mismated—that you haven’t an idea -in common—that your husband believes in living -while you have stayed at home—and—well,—” She -eyed her rival insolently from head to foot,—“have -you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? When -Hugh Benton told me he was four years your senior -I wouldn’t believe it. You’re more like his mother. -Why, you’re forty years old, Marjorie Benton, and -I’m thirty-six—yes—I know I tell everybody I’m -twenty-six (I’ve been taken for twenty-three) <span class='it'>that’s</span> -the difference between us. I’m being brutally frank -with you because I want to show you how impossible -it is for you to hold your husband.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie gulped as the stinging words flayed her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps all you say is true, Mrs. DeLacy,” she -admitted slowly. “I may be as you say—decidedly -unattractive,—but I do know that until you came -into my husband’s life, I was the only woman in it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How ridiculous,” Geraldine laughed. “You -mean I am the only one you happen to think you -know about.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It is useless for me to waste words with you.” -Marjorie Benton, usually so calm, so cool, so complete -mistress of herself, lost all control in this crisis. -She spoke bitterly. “I can never bring you to see -things from my viewpoint, and I could never stoop -to your level to discuss them.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Stop!” Geraldine commanded angrily as she -hurriedly rose. “You may go a bit too far—even -with me, Mrs. Benton. I came here at your request, -and have submitted calmly to your insults because, -in my heart, I pity you! But I refuse to allow you -to presume any further. Up to now your husband -has simply been my friend and counselor. But he -cares for me—I know he does—and I shall act accordingly!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie eyed her disdainfully. “So it’s threats, -now!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Merely fair warning.” Gaining confidence in -herself each moment, Geraldine DeLacy was twisting -the iron.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Then you will deliberately step in between husband -and wife?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For her, Marjorie Benton was almost pleading, -but her plea was made to a woman soulless, caring -only for what might best further her own interests.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I cannot come into Hugh Benton’s life,” answered -that woman, weighing each word with cruel -deliberation, “unless he is willing for me to do so—therefore, -I think the matter rests entirely with him, -and neither you nor I have a right to discuss it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. Hugh Benton, her self-control all miraculously -returned, an unaccustomed red spot on either -pale cheek, rose in all her dignity.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your impertinence, Mrs. DeLacy,” she commented -dryly, “is beyond comprehension. I regret -exceedingly having requested you to call, but having -done so, I now request you to leave!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER X</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>As though at the prearranged signal of the same -imp that had been taking such a hand in -Marjorie Benton’s affairs, it was at this dramatic -moment that Hugh Benton entered the room. -He was mystified, worried, at what he saw; uneasy, -too, at seeing the woman he believed he had come -to love in an obvious altercation with his wife.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Two angry women, almost too intent on their own -belligerency to notice his appearance, faced each -other. His own wife, those two angry red spots on -her white withered cheeks, stood like some accusing -goddess with hand pointing to the door, her eyes -never leaving those dark flaming ones of Geraldine -DeLacy. What could it mean? Had Hugh’s conscience -been a clear one, he could not have been more -dumfounded at the scene that greeted him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was Geraldine DeLacy who saw him first. She -turned to him appealingly, her eyes asking for sympathy -and understanding. She laughed nervously as -she answered the question he had not found voice -to form.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your wife has just requested me to leave, Mr. -Benton,” she told him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Requested you to leave? Why Marjorie,” -Hugh turned to his wife perturbed, “what does this -mean?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I prefer not to discuss it now, Hugh.” Marjorie -replied as calmly as she could. “I will explain to -you—when we are alone.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine flared angrily. “Well, I will explain -it to him now,” she cried. “Your wife sent for me, -Mr. Benton, to accuse me of luring you away from -her. She happened to see us driving together yesterday, -and immediately reached her own conclusion. -I have never been so grossly insulted in my life.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>More confused than ever, Hugh searched for -words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t believe it,” was his inconsequential reply. -“Marjorie, you must be insane to do a thing like -this. I demand that you apologize to Mrs. DeLacy -at once.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Trembling from head to foot, white as death, -Marjorie Benton drew herself up to her fullest -height. One long, searching look she turned on each -and it was still with the dignity of the avenger that -she turned and swept from the room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh stared after her in utter astonishment. -“I’m so sorry, Mrs. DeLacy, I’m sure you know -that,” he said, in pained confusion. “I can’t understand -it. The only thing I can do is to apologize -to you for Mrs. Benton.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please don’t say a word, Mr. Benton.” The -change in Geraldine DeLacy was an instantaneous -one. A light of mirth danced in the eyes that had -been so wrathful, the hard voice purred. “It is you -of whom I am thinking. You don’t know how I feel -for you. I don’t believe Mrs. Benton realized what -she was doing. She was just beside herself—I can -only pity her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You are indeed generous,” he murmured.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It must be a dreadful thing,” she said so softly -that she might have been thinking aloud, “for a -woman to feel that the man she cares for, is slipping -away from her, even though she is to blame.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Understanding as usual,” was Hugh’s admiring -comment, “but,” and the words tumbled over themselves -in their eagerness to be voiced, “why is it, I -wonder, that life always holds just one thing from -us to make our happiness complete? I’ve had more -than my share of good fortune in all things except -the love and companionship—and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re just in the prime of life,” answered the -woman dreamily. “Who knows what may be waiting -for you—just around the corner?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She turned toward the door, but stopped to smile, -as she observed: “I’m staying at home to-morrow -evening—alone. The family are going to a concert -which would bore me to death.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You may look for me about eight-thirty,” was -the man’s quick answer. “I am anxious to have you -expound more of your marvelous philosophy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She held out her hand. “I think you will find that -we have many thoughts in common. Good-by.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In her car, homeward bound, Geraldine DeLacy -reflected exultingly. Fate had brought about the -very situation she longed for but would have found -difficult to arrange. How fortunate for her that -she had held herself discriminatingly aloof at the -luncheon yesterday. Hugh could only judge her to -be a greatly wronged and unjustly accused woman. -She congratulated herself again and again upon her -cleverness in assuming the attitude of magnanimous -generosity. His admiration and respect she knew -she had attained, and she would determine upon her -next move to-morrow night.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With Mrs. DeLacy gone, Hugh Benton lost no -time in searching out his wife. He went directly to -her room. He opened the door unceremoniously -and walked in. Marjorie was seated in a rocker -by the window, her eyes inflamed and swollen with -weeping. She glanced up surprisedly as Hugh entered—quite -an unusual thing for him to do without -knocking.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I suppose you have come to apologize,” she -faltered, “for the dreadful way in which you humiliated -me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Apologize!” he fairly exploded. “I should say -not—I have come to ask you how you dared to -insult Mrs. DeLacy in that manner?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So that’s it!” Marjorie bounded to her feet. -“You should be ashamed to mention her name in my -presence—your——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Something in his eyes forbade her finishing the -sentence as it had been intended, but she went on, -instead: “A woman who comes into my life for the -sole purpose of wrecking it—I wasn’t afraid to face -her with the truth.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But that’s just it,” thundered the husband, “it -wasn’t the truth.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton laughed her hard laugh. She -dropped into the chair from which she had risen, -but her hand trembled as she searched for a magazine. -Her thin shoulders shrugged, her eyebrows -lifted. “So?” she inquired coolly. “Then perhaps -I spoke just in time to prevent it from ever becoming—the -truth.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh stared at her in blank amazement. “Marjorie, -I believe you are going insane—it is so utterly -ridiculous for me to attempt even to argue with -you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With no further word, he rushed from the room, -colliding with Howard at the door, and almost -knocking him over.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good evening, Dad—you’re just the one I want -to see. I’ve got my car. Come down to the garage -and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh brushed by his son without deigning to -reply. Howard pursed his lips in a long whistle.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Gee whiz, mother—what’s eating Dad?” he -asked, as he gently pushed open his mother’s door. -“Have you been telling him tales about me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, dear, I haven’t mentioned you.” The -mother’s reply was listless.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, what’s wrong with him—he didn’t even -answer me, and almost threw me off my feet! I -was going to ask him—” He stopped short at a -sudden idea. “I say, mother,” he urged, “what’s -the matter with you doing it? Come on downstairs -with me for a few moments—I want to show you -something.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am very tired and nervous, dear,” Marjorie -replied wearily. “Can’t you explain what it is without -my having to go downstairs?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But the boy was insistent. “Oh, come on, -mother,” he coaxed, taking hold of her arm. “I’ve -just got to show it to someone, and you’re the only -one home.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Something pulled violently at Marjorie’s heart-strings, -as a flood of tender recollections surged -through her. She could see Howard again as a tiny -boy tugging at her apron and coaxing for a lollypop. -After all, he was only an overgrown, handsome boy—and -her own. Obeying a sudden impulse, she -placed her arms tenderly about him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you love me very much, Howard?” she -asked.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Having spent so much time away from home, attending -boarding school and college, Howard had -experienced little real affection. For his father he -possessed a great admiration. He enjoyed being -designated as the son of Hugh Benton, the Wall -Street magnate, and he also knew that he owed his -ability to indulge in many extravagances to his -father’s generosity. His mother, in his eyes, had -always been a nice old lady, rather impossible and -aggravating at times. He had often wondered, he -was forced to admit, why a handsome, distinguished -man like his father had ever married such an old-fashioned, -plain woman.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He was perceptibly embarrassed at his mother’s -unexpected query, but an innate kindness and generosity -of which he knew little himself, bade him return -her caress with a gentle pressure as he told -her with careless tenderness:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, of course, I love you, mother—why -shouldn’t I? But come on down—be a real sport.” -Gently he took her arm, hurried her down the stairs -and out to the yard.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Look,” he said proudly, “isn’t she a beauty!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Standing in the garage was an expensive, high-class -bright red roadster.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My new present from Dad,” he explained.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How did you get it so quickly?” Marjorie asked. -“It was only yesterday morning that I heard you -say you were going to order it.” Then she added, -dubiously, as she walked nearer and eyed it critically: -“This must have been very expensive,” she said, -noticing the make.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, Dad didn’t limit me; he simply told me I -could have a car, so I thought I might as well get -one of the best.” Howard took it as a matter of -course.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your father always indulges both Elinor and -you to a ridiculous extent,” his mother demurred.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dad’s all right!” Howard bristled up. “And if -you’d take a tip from me, mother, you’d try to -spruce up a bit and be a little more companionable -to him, or some ‘chicken’ will be stealing him away -from you one of these days.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie turned ghastly as she clutched at the -car for support. Could it be possible that Howard -knew something, and was trying to warn her? No, -she decided, as she glanced up and saw that he was -busily engaged examining the engine, and not paying -the slightest attention to what he had said. It was -only a chance remark, but oh, how the thrust had -gone home!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton looked at this handsome boy -who was her own son, her flesh and blood. A surge -of deep feeling came over her. Why, he was no -longer a boy! He was a man—her son, one to -comfort and cherish her. A thought which brought -the quick blood to her face, so foreign was it to her -usual restraint and the way she had come to bear -her burdens silently overwhelmed her. Why not -tell Howard? Why not ask his aid?</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She walked slowly over to the youth who was -whistling as he patted the smooth shining hood of -his new toy as though it were a living feeling thing, -and placed her hand on his arm. Howard looked -up quickly, but something he saw in his mother’s -eyes brought a remonstrance to his lips.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, mother—dear—what is it?” he asked. -“You look so queer!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The mother’s smile was wan.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I feel queer, dear,” she admitted. “The whole -world looks queer. Howard, my son, I must tell you -something. Your father and I have quarreled and -I’m afraid <span class='it'>seriously</span>.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So that is what was wrong with him,” Howard -whistled again, but there was relief in his voice as -he added, carelessly: “Well, why should he take -it out on me—I can’t help it if you two can’t hit it -off together—can I?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Howard!” Marjorie shuddered. “How -can you——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now, don’t you go and misunderstand me, mater—but -what’s the use of being so serious? You’ve -quarreled many times before, and it always blows -over.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But this is different. Whenever we’ve quarreled -before, it has always been over you or Elinor—or -places to go, or people to entertain—but this time -it is a—woman!” Shame brought the last word out -barely above a whisper.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“A woman!—Not Dad?” Howard laughed. -“Who would have believed it? How did you catch -him?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard,” Marjorie struggled with her choking -sobs, “<span class='it'>please</span> try to understand—can’t you see—my -heart is breaking. I haven’t anyone in the world to -turn to but you. You’re a man, dear, I—I thought -perhaps you can help me or advise me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard’s face became grave. “I’m sorry, -mother,” he begged, “forgive me. Of course, I’ll -help you all I can. Who is this woman?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’d rather not tell you her name.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Is she young and pretty?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“She’s only four years younger than I,” was the -sad answer, “but you would take her for a girl—and -she is very pretty.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard seemed to be considering the matter seriously. -When he spoke it was with carefully chosen -words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mater, do you mind if I hand it to you straight -from the shoulder?” he asked bluntly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Say whatever you wish,” she replied.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well then,” he said, and he could not help but -see his mother’s wince of pain as her own son went -on, “this is all your own fault. You’ve never been -willing to go anywhere with Dad; you won’t keep -yourself young for him. Why, he’s just like a boy! -Whenever we go out together, everyone thinks he’s -my brother. If he can’t find the companionship he -needs in his own home, he is bound to seek it on the -outside.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But Howard,” demurred Marjorie weakly, “I -don’t believe in cabarets, and musical comedies, and -it seems silly to fix up like a girl of twenty. I don’t -believe in trying to make myself young.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But mother, you are young,” Howard persisted. -“Why don’t you say—‘to hell with my -beliefs! My husband’s love is the only thing that -counts.’ ”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—Howard—” Marjorie was shocked, but -pleased nevertheless.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Beat this other woman to it,” Howard was -speaking in the sage manner of a man of the world. -“Get the right kind of clothes—fix yourself up, and -then do a little vamping on your own account and -just see what happens.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—I wonder—if I could,” she murmured.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, you could—take it from me, mother! -You can hold your own with any woman, if you just -buckle up a bit. Well, I’m going to take a spin -around the block and then go downtown.” Howard -Benton had been serious long enough for one day. -He hesitated, then, “I wonder, mater—could you -spare fifty—I’m awfully low in funds?” he -wheedled.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, dear,” she answered dreamily, “come with -me to my room.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Upstairs she extracted a number of bills from her -purse. “There’s a hundred for you,” she said, -handing them to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thanks awfully!” The boy kissed her, and -walked to the door. Something urged him to turn. -His mother was looking at him with eyes filled with -longing. He grinned at her cheerily. “And I say, -mother,” he offered, “ask me anything you wish to -know—I’m the best little advisor you ever met. -Good-night.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton locked her door, walked straight -to her dressing table, and sitting down before the -mirror, gazed at herself long and intently. It was -time for an inventory. But even she was shocked at -what she saw.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Surely, she thought, that pale, drawn face with its -drooping mouth, lusterless eyes and severely arranged -hair didn’t belong to her! She had been -pretty and attractive once, she knew.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Buckle up a bit.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The words seemed to stand out before her in -letters of fire. Perhaps Howard had been the instrument -by which her problem would be solved. -She would try it at any rate. Probably when Hugh -saw her looking as other women, he would lose all -desire for anyone else and she would regain her -place in his heart.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was a new Marjorie, one rejuvenated and enthused -who hastened down the corridor to Elinor’s -room, where she found Marie, her daughter’s maid, -mending a party frock.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Marie, will you help me a little?” she stammered -in evident embarrassment.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie had never possessed a maid of her own. -She could not be bothered with someone fumbling -about her, and besides, her style was so simple she -had always declared. It was different with Elinor. -She had written to her father asking that a maid -be installed for her before she returned from school. -Marie arose and put aside her work.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>Oui, Madame, avec plaisir</span>,” she answered, -smiling encouragingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Because of Marjorie’s kind and courteous manner -with all of the servants, they were genuinely fond -of her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you think you could dress my hair, massage -my face and—oh—sort of fix me up in general?” -Marjorie blushed. “I’ve taken a notion to—to——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I understand, Madame,” Marie beamed. “And -oh, I am so glad—you are ze very pretty woman, -and when Marie feenish you—oh—la—la— You -will be lovely!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you, Marie, but I haven’t a thing except -a little powder—I want to be dressed when Mr. -Benton comes home for dinner—just to—just to—surprise -him. My dresses are all so—well, so——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nevair mind—you leave everything to me. Go -to your room—I bring all ze things you need—and -your dress—well—a needle, ze thread, a scissair—and -zere you are, Madame!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All right, I shall remember you for this, Marie,” -and Marjorie returned to her room, her heart beating -like a trip hammer.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Here we are,” Marie announced, entering a few -minutes later, carrying a small box filled with an -array of bottles and jars which she plumped down -rattling on Marjorie’s dresser. Then, with her -small head cocked birdlike on one side, she surveyed -her prospect.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“First of all, Madame,” she declared with authority, -“you must have ze nice warm bath.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Everything is in your hands, Marie.” And -Marjorie, smiling so brightly that it transformed -her expression, started for the bathroom.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, no, Madame,” Marie gently forced her back -to the chaise longue. “I do everything—draw ze -watair—put in ze perfume—just like I do for Mees -Elinor. You rest here, and be comfortable—so.” -She proceeded to remove Marjorie’s gown and -shoes, and arrange the cushions at her head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie closed her eyes and nestled down contentedly. -She really believed she was enjoying this -new experiment of being waited upon. Only yesterday -she had been quite disgusted with Elinor, -when upon entering her room, she had discovered -her stretched lazily in an easy chair, with Marie on -her knees lacing her boots. Surely, she had thought, -a healthy young girl like Elinor should be able to -do such things for herself. It was all right to have -a maid, if you desired one to dress your hair, or -fasten an intricately arranged frock, but to lace -your boots—that was a different matter. And here -she was, the following day, permitting Marie to fill -her bath and actually remove her shoes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie, emerging from her bath, tingling and -greatly refreshed, placed herself completely in the -maid’s willing hands. After a delightful massage, -the array of jars and bottles came into play. Then -a tiny tweezer came into view. At the first pluck -of an eyebrow, Marjorie almost jumped out of her -chair: “Oh—that hurts! What are you doing?” -she demanded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I pull out ze ugly thick eyebrow and shape heem -magnifique,” she replied calmly, as she yanked out -another.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, no,” Marjorie remonstrated. “I can’t allow -it—it is too—well—silly.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Seely?—Why you say seely?—Eet is stylish, -and what all ze well groomed women she have. You -say you leave everysing to Marie. Why not now -you do as you say—<span class='it'>pourquoi</span>?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, I’ll go through with this thing, now -that I’ve started—have it your own way.” Marjorie -settled down resignedly, clenching her fists as if -preparing for a serious operation.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When the brows were carefully arched, Marie -started in with the bottles. First, the grayish complexion -was transformed into a pearly whiteness, -to which was added a slight tinge of blush rose, from -a tiny jar, at the sight of which Marjorie shuddered -inwardly and closed her eyes. Then came a touch -of carmine to the lips, and a carefully studied tracing -of mascara to the eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>S’il vous plait</span>, Madame. Do not look in ze -mirror until aftair I have you feenish. I want zat -it be—surprise.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marie began a vigorous brushing of the heavy -strands of hair, the lifelessness of which she remedied -considerably with a little brilliantine. After -arranging a most becoming and modish coiffeur, she -entered the clothes closet and carefully surveyed the -dresses.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>Mon Dieu</span>,” Marie groaned inwardly, as her eyes -wandered over the rows of unattractive garments. -Finally, after much deliberation, she selected a gown -of black lace. The skirt with its double flounce -swept the ground evenly, and the V-shaped neck was -filled in with silk net, which formed a high collar, -boned to run up behind the ears. The same material -was gathered from the elbow sleeve of lace to the -wrist.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now, Madame will please to slip on ze dress -while I make ze alteration.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie stood patiently, while Marie measured -and pinned up the flounces so that they hung gracefully -just above the ankles.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So zat is bettair. Madame will sit here and -relax.” Marie wrapped a dressing-gown about her -mistress and seated her in a comfortable lounging -chair.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It will take me about half an hour for ze work. -In Mees Elinor’s room I have all ze things necessaire, -so I feex heem in zere,” the maid explained.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When Marie had departed with the dress, Marjorie -tilted her head comfortably against the headrest -of the chair and gazed intently at the ceiling. -“How surprised the family will be when I go down -to dinner,” she reflected anticipatingly. Hugh would -be pleased, she felt sure. He had urged her so -often to try to modernize her ideas. Of course, her -awakening as to his short-comings had been somewhat -rude and sudden, but she would try to think it -had been for the best. Perhaps they would drift -back again into their old days of love and devotion. -She smiled wryly as she thought how Howard’s -tactless little speech had done more for her than all -of Hugh’s pleadings and Elinor’s criticisms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Further reflection was cut short by Marie’s enthusiastic -entrance.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Madame,” she exclaimed in her enthusiastic -way, “ze dress is magnifique! I hafe feex heem so -good—no, no,” holding it behind her as Marjorie -attempted to examine it. “First I will put heem on -you and zen you shall—see!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All right, I’ll close my eyes.” Marjorie laughed, -as Marie slipped the gown over her head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now—Madame will please to look.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie walked to the long cheval mirror and -started in genuine astonishment at the apparition -before her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Marie, what have you done to me!” she exclaimed -in hushed wonderment. “I hardly recognize -myself!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Madame ees vairy beautiful.” The little maid -beamed delightedly. “Eet ees just zat all ze beauty -be brought out.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Wonders indeed had Marie’s clever fingers -worked with the simple black gown. She had removed -the net from the neck and sleeves, had shortened -the skirt so that it revealed Marjorie’s slim -ankles and graceful feet encased in dainty black satin -slippers, and then around the waist she had folded -a wide girdle of black maline interwoven with a -double-faced satin ribbon of orchid and turquoise -blue, lending an irresistible charm and certain individuality -to the entire dress.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I would not have thought it possible that you -could improve me like this, Marie,” said the mistress -gratefully. “I shall not forget your kindness.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Eet ees ze great <span class='it'>plasair</span> to do for Madame—eef -only Madame would buy some chic gowns,” -Marie ventured hesitatingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“To-morrow I shall shop, Marie, and you shall -come with me,” Marjorie announced, with unusual -enthusiasm, as the dinner chimes sounded below.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Glowing with optimistic anticipation, she nodded -brightly to the maid, and walked buoyantly down -the stairs. Entering the dining room she found -Elinor and Howard there before her. Neither had -taken the trouble to dress. Elinor was absorbed in -her book while Howard sat almost buried in the -evening paper, so that the first intimation they had -of Marjorie’s presence in the room was her low: -“Good evening, children.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard arose to his feet with nonchalant -courtesy, and Elinor languidly lifted her eyes from -her book. Then came the simultaneous exclamation: -“Mother!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Both stared at Marjorie with unfeigned astonishment. -Howard was the first to reach her side.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why mater, you’re marvelous,” he assured her -with profound admiration. “You’ve been holding -out on us all these years, and you sure have all the -Broadway chickens I know skinned a mile.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Howard,” Marjorie blushed, but she did -not chide him for his slangy compliment, instead -answered laughingly: “You have such a funny little -way of expressing yourself, dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Funny little way!” Elinor could scarcely believe -her ears. Why yesterday at the same remark, her -mother would have glanced coldly at Howard and -spoken of respect for her presence.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do I please you, Elinor?” Marjorie turned -timidly to her daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m just trying to regain my equilibrium, mother. -You’ve fairly taken my breath away. Like you? -I’m delighted with you. You’re positively adorable!” -Elinor enthused, throwing her arms affectionately -about her mother. “Just think what it means -to me, to have a mother like other girls. What in -the world has brought about the change?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Here’s Dad,” Howard interrupted, as his -father’s step neared. “Can you imagine his surprise!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s heart pounded as she flushed agitatedly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Evening, everybody,” Hugh Benton spoke -brusquely as he breezed into the room. His evening -clothes indicated his intention of going out, as his -wife’s indifference had long since caused him to discontinue -dressing for dinner unless there were guests -present.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” he apologized. -“I’m due at a—a little stag affair this evening, so -I thought I would save time by dressing before dinner.” -He crossed to the table and stood behind -Marjorie’s chair, holding it for her, according to -his mechanical custom of years.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With a murmured “Thank you” she accepted the -seat, and allowed him to move it forward. Elinor -and Howard taking their accustomed places, held -their breaths in suspense and eagerly waited for -their father’s gaze to rest upon their mother.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, how’s everything?” Hugh asked cheerfully, -as he unfolded his napkin. He seemed to be -in remarkably fine spirits for some reason. “I -noticed the car as I came in, Howard. It seems to -be fine. You surprised me by obtaining one so -quickly—trust you’ll make as rapid headway in business -deals.” He picked up his spoon to attack the -soup the butler placed before him. His mind seemed -anywhere save on the things immediately before him, -though his cheerfulness was exuberant. “Had a -funny experience this morning, that I must tell you -about,” he declared. He launched forth into a long, -uninteresting business transaction lasting through the -first three courses.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>By the time the roast reached the table, Elinor -and Howard were fidgeting uncomfortably. Marjorie -had begun to wilt like a faded flower; she had -scarcely touched a morsel of food.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor, unable to stand the strain another moment, -burst forth breathlessly: “Daddy, haven’t you -noticed anything?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s protesting shake of her head was too -late.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Noticed what?” asked her father curiously. His -glance wandered about the room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’ve been talking so incessantly,” Elinor -blurted forth like a spoiled child, “you haven’t -noticed mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh glanced across at Marjorie. “Why, you -have your hair fixed differently, haven’t you, Marjorie?” -he inquired, with careless indifference. “It -is quite becoming.” He returned to his carving.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A solemn and awful hush pervaded the atmosphere. -Howard, with diplomacy worthy of an older -man, came to the rescue, and broke the tension by -beginning to discuss the political affairs of the day.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton pushed his <span class='it'>mousse</span> away from him -impatiently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No fripperies for me to-night, thank you,” he -said. “I’m going to finish off with a cigar. No, -son,” he added with uplifted hand to stay him as -Howard started to rise to accompany him. “Stay -and finish your dinner.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard subsided into his seat, as his father -stalked out.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In Marjorie Benton’s eyes two tears glittered that -she tried to force back, but it was a tremulous laugh -she gave as she remarked wryly:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Old hens don’t wear chicken plumage very successfully, -do they, my dears?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She tried to go on with her own dessert, but it -seemed that each mouthful would choke her. She -must have one word with Hugh before he left the -house. She must make one final effort! She laid -down her spoon listlessly as she looked up at Howard -and Elinor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I think I will leave you, too, children, if you -don’t mind?” she queried, with her usual careful -courtesy. But they were not the light steps with -which she had entered the room but a short time -before that Marjorie Benton followed her husband.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor and Howard stared at each other without -uttering a word.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was Howard who first found voice.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, what do you know about that!” he exclaimed -pityingly. “Poor mater—she didn’t even -phase him, and it was at my advice she pulled herself -together the way she did.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s a shame, that’s what it is!” his sister replied -angrily. “I’m surprised at Dad, and deeply disappointed. -I thought he’d bubble over with joy and -we should be a happy and congenial family at last.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“ ‘And they lived happy ever after’—that’s the -way it always ends in the story-book. <span class='it'>Story</span>-book is -good—only I should say plain <span class='it'>lie</span>.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With grim determination to make one final effort, -Marjorie followed Hugh into the library after dinner, -where he had gone with his cigar.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh,” she ventured timidly, “must you go to -this—stag affair to-night?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why?” he inquired, in a tone of surprise.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Because I should like you to take me to a—a -theater.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my dear Marjorie,” he laughed heartily, -“you know well enough that you and I could never -enjoy the same play. You’d pick out some prosaic -sermon that would have me snoring inside of ten -minutes, and I’d select a rattling musical comedy, -the mere mention of which would cause you to turn -up your nose disdainfully. No, just tell me the play -you have in mind, and I’ll get you tickets for a -matinée. You can take some lady friend.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I haven’t any play in mind, Hugh, and I’m perfectly -willing to attend any musical comedy you -select,” answered his wife quietly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hmm!” Hugh was almost too bewildered to -speak. “That is very nice of you, but I’m sorry I -can’t break the engagement I have for this evening.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How about to-morrow evening?” she asked intrepidly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“To-morrow night is my club night,” he answered -coldly, “and besides, it is so long since we went anywhere -together I have rather systemized my evenings -to suit myself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She flushed as she turned to go. But the thought -of all that a misunderstanding with Hugh on this -evening of evenings would mean, she determined -on one more effort, cost what it might in pride. She -came over and stood before him. “Hugh,” she offered -diffidently, as might a child pleading for admiration, -“I have changed my style of dress—especially -to please you. Do you like it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her husband glanced at her casually. Then he -picked up his gloves and started to draw them on.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s all right, I suppose,” was his comment, -“but pray don’t inconvenience yourself in an effort -to please me. You gave that up long ago.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie took another step toward him and her -gesture was pleading.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh,” she begged. “I’m humbling myself a -great deal! Don’t you think you might unbend a -little?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The man’s whole attitude was as forbidding as the -wide shoulders he turned from her, and over which -he flung his parting words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It is unnecessary for you to humble yourself at -all as far as I am concerned, Marjorie,” was his -cold rejoinder. “I might as well tell you I’ve become -indifferent to anything you might say or do. -You must see that it is impossible for you to rectify -the mistakes of years.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>No word from Marjorie that both might have -made mistakes. For once in her life she was willing -to take the blame—willing to admit anything if -only——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her husband had almost reached the door. Marjorie -Benton ran across the room after him and -clutched at his coat sleeve.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Hugh, dear, my husband!” she faltered. -“Couldn’t we—couldn’t we begin all over again! -Oh, say it isn’t too late! Please! I’m so willing -to try!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He shook off her detaining hand impatiently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m afraid it is entirely too late,” he answered, -in a voice that chilled her to the marrow. “Good-night.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Entering the library fifteen minutes later, Elinor -found her mother, a pathetically crushed little heap -on her knees in front of the fireplace, her face -buried in her hands, her body convulsed with sobs.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In a moment she was beside her, her arms about -her protectingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it, mother dear?” she inquired anxiously. -“Tell me what has happened.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie arose staggeringly, hastily dabbing her -eyes with her handkerchief. “Noth—ing,” she -stammered, “nothing at all—I’m nervous and overwrought—I——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re never nervous, mother,” Elinor interrupted. -“You’re always calm and composed—I’ve -never known you to give way like this before.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I know,” Marjorie replied, trying to regain her -self-control. “I’ve never given way so foolishly -before. I seemed to be under a tension, and it -snapped suddenly.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But mother,” Elinor persisted, “something must -have caused it—won’t you tell me—I’m so sorry.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The mother only shook her head. Sympathetically -as it was offered, she strangely found Elinor’s -interest unbearable. Unconsciously she harbored -the thought that her daughter had been responsible -for Hugh’s introduction to the cause of her sorrow -and a feeling akin to bitter resentment against even -her own daughter rankled in her heart.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I think I will retire, dear,” she sighed, slowly -advancing toward the door. “Rest and absolute -quiet are what I most require.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, mother,” Elinor answered indifferently. -She was stung to the quick by her mother’s -cold repulsion.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XI</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Locked securely in the sanctuary of her own -rooms, the wife and mother undressed feverishly, -without once permitting her eyes to -wander toward a mirror. She knew that she would -see there only a skeleton beneath the artifices she -had permitted the French maid to gloss her with. -She was feeling all about her the ghosts—of what -once had been, what might have been.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So this was the end! She had tried—tried after -Hugh’s own suggestions imposed on her so often—and -had failed! This time, too, it had further been -the suggestion of her son. She dropped wearily -into a chair, her eyes closely examining her slender -foot, but her thoughts far from it. Howard had -told her—He had meant so well, too, poor boy!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>What was that he had said—Oh, yes——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“To hell with your beliefs—your husband’s love -means more than beliefs.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And now it was too late! Now she had nothing -left but her beliefs. She must cling to them—must -live her wrecked life as worthily as her conscience -bade her. Slowly she prepared for bed. She would -try to rest, to forget, if she could, that Hugh might -be, probably was with Geraldine DeLacy while she, -Marjorie, grieved over their dead love.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The feeling of the make-up on her face annoyed -her. She went into her bathroom and carefully -washed it all off.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She censured herself severely for being ridiculous -enough to imagine for a moment that she could rekindle -the fire in her husband’s heart by artifice. -Never again would she stoop to employ tricks -worthy only of a class of women depicted on the -motion picture screen, vampires, she believed they -were called. But for the children’s sake she would -remain with Hugh and deliberately close her eyes -to his unfaithfulness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She did not even realize her own unfairness. For -without attempting to investigate the situation, or -obtain evidence other than the scene she had witnessed -in the taxi, Marjorie had jumped to the conclusion -of there being but one solution to her husband’s -transgression. She had forced her husband -into another woman’s willing arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When Hugh Benton left home in so ungraciously -hurried a manner, he found it was a little early for -his appointment with Mrs. DeLacy, so he ordered -his chauffeur to drive slowly through the park. It -would at least be restful in the car and he was desperately -tired of these continual scenes and arguments -at home. By the time he reached the -Thurston home, he had put his unpleasant talk with -Marjorie from his mind.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. DeLacy was waiting for him in the living -room. She wore a clinging gown of orchid canton -crêpe, effectively trimmed with crystal beads. The -stage had been set perfectly. All the large lights -were out, and only the soft glow of rose-shaded -lamps illuminated the room. It was just chilly -enough to permit of a small fire in the grate, thereby -lending an atmosphere of homelike comfort to the -room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad to see you,” she greeted cordially, -seating him in a comfortable easy chair, and placing -a smoking stand beside him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This is good of you,” Hugh Benton sighed pleasurably.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“On the contrary,” she smiled, arranging her -chair opposite him just where one of the lamps -would shine softly upon her, “it is good of you to -come here and keep me company.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. DeLacy,” he began earnestly, “I want to -apologize to you again for Mrs. Benton’s conduct -yesterday afternoon. I thought perhaps I could -succeed in persuading her to write you a note -or——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please, Mr. Benton, don’t refer to it again—I -assure you I——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Surely, it must have hurt you deeply.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” she answered, her lips quivering. “I was -dreadfully hurt. You know how absolutely innocent -I was and how undeserved the unkind things she -said to me. I wouldn’t intentionally harm anyone -for the world.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You have no need to tell me that,” he assured -her. “Your gentle forbearance has been magnificent—please -believe me when I say—I am deeply -grateful.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you think that forgiveness is best?” she -asked him, ruminatively. “To me there are always -extenuating circumstances. I have been thinking it -over and perhaps Mrs. Benton——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There was no excuse in the world for Mrs. Benton’s -conduct,” the man exclaimed decisively. He -shook his head sadly. “This is not the first time I -have feared my wife is losing her mind.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I forbid you to mention this affair again,” she -scolded gently. “We will consider it a closed -chapter.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, it shall be as you desire,” he agreed, -“and now I shall sit here and listen while you tell -me a great many things I am anxious to know.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Insignificant me—to tell you things,” she -laughed, “how absurd. However, I’ll do my best. -Just what is it you are so anxious to know?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh had his queries ready.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“First of all,” he asked, “what would you consider -the most important thing in a man’s life. Take -your time in answering—that’s important, too.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The woman appeared to ponder deeply.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I have it!” she announced spiritedly. “The most -important thing in a man’s life is—his loyalty.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“His loyalty?—To whom?” He was a bit perplexed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“To himself, of course!” Then she went on -eagerly as she leaned toward her guest. “So that -he may meet the eternal problem of life squarely—to -realize once and for all that his life is his own—to -do with as he pleases.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But what about others? Shouldn’t we consider -them?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No,” she answered resolutely. “There was a -time in my life when duty figured above all else, but -with the passing years, I have been forced to acknowledge -the futility of it all. We sacrifice our -youth, our ambitions, our desires—everything on -the altar of duty, and in the end try to console ourselves -with the memories of what might have been. -It doesn’t pay, I tell you. Life at its best holds so -little for us—the heartaches outweigh the joys—ten -to one. And do you know,” she hurried on, as -she saw how deeply her words were sinking in as -seed in a soil all too well prepared for them, “do -you know how the ones we sacrifice everything for -really feel toward us?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, yes—some appreciate us, and others take -things as a matter of fact. They——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no,” she interrupted. “You’re wrong—I’ll -tell you how they feel. In their heart of hearts they -hate the very ones who are continually giving up -everything for them.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hate?—But why?——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Because,” she continued gravely, “people who -are willing to accept day after day the life’s happiness -of another—cannot be anything but selfish, -narrow-minded and little souled, and it is that very -littleness that fills their hearts with envy for the big -and generous. As envy is never the stepping stone -to love, it must lead to its opposite, and that is—hatred. -Now do you understand?” Geraldine DeLacy -leaned back in her chair and waited for the -verdict on the strange cause she had pleaded. It -came unhesitatingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I understand,” admired Hugh Benton, “that you -are a most remarkable and logical little woman. -But,” and the lines of thought deepened between -his brows, “would you advise a man to grasp his -happiness should he see it before him, regardless of -anything or anyone else?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” she replied slowly, “I should advise just -that.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton got to his feet and went over to his -hostess. Eagerly he grasped both her hands as he -bent over her, and his voice was choked with emotion -as he said:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Then I should grasp—<span class='it'>you</span>.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Me?” The woman sprang to her feet, her -feigned astonishment complete.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You mean happiness to me. Can’t you see that -I love you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—why—Mr. Benton,” she floundered piteously. -“I hadn’t the least idea that you were referring -to yourself when you asked for my advice—I -thought you were speaking of men in general. You -must believe me when I assure you that I never -dreamed of such a thing.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Am I displeasing to you?” he inquired anxiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—no—I don’t mean that—only I hadn’t the -least suspicion that I meant anything to you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You mean <span class='it'>everything</span> to me—I love you, dear—I -can’t tell you how deeply.” His arms went out to -her to draw her to him, but she turned away, her -bare white shoulders quivering.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You haven’t the right to speak to me of love,” -she protested chokingly. “I’m sorry if I have given -you the impression that I was the sort of woman -you could say such things to——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, my dear,” stupidly he tried to explain, to -protest, as he sought for the hand she withheld. “I -have only the most profound respect and admiration -for you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You—you have a wife,” she accused. As an -actress Geraldine DeLacy would have made a profound -success, for her simulation now was perfect. -She choked back her sobs. “And yet you speak to -me of love. What am I to think?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“When I came into this room to-night, I hadn’t -the slightest intention of revealing my sentiments -toward you. It was you yourself, with your logical -reasoning, who gave me the courage to speak. If -I were free, do you think—oh my dear, answer me -truthfully—do you think you could learn to care for -me?” He pleaded wistfully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just what do you mean?” she breathed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If I can persuade Marjorie to divorce me—have -I a chance to win your love?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She dropped her eyes to veil the exultation in their -dark depths. “Whenever you are free I shall be -waiting for you,” she answered simply.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You care?” he whispered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, dear.” And of her own accord, she crept -into his open arms. “I care—a great deal.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The dismal failure of Marjorie’s attempted reconciliation -served to forge a new link in the chain of -discord already predominant in the Benton home. -More and more Hugh absented himself from the -family fireside. Sometimes he remarked carelessly -that he was “remaining at the club for dinner,” but -more frequently he remained away without even -deigning to offer an explanation.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard’s time was completely taken up with his -car and “the boys,” a wild set of society’s idle rich, -each one striving to outdo the other in some sort of -asinine absurdity.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>More than ever before Marjorie withdrew into -her shell. She had become acquainted with the -painful problems of life and brooded in silence, determining -to bear her cross until the children married -and launched forth on their own resources. In -regard to Elinor, her aspirations were of the loftiest, -and in order to assure the success of her most sanguine -hopes she endeavored to demand an accounting -for every minute of her daughter’s time. Elinor, -in consequence, was not long in becoming a genius -in the art of deception.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She saw Templeton Druid nearly every day; and -each day she became more infatuated with him. -When he professed to cherish an undying love and -everlasting devotion for her, she trusted him implicitly. -After all, Elinor was only a spoiled headstrong -girl possessing a bit of imagination and an -exaggerated opinion of herself. She believed she -understood the ways of the world and men—particularly -men—perfectly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>If anyone had ventured to tell her that a man who -really loved a girl would never for a moment dream -of compromising her—she would have replied defiantly -that she was broad-minded enough to wave -petty conventionalities—and most capable of managing -her own affairs. And she did manage them—to -her own satisfaction—obtaining all the -pleasure she could out of life and finding after awhile -a sort of fiendish joy in this continued resorting to -subterfuge.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton may indeed have become adept at -fooling her mother. At her worst, Marjorie Benton -was never the dragon her daughter believed her, -and it never occurred to her that her daughter might -tell her untruths concerning her comings and goings. -Her duty, she believed, was done when she insisted -on her strict accounting. In the Benton household, -however, there was one not so easily fooled. For -a long time Howard Benton, though engaged himself -in pursuits far from wholesome, had believed he -had cause to wonder where his sister was headed. -He had never caught her deliberately, however, until -one night when he happened to be lounging at home, -and Elinor came in upon him. She was exquisitely -attired in evening dress and a beautiful ermine wrap -was on her arm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“ ’Lo, sis,” called Howard, looking up from his -paper. “Where’re you bound?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m going over to Nell’s,” she told him. “She’s -giving a little dinner.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard flung down his paper and scowled.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s your idea?” he demanded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My idea?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“In lying to me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—why Howard—what do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I know you’re not going to Nell’s,” he sneered, -“because I have an engagement to take her to -dinner and a show.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a moment Elinor paled. “Heavens, what an -escape,” she laughed, “suppose mother had been -here. You won’t give me away, will you, Howard?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why should I bother to say anything.” He -shrugged. “Only I would like to know where you’re -going that you have to be so secret about it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“As long as you’re such a good sport about it, I’ll -tell you,” Elinor confided in a low and confidential -tone, her glance flung hurriedly toward the door. -“It’s Templeton Druid’s birthday, and he’s giving a -little dinner in his apartment after the show. It’s -going to be a jolly little affair and I so wanted to -go. I knew I could never get out that late, so I’m -going to spend the evening with Rosebud Greely and -leave there in time to go to Templeton’s. I told -mother I was going to Nell’s, because she likes her -the best of all my girl friends.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And how will you explain getting in so late from -a dinner,” Howard inquired.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother won’t have any idea as to the time I get -in,” she answered quickly. “She’ll be in bed—and -if by any chance she should be up—leave it to me to -think of something to say.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, just the same, Sis, I don’t like it.” Howard -fairly growled.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>You</span> don’t like it,” she laughed heartily. “Well -of all things—since when do I have to cater to your -likes and dislikes?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I know Templeton Druid pretty well,” he answered. -“He’s a good bit of a rotter, and I don’t -like to see my sister get mixed up with him.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Howard! When I told you I knew him, -you said he was a good friend of yours, and one of -the finest fellows you knew—didn’t you?” she asked -spiritedly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes; but I didn’t think you would fall for him -like this. He chases after every girl he meets.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That isn’t true,” Elinor flared. “It’s the girls -who run after him. Why, you’d be surprised if you -only knew how many women in our own set write -to him.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” Howard sneered, “and I suppose he tells -you about them, or probably shows you their letters. -That ought to show you just what kind of a fellow -he is.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“At any rate,” she assured him, “I’d be willing -to wager you one thing. He’d prove a better friend -than you are. He wouldn’t knock you—behind your -back.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t mean to knock him.” Her brother -hastened to vindicate himself, “and I wouldn’t to -anyone else; but you’re my sister, and it’s my duty -to warn you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor smiled as she replied with sarcasm: “This -sudden splurge of brotherly devotion is really touching, -Howard. It’s a pity you developed it so late -in life.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s true we’ve never been very close to one another -since we were kids, but just the same,” he -frowned, “I’ll not stand for any fellow making a -fool of you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t worry about me, old dear! I’m quite -capable of taking care of myself any old time!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All right, have it your own way!” was the -brother’s retort, settling down behind his paper with -an apparent indifference as though he had lost all -interest and was dismissing the subject. “But,” and -he peered over the sheet he turned to favor her with -a brotherly frown as he shot out his advice. “But -when something happens to you, remember I warned -you, and—Watch Your Step!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mind your own business!” snapped Elinor, -as she threw her wrap about her and hurried away.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She was furiously angry, as she thought about -Howard’s nerve, as she termed it, for daring to attempt -to interfere with her. Now, she supposed, -he was going to try to enact the rôle of the protecting -brother and make things more difficult for her than -ever. She just wouldn’t have it!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The hot tears gushed to her eyes. Things in her -home were disagreeable enough without having this -new discordant element to contend with. Templeton -must marry her soon and take her away from it -all. She would speak to him this very night!</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XII</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>In classifying Howard Benton as a ne’er-do-well -his father had not been altogether right. So -much of the young man’s training was responsible -for the recklessness which was making his name a -by-word even among his own sort, accustomed as -they were themselves to <span class='it'>outré</span> performances. Nor -was his unwillingness to work congenital, but only -that he had been led to believe that the son of his -father—the son of Hugh Benton, Wall Street magnate—was -expected to lead an idle life. What was -the good of so much money if it was not to be spent?</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But in spite of Howard’s wild life, there was -something underlying it all that would, if he had -admitted it, proclaimed him the son of his mother -also, and there was not a little of Marjorie’s Puritanism -lying dormant in the subconsciousness of her -son. Howard’s reaction now to what his sister had -told him of where she was going and her admission -of the deception she had practiced in order to do as -she pleased rather amazed him, as much as the facts -themselves disturbed him. Who was he, he thought, -to censor anyone? But with Druid it was different. -Elinor was his sister. It was his duty to see that -she was not led into anything or any place where -harm could reach her. He had been right in telling -her he knew all about Templeton Druid and the -manner of man the actor was. His fine eyebrows -knit in perplexity as he considered the matter. It -would not do to let Elinor go on. Quite fully he -realized that. But equally well he realized that no -word of his would in the least turn her from the -path she had chosen. It was obviously a case where -he would have to play tale bearer, no matter how -angry his sister might be.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He crunched out the lighted end of his cigarette -with a force that showed his mind made up, rose -and crossed the room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Griggs!” he called down the hallway. “Is dad -upstairs?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, Mr. Howard,” was the reply. “Mr. Benton -didn’t come home for dinner—I believe he said he -would remain at the club.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard turned in the direction of his mother’s -room. But before he had gone many steps thought -better of it and turned about, muttering to himself.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, she wouldn’t understand—I’ll see dad to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Nell Thurston’s jolly and interesting companionship -drove all thoughts of Elinor from his mind, -and it was not until they were seated in The Claridge, -having dinner, that he was unexpectedly reminded -of her again.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I feel so wonderfully independent to-night,” -Nell laughed. “Just imagine, this is the first time -I have ever been out with a gentleman unchaperoned; -but mother and dad, having known you ever -since you were a youngster, feel toward you as if -you were my brother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I sure do feel complimented to think they -have confidence enough in me to trust me with their -precious child,” he rejoined laughingly. “I didn’t -know your folks went in so much for all this propriety -stuff.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother’s not nearly as strict as dad. I could -reason with her easily,” she sighed, “but dad is so -set in his ideas.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Isn’t that funny? It’s just the reverse in our -family. Dad’s dead easy—it’s mother who is the -difficult one.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—I know—Elinor’s talked enough about it,” -Nell replied. “Your mother may have her peculiarities, -but just the same, I admire her, because she -has the courage to stand by her convictions. By the -way, how does she feel about Elinor and Templeton -Druid—or doesn’t she know about him yet?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, what is there to know about Elinor and -Druid?” Howard turned to face her, as surprised -as he was anxious.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Heavens! I hope I haven’t put my foot into it!” -Nell pursed up her lips, and gave her attention to -her <span class='it'>hors d’œuvre</span>. “I thought you surely knew! -Isn’t he a particular friend of yours?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Know <span class='it'>what</span>?” he demanded. There was a -grimness in the boy’s tone that worried the girl.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s the excitement?” she answered crossly. -“Gracious, you don’t have to shout at me like that. -There isn’t anything dreadful to know, only that -Elinor and Templeton are going about together a -great deal, and that she’s simply mad about him.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I hadn’t even an idea that they were seeing each -other until this evening,” he replied, and then he -told her about the argument he had had with Elinor -just before she went out.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s the matter with the little fool?” Nell demanded -angrily. “Wouldn’t you think if she were -going to use me as an excuse to get out, she’d at -least have the decency to tell me about it. Supposing -your mother should take a notion to call up my -house—she’d be bound to find out.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother will never think of calling your house,” -he assured her. “She’ll be in bed by nine o’clock. -There isn’t any reason why she should suspect Elinor -of not dining with you, is there?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—none that I know of—but just the same -you never can tell what might happen. I’ll warn -Elinor to-morrow never to use my name again unless -she is willing to take me into her confidence in advance -so that I can at least be prepared to meet an -emergency, should it arrive.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That won’t be necessary, Nell,” Howard said -quickly. “I’ll see that Elinor doesn’t meet him after -to-night!” The tight line of his lips as he made his -affirmation showed that Howard Benton meant -what he said.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At the theater later, his mind was miles away. -Somehow, he couldn’t rid his thoughts of Elinor. -As soon as he had taken Nell home, he ordered the -taxi to return to town and take him to the club. He -would probably find his father there, and he would -tell him without delay about these clandestine meetings.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Howard Benton did not find his father at his -club. He found friends, though, and while he was -enjoying his drinks with them could he have seen -and heard his father at that hour, he would have -had more to disturb him over cataclysms imminent -in his own family than he was disturbed by his sister’s -friendship for the Broadway prodigal Druid.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For him, Hugh Benton had returned home early.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Griggs,” he ordered, as the man took his hat and -stick, “will you go to Mrs. Benton’s room and -ask her please to come to me in the library?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As he waited for her, he fidgeted uneasily. This -night, he believed was to be a great climax in his -life. He wondered how Marjorie would act, how -she would feel (he could not, even in his selfishness -engendered and nurtured by Geraldine DeLacy -through the past weeks keep from one thought of -this kind)—what she would say. Oh, well, he -might as well make up his mind that whatever she -would say it would be unpleasant. But it would be -for the last time. So thoroughly had his selfish -desires gained a hold on the man who had once been -so stanch and upright that the time had come when -he could wait no longer. But just how much of his -impatience was due to the subtle urging of Geraldine -DeLacy even he did not know. So he waited nervously, -picking up a book here, an ornament there, -examining the intricacies of the carved woodwork -during what seemed the unconscionable time it took -Marjorie to appear.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But his wife had not kept him waiting. Instead, -so unusual had been the request that Griggs purveyed -to her that she rose at once, placed the book -she had been reading on the table, and hurried down.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh lost no time. He did not mean to mince -matters in this interview.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Marjorie,” he began at once when she stood -before him inquiringly. “I’ll not keep you long. -What I have to say may be said quickly, but the -time has come to say it and I hope you’ll be reasonable.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie sat down quietly. “Yes, Hugh,” she -replied, outwardly calm enough, but seized with a -nervous inward trembling.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh dropped the cigar he had been picking to -pieces, crossed over and stood facing her, his arms -folded across his chest.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Marjorie, you know just as well as I do,” he -went directly to the point, “that you and I haven’t -been congenial for a very long time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I tried to remedy it, though, Hugh,” she answered -quickly, “only a short time ago, but you -refused to meet me even half way.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her husband’s brows contracted in annoyance.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I told you at that time that it was entirely too -late,” was his impatient comment. “Your years of -indifference have killed something inside of me that -nothing can ever bring to life again.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I don’t understand,” she ventured feebly, and -the sobs she had sought to hold back shook her -slender frame. The sight but annoyed the man the -more.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please refrain from creating a scene,” he admonished -coldly. “It will not in the least facilitate -matters.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hopeless as she felt it in her innermost being to -be, Marjorie Benton felt that she must struggle with -all her might through one other battle in an effort -to keep her husband—he who was all in the world -to her, though he so little realized it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She looked up at him, her hands clasped tightly -for self-control (Hugh always did so dislike tears, -she remembered), her eyes pleading.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Surely, Hugh dear,” she begged, “you cannot -mean what you are saying! You cannot mean that -your love for me is so wholly dead—why, think of -all the years—” Hugh turned his face indifferently -away—“no small thing like different tastes and beliefs -could make them count for nothing, I know—Oh, -Hugh!” and a wail crept into the pleading voice, -“can it be—was I right after all? Is it—is it—that—woman?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton kicked at the rug under his feet. He -could not bring himself at first to look into the face -of his suffering wife. Then his shoulders straightened -and his level glance came to meet her defiantly. -His words were cold, calm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If you are referring to Mrs. DeLacy,” he observed, -“then let me tell you, that you yourself were -the indirect cause of forcing me into the realization -of all that she meant to me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You expect me to believe that, Hugh?” There -was a suggestion of a sneer on her drawn lips.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Believe it, or not, as you please,” he answered -nonchalantly, “but up to the afternoon when you -took it upon yourself so unjustly to insult her, I -had merely liked and admired Mrs. DeLacy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Indeed! I am consumed with curiosity to know -just how <span class='it'>I</span> happened to play the rôle of Cupid in -your love affair?” Marjorie Benton’s dignity was -coming to her aid.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sarcasm won’t succeed in getting us anywhere, -Marjorie,” was Hugh’s stern comment. “Yours -has lost the power to sting me in the least. But if -you wish to know, after you had treated Mrs. DeLacy -so shamefully, I called upon her the following -evening, determined to offer some excuse for you,” -he went on serenely. “It was then that we discovered -for the first time our exact sentiments toward -one another.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How delightfully romantic!” The wife laughed -hysterically. “You—you really are foolish enough -to think she cares for you? You are a rich man, -Hugh.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His impatience increased. “Please permit me to -be the judge,” he advised, in a satisfied manner. “I -want to be perfectly frank and honest with you, -Marjorie—that is why I have stated the absolute -truth to you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She shook her head as she replied bitterly: “You -are indeed kind to me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t want to be cruel, but I see that you refuse -to permit me to be anything else,” he snapped impatiently. -“The problem is this: I love her! What -are you going to do about it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What do you expect me to do?” She shuddered -and closed her eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I thought—perhaps—” He found it a -difficult thing to say in spite of himself, “couldn’t -we—er—come to some agreement, say, whereby you -would consent to a—a divorce?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“A—a divorce—Oh—no—no—I don’t believe in -divorce!” Marjorie Benton’s voice rose hysterically. -But her husband was not to be swayed from his -purpose.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But surely, Marjorie,” he reasoned, “you -wouldn’t care to continue living under the same roof -with me—knowing that I love—another woman?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Have you thought of the children, at all?” She -grasped at the suggestion of the dreadful scandal -this thing would be bound to create, knowing as she -did, Hugh’s horror of anything of the sort.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Parrot-like, Hugh Benton repeated the exact -words of Geraldine DeLacy as she had expounded -her philosophy of life to him, but had anyone told -him that he was so swayed into unconscious repetition, -he would have denied it with indignation. -Hugh Benton was fond of declaring he was a man -with a mind of his own. So, at the reference to his -children, he turned and told her with calm dignity:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“For once in my life I am thinking only of myself -and my <span class='it'>own</span> happiness, Marjorie. Up to now I -have always considered others, but I can’t see that -it has brought me very much.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And yet I can remember you telling me,” she -hastened to remind him, “that the only real happiness -in life could be derived through helping others.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If I said that, it must have been a great many -years ago—before I became disillusioned.” The -retort was bitter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton rose and herself stooped to pick -up the shredded handkerchief she had dropped. -There was a hauteur in her manner that conveyed -her belief that humiliation had gone far enough. -She must put an end to the scene before her tautened -nerves snapped and she became a driveling suppliant -at the feet of the husband who was so cruelly -telling her he had done with her—that he loved -another.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you think we’ve said enough for one -evening, Hugh?” she queried. “We don’t appear -to be getting anywhere, as you put it, and—and I -might as well tell you,” and the emphasis of her -utterance left no room for doubt, “I will never consent -to a divorce! Treat me as you please—do -anything you please—I shall always remain Mrs. -Hugh Benton!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She started to brush by him, but he caught -roughly at her arm as she swept by. She stopped, -startled at the fury in his face.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But that is so thoroughly unreasonable,” he -urged querulously. “You haven’t cared for me in -years. You want to hold me now, just because -someone else has come into my life.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Suppose I were to tell you that I <span class='it'>do</span> care for -you. What then?” she asked slowly, contemplatively.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I shouldn’t believe you! Oh, Marjorie, please -listen to me. Doesn’t it seem foolish to wreck both -of our lives? I intend being more than fair with -you. I will settle three-quarters of my fortune upon -you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s lips curved in a slow smile. “And -what does Mrs. DeLacy say to that?” was her query.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why we haven’t even discussed such a thing.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, then, go to her,” she commanded, “tell -her exactly just what you propose doing, and see if -the fervor of her devotion remains the same.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And if it does—what then?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I will be reasonable enough to acknowledge that -I have misjudged that—er—Mrs. DeLacy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And what will you do?” he asked eagerly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She faced him proudly: “I will still remain—Mrs. -Hugh Benton.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh fairly glared as his wife swept triumphantly -toward the door. “So that is your attitude, is it?” -he frothed, and he had reached the open portal -before her. From outside, he hurled back his ultimatum. -“Well, then, I shall be forced to use other -methods. I am determined to gain my freedom, -and you can rest assured I will manage it in spite -of you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Still fighting for the dignity and self-control that -had deserted her, Marjorie Benton stood still where -he had left her for moments, her hand pressed to -her heart. The tension broke. She swayed back -and forth, staggering to the davenport. In its comforting -depths she sank down, sobbing hysterically.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I can’t bear it—I can’t bear it,” she moaned -over and over again. Fully, completely, now that -she was about to lose her husband, Marjorie Benton -realized how much she loved him. What a fool -she had been to allow her pride and her silly ambitions -to come between them. Her thoughts traveled -back over the years to the time she was a -happy wife and mother in her humble little cottage. -She buried her head in the pillows, endeavoring to -crush out the memories—memories that burned and -scarred. She thought her brain on fire. With -futile fists she beat the air, her one moan that this -thing could not be true.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In a frenzy she sprang to her feet and began to -pace the floor. Up and down—up and down—she -walked like an animal at bay, trying to peer into the -darkness that seemed stretched before her. There -might be years—God!—think of it!—Years of -loneliness and heartaches waiting for her!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Thoroughly exhausted, physically and mentally, -she sat down heavily. Her brain refused to think -any longer. Hot, bitter tears rained down her -cheeks, and then, without the slightest warning, -she began to laugh, at first almost inaudibly, then -loud and wildly. What a huge joke life had seen -fit to play upon her. She had passed years of unhappiness -without uttering a single protest, sacrificing -everything for her children, and it had brought -her—this!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In the hallway outside, Griggs heard the strange -cachinnations. He came running in.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it, Mrs. Benton?” he inquired anxiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—why—” she began, looking at him in -bewilderment.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re here all alone, and laughing so. Are you -ill?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Ill? Why no—I’m all right. Only something -struck me as being very funny. We don’t have to -read the comic sections of the papers, Griggs. All -we have to do is look for the comedy in our own -lives.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—Madame—I suppose so. But don’t you -think you had better let me send for Marie? She -will help you to your room. You are——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, Griggs, I’ll pull myself together in a moment, -and I’m not going to my room. I shall wait -here until Miss Elinor or Mr. Howard come in.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But it is only ten-thirty,” Griggs protested, “and -they may not come for hours.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Miss Elinor is bound to come in early. She is -at the Thurstons’. Just put another log on the fire, -and I’ll wait.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, Madame,” Griggs attended to the -fire, and left the room, turning as he reached the -door. “I shall be just outside should you wish -me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you, Griggs,” she murmured, gazing intently -into the flames.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With only a dulled pain she was able to visualize -what Hugh was doing, where he had gone since he -left her. Her instinct told her he had gone straight -to Geraldine DeLacy. And, right as is so often the -case with a woman who loves, Marjorie Benton’s -instinct had been right.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Straight as a homing pigeon, the infatuated man -had rushed from the room where he had had his -aggravating and unsatisfactory interview with his -wife, and, waiting long enough only to telephone to -be sure that she was in, he had hurried to the woman -who had taken his wife’s place in his affections. No -thought of the pain of the woman he had left behind. -Only an eagerness to be with the new love—to -hear her soft voice whisper words of love and -compassion, to tell him there was nought else in the -world beside their love, to reassure him he had been -right.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine DeLacy, alone, as she told him, since -the Thurstons were in Atlantic City and Nell, the -daughter of the house, was out with Hugh’s own -son, carefully hung up the receiver after her telephonic -interview and rushed to arrange her hair -and to slip into a becoming negligee. From Hugh’s -tone, she knew that something was wrong. She did -not need his further assurance that he was “frightfully -upset,” but she shrewdly suspected the reason -for his being so.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She had known right along that Marjorie would -prove difficult, but Hugh had been so sure of being -able to reason with her. “Like all men,” she -thought impatiently, “he believes he can handle -any situation. Hmph! Men!” There was a deep -sarcasm in the gesture with which she shook out a -clinging flounce. One thing she was assured of, -however. She must be cautious and most tactful in -everything she said to him, as he would probably -be in a trying mood.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She met him with an encouraging smile: “What -has happened, dear? I have been terribly worried -about you. You seem so unnerved!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Darling!” he replied. “My one comfort in a -comfortless world!” He took her in his arms and -kissed her tenderly. “I’ve been through a dreadful -scene—I just had to come to you to talk it over.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There, there,” she soothed him, “everything is -bound to be all right. Sit here beside me and tell -me all about it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well—I went to Marjorie to-night, as we discussed -doing,”—Geraldine smiled inwardly when she -remembered who it was who had suggested the interview,—“and -asked her to divorce me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—and—?” The young widow’s hand -trembled beneath his.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh threw out his hands impatiently. “She -positively refuses to give me my freedom, and you -know that I, myself, haven’t a chance in the world -of obtaining it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What did she say—what reasons did she give?” -Geraldine purred softly to hide her chagrin.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, she used every argument available,” was the -despairing reply. “Said she loved me and was anxious -to start life anew. Then she brought up the -children—their futures, and what this scandal would -mean to them.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps you went about it in the wrong way. -You may have been harsh when you should have -been gentle,” she ventured.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I tried hard to control myself and reason with -her, and I didn’t actually lose my temper until she -intimated that you didn’t care about me—it was -only my money.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How dared she say that?” Geraldine sat up indignantly. -“What have I ever done that has given -her the right to consider me mercenary?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It was in answer to a proposition of mine.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What was it?” She leaned toward him anxiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I tried to—to bribe her,” he confessed, somewhat -shamefully. “I offered to settle a—a very -large amount upon her, if she would consent to free -me. She jumped up excitedly and asked me what -you had to say to that.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—yes—and——?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I told her I hadn’t even discussed it with you, -and then she said I should go to you and tell you -what I proposed doing, and I should soon see -whether or not your devotion remained the same.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So that is her opinion of me?” Geraldine DeLacy’s -eyes flashed dangerously. “Well, you can -tell her from me—that I’d marry you to-morrow, -Hugh Benton, if you hadn’t a dollar in the world!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My own darling!” he exclaimed, as his arms -went out and he held her close to him. “I knew it—I -knew it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She lay in his arms passively submitting to his -caresses, but inwardly she boiled with rage. So -Marjorie Benton thought she could spoil her game, -did she! Well—they should see—they should see! -The cleverest one in this case would have the last -laugh.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am so grateful for your wonderful love, dear,” -he whispered, “and had Marjorie considered my -proposition, I should still have plenty left with which -to surround you with all the luxury you so richly -deserve.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” she breathed, “as if that mattered!” But -the light in her eyes shone radiantly as a weight of -lead dropped from her heart.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I shall have a talk with my attorney to-morrow, -and see what he advises,” Hugh assured her. -“There must be some way to go about this thing.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps when you tell your wife that it is not -your money I care about, as she seems to think, she -may reconsider her decision.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My dear, I wouldn’t allow her to think for a -moment that I had even mentioned her miserable -suspicions to you.” He pulled out his watch. “It -is growing late and I must hurry along before Nell -and Howard return. I’ll telephone you to-morrow. -Good-night, dearest.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She clung to him tenderly: “You are so strong -and forceful,” was her farewell, “your arms seem -like a haven of refuge.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He felt that he could not bear to return home, -so he ordered his chauffeur to drive to one of his -clubs. Never again would he return home until he -and Marjorie had reached some sort of compromise.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XIII</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard Benton’s wait for his father had -been as futile as it was long. At first he had -sat slumped in a chair grumpily, watching the -door impatiently for each new arrival, his whole -attention given to this new emotion of his, this wakening -to duty and his new sense of responsibility -toward his sister. Where in the world could his dad -be? He ought to be there right then listening to -what he, Howard, had to divulge. No telling what -Elinor was doing by now! She was such a silly—such -a headstrong——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The clap of Woods Thorndyke’s hand on his -shoulder in no light fashion awakened him from his -reverie.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come out of it, old top!” exclaimed the newcomer -cheerily. “What’s on the youngster’s mind? -Come on up to the card room. One of the chaps -has some of his dad’s best private stock and you’ll -just fit in for a rubber!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard shook his head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, thanks, Thorn, old boy,” he declared, “no -time for cards to-night—got an engagement—with -my own dad!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, come on,” urged the other, “you can get -your call down any old time, and a nice little game—one -rubber——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But the Benton heir was firm about one thing. -His head shake was more decided than ever.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—nary a rub—” he declared with positiveness, -“but,” and he wavered a little as he eyed his -companion. Really, he began to feel sorry for himself. -What right did Elinor have to get him -all wrought up like this. He felt that by now he -needed, most likely deserved, a drink. “But,” he -went on brightening a little, “I believe I could use -a little shot or so!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And one or two in that congenial company of his -boon companions led to more and more, until by two -o’clock he had quite forgotten all about Elinor, forgotten -many things, in fact, save his determination -not to enter a card game which might last interminable -hours. Somewhere in his hazy consciousness -it was borne in on him that he had an important -engagement with his father, but he could not just -think what it was about.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He made a trip to the smoking room and learned -that his father had neither been seen nor heard from. -Oh, well, whatever it was he was going to talk to -dad about would have to wait. He was tired; he -was going home.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He started for the hat room. Just outside the -door two chaps were talking. Both of them he knew -well, but the “Hello” he had almost hurled at them -was frozen on his lips at a name he heard. In a -twinkling the haziness disappeared. He knew why -he had been waiting. He stepped back into the -shadow of a potted palm and listened without compunction.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor Benton!” was the exclamation he heard. -“You can’t be serious. She’d never fall for that -fourflusher, Druid.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But I tell you they’re everywhere together,” the -other replied. “I meet them driving in the park -nearly every day, she at the wheel, and often his arm -about her. I’ve seen them coming out of inns and -roadhouses, rather questionable ones too—if you’ll -take it from me. I’m surprised her people stand for -it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps they don’t know anything about it, and -if they do, they may look upon it as a harmless flirtation.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Harmless flirtation!” The man laughed. -“Knowing Druid as well as you do, I can’t see how -you could ever imagine a flirtation with him harmless.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—well then,” came the answer, “maybe he -intends to marry her. He could do a lot worse, you -know, than to fall in for some of the Benton money.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I agree with you, and no doubt he does too, but -I know it will take some time before he is free. His -wife is suing him for divorce now.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What!” the other exclaimed. “I never knew -he had a wife.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It isn’t generally known for business reasons. -Those theater chappies consider him a more profitable -investment unmarried. I happen to know, -though, that he married a little chorus girl about -six years ago somewhere in the Middle West.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Where is she now?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“They couldn’t get along together, so,”—and outspread -hands finished the sentence. “She’s out on -the Coast now, working in pictures, and is interested -in someone else—hence, the divorce proceedings.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard stepped forth from his place of concealment. -His eyes blazed like coals of fire in his gray -face.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Benton!” came the disturbed exclamation.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“ ’Sall right, boys.” He smiled feebly. “You -didn’t know I was there.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—I’m sorry, Benton,” Frank Crimmins assured -him earnestly as he stepped forward. “I feel -like a silly gossiping woman. Please don’t pay any -attention to what I’ve said.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“On the contrary, I think you’ve done me a -service. You see, I hadn’t any idea that Druid was -a married man.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Didn’t you know that he has been rather friendly -with your sister?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“The news of his friendship for my sister has -come to me only to-night through three different -sources. Now, I am going to get it directly from -his own lips,” he announced ominously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Crimmins endeavored to restrain him: “Wait a -minute, Benton, don’t make a fool of yourself! -You’re not in a condition to see anyone right now—wait -until to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m going now.” He brushed aside the friendly -detaining hand and demanded his things from the -coat-boy. “I’ll show him that he can’t juggle with -my sister’s reputation and get away with it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“The hot-headed young idiot,” Crimmins said, -as Howard rushed from the club. “I suppose he’ll -go up to Druid’s and attempt to mop up the place -with him.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Feel sorry for him if he does,” the other replied -with a meaning grin. “He’ll get the worst of it—Druid’s -some athlete.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Crimmins was still conscience-stricken. “Perhaps -we should have gone with him?” he suggested.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nonsense! Take my advice and always keep -out of other people’s quarrels. Come on, have -another ball, and then I’m going to turn in.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was mid-night when Elinor Benton arrived at -Templeton Druid’s studio apartment—a delightful -hour, she thought, shivering deliciously, to be arriving -anywhere, and unaccompanied. Since she had -made her début, it was not at all unusual for her -to be dancing in the small hours and twelve o’clock -usually saw the top of the excitement. But always -she had conventionally arrived at dance or reception -or whatever gayety along with those of all her set at -much more seasonable hours. Templeton and all -his friends were so excitingly different. But still -when she had thrown aside her ermine wrap with -the solicitous aid of her hero himself, who did -not neglect to give her arm an affectionate squeeze, -she found herself, among the bizarre appointments -of the actor’s home—and his astonishingly elated -and at ease guests, a bit diffident and shy. But not -for long. For an ingénue, Elinor Benton found she -was able with great ease to adapt herself to the -unfamiliar atmosphere. Perhaps it may have been -something in the weird lighting effects; perhaps the -subtle perfume of the Orient that rose in hazy fumes -from swinging censers, the dim reflection of the -lighted sconces on mirrors that made the restless -guests seem figures in a pageant and far off, with -eerie faces that so effectually drowned her diffidence -and made her senses whirl with abandon like the -fumes of a heady wine. Or maybe it was the possessive, -lover-like attitude of Templeton Druid himself -that bade her throw aside stilted convention and -become one of those with whom her hero surrounded -himself. However, it may have been, Elinor Benton, -débutante, at the end of ten minutes of her first -visit to Templeton Druid’s apartments might have -been long a woman of the world, the stage world, -which, until the time of his opportune recognition -by Geraldine DeLacy had been the man’s only world.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Introductions, had she but known it, were of no -account in that assemblage, but Templeton Druid -remembering her social training, did not dispense -with them with his favored guest. To each, as he -made the circle of the long studio room, he introduced -her as “his dearest little friend”—not forgetting -to add that she was the daughter of Hugh -Benton, the financier.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Another round of cocktails was served. The -somewhat blasé guests took heart. Dinner was announced, -and the fun began to wage fast and furious. -Elinor was enjoying every minute of it. Here was -a party worth while, she thought. What a wonderful -crowd of whole-hearted, happy-go-lucky people. -And she would soon be one of them—after she and -Templeton were married! She would give all sorts -of dinners and parties, and invite this same crowd -of charming, congenial people.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As befitted the most honored guest, she was seated -next to her host at the table. At first he was discreetness -personified in all his actions toward her. -But as the dinner progressed and he imbibed more -and more freely of the various wines the possession -of which only he could have explained, he threw all -caution to the winds. Openly he avowed his passion -for her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m mad about you, darling,” he whispered, -bending his head close to her ear. “Each time I see -you, I want you more and more for my very own.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor listened with shining eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m glad to hear you say that, dear,” she nodded, -“because there’s something I want to talk to you -about. The most disagreeable thing has happened -at home and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Won’t have you telling me disagreeable things -on—my birthday.” He hiccoughed slightly. “Going -to stop that pretty little mouth with kisses.” -And disregarding guests, appearances, he grabbed -her to him to carry out his threat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please—please, Templeton.” She struggled to -free herself, her face suffused with blushes. “Let -me go! You embarrass me dreadfully! Don’t you -see everyone is looking at you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Let ’em look. What do I care? You’re my -little girl—I love you, and I’m proud of it! So -there—and there!” He caught the struggling girl -with one arm, swung her from her chair, as he emphasized -his words with fervent caresses.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With face suffused with scarlet, Elinor Benton -drew herself from the arms of the man who had so -publicly declared himself her lover. But as she -glanced at Druid’s other guests, in full expectation -of an embarrassing few moments, she was as much -bewildered as surprised to see that the episode had -passed unnoticed. Each was too intent on his or -her own affairs. A small stream of wine flowed -redly across the white cloth from its shattered goblet -that had been overturned as Marie Shaw, a Follies -girl, had over-reached herself in her attempt to bombard -Giles Fellowes, her own pet press agent, who -sat across the table with the centerpiece of orchids -which now trailed, a bedraggled mess half down to -the floor. Teddy Martin, a composer, who himself -admitted he was a popular one, wanted to show off -his latest hit. He tipped over his chair in his eagerness -to reach the piano.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Harold Westley, handsome as a screen actor -should be, danced over to Elinor and pulled her away -from Templeton Druid.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come on,” he urged. “Teddy’s giving us a -fox trot,” then, as Druid put out an unsteady protesting -hand, he laughed at him: “Needn’t think, -just because you’re one of those ‘appears, personally, -himself’s’ that you can monopolize Miss Benton the -whole evening!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Before she realized it, Elinor felt herself whirled -away in the movie actor’s arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Some party—I’ll say,” he drawled. “Having -a good time?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Wonderful,” she answered. “I’ve never been to -anything like this before—it’s so different.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How do you mean—different?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, for one thing, it’s so free from restraint -of any kind. Everyone does just as he pleases, and -no one seems to think anything about it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He laughed heartily. “If you think this is free -from restraint, you should have been here at the -party Templeton gave a week ago! We had some -night of it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I know—” she stammered, trying to conceal -her confusion, her heart thumping madly. “I -couldn’t come that night on account of a previous -engagement.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You missed one great time—but never mind,” -he reassured her, “the night’s young yet, and you -can’t tell how this will wind up—although there -doesn’t begin to be the number of pretty babies that -were here the other night. Why you’re by far the -one best bet in the room to-night,” and he attempted -to hold her closer. But at this all the girl’s training -rebelled. It was one thing for Templeton to—she -was engaged to him—but for this unknown -actor——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t dance any more—I’m tired, and I believe -the wine has gone to my head,” she said weakly. She -was angry, too, at what he had told her about -Templeton.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sit here,” Westley said, leading her to a large -chair in the corner, “and I’ll bring you some black -coffee—that’ll fix you up all right.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As soon as he was out of sight, she looked around -for Druid. As she caught his eye, she beckoned for -him to come to her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, sweetness—did you have a nice dance?” -he inquired, sitting on the arm of her chair. But -she pushed him away from her, and faced him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You had a party here last week,” she accused -him furiously, “and there were a lot of girls -present.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well—well—well! Who’s been telling you the -news?”</p> - -<div class='figcenter'> -<img src='images/i191.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0004' style='width:100%;height:auto;'/> -<p class='caption'><span style='font-size:smaller'>Marjorie Benton (Mary Alden) refuses to allow her daughter (Norma Shearer) to attend a roof-garden review.</span><br/><span style='font-size:smaller'>(<span class='it'>“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”</span>)</span></p> -</div> - -<p class='pindent'>“Never mind who’s been telling me! I know it—that’s -enough! I—I thought you were absolutely -true to me, and now—you’ve broken my heart.” -Her wail ended in a sob.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come now, Elinor, don’t be foolish and create -a scene.” He looked around uneasily. The laugh -would be on him if the bunch— “You know I love -you, darling,” he added quickly, insinuatingly. -“There isn’t another woman in the world who means -anything to me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—if I could only believe you!” But the sobs -still came. “I love you so! I’m insanely jealous of -your every thought. When I think of you day after -day—thrown in contact with so many beautiful and -clever women, I am filled with the fear of someone -coming between us—I couldn’t bear it now—I -couldn’t, dear!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Listen to me, darling,” he whispered, gently drying -her eyes with his daintly-perfumed handkerchief. -“I love you and only you! Please remember that, -and when you are my little wife——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“When will that be, dear?” She looked up -through her tears to ask anxiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Soon—very soon—my own,” he murmured. Forgetting -the hilarious, laughing merry-makers around -her, conscious only of one thing—that she loved this -man and wanted his comfort and assurance, Elinor -Benton let him draw her into his arms, hold her -close.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She clung to him passionately; his kisses she returned -with wild abandon. Unnoticed, the pins -slipped from her hair and it hung about her like a -shower of gold, as she nestled in his arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>There was a commotion at the door as someone -swept by the valet and pulled aside the portieres. -Elinor and Templeton looked up simultaneously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Standing in the doorway, wild-eyed and white as -death was Howard Benton!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>By the time Howard had reached Druid’s apartments, -he was seeing red. He refused to allow the -hallboy to announce him. He was expected, he said. -When Druid’s valet opened the door, he thrust him -aside and made straight for the living room. It -was the valet’s attempt to restrain him, and Howard’s -persistency that caused the commotion that -brought Elinor and Templeton Druid from their -trance, caused them at glance upward to see him -standing in the doorway.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard!” Elinor could only gasp weakly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hello, Howard,” Druid put Elinor out of his -arms, and came forward, struggling to gain his self-control. -“This is a surprise. Did you drop in to -wish me a happy birthday?” He held out his hand.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—damn you!” gritted the boy, as he brushed -aside Druid’s hand. His lips drew back from his -teeth in animal-like passion. “No! I came here to -demand an explanation of you! And I’m—going—to—have—it!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XIV</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>In the sudden hush that spread through the room, -only the stertorous breathing of the angry young -man who faced Templeton Druid could be heard. -For just a moment after Howard spoke, Teddy -Martin, at the piano, jangled out a bit of jazz, but -it had the hollow sound that a popular song might -have at a funeral. He whirled about on the piano -bench as much astonished at the peculiar quiet as a -man in different environment might have been had -a bomb exploded at his feet. Marie Shaw stopped -stock still, stunned into actual quietude for once, with -skirt still uplifted in her unfinished pirouette.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Gradually, unconsciously, Druid’s guests closed in -about the two belligerent men to form a half circle. -In the tenseness, each waited with bated breath for -what next might happen. Howard Benton’s attitude -was unmistakable. He meant trouble.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor was the first to gain control of herself. She -ran to her brother and grabbed him by the arm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard!” she shrieked, vixenishly. “How dare -you come in here like this! You’re drunk! Go -home at once! You wait until Dad hears of -this——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You shut up!” He pushed her roughly aside. -“You’re a fine one to tell me I’m drunk! Look at -you, with your hair hanging around you, and your -clothes almost falling off—God!” He buried his -face in his hands. “I never thought I should find -my sister like this!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Teddy Martin came forward quickly. “See here, -Benton, you don’t know what you’re talking about. -This is Druid’s birthday, and we’re having a little -party. There isn’t a thing wrong——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You can’t make a fool of me!” he answered -hotly. “Didn’t I see her in his arms when I came -in?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, supposing you did,” Druid interrupted. -“At an informal party like this, we don’t stand on -ceremony. This doesn’t happen to be one of your—society -functions,” with deep sarcasm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Put on your things at once.” Howard turned -commandingly to Elinor. “I’ll send you home in a -taxi and then I’ll come back and settle with him.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But what if I don’t feel like going home?” -Elinor faced him furiously. “You’ve got your -nerve to think you can humiliate me like this in front -of my friends.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Friends?” Howard sneered. “And I suppose -this man,” pointing to Templeton and trembling as -a man with ague, so eager was he to fasten his hands -on the actor’s throat, “is your friend too?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton drew herself up with all the dignity -inherited from a haughty parentage. She looked at -her brother, squarely, then defiantly about the half -circle of watching silent people.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“He’s <span class='it'>more</span> than my friend,” Elinor announced -haughtily, but with a touch of pride. “He is—my -affianced husband!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Living on sensation as most of her hearers did, -proof against surprises in usual matters, still the -simply-worded announcement of Elinor Benton was -sufficient to cause jaws to drop, to cause glances to -dart from one to the other at a statement that, to -say the least, to most of them was startling. Then -those glances came back to settle on the face of -Templeton Druid—the glances of these people who -knew him. What they saw was that his suave countenance -had turned scarlet, and that his eyes wavered -unsteadily as he, too, glanced stealthily around the -room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How wonderfully interesting!” Howard’s sarcastic -laugh rang out, “but don’t you think it would -have been proper and more gentlemanly for him -to have waited until he had disposed of his present -wife before honoring you with his proposal?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“His wife!” Elinor turned ghastly. “It isn’t true! -Tell him it isn’t true—Templeton?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just look at him!” Howard blazed. “You can -read his answer in his face.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I told you there was a matter of great importance -I had to settle—before I could marry you—didn’t -I?” Druid turned to Elinor almost fiercely.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—but a—wife—a wife!” Once more her -wail turned to sobs, as her slender body was shaken -in a gale of emotion, of chagrin.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard took a menacing step nearer Druid.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’ve played fast and loose with my sister’s -affections in order to feed your disgusting vanity,” -he began, chokingly. “You will——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now you get out of here—you and your sister!” -All of Druid’s polish dropped from him like a cloak. -“I’ve taken about all I care to stand from you. If -you think, for a moment, that you can come into my -home and insult me in front of my guests, you’re -mistaken! Your sister isn’t a baby—she’s capable -of taking care of herself. In fact, I think she knows -considerably more than you think.” He was sneeringly -insinuating.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You—you cad!” Unable further to hold himself -in check, Howard sprang forward. “I’m going -to give you the beating you so justly deserve.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Westley took a step forward and turned aside the -angry boy’s arm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Steady there, Benton,” Druid’s eyes flashed fire. -“If you start anything with me, you’ll find more than -you bargained for! You’re not my match in -strength, and I don’t like to take advantage of a boy!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With only the memory of Druid’s words to “get -out,—you and your sister” ringing in her ears, and -hurt unbelievably that they should have come from -the man who but a moment before was softly voicing -undying devotion to her, Elinor Benton attempted -to interfere, to put an end to the sordid scene. She -put her hand on Howard’s arm which he was still -waving threateningly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come on, Howard. Mr.—Mr. Druid is right. -We have created enough disturbance here. I—I’m -ready to go home with you,” she said with dignity.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You—keep out of this!” Howard shook off her -hand. His eyes blazed fire as he advanced on his -enemy. “So I’m a boy, am I?” he sneered. “Well -at least, I’m not a <span class='it'>coward</span> and I don’t make play-things -of women.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Get out!” Druid thundered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard’s answer was to pull off his coat, fling it -on the floor and lunge forward with closed fists. Elinor -screamed hysterically and fled to the corner of -the room, covering her eyes with both trembling -hands.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Druid was not caught off his defense. He -caught Howard’s fists in his hands and there was a -triumphant light in his eyes as he hissed between -closed teeth: “Very well, you damned fool! If -you’re bound on fighting, I’ll give you a thrashing -you’ll not forget in a hurry.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Men guests, less befuddled, sprang forward protestingly, -but he waved them back dramatically, as -he pulled off his coat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All of you keep out of this. My patience has -been tried beyond all endurance, and this child,” he -paused just the right length of time for his dramatic -taunt, “must be taught a lesson!” The sneer accompanying -the words curled back his lips over the perfect -teeth.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It only took Druid a few seconds to discover that -he was up against anything but a novice. Howard -had taken a special course of pugilistic training -besides being a born athlete. In college he had -carried off first honors in every contest. Druid was -no mean athlete himself and not loth to exploit his -prowess, but he depended too much on brute -strength, a strength his evening’s debauch had much -weakened. He found himself no match for Howard’s -cleverness—taught him by one of the most -scientific men in the ring.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Templeton Druid was getting the worst of it. -That was plain. He had been down twice and was -terribly groggy. Both men were bleeding profusely -and indiscriminately over the room which looked as -if a cyclone had struck it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A half stifled, hysterical shriek at some telling -bloody blow from one of the women, a groan, or -muffled mumble of admiration from the men guests -who were watching as eagerly as at any mill in the -padded ring was all that could be heard above the -labored breathing of the battlers, save the steady -hysterical sobbing of Elinor Benton from her corner. -Rugs were torn up, furniture overturned, priceless -bric-a-brac fell with a crash that added to the general -ensemble; the grinning Buddha toppled from his -pedestal and crashed into a thousand pieces, his grin -alone looking up from the floor in the midst of his -shattered features.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Templeton Druid dropped to the floor with finality. -Men sprang forward, thinking it was the -end, when slowly he began to pull himself up again. -His hand went to his hip-pocket, and he pulled -forth a small revolver. Howard saw it at the moment -its shine appeared and leapt for it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A struggle—more furious than ever for a moment. -A shot rang out.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Templeton Druid staggered, threw his hands in -the air, and fell, face downward on the torn, blood-stained -Persian rug.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard Benton stood over the crumpled figure -on the rug with the shining revolver in his hand. He -looked at it half understandingly, as though it were -a strange thing he had never seen before—that he -could not recognize. Then it dropped from his -nerveless fingers with a clatter among the pieces of -the broken Buddha. His eyes shifted aimlessly -about, to fix themselves once more on the huddled -figure at his feet.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My God!” he gasped. “I’ve killed him!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In the speechless pause, Elinor Benton’s shrieks -rent the air wildly. She staggered from her corner, -throwing aside hands that with kindly intent sought -to restrain her, to fall prone on the still form on the -floor, her gown drinking in the crimson that flowed -out darkly across the polished floor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my darling! Speak to me!” she moaned and -pleaded. “I don’t care for anyone in the world! -I love you! Oh—speak to me! Speak to me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The quiet that had reigned during the encounter -became turmoil. Trembling, wild-eyed, Druid’s -valet’s white face appeared at the door. Westley -rushed to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Is there a doctor in the building?” he howled.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The man’s teeth chattered as his shuddering -glance took in the scene.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, sir,” he stuttered. “On the ground floor.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Get him!” commanded the movie actor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Women rushed to get wraps, looking about with -anxious eyes for the opportunity of making cautious -exits. Only Elinor Benton seemed not to think of -escape as she wept over the still figure of the man -on the floor. But that escape was out of the question -was obvious in but a moment when the apartment -began to fill with excited, curious tenants who -had heard the shot and crowded forward morbidly -to see what was going on.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Orders, suggestions, flew backward and forward. -Apparently the only calm person in the apartment -was Howard Benton. He had walked unseeingly to -a bench at one side of the room and dropped on it. -He was too stunned to speak. Attempts to speak -to him were met with a dazed incomprehension.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Teddy Martin touched him on the shoulder and -offered: “I’m sorry, Benton. Is there anything I -can do for you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The not unkindly touch helped to bring him out -of himself.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Is he—is he—dead—or only wounded?” he -asked quietly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We don’t know yet,” Martin answered. “The -doctor will be here in a minute, and then we will find -out. Here he is now.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Doctor Adams looked on in surprise while one -of the girls pulled Elinor away from Druid, trying -to make the hysterical girl understand that the doctor -had arrived.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s happened here?” the medical man inquired -brusquely.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Harold Westley stepped forward. “Two men -had a quarrel,” he informed, “and one of them was -shot—accidentally.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Humph! Looks more like a free-for-all fight,” -the doctor answered, glancing around the room. He -bent over the still form; turned him over. His examination -lasted but a few seconds.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dead,” he announced solemnly. “A clean shot -through the heart—died instantaneously.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No! No!” Elinor moaned, attempting to rush -forward again.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Are you his wife?” the doctor inquired more -gently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor shook her head, but sobs wracked her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—well—it is my duty to inform the authorities. -Of course, you know no one must leave before -their arrival?” He rose from beside the body.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard reached for the only friendly hand outheld -to him and gripped it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Martin,” he asked, “will you try to locate my -father? Call the club, and if he isn’t there, try our -home. If you get him, give him an idea of what -had happened, and ask him to come to me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll do all that I can,” Teddy assured him, and -hurried out to the telephone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He was fortunate in locating Hugh Benton at the -Club, catching him just as he was leaving for home. -In a very few moments, he gave him a brief outline -of the tragic affair.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I’ll be over at once,” said the father in a -choked voice. The catastrophe stunned him. He -could barely make himself understood, but he added, -as assurance for Howard: “I’m going to try to -reach my attorney and have him go with me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But it was an old and broken man who hung up the -telephone and clung to the table for support as he -swayed, fighting for courage to carry him through -the ordeal he was called on to face—fighting for -immediate strength to telephone the man on whom -he must rely for present aid.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard was pacing nervously up and down, when -his father and John Hammond, the celebrated attorney, -arrived at the scene of the tragedy. He -went to his father manfully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m terribly sorry, Dad, to have caused this -trouble,” he apologized, “but I—I couldn’t help it. -The revolver was discharged accidentally. He—he -was a coward to the end—he couldn’t even—fight -fair.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Tell me the entire thing, Howard; just what -brought you here, and how it happened.” Mr. -Hammond said quietly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard told it all as clearly as he could remember. -Once or twice the lawyer interrupted him -to ask a question, or to have him make some point -a little more definite. At the conclusion, he turned -to Hugh.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This looks like a simple case of self-defense, -Benton,” he said, and his tone and off-hand manner -gave rising hope to father and son. “The boy came -here to protect his sister’s good name—a fight ensued, -Druid pulled his revolver—there are witnesses -enough here to attest that,” looking about at the -sadly morose lot who so short a time before had -been merry-makers. “The boy secured possession of -it—it was discharged accidentally, or at the worst, -discharged in self-defense.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—but think of the scandal—” Hugh was not -altogether appeased.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That is something we cannot help,” the lawyer -replied as his jaws snapped shut. “Be grateful to -think you can save the boy! There are a certain -amount of preliminaries necessary to go through, -and then he can go home with you. Just a moment, -before we go—I want to speak to these men,” indicating -a couple of officers and detectives who had -entered the room.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I must arrange to send Elinor home.” Hugh -mentioned his daughter for the first time, although -the sight of her, when he had come into the room -had almost taken the breath from his body.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was a brilliant commentary on Hugh Benton’s -attitude of mind that, as he sat before the telephone -at this crisis in his life, maneuvering to save both -son and daughter as well as to drown out as much -as possible of the scandal that must ensue, that not -even for one moment did he think of calling his wife -to his aid. As he sat there nervously jangling the -hook up and down, it was Geraldine DeLacy who -was going through his mind. Geraldine! She -loved him! She would come to him—would help -him through. Only for a moment did the vision of -Marjorie cross his mind, and then he dismissed her -with a queer wry smile. In this, his time of trouble, -he wanted Geraldine. To the woman he loved, and -to her only, would he entrust his foolish daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The sleeping butler at the Thurston home was not -easily roused to answer the telephone. Even then, -Benton had a difficult time in persuading him his -business was of the most vital importance, and that -he must awaken Mrs. DeLacy.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It seemed ages before a sleepy voice answered -him. “Why—Hugh! What on earth do you mean -at this hour in the morning. Why——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Geraldine, a <span class='it'>terrible</span> thing has happened!” The -man’s voice trembled with earnestness. “I cannot -tell you over the ’phone,” he went on, “but I want -you to dress as quickly as you can, jump in a taxi -and come here at once.” He gave her the address -of the apartment.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What place is that—and what do you want me -for—what has happened?” she inquired in one -breath.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t go into details now—all I can tell you is -that Howard has killed—Templeton Druid. Don’t -ask any questions—just come to me, dear—I need -you.” His voice quivered more unmistakably.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Great heavens!” For once Geraldine was all -but speechless as she gasped. “I—I’ll come to you -at once, dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She never remembered how she dressed, ordered -the taxi, or hurried to the apartment. She knew -she accomplished it all in a remarkably short space -of time, because Hugh met her at the door and said -gratefully:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You certainly came quickly, dear—thank you so -much.” He told her as rapidly as possible just what -had transpired. “And now,” he urged, “I want you -to take Elinor home. There wasn’t anyone here I -felt I could entrust her to. She is in a frightfully -hysterical condition and should be put to bed at -once.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I shall be glad to take her, dear, and oh—you -don’t know how I am suffering with you. Shall I -take Elinor home with me—or——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, no—take her to her own home. My lawyer -will have to talk with her to-morrow, and besides,” -he continued, “she may want her—mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you think Marjorie will resent my entering -her home?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Marjorie has doubtless been in bed for hours—there -is no need to awaken her. She will have to -be told everything in the morning, but that is time -enough.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I will do just as you wish, my dear. My only -desire is to serve you, as you know. Nothing else -matters,” and she patted his arm lovingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She went to Elinor and put her arms protectingly -about her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—oh—Geraldine!” Elinor began sobbing -anew. “What are you doing here? Do you know -what has happened? Oh—I just want to die—I -want to die!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There, there, darling,” Geraldine soothed, helping -her on with her wrap she had brought. “I am -going to take you home. You can tell me everything -in the taxi. You must pull yourself together, dear, -and be brave.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How can I be—brave—when—when—my heart -is breaking! Just—just think! A little while ago, -I—I was in his arms—and—and—now—I shall-nev-er—see -him again!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come, dear, we will go now. Your father is -anxious for you to go home.” And Geraldine led -her to the door, where Hugh joined them.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor fell into his arms. “Daddy! Daddy!” -she cried, heart-brokeningly. “What shall I do? I—I -can’t stand this.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh held her closely in his arms as he tenderly -murmured: “Never mind, darling, your Daddy will -always stand by you—no—no matter what happens. -Mrs. DeLacy will take you home. Howard and I -will have to wait awhile, but we’ll follow you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard!” Elinor turned like a tigress. “He is -to blame for all this—I hate him! Do you understand? -I hate him! And I hope he is made to suffer -for his crime!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine DeLacy put her arm protectingly about -the girl whose whole body shook with the fury and -fervor of the hate with which she denounced the -brother who had killed the man she believed she -loved. Hugh Benton’s surprised shocked countenance -gave proof of his little understanding of the -side of his daughter’s character she was showing. -But Geraldine only drew her more closely into protecting -arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come with me, darling,” she soothed. “You’re -all unnerved.” She shook her head protestingly at -Hugh Benton as his mouth opened to speak. Without -a word, he helped the woman and girl into the -waiting cab and turned back toward the apartment -entrance. But his head hung low as he walked, and -there was a sense of unrealness, a sense of bewilderment, -wonder, annoyance at the complexity of life -as he went slowly back to the son who had sought -only to do as his conscience bade.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XV</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Until the muffled bells of the cathedral clock -in the hall slowly and sweetly chimed out the -mid-night hour, Marjorie Benton had sat in -front of the fire in the library where Griggs had left -her—waiting. She had no idea when Howard would -come in, but she expected Elinor almost any minute, -as she had only gone to the Thurstons for dinner -and could not remain away much longer.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To Marjorie, whose every nerve was keyed to a -snapping tension, the evening had seemed endless. -Her eyes were riveted upon the hands of the clock. -At twelve-thirty, she bounded from her seat, and -fairly flew to the telephone, unable to curb her patience -a second longer.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Central was obliged to ring a number of times -before the Thurston number answered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What seems to be the trouble?” Marjorie demanded -irritably. “That number should answer at -once.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am ringing them, Madam,” Central replied -mechanically.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Such service. You never can get a number when -you want one,” Marjorie muttered irritably as she -shook the hook.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“They do not answer,” the operator drawled.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But I tell you they do answer! They must answer,” -Marjorie insisted. “Why, they’re having——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There’s your party,” Central interrupted. “Go -ahead.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—hello—I’d like to speak to Miss Benton, -please.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There’s no one here by that name,” came the -answer curtly. “You must have the wrong number.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Is this Mrs. Horace Thurston’s residence?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, Madame—but there isn’t anyone here by -the name of Benton. If it’s Hugh Benton’s home -you wish, I can give you the number. It——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—this is the number I wish. Kindly call Mrs. -Thurston to the ’phone.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. and Mr. Thurston are both in Atlantic City—until -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie felt the ground giving way beneath her -feet. She clutched at the desk for support as she -inquired:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Where is Miss Thurston?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“In bed, Madame. At least, I suppose she is. -She returned home about twelve o’clock and went -straight to her room. Do you wish me to call her?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—no—it will not be necessary. I—I made -a mistake—that is all. Somehow I was under the -impression that Miss Thurston was entertaining at -dinner this evening, but I realize now that it was—someone -else.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, Madame. That must be it,” the butler -agreed. “Because Miss Thurston went out to dinner -and the theater with a gentleman this evening.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you—I—I’m sorry to have disturbed you -at this hour.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That’s all right, Madame. Do you care to leave -your name for Mrs. Thurston?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no—I—I’ll call Mrs. Thurston myself—to-morrow. -Good-night,” she faltered as she hung up -the receiver and stood as one petrified, staring into -space.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>What new horror was about to confront her? -Elinor had deliberately deceived her, and perhaps -this had not been the first time. Where could she -have gone? What did it all mean?</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Again she began to pace the floor. Her own -trouble was almost blotted from her mind as this -new fear clutched at her heart. Where was Elinor? -Where was she? Over and over again she asked -herself the question as she traveled back and forth -between the window and the farthest book-lined -wall.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Twice the faithful Griggs attempted to speak to -her, but she waved him back frantically, refusing to -listen. As long as she lived, this night would leave -its mark upon her. She had passed hours of unspeakable -suffering and torture.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At four o’clock, with the faint coming of dawn, -Griggs placed another log on the fire which he had -kept burning all night, and then confronted Marjorie -determinedly with the assurance of an old and -trusted servant.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. Benton, won’t you please go to bed! It’s -four o’clock, and you must be worn out! Pardon -the liberty of an old servant, but——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Four o’clock—four o’clock—” Marjorie kept -wringing her hands despairingly, “and not one of -them home yet! God! What can have happened!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nothing has happened, ma’am! Miss Elinor -and Mr. Howard are most likely with Mr. Benton -at some party or dance,” Griggs endeavored to console -her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Four o’clock,” she kept repeating. “Why, they -couldn’t remain anywhere as late as that.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Indeed, they’ve come in late many times, Mrs. -Benton; only you have been asleep in your own room -and didn’t know it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“As late as this?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well—no—not quite as late—but I’m sure -there’s no reason for you to worry. Come to your -room—please—and let me bring you some coffee.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thanks, Griggs,” Marjorie replied gratefully. -“You’re very kind, and I appreciate your remaining -up with me like this more than I can tell you, but I -couldn’t leave here—I must wait.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. Benton, I’ll call you the minute anyone -comes. It won’t do any good for you to wear yourself——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The sound of a machine coming up the driveway -cut short further arguments. Griggs rushed to the -window.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Here’s a cab now, Ma’am,” he said, hastening -to open the door.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“At last! At last!” Marjorie held her hand over -her heart. “Thank God—they’ve come!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She stood with bated breath, facing the door, expecting -she knew not—what. But whatever else it -might have been that unfolded itself before Marjorie -Benton’s hot worried eyes, it could not have stabbed -her as what she did see. An icy hand clutched her -heart. The room swam about her. She tried to -move forward with a cry, but stood rooted to the -spot. For there, standing on the threshold was her -own daughter, her baby, Elinor—hair hanging in -wild disarray, white-faced, trembling, clothing disarranged, -while moans and sobs issued from her distorted -pale lips. Holding her up, guiding her tottering -footsteps, her arms possessively, protectingly -around Marjorie Benton’s daughter was the one -woman in the world whom she hated with a deadly -hatred, the woman who had taken from her the love -of her own husband—Geraldine DeLacy.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The mother’s breath came with a quick intake as -her arms went quiveringly out toward the girl.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor!” the cry came in a pitiful wail.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mother! Mother!” Elinor sobbed brokenly, -as she wrenched herself from Geraldine’s arms -and tottered toward her mother. Marjorie caught -her as she fell. She held her closely as she had held -her as a baby.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it, dear?” she murmured tenderly. -Mother instinct told her it was no time for reproaches, -but a time for soothing. “What has -happened? Try to control yourself and tell me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—I—I can’t! I can’t!” Elinor moaned. -“It’s so terrible!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Trembling from head to foot Marjorie, holding -Elinor closely to her, turned to Geraldine. “Perhaps, -Mrs. DeLacy, you will kindly tell me—what -this all means?” she asked.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m very sorry, Mrs. Benton,” Geraldine replied -gravely, “but a terrible thing has happened. I—I -scarcely know how to tell you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s eyes flashed fire. “Nothing can be -more terrible than this dreadful suspense! You must -tell me at once!” she commanded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, but I want you to believe me, Mrs. -Benton, when I tell you that it grieves me greatly to -be the bearer of this news.” Geraldine’s attempt at -friendly conciliation passed by the distracted mother.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Go on—please!” she ordered, with set lips.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This evening,” Geraldine began, “Templeton -Druid had a dinner party in his rooms after the -show——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Who is Templeton Druid?” Marjorie interrupted.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Templeton Druid was,” she laid stress upon the -word, a stress unnoticed by Marjorie, although -Elinor shivered in her mother’s clasp, “an actor—the -most popular leading man on Broadway, and a -friend of Elinor’s and Howard’s. Elinor knew you -would never consent to her going to the party, so -she told you she was going to the Thurstons’.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I know,” Marjorie murmured. “I telephoned -the Thurstons at twelve-thirty.” She closed -her eyes as if to shut out the memory of the shock -she had received.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“She spent the early part of the evening,” Geraldine -continued, “with Rosebud Greeley, and then -went to Mr. Druid’s apartment.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my dear! My dear!” Marjorie wailed. -“Go on, please, Mrs. DeLacy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard happened to know where Elinor was -going, and disapproved of it. He had spent the -evening with Nell Thurston, and after seeing her -home, went downtown to the club, where he imbibed -rather freely with some of the boys. He happened -to overhear a conversation concerning Elinor and -Druid, which enraged him past endurance. He -jumped in a taxi and went directly to Druid’s apartment——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—mother—mother—” Elinor clutched her -wildly. “I can’t bear it. Why—why——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hush, darling,” Marjorie patted her head, “I -must hear the rest.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“When Howard arrived,” went on Mrs. DeLacy -as though repeating a carefully rehearsed lesson, -“a wild party was on, which only went toward confirming -the things he had heard. A furious scene -followed—and a—a fist battle. In the midst of -which Druid pulled a revolver out of his pocket—Howard -managed to secure it. There was a shot -and Druid fell to the floor!” Geraldine dramatically -turned her eyes as she reached her climax as though -too tender-hearted to witness the mother’s despair. -But underneath the lids that veiled her eyes, there -was gloating.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—No! No!” Marjorie felt the iron hand -closing tighter around her heart. It was crushing -it. “He didn’t—<span class='it'>kill—him</span>?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Instantly!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The monosyllabic reply was like the closing of -life’s chapter to the mother who heard it. The -world seemed far away. She could not think—could -not breathe to recognize the familiar action. That -iron hand was closing and unclosing, squeezing from -her heart but icy drops. Vaguely she could feel her -arms about her daughter while her mind wandered -to the son—could feel Elinor clutching her hands, -her arms,—could hear her wailing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mother! Mother! I loved him so! I -loved him! Oh, what shall I do!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The iron hand held a dagger. It was draining -her life blood. She felt it leaving her face, her -limbs. She felt the gray pallor of her cheeks. -Limply she sank down into the deep chair beside her -(and even in her despair there came a queer flash of -memory over her that it was Hugh’s chair) as she -stared at the bearer of the news. Her comprehension -was unable to cope with its suddenness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor, clinging helplessly to her mother, fell on -her knees, burying her head in her lap.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I can’t realize it!” Marjorie felt her lips -framing the words, but to her own ears they were -inaudible. “It is all—so horrible.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I know, Mrs. Benton.” Outwardly, Geraldine -was all sympathy. “But you must face this thing as -bravely as you can, for Mr. Benton’s sake——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie bit her lips so hard she drew the blood -in two places. “Where—where is Howard now?” -she demanded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“They ’phoned the club and managed to locate -Mr. Benton. He called his attorney. There are -certain arrangements to be made and then he will -bring Howard home.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In her dazed consciousness it had already occurred -to Marjorie to wonder where Hugh was, and she -had had an added pang when she had realized what -all this would mean to him. She would so have tried -to spare him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So he already knew! And he had not even let -her know, come to her, or sent to her in his trouble. -No—instead it had been this—this other woman he -had— Bitterness welled to take the place of pity. -And that bitterness swelled her heart till she felt -it had reached the bursting point.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>To think that her husband had dared to select that -woman to bring Elinor home! She should have -been sent for! Wasn’t she still his wife, and Elinor’s -mother? Had Hugh thrown her into the dust -and trampled upon her, he could not have humiliated -her more than by sending this, to her, abominable -creature as the conveyer of this appalling news. -The strangeness of it all began to dawn upon her. -How had Mrs. DeLacy been available at such an -hour? Was Hugh in her company at the time? -Her lips curled slightly as she asked: “Were you -at that party, Mrs. DeLacy?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine drew herself haughtily erect. “I? -Certainly not!” she cried indignantly. “Why do -you ask?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Because I fail to understand your connection in -the affair,” replied the wife coldly. “What are you -doing here? How do you come to bring Elinor -home?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mr. Benton telephoned to me,” Geraldine -flushed angrily as she faced Marjorie Benton’s cold, -accusing eyes. “He knew that he could place every -confidence in me—and asked me as a special favor -to him, to bring Elinor home——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I <span class='it'>understand</span>.” Marjorie spoke simply, but with -finality. “Thank you—and good-night.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I should like to remain if you don’t mind,” -Geraldine strolled impertinently toward the davenport, -adding, “until Mr. Benton and Howard come.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you think it indelicate for you to attempt -to intrude, Mrs. DeLacy? This is a time when the -family desire to be alone.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I realize that,” Geraldine smiled serenely. “But -don’t you see, when one is such a trusted friend, I -really feel as if I were one of the family.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton had felt before that she had -stood all that could be imposed on human nature. -But now she found that it had been only a beginning. -The cold, unadulterated nerve of the woman -who assumed such prerogatives so casually, and at -such a time, was beyond anything she could have -dreamed. No longer was she physically weak. A -great power was given to her. Gently she put aside -her daughter’s clinging hands and rose to her feet -with a firmness born of indignation too great for -words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your assumption is a bit previous,” she remarked -icily. “You have wrought destruction enough in this -home for the present. I am sorry, but I must deny -you the pleasure of remaining longer.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, very well!” Geraldine shrugged her shoulders -meaningly, as she turned toward the door. “I -regret exceedingly that you will not accept my well-meant -offer of friendship. If you should need me -any time, Elinor,” she called back, “you know where -to find me—good-night.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie stood still as a statue, waiting until she -heard the door close after Mrs. DeLacy. Then she -resumed her chair, pulled a low stool up beside her -and tenderly seated Elinor upon it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Darling little girl,” she murmured soothingly, -gently caressing the disordered hair which futile -hands sought to arrange. “Come, tell mother everything. -I—I’m not angry, dear—my heart is over-flowing -with love and sympathy for you, and I want -to help you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>One upward glance the girl gave her mother. -She shook her head sadly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your love and your desire to help me, mother, -have come too late.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie caught her breath sharply.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, please! Please, dear, don’t say that!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’ve kept me away from you so long,” Elinor -continued apathetically, plaintively. “I have never -been able to confide in you. The wonderful comradeship -I’ve seen between other girls and their -mothers—never existed between us. Your continual -fault finding with everything I did forced me to be -untruthful, and to deceive you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I meant it all for your good, dear!” Marjorie’s -voice vibrated with emotion. “You <span class='it'>will</span> believe me—you -must!—when I tell you my only desire was -for your happiness!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And <span class='it'>Howard</span>!” Elinor’s voice was bitter in its -hysterical condemnation. “What right had he to -judge anyone? Templeton would have married me, -and now—my life is wrecked.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You are not in the condition to realize anything -now. Perhaps later you will be able to view all this -in a different light. Your brother must love you -very——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Love me!” Elinor screamed wildly. “He has -a great way of showing it, when he robs me of all -the happiness life held for me! Oh—I hate him! -Even if he is my brother, I——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—hush, dear, hush,” Marjorie placed her -hand across Elinor’s mouth, “you mustn’t talk that -way.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I don’t know what I’m going to do, mother! -I’m almost crazy! I’m so frightened, and I don’t -know where to turn!” The girl’s passion subsided -into a wail of self-pity. She sobbed and buried her -head in Marjorie’s lap again.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A light of dawning hope slowly welled up in the -woman’s anguished eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Turn to your mother, darling,” she pleaded, lovingly, -tenderly, “the one who will never fail you! -Come—I’m going to take you upstairs and put you -to bed, just as I did when you were my little baby—and -I shall sit beside you and hold your hand, dear, -until you fall asleep.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor arose wearily and stood coldly unresponsive -to her mother’s declarations of love and -devotion. She submitted passively to the tender -embrace as she was led toward the hall.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The slamming of the front door caused them both -to start violently. Howard, wanly pale and trembling, -came toward them. Marjorie’s arms went -out to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—Howard—my boy, I—I——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please, mother!” Howard twisted his fingers and -pulled at his collar. “Don’t you start in on me—I’m -a wreck, and my nerves are all shot to pieces -now! Dad hasn’t stopped talking for a moment all -the way home—I just <span class='it'>can’t</span> stand much more!” He -walked unsteadily to the mantle and stood, leaning -his head upon it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor dropped back to the large chair her mother -had recently occupied, and curled up in it, her feet -under her, her head buried in her arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In a few quick steps, the mother crossed the room -to her son’s side. Her arm went protectingly about -his bowed, weary shoulders.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my dear, my dear!” and there was a world -of sympathy and love in the vibrating voice, “I’m -not going to upbraid you! I just want to tell you -that——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A slight sound at the door made her turn to -glance over her shoulder. Hugh Benton stood there, -stern and relentless. His eyes roved from the -stricken girl huddled in her chair to rest on the bowed -head of his son and the mother who stood beside -him, her attitude one of soothing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Like a cold accusing judge he stood towering -there. Slowly his hand came up into a sweeping -gesture to include the scene. Then the hand was -pointed relentlessly, unforgivingly, at the suffering -mother. When he spoke his voice was harsh, repelling.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, Marjorie!” he bit off his words, “I trust -you’re satisfied!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XVI</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh!” It was a cry of pain torn from the -mother heart. But even in her anguish for -her children there came a pang for the man -she loved as she gazed at him wide-eyed, distressed. -He seemed to have aged ten years since his interview -with her only a few hours before. His face was -drawn and haggard. Large, dark circles were about -the eyes. The wife forced herself to speak calmly. -“What do you mean?” she queried.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I mean,” he answered, coming slowly into the -room with lagging footsteps, “that this is all your -work!” His gesture took in Elinor and Howard. -“And I hope it pleases you,” he repeated bitterly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh, at a time like this, when we need all your -strength and sympathy to sustain us—you speak to -me like this?” Marjorie’s voice was full of reproach. -“Why do you use such tones to me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Because,” he replied and there was no suspicion -of a softening heart in his hard voice, “I hold you -responsible for everything! If I had listened to the -dictates of my own heart, we would never have -come to New York—but I was weak enough to yield -to your persuasions.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Surely, Hugh,—” Marjorie’s lips quivered pitifully -as she started to protest, but he authoritatively -motioned her to silence.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I tried to argue with you at the time and impress -upon you just what an environment such as this -would mean to our children, but you wouldn’t listen -to me!” he raged. “You told me that you, their -mother, should know what was best for them. Well, -there they are! Look at your daughter, the pitiful -creature of a dissolute man’s fancy, and your son, -a——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Stop, Hugh!” Marjorie commanded. “You -seem to forget one thing, and that is, that they are -your children as well as mine.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“On the contrary,—I have not forgotten it. I am -simply trying to impress upon them that I am not to -blame for their misfortunes.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Then you believe that I alone am entirely -responsible for this awful calamity?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Entirely and absolutely,” he answered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And you call yourself a man!” Marjorie turned -upon him, her eyes ablaze with anger. “You inspire -me only with contempt! Last night I thought because -of the children I could never leave you! But -now, for the very same reason, I refuse to remain -or to allow them to remain with you another day!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>This was rather more than the angry man had -bargained for. In his way he loved Howard and -Elinor, and his pride, too, was at stake.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you mean,” Hugh endeavored to conceal his -anxiety but it was nevertheless poignant, “that you -will take Elinor and Howard away from me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That is precisely what I mean to do!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We shall see about <span class='it'>that</span>.” He strode forward -angrily. “I think the children themselves are the -ones to choose between us.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you imagine for a moment,” Marjorie replied -haughtily, “you could persuade them to leave -their mother?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor and Howard,” Hugh began suddenly, “I -want you both to listen to me for a moment.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor sat up in her chair, dabbing at her eyes -with her handkerchief, while Howard turned and -stood with his back to the fireplace, staring sullenly -in front of him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Children, your mother and I have come to the -parting of the ways. As you heard her remark a -few minutes ago—you are <span class='it'>mine</span> as well as hers. I -love you both, and—I want you—but you are old -enough to decide for yourselves.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Silence, distressing in its intensity, followed the -father’s brutal ultimatum.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—I—I don’t know what to say?” Elinor was -filled with confusion. Her wail was faltering. -“This is all so sudden—so strange!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You know, dear,” Hugh strode to her chair, and -stood looking down upon her, “I am willing to do -anything for you—I will take you abroad until this -nasty scandal has a chance to blow over, and when -we return, should you have any enemies you will -find that the best weapon with which to fight them -is your father’s money.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor, darling,” Marjorie pleaded, “all that I -can do is to offer you my love and devotion—and -when it comes to protection, you will find that there -isn’t a weapon in the world to compare with your -mother’s love.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mother—I—I don’t know what to say!” -Once more the girl’s frail body was racked with -sobs as she sought to see the light—what best to do. -“Dad has always been wonderful to me! Ever -since I can remember, he has granted my every wish! -I don’t know how to answer! Oh, what shall I -say?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This is a question that your heart must answer -for you, dear.” Marjorie’s reply was faint but her -voice told of the heart yearning behind the simple -reply. “I—I didn’t believe,” she caught her breath -sobbingly, “you would hesitate an instant.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, you see, mother,” Elinor’s mood changed -to querulousness and she pouted, “I’ve always been -selfish and headstrong—you’ve told me so yourself -many times! So I—I think—if you don’t mind,” -she dropped her eyes and stared at the floor, “I—I -shall stick to Dad! I guess he’ll understand me -better!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My little girl!” Hugh exclaimed tenderly, as he -leaned over and gathered her in his arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—my baby—my baby!” Marjorie moaned, -her arms outstretched before her, the tears rolling -down her cheeks.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, Howard! We’re waiting!” Hugh turned -expectantly to his son.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard looked his father squarely in the eye as -he demanded, with slow deliberation: “Well—what -are you waiting for?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This is an awful mess—that you have gotten -yourself into,” Hugh hastened to explain, but his -eyes wavered before the steady gaze of his son. -“My attorney says there isn’t a doubt concerning -your vindication. All of the witnesses swear that -it was either an accident or self-defense—and your -motive for quarreling was thoroughly justifiable—but -just the same, the law has peculiar twists and -angles—and it is going to take a fortune to save -you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I want to keep you with me, Howard—and my -money——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Stop!” It was a son he had never known who -took a menacing step toward him, rage flaming in -the eyes of scorn with which he searched out his -father’s soul. “You and your money!” He flung -out. “You think that with it you can conquer the -world! You hold my mother responsible for all this -trouble—don’t you? Do you want to know the real -cause of all the suffering in this room to-night? I’ll -tell you—it’s your money! The thing that made me -the good-for-nothing idler that I am—that made my -sister the frivolous callous-hearted woman you see -before you! Your money! You may buy another -woman with it and break my mother’s heart! You -may make Elinor forget that some day she may have -children of her own—but if you think, for a moment, -that you can make me forget my manhood to the -extent of deserting my mother, then even prison is -far too good for me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie stared at him in amazement! Slowly -she awakened from her apathy. In a dawning glory -that transformed her, her face was aglow with -mother love. Her eyes, dim from grief and weeping, -fairly beamed with pride and joy. Hugh walked -the length of the room twice without speaking. He -strove to master himself, but the selfish anger had -not been conquered when he came to a stop before -his son.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“So that is the way you look at it. Isn’t this display -of chivalry rather sudden?” The sneer was -in his voice and words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I know that I’ve never amounted to very much,” -Howard was ready to acknowledge his short-comings, -“but I think, Dad, now that it has come to a -showdown—I’m more of a man than you are!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Tiger and cub, they faced each other, glaring.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ve had enough of this.” Hugh’s voice was -thunder when he was first to break under the strain. -“Go with your mother! Play the hero as much as -you damned please! I’m through with you! You’ll -find it pretty hard to get out of this trouble without -a penny of the money you scorn to help you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll take my chances with hundreds of others—that’s -all.” Howard’s serene reply held the indulgence -of the conqueror.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton, too heartfull to speak, to -stand between father and son, could hardly realize -that this wonderful boy, standing there, superbly -defending her, was her son! Never for a moment -had she doubted Elinor’s loyalty, and the blow she -had received from her had been as unexpected as -crushing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Now, as her husband stalked toward the door -with the finality she knew so well, she hurried across -the space to place herself in the doorway, obstructing -his passage. There was no hint of pleading now, -though. All that had gone from Marjorie Benton -forever. But there was in the determination with -which she barred Hugh Benton’s way something -greater—the greatest thing in all the world—the -determination of the mother to fight for the child -she loves. Her voice was menacingly soft as she -spoke, ignoring his annoyed gesture to be allowed to -past.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just a moment, Hugh,” she said, “we have not -quite finished yet. Last night,” she went on, “you -made me an offer. You have not forgotten it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“An offer?” Hugh lifted eyebrows in puzzled -surprise.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You said if I would consent to a divorce, you -would arrange everything and settle three-quarters -of your fortune upon me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—I believe I did say that.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Are you still willing to go through with it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Most assuredly I am.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Then,” Marjorie’s voice rang clear as a bell, “I -accept your proposition! Get your divorce any way -that you please! I don’t care what the grounds -are—only see that I am given every dollar that you -promised me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I understand,” Hugh sneered. “You intend -using that money for Howard.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What difference can it make to you—how I intend -using it?” she inquired coldly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His voice was cold as her own as he rejoined:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nothing matters to me—except my freedom. -Come, baby!” He looked pityingly at Elinor. -“You’re completely worn out—I’m going to take -you upstairs.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Alone with his mother, Howard’s diffidence returned. -In spite of all his newly-found chivalry he -did not feel at ease.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother,” he began, “I can’t let you do this for -me. You don’t believe in divorce.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I believe in a <span class='it'>great many</span> things,” Marjorie -answered, her eyes filled with unshed tears, “that -I never believed before. I believe that it takes a -great sorrow to bring forth the real character of a -true man or woman.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You never would have given father his freedom -if this hadn’t happened with me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie placed both hands tenderly upon Howard’s -shoulders and looked up at him with eyes -brimming with love.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m so proud of you—my son!” she murmured.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Gee whiz, mater,” Howard was the boy once -more,—the boy who shied at too much display of -emotion! “I only did what any fellow would do.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your father has always been such a pal to you, -while I have never been—very close—and yet you -turn to me. I—I can’t understand why!” she murmured -on softly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—well—you know, father’s all right—but -there’s something about a boy’s mother—Gee!—that -gets him, from the time he’s born till he’s an -old man.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you know, dear, that at this moment, when -I should be heart-broken, I am the happiest woman -in the world!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But mother, you’re crying,” he protested.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Tears of joy, dear—because—I am <span class='it'>your</span> -mother!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ve never done a thing in my life to make you -proud of me, mother, and now I’ve brought this -new disgrace upon you. It seems almost too bad -that Druid didn’t get me first.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hush, dear!” Marjorie shivered. “You are all -that I have, now, and we will face this thing -bravely—together.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>There was little sleep for any members of the -Benton family that night, or rather morning, as it -was close to five o’clock before they retired. When -Mr. Hammond called at ten o’clock, he found Hugh -waiting in the library for him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good morning, Benton,” he began in his abrupt -manner. “Hope you managed to get some rest? -I’ve been busy since before eight, and I’m afraid -things are not going to be quite as simple as they -seemed a few hours ago.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—what do you mean?” Hugh asked anxiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well it seems that Howard did a lot of talking -at the club before he went to Druid’s apartment. He -spoke to two of the members, and the entire conversation -was overheard by the coat-boy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What could he have said?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, many things—all leading up to the statement -‘that he intended to get Druid and settle with -him for ruining his sister’s reputation.’ Mind—I -don’t say this will make any difference in the outcome -of it all—it will just complicate matters. If -it hadn’t been for the influence we brought forward -last night, I don’t believe we should have been able -to bail him out until after the coroner’s inquest.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“When does that take place?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just what do you think their verdict will be, -Hammond?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I expect it to be ‘death by accident,’ ” the -lawyer answered confidently. “Then this thing will -never have to be tried. Now I’d like to have a talk -with both Elinor and Howard. Are they up -yet?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I believe so,” Hugh answered. “Would it be -possible for you to give me about half an hour of -your time before seeing them?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, yes!” Hammond pulled out his watch. -“We don’t have to be downtown until two o’clock.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh opened the bottom drawer of his desk and -brought out a box of choice Havanas. He offered -them to the lawyer, then lighted one himself. But -he was apparently ill at ease as Hammond waited -inquiringly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You and I have been friends a great many years, -haven’t we, Hammond?” was his beginning.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Indeed, we have,” Hammond replied warmly. -“I am happy to have you look upon me as your -friend instead of merely your attorney.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I need your friendship now, Hammond, more -than I ever needed anything in my life.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond grasped his hand firmly: “You can -depend upon me, Hugh. Had Howard been anyone’s -son but yours, I should never have bothered -with this case. You know it is entirely out of my -line of work.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It is not about Howard at all that I wish to -speak,” Hugh announced calmly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No? Of whom then?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Myself——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yourself?” Hammond inquired, surprisedly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Myself and my wife. Hammond, you will no -doubt be very much surprised to hear that Mrs. Benton -and I have agreed—to separate.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Separate! Why I can’t believe it!” The lawyer -seemed dumfounded at the news. “You have a -grown son and daughter, and you have been married -a great many years. Why I thought that you and -Mrs. Benton——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You thought the same thing as everyone else -who knows us,” Hugh interrupted with undisguised -bitterness, “that we are an absolutely mismated -couple endeavoring to drag out an unhappy existence -together.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re wrong, Benton. I never thought that. I -knew that Mrs. Benton was different from the majority -of the women of to-day, and candidly speaking, -I admired her for that very reason.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But don’t you think Mrs. Benton carries her -ideas of propriety rather to the extreme?” Hugh -asked irritably.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That depends entirely upon the way you look at -it. I must confess that I am somewhat of the old -school myself, and therefore I don’t particularly -approve of your modern ‘feminists,’ as I believe they -choose to call themselves.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just what is your definition of ‘feminist,’ ” asked -Hugh. “And why the disapproval?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Because,” and there was a dreaminess in Hammond’s -eyes that would have astonished many a judge -and lawyer in New York city, could they but have -seen it, “they have tried to replace the most wonderful -women of all times—the women of bygone -years—the women our mothers were. Instead of -glorying in wifehood and motherhood—the true -mission of every womanly woman—they launch forth -into politics or business or professions with ambitions -and determinations worthy of men, or else they -fritter their lives away, becoming more and more -useless every day.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Hammond, you speak as though you have -been the victim of a bitter experience.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No,” was the answer, with a shake of the head, -“I’m not speaking from experience at all—I’m -speaking from observation. In my career, I can -view the drama of Life from a front-seat.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Strange,” Hugh meditated. “In all the years -that I have known you, John Hammond, I never -once suspected that you, with your abrupt manner -and stern demeanor could be an idealist.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well,” he laughed, “I wouldn’t go quite so far -as to say I am an idealist, but I do admire and hold -in the highest esteem a true woman.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But you won’t permit your ideas to influence you—you’ll -be perfectly fair with me?” Hugh demanded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I always try to be fair, Benton—but in this case -I’ll be more than fair, inasmuch as we will not consider -this an interview between client and attorney, -but a talk—between friends.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Fine, Hammond—I couldn’t ask for more. -Now, then, as I told you before, Mrs. Benton and -myself have agreed to separate.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes? May I ask why?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Incompatibility, for one thing,” answered Benton, -his eyes roving about the room. Those searching -orbs of the lawyer made him nervous, he fretted to -himself.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond was silent a moment: then abruptly he -asked: “Just how many years have you been -married?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Almost twenty-two.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And it has taken you two people twenty-two -years to discover that you are incompatible? You -asked me to be fair, Benton—I in return must ask -you to be honest with me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But—I don’t——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re asking for my advice,” Hammond continued -sharply. “Why don’t you come out at once -and tell me plainly that you have lost your head over -another woman?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—I—” Hugh blushed and stammered uneasily, -“I thought to give you the facts as delicately -as possible. Your method seems—er—pardon me—almost -crude.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come, come, Benton,” Hammond replied impatiently. -“I don’t believe in beating about the -bush! You can’t change a deed or a statement by -attempting to glaze it over with a polish. The -fundamental fact remains the same no matter what -you do. Just a minute, please,” as Hugh endeavored -to interrupt him, “let me tell you that I’ll have a -great deal more respect for you if you stop this quibbling -and come out with the plain truth!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, then. I have fallen in love with another -woman, and I want to marry her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, you know you could never obtain a -divorce from Mrs. Benton?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. Benton has agreed to obtain the divorce -from me. I will arrange all of the details, and I -want you to help me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Does Mrs. Benton know on what grounds she -will have to bring suit?” Hammond inquired in -surprise.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Certainly she knows!” Benton was becoming -irascible. He was unused to being talked to like a -naughty child, and Hammond’s tone, to say the -least, was not the kind the financier usually heard. -“We have discussed the New York State laws,” he -replied.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond pondered seriously and there was a -chilling change from the friendliness of a moment -before when he asked:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just when did you reach this decision? I can -readily understand your not mentioning it to me last -night in all the excitement, but you were in my -office two days ago and never said a word. If I -remember rightly, I inquired after Mrs. Benton, -which would have given you an opening should you -have desired to speak?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We only reached an understanding early this -morning,” Hugh answered hurriedly, “after I came -home with Howard. I had talked it over with -Marjorie—before—but she refused to listen. Something -happened this morning—and she changed her -mind.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If it is not too personal, would you mind telling -me just what that ‘something’ was?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton threw all subterfuge to the winds. -This man was too good a cross-examiner. He would -make a clean breast of it and have done with it once -and for all. It was an abominable mess, however -it was taken.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, well, if you must know,” and his wide -shoulders lifted, “I may as well tell you now as any -time, for you will have to know it in order to help -me arrange my affairs. You see, Hammond, when -we first came to New York to live, it was entirely -against my wishes. We had been married five years -at the time, and the heated discussion and argument -concerning this move caused our first quarrel. Being -young and very much in love, I couldn’t hold out -long against my wife’s desires. She was filled with -ambitions for us all, and to her New York spelled -one word in capital letters, and that was ‘Success.’ ”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, from all that I happen to know about your -affairs,” the lawyer glanced about the sumptuously -furnished room, “you seem to have given her her -desire.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” Hugh answered bitterly, “from a financial -viewpoint, I suppose I am a success—but—outside -of that——” He compressed his lips tightly for a moment. -“Oh, I’m not going to play upon your sympathy, -Hammond, and go into every little detail -regarding the misery of many years! All I’ll say is -that it has been—hell.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The lawyer looked his surprise.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Apparently you’ve always been the happiest of -men—why everyone——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton broke in irritably. “Surely you -don’t expect me to go about like a woman carrying -my heart on my sleeve! I’ll tell you one thing, -Hammond,” and he jumped up excitedly, “when two -people cease to care for one another—when they -reach a state of absolute indifference and still continue -to live together under the same roof—it’s a -crime! They go on—either because they think they -owe a duty to children—God, children!” He covered -his face with his hands, and there was weariness -in all his features as he looked up to continue: “Or -else, they fear the censorship of the world! And -for one of these two damnable creeds, they condemn -themselves to years of torture!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m sorry, old man, to think that things have -been as bad as that,” Hammond was not unsympathetic, -but he was beginning to wonder if sympathy -would not be wasted here.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t mean to drift into all this,” Hugh sighed, -impatient at his own garrulity as he went on: “But -the remark you passed about my success started me -off! Let’s get back to where we were and finish -this thing.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Exactly—where were we? Oh, yes, I remember. -You are to furnish the grounds, and Mrs. Benton is -to divorce you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll tell you just what I propose doing.” Hugh -drew his chair closer and proceeded to lay out his -plan. It was a lengthy recital, during which he kept -his gaze focused on his desk. He wouldn’t have -admitted even to himself that he was doing something -of which he should feel ashamed, and yet -there was that within him which prevented him from -once lifting his eyes and looking the lawyer in the -face.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I understand.” It was with difficulty Hammond -managed to subdue the ring of contempt in his voice. -“You have thought it all out admirably; it should -do you credit.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Benton looked up quickly, but Hammond’s expression -was blank. He must be mistaken in thinking -that last remark revealed a tinge of veiled sarcasm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Have you any suggestions to offer?” he asked, -lighting a fresh cigar.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I may have several to offer—but first it will be -necessary for me to ask you a few questions.” Hammond’s -reply was calmly non-committal.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well—go ahead.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I asked you this question before, but you happened -to drift away from the subject. What I want -to know is—just what was it that caused Mrs. Benton -to change her mind?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Early last evening, I went to my wife honestly,” -Hugh was angry to feel himself blushing at the -word, “told her exactly what had happened and -pleaded with her to grant me my freedom. She -refused, absolutely, and I left the house indignant -and determined to find some way or means by which -I could compel her to listen to me. When I came -home with Howard this morning, I lost complete -control of myself and accused her openly of being -responsible for all the misfortune which had come -to us.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Did that seem fair—to you?” Hammond demanded -sternly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—it did.” Stubbornly Hugh held to his -fatuous belief and condoning of himself. “She was -entirely to blame for our coming here, and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“For Heaven’s sake, Benton.” Irritably the -lawyer jumped from his chair to pace the floor. -“You can’t mean to sit there—a man of your intelligence—and -tell me, with all sincerity, that you hold -your coming to New York responsible for the existing -conditions?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Absolutely! If we had remained in——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What about Fate or Destiny, or whatever you -choose to call it, playing a part in your life, and all -the other lives about you? New York! Ridiculous, -I tell you! Had you been in Paris, France, or -Trenton, New Jersey, you would have stood just -exactly where you stand to-day. Don’t you believe -at all in predestination?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I do, in every instance—but this.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How interesting! But go on—we’ll come back -to this later—After you upbraided Mrs. Benton, -<span class='it'>et cetera</span>—what happened?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“One word led to another,” Hugh answered, pretending -to ignore Hammond’s sarcasm, “and finally -she declared that ‘she would leave me and take the -children with her!’ ”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mm, I see! And then?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I told her the children were no longer babies—that -they were old enough to decide for themselves, -and then I endeavored to make the situation clear -to them. Elinor came to the conclusion that she -would prefer to remain with me——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond merely smiled, but Hugh did not see -the movement of the lips under the grizzled mustache -that formed: “Selfish little beast.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard handed me the surprise of my life,” -Hugh continued in a tone of self-pity. “When I -explained to him that this mess he had gotten himself -into would cost me a fortune, but that I was -willing to spend it if he would remain with me, why, -he turned on me like a maniac and denounced me -shamefully! Acted like the hero in a dime novel—played -heroics to a fare-thee-well—ending up by -telling me plainly just what he thought of me and -my money!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond’s eyes shone bright as he urged: “Yes! -Yes! Go on—I’m greatly interested.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“He had tried my patience a bit too far, so I -ordered him to go and see just where he would find -himself without my money. Then Mrs. Benton -made her entrance dramatically, as I daresay she -believed. She declared she would accept my offer -of the early evening, and grant me my freedom providing -I gave her the money I had promised her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It is like her, to do a thing like that,” Hammond -murmured, almost inaudibly, “and you consented—I -suppose?” He turned inquiringly to -Benton.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Certainly—I wanted my freedom, and if Fate -chose to bring——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Ah!” the lawyer interrupted him. “There you -are! Now you believe in Fate! This is evidently -one of the instances when you choose to believe in -it.” In a twinkling the lawyer’s attitude changed. -All semblance of friendship dropped from him like -a cloak. He turned on the financier with accusingly -uplifted hand while the voice that so often had -brought terror to the heart of a culprit, had swayed -juries and filled courtrooms, thundered. “You’re a -coward, Hugh Benton! You want to leave this -woman, who has been your wife for twenty-two -years, and the mother of your children, for another -woman and you’re afraid to acknowledge that you -yourself are to blame and——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But I’m <span class='it'>not</span> to blame,” Hugh insisted. “I told -you that we have been uncongenial for years——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You managed to stand the uncongeniality in your -home for twenty-two years, and you would have -stood it to the very end—if some other woman -hadn’t aroused your passion.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“See here, Hammond,” Hugh turned white. -Hammond was going too far entirely. “I don’t like -your tone. You’re my attorney, and you said you -were my friend. That is why I am telling you all -this. I didn’t ask you for your opinion of me, and -it’s immaterial whether my conduct meets with your -approval or not! If you don’t wish to handle my -affairs, say so—I shall be able to find another attorney -in the city.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Precisely!” Hammond roared. “You haven’t -an inducement you could offer with which to retain -my services! I’ve curbed my impatience with difficulty -in order to let you reach the end of your narrative. -Now I want to tell you that after twenty-five -years of practice, I find myself unable to read -a man’s character correctly. I was never so deceived -in all my life as I have been in you, Hugh Benton, -and I blush to think I called you—friend!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XVII</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, Hammond,” Hugh arose wearily -from his chair, “I’m not going to quarrel -with you,” he informed. “I’m sorry to lose -your friendship, but as long as you feel the way you -do—perhaps it’s just as well.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Benton, I’m going to be candid with you, and -tell you that I intend offering my services to Howard -and Mrs. Benton. The boy will need help and I’m -going to stand by him,” Hammond announced as he -stood up to leave.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Griggs,” he said to the waiting butler when he -reached the hall, “will you kindly ask Mrs. Benton -to see me for a few moments? Tell her I wish to -speak to her on a matter of great importance.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. Benton will be with you directly, sir.” -Griggs returned with the message almost immediately. -“Will you wait here?” he asked, indicating -Marjorie’s morning room as he opened the door.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond stood gazing out of the window when -the mother of Howard entered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She held out her hand. “You wish to see me, -Mr. Hammond?” she murmured politely, though -the paleness of her face, the distraught manner -showed plainly how pain had been with her through -the hours. She added, hesitatingly: “I think I know -why. But after the events of last night, and this -morning, don’t you think Hugh could have been a -little more considerate, and at least had waited a -day before sending his attorney to me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mr. Benton didn’t send me at all, Mrs. Benton—I’ve -come of my own accord.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But I don’t understand. You’ve always been -Hugh’s attorney, so naturally I thought he had consulted -you, and Howard told me you were with him—last -night.” Her lips quivered pitifully over the -last two words.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond nodded. “Yes—I was with him last -night, and I have been closeted with him in the library -for the past half hour or so, just long enough -for me to refuse to act as his attorney in the future.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie’s astonishment was great as she heard -him and saw the tightening of the lips under the -grizzled mustache.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Mr. Hammond, you’ve been friends for -years! Have you—have—you—quarreled?” she -queried.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We haven’t exactly quarreled, Mrs. Benton, but -we can’t agree on certain points, so——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But to the mother, with thought now only for the -son she loved, such a contingency could only take on -the proportions of a catastrophe. She knew the -reputation held by John Hammond. For years, since -he had been her husband’s attorney she had been -told of his legal prowess, and had come to believe -that anything he undertook of that nature could mean -only triumph for his client. All the hours since the -painful scene in the library she had hugged to her -breast the thought that Howard would be defended -by this cleverest of lawyers, and the outcome was to -her a foregone conclusion. She caught her breath -painfully as she realized now that Howard might, -through some nonsensical quarrel of his father’s, be -denied the lawyer’s protection. She caught at his -sleeve with an appealing gesture.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—Mr. Hammond,” she cried, her lips trembling, -“you can’t desert us now! What will Howard -do? Your cleverness, your knowledge means so -much to my boy!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There, there, Mrs. Benton! Sit down and calm -yourself!” He pulled a chair forward and forced -her into it. Then, still standing, he went on: -“When I came here this morning to see your husband, -I hadn’t an idea of this estrangement between -you—my business concerned Howard. I only -learned of the other affair a short while ago. It was -over that Mr. Benton and I could not agree.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I must confess that you have aroused my curiosity, -Mr. Hammond. I’ve always been under the -impression that a lawyer obeyed his clients’ instructions -in a case like this,” she smiled wanly, “without -questioning.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Some lawyers,” he amended, as he, too, smiled. -“No, Mrs. Benton, I disapprove of the step your -husband is about to take. His dismissal and my -resignation were delivered at the same time. So -now, I have sent for you to offer my services in -Howard’s behalf as well as your own.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Then Hugh has evidently told you about -Howard’s defense of me?” Marjorie was eager -and her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Oh, he was -so wonderful, Mr. Hammond, and I’m so grateful -to you for standing by him! That is all you—anyone—can -do for me. You know I have consented to -give Hugh his freedom?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You don’t have to do it, Mrs. Benton,” he answered -sternly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am to receive a great deal of money from Hugh -in payment of my kind consideration of him,” she -informed bitterly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond went over to Marjorie and bowed low -before her. “You’re a big woman, Mrs. Benton,” -he paid homage, “and there are very few like you -in these days. I understand your motive thoroughly, -but—” and he looked at her sharply. “Mrs. Benton—you -don’t believe in divorce——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She waved away the matter with resignation as -her nervous hands pulled to pieces the rose she had -taken from a floor vase near.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nothing matters about <span class='it'>me</span>, Mr. Hammond,” -was her firm reply. “It’s only my boy of whom I’m -thinking! I must save him!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond’s jovial countenance turned apoplectic in -his sudden burst of rage as he looked at the shrinking, -suffering mother and thought of the man he had -just left who was responsible for so much of her -sorrow, so proudly borne.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What a beastly advantage to take of mother -love!” he fumed. “Your own husband, the father -of your children, forcing you to relinquish the doctrine -in which you have always believed! In a fit of -rage he turned Howard adrift, as it were, little -dreaming at the time that you would come forward -and accept his bribe. I’m sorry to hurt you, Mrs. -Benton,” he apologized gently, as Marjorie buried -her face in her arm and shuddered at the word, “but -that is exactly what it is—his bribe! When you, in -your beautiful loyalty and love for your son, offered -him his freedom in return for the money, he considered -it ‘an act of Providence’ providing him with -the means to gratifying his desire.” Each word was -cutting sarcasm that should have buoyed Marjorie -Benton. But she was passed caring for most things. -She scattered the petals in a shower at her feet, -watching them fall idly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“After all,” she sighed and shook her head sadly, -“it doesn’t make any difference. I can’t hold him if -he doesn’t care for me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You may not be able to hold his love,” he replied, -“but you can prevent him from remarrying if you -wish to, as you need never divorce him. That is -what I am here to tell you. I will take Howard’s -case, I’ll save him, too, and it will never cost you -a dollar!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—Mr. Hammond.” The tears sprang to her -eyes. “You are indeed a friend, and I’m at a loss -for words in which to express my gratitude! But -I’ve quite made up my mind to let Hugh have his -freedom.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That is entirely up to you. Candidly speaking, -I don’t think he’s worth holding, but I hate to see -you hurt so deeply,” he asserted.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you think there can come a time, when one -is past being hurt?” Her lips formed a smile, but -her eyes were heavy with tears. “There have been -so many shocks the last few weeks, I just can’t seem -to feel at all—any more.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It doesn’t surprise me—it seems remarkable to -me, that you have been able to hold up at all. -Ah—” he turned as Howard entered, “Good -morning—I was just about to send for you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good morning, Mr. Hammond,” Howard’s -heavy eyes betrayed the lack of sleep and the tension. -“Hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, I was just going over a little business with -your mother. We’ll have to be going downtown -soon though. We’re due at the coroner’s inquest -at two o’clock.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Shall I come with you?” Marjorie asked quickly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, indeed, Mrs. Benton—not at all necessary,” -Hammond assured her. “Nothing will go wrong. -You must try to trust me implicitly, Mrs. Benton. -Rest all you can. We may have a case before us, -and then you will require your strength, but I assure -there is nothing to fear. We will have to hurry a -bit, my boy,” Hammond went on, in his curt, businesslike -manner that he had discarded with Marjorie. -“We can talk in my car on the way to town. I’ll -leave a message with Griggs for your father. I want -him to bring Elinor down ahead of time, so that I -can have a few words with her. Good-by, Mrs. Benton,” -and he held both her hands in a warm, firm -grip, “keep up your courage, little woman! Everything’s -going to be all right!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I feel assured of that, Mr. Hammond.” She -smiled as brightly as possible. “How could it be -otherwise—in your capable hands. When will I -know anything?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We’ll ’phone you just as soon as it’s over. I’m -going to see Griggs a moment—I’ll meet you in the -car, Howard.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good-by, mother.” Howard held his mother -tightly in his arms for a moment. Strange what -comfort he got from those arms—how new that -comfort was—that he had never known these years. -He kissed her mouth and the eyes which bravely -forced back the tears. “Don’t you worry, dear!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton and his daughter arrived at John -Hammond’s office but a short time after his arrival -there with the financier’s accused son. He had had -time for only a short talk with Howard, who only -repeated his story of the night before, when Hugh -and Elinor were announced.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“They might just as well come in now,” he told -Howard. “There are some questions I would like -to ask you and your sister together.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton, pale, and dramatically conscious of -the part she played in her own mind of being all -but widowed, entered the inner office of the lawyer -leaning heavily on the arm of her father. John Hammond -frowned annoyedly when he saw she had -chosen to costume herself in black; that she gave all -outward evidences of being grief stricken, and he -thought it ill became her at such a time. But he was -not altogether surprised. He had known the girl -since she was a tiny child, and her character was an -open book to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sit down,” he said, brusquely, motioning to them -to be seated. “This will not take very long.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Neither Elinor nor Hugh deigned to notice -Howard, who sat looking at them through partly -closed eyes. Notwithstanding the fact that he was -under the strain he was, he could scarcely suppress -a smile as he looked at Elinor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just like her,” he muttered, “to dress the part.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond drew a pad in front of him and dipped -his pen in the ink. “Now then, Elinor!” He looked -up.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The pale, small figure in black met his eye again. -It was too much for him. He fairly exploded:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What in—well—what in thunderation do you -mean by dressing like that? Do you want to play -upon the sympathy of a jury and ruin your brother?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Mr. Hammond!” Elinor’s handkerchief -went straight to her eyes. “How can you talk—to -me—like that? Can’t you see—I’m heart-broken?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh had her in his arms instantly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There, darling, don’t cry,” he said soothingly. He -turned savagely to Hammond. “I won’t have you -talking to her like that! She’s suffering enough—hasn’t -she just told you she’s heart-broken?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, then, let her be sensibly heart-broken!” -Hammond brought his fist down upon the desk. -“Can you imagine the light it is going to throw upon -the case when this slip of a girl appears upon the -scene in the garb of an inconsolable widow?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor removed the handkerchief from her eyes—eyes -that were hard behind the glistening of newly -shed tears. Her voice was steely as she spoke, the -toss of her head defiant.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I care nothing whatever about Howard!” she -said. “You may as well understand that right now! -I shall tell the truth, and nothing will induce me to -alter my testimony. If things go against him, he will -have to suffer the consequences—that’s all!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But that is all I require of you—simply to tell the -truth. There can’t be anything damaging in your -testimony?” The lawyer was evidently a bit worried -over Elinor’s peculiar attitude.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That depends entirely upon how you look at it,” -she replied frigidly. “All I know is that Howard -quarreled with me at home early in the evening, -when I told him I was going to Templeton’s——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t quarrel with you, Elinor,” Howard interrupted. -“I merely told you what I thought of -Druid, and tried to persuade you——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I choose to call it quarreling,” she replied loftily, -without permitting him to finish.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, what if he did quarrel with you when he -discovered that you were associating with the wrong -kind of a man?” Hammond spoke up. “That only -goes to prove his brotherly love——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Brotherly love! Brotherly devotion!” Elinor’s -voice rose to a shriek. “I’m sick of the very words! -Everyone knows how we have always disagreed! -Why we were never in each other’s society for ten -minutes without quarreling—even mother and dad -can tell you that! And now everyone expects me to -shout from the housetops and proclaim him my -valiant defender!” She sneered and her most ardent -admirer would not have called Elinor Benton beautiful -at that moment of denouncing her brother. -“Well, I refuse to do it!” she hastened on, and the -stubbornness that had been her birthright was clearly -in the ascendant as she spoke. “He killed the man -I loved! You can never make me see anything -heroic in that!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, then, if that’s your attitude, I see no -use in my attempting to question you at all.” Hammond -laid down his pen. “I can only trust to your -sense of justice in answering the questions at the -inquest. I have but one request to make, and that -is that you will not deliberately try to place a false -conception upon everything you say?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You need never fear, Mr. Hammond,” she answered. -“I shall be perfectly truthful.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Benton, I’d like to speak with you alone for a -moment before we start.” Hammond turned bluntly -to Hugh. “Will you step in here?” He opened the -door of a smaller office.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh followed him, Elinor and Howard remaining -where they were, each one busy with his and her -own thoughts. They may as well have been total -strangers for all the notice they deigned to take of -one another.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh,” Hammond began, as soon as they were -alone, “I know that you and I parted in anger a -short while ago, and that I have since offered my -services to Mrs. Benton and Howard. But I can’t -allow our personal grievances to stand between right -and wrong. It is my duty to warn you that if you -don’t use your influence with Elinor before the inquest, -I am afraid her testimony is going to do -Howard a great deal of damage.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I have very little influence over her, I’m sorry to -say,” Hugh answered unconcernedly. “She is terribly -embittered.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But do you realize what this means to your son?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I haven’t any son.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton’s sharp declaration showed plainly -that all the embitterment in the Benton family was -not monopolized by his daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—why—” Hammond found it difficult to -control himself. “You can’t actually be mean enough -to want to see the boy get the worst of it?” -he blurted.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll do the best I can with Elinor,” carelessly -answered the financier. “I can’t promise any more. -Hadn’t we better go?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“By all means, let’s go. If we remain here -much longer, I’ll not be responsible for myself!” -Hammond banged the door shut as they returned to -the other room.</p> - -<hr class='tbk104'/> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor Benton was one of the last witnesses to be -examined at the inquest into the death of Templeton -Druid. She took the stand, trembling, nervous, and -in an apparently dazed condition. She stumbled and -faltered over her answers. More than once she had -to be reprimanded sharply.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>John Hammond was thoroughly exasperated. He -knew so well the workings of the girl’s mind. But he -saw that the face of every juryman bore a look of -pity as he took in the pitiful little figure in black with -the sad eyes and the distress over the death of the -man she loved so evident, though as evidently torn -between that love and the love she felt for her own -brother, who had been the cause of the tragedy.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>True, Elinor Benton was being true to her -promise. She was telling the truth, but as each word -came from her tight lips as though forced, telling -glances passed between the newspapermen seated at -the long table in the center of the room, scribbling -for dear life. This was a story something like, those -glances said! Aside from Hammond and Howard -himself, not one in that packed court room (for the -inquest had brought out an eager crowd of morbid -curiosity seekers to dip into this scandal which -touched the lives of those of high estate) could even -guess at the double meaning that was in each word -that fell hesitatingly from the society beauty’s lips.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond realized that the best he could do for -Howard was to cut short Elinor’s testimony as -quickly as possible. But he was not quicker than -she. In a moment she had grasped his intention. -She wavered for a second, then both hands went -to her face and her head bowed forward as she wept -silently for a moment. Then she looked up, and it -was with stricken eyes and the bewildering despair -of a child who did not understand that she hurled -the bomb that she knew would bring both brother -and mother into the dust. For a moment there was -an awed silence. The furious scribbling of the newspaper -men could be heard. One of them half stood -up as he beckoned to a messenger boy in back of -him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Here!” he whispered in a rasping voice that cut -the stillness. “Shoot this along for the extra. Tell -the boss it’s the head!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>From where he stood facing the witness chair, -John Hammond caught a glance at the letters that -sprawled across the one sheet of copy paper.</p> - -<div class='blockquote'> - -<p class='noindent'><span style='font-size:smaller'>SOCIETY GIRL’S TESTIMONY CONVICTS BROTHER</span></p> - -</div> - -<p class='pindent'>Without another question, John Hammond sat -down. The girl had beaten him. For, in that moment -of dueling, when the fate of her brother had -trembled in the balance, Elinor Benton had looked -up with those stricken eyes, those bewildered -eyes of a child who did not understand, and her -arms had gone out toward her father pleadingly -as she wailed; half choked:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Daddy! Daddy! I can’t say any more! -Please, please, don’t let them ask me any more! I—I—don’t -want to incriminate Howard! You -warned me to be careful, but you see, they are forcing -me to speak!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At the harsh command of the coroner, Hugh -Benton was compelled to explain that his only warning -to Elinor had been that she be absolutely -truthful.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Elinor’s victory was complete. The jury -returned the verdict of manslaughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor sat with her handkerchief to her eyes, her -father’s arm protectingly about her. Hammond -jumped to his feet and rushed over to her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t blame you for weeping, Elinor. Let me -congratulate you upon your cleverness!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why Mr. Hammond—I did the best I could! -After you and Daddy spoke to me, I thought it -over,” Elinor looked up at him, as innocently as a -child, “and I decided that you were right. After -all, he is my brother—so you heard me tell them. I -didn’t want to speak—they forced——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please don’t say another word.” Hammond -made no effort to conceal his contempt. “You may -have succeeded in fooling a great many people, -Elinor, but you could never deceive me. You knew -exactly what you were doing, and said just the things -you wanted to say, yet you made it appear that -every word you uttered was dragged from you. The -only regret I have is that Howard ever felt it his -duty to defend you. You’re a clever woman of the -world, my dear, and you could cope with many a -woman of forty, despite your youth—and innocence!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Daddy!” Elinor sobbed as she hid her face -in his coat sleeve. “Do you hear what he is saying -to me? I—I don’t deserve it!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Never mind, dear,” Hugh soothed her, then he -turned to Hammond with flashing eyes. “Be careful -you don’t go too far, Hammond! I’ve had enough—so -has she!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard sat as if stunned. He uttered no word, -and he stared at the floor, his eyes riveted upon -some invisible object. Elinor and Hugh passed him -on their way out.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m sorry about this, Howard,” Hugh said, -trying to speak kindly. “But don’t worry—Hammond -will get you out of it all right.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor smiled as she added her mite: “I did the -very best I could for you, Howard.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He didn’t attempt to answer either one of them, -and was still staring at nothing, when Hammond -touched him on the arm.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There, there, my boy—you mustn’t allow this to -discourage you,” he said cheerfully. “It only means -that it will take longer, and put us to a little more -trouble, but such evidence can never convict you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m not thinking about that, Mr. Hammond—I’m -not afraid! I just can’t realize that my sister -has really done this terrible thing to me. Why, she -didn’t want to have them dismiss me! She was -anxious for them to bring in a charge against me! -Just think of it—my own sister!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It does seem terrible, Howard, but she’ll suffer -for it a great deal more than you will. At present -her mind is filled with but one thought, and that is, -revenge. But it won’t be long before remorse will -step in.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t understand her still loving that fellow -after it has been proven to her that he was a married -man,” Howard said wonderingly. “His intentions -toward her were not honorable—and she knew it!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s a strange thing, my boy—but women always -seem to love that sort of a man—but it isn’t really -love with Elinor. She was infatuated with him true -enough, and now she imagines herself the heroine -of a tragic love affair. This posing in the limelight -isn’t quite as distasteful to her as she would have you -think.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How was it, Mr. Hammond,” Howard questioned, -“that you and I saw through her actions instantly -when she was on the stand, and yet dad believed -her implicitly, and thought she was hysterical -and not accountable for what she was saying?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond smiled knowingly. “Your father believed -her because he wanted to believe her. But -now, my boy, we must telephone your mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Poor mother! Can you imagine the shock this -will be to her? She thought it would all be over -in a few hours, and now, there may be months of -anxiety ahead of her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh no,” Hammond hastened to assure him, “it -will never take that long. We’ll have it rushed -through as expeditiously as possible. Come, boy,” -and the hand he laid on the stricken youth’s shoulder -held all the gentleness and sympathy the father had -denied.</p> - -<hr class='tbk105'/> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie was pacing up and down the living room -when the summons came. She had passed the never-ending -afternoon she knew not how. Half of the -time she had spent upon her knees within the sanctuary -of her own room, praying as she had not -prayed in years. The remainder of the time she -had traveled throughout the house, covering an area -of miles, it seemed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She reached the telephone white and trembling. -“Yes,” she faltered, her hands shaking so violently -she could scarcely hold the receiver to her ear.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mrs. Benton,” Hammond’s voice sounded quite -cheerful, “we were detained a little longer than I -expected. I know you have been waiting to hear -from us.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—yes—” came the eager voice, “I’m almost -wild with anxiety. Is—is everything all right?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, yes, Mrs. Benton. Everything’s all right, -or rather, everything’s going to be all right. The -verdict was not exactly what we looked for, but -that doesn’t mean a thing outside of a little extra -work and inconvenience. There’s not the least -necessity for you to worry at all.” He was doing -his best to make as light of it as possible.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What—what was the verdict?” she barely -breathed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was a second or two before the reply came; -then his voice seemed miles away, as he said slowly: -“Manslaughter. Here, Mrs. Benton, Howard has -something to say to you.” There was no answer. -“I say—Mrs. Benton, are you there?” He shook -the hook violently. All was silent at the other end -of the wire.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton had slipped quietly to the floor, -a little crushed heap of unconsciousness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard snatched the telephone away from Hammond. -“Hello, mother, I’m all right. Why don’t -you speak? I——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s the trouble?” the operator cut in. -“Didn’t you get your party?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, yes, I was talking to her—we must have -been disconnected.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Wait a minute.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it, do you suppose?” Howard turned -anxiously to Hammond.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You haven’t been disconnected,” Central returned. -“They’ve left the receiver off the hook at -the other end, and we can’t get a reply.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Something’s happened to my mother!” Howard -dropped the ’phone to leap for the door. “The -shock may have killed her!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll go with you, Howard.” Hammond hurried -him below to the waiting car. “I don’t believe it’s -anything serious. She fainted most likely. Poor -little woman!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>All the way home, although the chauffeur exceeded -the speed limit at every opportunity, the car, to -Howard, seemed actually to crawl.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton had been picked up by Griggs -and the housekeeper, and carefully put to bed. She -regained consciousness in time to prevent them from -sending for the doctor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s nothing at all,” she assured them. “I -wouldn’t think of having Doctor Morton.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But Mrs. Benton!” The housekeeper leaned -over her solicitously. “You’re so white, and it was -some time before we could bring you around.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ve been under a terrific strain for some time, -Mrs. Williams. This little spell doesn’t mean a -thing otherwise than a sort of let-down. All I need -is a couple of hours’ rest to set me right.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, ma’am,” Mrs. Williams assented. -“You’re the best judge, I suppose—although I think -you’re a lot sicker than you imagine.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dear, kind Mrs. Williams!” Marjorie smiled -gratefully. “Just lower the shades and I’ll try to -relax. Only the very moment Mr. Howard comes -in, send him to me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, ma’am—just ring if you should need me.” -She did as her mistress requested, and left the room, -softly closing the door behind her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Left to herself, the stricken woman buried her -head in the pillow and gave free vent to her grief. -Her frail body was shaken like a reed, as she went -from one paroxysm of convulsive sobbing into another. -One word rang in her ears like a death knell—Manslaughter! -Manslaughter! She was totally -unaware of the opening of the door, until Howard -knelt impetuously beside her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How are you, mother?” he asked worriedly. -“Mrs. Williams tells me you had a severe fainting -spell.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my dear! My dear!” She gathered him -in her arms, and held him as though she would never -let him go again. “I’m—I’m perfectly well now!” -With all her might she tried to force a smile through -her tears. “But you, dear, are you nervous—or -frightened?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why <span class='it'>no</span>, mother dear.” (It sounded almost like -bravado.) “As far as I’m concerned, I’m as calm -as can be! It’s only about you that I’m nervous -and worried.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, you won’t have to be.” She sat up and -resolutely brushed the tears from her eyes. “I’ll -show you from now on, dear, that I can be just as -brave as you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That’s the way to talk.” He kissed her again. -“Just make up your mind that there isn’t anything -to worry about, and there won’t be! Mr. Hammond -says: ‘there are two kinds of people in the -world—the negatives and the positives—and the -positives always come out on top!’ ”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There’s a good deal of logic to that, just as there -is to everything Mr. Hammond says. What a -splendid man he is!” She was fervent in her -encomium.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Indeed he is, and that reminds me,” he said as -he placed her gently back among the pillows, “he’s -downstairs now. He brought me home when we -couldn’t get a response from you at the telephone. -I think he was as badly frightened as I.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’ll thank him for me, for his kindness, won’t -you, dear? And ask him to pardon me for not coming -down? I do feel the need of a little rest—unless -it is important for him to see me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just you rest, dearest! There isn’t a thing for -him to see you about now. I’ll come back later and -sit beside you, ready to tell you whatever you wish -to know.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She closed her eyes obediently and heaved a little -sigh of contentment, as she heard him hurrying down -the stairs. It had taken a dreadful crisis to bring -her boy to her arms; but the overwhelming joy the -knowledge of possessing his love gave her, made all -the suffering of years fade into insignificance.</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XVIII</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>In the breaking up of the Benton home, there -were no distressing leave-takings. The father -was the first to go. Indeed, it cannot be said -that he ever made The Castle his home again after -the night he spent there preceding the inquest into -the death of Templeton Druid and his son’s consequent -indictment on the charge of manslaughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>How much of this was due to Geraldine DeLacy’s -influence it would be hard to say. The man himself -would have denied that she in any way held sway -over his movements, but the subtle suggestions she -was able to throw out, always with words of love -and with the persuasiveness of her own logic that -Hugh must do things for his own sake, were balm -to the man whose selfishness had grown so great that -he was unable to see that there was anything paramount -to his own desires.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So on the day following the tragic dénouement in -the inquest room, Hugh Benton installed himself in -a suite of rooms in one of the city’s most fashionable -hotels. Elinor was enthusiastic when she learned -where he had gone. It had always been her desire -to live in just such a fashion, and she gleefully welcomed -the opportunity of freedom it would give her. -She knew that her father’s chaperonage would at -no time be irksome.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How wonderful, Daddy!” she exclaimed as she -flew from one wide window of his sitting room to -another to look out over the towering roofs of the -humming city. “When may I come? And where -are you going to put me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When her father took her into the adjoining suite -he had reserved for her and led her into the blue -silk-lined boudoir which was its crowning glory, -her happiness knew no bounds. She forgot the -tragedy that hung over her brother and mother, -forgot everything save that she was to be a woman -of the world, and live her life to please herself in -such surroundings. Her father looked on with -pleased eyes as he saw her rapture.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s ready for you, baby, whenever you like, but -do you think you should leave—just yet?” He was -a little dubious about the proprieties. The lessons -of years are not unlearned in hours.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor pouted.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s the use of staying with those others any -longer?” she asked. “Why, Daddy, you have no -idea how disagreeable it all is—how they look at -me (if they do at all), as though I were the criminal, -instead of——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton turned on his heel. It grated to -hear his son referred to as a criminal, even from his -own daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Shut up in her own rooms, the rooms where she -had planned so many hours of happiness when son -and daughter should be home, Marjorie Benton -tried to shut her ears to the bustle of preparations -for departure. But each thump of a trunk as she -heard it carried from her daughter’s room made an -added bruise on her lacerated heart—gave her a -sense of loss that even all of Howard’s loving protection -(he was the only one who came to break -her solitude) could not entirely heal. Her baby was -going away from her! It was her baby who had -chosen to do this thing!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>On the day that the girl’s father came for her to -take her to her new hotel home, she met him outside -the door. She flew into his arms with eagerness. -But, with one foot on the running board of his car, -her eyes turned backward for a moment. She looked -up at Hugh for guidance.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you think—do you think, Daddy,” she -faltered, confused, “that I ought to say good-by?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton’s thoughts were not on the daughter -he was taking from home and mother. He had no -time to discuss matters, nor to wait while Elinor -made up her mind. He was to meet Geraldine DeLacy -at their favorite little café for lunch in an hour -(their regular daily meeting) and he was eager not -to be late. He shrugged indifferently, as he held -open the door of the limousine.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Suit yourself, my dear,” he said, “but I can’t -see——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nor I!” Elinor leaped lightly into the machine. -“What’s the use of good-bys? I’ve had enough of -scenes—forever.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And she turned her face resolutely toward the -new life.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine DeLacy was kept waiting for a short -time, but when she saw Hugh Benton’s tall familiar -figure coming toward her, her mood of pettishness -passed as though a hand had wiped out the lines -from her face, and it was a smiling eager countenance -with which she greeted him as he bent over -her hand a moment before taking the chair opposite -her in their favorite little corner in the downtown -café. Geraldine DeLacy was a careful player. She -knew there was yet much to lose by a false move, -and she prided herself that never yet had anyone -called to her, “Checkmate!” There was the Benton -money, for instance. Something must be devised—It -would never do to have Marjorie Benton come -out victor there, and she knew quite well through -her familiarity with the divorce proceedings that -were already under way in less than two weeks after -Hugh had gained Marjorie’s permission to start -them, that Hugh intended to live up to the letter of -his promise to his wife, given that night he had -forced her hand.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So it was with no suggestion either of her discontent -in this matter, nor of the bad temper that had -spent itself over having been kept waiting that the -young widow spoke softly to the man who apologized.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, it was long waiting, Hugh, dear,” she -pouted prettily. “But it’s always an age if I have -to wait for you a moment! And to think before -I knew you I never thought I could miss anyone in -the world!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I knew you would understand, little one,” he -smiled tenderly, “you always do! But I was kept -unconscionably late to-day for several reasons. First, -Elinor—I told you I had installed her at the Alliston -with me, did I not?” Geraldine nodded, but as she -bent over her plate of oysters picking at them with -the tiny fork, Hugh Benton could not see the annoyance -in the dropped eyes. “Then,” he went on, -“just as I was ready to leave the office, one of those -new lawyers of mine dropped in. I’ll say I’m going -to have trouble making them understand that they -must make appointments like other people,—Hammond -always understood such things so well—and -they had a lot of questions to ask about that settlement -of mine——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. DeLacy showed signs of quickening interest, -but her eyes were still upon her plate as she thought -best how to inject some of her own ideas into the -man’s reasoning.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s all so maddening,” Hugh went on, “to be -tied up in this manner over money! Here all I -want in the world is you,—and you want me, I’m -sure, little one,” Geraldine lifted her eyes to flash -him a dazzling smile of happiness and understanding, -“and they keep us——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine DeLacy laid down her fork and leaned -across the table toward her companion, gazing at him -thoughtfully and consideringly, as though there were -something vital she wished to say, but wanted to be -sure of her ground. Hugh smiled tenderly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What’s on your mind, dear?” he laughed. -“Come on—we’re not going to let you be serious -as that without an explanation.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I was just thinking——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“With any other woman, I’d say, ‘Be careful!’ ” -he assured her, with a benignant grin. Hugh Benton -still believed in the vast superiority of the masculine. -But Geraldine did not answer his smile. It must be -something serious she was considering.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If I were to be very frank with you, Hugh,” she -began hesitatingly, and her eyes held only a look -of adoration, and something that seemed to tell his -vanity that she feared to displease him by anything -she might say, “would you consider me presuming -or guilty of an unpardonable interference in your -affairs?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My dear, how little you know me! You know -I am always glad to listen to anything you may have -to say.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, then,” she was most cautious, still hesitating, -“does Marjorie know exactly how much you -are worth? Have you always taken her into your -confidence regarding your financial standing? Please -do not think my asking these questions strange—you -will soon see, dear, that I have only your interest -at heart.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, no,” he answered, but puzzled at this new -interest of the woman who had always so carefully -refrained from the mention of money, “Marjorie -doesn’t know anything about my affairs.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The semi-lighting effects of the café and her large, -drooping hat, prevented him from seeing the triumphant -gleam in the woman’s eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“When we first came to New York,” he explained, -“we used to discuss all the transactions of the office, -but that was only for a very short time. For years -she has not shown the slightest interest in me or my -doings. I have paid all the bills and given her a -liberal allowance, nearly all of which she invested -in charity.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How about Mr. Hammond? Does he happen -to know just what you are worth?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My dear, I see that you know very little about -business,” he replied laughingly, “or else you would -understand that when one speculates as I do, no one -knows—not even myself—just what I am worth.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re right—I know nothing whatever about -business,” she pouted childishly. “I’m only trying, -in my poor little way, to prevent you from doing -yourself a great injustice.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“An injustice?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes! Oh my dear! You’re so wonderful—so -generous—that you never even stop to consider yourself -for a moment! No, you mustn’t interrupt me,” -as she leaned across the table, and gave him a gentle -pat on the hand. “You’ve been an ideal husband -and father all these years. It isn’t your fault if you -have been misunderstood by your wife, and unappreciated -by your son. Then why should you, at -your time of life, beggar yourself so that your money -may be recklessly squandered by an irresponsible -boy?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But I’m not making a settlement upon Howard. -It’s Marjorie I’m——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh! You’re as gullible as a child!” she -smiled. “Don’t you know she will give every dollar -she possesses to Howard, especially after you disinherited -him because he sided with her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I never thought of that,” he acknowledged comprehendingly. -“You’re absolutely right. It is precisely -what she would do.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just how much did you promise to—give her?” -she asked eagerly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I told her I would give her three-quarters of my -possessions if she would consent to grant me my -freedom.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You—you—” She dug her finger-nails deep into -her palm. Rage flamed inwardly in spite of her -efforts at self-control and her soft-spoken words—“liberal, -big-hearted darling! That is just what I -would have expected you to do—without once giving -yourself a thought!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I would have given anything to be free—for -you, darling—and I could afford to be generous. I -feel more capable than ever of making many a fortune,” -he replied, with great confidence.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I haven’t the least doubt of your capabilities, -dear. Only you happened to remark but an hour ago -that this was one of the most precarious years frenzied -finance has ever known. Therefore, I think,” -she pleaded wistfully, “you should exercise your -better judgment.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What is it you would advise me doing? Have -you a suggestion to offer?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Y-e-es, I think so,” she hesitated, as though not -sure of herself. “Of course, I know very little about -business, as you know, but to me it seems a good -one.” She leaned forward animatedly. “As long -as Marjorie is entirely ignorant of just how much -you are actually worth, why don’t you give her a -great deal less, and allow her to think, she is getting—exactly -what you promised her?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—why—” he stammered, “wouldn’t that be -dishonest?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Not at all!” she replied emphatically. “Merely -diplomatic.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Somehow, it doesn’t seem fair—my conscience,—why -dear, what is the trouble?” he inquired anxiously, -as Geraldine without warning placed her -handkerchief to her eyes and began weeping silently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You—you don’t know how you hurt me, Hugh! -Why—why—you as much as imply that I was suggesting -to you an act of dishonesty, when the only -thing that entered my mind was your welfare. As -far as I am concerned, I told you once before, dear—that -I’d marry you if you were a pauper.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Forgive me, dearest, and dry your eyes, I implore -you. How can you imagine, for a moment, -that I would intentionally offend you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m such a baby,” she replied, drying her eyes -obediently, “and my great love for you would carry -me beyond all sense of reasoning. Of course, if you -think there is anything wrong about my suggestion, -why then——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m not trying to say there is anything wrong -about it—only—I have always been open and above -board in all my dealings,—” he toyed nervously -with his own fork,—“I should feel rather uncomfortable -about doing anything underhanded.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But the plotter could see her victim was weakening. -She hastened to make the most of it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, my dear, you couldn’t even harbor a dishonest -thought! I can’t help wondering just a little -how you, who are always so very considerate of -others, have apparently forgotten all about Elinor.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Elinor? What has she to do with it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“A great deal, I think,” she replied. “You know, -Elinor volunteered of her own free will to remain -with you, therefore it does not seem fair to give so -much to Marjorie and Howard, while Elinor will -be compelled to depend solely upon your further -success for her share. It is true that you have always -been most fortunate—but my dear, we can -never tell just when the tide may turn.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And what about you?” He looked at her admiringly. -“You wonderful woman! All of your -pleadings have been for me and for Elinor—never -once have you mentioned yourself as deserving of a -little consideration!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There isn’t a thing in the world that I need or -want outside of your love,” she answered sweetly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That you shall always have,” he said fervently -as he reached across the table and his big white -hand crushed her small one tenderly. “And a great -many things besides. You have made me view matters -in an entirely different light. I shall act accordingly.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So it was that when a few days later his lawyer -handed Marjorie his check after the signing of the -necessary documents, the divorced wife found it difficult -to suppress her genuine surprise.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Is there anything wrong, Mrs. Benton?” the -lawyer inquired, noticing her peculiar expression.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well—I—I am a little surprised—at the -amount!” She glanced at the paper in her hand -again. “I have always been under the impression -that Mr. Benton was a very wealthy man.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There was never a certain sum stipulated, was -there?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, no—Mr. Benton agreed to give me three-quarters -of all he possessed, but if <span class='it'>this</span> amount is in -accordance with that promise—then he is worth a -great deal less than I ever imagined.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You know that Mr. Benton speculates in vast -sums daily; his fortune is bound to fluctuate. -Would you care to send a message to him?” he -asked, as he reached for his hat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, thank you. This is perfectly—satisfactory,” -she replied.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But with the memory of that check in mind, and -of the need of vast sums for the defense of her son -in mind, Marjorie Benton, in making her own departure -from The Castle, did not follow her husband’s -example and install herself and her son in a -fashionable, expensive hotel. Instead, she chose a -much smaller one further uptown—a hostelry where -exclusiveness superseded the pomp of the hotel home -which housed her former husband and her daughter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie could see that Howard was somewhat -questioning at the move she made, though he said -nothing. She was in a quandary. She would have -liked to explain to Howard that she was not being -penurious, not following the conservative bent which -had so long been the cause of so much trouble in -the Benton family, but she could not. She could not -explain to him. He had lost all respect for his -father as it was, and she felt she could not be the -one to plant the seed of hatred in his heart.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard, on the other hand, had been deeply hurt -when his mother had neglected to mention to him -just what was the sum of the settlement upon her. -The confidence she failed to place in him gave him -the impression of not being trusted. But his pride -would not permit him to question her; he feared -she might misconstrue his motive, and consider his -interest a selfish one.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Through all her travail Marjorie Benton had had -one other consolation save her son. John Hammond -had proven himself the friend he had offered to be -on the morning he had told her he was no longer her -husband’s, but her own and her son’s representative. -Each day during the progress of the suit, he had -called her up or seen her, and his gentle courtesy -had done much to lighten her burden. Now he was -busy with Howard’s affairs, and because of the -lawyer’s deep interest and enthusiasm, the mother -had laid aside much of her worry for Howard, believing -that it was an assured thing that John Hammond -would acquit him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In a way, she was beginning to be more cheerful, -to look at the future as not all dark, in spite of the -fact that her resources were far from what she had -believed they would be. However, she argued, if -she and Howard lived as carefully as possible, they -need never want until her son should himself be in -a position to add to their income,—a prospect that -was a surety with Marjorie since Howard had been -speaking so earnestly about it. He had only to -place himself—to find himself—and surely she and -the boy themselves had enough influential friends to -see that he got a start.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hammond had called her up one morning to -assure her that her son’s affairs were progressing -rapidly, and to say that the case had been given a -place on the calendar which would be reached in a -week or two. She was so glad that it would soon -be over.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>All during her luncheon, which she ate alone—Howard -had telephoned he would be detained in the -city—she thought of the approaching trial, and her -heart warmed as she pictured the great lawyer defending -her son. What a man he was! What a -friend he had proven! And, what was as much to -Marjorie Benton in her straitened circumstances, -how much it meant to both Howard and herself that -John Hammond persisted in his purpose to handle -the matter without fees.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She looked up from the book she had been idly -scanning at her solitary meal to see her son standing -in the door. So white and strained he was, so -actually ill he seemed that the mother’s hand went -to her throat to ease the choking lump that rose. -What could have happened now?</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard!” she cried chokingly. “What is it, -dear? What is wrong?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Without a word, he crossed to his mother’s chair -and laid before her the paper he held. The black -type stared up at her, and for a moment, she could -not take it in.</p> - -<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> -<p class='line'> </p> -<p class='line'><span style='font-size:smaller'>PROMINENT LAWYER KILLED IN STREET</span></p> -<p class='line'><span style='font-size:smaller'>AS AUTOS COLLIDE</span></p> -<p class='line'><span style='font-size:smaller'>JOHN HAMMOND, FORMER SENATOR</span></p> -<p class='line'><span style='font-size:smaller'>DIES INSTANTLY</span></p> -<p class='line'> </p> -</div> <!-- end rend --> - -<p class='pindent'>Tears that had not come for so long to the eyes -of Marjorie Benton, who had believed they had dried -forever, gathered under the hot lids. She could not -read further. She looked up at her son, standing -there with his hopeless expression, and her arms -went out to him as she hid her face on his rough -coat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my dear! My dear!” she cried heart-rendingly, -“it can’t be true! We’ve lost our best -friend!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard was tender as he stroked her head. -But the stricken expression went from his eyes. He -straightened himself, then leaned over his mother -and lifted her head to look directly at her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, mother,” he said gently. “We’ve lost a -friend—a wonderful friend—but not our best friend -while you or I live!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The papers were all loud in their praise of the -prominent man. They spoke of him in terms of -profound respect and admiration. He had won a -great name and enviable reputation for himself, by -his many acts of benevolence and absolute integrity -in all his dealings. There were many he had befriended -who mourned him sincerely.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But there were none who felt his loss as keenly -as Marjorie and Howard Benton. They knew they -had lost a friend who could not be replaced.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With the tragedy occurring so near the beginning -of Howard’s trial, the days were busy ones that -followed. New counsel had to be procured, and -when, through friends, Monroe Garden, a celebrated -trial lawyer, had been called into the case, they -found that the work of weeks had to be gone over. -With a sinking heart, too, Marjorie Benton found -that it would strain her resources if the matter -should be long delayed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And delayed it was. Mr. Garden’s ideas were -different from Hammond’s. The latter had been -all for rushing the matter through. He fought for -delay upon delay, explaining to his impatient clients -that it was the best thing to do.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Perhaps he was right. For after several months -of anxiety and nerve-racking suspense, Howard was -acquitted!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The strain upon Marjorie had been frightful—both -upon her mentality and her bank account. -There had been one expense after the other, and as -she already knew, the lawyer’s fee was exorbitant. -She was so overjoyed at the verdict, though, that -she paid him gladly, and it was not until it was all -over, that she realized to the full extent how terribly -her funds had been depleted.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But it was with a heart full of thankfulness, a -deep sigh of relief that she had her son—that he -stood free and cleared of intent of crime before the -world—that Marjorie Benton turned to take up the -slackened thread of her life. There was so much -to hope for. And surely all that could possibly -happen had happened, and there must now be some -peace and happiness awaiting her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was with a ruder shock than any that had preceded -that the mother was awakened from her new -dream. Ever since his acquittal Howard had seemed -listless, not entirely himself. She had put this down -to the strain, however, knowing well how it had affected -her, too. Howard would soon be himself, -and they would have a wonderful life together.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She was preparing to leave her room for the -dining room in the hotel one morning—(she always -breakfasted early with him these days) when word -was brought her that her son was ill. She rushed -into his room to find that the boy had collapsed as -he tried to leave his bed. The physician who was -hastily summoned advised an immediate removal, -and before an hour had passed, Howard Benton -was in a small room in a sanitarium, tossing in the -feverish delirium of typhoid. The weeks he laid -there passed into months; one complication on another -set in, for his constitution was in a badly run-down -condition, owing to the months of anxiety he -had been obliged to endure during his trial.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>There was something martyrlike in the way Marjorie -managed to bear up under her heavy cross. -She grew haggard and pale as she hovered near the -bedside of her boy day and night. It was only when -the doctor threatened to bar her from the room entirely, -that she consented to go home for a few -hours’ rest at night. But even then she didn’t rest. -She either paced the floor in her anguish and despair, -or she knelt beside her bed praying to God not to -take her beloved boy from her now—now that she -had just found him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And God in His great mercy, heard her prayers, -for Howard began slowly to fight his way back -again to health and strength. It was then, in these -days of convalescence that the wonderful devotion -between mother and son became noticeable to everyone -connected with the sanitarium.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Outside of going to her room for a few hours at -night, she never left him for a minute. She read -to him by the hour, played all sorts of games with -him, such as a small boy might have enjoyed, and -when he was able to be taken out a bit, she wheeled -him up and down the corridor, or out into the garden -without ever tiring.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>On his part, he was never happy unless she was -beside him. He wouldn’t go to sleep at night without -holding her hands, and in the morning, if she -was delayed ten minutes in arriving, he would insist -upon the nurse telephoning to find out whether anything -had happened.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was beautiful—this great love—to all who witnessed -it. Especially was it so to Marjorie herself. -She fairly reveled in it. Her soul, love-starved for -so many years, reached out passionately for this new-found -joy.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In Howard’s presence she was always smiling and -cheerful. Never for a moment did she permit him -to think that there was anything wrong. No matter -how hard she would be obliged to struggle, she -would never reveal to him the true state of their -affairs until he had completely recovered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was amazing to her the way her money seemed -to diminish as if by magic. There wasn’t anyone she -could appeal to. Hugh and Elinor had left for -Paris a few days after the trial ended, and even if -Hugh had not gone, she would have died before appealing -to him. He had treated her shamefully all -through the trial, coming into court day after day, -without once speaking to her, or even noticing her. -Of course, she never guessed that he was really -ashamed to look at her. Conscience is a difficult -tormentor at times.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The day before they sailed, Elinor called her on -the ’phone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We’re leaving for Europe to-morrow, mother,” -she announced. “May I come out to see you before -we go?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I really can’t see why you should wish to see me, -Elinor,” she answered as coolly as her daughter had -spoken, but her heart was beating madly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I’m going a long ways from here, and -somehow—I should like you—to wish me luck.” -There was a little sob in her voice.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I do wish you the best luck in the world—<span class='it'>always</span>,” -Marjorie replied heartily; “only I don’t feel -as if I could stand seeing you just yet.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m sorry, mother. Good-by.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie heard the receiver click at the other end -of the line.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor and Hugh had passed out of her life.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When she discovered her funds dwindling away -to almost nothing, she endeavored to economize in -every possible way. She gave up their rooms in the -hotel where Howard had fallen ill, and moved into -a back-room in a private dwelling close to the sanitarium, -explaining to Howard that she had made the -change in order to be nearer him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>One morning, she entered Howard’s room, expecting -to find him sitting up in bed finishing his -breakfast as usual. To her great surprise, he rushed -toward her and grabbed her in his arms. He was -dressed for the street, while his suitcase stood in the -corner, packed and strapped.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hello, dearest!” he cried, kissing her fondly, -“what do you think of your boy now?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, darling—what does this mean?” She -struggled out of his embrace and looked about her -in surprise.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It means that I’m perfectly well, mother—and -able to go home with you now.” He kissed her -again. “I knew all about it yesterday, but I begged -Doctor Simpson and Miss Sanders not to tell you. -I wanted the pleasure of surprising you myself. Are -you happy, dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Happy to see you well and able to leave here? -Why, darling, you know how happy I am, only—only—” -she stammered helplessly, “I—I wish you -had told me yesterday.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But why, mother? I can’t see why it was necessary -to tell you in advance? All you have to do is -to call a taxi and take me home.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well—you see, dear—” she hesitated slightly, -“I wanted to know a day or two in advance so that -I could look for a small apartment, or else engage -another room—in the house—where I am now -living.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Another room? Why, dearest, do you mean to -say that you have only one room?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why yes—you see——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t understand it! Surely you knew I wasn’t -going to remain here forever! You should have -remained in your comfortable room at the hotel. -You could have easily taken a taxi back and forth -from here.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well I—I—” The tears she had held back in -his presence for those long months suddenly gushed -forth. She had reached the end of her strength. -Sobs shook her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dearest, <span class='it'>what</span> is it? Sit here and tell me -all about it.” Howard placed her tenderly in the -rocker, and drew a chair for himself close beside -her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—no—it’s nothing at all.” She tried hard to -check her tears as she protested, but unavailingly. -“I’ll tell you as soon as you’re well and strong, but -now——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m well and strong now! Why Doctor Simpson -says I’m in a better physical condition than I’ve -ever been since I was a boy. I insist upon your telling -me just exactly what it is that is troubling you, -mother,” he said firmly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Very well, dear.” She realized it was useless to -refuse.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So she told him everything,—just what amount of -money Hugh had given her and exactly how much of -it had been spent.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mother, dear, if you had only mentioned it -to me at the time,” he reproached her gently. “You -can’t imagine how hurt I was because you failed to -tell me. I thought it was because you didn’t trust -me enough.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, no, it wasn’t that,” she hastened to assure -him. “I didn’t wish you to feel more embittered -toward your father.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’d have gone to him at the time and told him -plainly just what I thought of him!” he exclaimed -indignantly. “He cheated you, mother—that’s what -he did—and all because of that miserable creature!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hush, dear, you’re only exciting yourself needlessly,” -she cautioned him, “and it won’t do a bit of -good. The thing is this—just what are we going to -do?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>We</span> are not going to do anything, dearest.” He -put his arms tenderly about her. “<span class='it'>I’m</span> going to do -it all. I’m going to work, and take care of you the -rest of your life!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XIX</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton had lost no time (nor had -the widow allowed him, for that matter) -after obtaining his divorce decree, in marrying -Geraldine DeLacy. Some of their intimates, -many of the more conservative element or the society -in which they moved, believed that the marriage -had occurred indecently soon after Marjorie had -been put aside. But in general society let them alone -to go their own way. Shoulders were raised eloquently -in a few quarters, in others the names of -Hugh Benton and the former Mrs. DeLacy were -quietly erased from invitation lists, but the scandal -was (as is so often the case among the busy four -or five thousand who were once four hundred) not -long in giving place to something more recent. Society -was beginning to yawn when the name of Benton -was mentioned.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The financier, happy in the possession of the -woman with whom he was so deeply infatuated; his -new wife, elated at the good fortune she had so -triumphantly maneuvered, apparently cared not a -whit for what society might say. Knowing most of -them as she did, Geraldine DeLacy Benton smiled -knowingly into her dressing table mirror, as she told -herself that all would come in good time. With -Hugh Benton’s money at her command, she was -more than willing to wait her time to take the -social leadership she felt so confidently would be hers -before long.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Only Elinor was dissatisfied. The freedom she -had been so happy over having had not brought -her the joy she had expected it to. Even before -leaving for Europe with her father and newly acquired -step-mother, she had felt the sting of disapproval, -and it had only made her more misanthropic -than she was already speedily becoming. She could -not help noticing that many of her own friends were -avoiding her. Invitations were noticeably scarce. But -it was some time before she took notice of this, since, -in her new freedom, she had taken to visiting the -more public tea and dance rooms in company with her -various admirers, all of whom seemed to flock around -her more than ever, in contradistinction to the cooling -ardor for her friendship of their sisters and -mothers. It was not until she met Rosebud Greely -in the Plaza one afternoon that the truth of the matter -was brought home to her, though. Elinor touched -the girl on the arm as Rosebud passed through the -aisle on her way to a table on the other side of the -room, where her mother and some friends were sitting.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hello, Rosebud!” she greeted. “I’ve been waiting -and waiting for you to come and see my new -quarters. Come down to the hotel and have tea with -me to-morrow, won’t you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Rosebud Greeley, usually so open, so ready for -anything, was noticeably uncomfortable. She cast a -furtive glance across the room toward her mother.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“ ’Fraid I can’t, Elinor,” she said nervously. “The -mater—you know——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor lifted surprised eyebrows.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, what can she have against me?” was her -hurt query.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Rosebud shook her head and turned to hurry -along. But the hurt look in Elinor’s eyes touched the -girl’s tender heart, and she gently brushed Elinor -Benton’s arm. “Don’t you worry, old dear,” she -advised. “It’ll all blow over—it’s so silly anyhow—but -you must know what everyone is saying because -you’re flying around unchaperoned, and you know my -mater. Just the same, I wish I could do what you’re -doing for a while!” She took Elinor in enviously -and nodded her head toward the table the Benton -heiress had left where a blasé youth was sitting waiting -for her. “Try to see you some more, some time. -Bye!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor could hardly realize it. So they were saying -things about her, were they? Well, she’d show them! -Her father——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She could hardly get out of the place quickly -enough to tell him. With head held haughtily high, -she left the tea room, looking neither to right nor -left at the many she knew who were seeing her. But -her cheeks flamed hotly as instinct told her she was -the subject of conversation at more than one table -that she swept by.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton was sympathetic and gentle as he -had been since Elinor had chosen to go with him. -But he did not take the matter as seriously as she -had thought he should. There were matters on his -own mind clamoring for attention. One of these was -that he had not told his daughter of his intended -marriage to Geraldine DeLacy—for the incident of -the Plaza tea had occurred before Elinor had any -idea her father contemplated re-marriage. Elinor -had known, of course, of his infatuation for the -widow, and that she had been the cause of the differences -between her father and mother. Equally, -of course, she had heard much of the gossip concerning -the two. But, loving her father as she did, -knowing him as she believed she did, it had not entered -her head that Hugh Benton would really marry -Mrs. DeLacy. And this Hugh Benton knew.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He seized on his daughter’s humiliating experience -for an entering wedge for his confession.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Poor little girl,” he sympathized. “So she’s seeing -that her old dad isn’t accepted as a proper -chaperon, is she? I was afraid of as much—but -never mind, dear,” and he pulled her to him and -seated her on his knee. “We’ll fix all that! There -really ought to be an older woman to look after -you——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor squirmed about to face him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Daddy!” she exclaimed. “Whatever do -you mean—” Then as her eyes searched his face, -and she saw the half shamed, half triumphant look -there, the truth slowly dawned on her. She drew -back as if stung. She was surprised, angry by -turns. She caught his two arms and shook him -furiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Daddy! Daddy!” she cried. “Surely, you -don’t mean to say that you really intend to marry -Geraldine DeLacy?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Surely, I speak plainly enough, Elinor,” he answered -irritably.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But Daddy—she doesn’t love you! She’ll never -make you happy!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please permit me to be the judge of that.” He -was very stern as he lifted her from his knees and -set her on her feet. “What right have you to say -anything about it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“The right of one who really loves you, dear.” -She threw her arms around his neck in spite of his -move to turn away. “One who wants you to be happy. -Besides, you’re all I have in the world. I—I can’t -bear to lose you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’ll not lose me, baby!” Once more he was -all gentleness. “I’ll be just as close to you as ever. -Only you do need a woman’s hand, you know, and -Geraldine loves you so devotedly. She’ll be just like -a sister to you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m glad, Daddy,” Elinor smiled almost sadly, -“that you didn’t say she’d be like—a mother—to me. -Oh, well, I suppose you’ve quite made up your mind, -so nothing I could say would influence you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“As you say, I’ve quite made up my mind. I’m -not a child; and I never allow anyone to influence -me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But if Elinor Benton liked the idea of her father’s -marriage so little at the time he told her of it, she -liked it still less as the days grew into weeks. On the -day of the wedding, she knew that the emotion that -she held toward Geraldine was hatred; and it increased -day by day with the closer relationship. At -first, it was prompted by self-pity. She could not -overlook the fact that Geraldine had appropriated -her place in her father’s heart; but, before long, she -began to realize just how little her father really -meant to this vain, selfish creature, who had forced -herself—yes, she had always been certain of that—into -her mother’s place. Her mother! The woman -she had held in contempt and ridicule because of her -old-fashioned ideas. Why, it seemed almost like -sacrilege to even think of her in the presence of this -woman!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She was positively astounded at her father’s -actions. He was an enigmatical problem, impossible -of solution. He permitted himself to be dragged -about like a toy poodle. If he passed his opinion -about anything or anyone, and it failed to coincide -with Geraldine’s—well, he changed it, that was all! -And in an apologetical and almost cringing manner -that fairly nauseated Elinor.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>What had happened to this big, powerful, handsome -man, of whom she had once been so proud? -There were times when she pitied him. There was -something pathetic in his anxiety to please this parasite, -who with a smile, or a few words of endearment, -could send him to the seventh heaven of -delight, or with a frown cast him into the very depths -of despair.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But if Elinor Benton was astonished at the change -that came over her father in less than a year, -she would have been more astonished could she have -realized the change that had occurred in herself. -She would not have known herself—nor would any -of her former friends have known her—for the gay, -careless, laughter-loving, joyous creature who had -played the butterfly for those few months after her -début.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She was at outs with the world. It seemed that -everyone plotted against her. Constant brooding -over her “wrongs” soon changed the butterfly into a -cynical woman of the world. Her brother had -“wronged” her terribly by killing the man she loved, -or rather, thought she loved, for now as she looked -back upon it all, she realized that what she had felt -for Templeton Druid had not been love at all, but -merely a schoolgirl’s infatuation. Her mother had -“wronged” her by refusing ever to see her, and -simply shutting her out of her heart and life; and -now her father—her Daddy, whom she had idolized -had “wronged” her by marrying this clever, designing -woman. Geraldine DeLacy had been a most -desirable chaperon for her—while she remained -Mrs. DeLacy, but as her father’s wife—That was -an entirely different matter.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So she consoled herself as best she could with -violent flirtations with the foreign gallants with which -Paris swarmed. Neither her father nor Geraldine -appeared either to know or care what she was doing. -But somehow, the sweetness of her freedom had -palled, and there came times that she wished for a -restraining hand. There were more times when she -more bitterly wished herself away from her father -and his new wife than she had ever, back there in -the security of her own boudoir in her sheltered home -in “The Castle,” wished herself away from it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>One thing she made up her mind to, though, and -that was that never would she return with them to -her former home. This was the bitterest pill of all. -They were going back, her father told her. It was -Geraldine’s wish. Their year in Paris was almost -over when he told them at breakfast one morning -that he had cabled Griggs to re-open the place.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He would have preferred disposing of it and -purchasing a new place; but Geraldine had firmly -made up her mind—a long time ago—that one day -she should be mistress of “The Castle”; therefore -she insisted upon re-opening it, declaring that she -would redecorate it anew, just as soon as they were -settled.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But though things had gradually been shaping -themselves for a general cataclysm for months, it -was not until just before their preparations for sailing -were completed that a crisis came. Only Hugh -Benton had been placidly unaware of anything -wrong. He believed he held the world. He did -not know, could not seem to realize, that he was -like a child, or a weakling in the hands of his wife. -She ruled his every act, his every thought. Like an -avalanche, she swept everything before her in the -one mad desire to satisfy her unappeasable greed. -But her native subtlety had aided her to hide this -from Hugh Benton, if not from his daughter. He -went about like a man in a dream. He imagined -himself to be the happiest of men. He had a young -and beautiful wife, who loved him devotedly. What -more could he ask? He put the past from him like -a bad dream, and lived only in the present. And -then suddenly—the awakening!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He had been for a long walk with Geraldine in -the afternoon. He had fairly reveled in her gayety, -her bubbling wit, the fact that she was his own, and -that every man they passed paused to give the -dazzling dark-eyed beauty an admiring glance. He -had made a note of her admiration of a string of -pearls they saw at a famous jeweler’s where they -had stopped to get a ring she had left for resetting. -Then she had gone home before him, as even in -Paris, the calls of his vast business across the water -took more of his time than he would like to have -taken from his wife’s side.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When he hurried into the luxurious sitting room -of the suite they were occupying, he found Elinor -there alone. She was already dressed, and stood -looking out of the window in a bored fashion. She -did not even turn as she greeted her father, hastening -to add:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hello, dad. You’ll have to hustle and dress -for dinner. You know we’re going to the opera -to-night.” She couldn’t have shown less enthusiasm -had she announced that it was time to retire.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It will only take me a few minutes,” he said. -“Where’s Geraldine?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor shrugged her shoulders indifferently. -“I’m sure I don’t know. Dressing, I suppose.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine swept into the room, magnificently -gowned in a striking costume of cloth of silver.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re very late, Hugh,” she said peevishly. -“Where have you been all afternoon?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now, darling. You mustn’t be cross—I had -something to do. My! How beautiful you are!” -He attempted to caress her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please, Hugh,” she held him off, “I wish you -wouldn’t paw all over me! Nanette simply couldn’t -arrange my hair to suit me to-night! I had to do it -myself and it was exasperatingly stubborn!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It looks wonderful, darling.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, it doesn’t!” She walked to the mantel and -stared into the mirror. “It looks a fright, but I -can’t help it, and I did want to look particularly -nice to-night.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why to-night?” Hugh asked curiously. “To -me you always look particularly nice,” he added -gallantly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There are some people here from New York,” -Geraldine answered his question without paying the -slightest heed to his compliment—“people who had -the impertinence deliberately to cut me—before we -were married. I am looking forward to the pleasure -of retaliating. I think the women will feel it a great -deal more, if I am looking my best.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What a disgusting parvenu!” was Elinor’s -thought as she still stared into the lighted streets.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What a child you are,” Hugh laughed indulgently. -“Well, I have something here,” and he -pulled a long box from his pocket, “that may help -you a little. This is what delayed me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He held the long string of perfectly matched, -lustrous pearls before her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you darling!” she exclaimed, as she threw -her arms about him, hair forgotten. “You are too -good to me! Here, put them on me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She stood still while he clasped the pearls and -kissed her neck.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Aren’t they wonderful?” She fingered them -caressingly, and then rushed to the mirror again. -“Elinor!” she turned suddenly. “What do you -think of them?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I think they are very beautiful,” the girl answered -simply, as she turned slowly to take in the scene.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh walked over and placed his arm lovingly -about his daughter. “I’ve ordered a string as near -like them as possible for you, baby. They promised -to have them for me in a few days.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—no, Daddy—you shouldn’t have done that. -I really don’t care for them, for myself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nonsense! Of course you do! Besides, I want -my two treasures to always share alike,” he beamed -joyously, glancing across at Geraldine.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She stood in the center of the room, two bright -red spots burning in each cheek, as she tugged frantically -at the clasp at the back of her neck.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, darling, what is the matter?” He -hastened to her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Take these things off!” Geraldine screamed. -“I won’t have them! If you can’t buy me a thing -without immediately ordering a duplicate of it for -her,” she pointed her finger dramatically at Elinor, -“then I don’t want you to give me anything!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Geraldine—” Elinor stepped forward -anxiously. She could scarcely control her voice. -“You just heard me tell Daddy I didn’t want them. -Please keep yours on and don’t make a scene. I -assure you, even if Daddy gets them for me, I’ll -not accept them.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Stop playing the self-sacrificing little angel with -me!” She turned on Elinor fiercely. “I know perfectly -well how you hate me, and you know how I -feel about you. I’m sick and tired of keeping up -this pretense any longer!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But—my dear.” Hugh was even whiter than -Elinor. “I—I thought that you loved Elinor devotedly, -and that you two would be just like sisters. -You’re—you’re nervous and upset to-night. You -don’t know what you’re saying——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please! Don’t make excuses for me, Hugh,” -Geraldine interrupted savagely. “I don’t love her! -I never have loved her, and I never <span class='it'>will</span> love her! -And you might as well know it right now!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You gave me to understand one night in New -York that you had only Elinor’s interest at heart—when -you persuaded me to do—something—I didn’t -think was quite fair. Do you remember it, -Geraldine?” Hugh set his lips in their old grim -line, as memory flashed back the picture.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine tossed aside her necklace. A look of -pure contempt, all but hatred, distorted her features -as she looked at her husband slowly. Then her lip -curled and she laughed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“For a clever and brilliant business man, you’re -the biggest fool I’ve ever met in all my life!” she -flung at him. She rushed into her own room and -banged the door after her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a moment Hugh stood and stared at the -closed door, too astonished to move. When the -realization of the miserable scene he had just passed -through, finally dawned upon his numbed consciousness, -he sank heavily down upon the nearest chair -and groaned aloud.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor was on her knees beside him instantly. -“Oh, Daddy,” she murmured soothingly, “Daddy—dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He buried his head in his hands. “Oh—my -God!” His body shook convulsively. “I can’t believe -it! I can’t believe it!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The sound of his daughter’s heart-broken sobs -roused him from his own misery. Her head was -buried on his knee, her whole figure a picture of -abject misery. He bent over and touched her -tumbled hair, idly tried to arrange the torn lace of -her bodice.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There! There, dear!” he begged, but his tone -was one of hopelessness as he tried to give the sympathy -he was himself so much in need of. “Don’t -cry, sweetheart—it’ll all be all right!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor lifted a tear-stained face to her father’s. -She shook her head. Then the sobbing burst out -afresh.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Daddy! Daddy!” she wailed, “I—want—my—mother!”</p> - -<hr class='tbk106'/> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton was wrong in believing that matters -would right themselves when Geraldine’s nerves -should be soothed. He was to learn that she had -but dropped the mask that had irked her through -all the year that she had been making for herself -the place that she was determined to have—bringing -Hugh Benton to an abject posture beneath her -feet. For the scene she had made about the string -of pearls had been but the woman’s opening gun in -her new campaign. It was the first of her quarrels -with her husband, but others followed in such rapid -succession that the first was not long in being lost -sight of.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Elinor left them the week following her denunciation -by her step-mother. She met some friends who -invited her to spend the winter in Italy. She was -delighted at the chance to escape from her unhappy -surroundings, and Hugh was glad to let her go. -He had come to know the impossibility of keeping -her under the same roof with Geraldine.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Alone with his new wife, there began a life so -terrible for Hugh Benton, that at times he was almost -certain it could not be true. He was merely -having a dreadful nightmare from which he would -suddenly awaken.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Geraldine seemed fairly to thrive upon quarrels -and violent scenes. At first, Hugh attempted to -plead or remonstrate, or argue with her; but he soon -found that that was the thing she craved, so he -simply lapsed into silence until the tirade was over. -But oh! how it told on him! How it crushed the -manhood within him and made of him a thing he -himself despised!</p> - -<div class='figcenter'> -<img src='images/i284.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0005' style='width:100%;height:auto;'/> -<p class='caption'><span style='font-size:smaller'>Hugh Benton (Huntly Gordon) comes to his daughter’s assistance.</span><br/><span style='font-size:smaller'>(<span class='it'>“The Valley of Content” screened as “Pleasure Mad.”</span>)</span></p> -</div> - -<p class='pindent'>On their return to New York Geraldine had -redecorated “The Castle,” but he never entered it -without seeing before him a vision of Marjorie, as -she stood in the library that never-to-be-forgotten -night, completely rejuvenated and beautiful, trying -to rekindle his love and pleading with him to give -up his engagement and take her to the theater.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Surely that was the night on which God had forsaken -him, or he would have listened to her pleadings, -and have been spared all this torture.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh Benton knew he was nearing the end of the -road. His associates recognized the change in the -man, but there was little sympathy such as might -have been expected for a man, old and broken before -his time, from any other cause than the one which -had aged and grayed the financier. For the first -time in his life, he bowed his head, content to take -the lashings of Fate because of sheer inability longer -to fight. He had been vanquished by a woman—a -woman for whose sake he had driven wife and -children from him, had outlawed his friends, cut -short his life.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As he drooped into his office one morning, he felt -that the end could not be far off. And he welcomed -it. One more blow from the hand of Fate——</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He started to look over the opened letters his -secretary had left in front of him. There was -one, a personal letter, unopened. He recognized -Elinor’s handwriting. What would he give for one -sight of her! A thought came to him. Why not -cut it—go back to Europe with Elinor, let Geraldine -do as she pleased. The very thought cheered him. -It was worthy of more than passing consideration. -Eagerly he opened the letter. But the eagerness -turned to pain as he read; the white face turned -ashen. The letter dropped with the hand to his -knee, and he sat staring at it as though the writing -stared out at him in letters of fire.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dear Daddy:” Elinor had written:</p> - -<div class='blockquote'> - -<p class='pindent'>I know that you are expecting me home soon, but this is -to tell you that I am not coming back—ever. What I have -to tell you will certainly surprise you, perhaps shock you (or -are you past the time of shocks and surprises?) I have been -married a month to Signor Guglielmo Bellini, a young baritone -in the opera here, of whom you have perhaps never -heard, but who is well known and thought of here. Do I -love him? I am not sure—any more than I am sure there -is any such thing as love. But he is kind and—— He is not -exactly what you might call of our kind, but I am through -with our kind—forever—and he can give me all that I now -crave; constant change and forgetfulness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So it’s good-by, Daddy, and don’t forget your baby. I -shall never forget you. You have always been so kind to me -and have given me everything, except—my mother.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>So, if in the future you don’t hear from me often, just -remember that I am fluttering about the world, for that is -how I shall find peace.</p> - -<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:2em;margin-top:0.5em;'>Your loving daughter,</p> -<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:0em;margin-top:0em;'><span class='sc'>Elinor</span>.</p> - -</div> - -<p class='pindent'>The letter fluttered from the man’s nerveless -fingers to the floor. His head drooped forward until -it rested on the edge of his great mahogany desk, -the sharp edge of the glass pressing into his forehead -unheeded. His whole body shook with sobs.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“ ‘That is how I shall find peace!’ ” he quoted. -“Oh, Marjorie! Marjorie!” he groaned aloud, “if -you could see me now, you could find it in your great -heart to forgive me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Wearily he lifted his head and his hand searched -out a desk button. The clerk who answered was -told to send Bryson, the manager. When the man -stood deferentially before the financier, Benton asked -him hurriedly:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Bryson, I wonder if you will be able to take -complete charge here, while I go to California?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“To California? Shall you be gone long, Mr. -Benton?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t tell exactly—probably all summer.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It would be quite a responsibility for me,” Bryson -answered uneasily. “You know what a peculiar -state the market is in, Mr. Benton.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But you’ve been with me so many years, Bryson,” -Hugh argued. “You know my methods. I have -every confidence in your judgment.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Thank you, sir, I appreciate your faith in me,” -Bryson acknowledged gratefully. “When do you -intend starting?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“The day after to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Mr. Benton! That’s impossible! You -have that gigantic deal on hand with Randall, Small -& Company! It might be disastrous for you to -leave before it is completed.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh shook his head stubbornly. “Come back -in an hour, and we’ll talk this thing over again,” he -ordered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But on the man’s return at the end of the hour, -he found Hugh Benton’s private office empty. A -note on the desk informed him that Mr. Benton had -gone. He was leaving for Chicago at once, and -from there to San Francisco. He left everything in -Bryson’s hands, and he would write him particulars -as soon as he arrived.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Strangest thing I ever heard of,” Bryson muttered, -reading the note again. “Chances are, he’ll -think better of it and hurry right back.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In her boudoir in “The Castle,” Geraldine DeLacy -Benton stopped in her preparations for a gay -party to scan the telegram her maid handed her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hmmph!” was her comment, as she dipped -deeply into her gold powder box. “California, eh? -Rather sudden—wonder how long he’ll stay? -Well,” and she held out her slender foot for the -velvet slipper the long-suffering maid held, “he -needn’t hurry back on my account!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The only one who knew he never intended to -come back at all was—Hugh Benton!</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XX</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>It is one thing to announce a heroic determination -to become the family bread winner. It is quite -another to put that determination to practical -account, as Howard Benton was to learn in the days -that followed his sojourn at the sanitarium and since -learning that his mother’s resources were almost -gone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Particularly when one’s talents run only to running -a sporty little racer and a thorough knowledge -of all the most recent dance steps and a canny way -of learning just where to find the best bootleggers—a -talent which the young man put into the limbo of -forgotten things as his first step in his new life.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Both he and his mother felt he could put his -knowledge of automobiles to practical account. But -when he applied for one position after another with -automobile firms, he was laughed at for his pains. -Not even he had realized exactly how little he did -know about machines. Too long had he left the -disagreeable part to mechanics.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His belief in friends (at first) had led him into -the offices of those he had known in palmier days. -But it was with stung pride that he abandoned this -after a few efforts. They had all seemed kind -enough—patronizing even—but always it was the -same thing he had heard in Thurston’s bond office: -“Nothing now, my boy—but if you don’t get -settled, you might call again some time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Howard Benton never called again. Instead, -he took to spending his evenings with his mother, -going over advertisements, writing answers to which, -because of his lack of experience, there were few replies. -How terribly had he wasted the years at -college—years that could not now help him earn a -living!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>It was when it actually became a question of food -that he determined to take whatever might be -offered. Months had passed, and he had kept his -promise to his mother, but they had gone through -hardships together, and there were times when the -price of a meal had been difficult to earn.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In the end, his earnestness won him a position in -the office of a large manufacturing concern. The -salary was not large, but to Marjorie, and to her -son, the youth who had once squandered double -the amount in a single evening, but who had come -to know what it meant to walk about for days trying -to earn enough to keep a shelter above their -heads, it seemed a small fortune.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And so two years had passed. As soon as possible -they had moved into a new home, a little four-room -flat in Harlem. It was cozy and comfortable, -a sitting and dining room combined, two bedrooms -and a tiny kitchen. Marjorie did all of the work, -even to their washing. At first, Howard objected -to this. She seemed so frail, he was sure that she -could never stand it; but when she assured him that -she never felt better in all her life, that the work -was like play, and gave her something with which -to occupy herself while he was at work, he agreed -to let her do as she pleased.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He left at seven-thirty every morning to go to -his work, and at six he returned, always to find a -hot, tempting dinner waiting for him. At noon, -when he opened his lunch-box, some new delicacy -or dainty invariably met his eye. How could he -possibly know that Marjorie went without her own -lunch many a day in order to provide these little -luxuries for him?</p> - -<p class='pindent'>How was he to know that when evening after -evening she greeted him at the door with a smile, -she had dragged herself about all day doing her -work, cooking his dinner, mending his clothes, without -uttering a word of complaint, while she suffered -the most excruciating pain? It had begun about a -year ago, while they were enduring so many hardships, -a sharp, stinging sensation, somewhere in the -region of her heart, that at times almost drove her -insane.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Apparently they were both quite happy. They -never referred to the past. Their lives seemed to -date from the day when they left Hugh Benton’s -house together. Howard could not know that at -times Marjorie lay awake all night wondering about -Elinor and Hugh. She had never heard a word -from Elinor since the day she said good-by to her -over the telephone, and of Hugh, she had heard -but twice, and that was through the society columns -of the paper.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The first time it had been quite by accident. -Howard had been lying on the couch one Sunday -afternoon reading “The Times.” He had fallen -asleep, and the paper slipped to the floor. She -picked it up, and the name “Benton” caught her eye. -It was a small item saying that Mr. and Mrs. Hugh -Benton had returned from Paris, and had reopened -“The Castle,” where they expected to entertain extensively -during the coming season. After that, she -searched the paper every day, but she never saw -another article until one day, she read of the departure -of Hugh Benton for California for an -indefinite stay.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>On the other hand, how was she to know that at -times Howard was lonely and unhappy? He was -just a boy—not quite twenty-three. All day long he -worked hard, and then came home to spend his -evenings with her. It was true that he loved her -devotedly, and that he rejoiced in the thought of -being able to take care of her, but just the same, he -was young, and at times he craved young society. -The monotony began to get on his nerves. The -worst of it all was that he couldn’t see where it -would ever change; but he wouldn’t worry his -mother, so he smiled and laughed always, and made -her believe he was contented and happy—just as -she never permitted him to know of her days of -suffering, of her heartaches and longing, her hours -of loneliness. In front of the boy she worshiped, -she was always bright and smiling.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>They were sitting down to dinner one evening -when Howard, shyly and half shame-facedly told -his mother of a dance he would like to attend.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I wonder if you would mind, dearest, if I -went?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, no dear,” she answered heartily. “I’d be -glad to have you go anywhere for a little pleasure. -You work so hard you need more recreation.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But you know, I don’t like to leave you alone -evenings, mother,” the boy demurred. “Even when -I go to the first show at the movies, and you won’t -go with me, I’m uneasy until I get back to you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That’s foolish, dear. You shouldn’t feel like -that.” She smiled at him lovingly. “I’m rather -tired at night, and I usually have some mending or -darning to do. But about this dance, shall I get -your dress-suit out of the trunk? You haven’t worn -it in two years and I’m afraid you’ve outgrown it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, indeed, mother!” He laughed heartily. -“First of all, you’ll never find it! I sold it long ago, -when we were so hard up, and if I went to this -dance in a dress-suit, they’d mob me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Howard!” She was becoming alarmed. -“What sort of a dance is it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s a nice enough dance all right, but it -isn’t a society affair.” He laughed again. “It’s just -a lot of plain working girls and boys like myself. -One of the boys in the office asked me to go.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That’s fine, dear. It will do you a lot of good. -I’ll sponge and press your blue suit and have it all -ready for you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>If a bride were being dressed, there couldn’t have -been more excitement in a home than there was in -the little flat on Saturday night, when Howard prepared -to go to the dance. Marjorie had laid all -his things out on his bed during the afternoon. His -suit nicely cleaned and pressed, a beautifully laundered -shirt, his tie, collar, handkerchief—everything -was ready.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, mother,” he laughed, as she bustled about, -handing him his things. “I feel like a girl getting -ready for my first party! I really believe you’re -enjoying all this.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I am, dear,” she answered, her cheeks bright -with excitement.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I’m ready.” He stepped back from the -mirror. “Do I look all right?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I never saw anyone like you!” She clasped her -hands and looked at him adoringly. “All the girls -will be fighting over you! You’re so handsome, -dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother, you’re a little flatterer.” He caught -her up in his strong arms to dance about the room -with her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, please, dear—please don’t!” she screamed. -Her face paled, and she held her hand to her side.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, mother—you’re ill! What’s wrong with -you?” He placed her gently on the bed and knelt -beside her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s—it’s—nothing, dear.” She forced a smile -to her lips.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But you screamed with pain—and you’re so -white. I’m going to call a doctor.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—no—I won’t allow you to be so foolish. -I—I’m perfectly all right, dear. You picked me up -so suddenly and you’re so big and strong. It was -just a stitch in my side. See, it’s entirely gone now.” -She sat up on the edge of the bed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just the same,” he said resolutely, “I’m not going! -I wouldn’t think of leaving you alone.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But you are going, dear—I insist upon it. -There’s not a thing in the world the matter with -me, but if you stayed at home, you’d make me think -I was really ill.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For ten minutes she argued until he was finally -persuaded to go. At the door she kissed him affectionately. -“Good-night, darling! Have a wonderful -time and don’t worry for a minute—I’m perfectly -well.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She never knew how she managed to reach her -bed. For half an hour she suffered the agony of -death until the spasm passed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>But Howard Benton went to his first dance in two -years with a heavy heart. In spite of his mother’s -repeated assurances that she was perfectly well, he -could not get her white, drawn face out of his mind. -Once or twice he was inclined to turn back, but the -fear of aggravating her prevented him. At all -events, he would insist upon her seeing a doctor -to-morrow.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When he arrived at the Hall about nine-thirty, -the dance was well under way. He felt strange and -ill at ease. The crowd was so entirely different from -the crowd in which he had mingled in the old days. -Outside of a few of the boys from the office, he -didn’t know a soul. But it didn’t take him very long -to become acquainted. He was a good dancer, handsome, -and a gentleman—three things always bound -to attract young women in whatever station of -life.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>About eleven o’clock, Frank O’Connor, one of the -Floor Committee came up to him: “Say, Benton,” -he offered, “I want to introduce you to a peach of a -girl. She’s a dandy dancer, and as pretty as a -picture.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All right, you can’t hurt my feelings,” Howard -laughed. “Lead the way!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He followed him across the room to a corner, -where a girl stood talking to two other girls. -O’Connor touched her on the shoulder: “Just a -minute, Kate—I want you to meet a friend of -mine.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She turned, and Howard was looking at one of -the prettiest girls he had ever seen. Her beauty -was neither statuesque nor dainty and refined; it was -something quite different. Just a saucy, Irish face, -with dark blue roguish eyes, white and pink skin, a -little turned-up nose, and bobbed, black curls.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Miss Walsh, meet Mr. Benton.” O’Connor performed -the introductions.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Happy to know you, Mr. Benton!” She smiled -at him, revealing two rows of dazzling white teeth.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m very glad to meet you, Miss Walsh!” -Howard bowed. “How about this dance?” as the -“specially engaged jazz-band” began to play -“Mammy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sorry,” she answered. “Just promised it to a -guy. But will you meet me here for the next, if -you ain’t got it taken?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He met her for the next, and the next, and the -next. By the time the dance was over, he had been -her partner eight times, and had gained her consent -to see her home.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She lived just three blocks from his own home, -and a distance of twenty blocks from the hall. But -they walked slowly home in the moonlight, she -clinging to his arm and looking up into his face as -she talked. They hadn’t gone ten blocks before she -had told him her life’s history—how her mother -had been married three times, and of all the children -in the family, real brothers and sisters, half brothers -and sisters, and step-brothers and sisters. She possessed -real Irish wit, and her way of telling these -things was most amusing. Howard found himself -laughing heartily. Through it all, she told him she -was perfectly independent, as she had been self-supporting -since she was ten years old.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I ain’t never had much chance to go to school,” -she said. “Just picked up what learnin’ I could -now and then. I never seen my real father—he died -when I was just a little thing, and step-fathers ain’t -much for lookin’ after other people’s kids. So I -just had to work and take care of myself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You deserve a lot of credit for it, Miss Walsh,” -Howard said admiringly. “It’s pretty hard for a -man to battle with the world, but it must be mighty -tough on a woman, especially a slip of a girl—like -you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I ain’t never noticed it much. Guess it’s cause I -ain’t never knowed the difference.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You live at home with your mother, don’t you?” -he asked.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sure I do! Ma and me always gets along fine. -She lets me do just as I want, ’cause she knows I’m -independent, and besides, she’s got her hands full -with the other kids.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When they reached her door, she held out her -hand. “I’m awful glad to have met you, Mr. Benton. -Hope I’ll see you again?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“May I call?” he asked eagerly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why sure you can. I’ll be glad to have you -any time you say.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How about—to-morrow evening?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Gee! You believe in rushin’ things, don’t you?” -She giggled. “All right—to-morrow evenin’ ’ll be -fine.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She hurried upstairs and crawled into bed with -three little sisters. Soon she was dreaming about a -boy with wonderful dark eyes and curly hair.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As Howard walked the remaining three blocks to -his home, he wondered what had happened to him. -He felt so happy and light-hearted. The sensation -of loneliness that had made him so miserable only -yesterday, seemed suddenly to have disappeared. As -he inserted his key in the lock, he felt like whistling -or humming a tune, and it was only the remembrance -of the lateness of the hour that kept him from yielding -to his inclination.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard!” Marjorie called from her room as -she heard him come in.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He started suddenly as he opened her door and -peered into the darkness: “What are you doing -awake as late as this, dearest? Are you feeling -better?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, dear. I told you I was all right before -you left. Did you have a good time?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, mother, I had a dandy time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad. To-morrow you shall tell me all -about it. You must be tired after so much dancing. -Good-night, darling.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good-night, dearest.” He bent over and kissed -her tenderly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Instead of undressing and hurrying into bed, he -walked to the window in his room and opened it -wide, staring out upon the fire-escapes filled with -lines of washing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He still couldn’t imagine what had happened to -him that night; and he was trying to fathom it. He -wasn’t thinking of the dance or the girl he had met. -He was thinking that he had left his home heavy-hearted -and terribly worried over his beloved -mother, and yet he had come back a few hours later -in such a state of exultation, that he had forgotten -all about her until she startled him by calling his -name. It almost frightened him—this thing that -had taken possession of him—and that he couldn’t -explain, even to himself!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The next morning he slept until almost noon for -Marjorie always let him rest as long as he pleased -on Sunday. He opened his eyes greatly refreshed in -mind and body. The feeling of light-heartedness still -remained with him. He could have started singing -joyously—for some unaccountable reason. But the -anxious and worried feeling about his mother he had -the night before had disappeared. Somehow things -appear so different in the daylight than they do in -the darkness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He sat down to the tempting breakfast Marjorie -placed before him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Umm—mother—waffles and maple-syrup? -Just what I feel like eating. Aren’t you going to -have some?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, indeed!” she laughed. “I’ve had my breakfast -hours ago. It’s noon, dear, but I knew you were -tired after last night, so I just let you sleep it out.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m glad you did; I feel thoroughly rested.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She sat opposite him while he ate, enjoying the -way he seemed to relish each mouthful.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now tell me all about the dance,” she said. -“Did they have a nice crowd?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—a very nice crowd.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Did you dance every dance?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Every blessed one! The music was fine, and as -I told you, last night, I had a dandy time. Would -you like to go to Central Park this afternoon?” he -asked suddenly, anxious to change the subject.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Somehow he didn’t want to talk about last night, -but couldn’t have given a reason for the reluctancy -he felt in mentioning it.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, dear,” Marjorie answered. “I prefer resting -this afternoon, if you don’t mind. But you go -somewhere yourself—to a movie, or a vaudeville.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, I’ll stay home with you. I—I may take a -little run out—this evening.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Certainly, dear. That’s right.” She began -clearing away the dishes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Kate Walsh received Howard Benton in the -“front-room” of the Walsh flat—a shabbily furnished -little square of room that was used mainly -for three purposes—receiving company, exhibiting a -new baby, or holding a wake.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The family had been banished to the kitchen at -the end of the hall for the evening, with the exception -of her mother, whom Kate brought into introduce -to Howard. Mrs. Walsh was a good-natured, -stout little woman, rather tired and faded looking. -She had been in this country since she was sixteen, -but she still clung to her native brogue.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Shure, Mister Benton, ’tis glad to meet ye Oi am. -Kitty here’s been tellin’ me what a foine young -gintleman ye are.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Ma, you do say such things!” Kate giggled. -“You ain’t got no delicacy at all.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Mrs. Walsh looked wise, but kept silent. She -didn’t know exactly what Kitty meant by delicacy. -After a minute, she held out her hand to Howard.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“If ye’ll be afther excusin’ me, Mister Benton,” -she apologized, “Oi’ll be sayin’ good-night to ye, and -goin’ back to the babies. It’s about toime they wuz -in bed.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>And feeling that she had nobly done her duty by -her daughter by coming in to be introduced to the -gentleman—the same as all the society matrons did -in the novels Kitty read and told her about—Mrs. -Walsh bowed herself out, and hastened to the more -urgent duties awaiting her in the kitchen.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard remained until ten-thirty. He enjoyed -the evening immensely; Kate was such good company.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course,” he began making excuses to himself -on his way home, “she is illiterate, and she did -say some of the most ridiculous things, trying to use -expressions she had picked up in novels. But altogether, -she is a sort of rough diamond, and after all, -education doesn’t amount to very much—I’ll tell the -world mine hasn’t! And she’s so very young! A -few months’ instruction from a private teacher would -do wonders for her, or—um—um—maybe I could -take her on myself.” The idea was far from disagreeable -to the youth who had never believed -pedagogy to be anywhere in his line.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>At the end of the week, after he had seen Kate -five more times, he knew what was the matter with -him. For the first time in his young life he was -madly in love!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He didn’t know whether his love was reciprocated -or not. Kate seemed to like him pretty well; she -was glad to stay at home and have him call when she -might have gone out with some other chap. He -had never even attempted to kiss her. She wasn’t -the kind of girl who invited that sort of thing. He -went with her steadily for another month, taking her -to movies, or dances, on the evenings he didn’t spend -at her home.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“What did his mother think about his going out -every night?” he wondered. She never questioned -him when evening after evening he kissed her good-night -and said: “I won’t be out very late, mother, -just going for a walk”; or, “Going to a show”; or, -“Going to a dance to-night.” Finally he felt that -he must say something to her—sort of pave the way -as it were. She must know that he was going about -with a girl, or else some day it might prove too much -of a shock.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dearest,” he said one evening, after he had -kissed her good-by, “don’t you think my going out -like this every evening sort of—well—sort of -funny?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, no, dear,” she answered bravely, struggling -hard to look unconcerned lest he read the contradiction -to her words in her face. “I’m glad to see you -go—you were getting into a rut, staying in so much. -You’re too young to do that.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s a joy to have a mother who looks at things -as sensibly as you do,” he answered, patting her -hand affectionately. “You see, dear, I—I’ve met a -very nice little girl—and I enjoy going about with -her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—dear——” Although she smiled, the -mother’s heart held a leaden weight. “That’s nice,” -was her comment.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m going to bring her to meet you some day,” -he told her, but he was careful not to say too -much.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A month later Howard proposed to Kate. One -Sunday afternoon and they had gone for a long -walk. Everything seemed to be in his favor. The -day could not have been more perfect—one of those -glorious, crisp, sunshiny days every New Yorker -knows and loves. They came to a bench in one of -the smaller parks, and sat down to rest. The sky -had never seemed so blue nor the grass so green. -The birds sang more sweetly than he had ever known -they could, and the flowers about them had wafted -a fragrance that was heady. What a wonderful -place this old world was after all, he thought, as -he reached for her hand. Just made for love and -joy and youth!</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Katie, dear,” he said simply as his grip tightened -on the capable little fingers, “I—I want to tell you -that I love you very, very dearly.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—Howard—” She hung her head.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Do you—like me—a little?” He lifted her -chin, and looked into her eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course—I like you!” She was blushing rosy -red. “But not a little! I—I like you a whole lot.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You darling!” His arms went out to draw her -to him. They were in a secluded spot, but it would -have made no difference to Howard Benton had they -been in the open. “You darling—little girl—I—I’m -just crazy about you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard—someone might see you,” the girl demurred, -but her sigh of happiness contradicted her -speech as she snuggled closer to him. “Gee, but I’m -happy you love me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ve loved you since the first moment I met you, -Katie—but I was afraid you might not care about -me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Ain’t that funny now! I loved you too, from the -start. It must abeen love at first sight,” she giggled. -“Only I was afraid a swell educated fellow like you -wouldn’t notice an ignorant girl like me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re sweet and good—and I love you, dear.” -He kissed her. “And after we’re married, I’ll spend -a lot of time teaching you, and in a short time you -won’t know yourself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Gee, that’ll be great! Ain’t it a shame I never -went to school much? I had to work ever since I -was a kid.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m sure you’re not to blame because you’ve never -had the opportunity to obtain an education. But that -will come in time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I’ll try hard enough,” she replied earnestly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And you’ll succeed too,” he assured her. “Now, -darling, I must tell you something that I think you -ought to know. It may make a difference in your -love for me.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He told her all about the affair of two years ago—of -Elinor, of his father, of Mrs. DeLacy, of his -wonderful mother. Everything just as it had happened. -He was a long time in telling it, as he dwelt -on each point, to make it all perfectly clear to her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When he had finished, it was with a sad little -smile he asked: “So now, dear, you see, I’ve had -quite a past. Will it make a difference?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Just this much of a difference.” The tears were -streaming down her cheeks as she clutched him. -“That I love you more than ever. Why you’re -grand, dear! You’re a hero—I—I’m proud of -you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Katie, dear, you wonderful girl!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I knew all along you wuz a swell, though, and -didn’t belong with the gang around here!” She -nodded her head vigorously at the recognition of her -own sagacity.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“When can we get married, Katie? I hope we -won’t have to wait too long?” Now that he had -spoken, Howard was all eagerness.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can be ready most any time. Of course,” she -added with a twinkle in her eye and her little nose -wrinkled up in that maddening way she had, “it may -take a few months to get my troussee ready. I’ll -see if Lady Duff Gordon or Lucille can spare the -time.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Funniest little kid!” he laughed heartily. “But -let’s talk it over now and try to settle upon a day.” -He told her about his position and just what he was -earning.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Gee, that’s a wonderful job, Howard, and you’re -earning more than Ma’s old man, and he’s been in -one place for years.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Then you think we can manage on it all right?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Manage? Why, we’ll live like millionaires,” she -enthused.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, we won’t have to get a house—that -will help some. Our flat’s furnished very nicely and -we have four rooms.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I know—I ain’t never seen yours, but I’ve been -in the buildin’ to see Mrs. Lambert, and they’re -beautiful flats. Say, do you think your mother’s -goin’ to like me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“How could <span class='it'>anyone</span> help liking you? You’re so -pretty, so sweet, Katie.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Maybe—but that don’t mean very much to most -women,” she answered dubiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My mother’s different,” he defended. “She’ll be -wonderful to you and help you a lot. I know you -two are going to get along wonderfully together.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, Howard!” she sat back suddenly and -looked at him. “You ain’t figurin’ on your mother -livin’ with us, are you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Certainly, dear.” His astonishment was equal -to her own. “Surely, you didn’t think I intended -to leave my mother?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, don’t every boy and every girl leave their -mothers when they get married? You ain’t no different!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—but my mother’s different,” he answered -tenderly. “Why, she’s a brick, I tell you. She stood -by me through thick and thin! She had a lot of -money two years ago, but she spent every dollar of -it for me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, it’s a mother’s duty to stand by her children, -ain’t it?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know about that! I hadn’t been such a -wonderful son to her, and it’s only in the last two -years we’ve grown so close to each other. I wouldn’t -hurt her for the world!” he declared.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, all right, kid!” Katie moved away from -him. “If that’s the way you feel about it—let’s -just call our engagement off!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Katie! You wouldn’t do that! I love you too -much!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And I love you, Howard. But there ain’t goin’ -to be no mother-in-law business in my life. My ma -says to me: ‘Take it from me, Kitty, there ain’t no -home big enough for two families.’ And she ought -to know. She’s been married three times.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But there wouldn’t be anything like that with my -mother—you’re bound to love her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sure! That’s all right,” she answered heartily. -“I want to love her, and I want her to love me! -But I don’t want to live with her.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s the terrible loneliness of it all that keeps me -thinking,” Howard went on ruminatively, as though -he were thinking aloud. “You see, mother never -goes anywhere. Why she never leaves the flat unless -it is to go on an errand, or do her marketing. She -hasn’t a friend or companion. She just lives for me -alone.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, we can see her every day, can’t we? She’ll -get used to it all right. Every mother’s got to see -her kids grow up and get married, and leave her. -She didn’t think you was goin’ to be a—a—you know -what I mean—an old-maid man—did she?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard smiled in spite of himself. “No, I suppose -not. But come up now, and meet my mother. -You may feel differently after that.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll go and meet your mother willingly—but I -won’t change my mind,” was his fiancée’s stubborn -reply. “There ain’t goin’ to be no mother-in-laws——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He stopped her with a kiss as they started down -the path.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie had just stepped out to go to the delicatessen -store on the corner for a few things. It was -just a little after five, her table was set, and everything -ready for supper, although she didn’t expect -Howard for another hour. Very often on Sunday -night, she arranged a cold meal. Howard opened -the door and drew the bashful Katie in after him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Come in, dear—I’ll call mother.” He went to -the door leading to the kitchen. “Oh, mother, -dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He looked in and then went to the bedroom. -“She’s not here—” he turned to Kate, “but she -won’t be long. I suppose she has gone on an errand. -See the table is set for supper. Come take off your -things,” attempting to remove her hat.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, I won’t take off my hat.” She fidgeted -about. “I’m so nervous—I’ll just wait and meet -your mother, and then I’ll run downstairs and visit -Mrs. Lambert.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You don’t have to be nervous, dear—everything’s -bound to be all right.” He pulled down the -shade and switched on the light.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Kate looked about admiringly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“My, this is a gorgeous flat. Ain’t the furniture -handsome!” she enthused.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad you like it. We’re going to be very -happy. You do love me, don’t you?” Howard -caught her in his arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, I do—you big boob.” She kissed -him. “You know, I’m just crazy about you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No more than I am about you.” He returned -her kiss. “Still,” he added, “I’d give anything dear, -if I could only persuade you to let my mother live -with us.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Kate turned irritably. “Do we have to start all -over that thing again?” she asked, with eyes flashing. -“I thought it was all settled.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Further discussion was interrupted by Marjorie’s -entrance. She was carrying a market basket and she -looked pale and tired in her shabby little dress.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good evening, dear,” she said, as Howard -rushed to her, and relieved her of the basket. “I -didn’t expect you home so early. I have a cold -supper, just the things you like. I had a little time -to spare so I ran down to the corner to get a few -things for to-morrow. Oh—I beg your pardon.” -She noticed Kate for the first time. “I didn’t know -you had company.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother,” he said, putting his arm about her, and -leading her forward, “I want you to meet Katie—Katie -Walsh—the girl I told you—I—I cared for. -Well, she has promised—to—become my wife!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Your—your wife, dear? Why—why I am surprised.” -She leaned against him heavily.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ve cared for Katie ever since the first night I -met her—but I wasn’t sure she loved me—until this -afternoon. We came right up to tell you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I see.” Marjorie was endeavoring, with all -her might, to come out of her state of bewilderment. -Steadying herself with an effort she went over to -Kate and held out her hand.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m glad to know you, dear,” she said in her -sweet, simple tones, “and I hope you will make my -boy—very happy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m goin’ to try to, Mrs. Benton,” Katie replied -warmly. “I’m for him as much as he is for me,—so -I can’t see how we can help bein’ happy.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie winced, but she spoke cheerfully. -“Love is the foundation of all real happiness, my -dear. I’m glad you have the right idea. You must -stay and have supper with us—it won’t take a second -to set another place. I’m anxious to have you tell -me all about yourself.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I don’t think I can stay.” Katie was evidently -uncomfortable. “I was just goin’ to run -down to see Mrs. Lambert—before goin’ home. -Howard can come over after his supper.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But you mustn’t run away like this,” Marjorie -urged. “I’ve only just met you! We’ve so much -to talk about, you know. Come, Howard, you coax -her to stay.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, she’ll stay, mother.” Howard removed -Katie’s hat without asking her, whispering in -her ear: “Stay if she wants you to, dear.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That’s fine!” Marjorie started for the kitchen. -“I know you’ll excuse me for a few minutes.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard opened the door and carried her basket -into the kitchen for her, then he hurried back to -Katie and squeezed her joyously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Now, wasn’t she fine? What did I tell you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Whew!” Katie made a stab at whistling. “She’s -so grand she makes the chills run up and down my -back! Do you know, Howard, all the time she was -talkin’ to me, I felt as if she was lookin’ right inside -of me—through my clothes and all.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother’s true blue all right!” Howard declared -proudly. “The way she took it is a great relief to -me. I confess I was terribly nervous for a minute. -I hope we won’t have any trouble with your mother, -dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Humph! My Ma’s goin’ to be tickled to death! -Besides, she ain’t got nothin’ to say about me—I -told you I’ve always been self-supportin’.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>In the kitchen Marjorie was gathering up the -dishes and cutlery for the extra place at the table. -Her tears were falling so fast they almost blinded -her. She kept brushing them away as she whispered -over and over to herself:</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dear God, help me to-night. Give me the -strength to make my boy—happy!”</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XXI</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard’s mother arranged a place at the -table next to him for Katie, then brought in -a platter of cold meats, some potato salad, -and a pot of coffee. Howard, as was his custom, -held the chairs for his mother and their guest, then -seated himself.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I hope you like cold meat and potato salad, -Katie?” Marjorie asked, as she began to serve. -“Howard prefers it to anything else on Sunday -evening, especially during the warm weather.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I think it’s fine,” Katie answered, playing nervously -with her napkin, “and it saves a lot of work—cooking.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t you care about housework?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, I ain’t crazy about it, but it’s got to be -done. Ma says: ‘ ’tain’t no use killin’ yourself over -cleanin’ a house—it only gets dirty all over again.’ -And Ma’s nearly always right.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie sat almost dumfoundedly looking back -and forth between Katie and Howard. Surely she -must be dreaming all this. Her wonderful boy—intending -to marry this girl who couldn’t even speak -grammatically.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please pour my coffee, mother.” Howard was -anxious to say something.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, dear.” She began pouring the coffee, her -mind miles away from what she was doing.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’re spilling it, mother.” He stopped her, -impatiently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I’m sorry, dear,” she murmured as she -handed a cup to Katie. “I don’t know what made -me so careless.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She never remembered how she finished the -meal. With a sort of fascinated horror she kept -her eyes upon the girl whom her son had chosen. -It was really pitiful to watch the child struggling to -handle her knife and fork correctly. Once or twice -Marjorie tried to draw her into a conversation, but -when she realized how uncomfortable she was making -her, she gave it up. So it was Howard who -kept up a meaningless chatter until the supper was -over.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I think I’ll be goin’ now, if you don’t mind, -Mrs. Benton,” Kate Walsh announced as soon as -they rose. “Ma will wonder what’s keepin’ me. -Thank you for my elegant supper. I enjoyed it very -much.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She lost no time getting her hat and bag.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie held out her hand. “I—I suppose -you’ll come soon again?” she asked, politely.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes!” The girl placed her hand in Marjorie’s -rather timidly. “I will. Now that you and -me’ve met, I won’t be no stranger.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Howard’s nerves were fairly on edge as he helped -his fiancée into her jacket. Everything she said -seemed to magnify ten-fold in front of his mother. -He hadn’t noticed it nearly as much when they were -alone.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Good-by,” Marjorie said. “Come in—whenever -you wish.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“All right—I’ll run in from work to-morrow. -Oughten’ I to kiss you, Mrs. Benton—now that I’ll -be callin’ you—Ma?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie hesitated an instant, but one look at -Howard’s flushed cheeks and pleading eyes, made -her answer: “Why, certainly—Katie.” She kissed -her, then turned to Howard. “Shall you remain out -late, dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, mother, I’ll be home early. Will you wait -for me?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—I’ll wait.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>As soon as the door closed after them, she sank to -her knees and buried her head in her hands.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, God,” she prayed fervently, “don’t let me -live to see this! He can’t marry a girl like that—it -will ruin his life! He has suffered so much, and -so have I. We have gone through a great deal and -borne up, but in mercy, spare us this awful thing. -Please, God—Oh, please,” she moaned, as she -rocked to and fro.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>On the way to Katie’s house, Howard made a last -effort. “Do you think you’re going to love my -mother, Katie?” he asked her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You just bet I am, Howard—she’s so sweet and -kind.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, then—won’t you reconsider about living -with her, dear?” he asked anxiously.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—I—I just can’t! I don’t know nothin’.” -She blushed furiously as she made the admission. “I -seen it to-night plainer than ever. I just got to learn -a lot, before I could be around a woman like your -mother!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But she’ll help you, dear—she’ll help you all the -time,” he pleaded.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No—I couldn’t stand that, Howard. I—I want -to learn, and I will learn, but I just couldn’t have no -woman tellin’ me what to do every minute. I wish -I could make you understand—what I mean,” she -said wistfully.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I think I do understand,” he said gently, “and -I love you so much I guess you’ll have to have it -your way.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Gee, you are good, Howard—and some day -when I learn everything, you’re goin’ to be proud -of me!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, then,” he tried to throw off his disappointment, -“I suppose you know I’ll have to take care of -my mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course,” she answered emphatically. “It’s -only right for you to do that.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, you know, I don’t make a million a month. -It will mean a lot of scrimping.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“That will be all right with me,” she assured him, -“I’m used to scrimpin’. I ain’t never done nothin’ -else since I can remember.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“We’ll have to look about for a flat. I’d like to -stay in this neighborhood in order to be near -mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t see why we don’t keep your flat,” she -suggested, as a vision of the “handsome” furniture -appeared before her. “It would be easier to get a -couple of rooms for your mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Turn mother out of her home!” For a moment -he was angry with Kate Walsh. What could she -mean? “Impossible!” He shut his teeth with a -click.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Don’t get sore at me, Howard.” There were -tears in her voice, and a tremble that soothed the -anger. After all, this little girl didn’t understand, -he remembered. It was her training. “I didn’t -mean nothin’ by that,” she went on as she timidly -touched his arm. “I was just tryin’ to figure out the -most savin’ way.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to get cross with -you—but I can’t bear to think about hurting my -mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Child as she was, though, Kate Walsh was a true -daughter of Eve. She knew what she wanted. And -she knew how to get it. From the moment of her -first view of the dainty little apartment Marjorie -had worked so hard to make homelike and pleasing, -this little child of the people whose beauty had -bound Howard Benton to her in bonds unbreakable, -had made up her mind that it should be her own.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She slipped her arm through Howard’s and -reached downward with her hand till the warm -fingers found their way into his own. Her whole -warm, round little body snuggled up to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know much, as I told you, dear, but I -think you’re kind of silly, Howard,” she began coaxing. -“I just bet your mother would say the same -thing herself. First of all, she’d never be wantin’ -no four-room flat all by herself. Besides, ain’t it -easier for one person to move into a couple of rooms -than for us to have to hustle around and buy furniture -and things?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Maybe—you’re right,” he admitted. “But it -seems so cruel, I’m afraid she wouldn’t see it as we -do——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I just bet she would!” the girl interrupted. -“She’s got lots of good sense. Why don’t you ask -her and see?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes—I suppose that would be the proper thing -to do.” But he sighed at the prospect of such a proposed -interview with the mother who had done so -much for him; been so much to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>When he returned home, he found his mother -seated by the table in the dining room. She hadn’t -even attempted to clear the supper things away and -he could not help but notice that her eyes were red -and swollen with weeping.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, mother?” He tenderly touched her -shoulder.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, dear—yes.” She reached up and patted -his hand.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I know you’re dreadfully disappointed. I—I’m -<span class='it'>sorry</span>, mother.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie shook her head sadly. She must control -herself before speaking. Howard moved a chair -over opposite her and sat down.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You must give me a little time, Howard,” she -said slowly. “This has all happened so suddenly—it -is difficult for me to grasp.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well you expected me to marry—some day. -Didn’t you, mother?” he asked gently.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, dear—yes!” she assured him. “I’ve -always wanted you to marry and have a home—and -babies—and—” Her sobs choked her, and she -could not finish.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps. But you don’t like Katie! It’s true -she hasn’t an education, but——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It isn’t <span class='it'>that</span>,” she interrupted him. “I can’t hold -the girl responsible for circumstances preventing her -from obtaining one. It’s—it’s the difference!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“The difference?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” she hurried on. “The great chasm—between -you. You’re blinded by love now, dear, so -you think that the only thing lacking in this girl you -love is education, something one can always remedy -to a certain extent. But it isn’t that. It’s the natural -refinement, the inborn breeding, which go to constitute -the lady. Those are the things she lacks. They -are the things bound to raise a wall between you -such as you will never be able to scale.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But mother,” Howard attempted to argue, “real -love should be able to overcome every obstacle, -haven’t you always held that?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Love could do a great deal, my son—if the break -were only half or less than half way even. But you -haven’t a thing in common with this girl. She is -so entirely out of your class.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“And—just what do you call my class?” Howard -asked, with the impatience of the youth suddenly become -a man, to whom the stings of pain of two years -past were still fresh. “A girl like Nell Thurston, -I suppose,” he suggested bitterly, “a fair weather -friend who at the first hint of trouble packs her -trunks, leaves for California, and marries the first -man she meets.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You can’t judge every girl by that one.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, nearly all of the society butterflies I ever -met were of the same sort,” he answered scornfully. -“Besides, I’m away from all that now. You know, -we’re living an entirely different life from that of -two years ago.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton was at a loss for words. She -felt that here was a situation that required the utmost -diplomacy. She prayed for strength, but it came not.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Howard,” she asked slowly and thoughtfully, -her eyes on her son’s face to lose no shade of expression. -“Have you absolutely made up your mind -to marry this—Katie Walsh?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, mother, I have,” he answered firmly, but -gently. And watching him, Marjorie Benton knew -that no matter what else she and Hugh might have -endowed him with, that Howard had inherited the -stubbornness that had been so big a part of both -their natures, that had wrought so much ruin to -them both. She knew that it was inevitable that the -illiterate little Irish girl would become the wife of -her son. “I love her. I can’t tell you how dearly! -I was very lonely when I met her, and she crept into -my heart. She’s a good, true girl, and after we’re -married, you and I can teach her together.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie Benton bowed her head to Fate’s decree. -She had done what she could. She had tried before—and -failed. But it was left for her this night to -see the new monument to Hope she had raised up -lie crumbling in ruins at her feet.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I can’t say anything more to you, Howard,” she -said falteringly, “because I love you too much, dear, -to stand in the way of your happiness. I’ll just ask -God to bless you—and I’ll pray that it is all for the -best.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Mother, dear.” He leapt from his chair to kiss -her. “You’re such a <span class='it'>brick</span>! You’ve made me -so happy!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’m glad of that.” She smiled up into his eager -face, but he could not see the smile was soulless. He -had turned to pace up and down, fidgeting about -uneasily. Suddenly he stopped in front of his -mother who had not moved. “I have something else -to tell you, mother,” he gulped, “and I—I don’t -know just how—to say it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Marjorie reached for his hand and stroked it -gently. “You mustn’t hesitate to tell me anything,” -she assured him. “We’ve been very close to each -other since—since we came here. There must never -again be a lack of confidence between us.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I’ll have to tell you, mother.” He clasped his -hands behind him, and cleared his throat. “I hope -you won’t misunderstand—you’ve got out of the way -of misunderstanding me since—since—” he stammered.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His mother nodded encouragingly. “You -know I love you,” he hurried on, “but I love Katie, -too. We want to be married very soon, and she—we—want -to start—living alone.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You—you mean—you want to move?” She -closed her eyes for a moment, “into a place of your -own? You want to live—by yourselves? I—I can’t -blame you for that—only—only—it is going to be -very lonely here—without you.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I’ll see you every day, mother—and so will -Katie.” He was eager as the words tumbled over -each other in his hurry to have done with the disagreeable -task his promised wife had set him. “We—we -don’t want to move! Katie likes this place -very much—and it is just the right size—for us. -We—we thought—if we could find you—a couple -of rooms—in the neighborhood—you know—near -to us—it would be fine—and it would be much easier—for -you to move than it would be—for us—to—to—find -a place.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>He was scarlet when he finished, and he could not -lift his eyes from the floor. The mother sat as if -carved in stone. But the only emotion she betrayed -was a slight quivering of the lips, and a sudden -twitching of her eyelids.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I—I’ll always take care of you, dear,” Howard -hastened to assure her. “Every week you shall have -a certain amount of my pay.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You—you couldn’t do it, dear.” Marjorie -found her voice at last, although it was faint and -trembled pitifully. “You couldn’t afford to keep up -two homes.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, I can!” he eagerly plead. “Kate says -she doesn’t mind scrimping at all—she doesn’t care -how hard we have to struggle. Only she’s taken it -into her head that she doesn’t want to live with—her—mother-in-law.” -His voice was a husky whisper -as the word he knew would flay his mother, -came.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>A sob that she could not choke broke on the stillness. -In a moment Howard was on his knees beside -her, his arms holding her close.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Please, mother!” he begged. “Don’t feel that -way! I love you just the same—but I’m a man now, -and I’ve met the woman I want to marry. This -comes into everyone’s life.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Her arm closed about his neck and she held him -close.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, my dear—my dear!” and now the sobs came -unchecked. “You’re so precious to me—all that is -left to me in the world! Husband! Daughter! -All gone! Only you, dear,—only you!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“But I’m not going, mother. Don’t you understand? -I’ll see you as much as ever.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—why can’t I stay here?” In her despair, -she pleaded frantically. “I’ll keep to myself—I—I -won’t interfere with a thing. I won’t be in anyone’s -way—I just want to be where I can see you—where -I can be near you—should you need me! See, -I’m throwing away all my pride, dear,” as she -slipped to her knees, “and begging you to let me stay—because—I -love you so—I love you so!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hush, mother.” He lifted her from her knees, -and wiped his eyes. “You’re making this very hard -for me. You know I wouldn’t intentionally hurt you -for the world. I’ve talked this over again and again -with Kate—but she won’t have it any other way. I—I -don’t know what to do.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s—all right, dear,” she whispered, but the tone -was barely audible and broken. “It’s all right! I—I’ll -go.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“I know just as soon as you’re calm, mother, you -will see things in a different light.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, dear—I understand, dear!” she said quietly, -but the voice was one of despair that the son did -not recognize nor heed. “I’ll be calm and <span class='it'>sensible</span>! -You want me to be——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, dear. Please try—I’ll be back in a minute.” -He went into his room and closed the door.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With a calmness that was appalling she sat where -he had left her, staring in front of her with glassy -eyes. How long it had been with her she did not -know, but she slowly became conscious of the physical -pain gnawing at her heart. Oh, how she welcomed -it! She wanted it to hurt and hurt until it -would carry her off, where she would be free from -pain forever. In a moment’s time, there flashed -before her a panoramic view of her life. Oh, God, -how useless—how in vain—it had all been! And -now (she stretched her arms out before her) she -stood ready to go out into the future—alone! -Alone! Alone!</p> - -<div><h1>CHAPTER XXII</h1></div> - -<p class='pindent'>“Out into the future—alone! Alone! Alone!” -Marjorie Benton read the words aloud.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a moment she sat very still, looking -about her in bewilderment.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—oh!” she exclaimed, and again: “O-o-h!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>She jumped up from her comfortable wicker chair -and ran to the bedroom door. She opened it softly. -There in their little cribs, sound asleep, were Elinor -and Howard. She looked about the room once more -and sighed contentedly. Yes, here she was in her -own wonderful little kitchen. She picked up the -book she had been reading and which had dropped -to the floor and placed it on the table. She looked -at it, and turned with a shudder.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>The door opened quietly, and Hugh tiptoed in.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why darling!” he whispered, mindful of the -babies. “Up yet? It’s after twelve o’clock.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With a little scream of delight, Marjorie ran to -him and threw herself into his arms.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Hugh! Oh Hugh, darling!” she exclaimed -breathlessly. Again and again she kissed him. -“Dearest—sweetheart! Is it you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, honey girl!” Hugh laughed as he held her -in his arms. “If this is the reception I receive after -being away a few hours, I think I’ll have to go somewhere -and stay a week.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You are my own sweetheart, aren’t you, Hugh?” -She pinched his arms, and felt of his shoulders and -chest.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Of course, I am! What’s the matter with you, -dear?” He shook her gently. “I’ve never seen you -act this way before?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Nothing—only I’m so <span class='it'>happy</span>, dear.” She -laughed hysterically as she clung to him. “Because -you’re you—and I’m me—and our babies are ours—and -this——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Whatever in the wide world—” Hugh was -emphatically nonplused.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His wife giggled at his perplexity.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Goose!” she chided playfully. “Can’t I have a -few dramatics for myself, and ease up some of my -emotions.” But as she saw his concerned expression -as he looked at her so closely, she added: “Well, if -you must know, here’s the answer. You know how -I love to read a book and always put you in the -hero’s place and make myself the heroine——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I know all about that, you little romancer,” -he laughed, and he pinched her flushed cheek. “According -to the different people you’ve been, you must -be hundreds of years old!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You can make fun of me—I don’t care,” she -pouted. “Well, after you left, Mrs. Birmingham -sent me some books to read for her. And I’ve been -reading this one!” She picked it up, only to drop -it as though it burned her. “It’s all about a young -couple like us,” she informed, “and they had two -babies, a boy and a girl, and so I put Howard and -Elinor in their places. I had just finished the story -when you came in.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, it certainly must have been exciting, judging -from the way I found you when I came in.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It was—terrible—dear!” She shuddered. “The -man became very wealthy through an inheritance, -but I pretended it was through an invention—Darling, -what about you—I forgot to ask you?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Finish telling me your story first, and then I’ll -tell you,” he answered quietly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“There isn’t anything more to tell. Only the most -dreadful things happened to them all. You can’t -imagine how happy I was when I realized I had -only been reading a book,” she sighed, “and now, -dear, how about you? Were you successful?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why—why,” he hesitated for a moment, “yes, -dear—I——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh—no—no dear—don’t tell me that!” There -was a catch in her voice as her hand went out to him -pleadingly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Why, darling, I don’t understand you.” He -tried to look into her eyes. “I thought you wanted -to be rich—to live in New York and do all the things -you had planned?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no—no.” She threw her arms about him. -“I just want to stay here—with my babies, and my -husband, and—my happiness!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Well, if that’s the way you feel about it, sweetheart, -then I’ll tell you the truth,” Hugh answered. -“I fibbed to you just now—I didn’t succeed.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You <span class='it'>didn’t</span> succeed?” Her eyes sparkled as she -asked the question.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No, dear.” He shook his head. “I’m an utter -failure. My invention isn’t worth anything just yet. -I’m afraid we’ll just have to remain poor—for -awhile.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’m so happy!” Marjorie exclaimed joyously. -“But we can never be poor, dear, while we -possess love, the greatest fortune in the world!”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Sweetheart!” He kissed her again. “Tell me -what it was that made you change your ideas?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It was just the book I read to-night, dear—that’s -all,” she answered solemnly. “The book God must -have sent me in time—just to open my eyes.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“This little thing?” He picked up the volume -from where Marjorie had dropped it on the table. -He read the title aloud. “Hmmph! ‘Building -Castles!’ Why that should have pleased you, dear,” -he remarked, with a grin. “Isn’t that what you’re -always doing?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“No more! No more!” Marjorie shook her -head till the blonde curls threatened to loosen their -holding pins. “I have all the castle I want right -here. Why, just look around this room! Isn’t it -wonderful?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh glanced carelessly about.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It’s a comfortable enough kitchen,” he remarked -casually, “but I don’t see any particular wonders -about it.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, don’t you?” Marjorie’s nose went up in the -air and she sniffed. “Why, just look at this chair!” -And she whirled the wicker rocker she had sat in -during the evening before him. “It’s a genuine -Louis the Fifteenth,” she informed him solemnly. -“That mirror,”—her hand swept in a gesture to include -it, “yes, I mean the one you use to shave by in -the cold weather,—but it’s from the salon of the -Empress Josephine, nevertheless. And this table,—” -the hand came to rest on the small table on which -rested her books and the basket of neglected mending, -“—why famous men and women have gathered——”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh swept her to him, ending her explanations -with the bear hug his wife always welcomed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Little witch!” he teased. “Seeing everything -just the way you want it. But tell me, seriously, -sweetheart,” and he lifted her face to look closely -into her eyes. “I know you’ve been living on the -heights for some time through your belief in me. -Tell me, have you really decided you don’t want to -live in New York?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His wife snuggled closer to him.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“ ‘The heights!’ ” she repeated. “No, Hugh -dear,—I’m willing to let who will live on the hilltops -of life. For me, the valley. The only place -I wish to live the rest of my life is in the Valley of -Content.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>For a long moment—a moment when all misunderstanding -was wiped out forever—Hugh Benton -held his wife close to him. Then he leaned over and -placed a kiss on her bright hair that swept his -bosom.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“You’ve chosen the only place where you can always -be happy, dear,” he said softly.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>His head came up with a start. Marjorie drew -away from him, to listen sharply.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Did you hear something?” he asked her, his eyes -on the bedroom door.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>With finger uplifted for caution, Marjorie Benton -tiptoed to the door from behind which had come -the disturbing sound, and softly turned the knob. -Hugh watched her with eyes of love as she disappeared. -But in a moment she was back with him, -the door as softly closed behind her.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“It was Elinor,” she told him. “She was sleeping -on her back. Something made her cry in her sleep.”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dreaming, I suppose—just like her mother!” -In his light-hearted relief, Hugh could not refrain -from teasing, but Marjorie only laughed.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Dreaming that Howard had broken her dolly, -probably,” she agreed. “Precious baby! I turned -her on her side and tucked her in. She’ll sleep till -morning. Ready for tea, dear?”</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Hugh nodded and slumped with a contented sigh -into his seat beside the little table where Marjorie -had placed her best chocolate plates and the cups for -their tea. Before the stove, Marjorie squinted a -moment at her fire. Then she lifted the stove lid -and carefully placed a shovelful of coal on the half -dying embers. The tea pot was ready with its aromatic -herbs. She had seen to that, too. She lifted -the kettle of boiling water from where it sang its -contented tune on the back of the polished stove.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>Then a sudden memory came to her. She turned, -uplifted kettle in her hand to the husband who -watched her with prideful eyes.</p> - -<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Hugh, dear,” she remembered, “on your -way to work in the morning, will you stop in at -Thompson’s and send me out twelve yards of tennis -flannel? I must make some new nighties for the -babies. And be sure to send pink; it always washes -so much better than blue——”</p> - -<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:2em;'>THE END.</p> - -<hr class='tbk107'/> - -<p class='line' style='margin-top:2em;font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;'><a id='notes'></a>Transcriber’s Notes:</p> - -<p class='noindent'>A few obvious punctuation and typesetting errors have been corrected -without note.</p> - -<p class='line'> </p> - -<p class='noindent'>[End of <span class='it'>The Valley of Content</span> by Blanche Upright]</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VALLEY OF CONTENT ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions - whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms - of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online - at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> - </body> - <!-- created with fpgen.py 4.64a on 2022-03-13 19:33:58 GMT --> -</html> diff --git a/old/67728-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/67728-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index af3c91e..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67728-h/images/i001.jpg b/old/67728-h/images/i001.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b85161d..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h/images/i001.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67728-h/images/i094.jpg b/old/67728-h/images/i094.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f61b596..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h/images/i094.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67728-h/images/i191.jpg b/old/67728-h/images/i191.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a53a0b7..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h/images/i191.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67728-h/images/i284.jpg b/old/67728-h/images/i284.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7e6922d..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h/images/i284.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67728-h/images/logo.jpg b/old/67728-h/images/logo.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 890fa7a..0000000 --- a/old/67728-h/images/logo.jpg +++ /dev/null |
