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Title:KatherineLauderdale;vol.1of2

Author:F.MarionCrawford

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KATHARINELAUDERDALE

colophon

F.MarionCrawfordwithsignature.

F.MarionCrawfordwithsignature.

KATHARINELAUDERDALE

BY

F.MARIONCRAWFORD

Authorof“saracinesca,”“PietroGhisleri,”etc.

Vol.I

WithIllustrationsbyAlfredBrennan

NewYork

MACMILLANANDCO.

ANDLONDON

1894

Allrightsreserved

Copyright,1893,

ByF.MARIONCRAWFORD.

NorwoodPress:

J.S.Cushing&Co.—Berwick&Smith.

Boston,Mass.,U.S.A.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTERI.1

CHAPTERII.25

CHAPTERIII.47

CHAPTERIV.69

CHAPTERV.92

CHAPTERVI.113

CHAPTERVII.137

CHAPTERVIII.159

CHAPTERIX.182

CHAPTERX.200

CHAPTERXI.223

CHAPTERXII.244

CHAPTERXIII.266

CHAPTERXIV.288

CHAPTERXV.312

LISTOFILLUSTRATIONS.

Vol.I.

PAGE

“Aplaceprobablyuniqueintheworld”10

“Sherosesuddenlyandpretendedtobusyherselfwiththesinglelight”79

“‘Whathaveyoudecided?’sheenquired”203

“‘Kitty—don’tdowhatI’vedone,’shesaidearnestly”257

KATHERINELAUDERDALE.

CHAPTERI.

“Ipreferthedarkstyle,myself—likemycousin,”saidJohnRalston,thoughtfully.

“Andyouwillthereforenaturallymarryafairwoman,”answeredhiscompanion,HamiltonBright,stoppingtolookatthedisplayinaflorist’swindow.Ralstonstoodstillbesidehim.

“Queerthings—orchids,”heobserved.

“Why?”NothingintheworldseemedqueerorunnaturaltoBright,whowasnormallyconstitutedinallrespects,andhadacceptedtheuniversewithoutcomment.

“Iamnotsurewhy.Ithinkthesoulmustlooklikeanorchid.”

“YouareasbadasaBostongirl,”laughedBright.“Alwaysthinkingofyoursoul!Whyshouldthesoulbelikeanorchid,anymorethanlikeabananaoraturnip?”

“Itmustbelikesomething,”saidRalston,inexplanation.

“Ifit’sanything,it’sfaithinagaseousstate,mydearman,andthereforeevenlessvisibleandlesslikeanythingthanthecommonormarketfaith,sotosay—thekindyougetatfromtencentstoadollartheseat’sworth,onSundays,accordingtothechargeattheparticularplaceofworshipyourcravingforsalvationleadsyoutofrequent.”

“Iprefertotakemineinamoreportableshape,”answeredRalston,grimly.“Bythebottle—notbytheseat—andverydry.”

“Yes—ifyougoon,you’llgetonesortoffaith—thelivelyevidenceofthingsunseen—snakes,forinstance.”

Brightlaughedagainashespoke,butheglancedathisfriendwithalookofinterestwhichhadsomeanxietyinit.JohnRalstonwassaidtodrink,andBrightwashisgoodangel,everstrivingtobeentertainedunawares,andlaughingwhenhewasfoundoutinhisgoodintentions.ButifBrightwasaverynormalbeing,Ralstonwasaveryabnormalone,andwas,tosomeextent,aweakman,thoughnoteasilyinfluencedbystrongmen.Aglanceathisfacewouldhaveconvincedanyoneofthat—akeen,nervous,darkface,withthosedeeplinesfromthenostrilstothecornersofthemouthwhichdenoteuncertain,andevendangeroustempers—asquare,bonyjaw,aggressiveratherthanfirm,butnotcoarse—thenose,aquilinebutdelicate—theeyes,brown,restless,andbright,theprominenceofthetemplesconcealingtheeyelidsentirelywhenraised—theforehead,broad,high,andvisiblyleanlikeallthefeatures—thehair,blackandstraight—thecheekbones,moderatelyprominent.PossiblyJohnRalstonhadadashoftheIndianinhisphysicalinheritance,whichshoweditself,asitalmostalwaysdoes,inamelancholicdisposition,greatenduranceandanunnaturalloveofexcitementinalmostanyshape,togetherwithaninbornidlenesswhichitwashardtoovercome.

Nothingismoredifficultthantoconveybywordswhatshouldbeunderstoodbyactualseeing.Thereareaboutfifteenhundredmillionhumanbeingsaliveto-day,notwoofwhomareexactlyalike,andwehavereallybutafewhundredsofwordswithwhichtodescribeanyhumanbeingatall.Theargumentthatafewoctavesofnotesfurnishallthemusicthereis,cannotbebroughtagainstusasareproach.Wecannotspeakadozenwordsatonceandproduceasingleimpression,anymorethanwecanputthenounbeforethearticleaswemaystrikeanyonenotebeforeorafteranother.SoIhavemadeacknowledgmentofinabilitytodotheimpossible,andapologyfornotbeingsuperhuman.

JohnRalstonwasdark,good-looking,nervous,excitable,enduring,anddecidedlydissipated,attheageoffiveandtwentyyears,whichhehadlatelyattainedatthetimeofthepresenttale.Ofhisothergifts,peculiaritiesandfailings,hisspeech,conversationandactionswillgiveanaccount.Asforhispositioninlife,hewastheonlysonofKatharineRalston,widowofAdmiral

RalstonoftheUnitedStatesNavy,whohadbeendeadseveralyears.

Mrs.Ralston’smaidennamehadbeenLauderdale,andshewasofScotchdescent.Hercousin,AlexanderLauderdale,marriedaMissCamperdown,aRomanCatholicgirlofaKentuckyfamily,andhadtwochildren,bothdaughters,theelderofwhomwasMrs.BenjaminSlayback,wifeofthewell-knownmemberofCongress.TheyoungerwasKatharineLauderdale,namedafterherfather’scousin,Mrs.Ralston,andshewasthedarkcousinwhomJohnadmired.

HamiltonBrightwasadistantrelativetobothofthesepersons.Butbyhisfather’ssidehehadnotoriginallybelongedtoNewYork,astheothersdid,buthadsettledthereafterspendingsomeyearsofhisearlyyouthinCaliforniaandNevada,andhadgoneintobusiness.AtfourandthirtyhewasthejuniorpartnerintheimportantfirmofBemanBrothersandCompany,Bankers,whohadamagnificentbuildingoftheirowninBroadStreet,andwereverysolidlyprosperous,havingshownthemselvestobeamongthefittesttosurvivethefinancialstormsofthelasthalfcentury.Ralston’sfriendwasastrong,squarelybuilt,veryfairman,ofwhatisgenerallycalledtheSaxontype.Atfirstsight,heinspiredconfidence,andhisclearblueeyesweresteadyandtrue.Hehadthatfacultyoflookingalmostsuperhumanlyneatandspotlessunderallcircumstances,whichistheprerogativeofmenwithstraight,flaxenhair,pinkandwhitecomplexions,andperfectteeth.Itwaseasytopredictthathewouldbecometoostoutwithadvancingyears,andhewasalreadyaheavyman,thoughnotmorethanhalfaninchtallerthanhisfriendanddistantcousin,JohnRalston.Butnoonewouldhavebelievedatfirstsightthathewasnineyearsolderthanthelatter.

Thenatureoffriendshipbetweenmenhasbeenalmostasmuchdiscussedasthatoflovebetweenmanandwoman,butwithverydifferentresults.Helaughsattheideaoffriendshipwhoturnsalittlepaleatthememoryoflove.Atallevents,mostofusfeelthatfriendshipisgenerallyalesscertainandundeniablething,inasmuchasitishardertoexcludefromittheelementofpersonalinterestandadvantage.Thefactprobablyis,thatnoonepersoncanpossiblycombinealltheelementssupposedtomakeupwhateveryonemeansbyfriendship.Itwouldbefarmorereasonabletoconstructonefriendshipoutofmanypersons,securingineachofthemoneatleastofthequalitiesnecessary.Forinstance,thediscreetman,towhomitissafetotellsecretswhentheymustbetoldatall,isnotasamatterofcoursethemanmostcapableofgivingthebestadvice;nor,ifacertainindividualisextremelygenerousandreadytolendallhehastohisfriend,doesit

followthathepossessesthetough,manlynaturethatwillfacepublicscornratherthanabandonthatfriendinhishourofneed.Somemen,too,wantsympathyintheirtroubles,andwillhaveit,evenatthecostofcommonsense.Othersneedencouragement;others,again,needmostofalltobetoldtheunpleasanttruthaboutthemselvesinthemostpleasantformpracticable.Altogetheritseemsprobablethattheidealfriendmusteitherbeanaltogethersuperhumanpersonage,orafailureinsofarashisownlifeisconcerned.

HamiltonBrightapproachedasnearlytothatidealashishumanitywouldallow.HedidnotintheleasttroublehimselftofindoutwhyhelikedRalston,andwishedtobeofservicetohim,andhewiselyaskedfornothingwhateverinreturnforwhathegave.Buthewasveryfarfromlookinguptohim,andperhapsevenfromrespectinghimashewishedthathemight.Hesimplylikedhimbetterthanothermen,andstoodbyhimwhenheneededhelp,whichoftenhappened.

Theylefttheflorist’swindowandwalkedslowlyupFifthAvenue.JohnRalstonwasabornNewYorkerandpreferredhisowncitytoanyotherplaceintheworldwiththatsolid,satisfactory,unreasoningprejudicewhichbelongsespeciallytoNewYorkersandParisians,andofwhichitisuselesstoattemptanyexplanation.HamiltonBright,onthecontrary,oftenwishedhimselfaway,andinspiteofhisexcessivelycorrectappearanceeventheeasyformalityofAmericanmetropolitanlifewasirksometohim.HehadlovedtheWest,andinthemidstofgreatinterestsandadvantages,heregrettedhisformerexistenceanddailylongedfortheclearerairandbolderbreathofNevada.Theonlyobjectsaboutwhichheeverdisplayedmuchenthusiasmweresilverandcattle,aboutwhichRalstonknewnothingandcaredless.

“Whenisittobe?”askedBrightafteralongsilence.

Ralstonlookedathimquickly.

“What?”heaskedinashorttone.

Brightdidnotansweratonce,andwhenhespokehisvoicewasratherdullandlow.

“Whenareyougoingtobemarried?Everybodyknowsthatyouareengaged.”

“Theneverybodyiswrong.Iamnotengaged.”

“Oh—Ithoughtyouwere.Allright.”

Anotherpausefollowedandtheywalkedon.

“AlexanderJuniorsaidIwasafailure,”observedRalstonatlast.“Thatwassometimeago.”

“Oh—wasthatthetrouble?”

Brightdidnotseemtoexpectanyreplytothequestion,buthistonewasthoughtful.

“Yes,”answeredRalston,withashort,discontentedlaugh.“HesaidthatIwasofnousewhatever,thatIneverdidanythingandnevershould.”

“Thatsettledit,Isuppose.”

“Yes.Thatsettledit.Therewasnothingmoretobesaid—onhisside,atleast.”

“Andhowaboutyourside?”

“Weshallsee.”

Ralstonshuthislipsviciouslyandhisclean-cut,prominentchinlookeddeterminedenough.

“Thefactis,”saidhisfriend,“thatAlexanderJuniorwasnotsoawfullyfarwrong—aboutthepast,atallevents.Youneverdidanythinginyourlifeexceptmakeyourselfagreeable.Andyoudon’tseemtohavesucceededinthatwithhim.”

“Oh,heusedtothinkmeagreeableenough,”laughedtheyoungerman.“Heusedtoplaybilliardswithmebythemonthforhisliver,andthencallmeidleforplayingwithhim.IsupposethatifIhadgivenupbilliardshewouldhavebeenimpressedwiththeideathatIwasabouttoreform.Itwouldn’thavecostmemuch.Ihatedthestupidgameandonlyplayedtoamusehim.”

“Allthesame—IwishIhadyourchances—Imean,IwishImayhaveasgoodachanceasyou,whenIthinkofgettingmarried.”

“Mychances!”Ralstondidnotsmilenow,andhistonewasharshasherepeatedthewords.Heglancedathiscompanion.“Whenwillthatbe?”heaskedafteramoment’spause.“Whydon’tyougetmarried,Ham?I’veoftenwondered.Butthen—you’resocursedlyreasonableabouteverything!Isupposeyou’llsticktothesingleticketaslongasyouhavestrengthtoresist,andthenyou’llmarryanurse.Wiseman!”

“Thankyou.You’reasencouragingasusual.”

“Youdon’tneedencouragementabit,oldman.You’resofullofitanyhow,thatyoucansparealotforotherpeople.Youhaveadeucedgoodeffectonmyliver,Ham.Doyouknowit?Yououghttolookpleased.”

“Oh,yes.Iam.Ionlywishtheencouragementmightlastalittlelonger.”

“Ican’thelpbeinggloomysometimes—ratheroften,Ioughttosay.IfancyI’mabornundertaker,orsomethingtodowithfunerals.I’vetriedalotofotherthingsforafewdaysandfailed—IthinkI’lltrythat.Bytheby,I’mverythirstyandhere’stheHoffmanHouse.”

“It’snotfartotheclub,ifyouwanttodrink,”observedBright,stoppingonthepavement.

“Youneedn’tcomein,ifyouthinkit’sdamagingtoyourreputation,”answeredRalston.

“Myreputationwouldstandagooddealofknockingabout,”laughedBright.“IthinkmycharacterwouldbearthreenightsaweekinaBowerysaloonandsparetimeputinnowandtheninaUniversityPlacebar,withoutanyparticularharm.”

“ByJove!Iwishminewould!”

“Itwon’t,”saidBright.“ButIwasn’tthinkingofyourreputation,norofanythingespecialexceptthatthingsaregenerallybetterataclubthanatahotel.”

“TheBrutisgoodhere.I’vetriedit—often.Comealong.”

“I’llwaitforyououtside.I’mnotthirsty.”

“Itoldyouso,”retortedRalston.“You’reafraidsomebodywillseeyou.”

“You’reanidiot,Jack!”

ThereuponBrightledthewayintothegorgeousbar,aplaceprobablyuniqueintheworld.AnumberofpicturesbygreatFrenchmastershangonthewalls—picturesunrivalled,perhaps,inbeautyofexecutionandinsolenceofconception.Therestisablazeofpolishedmarbleandwoodworkandgleamingmetal.

Ralstonnoddedtothebar-tender.

“Whatwillyouhave?”heasked,turningtoBright.

“Nothing,thanks.I’mnotthirsty.”

“Oh—allright,”answeredRalstondiscontentedly.“I’llhaveapintofIrroyBrutwithabitoflemonpeelinit.Champagneisn’twine—it’s

“Aplaceprobablyuniqueintheworld.”—Vol.I.,p.10.

“Aplaceprobablyuniqueintheworld.”—Vol.I.,p.10.

onlyabeverage,”headded,turningtoBrightasthoughtoexplainhisreasonsforwantingsomuch.

“Iquiteagreewithyou,”saidBright,lightingacigar.“Champagneisn’twine,andit’snotfittodrinkatthebest.Eithergivemewinethatiswine,orgivemewhiskey.”

“Whicheveryoulike.”

“Didyousaywhiskey,sir?”enquiredthebar-tender,whowasintheactofrubbingtherimofapintglasswithalemonpeel.

“Nothing,thankyou.I’mnotthirsty,”answeredBrightathirdtime.

“Hallo,Bright,mylittleman!Whatareyoudoinghere?Oh—JackRalston—Isee.”

ThespeakerwasaveryminuteandcheerfulspecimenofhumanNewYorkclublife,—pink-cheeked,black-eyed,neatandbrisk,notmorethanfivefeetsixinchesinheight,roundasalittlebarrel,withtinyhandsandfeet.Hewatched

Ralston,assoonashenoticedhim.Thebar-tenderhademptiedthepintbottleofchampagneintotheglassandRalstonhadsetittohislipswiththeevidentintentionoffinishingitatadraught.

“Holdon,Jack!”criedFrankMiner,thesmallman.“Isay—easythere!You’llhaveapoplexyorsomething—Isay—”

“Don’tspeaktoamanonhisdrink,Frank,”saidBright,calmly.“WhenIdrovecattleintheNacimientoValleyweusedtoshootforthat.”

“Ishallavoidthatplace,”answeredMiner.

Ralstondrewalongbreathashesetdowntheemptyglass.

“Iwantedthat,”hesaid,halftohimself.“Hallo,Frank—isthatyou?Whatwillyouhave?”

“Nothing—now—thankyou,”answeredMiner.“I’vesatisfiedmythirstandcuredmytendencytovicebyseeingyoutakethatdown.You’reabeautifulsightandanawfulexampleforathirstyman.Getphotographed,Jack—theycouldselllotsofcopiesattemperancemeetings.Heardthestoryaboutthetemperancetracts?Stopmeifyouhave.ManwentouttosellteetotaltractsinMissouri.Camebackandhisfriendsweresurprisedtoseehimalive.‘Neverhadsuchagoodtimeinmylife,’saidhe.‘EverymantowhomIofferedatractpulledoutapistolandsaid,“DrinkorI’llshoot.”AndhereIam.’There’sachanceforyou,Jack,whenyougetstuck.”

BrightandRalstonlaughedatthelittleman’sstoryandallthreeturnedandleftthebar-roomtogether.

“Seentheoldgentlemanlately?”enquiredFrankMiner,astheycameoutuponthepavement.

“DoyoumeanuncleRobert?”askedBright.

“Yes—cousinRobert,aswecallhim.”

“Italwaysamusesmetohearalittlechaplikeyoucallingthatoldgiant‘cousin,’”saidBright.

“Helikesit.Itmakeshimfeelfrisky.Besides,heisasortofcousin.MyuncleThompsonmarriedMargaretLauderdale—”

“Oh,yes—Iknowallaboutthegenealogy,”laughedBright.

“WhowasRobertLauderdale’sowncousin,”continuedMiner.“AndasRobertLauderdaleisyourgreat-uncleandJackRalston’sgreat-uncle,thatmakesyousecondcousinstoeachotherandmakesmeyour—letmesee—both—”

“Shutup,Frank!”exclaimedRalston.“You’vegotitallwrongagain.UncleRobertisn’tBright’sgreat-uncle.He’sfirstcousintoyourdeceasedauntMargaret,whowasBright’sgrandmother,andyou’refirstcousintohismotherandfirstcousin,onceremoved,tohim;andhe’smythirdcousinandyou’renorelationtomeatall,exceptbyyouruncle’smarriage,andifyouwanttoknowanythingmoreaboutityouhaveyourchoicebetweenthefamilyBibleandtheBloomingdaleinsaneasylum—whichisaquiet,healthyplace,wellsituated.”

“Wellthen,whatrelationamItomycousinRobert?”askedMiner,withagrin.

“Animaginaryrelation,mydearboy.”

“Oh,Isay!Andhisbeingmyveryownauntbymarriage’sowncousinisnottocountforanything,becauseyoutwoaresuchbigdevilsandIamonlyalightweight,andyoucouldpolishyourbootswithmeifImadeafuss!It’stoobad!Uponmyword,bruteforcerulessocietyasmuchasiteverdidinthemiddleages.Sotheregoesmylong-cherishedclaimuponarichrelation.However,you’vedestroyedtheillusionsooftenbeforethatIknowhowtoresurrectit.”

“Forthatmatter,”saidBright,“thefactisaboutasillusoryastheillusionitself.IfyouinsistuponbeingconsideredasoneoftheLauderdaletribe,we’regladtohaveyouonyourownmerits—butyou’llgetnothingoutofitbuttheglory—”

“Iknow.Itgivesmeafictitiousairofrespectabilitytobeoneofyou.Besides,youshouldbeproudtohaveamanofletters—”

“Sayanauthoratonce,”suggestedRalston.

“No.I’mhonest,ifI’manything,—whichisdoubtful.Amanofletters,Isay,canbeusefulinafamily.Suppose,forinstance,thatJackinventedanelectricstreet-dog,or—”

“What?”enquiredRalston,withashowofinterest.“Anelectricwhat?”

“Iwasonlythinkingofsomethingnew,”saidMiner,thoughtfully.

“Ithoughtyousaid,anelectricstreet-dog—”

“Idid—yes.Somethingofthatsort,justforillustration.IbelievetheyhadoneatChicago,withanindia-rubberpuppy,—atleast,iftheydidn’t,theyoughttohavehadit,—butanythingofthekindwoulddo—self-dryingchampagne—anything!SupposethatJackinventedsomethingusefullikethat,Icouldwriteitupinthepapers,andgetupadvertisementsforit,andhelpthefamilytogetrich.”

“Isthatthesortofliteratureyoucultivate?”askedBright.

“Oh,no!Muchmoreflowery—quiteliketheflowersofthefieldinsomeways,foritcomethup—totheeditor’soffice—inthemorning,andintheevening,ifnotsooner,itiscutdown—bytheeditor—driedup,andwithered,orotherwisedisposedof,sothatitcannotbesaidtoreachthegeneralpublic.”

“Notverypaying,Ishouldthink.”

“Well—nottome.Butofcourse,iftherewerenotsomuchofitofferedtothemagazinesandpapers,therewouldn’tbesomanypeopleemployedbythemtoreadandrejectarticles.Sosomebodygetsalivingoutofit.Iconsolemyselfwiththecertaintythatmyeffortshelptokeepatleastonemanineveryofficefromstarvation.IspoketocousinRobertaboutitandheseemedratherpleasedbytheidea,andsaidthathewouldmentionittohisbrother,oldMr.Alexander,who’saphilanthropist—”

“CallhimcousinAlexander,”suggestedRalston.“Whydoyoumakeanydistinction?”

“Becausehe’snottherichone,”answeredMiner,imperturbably.“He’llbepromotedtobemycousin,ifthefortuneislefttohim.”

“ThenI’mafraidhe’llcontinuetolanguishamongyournon-cousinacquaintances.”

“Whyshouldn’theinheritthebulkoftheproperty?”enquiredMiner,speakingmoreseriously.

“Becausehe’saphilanthropist,andwouldspenditallonidiotsand‘freshairfunds,’andthingsofthatsort.”

“ThereisAlexanderJunior,”suggestedMiner.“He’scarefulenough,I’msure.Isupposeitwillgotohim.”

“Idoubtthat,too,”saidBright.“AlexanderJuniorgoestotheoppositeextreme.However,JackknowsmoreaboutthatthanIdo—andisanearerrelation,besides.”

“Hamisright,”answeredJohnRalston,thoughtfully.“CousinSandyisthemostvillainous,infernal,steel-trap-fingered,patent-lockedoldmiserthateversatdowninacellarchinkingmoneybags.”

“There’sacertainforceaboutyourlanguage,”observedMiner.

“Ibelievehe’snotrich,”saidBright.“Sohehasanexcuse.”

“Poor!”exclaimedRalston,contemptuously.“I’mpoor.”

“IwishIwere,then—inyourway,”returnedMiner.“ThatwasIrroyBrut,Inoticed.Itlookedawfullygood.It’struethatyouhaven’ttwodaughters,asyourcousinSandyhas.”

“Noramillionaireson-in-law—likeBenSlayback,—SlaybackofNevadaheis,intheCongressionalRecord,becausethere’sanotherfromsomewhereelse.”

“Hewearsagreentie,”saidMiner,softly.“Isawhimtwoyearsago,beforeheandCharlotteweremarried.”

“Iknow,”answeredRalston.“CousinKatharinehateshim,Ibelieve.UncleRobertwillprobablyleavethewholefortuneintrustforSlayback’schildren.There’salittleboy.Theysayhehasredhair,likehisfather,andtheyhavechristenedhimAlexander—merelyasanexpressionofhope.ItwouldbejustlikeuncleRobert.”

“Idon’tbelieveit,”saidBright.“ButasforSlayback,don’tabusehimtillyouknowhimbetter.IknewhimoutWest,yearsago.He’sabrick.”

“Heispreciselythecolourofone,”retortedRalston.

“Don’tbespiteful,Jack.”

“I’mnotspiteful.Idaresayhe’sfullofvirtue,asallhorridpeopleare—inside.Theoutsideofhimisoneofnature’sfinestfailures,andhismannersareawfulalways—andworsewhenhetriestopolishthemfortheevening.He’sacorker,athingtoscaresharkswith—itdoesn’tfollowthathe’sbeenatrain-wreckeroradefaultingcashier,andIdidn’tsayitdid.Oh,yes—Iknow—handsomeisthatputsitshandintoitspocket,andthatsortofthing.Givemesomesodawaterwithaproverbinit—thatconfoundedIrroywasn’tdryenough.”

FrankMinerlookedupintoBright’seyesandsmiledsurreptitiously.Hewaswalkingbetweenhistwotallercompanions.BrightglancedatRalston’slean,nervousface,andsawthatthelinesofill-temperhaddeepenedduringthelastquarterofanhour.Itwasnotprobablethatapintofwinecouldalonehaveanyperceptibleeffectontheman’shead,butitwasimpossibletoknowwhatpotationshadprecededthedraught.

“No,”saidBright.“Suchspeechesasthatarenotspiteful.They’refoolish.Besides,Slayback’safriendofmine.”

Minerlookedupagain,butinsurprise.RalstonturnedsharplyonBright.

“Isay,Ham—”hebegan.

“Allright,Jack,”Brightinterrupted,stridingsteadilyalong.“We’renotgoingtoquarrel.Standupforyourfriends,andI’llstandupformine.That’sall.”

“Ihaven’tany,”answeredRalston,growingsuddenlygloomyagain.

“Oh!Well—somuchthebetterforyou,then.”

Forafewmomentsnoonespokeagain.Minerbrokethesilence.Hewasacheerfullittlesoul,andhatedanythinglikeanunpleasantsituation.

“Heardaboutthecowandthecollar-stud,Jack?”heenquired,bywayofcomingtotherescue.

“Chestnut!”growledRalston.

“Ofcourse,”answeredMiner,whowasneverthelessconvincedthatRalstonhad

notheardthejoke.“Iwasn’tgoingtotellit.Itonlystruckmejustthen.”

“Why?”askedBright,whofailedtoseeanyconnectionbetweenacow,astudandRalston’sbadhumour.

“Thetroublewithyou,Bright,isthatyou’resopainfullyliteral,”returnedMiner,whohadgothimselfintoaconversationaldifficulty.“NowIwasthinkingofafigurativecow.”

“Whathasthattodowithit?”enquiredBright,inexorably.

“It’sverysimple,I’msure.Isn’tit,Jack?”

“Perfectly,”answeredRalston,absently,ashewatchedafigurethatattractedhisattentionfiftyyardsaheadofhim.

“There!”exclaimedMiner,triumphantly.“Jacksawitatonce.Ofcourse,ifyouwantmetoexplainanythingsoperfectlyidiotic—”

“Oh,don’tbother,I’mstupidto-day,”saidBright,completelymystified.

“What’sthejoke,anyhow?”askedRalston,suddenlyrealizingthatMinerhadspokentohim.“IsaidIunderstood,butIdidn’t,intheleast.Iwasthinkingaboutthat—aboutSlayback—andthenIsawsomebodyIknew,andIdidn’thearwhatyousaid.”

“Youdidn’tlosemuch,”answeredMiner.“Ishouldbesincerelygratefulifyou’ddropthesubject,whichisapainfulonewithme.Ifanythingcantouchmetothequick,it’sthehorriblecertaintythatI’vepulledthetriggerandthatthejokehasn’tgoneoff,notevenflashedinthepan,orfizzled,orsputteredandpeteredout,orevenraiseditselftothelevelofadecentfailure,fitforimmediateburialiffornothingelse.”

“You’regettingalittlemixedinyoursimiles,Frank,”observedBright.

“ThelastoneremindsmeofwhatBrightandIweretalkingofbeforeyoujoinedus,Frank,”saidRalston.

“Burial?”

“Thenextthingbeforeit—undertakers.I’mthinkingofbecomingone.Brightsaysit’stheonlythingI’venottried,andthatasIhavetheelementsofsuccessinmycharacter,Imustnecessarilysucceedinthat.There’salargeestablishmentofthekindinSixthAvenue,notfarfromhere.IthinkI’llcallandseeamemberofthefirm.”

“Allright,”assentedMiner,withalaugh.“Takemeinwithyouasepitaph-writer.I’lltreatyourbodiestoadisplayoftheEnglishlanguagethatwillmakethemsitup.”

“Ibelieveyoucould!”exclaimedBright,withalaugh.

Ralstonturnedtotheleft,intoThirty-secondStreet.Hiscompanions,quiteindifferentastothedirectiontheytook,followedhislead.

“I’mgoingtodoit,Ham,youknow,”saidRalston,astheywalkedalong.

“What?”

“I’mgoingtotheundertaker’sinSixthAvenue.”

“Allright—ifyouthinkitamusing.”

“We’llallgo.It’sappropriatetogoasabody,ifonegoesthereatall.”

“Frank,”saidBright,gravely,“befunnyifyoucan.Beghastlyifyoulike.Butifyoumakepuns,makethematamanofyourownsize.It’ssafer.”

Thelittlemanchirpedpleasantlyinanswer,ashetrottedalongbetweenthetwo.Hebelieved,innocentlyenough,thatBrightandRalstonhadbeenatthepointofaquarrel,andthathehadsavedthesituationwithhisnonsense.

Attheendofthestreet,whereitmakesacornerwithBroadway,standsabighotel.RalstonglancedatthedooronThirty-secondStreet,whichistheladies’entrance,andstoppedinhiswalk.

“IwanttoleaveacardonsomepeopleattheImperial,”hesaid.“I’llbebackinamoment.”Andhedisappearedwithin.

BrightandMinerstoodwaitingoutside.

“Doyoubelievethat—aboutleavingacard?”askedMiner,afterapause.

“Idon’tknow,”answeredBright.

“BecauseIthinkhe’sgotthebeginningofa‘jag’onhimnow.He’sgoneinforsomethingshorttosettlethatlongdrink.Pity,isn’tit?”

Brightdidnotansweratonce.

“Isay,Frank,”hesaidatlast,“don’ttalkaboutJack’sdrinking—there’sagoodfellow.He’llgetoveritallright,someday.”

“Peopledotalkaboutitagooddeal,”answeredMiner.“Idon’tthinkI’mworsethanotherpeople,andI’lltrytotalkless.Butit’sbeenprettybad,lately.Thetroubleis,youcan’ttelljusthowfargoneheis.Hehasastronghead—uptoacertainpoint,andthenhe’safiend,allatonce.Andhe’salwaysquarrelsome,evenwhenhe’ssober,sothat’snosign.”

“Poorchap!Heinheritsittosomeextent.Hisfathercoulddrinkmorethanmostmen,andgenerallydid.”

“Yes.Imetamantheotherday—afellowintheNavy—whotoldmetheyhadnoendofstoriesoftheoldAdmiral.Butnooneeversawhimtheworseforit.”

“That’strueenough.Butnonerveswilllastthroughtwogenerationsofwhiskey.”

“Isupposenot.”Minerpaused.“Yousee,”hecontinued,presently,“hecouldhavelefthiscardinhalfthetimehe’sbeeninthere.Comein.Weshallfindhimatthebar.”

“No,”saidBright.“Iwon’tspyonhim.Ishouldn’tlikeitmyself.”

“Andhesayshehasnofriends!”exclaimedMiner,notwithoutadmiration.

“Oh,that’sonlyhiswaywhenhe’scross.Notthathisfriendsareofanyusetohim.He’llhavetoworkouthisownsalvationalone—orhisowndamnation,poordevil!”

BeforeMinermadeanyanswer,Ralstoncameoutagain.Hisfacelookeddrawn

andwearyandthereweredarkshadowsunderhiseyes.Hestoodstillamomentonthethresholdofthedoor,lookeddeliberatelytotheleft,towardsBroadway,thentotheright,alongthestreet,andatlastathisfriends.Thenheslowlylightedacigarette,brushedatinyparticleofashfromthesleeveofhisroughblackcoatandcameoutuponthepavement,withaquick,decidedstep.

“Nowthen,I’mreadyfortheundertaker,”hesaid,withasoursmile.“Sorrytohavekeptyouwaitingsolong,”headded,asthoughbyanafterthought.

“Notabit,”answeredMiner,cheerfully.

Brightsaidnothing,andhisquiet,healthyfaceexpressednothing.ButastheywenttowardsthecrossingofBroadway,hewaswalkingbesideRalston,insteadoflettinglittleFrankMinerkeephisplaceinthemiddle.

CHAPTERII.

Itwasbetweenthreeandfouro’clock,andBroadwaywascrowded,asitgenerallyisatthattimeintheafternoon.Inthenormallifeofagreatcity,thecrowdflowsandebbsinthethoroughfaresasregularlyasthebloodinalivingbody.Fromthatmysterious,greyhour,whenthefirstdistantrumbleisheardinthedesertedstreets,justbeforetheoutlinesofthechimneysbecomedistinctagainstthecloudsorthemurkysky,whenthenight-workerandthemanofpleasure,theday-labourerandthedawn,allmeetforabriefmomentatoneofthecrossingsindailylife’slabyrinth,throughallthefourandtwentyhoursinwhicheachpulsationiscompleted,untilthatdull,far-offrolloftheearliestcartechoesagain,followedwithinafewminutesbymanyothers,—roundandroundtheclockagain,withunfailingexactness,youmaynotethesameriseandfallofthelife-stream.

ThepointatwhichRalstonandhiscompanionscrossedBroadwayisaparticularlybusyone.Itisnearmanyoftheprincipaltheatres;thereareanumberofbighotelsintheneighbourhood;therearesomefashionableshops;itisonlyoneshortblockfromthejunctionofBroadwayandSixthAvenue,wherethereisanimportantstationoftheelevatedroad,andtherearetheusualcarts,vansandhorse-carschasingeachotherupanddown,andnotleavingevenenoughroadfortwocarriagestopassoneanotheroneithersideofthetracks.Thestreamsoftrafficmeetnoisily,andthumpandbumpandjostlethroughthedifficulty,andamanstandingtheremaywatchtheexpressionchangeinallthe

facesastheyapproachthepoint.Thenaturallookdisappearsforamoment;theeyesglancenervouslytotherightandleft;thelipsaresetasthoughforaneffort;theverycarriageofthebodyisdifferent,asthoughthemusclesweretightenedforanexertionwhichtheframemayormaynotbecalledupontomakeinstantlywithoutwarning.Itisanoddsight,thoughonewhichfewpeoplesee,everyonebeingconcernedtosomeextentforhisownsafety,andobliviousofhisneighbour’sdangers.

Ralstonandtheothersstoodatthecornerwaitingforanopportunitytopass.Therewasamomentaryinterruptionofthelineofvehiclesontheup-townside,whichwasnearesttothem.Ralstonsteppedforwardfirsttowardthetrack.Glancingtotheleft,hesawabigexpresscartcomingupatfullspeed,andontheothertrack,fromhisrightashestood,ahorse-carwascomingdown,followedatsomedistancebyalarge,emptyvan.Thehorse-carwasnearesttohim,andpassedthecornerbriskly.Asmallboy,wheelinganemptyperambulatorandleadingagood-lookingroughterrierbyaredstring,crossedtowardsRalstonbetweenthehorse-carandthevan,draggingthedogafterhim,andwasabouttocrosstheothertrackwhenhesawthattheexpresscartrattlinguptownwascloseuponhim.Hepaused,anddrewbackalittletoletitpass,pullingbackhisperambulator,which,however,caughtsidewaysbetweentherails.Atthesameinstanttheclangingbellandtheclatterofafireengine,followedbyahookandladdercart,anddrivenatfullspeed,producedasuddencommotion,andthemanwhowasdrivingtheemptyvanlookedbackwardandhastenedhishorses,inordertogetoutoftheway.Intheconfusionthelittleboyandhisperambulatorwereindangerofannihilation.

Ralstonjumpedthetrack,snatchedtheboyinonearmandliftedtheperambulatorbodilywithhisotherhand,throwingthemacrossthesecondpairofrailsashesprang.Hefellatfulllengthinthecarriageway.Helayquitestillforamoment,andthehorsesoftheemptyvanstuckouttheirfore-feetandstoppedwithaplungeclosebesidehim.Thepeoplepausedonthepavement,andoneortwocameforwardtohelphim.Thereisnopolicemanatthiscrossingasarule,asthereisoneablockhigher,atthemaincorner.Ralstonwasnothurt,however,thoughhehadnarrowlyescapedlosinghisfoot,forthewheelofoneofthevehicleshadtorntheheelfromhisshoe.Hewasonhislegsinafewmoments,holdingtheterrifiedboybythecollar,andlecturinghimroughlyuponthefollyofdoingriskythingswithaperambulator.Meanwhilethehorse-carsandwagonswhichhadblockedthecrossinghavingmovedoffinoppositedirections,BrightandFrankMinerranacross.Brightwasverypaleashepassed

hisarmthroughRalston’sanddrewhimaway.Minerlookedathimwithsilentadmiration,havingallhislifelongedtobetheheroofsomesuchaccident.

“Iwishyouwouldn’tdosuchthings,Jack,”saidBright,inhiscalmvoice.“Areyouhurt?”

“Notabit,”answeredRalston,whoseemedtohaveenjoyedtheexcitement.“Thethingalmosttookoffmyfoot,though.Ican’twalk.ComeovertotheImperialagain.I’llgetbrusheddown,andtakeacab.Comealong—Ican’tstandthiscrowd.There’llbeareporterinaminute.”

Withoutfurtherwordsthethreerecrossedthestreettothehotel.

“Idon’tsupposethemostrigiddoctorwouldobjecttomyhavingsomethingtodrinkafterthattumble,”observedRalston,astheypassedthroughthecrowdedhall.

“Everymanisthebestjudgeofwhathewants,”answeredBright.

Fewpeoplenoticed,orappearedtonotice,Ralston’sdilapidatedcondition,hissmashedhat,hisdustyclothesandhisheellessshoe.Hefoundahall-boywhobrushedhim,andlittleFrankMinerdidhisbesttorestorethehattoanappearanceofrespectability.

“Allright,Frank,”saidRalston.“Don’tbother—I’mgoinghomeinacab,youknow.”

Heledthewaytothebar,swallowedhalfatumblerofwhiskeyneat,andthengotintoacarriage.

“Seeyouthisevening,”hesaidbriefly,ashenoddedtoBrightandMiner,andshutthecabdoorafterhim.

Theothertwowatchedthecarriageamoment,asitdroveaway,andthenlookedatoneanother.Minerhadatrickofmovinghisrightearwhenhewaspuzzled.Itisratheranunusualpeculiarity,andhisfriendsknewwhatitmeant.AsBrightlookedathimtheearbegantomoveslowly,backwardsandforwards,withaslightupwardmotion.Brightsmiled.

“Youneedn’twagitsofar,Frank,”hesaid.“He’sgoinghome.Itwillbeallright

now.”

“Isupposeso—orIhopeso,atleast.IwonderifMrs.Ralstonisin.”

“Why?”

“Thetroublewithyouintelligentmenisthatyouhavenosense,”answeredthelittleman.“He’shadanotherdrink—fourfingersitwas,too—andhe’sbeenbadlyshakenup,andhehadthebeginningofa‘jag’onbefore,andhe’sgoinghomeinarollingcab,whichmakesitworse.Ifhemeetshismother,there’llbearow.That’sall.EvenwhenIwasaboyitwasn’tgoodformtobedrunkbeforedinner,andnobodydrinksnow—atleast,notastheyusedto.Well—it’snoneofmybusiness.”

“It’severybody’sbusiness,”saidBright.“ButahardermantohandleIdon’tknow.He’lleithercometogrieforglory,orbothtogether,oneofthesedays.It’snotthequantityhetakes—it’stheconfoundedirregularityofhim.I’mgoingtotheclub—areyoucoming?”

“Imayaswellcorrectmyproofsthereasanywhereelse.Pocket’sfullofthem.”Minertappedhisroundlittlechestwithanairofsomeimportance.

“Proofs,eh?Somethingnew?”

“I’vewornthemout,myboy.They’reincapableofreturningmewiththanksanymore—untilnexttime.I’vewornthemout,heelandtoe,—rightout.”

“Isitabook,Frank?”

“Notyet.Butit’sgoingtobe.Thisisthefirst—aseriesofessays,youknow—thisisthewedge,andI’vegotitin,andI’mgoingtodriveitforallI’mworth,andwhentherearesixorseventhey’llmakeabook,togetherwithsomeotherthings—somethinginthesamestyle—whichhaveappearedbefore.”

“I’mveryglad,oldman.Icongratulateyou.Goinandwin.”

“It’sanawfullife,though,”saidFrankMiner,growingsuddenlygrave.

Brightglancedattheneat,rotundlittlefigure,atthepinkcheeksandbrighteyes,andhesmiledquietly.

“It’snotwearingyoutotheboneyet,”heobserved.

“Oh—that’snosign!LookatNapoleon.Hehadrathermyfigure,Ibelieve.What’sthegoodofgettingthinaboutthings,anyhow?It’sonlyunhappypeoplewhogetthin.Youworkhardenough,Ham,inyourhumdrumway—oh,Idon’tenvyyourlot!—andyou’relayingiton,Ham,you’relayingitonsteadily,yearafteryear.You’llbeafatman,Ham—eversomuchfatterthanIam,becausethere’stwiceasmuchofyou,tobeginwith.Besides,you’vegotabigchestandthatmakesamanlookstout.Butthen,youdon’tcare,doyou?You’reperfectlyhappy,soyougetfat.SowouldApollo,ifhewereasuccessfulbanker,andgaveupbotheringaboutgoddessesandthings.Asforme,Iaboutkeepmyweight.Givenupbread,though—lastsummer.Badthing,bread.”

SoMinerchatteredonashewalkedbyhisfriend’sside,towardstheclub.Therewasnogreattalentinhim,thoughhehaddriftedintoliterature,andofindustryhehadnotsomuchashemadepeoplebelieve.Buthepossessedthetreasureofcheerfulness,anddispenseditfreelyinhisconversation,whereasinhiswritingshestroveattheproductionofgruesomeandmelancholytales,storiesofsufferingandhorror,theanalysisofpainandtheportraitureofdeathinmanyforms.Thecontradictionbetweenthedispositionofliterarymenandtheirworksisoftenacuriousstudy.

Mrs.Ralstonwasathomethatafternoon,orrather,tobeaccurateinthesocialsense,shewasin,andhadgivenorderstothegeneraleffectthatonlyherparticularfriendsweretobeadmitted.This,again,isastatementsusceptibleofmisapprehension,asshehadnotreallyanyparticularfriendsintheworld,butonlyacquaintancesindiversdegreesofintimacy,whocalledthemselvesherfriendsandsometimescalledoneanotherherenemies.Butofsuchmattersshetooklittleheed,andwasatnopainstosetpeoplerightwithregardtoherprivateopinionofthem.Shedidmanykindthingswithinsociety’slimitsandwithout,butshewaswiseenoughtoexpectnothinginreturn,beingwellawarethatrealgratitudeisamysteriouscryptogamlikethetruffle,andindeedcloselyresemblingthelatterinitsrarity,itsspontaneousgrowth,itsunprepossessingappearance,andinthefactthatitismoreoftenfoundandenjoyedbytheloweranimalsthanbyman.

ItmaybeaswelltoelucidateherethesomewhatintricatepointsoftheLauderdales’genealogyandconnections,seeingthatbothhaveadirectbearinguponthelifeofKatharineLauderdale,ofJohnRalston,andofmanyotherswho

willappearinthecourseofthisepisodichistory.

InoldtimestheprimevalAlexanderLauderdale,ayoungersonofanhonourableScotchfamily,broughthiswife,withafewgoodsandnoparticularchattels,toNewYork,andtheyhadtwosons,AlexanderandRobert,anddiedandwereburied.Ofthesetwosonstheelder,Alexander,didverywellintheworld,marriedagirlofDutchfamily,AnnaVanBlaricorn,andhadthreesons,andheandhiswifediedandwereburiedbesidetheprimevalAlexander.

OfthesethreesonstheeldestwasAlexanderLauderdale,thephilanthropist,ofwhommentionhasbeenmade,whowasaliveatthetimethisstorybegins,whomarriedayounggirlofPuritanlineageandsomefortune.Shediedwhentheironlyson,AlexanderLauderdaleJunior,wastwenty-twoyearsofage.ThelattermarriedEmmaCamperdown,oftheKentuckyCatholicfamily,andhadtwodaughters,theelder,Charlotte,marriedatthepresenttimetoBenjaminSlaybackofNevada,memberofCongress,theyounger,KatharineLauderdale,beingJohnRalston’sdarkcousin.

Somuchforthefirstofthethreesons.ThesecondwasRobertLauderdale,thefamousmillionaire,theuncleRobertspokenofbyRalstonandtheothers,whonevermarried,andwasatthetimeofthistaleaboutseventy-fiveyearsofage.HeoriginallymadeagreatsumbyafortunateinvestmentinapieceoflandwhichliesintheheartofthepresentcityofChicago,andhavingbegunwithrealestatehestucktoitlikethewisemanhewas,anditsvaluedoubledanddecupledandcentupled,andnooneknewhowrichhewas.HewasthesecondsonoftheeldersonoftheprimevalAlexander.

ThethirdsonofthateldersonwasRalphLauderdale,whowaskilledatthebattleofChancellorsvilleintheCivilWar.HemarriedaMissCharlotteMainwaring,whosefatherhadbeenanEnglishmansettledsomewhereintheSouth.Katharine,thewidowofthelateAdmiralRalston,wastheonlychildoftheirmarriage,andheronlychildwasJohnRalston,secondcousintoKatharineLauderdaleandMrs.Slayback.

ButtheprimevalAlexanderhadasecondsonRobert,whohadonlyonedaughter,Margaret,marriedtoRufusThompson.AndRufusThompson’ssistermarriedLivingstonMinerofNewYork,andwasthemotherofFrankMinerandofthreeunmarrieddaughters.ThatistheMinerconnection.

AndontheLauderdalesideRufusThompsonhadonedaughterbyhiswife,MargaretLauderdale;andthatdaughtermarriedRichardBrightofCincinnati,whodied,leavingtwochildren,HamiltonBrightandhissisterHester,thewifeofWalterCrowdie,theeminentpainterofNewYork.ThisistherelationshipoftheBrightstotheLauderdales.Bright,JohnRalstonandKatharineLauderdalewerealldescendedfromthesamegreat-great-grandfather—theprimevalAlexander.Andasthereisnothingdullertotheordinarymindthangenealogy,exceptthelaboriousprocessoftracingit,littlemoreshallbesaidaboutithereafter,andtheingeniousreadermayrefertothesepageswhenheisindoubt.

Ithasbeenshown,however,thatallthesemodernindividualswithwhomwehavetodocomefromacommonstock,exceptlittleFrankMiner,whocouldonlyboastofaconnectionbymarriage.Foritwasagoodstock,andthefamiliesofallthewomenwhohadmarriedintoitwereproudofit,andsomeofthemweregladtospeakofitwhentheyhadachance.NoneoftheLauderdaleshadevercometoanygreatdistinction,itistrue,exceptRobert,byhisfabulouswealth.Butnoneofthemhadeverdoneanythingdishonourableeither,norevenapproachingit.Therehadnotevenbeenadivorceinthefamily.Someofthemenhadfoughtinthewar,andonehadbeenkilled,and,throughRobert,thenamewasapowerinthecountry.Itwassaidthattherehadneverbeenanywildbloodinthefamilyeither,untilRalphmarriedMissMainwaring,andthatJohnRalstongotallhisfaultsfromhisgrandmother.Butthatmayormaynotbetrue,seeingthatnooneknowsmuchoftheearlyyouthoftheprimevalAlexanderbeforehecametothiscountry.

Itisprobablyeasierforamantodescribeamanthanawoman.Theconversemaypossiblybetruealso.Menseemen,onthewhole,verymuchastheyare,eachmanbeingtoeachotheranassemblageoffactswhichcanbecataloguedandreferredto.Butmostmenreceivefromwomananindefiniteandperhapsundefinableimpression,besides,andsometimesaltogetheratvariancewithwhatismerelyvisible.Itisveryhardtoconveyanyideaofthatimpressiontoathirdperson,evenintheactualpresenceofthewomandescribed;itisharderstillwhentheonlymeansarethelimitedblackandwhiteofprintedEnglish.

KatharineLauderdale,atleast,hadafairshareofbeautyofacertaintypicalkind,ageneralconceptionofwhichbelongstoeverybody,butherauntKatharinehadnoteventhat.NooneevercalledKatharineRalstonbeautiful,andyetnoonehadeverclassedheramongprettygirlswhenshehadbeenyoung.Betweenthetwo,betweenprettinessandbeauty,thereisadebatablecountryof

brown-skinned,bright-eyed,swift-likewomenofaquilinefeature,andsometimesofalmostman-likeenergy,whosucceedintheworld,andareoftenworshippedforthreethings—theirendurance,theirsmileandtheirvoice.Theyarewomenwhobylayingnoclaimtotheimmunitiesofwomanhoodacquireadirectrighttoconsiderationfortheirownsakes.Theyalsomayoftenpossessthatmysteriousgiftknownascharm,whichisincomparablymorevaluablethanalltheclassicbeautyandperfectionofcolouringwhichnaturecanaccumulateinoneindividual.Beautyfades;witwearsout;butcharmisnotevanescent.

KatharineRalstonhadit,andsometimeswonderedwhatitwas,andeventriedtounderstandherselfbydeterminingclearlywhatitwasnot.Butforthemostpartshethoughtnothingaboutit,whichisprobablythebestruleforpreservingit,ifitneedsanysortofpreservation.

Outwardly,hersonstronglyresembledher.Hehadfromherhisdarkcomplexion,hisleanfaceandhisbrowneyes,aswellasacertaingraceoffigureandafreecarriageoftheheadwhichbelongtotheprideofstation—alittleexaggerated—whichbothmotherandsonpossessedinahighdegree.KatharineRalstondidnottalkofherfamily,butshebelievedinit,assomethinginwhichitwasgoodtobelievefromthebottomofherheart,andshehadbroughtupJohntofeelthathecamefromastockofgentlemenandgentlewomenwhomightbebad,butcouldnotbemean,noranythingbutgentleinthevague,heraldicsenseofthatgoodword.

Shewasasensiblewomanandsawherson’sfaults.Theywerenotsmall,byanymeans,norinsignificantbytheirnature,norconvenientfaultsforayounggentlemanabouttown,whohadthereputationofhavingtriedseveraloccupationsandofhavingfailedwithquiteequalbrilliancyinall.Buttheywerenotfaultsthatestrangedhimfromher,thoughshesufferedmuchforhissakeinacertainway.Shewouldratherhavehadhimadrunkard,agambler,almostamurderer,thanhaveseenhimturnoutahypocrite.Shewouldfarratherhaveseenhimkilledbeforeherthanhaveknownthathehadeverliedtosavehimself,ordoneanyofthemeanlittlesins,forwhichtheremayberepentancehereandforgivenesshereafter,butfromthepollutionofwhichhonourknowsnopurification.

Religionshehadnonewhatever,andfranklyownedthefactifquestioneddirectly.Butshemadenoprofessionofatheismandgavenogroundsforherunbelief.Shemerelysaidthatshecouldnotbelieveintheexistenceofthesoul,

anadmissionwhichatoncesettledallotherkindredpoints,sofarasshewasconcerned.Butsheregrettedherownposition.Inherchildhood,herideashadbeenunsettledbytheconstantdiscussionswhichtookplacebetweenherparents.Herfather,likealltheLauderdales,hadbeenaPresbyterian.HermotherhadbeenanEpiscopalian,and,moreover,awomanalternatelydevoutanddoubting.Katharinesharedneithertheprejudicesnortheconvictionsofeither.ThenshehadmarriedAdmiralRalston,aman,likemanyofficersoftheNavy,ofconsiderablescientificacquirements,andfulltooverflowingofthescientificargumentsagainstreligion,whichwereevenmorepopularinhisdaythantheyarenow.WhatlittleholdtheelderKatharinehadstillpossesseduponanundefinedfuturestatewasfinallydestroyedbyhersailorhusband’srough,sledge-hammerarguments.Intheplaceofreligionshesetupasortofcodeofhonourtowhichsherigidlyadhered,andintheobservanceofwhichshebroughtupheronlyson.

Itisworthremarkingthatuntilhefinallyleftcollegesheencouragedhimtobereligious,ifhewould,andregularlytookhimtochurchsolongashewasaboy.Sheevenpersuadedhisfathernottotalkatheismbeforehim;andtheadmiral,whowasasconservativeasonlyrepublicanscanbe,wasquitewillingtolettheyoungfellowchooseforhimselfwhatheshouldbelieveorrejectwhenheshouldcometoyearsofdiscretion.Uptotheageoftwenty-one,Jackhadbeenaremarkablysoberandthoughtfulyoungfellow.Hebegantochangesoonafterhisfatherdied.

Ralstonlethimselfinwithhiskeywhenhegothomeandwentupstairs,supposingthathismotherwasout,assheusuallywasatthathour.Sheheardhisfootstep,however,ashepassedthedoorofherownsitting-room,onthefirstlanding,andhavingnoideathatanythingwaswrong,shecalledtohim.

“Isthatyou,Jack?”

Ralstonstoppedandintheduskofthestaircaserealizedforthefirsttimethathewasnotsober.Hemadeaneffortwhenhespoke,answeringthroughthecloseddoor.

“It’sallright,mother;I’llbedowninafewminutes.”

SomethingunusualinthetoneofhisvoicemusthavestruckMrs.Ralston.Hehadmadebuttwostepsforwardwhensheopenedthedoor,throwingthelight

fulluponhim.

“What’sthematter,Jack?”sheasked,quietly.

Thenshesawhisface,thedeeplines,thedrawnexpression,theshadowsundertheeyesandtheunnaturaldulllightintheeyesthemselves.Andinthesameglanceshesawthathishatwasbatteredandthathisclothesweredustyandstained.Sheknewwellenoughthathedrankmorethanwasgoodforhim,butshehadneverbeforeseenhiminsuchastate.Thebroaddaylight,too,andthedisorderofhisclothesmadehimlookmuchmoreintoxicatedthanhereallywas.KatharineRalstonstoodstillinsilenceforamoment,andlookedatherson.Herfacegrewalittlepalejustbeforeshespokeagain.

“Areyousoberenoughtotakecareofyourself?”sheaskedratherharshly,fortherewasadrynessinherthroat.

JohnRalstonwasnoweakling,andwas,moreover,thoroughlyaccustomedtocontrollinghisnerves,asmanymenarewhodrinkhabitually—untilthenervesthemselvesgiveway.Hedrewhimselfupandfeltthathewasperfectlysteadybeforeheansweredinmeasuredtones.

“I’msorryyoushouldseemejustnow,mother.Ihadalittleaccident,andItooksomewhiskeyafterwardstosteadyme.Ithasgonetomyhead.I’mverysorry.”

Thatwasmorethanenoughforhismother.Shecameswiftlyforward,andgentlytookhimbythearmtoleadhimintoherroom.ButRalston’ssenseofhonourwasnotquitesatisfied.

“It’spartlymyfault,mother.Ihadbeentakingotherthingsbefore,butIwasallrightuntiltheaccidenthappened.”

Mrs.Ralstonsmiledalmostimperceptibly.Shewasgladthatheshouldbesohonest,evenwhenhewassofargone.Sheledhimthroughthedoorintoherownroom,andmadehimsitdowninacomfortablechairnearthewindow.

“Nevermind,Jack,”shesaid,“I’mjustlikeamanaboutunderstandingthings.Iknowyouwon’tdoitagain.”

ButRalstonknewhisownweakness,andmadenorashpromisesthen,thoughagreatimpulsearoseinhismistyunderstanding,biddinghimthenandtheremake

adesperatelysolemnvow,andkeepit,ordoawaywithhimselfifhefailed.Heonlybowedhishead,andsatdown,ashismotherbidhim.Hewasashamed,andhewasamantowhomshamewasparticularlybitter.

Mrs.Ralstongotsomecoldwaterinalittlebowl,andbathedhisforehead,touchinghimastenderlyasshewouldhavetouchedasickchild.Hesubmittedreadilyenough,andturneduphisbrowsgratefullytoherhand.

“Yourheadisalittlebruised,”shesaid.“Wereyouhurtanywhereelse?Whathappened?Canyoutellmenow,orwouldyouratherwait?”

“Oh,itwasnothingmuch,”answeredRalston,speakingmoreeasilynow.“Therewasaboy,withaperambulator,gettingbetweenthecarsandcarts.Igothimoutoftheway,andtumbleddown,becausetherewasn’teventimetojump.Ithrewmyselfaftertheboy—somehow.Thewheeltookofftheheelofmyboot,butIwasn’thurt.I’mallrightnow.Thankyou,motherdear.Thereneverwasanybodylikeyoutounderstand.”

Mrs.Ralstonwasverypaleagain,butJohncouldnotseeherface.

“Don’trisksuchthings,Jack,”shesaid,inalowvoice.“Theyhurtonebadly.”

Ralstonsaidnothing,buttookherhandandkisseditgently.Shepressedhissilently,andtouchedhismattedhairwithhertightlyshutlips.Thenhegotup.

“I’llgotomyroom,now,”hesaid.“I’mmuchbetter.Itwillbeallgoneinhalfanhour.Isupposeitwastheshaking,—butIdidswallowabigdoseaftermytumble.”

“Saynothingmoreaboutit,mydear,”answeredMrs.Ralston,quietly.

Sheturnedfromhim,ostensiblytosetthebowlofwateruponatable.Butsheknewthathecouldnotbeperfectlyhimselfagaininsoshortatime,andifhewasstillunsteady,shedidnotwishtoseeit—forherownsake.

“Thankyou,mother,”hesaid,ashelefttheroom.

Shemighthavewatchedhim,ifshehadchosentodoso,andshewouldhaveseennothingunusualnow—nothingbuthisdustyclothesandtheslightlimpinhisgait,causedbythelossofonelowheel.Hewasyoung,andhisnerveswere

good,andhehadaverystrongincentiveintheshamehestillfelt.Moreover,underordinarycircumstances,eventhequantityhehaddrunkwouldnothaveproducedanyvisiblebodilyeffectonhim,howeveritmighthaveaffectedhisnaturallyuncertaintemper.Itwasquitetruethatthefallandtheexcitementoftheaccidenthadshakenhim.

Hereachedhisownroom,shutthedoor,andthensatdowntolookathimselfintheglass,asmenundertheinfluenceofdrinkveryoftendo,forsomemysteriousreason.Possiblythedrunkenmanhasavagueideathathecangetcontroloverhimselfbystaringathisownimage,andintothereflectionofhisowneyes.JohnRalstonneverstayedbeforethemirrorlongerthanwasabsolutelynecessary,exceptwhenhehadtakentoomuch.

Butto-dayhewasconsciousthat,inspiteofappearances,hewasrapidlybecomingbodilysober.Ifithadallhappenedatnight,hewouldhavewoundupataclub,andwouldprobablyhavecomehomeinthesmallhours,inordertobesureofnotfindinghismotherdownstairs,andhewouldhavebeeninaverydubiouscondition.Butthebroadlight,thecoldwater,hisprofoundshameandhisnaturalnervehadnowcombinedtorestorehim,outwardlyatleast,andsofarashewasconscious,tohisnormalstate.

Hebathed,lookedattheclock,andsawthatitwasnotyetfive,andthendressedhimselfasthoughtogoout.But,beforedoingso,hesatdownandsmokedacigarette.Hefeltnervouslyactivenow,refreshedandabletofaceanything.Beforehehadhalffinishedsmokinghehadmadeuphismindtoshowhimselftohismotherandthentogoforawalkbeforedinner.

Heglancedoncemoreatthemirrortoassurehimselfthathewasnotmistaken,andwassurprisedatthequickchangeinhisappearance.Hiscolourhadcomeback,hiseyeswerequiet,thedeeperlinesweregonefromhisface—lineswhichshouldneverhavebeenthereatfiveandtwenty.Heturnedaway,wellpleased,andwentbrisklydownthestairs,thoughitwasalreadygrowingdark,andthestepswerehigh.Afterall,hethought,itwasprobablythelossoftheheelfromhisshoethathadmadehimwalkunsteadily.Suchanabsurdaccidenthadneverhappenedtohimbefore.Heknockedatthedoorofhismother’ssitting-room,andshebadehimcomein.

“Yousee,mother,itwasnothing,afterall,”hesaid,goinguptoherasshesatbeforethefire.

Shelookedup,sawhisface,andthensmiledhappily.

“I’msoglad,Jack,”sheanswered,springingtoherfeetandkissinghim.“YouhavenoideahowyoulookedwhenIsawyouthereonthelanding.Ithoughtyouwerereally—quite—butquite,quite,youknow,mydearboy.”

Sheshookherhead,stillsmiling,andholdingbothhishands.

“I’mgoingforabitofawalkbeforedinner,”hesaid.“Thenwe’llhaveaquieteveningtogether,andIshallgotobedearly.”

“That’sright.Thewalkwilldoyougood.You’requitewonderful,Jack!”Shelaughedoutright—helookedsoperfectlysober.“Don’tdrinkanymorewhiskeyto-day!”sheadded,nothalfinearnest.

“Neverfear!”Andhelaughedtoo,withoutanysuspicionofhimself.

Hewalkedrapidlydownthestreetinthewarmglowoftheevening,heedlessofthedirectionhetook.Byfateorbyhabit,hefoundhimselfaquarterofanhourlateroppositetoAlexanderLauderdale’shouse.Hepaused,reflectedamoment,thenascendedthestepsandrangthebell.

“IsMissKatharineathome?”heenquiredofthegirlwhoopenedthedoor.

“Yes,sir.Shecameinamomentago.”

JohnRalstonenteredthehousewithoutfurtherquestion.

CHAPTERIII.

Ralstonenteredthelibrary,astheroomwascalled,althoughitdidnotcontainmanybooks.Thehousewasanold-fashionedoneinClintonPlace,whichnowadaysisWestEighthStreet,betweenFifthAvenueandSixthAvenue,aregionrespectableandfullofboardinghouses.Inaccordancewiththecustomsofthetimesinwhichithadbeenbuilt,thegroundfloorcontainedthreegood-sizedrooms,knowninallsuchhousesasthelibrary,thedrawing-roomor‘parlour,’andthedining-room,whichwasatthebackandhadwindowsupontheyard.Thedrawing-room,beingunderthemiddleofthehouse,hadnowindowsatall,andwasthereforereallyavailableonlyintheevening.Thelibrary,whereRalstonwaited,wasonthefront.

Therewasanairofgravityabouttheplacewhichhehadneverliked.Itwasnotexactlygloomy,foritwasontoosmallascale,norvulgarlyrespectable,forsuchobjectsaswereforornamentwereingoodtaste,asafewengravingsfromseriouspicturesbygreatmasters,agoodportraitoftheprimevalAlexanderLauderdale,asmallbronzereproductionoftheFaunintheNaplesmuseum,twoorthreefairlygoodwater-colours,whichwereapparentlyviewsofScotchscenery,andabigbluechinavasewithnothinginit.Withalittlebetterarrangement,thesethingsmighthavegonefar.Buttheengravingsandpictureswerehungwithrespecttosymmetryratherthanwithregardtothelight.Thestifffurniturewasstifflyplacedagainstthewall.Thebooksinthelowshelvesoppositetothefireplacewerechieflyboundinblack,invariousstagesofshabbiness,andRalstonknewthattheywerelargelyworksonreligion,andreportsofinstitutionsmoreorlesseducationalorphilanthropic.Therewasawritingtablenearthewindow,uponwhichafewpapersandwritingmaterialswerearrangedwithaneatnessnotbusiness-like,butsystematicallyneatforitsownsake—thenotepaperwaspiledwithprecisionuponthemiddleoftheblotter,uponwhichlayalsothepenwiper,andaperfectlynewstickofbrightredsealing-wax,sothateverythingwouldhavetobemovedbeforeanyonecouldpossiblywritealetter.Thecarpetwasold,andhadevidentlybeentakentopiecesandthebreadthsrefittedwithaviewtoconcealingthethreadbareparts,butwitheffectdisastroustothecontinuityofthelargegreenandblackpattern.Thehousewasheatedbyafurnaceandtherewasnofireinthegrimfireplace.Thatwasforeconomy,asRalstonknew.

FortheLauderdaleswereevidentlypoor,thoughtheoldphilanthropistwholivedupstairswastheonlylivingbrotherofthearch-millionaire.ButAlexanderSeniorspenthislifeingettingasmuchashecouldfromRobertinordertoputitintotheeducationofidiots,andwouldcheerfullyhavefedhissonanddaughter-in-lawandKatharineonbreadandwaterforthesakeofeducatingoneidiotmore.Thesameisapartofphilanthropywhenitbecomesprofessional.AlexanderJuniorhadamagnificentreputationforprobity,andwasconcernedinbusiness,beingconnectedwiththeadministrationofagreatTrustCompany,whichbroughthimafixedsalary.Beyondthatheassuredhisfamilythathehadnevermadeadollarinhislife,andthatonlyhishealth,whichindeedwasofiron,stoodbetweenthemandstarvation,anargumentwhichheusedwithforcetocrushanyfrivoloustendencydevelopedinhiswifeanddaughter.Hehaddarkhairjustturningtoasteelygrey,steel-greyeyes,andalong,clean-shaven,steel-greyupperlip,buthiseyebrowswerestillblack.Histeethweremagnificent,buthehadsolittlevanitythathehardlyeversmiled,exceptasamatterof

politeness.Hehadlookedpleased,however,whenBenjaminSlaybackofNevadahadledhisdaughterCharlottefromthealtar.Slaybackhadlovedthegirlforherbeautyandhadtakenherpenniless;anduncleRoberthadgivenherafewthousandsforherbridaloutfit.AlexanderJuniorhadthereforebeenatnoexpenseforhermarriage,exceptforthecakeanddecorations,butitwaslongbeforeheceasedtospeakofhisexpenditureforthoseitems.AsforAlexanderSenior,hereallyhadnomoneyexceptforidiots;heworehisclothesthreadbare,hadhisovercoatsturned,andsecretlyboughthisshoesofalittleItalianshoemakerinSouthFifthAvenue.Hewassaidtobeovereightyyearsofage,butwasinrealitynotmucholderthanhisrichbrotherRobert.

ItwouldbehardtoimaginesurroundingsmoreuncongenialtoMrs.AlexanderJunior,asKatharineLauderdale’smotherwasgenerallycalled.AnardentRomanCatholic,shewasboundtoafamilyofrigidPresbyterians;awomanofkeenartisticsense,shewasweddedtoamanwhoseonlymeasureofthingswastheirmoney-value;anatureoriginallysusceptibletothecharmofalloutwardsurroundings,andincliningtoatasteformodestluxuryratherthantoexcessiveeconomy,shehadmarriedonewhomsheinherheartbelievedtobemiserly.Sheadmitted,indeed,thatshewouldprobablyhavemarriedherhusbandagain,underlikecircumstances.ThechildofaruinedSouthernfamily,loyalduringtheCivilWar,shehadbeenbroughtearlytoNewYork,andalmostassoonasshewasseeninsociety,AlexanderLauderdalehadfalleninlovewithher.Hehadseemedtoher,asindeedhewasstill,asplendidspecimenofmanhood;hewasnotrich,butwasindustriousandwasthenephewofthegreatRobertLauderdale.Evenherfastidiouspeoplecouldnotsaythathewasnot,fromasocialpointofview,ofthebestinNewYork.Shehadlovedhiminagirlishfashion,andtheyhadbeenmarriedatonce.Itwasallverynatural,andtheunionmightassuredlyhaveturnedoutworsethanitdid.

Seeingthataccordingtoherhusband’scontinualassurancestheyweregrowingpoorerandpoorer,Mrs.Alexanderhadlongagobeguntoturnhernaturalgiftstoaccount,withaviewtomakingalittlemoneywherewithtoprovideherselfandherdaughterswithafewharmlessluxuries.Shehadtriedwritingandhadfailed,butshehadbeenmoresuccessfulwithpainting,andhadproducedsomeexcellentminiatures.AlexanderJuniorhadatfirstprotested,fearingtheartistictribeasawhole,anddreadinglesthiswifeshoulddevelopatasteforthingsBohemian,suchaspalmsinthedrawing-room,andgoingtotheoperainthegalleryratherthannotgoingatall.HedidnotthinkofanythingelseBohemianwithintherangeofpossibilities,except,perhaps,dirtyfingers,whichdisgusted

him,andunpunctuality,whichdrovehimmad.Butwhenhesawthathiswifeearnedmoney,andceasedtoaskhimforsmallsumstobespentonglovesandperishablehats,herejoicedgreatly,andbegantosuggestthatsheshouldinvesthersavings,placingtheminhishandsatfivepercentinterest.ButpoorMrs.Alexanderneverwassosuccessfulastohaveanysavingstoinvest.HerhusbandacceptedgratefullyaminiatureofthetwogirlswhichsheoncepaintedasasurpriseandgavehimatChristmas,andhesecretlypriceditduringthefollowingweekatadealer’s,andwaspleasedwhenthemanofferedhimfiftydollarsforit,—whichillustratesAlexander’sthoughtfuldisposition.

ThiswasthehouseholdinwhichKatharineLauderdalehadgrownup,andthesewerethepeoplewhosecharacters,temperaments,andlookshadmingledinherown.Sofarasthelatterpointwasconcerned,shehadnothingtocomplainof.Itwasnottobeexpectedthatthechildrenoftwosuchhandsomepeopleshouldbeanythingbutbeautiful,andCharlotteandKatharinehadplentyofbeautyofdifferenttypes,fairanddarkrespectively.Charlottewasmostlikehermotherinappearance,butmorecloselyresembledherfatherinnature.Katharinehadinheritedherfather’sfaceandstrengthofconstitutionwithmanyofhermother’sgifts,moreorlessmodifiedand,perhaps,diminishedinvalue.Atthetimewhenthishistorybegins,shewasnineteenyearsold,andhadbeenwhatiscalled‘out’insocietyformorethanayear.Shetherefore,accordingtothecustomsofthecountryandage,enjoyedtheprivilegeofreceivingalonetheyounggentlemenofhersetwhoeitheradmiredherorfoundpleasureinherconversation.Oftheformerthereweremany;ofthelatter,afew.

Ralstonstoodwithhisbacktotheemptyfireplace,staringatthedarkmahoganydoorwhichledtotheregionsofthestaircase.Hehadonlywaitedfiveminutes,buthewasinanimpulsiveframeofmind,andithadseemedaverylongtime.Atlastthedooropened.Katharineenteredtheroom,smiledandnoddedtohim,andthenturnedandshutthedoorcarefullybeforeshecameforward.

Shewasaverybeautifulgirl.Noonecouldhavedeniedthat,inthemain.Yettherewassomethingpuzzlingintheface,primarilydue,perhaps,tothemixtureofraces.Thefeatureswereharmonious,strongand,onthewhole,nobleandclassicinoutline,themouthespeciallybeingofaverypuretype,andthecurvedlipsofthatcreamy,salmonrose-colouroccasionallyseenindarkpersons—neitherred,norpinknorpale.Theverybroadlymarkeddarkeyebrowsgavethefacestrength,andthedeepgreyeyes,almostblackattimes,hadanoddlyfixedandearnestlook.Inthemtherewasnosoftnessonordinaryoccasions.They

expressedratheradeterminationtopenetratewhattheysaw,notaltogetherunmixedwithwonderatthediscoveriestheymade.Thewholefacewasboldlyoutlined,butbynomeansthin,andtheskinwasperceptiblyfreckled,whichisunusualwithdarkpeople,andistheconsequenceofared-hairedstrainintheinheritance.TheprimevalAlexanderhadbeenared-hairedman,andRoberttheRichhadresembledhimbeforehehadgrowngrey.CharlotteSlaybackhadchristenedthelatterbythatname.Shehadasharptongue,andcalledtheprimevaloneAlexandertheGreat,hergrandfatherAlexandertheIdiot,andherfatherAlexandertheSafe.Katharinehadherownopinionsaboutmostofthefamily,butshedidnotexpressthemsoplainly.

ShewasstillsmilingasshemetRalstoninthemiddleoftheroom.

“Youlookhappy,dear,”hesaid,kissingherforeheadsoftly.

“I’mnot,”sheanswered.“I’mgladtoseeyou.There’sadifference.Sitdown.”

“Hastherebeenanytrouble?”heasked,seatinghimselfinalittlelowchairbesidethecornerofthesofashehadchosen.

“Notexactlytrouble—no.It’stheoldstory—onlyit’sgettingsooldthatI’mbeginningtohateit.Youunderstand.”

“OfcourseIdo.Iwishtherewereanythingtobedone—whichyouwouldconsenttodo.”Headdedthelastwordsasthoughbyanafterthought.

“I’llconsenttoalmostanything,Jack.”

Thesmilehadvanishedfromherfaceandshespokeinadespairingtone,fixingherbigeyesonhis,andbendingherheavyeyebrowsasthoughinbodilypain.Hetookherhand—firm,well-grownandwhite—inhisandlaiditagainsthisleancheek.

“Dear!”hesaid.

Hisvoicetrembledalittle,whichwasunusual.Hefeltunaccountablyemotionalandwasmoreinlovethanusual.ThetoneinwhichhespokethesinglewordtouchedKatharine,andsheleanedforward,layingherotherhanduponhisotherone.

“Youdoloveme,Jack,”shesaid.

“GodknowsIdo,”heanswered,veryearnestly,andagainhisvoicequavered.

Itwasverystillintheroom,andtheduskwascreepingtowardthehigh,narrowwindows,fillingthecorners,andblackeningtheshadowyplaces,andthenrisingfromthefloor,almostlikeatide,tillonlythefacesofthetwoyoungpeopleseemedtobeaboveit,stillpalelyvisibleinthetwilight.

SuddenlyKatharinerosetoherfeet,withaquick-drawnbreathwhichwasnotquiteasigh.

“Pulldowntheshades,Jack,”shesaid,asshestruckamatchandlitthegasatoneofthestiffbracketswhichflankedthemantelpiece.

Ralstonobeyedinsilence.Whenhecamebackshehadresumedherseatinthecornerofthesofa,andhesatdownbesideherinsteadoftakingthechairagain.

Hedidnotspeakatonce,thoughitseemedtohimthathishearthadneverbeensofullbefore.Ashelookedatthelovelygirlhefeltathrillofpassionatedelightthatranthroughhimandalmosthurthim,andlefthimatlastwithanoddsensationinthethroatandapainfulsinkingattheheart.Hedidnotreflectuponitsmeaning,andhecertainlydidnotconnectitwiththereactionfollowingwhathehadmadehisnervesbearduringtheday.Hewassincerelyconsciousthathehadneverbeensodeeply,trulyinlovewithKatharinebefore.Shewatchedhim,understandingwhathefelt,smilingintohiseyes,butsilent,too.Theyhadknowneachothersincetheyhadbeenchildren,andhadlovedoneanothersinceKatharinehadbeensixteenyearsold,—morethanthreewholeyears,whichisalongtimeforfirstlovetoendure,unlessitmeanstobelastaswellasthefirst.

“Yousaidyouwouldconsenttoalmostanything,”saidRalston,afteralongpause.“Itwouldbeverysimpleforustobemarried,inspiteofeverybody.Shallwe?Shallwe,dear?”heasked,repeatingthequestion.

“Iwouldalmostdothat—”Sheturnedherfaceawayandstaredattheemptyfireplace.

“Say,quite!Afterall,whatcantheyalldo?Whatistheresodreadfultoface,ifwedogetmarried?Wemust,oneofthesedays.Life’snotlifewithoutyou—anddeathwouldn’tbedeathwithyou,darling,”headded.

“Areyouinearnest,Jack,—orareyoumakinglovetome?”

Sheaskedthequestionsuddenly,catchinghishandsandholdingthemfirmlytogether,andlookingathimwitheyesthatwerealmostfierce.Thepassionroseinhisown,withadarklight,andhisfacegrewpale.Thenhelaughednervously.

“I’monlylaughing,ofcourse—youseeIam.Whymustyoutakeafellowinearnest?”

Buttherewasnothinginhiswordsthatjarreduponher.Hecouldnotlaughawaythetruthfromhislook,fortruthitwasatthatmoment,whateveritssource.

“Iknow—Iunderstand,”shesaid,inalowvoice.“Wecan’tliveapart,youandI.”

“It’sliketearingoutfingersbythejointseverytimeIleaveyou,”Ralstonanswered.“It’stheresurrectionofthedeadtoseeyou—it’sthegloryofheaventokissyou.”

Thewordscametohislipsready,roughandstrong,andwhenhehadspokenthem,herssealedeveryoneofthemuponhisown,believingeveryoneofthem,andtrustinginthestrengthofhim.Thenshepushedhimawayandleanedbackinhercorner,withhalf-closedeyes.

“Idon’tknowwhyIeveraskifyou’reinearnest,dear,”shesaid.“Iknowyouare.Itwouldkillmetothinkthatyou’replaying.Womenarealwayssaidtobefoolish—perhapsit’sinthatway—andI’mnobetterthantherestofthem.Butyoudon’tspoilmeinthatway.Youdon’toftensayitasyoudidjustnow.”

“IneverlovedyouasIdonow,”saidRalston,simply.

“Ifeelit.”

“ButIwish—well,impossibilities.”

“What?Tellme,Jack.Ishallunderstand.”

“Oh—nothing.OnlyIwishIcouldfindsomewayofprovingittoyou.Butpeoplealwayssaythatsortofthing.Wedon’tliveinthemiddleages.”

“Ibelievewedo,”answeredKatharine,thoughtfully.“Ibelievepeoplewillsaythatwedid,hundredsofyearshence,whentheywriteaboutus.Besides—Jack—notthatIwantanyproof,becauseIbelieveyou—butthereissomethingyoucoulddo,ifyouwould.Iknowyouwouldn’tliketodoit.”

ItflashedacrossRalston’smindthatshewasabouttoaskhimtomakeagreatsacrificeforher,togiveupwineforhersake,havingheard,perhaps—evenprobably—ofsomeofhisexcesses.Hewasnervous,overwroughtandfullofwildimpulsesthatday,butheknewwhatsuchapromisewouldmeaninhissimplecode.Hewasnotinanytruesensedegraded,beyondtheweakeningofhiswill.InaninstantsobriefthatKatharinedidnotnoticehishesitationhereviewedhiswholelife,sofamiliartohiminitsworselightthatitroseinstantaneouslybeforehimasacompletepicture.Hefeltpositivelysureofwhatshewasabouttoaskhim,andashelookedintohergreatgreyeyeshebelievedthathecouldkeepthepledgehewasabouttogiveher,thatitwouldsavehimfromdestruction,andthatheshouldthusowehishappinesstohermorewhollythanever.

“I’lldoit,”heanswered,andthefingersofhisrighthandslowlyclosedtillhisfistwasclenched.

“Thankyou,dearone,”answeredKatharine,softly.“Butyoumustn’tpromiseuntilyouknowwhatitis.”

“IknowwhatI’vesaid.”

“ButIwon’tletyoupromise.Youwouldn’tforgiveme—you’dthinkthatIhadcaughtyou—thatitwasatrap—allsortsofthings.”

Ralstonsmiledandshookhishead.Hefeltquitesureofherandofhimself.Anditwouldhavebeenbetterforherandforhim,ifshehadaskedwhatheexpected.

“Jack,”shesaid,loweringhervoicealmosttoawhisper,“Iwantyoutomarrymeprivately—quiteinsecret—that’swhatImean.Notahumanbeingmustknow,butyouandIandtheclergyman.”

JohnRalstonlookedintoherfaceinthunder-struckastonishment.Itisdoubtfulwhetheranythingnaturalorsupernaturalcouldhavebroughtsuchalookintohiseyes.Katharinesmiled,fortheideahadlongbeenfamiliartoher.

“Confessthatyouwerenotpreparedforthat!”shesaid.“Butyou’veconfesseditalready.”

“Well—hardlyforthat—no.”

Thelookofsurpriseinhisfacegraduallychangedintooneofwonderingcuriosity,andhisbrowsknitthemselvesintoasortofpuzzledfrown,asthoughheweretryingtosolveadifficultproblem.

“YouseewhyIdidn’twantyoutopromiseanythingrashly,”saidKatharine.“Youcouldn’tpossiblyforeseewhatIwasgoingtoaskanymorethanyoucanunderstandwhyIaskit.Couldyou?”

“No.Ofcoursenot.Whocould?”

“I’mnotgoingtoaskanyoneelseto,youmaybesure.Inthefirstplace,doyouthinkitwrong?”

“Wrong?Thatdepends—therearesomanythings—”hehesitated.

“Saywhatyouthink,Jack.Iwanttoknowjustwhatyouthink.”

“That’sthetrouble.Ihardlyknowmyself.Ofcoursethere’snothingabsolutelywronginasecretmarriage.Nomarriageiswrong,exactly,ifthepeoplearefree.”

“That’sthemainthingIwantedtoknow,”saidKatharine,quietly.

“Yes—butthereareotherthings.Mendon’tthinkitexactlyhonourabletopersuadeagirltobemarriedsecretly,againstthewishesofherpeople.Agreatmanymenwould,butdon’t.It’ssomehownotquitefairtothegirl.Runningawayisallfairandsquare,ifpeoplearereadytofacetheconsequences.Perhapsitisthatthereareconsequencestoface—thatmakesitasortofpitchedbattle,andtheparentsgenerallygiveinattheend,becausethere’snootherwayoutofit.Butasecretmarriage—well,itdoesn’texactlyhaveconsequences,intheordinaryway.Thegirlgoesonlivingathomeasthoughshewerenotmarried,deceivingeverybodyallround—andsomusttheman.Infactit’sakindoflie,andIdon’tlikeit.”

Ralstonpausedafterthislongspeech,andwasevidentlydeepinthought.

“Allyousayistrueenough—inasense,”Katharineanswered.“Butwhenit’stheonlywaytogetmarriedatall,thecaseisdifferent.Don’tyouthinksoyourself?Wouldn’tyouratherbesecretlymarriedthangoonlikethis—asthismaygoon,forten,fifteen,twentyyears—allourlives?”

“OfcourseIwould.ButIdon’tseewhy—”

“Ido,andIwanttomakeyousee.Listentomylittlespeech,please.First,wearebothofage—Iamsofarasbeingmarriedisconcerned,andwehaveanabsoluterighttodoaswepleaseaboutit—tobemarriedintheteethofthelions,ifthat’snotafalsemetaphor—orsomething—youknow.”

“Inthejawsofhell,forthatmatter,”saidRalston,fervently.

“Thankyouforsayingit.I’monlyagirlandmustn’tusestronglanguage.Verywell,wehaveaperfectrighttodoasweplease.That’sagreatpoint.Thenwehaveonlytochoose,anditbecomesamatterofjudgment.”

“Youtalklikeprint,”laughedRalston.

“Somuchthebetter.Wehavemadeupourmindsthatwecan’tlivewithouteachother,sowemustbemarriedsomehow.Youdon’tthinkit’snot—whatshallIsay?—notquitelikeagirlformetotalkinthisway,doyou?Wehavetalkedofitsooften,andwedecidedsolongago!”

“Whatnonsense!Beasplainaspossible.”

“Becauseifyoudo—thenIshallhavetowriteitalltoyou,andIcan’twritewell.”

Ralstonsmiled.

“Goon,”hesaid.“I’mwaitingforthereasons.”

“Theycouldsimplystarveus,Jack.We’veneitherofusadollarintheworld.”

“Notacent,”saidRalston,veryemphatically.“Ifwehad,weshouldn’tbewhereweare.”

“Andyourmothercan’tgiveyouanymoney,andmyfatherwon’tgivemeany.”

“AndI’mafailure,”Ralstonobserved,withsuddengrimnessandhatredofhimself.

“Hush!You’llbeasuccesssomeday.That’snotthequestion.Thepointis,ifwetriedtogetmarriedopenly,therewouldbehorriblescenesfirst,andthenwar,andstarvationafterwards.It’snotaprettyprospect,butit’strue.”

“Isupposeitis.”

“It’ssodeadlytruethatitputsanopenmarriageoutofthequestionaltogether.Iftherewerenothingelsetobedone,itwouldbedifferent.I’dratherstarvethangiveyouup.Butthereisawayoutofit.Wecanbemarriedsecretly.Inthatwayweshallavoidthescenesandthewar.”

“Andthenwaitforsomethingtohappen?Weshouldbejustwherewearenow.ToallintentsandpurposesyouwouldbeSpinsterLauderdaleandIshouldbeBachelorRalston.Idon’tseethatitwouldbetheslightestimprovementonthepresentsituation—honestly,Idon’t.I’mnotromantic,aspeopleareinbooks.Idon’tthinkitwouldbesweeterthanlifetocallyouwife,andwhenwe’remarriedIshallcallyouKatharinejustthesame.Idon’tdistrustyou.YouknowIdon’t.I’mnotreallyafraidthatyou’llgoandmarryHamBright,orFrankMiner,noreventhemostdesirableyoungmaninNewYork,whohasprobablyproposedtoyoualready.I’mnotvain,butIknowyouloveme.IshouldbeabruteifIdoubtedit—”

“Yes—Ithinkyouwould,dear,”saidKatharine,withgreatdirectness.

“SothatsinceI’mtowaitforyoutill‘somethinghappens’—nevermindtowhom,andlonglifetoallofthem!—I’dratherwaitaswearethangothroughitwithapackofliestocarry.”

“Ilikeyou,Jack—besideslovingyou.It’squiteanotherfeeling,youknow.You’resuchaman!”

“IwishIwerehalfwhatyouthinkIam.”

“I’llthinkwhatIplease.It’snoneofyourdearbusiness.Butyouhaven’theardhalfIhavetosayyet.I’llsupposethatwe’remarried—secretly.Verywell.Thatsameday,orthenextday,andassoonaspossible,IshallgotouncleRobertandtellhimthewholetruth.”

“TouncleRobert!”exclaimedRalston,whohadnotyetcometotheendofthesurprisesinstoreforhim.“Andaskhimforsomemoney,Isuppose?Thatwon’tdo,Katharine.Indeeditwon’t.Ishouldbelettingyougobeggingforme.That’stheplainEnglishofit.No,no!Thatcan’tbedone.”

“You’llfindithardtopreventmefrombeggingforyou,orworkingforyoueither,ifyoueverneedit,”saidKatharine.Therewasacertaingrandsimplicityabouttheplainstatement.

“You’retoogoodforme,”saidRalston,inalowvoice,andforthethirdtimetherewasaquiverinhistone.Moreover,hefeltanunaccustomedmoistureinhiseyeswhichgavehimpleasure,thoughhewasashamedofit.

“No,I’mnot—notabittoogoodforyou.ButIliketohear—Idon’tknowwhyitis,butyourvoicetouchesmeto-day.Itseemschanged.”

Ralstonwastruthfulandhonourable.Ifhehadhimselfunderstoodthecausesofhisincreasedemotion,hewouldhavehangedhimselfratherthanhaveletKatharinesaywhatshedid,withouttellingherwhathadhappened.Hedrank,andheknewit,andoflatehehadbeendrinkinghard,butitwasthefirsttimethathehadeverspokentoKatharineLauderdalewhenhehadbeendrinking,andhewasdeceivedbyhisownapparentsobernessbeyondthepossibilityofbelievingthathewasonthevergeofbeingslightlyhysterical.Letthemwhodoubtthepossibilityofsuchacasequestionthosewhohavewatchedathousandcases.

TherewasalittlepauseafterKatharine’slastwords.Thenshewenton,—explainingherproject.

“UncleRobertalwayssaysthatnobodyunderstandshimasIdo.Ishalltryandmakehimunderstandme,forachange.Ishalltellhimjustwhathashappened,andIshalltellhimthathemustfindworkforyoutodo,sinceyou’reperfectlycapableofworkingifyouonlyhaveafairchance.Youneverhadone.Idon’tcallitachancetoputanactivemanlikeyouintoagloomylawofficetocopyfustydocuments.AndIdon’tcallitgivingyouachancetoglueyoutoadeskinBemanBrothers’bank.You’renotmadeforthatsortofwork.Ofcourseyouweredisgustedandrefusedtogoon.Ishouldhavedonejustthesame.”

“Oh,youwould—I’mquitesure!”answeredRalston,withconviction.

“Naturally.NotbutthatI’mjustascapableofworkingasyouare,though.TogobacktouncleRobert.It’sjustimpossible,withallhisdifferentinterests,alloverthecountry,andwithhisinfluence—andyouknowwhatthatis—thatheshouldnothavesomethingforyoutodo.Besides,he’llunderstandus.He’sagreatbigman,onabigscale,aheadandshouldersmentallybiggerthanalltherestofthefamily.”

“That’strue,”assentedRalston.

“Andheknowsthatyoudon’twanttotakemoneywithoutgivinganequivalentforit.”

“He’sknownthatallalong.Idon’tseewhyheshouldputhimselfoutanymorenow—”

“BecauseI’llmakehim,”saidKatharine,firmly.“Icandothatforyou,andifyoutortureyourcodeofhonourintofitsyoucan’tmakeittellyouthatawifeshouldnotdothatsortofthingforherhusband.Canyou?”

“Idon’tknow,”answeredRalston,smiling.“I’vetrieditmyselfoftenenoughwiththeoldgentleman.HesaysI’vehadtwochancesandhavethrownthemup,andthat,afterall,mymotherandIhavequiteenoughtoliveoncomfortably,sohesupposesthatIdon’tcareforwork.Itoldhimthatenoughwasnotnearlysogoodasafeast.Helaughedandsaidheknewthat,butthatpeoplecouldn’tstandfeastingunlesstheyworkedhard.ThelasttimeIsawhim,heofferedtomakeBemantrymeagain.ButIcouldn’tstandthat.”

“Ofcoursenot.”

“Ican’tstandanythingwhereIproducenoeffect,andamnottoearnmylivingforeversolong.Iwasn’ttohaveanysalaryatBeman’sforayear,youknow,becauseIknewnothingaboutthework.Anditwasthesameatthelawyer’soffice—onlymuchlongertowait.IcouldworkatanythingIunderstood,ofcourse.ButIsupposeIdoknowpreciouslittlethat’sofanyuse.Itcan’tbehelped,now.”

“Yes,itcan.Butyouseemyplan.UncleRobertwillbesotakenoffhisfeetthathe’llfindyousomething.Thenthewholethingwillbesettled.ItwillprobablybesomethingintheWest.Thenwe’lldeclareourselves.There’llbeonestupendouscrash,andweshalldisappearfromthescene,leavingthefamilyto

likeitornot,astheyplease.Intheendtheywilllikeit.Therewouldbenoliestoact—atleast,notaftertwoorthreedays.Itwouldn’ttakelongerthanthattoarrangethings.”

“ItalldependsonuncleRobert,itseemstome,”saidRalston,doubtfully.“Arunawaymatchwouldcometoaboutthesamethingintheend.I’lldothat,ifyoulike.”

“Iwon’t.Itmustbedoneinmyway,ornotatall.IfweranawayweshouldhavetocomebacktoseeuncleRobert,andweshouldfindhimfurious.He’dtellustogobacktoourhomes,separately,tillwehadenoughtoliveon—ortogoandlivewithyourmother.Iwon’tdothateither.She’snotabletosupportusboth.”

“No—frankly,she’snot.”

“AnduncleRobertwouldbeangry,wouldn’the?Hehasafearfultemper,youknow.”

“Yes—heprobablywouldberaging.”

“Well,then?”

“Idon’tlikeit,Katharinedear—Idon’tlikeit.”

“Thenyoucannevermarrymeatall,Jack.Atleast,I’mafraidnot.”

“Never?”Ralston’sexpressionchangedsuddenly.

“There’sanotherreason,Jackdear.Ididn’twanttospeakofit—now.”

CHAPTERIV.

Ralstonsaidnothingatfirst.ThenhelookedatKatharineasthoughexpectingthatsheshouldspeakagainandexplainhermeaning,inspiteofherhavingsaidthatshehadnotmeanttodoso.

“Whatisthisotherreason?”heasked,afteralongpause.

“Itwouldtakesolongtotellyouallaboutit,”sheanswered,thoughtfully.“AndevenifIdid,Iamnotsurethatyouwouldunderstand.Itbelongs—well—to

quiteanothersetofideas.”

“Itmustbesomethingratherseriousifitmeansmarriagenow,ormarriagenever.”

“Itisserious.Andtheworstofitisthatyouwilllaughatit—andIamsureyouwillsaythatIamnothonesttomyself.AndyetIam.YouseeitisconnectedwiththingsaboutwhichyouandIdon’tthinkalike.”

“Religion?”suggestedRalston,inatoneofenquiry.

Katharinebowedherheadslowly,sighedjustaudiblyandlookedawayfromhimassheleanedback.Nothingcouldhaveexpressedmoreclearlyherconvictionthatthesubjectwasoneuponwhichtheycouldneveragree.

“Idon’tseewhyyoushouldsighaboutit,”saidRalston,inatonewhichexpressedreliefratherthanperplexity.“Ioftenwonderwhypeoplegenerallylooksosadwhentheytalkaboutreligion.Almosteverybodydoes.”

“Howridiculous!”exclaimedKatharine,withalittlelaugh.“Besides,Iwasn’tsighing,exactly—Iwasonlywishingitwereallarranged.”

“Yourreligion?”

“Don’ttalklikethat.I’minearnest.Don’tlaughatme,Jackdear—please!”

“I’mnotlaughing.Can’tyoutellmehowreligionbearsonthematterinhand?That’sallIneedtoknow.Idon’tlaughatreligion—atyoursoranyoneelse’s.IbelieveIhavealittleinclinationtoitmyself.”

“Yes,Iknow.But—well—Idon’tthinkyouhaveenoughtosaveafly—notthesmallestlittlefly,Jack.Nevermind—you’rejustasnice,dear.Idon’tlikemenwhopreach.”

“I’mgladofit.Butwhathasallthistodowithourgettingmarried?”

“Listen.It’sperfectlycleartome,andyoucanunderstandifyouwill.IhavealmostmadeupmymindtobecomeaCatholic—”

“You?”Ralstonstaredatherinsurprise.“You—aRomanCatholic?”

“Yes—HolyRomanCatholicandApostolic.Isthatclear,Jack?”

“Perfectly.I’msorry.”

“Nowdon’tbeaPuritan,Jack—”

“I’mnotaPuritan.Ihaven’tadropofPuritanblood.Youhave,Katharine,foryourgrandmotherwasoneoftherealoldsort.I’veheardmyfathersayso.”

“You’rejustasmuchaLauderdaleasIam,”retortedKatharine.“AndifScotchPresbyteriansarenotPuritans,whatis?Butthatisn’twhatImean.It’sthetendencytowishthatpeoplewerenothingatallratherthanCatholics.”

“It’snotthat.I’mnotsoprejudiced.Iwasthinkingoftherow—that’sall.Youdon’tmeantokeepthatasecret,too?Itwouldn’tbelikeyou.”

“No,indeed,”answeredKatharine,proudly.

“Well—you’venottoldmewhattheconnectionisbetweenthisandourmarriage.Youdon’tsupposethatitwillreallymakeanydifferencetome,doyou?Youcan’t.Andyou’requitemistakenaboutmyPuritanism.IwouldmuchratherthatmywifeshouldbeaRomanCatholicthannothingatall.I’mbroadenoughforthat,anyhow.Ofcourseit’saseriousmatter,becausepeoplesometimesdothatkindofthingandthenfindoutthattheyhavemadeamistake—whenit’stoolate.Andthere’ssomethingridiculousandundignifiedaboutgivingitupagainwhenit’soncedone.Religionseemstobeagooddeallikepolitics.Youmaychangeonce—peoplewon’tadmireyou—Imeanpeopleonyouroldside—buttheywilltolerateyou.Butifyouchangetwice—”

“I’mnotgoingtochangetwice.I’venotquite,quitemadeupmymindtochangeonce,yet.ButifIdo,itwillmakethings—Imean,ourmarriage—almostimpossible.”

“Why?”

“TheCatholicsdoeverythingtheycantopreventmixedmarriages,Jack,—especiallyinourcountry.Youwouldhavetomakeallsortsofpromiseswhichyouwouldn’tlike,andwhichIshouldn’twantyoutomake—”

Ralstonlaughed,suddenlycomprehendingherpointofview.

“Isee!”heexclaimed.

“Ofcourseyousee.It’sasplainasday.Iwanttomakesureofyou—dear,”—shelaidherhandsoftlyonhis,—“andIalsowanttobesureofbeingperfectlyfreetochangemymindaboutmyreligion,ifIwishto.It’sastrokeofdiplomacy.”

“Idon’tknowmuchaboutdiplomaticproceedings,”laughedRalston,“butthisstrikesmeas—well—veryintelligent,tosaytheleastofit.”

Katharine’sfacebecameverygrave,andshewithdrewherhand.

“Youmeanthatitdoesnotseemtoyouperfectlyhonest,”shesaid.

“Ididn’tsaythat,”heanswered,hisexpressionchangingwithhers.“OfcoursetheideaisthatifyouaremarriedtomebeforeyoubecomeaCatholic,yourchurchcanhavenothingtosaytomewhenyoudo.”

“Ofcourse—yes.Youcouldn’tbecalledupontomakeanypromises.ButifIshoulddecide,afterall,nottotakethestep,therewouldbenoharmdone.Onthecontrary,IshallhavetheadvantageofbeingabletoputpressureonuncleRobert,asIexplainedtoyoubefore.”

“Ididn’tsayIthoughtitwasn’thonest,”saidRalston.“It’sratherdeep,andI’malwaysafraidthatdeepthingsmaynotbequitestraight.Ishouldliketothinkaboutit,ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Iwantyoutodecide.I’vethoughtaboutit.”

“Yes—but—”

“Well?Supposethat,afterthinkingitoverforeversolong,youshouldcometotheconclusionthatIshouldnotbeactingperfectlyhonestlytomyconscience—that’stheworstyoucoulddiscover,isn’tit?Eventhen—andIbelieveit’sanimpossiblecase—it’smyconscienceandnotyours.Ifyouweretryingtopersuademetoasecretmarriagebecauseyouwereafraidoftheconsequences,itwouldbedifferent—”

“Rather!”exclaimedRalston,vehemently.

“Butyou’renot.Yousee,themainpointisonmyaccount,andit’sIwhoam

doingallthepersuading,forthatreason.Itmaybeun—un—whatshallIcallit—notlikeagirlatall.ButIdon’tcare.Whyshouldn’tItellyouthatIloveyou?We’vebothsaiditoftenenough,andwebothmeanit,andImeantobemarriedtoyou.Thereligiousquestionisamatterofconviction.Youhavenoconvictions,soyoucan’tunderstand—”

“Ihaveoneortwo—littleones.”

“NotenoughtounderstandwhatIfeel—thatifreligionisanything,thenit’severythingexceptourlove.No—thatwasn’tanafterthought.It’snotcomingbetweenyouandme.Nothingcan.Butit’severythingelseinlife,orelseit’snothingatallandnotworthspeakingof.Andifitis—ifitreallyis—whythen,forme,asIlookatit,itmeanstheCatholicChurch.IfItalkasthoughIwerenotquitesure,it’sbecauseIwanttobequiteonthesafeside.AndifIwantyoutodothisthing—it’sbecauseIwanttobeabsolutelysurethathereafternohumanbeingshallcomebetweenus.Iknowallaboutthedifficultiesinthesemixedmarriages.I’vemadelotsofenquiries.There’snoquestionoffaith,orbelief,oranythingofthesortintheirobjections.It’ssimplyamatterofchurchpolitics,andIdaresaythattheyarequiterightaboutit,fromtheirpointofview,andthatifoneisoncewiththemonemustbewiththemaltogether,inpolicyaswellasinreligion.ButI’mnotasfarasthatyet.PerhapsInevershallbe,afterall.Iwanttomakesureofyou—oh,Jack,don’tyouunderstand?Ican’ttalkwell,butIknowjustwhatImean.Tellmeyouunderstand,andthatyou’lldowhatIask!”

“It’sveryhard!”saidRalston,bendinghisheadandlookingatthecarpet.“IwishIknewwhattodo.”

Woman-like,shesawthatshewasbeginningtogettheadvantage.

“Gooveritall,dear.Inthefirstplace,it’sentirelyformysake,andnotintheleastforyours.Soyoucan’tsaythere’sanythingselfishinit,ifyoudoitforme,canyou?Youdon’twanttodoit,youdon’tlikeit,andifyoudoityou’llbemakingasacrificetopleaseme.”

“Inmarryingyou!”Ralstonlaughedalittleandthenbecameverygraveagain.

“Yes,inmarryingme.It’samereformality,andnothingelse.We’renotgoingtorunawayafterwards,normeetinthedarkinGramercyParknordoanythingintheleastdifferentfromwhatwe’vealwaysdone,untilI’vegotwhatIwantfromuncleRobert.Thenwe’llacknowledgethewholething,andI’lltakeallthe

blameonmyself,ifthereisany—”

“You’lldonothingofthekind,”interruptedRalston.

“Unlessyoutellastorythat’snottrue,youwon’tbeabletofindanythingtoblameyourselfwith,”answeredKatharine.“Soitwillbeallover,anditwillsavenoendofbother—andexpense.Whichissomething,asneitherofus,norourpeople,haveanymoneytospeakof,andaweddingcostseversomuch.Ineedn’tevenhaveatrousseau—justafewthings,ofcourse—andpoorpapawillbegladofthat.Youneedn’tlaugh.You’llbedoinghimaservice,aswellasme.AndyouseehowIcanputittouncleRobert,don’tyou?‘UncleRobert,we’remarried—that’sall.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?’Nothingcouldbeplainerthanthat,couldit?”

“Nothing!”

“Nowhewillsimplyhavetodosomething.Perhapshe’llbeangryatfirst,butthatwon’tlastlong.He’llgetoveritandlaughatmyaudacity.Butthatisn’tthemainpoint.It’sperfectlyconceivablethatyoumightworkandslaveatsomethingyouhateforyearsandyears,untilwecouldgetmarriedintheregularway.Theprincipalquestionistheother—myfreedomafterwardstodoexactlyasIpleaseaboutmyreligionwithoutanypossibilityofanyoneinterferingwithourmarriage.”

“Katharine!DoyoureallymeantosaythatifyouwereaCatholic,andifthepriestssaidthatweshouldn’tbemarried,youwouldsubmit?”

“IfIcouldn’t,Icouldn’t,”Katharineanswered.“IfIwereaCatholic,andagoodCatholic,—Iwouldn’tbeabadone,—nomarriagebutaCatholiconewouldbeamarriageatallforme.Andiftheyrefusedit,whatcouldIdo?Goback?Thatwouldbelyingtomyself.Tomarryyouinsomehalfregularway—”

“Hush,child!Youdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout!”

“Yes,Ido—perfectly.Andyouwouldn’tlikethat.Soyouseewhatmypositionis.It’sabsolutelynecessarytomyfuturehappinessthatweshouldbequietlymarriedsomemorning—to-morrow,ifyoulike,butcertainlyinadayortwo—andthatnobodyshouldknowanythingaboutit,untilI’vetolduncleRobert.”

“Afterall,”saidRalston,hesitating,“itwillbeverymuchthesamethingas

thoughweweretorunaway,providedwefaceeverybodyatonce.”

“Verymuchbetter,becausethere’llbenoscandal—andnoimmediatestarvation,whichissomethingworthconsidering.”

“Itwon’treallybeasecretmarriage,exceptforthemereceremony,then.Thatlooksdifferent,somehow.”

“Ofcourse.Youdon’tsupposethatIthoughtoftakingsomuchtroubleanddoingsuchaqueerthingjustforthesakeofknowingalltomyselfthatIwasmarried,doyou?Besides,secretsarealwaysidioticthings.Somebodyalwaysletsthemoutbeforeoneisready.Andit’snotasthoughtherewereanygoodreasonintheworldwhyweshouldnotbemarried,exceptthemoneyquestion.We’reofage—andsuitedtoeachother—andallthat.”

“Naturally!”AndRalstonlaughedagain.

“Well,then—itseemstomethatit’sallperfectlyclear.Itamountstotellingeverybodythedayafter,insteadofthedaybeforethewedding.Doyousee?”

“IsupposeIoughttogoonprotesting,butyoudomakeitveryclearthatthere’snothingunderhandaboutit,exceptthemereceremony.Andasyousay,wehaveaperfectrighttobemarriedifweplease.”

“Andwedoplease—don’twe?”

“Withallourhearts,”Ralstonanswered,inadreamytone.

“Thenwhenshallitbe,Jack?”Katharineleanedtowardshimandtouchedhishandwithherfingersasthoughtorousehimfromthereverieintowhichheseemedtobefalling.

Thetouchthrilledhim,andhelookedupsuddenlyandmetherglance.Helookedathersteadilyforamoment,andoncemorehefeltthatodd,pleasurable,unmanlymoistureinhis

“Sherosesuddenlyandpretendedtobusyherselfwiththesinglelight.”—Vol.I.,p.79.

“Sherosesuddenlyandpretendedtobusyherselfwiththesinglelight.”—Vol.I.,

p.79.

eyes,withasweepingwaveofemotionthatrosefromhisheartwitharushasthoughitwouldbursthisthroat.Heyieldedtoitaltogetherthistime,andcatchingherinhisarmsdrewherpassionatelytohim,kissingheragainandagain,asthoughhehadneverkissedherbefore.Hedidnotunderstandithimself,andKatharinewasnotusedtoit.Butshelovedhim,too,withallherheart,asitseemedtoher.Shehadprovedittohimandtoherselfmorecompletelywithinthelasthalfhour,andsheletherownarmsgoroundhim.Thenadeep,darkblushwhichshecouldfeel,roseslowlyfromherthroattohercheeks,andsheinstinctivelydisentangledherselffromhimanddrewgentlyback.

“Rememberthatit’sformysake—notforyours,dear,”shesaid.

Hergreyeyeswereasdeepastheduskitself.Vaguelysheguessedherpowerasshegavehimonemorelonglook,andthenrosesuddenlyandpretendedtobusyherselfwiththesinglelight,turningitupalittleandthendown.Ralstonwatchedthespringingcurvesthatoutlinedherfigureasshereachedupward.Hewasinmanywaysastrangelyrefinedman,inspiteofallhissins,andofhisbesettingsininparticular,andrefinementinothersappealedtohimstronglywhenitwashealthyandnatural.Hedetestedthediaphanoustypeofsemi-consumptivewiththeangelface,manorwoman,anddeclaredthataskeletondeservednocreditforlookingrefined,sinceitcouldnotpossiblylookanythingelse.ButhedelightedindelicacyoftouchandgraceofmovementwhenitwentwithsuchhealthandstrengthasKatharinehad.

“Youarethemostdivinelybeautifulthingonearth,”hesaid,quietly.

Katharinelaughed,butstillturnedherfaceawayfromhim.

“Thenmarryme,”shesaid,laughing.“Whataspeech!”shecriedaninstantlater.“Justfancyifanyonecouldhearme,notknowingwhatwe’vebeentalkingabout!”

“Youwerejustintime,then,”saidRalston.“There’ssomeonecoming.”

Katharineturnedquickly,listenedamoment,anddistinguishedafootfallonthestairsoutsidethedoor.Shenodded,andcametohissideatonce.

“Youwill,Jack,”shesaidunderherbreath.“Saythatyouwill—quick!”

Ralstonhesitatedonemoment.Hetriedtothink,buthereyeswereuponhimandheseemedtobeunderaspell.Theywereclosetogether,andtherewasnotmuchlightintheroom.Hefeltthattheshadowofsomethingunknownwasaroundthemboth—thatsomewhereintheroomasweetflowerwasgrowing,notlikeotherflowers,notcommonnorscentedwithspring—aplantfullofsoftlytwistedtendrilsandpalepetalsandin-turnedstamens—aflowerofmoon-leafandfire-bloomanddusk-thorn—droopingabovetheirtwoheadslikeablossom-ladenboughbendingheavilyovertwoexquisitestatues—twostatuesthatdidnotspeak,whosefacesdidnotchangeasthenightstolesilentlyuponthem—buttheyweresidebyside,verynear,andthedarknesswassweet.

Itwasonlyaninstant.Thentheirlipsmet.

“Yes,”hewhispered,anddrewbackasthedooropened.

Mrs.Lauderdaleenteredtheroom.

“Oh,areyouthere,Jack?”sheasked,butwithoutanysurprise,asthoughshewereaccustomedtofindhimwithKatharine.

“Yes,”answeredRalston,quietly.“I’vebeenhereeversolong.Howdoyoudo,cousinEmma?”

“Oh,I’msotired!”exclaimedMrs.Lauderdale.“I’vebeenworkingalldaylong.Ipositivelycan’tsee.”

“Yououghtnottoworksohard,”saidRalston.“You’llwearyoureyesout.”

“No,I’mstrong,andsoaremyeyes.IonlywantedtosaythatIwastired.It’ssucharelief!”

Mrs.Lauderdalehadbeenaverybeautifulwoman,andwas,indeed,onlyjustbeginningtoloseherbeauty.Shewasmuchtallerthaneitherofherdaughters,butofadifferenttypeoffigurefromKatharine,andlessevenlygrown,ifsuchanexpressionmaybepermitted.Thehandwastypicalofthedifference.Mrs.Lauderdale’swasextremelylongandthin,butwellmadeinthedetails,thoughoutofproportioninthewayoflengthandnarrownessasawhole.Katharine’shandwasfirmandfull,withoutbeingwhatiscalledathickhand.Therewasa

moreperfectbalancebetweenfleshandboneinthestraight,strongfingers.Mrs.LauderdalehadbeenoneofthosemagnificentfairbeautiesoccasionallyseeninKentucky,—aperfectheadwithperfectbutsmallfeatures,superbgoldenhair,straight,cleareyes,asmallredmouth,—greatdignityofcarriage,too,withthesomethingwhichhasbeenchristened‘dash’whenshemovedquickly,ordidanythingwiththoselonghandsofhers,—amarvellousconstitution,andthedazzlingcomplexionofsnowandcarnationsthatgoeswithit,verydifferentfromthesofter‘milkandroses’oftheLatinpoet’smistress.Mrs.Lauderdalehadalwaysbeendescribedasdazzling,andpeoplewhosawherforthefirsttimeusedthewordevennowtoconveytheimpressionshemade.Herage,whichwasknownonlytosomemembersofthefamily,andwhichisnotoftheslightestimportancetothishistory,showeditselfchieflyinadiminutionofthisdazzlingquality.Thewhitewaslesswhite,thecarnationwasbecomingacommonpink,thegoldofherhairwasnolongergoldallthrough,butdistinctlybrowninmanyplaces,thoughitwouldcertainlyneverturngreyuntilextremeoldage.Hermovements,too,werelessfree,thoughstatelystill,—thebrutalword‘rheumatism’hadbeenwhisperedbythefamilydoctor,—andtogobacktoherface,therewereundeniablycertaintinylines,andmanyofthem,whichwerenotthelinesofbeauty.

Itwasabrave,goodface,onthewhole,gifted,sometimessympathetic,andoddlycoldwhenthewoman’stemperwasmostimpulsive.Forthereisanexpressionofcoldnesswhichweaknessputsoninself-defence.Acertainnarrownessofview,diametricallyopposedtoacorrespondingnarrownessinherhusband’smind,didnotshowitselfinherfeatures.Thereisadefiant,supremelysatisfiedlookwhichshowsthatsortoflimitation.PossiblysuchnarrownesswasnotnaturalwithMrs.Lauderdale,buttheresultofhavingbeensystematicallyopposedoncertainparticulargroundsthroughoutmorethanaquarterofacenturyofmarriedlife.Howeverthatmaybe,itwasbythistimeapartofhernature,thoughnotoutwardlyexpressedinanyapparentway.

ShehadnotbeenveryhappywithAlexanderJunior,andsheadmittedthefact.Sheknewalsothatshehadbeenagoodwifetohimineveryfairsenseoftheword.Foralthoughshehadenjoyedcompensations,shehadtakenadvantageoftheminastrictlyconscientiousway.Undeniablebeauty,ofthekindwhicheveryonerecognizesinstantlywithouttheslightesthesitation,issorareagiftthatitdoesindeedcompensateitspossessorformanymisfortunes,especiallywhensheenjoysamusementforitsownsake,innocentlyandwithoutlosingherheadorbecomingspoiledandaffectedbyconstantadmiration.KatharineLauderdale

hadnotthatdegreeofbeauty,andtherewerenumerouspersonswhodidnotevencareforwhattheycalled‘herstyle.’HersisterCharlottehadsomethingofhermother’sbrilliancy,indeed,buttherewasahardnessaboutherfaceandnaturewhichwasapparentatfirstsight.Mrs.Alexanderhadalwaysremainedthebeautyofthefamily,andindeedthebeautyofthesocietytowhichshebelonged,evenafterherdaughtershadbeengrownup.Shehadoutshonethem,eveninaworldlikethatofNewYork,whichdoesnotreadilycomparemothersanddaughtersinanyway,andasksthemoutseparatelyasthoughtheydidnotbelongtoeachother.

Shehadnotbeenveryhappy,andapartfromanypurelyimaginarybliss,procurableonlybysomemiraculouschangesinAlexanderJunior’sheartandhead,shebelievedthattheonlyrealthinglackingwasmoney.Shehadalwaysbeenpoor.Shehadneverknownwhatseemedtoherthesupremedelightofsittinginherowncarriage.Shehadnevertastedthepleasureofhavingfivehundreddollarstospendonherfancies,exactlyasshepleased.Thequestionofdresshadalwaysbeenmoreorlessofastruggle.Shehadnotexactlyextravaganttastes,butsheshouldhavelikedtofeelonceinherlifethatshewasatlibertytothrowasideapairofperfectlynewgloves,merelybecausewhensheputthemonthefirsttimeoneoftheseamswasalittlecrooked,orthelowerpartwastoolooseforhernarrowhand.Shehadalwaysfeltthatwhenshehadboughtathingshemustwearitout,asamatterofconscience,evenifitdidnotsuither.Andtherewasareallittlepaininthethought,ofwhichshewasashamed.Smallthings,butwomanlyandhuman.Then,too,therewastheconstantchafingofherpardonablepridewhenninety-nineofheracquaintancesalldidthesamething,andshewasthehundredthwhocouldnotaffordit—andthesubscriptionsandthecharityconcertsandthetheatreparties.Itwasmainlyinordertosupplyherselfwithalittlemoneyforsuchobjectsasthesethatshehadworkedsohardatherpaintingforyears—thatshemightnotbeobligedtoapplytoherhusbandforsuchsumsoneveryoccasion.Shehadsucceededtosomeextent,too,andherinitialshadacertainreputation,evenwiththedealers.Manypeopleknewthatthosesameinitialswerehers,andafewfriendswerealtogetherinherconfidence.Possiblyifshehadbeenlessbeautiful,shewouldhavebeenspokenofatafternoonteasas‘poorMrs.Lauderdale,’andpeoplewouldhavebeenfound—forsocietyhasitskindlyside—whowouldhavehalf-surreptitiouslypaidlargesumsforbitsofherwork,evenmuchmorethanherminiaturescouldeverbeworth.Butshedidnotexcitepity.Shelookedrich,assomepeopledototheircost.PeoplesympathizedwithherinthematterofAlexanderJunior’scharacter,forhewasnotpopular.Butnoonethoughtofpityingherbecauseshe

waspoor.Onthecontrary,manypersonsenviedher.Itmustbe‘suchfun,’theysaid,tobeabletopaintandreallysellone’spaintings.Adashingwomanwithalotoftalent,whocanmakeafewhundredsinhalfanhourwhenshechooses,saidothers.Whatdidshespendthemoneyon?Onwhatevershepleased—probablyincharity,shewassogood-hearted.ButthosepeopledidnotseeherasJackRalstonsawher,wornoutwithalongday’swork,hereyesaching,hernaturallygoodtemperalmostonedge;andtheydidnotknowthatKatharineLauderdale’ssimpleballgownswerepaidforbytheworkofhermother’shands.Itwasjustaswellthattheydidnotknowit.Societyhassuchqueerfitssometimes—somebodymighthavegivenKatharineadress.ButRalstonwasinthesecretandknew.

“Onemaybeasstrongascast-steel,”hesaid.“Eventhatwearsout.Askthepeoplewhomakeengines.You’llaccomplishagreatdealmoreifyougoeasyandgiveyourselfrestfromtimetotime.”

“Likeyou,Jack,”observedMrs.Lauderdale,notunkindly.

“Oh,I’mafailure.Iadmittedthefactlongago.I’monlyfitforabadexample,—asortofmoralscarecrow.”

“Yes.Iwonderwhy?”Mrs.Lauderdalewastiredandwasthinkingaloud.“Ididn’tmeantosaythat,Jack,”sheadded,frankly,realizingwhatshehadsaid,fromtherecollectionofthesoundofherownvoice,aspeoplesometimesdowhoareexhaustedornaturallyabsent-minded.

“Itwasn’texactlycomplimentary,mother,”saidKatharine,coldly.“Besides,isitfairtosaythatamanisafailureatJack’sage?PatrickHenrywasafailureattwenty-three.Hewasbankrupt.”

“PatrickHenry!”exclaimedRalston.“WhatdoyouknowaboutPatrickHenry?”

“Oh,I’vebeenreadinghistory.Itwashewhosaid,‘Givemeliberty,orgivemedeath.’”

“Wasit?Ididn’tknow.ButI’mgladtohearofsomebodywhogotsmashedfirstandcelebratedafterwards.It’sgenerallytheotherway,likeNapoleonandJuliusCæsar.”

“CardinalWolsey,AlexandertheGreat,andJohnGilpin.It’seasytomultiply

examples,asthebookssay.”

“You’remuchtoocleverformethisevening.Imustbegoinghome.MymotherandIaregoingtodineallaloneandabuseourneighboursalltheevening.”

“Howdelightful!”exclaimedKatharine,thinkingofthegrimfamilytableatwhichshewastositasusual—therehadbeensomefinefightinginCharlotte’sunmarrieddays,butKatharine’soppositionwasgenerallyofthesilentkind.

“Yes,”answeredRalston.“There’snobodylikemymother.She’sthebestcompanyintheworld.Goodnight,cousinEmma.Goodnight,Katharine.”

ButKatharinefollowedhimintotheentry,lettingthelibrarydooralmostclosebehindher.

“Itwillbequitetimeenough,ifyoucomeandtellmeontheeveningbeforeitistobe,”shewhisperedhurriedly.“There’snopartyto-morrownight,butonWednesdayI’mgoingtotheThirlwalls’dance.”

“Willanymorningdo?”askedRalston,alsoinawhisper.

“Yes,anymorning.Nowgo—quick.That’senough,dear—there,ifyoumust.Go—goodnight—dear!”

Theprocessofleave-takingwasratherspasmodic,sofarasKatharinewasconcerned.RalstonfeltthatsamestrangeemotiononcemoreashefoundhimselfoutuponthepavementofClintonPlace.Hisheadswamalittle,andhestoppedtolightacigarettebeforeheturnedtowardsFifthAvenue.

Katharinewentbackintothelibrary,andfoundhermothersittingasthetwohadlefther,andapparentlyunconsciousthatherdaughterhadgoneoutoftheroom.

“He’squiteright,motherdear.Youaretryingtodotoomuch,”saidKatharine,comingbehindthelowchairandsmoothinghermother’sbeautifulhair,kissingitsoftlyandspeakingintotheheavywavesofit.

Mrs.Lauderdaleputuponethinhand,andpattedthegirl’scheekwithoutturningtolookather,butsaidnothingforamoment.

“It’squitetrue,”Katharinesaid.“Youmustn’tdoitanymore.”

“Howsmoothyourcheekis,child!”saidMrs.Lauderdale,thoughtfully.

“Soisyours,motherdear.”

“No—it’snot.It’sfulloflittlelines.Touchit—youcanfeelthem—justthere.Besides—youcanseethem.”

“Idon’tfeelanything—andIdon’tseeanything,”answeredKatharine.

Butsheknewwhathermothermeant,anditmadeheralittlesad—evenher.Shehadbeenaccustomedallherlifetobelievethathermotherwasthemostbeautifulwomanintheworld,andsheknewthatthetimehadjustcomewhenshemustgrowusedtonotbelievingitanylonger.Mrs.Lauderdalehadneversaidanythingofthesortbefore.Shehadbeensupremeinherway,andhadtakenitforgrantedthatshewas,neverreferringtoherownlooksunderanycircumstances.

Inthelongsilencethatfollowed,Katharinequietlywentandclosedtheshuttersofthewindows,forRalstonhadonlypulleddowntheshades.Shedrewthedarkcurtainsacrossfortheevening,litanothergaslight,andremainedstandingbythefireplace.

“Thankyou,darling,”saidMrs.Lauderdale.

“Idowishpapawouldletushavelamps,orshades,orsomething,”saidKatharine,lookingdisconsolatelyattheground-glassglobesofthegaslights.

“Hedoesn’tlikethem—hesayshecan’tsee.”

Therewasashortpause.

“Oh,motherdear!whatintheworlddoespapalike,Iwonder?”Katharineturnedwithanimpatientmovementasshespoke,andherbroadeyebrowsalmostmetbetweenhereyes.

“Hush,child!”Butthewordswereutteredwearilyandmechanically—Mrs.Lauderdalehadpronouncedthemsooftenunderpreciselythesamecircumstancesduringthelastquarterofacentury.

Katharinesighed,alittleoutofimpatienceandtosomeextentinpityforher

mother.ButshestoodlookingacrosstheroomatthecloseddoorthroughwhichRalstonandshehadgoneouttogetherfiveminutesearlier,andshecouldstillfeelhislastkissonhercheek.Hehadneverseemedsolovingasonthatday,andshehadsucceededinpersuadinghim,againsthisinstinctivejudgment,topromiseherwhatsheasked,—themaddest,mostfoolishthingagirl’simaginationcouldlongfor,nomatterwithwhathalf-reasonableexcuse.Butshehadhispromise,which,asshewellknew,hewouldkeep—andshelovedhimwithallherheart.Theexpressionofmingledsadnessandimpatiencevanishedlikeabreathfromapolishedmirror.Shewasunconsciousthatshelookedradiantlyhappy,ashermothergazedupintoherface.

“Whatabeautifulcreatureyouare!”saidMrs.Lauderdale,inatoneunlikehernaturalvoice.

CHAPTERV.

Katharinehadnoanxietyaboutthefuture,anditseemedtoherthatshehadmanagedmattersinthewisestandmostsatisfactorymannerpossible.Shehadprovided,asshethought,againstthepossibilityofanysubsequentinterferencewithhermarriageincasesheshouldseefittotakethestepofwhichshehadspoken.Thecombinationseemedperfect,andevenasensibleperson,takingintoconsiderationallthecircumstances,mighthavefoundsomethingtosayinfavourofamarriagewhichshouldnotbegenerallydiscussed.RalstonandKatharine,thoughnotrich,weredecidedlyprominentyoungpeopleintheirownsociety,andtheirgoingsandcomingsinterestedthegossipsandfurnishedfoodforconversation.Thereweremanyreasonsforthis.Neitherofthemwasexactlyliketheaverageyoungpersonintheworld.ButthegreatnameofLauderdale,whichwassucharealpowerinthefinancialworld,contributedmostlargelytotheresult.Everyonewhoboreit,orwhowasascloselyconnectedwithitastheRalstons,wasmoreorlessbeforethepublic.Mostofthesocietyparagraphwritersinthenewspapersspokeofthefamily,collectivelyandindividually,asoftenastheycouldfindanythingtosayaboutit,andasageneralrulethetoneoftheirremarkswassubduedandlaudatory,andbetrayedsomethingverylikeawe.ThepresenceoftheLauderdalesandtheRalstonswastakenforgrantedinallaccountsofbigparties,firstnightsattheoperaandDaly’s,andofothersimilaroccasions.FromtimetotimeanewspapermaninafitofstatisticscalculatedhowmanydollarsofincomeaccruedtoRobertLauderdaleateveryminute,andproceededtoshowhowmucheachmemberofthefamilywouldhaveifitwereallequallydivided.AsRoberttheRichhadmadehismoneyinrealestate,and

hisnameneverappearedinconnectionwithoperationsinWallStreet,hewasthereforenotperiodicallyassailedbythewrathfulchorusofthesoldandruined,abusinghimandhispeopletotheyoungestofthelivinggeneration,anordealwithwhichthegreatspeculatorsarefamiliar.Butfromtimetotimethedailypaperspublishedwood-cutssupposedtobeportraitsofhimandhisconnections,andtheobituarynoticeofhim—whichwas,ofcourse,keptreadyineverynewspaperoffice—wouldhavegiveneventheoldgentlemanhimselfsomesatisfaction.TheonlymemberofthefamilywhosufferedatallforbeingconnectedwithhimwasBenjaminSlayback,thememberofCongress.Ifheeverdaredtohintatanymeasureimplyingexpenditureonthepartofthecountry,hewaspromptlyinformedbysomeHonourableMemberontheotherside,thatitwasallverywellforhimtobereckless,withthewholeLauderdalefortuneathisback,butthatordinarymortalshadtocontentthemselveswithordinarypossibilities.ThememberfromCaliforniacalledhimtheEasternCrœsus,andthememberfromMassachusettscalledhimtheWesternMillionaire,andthememberfromMissouriquotedScriptureathim,whiletheSocial-DemocratmemberfromSomewhere—therewasoneatthattime,andhewasalittlecuriosityinhisway—calledhimaCapitalist,thanwhichepithetthesocial-democraticdictionarycontainsnonemorebitingandmoreoffensiveintheopinionofitscompilers.Altogether,atsuchtimestheHonourableSlaybackofNevadahadaverybadquarterofanhourbecausehehadmarriedCharlotteLauderdale,—pennilessbutaLauderdale,veryinadequatelyfittedoutforabride,thoughshewasthegrand-nieceofRoberttheRich.SlaybackofNevada,however,hadacertainroughdignityofhisown,andnevermentionedthosefacts.Hehadplentyofmoneyhimselfanddidnotcovetanythatbelongedtohiswife’srelations.

“I’mnotasrichasyouruncleRobert,”hesaidtoheronthedayaftertheirmarriage,“andIdon’tcountonbeing.Butyoucanhaveallyouwant.There’senoughtogoround,now.Maybeyouwouldn’tliketobebotheringmeallthewhileforlittlethings?Yes,that’snatural;soI’lljustputsomethinguptoyourcreditatRiggs’sandyoucanhaveacheque-book.Whenyou’vegotthroughit,tellRiggstoletmeknow.Youmightbeshyoftellingme.”

AndBenjaminSlaybacksmiledinakindlyfashionnotatallfamiliartohismenfriends,andonthefollowingdayCharlottereceivedanoticefromthebanktotheeffectthattenthousanddollarsstoodtohercredit.Neverhavinghadanymoneyofherown,thesumseemedafortunetoher,andsheshowedherselfproperlygrateful,andforgaveBenjaminamultitudeofsmallsins,evensuchas

havingoncewornawhitesatintieintheevening,andattheopera,ofallplaces.

Katharinewasperfectlywellawarethatthesmallestactionsofherfamilyweresubjectsforpublicdiscussion,andsheknewhowpeoplewouldtalkifitwereeverdiscoveredthatshehadbeensecretlymarriedtoJohnRalston.Ontheotherhand,therestoftheLauderdaleswereinthesameposition,andwouldbequitewilling,whentheywereacquaintedwiththefacts,tosaythatthemarriagehadbeenaprivateone,leavingittobesupposedthattheyhadknownallaboutitfromthefirst.Shehadnoanxietyforthefuture,therefore,andbelievedthatshewasactingwithhereyesopentoallconceivablecontingenciesandpossibilities.Matterswerenot,indeed,finallysettled,forevenaftershewasmarriedshewouldstillhavetheinterviewwithheruncletoface;butshefeltsureoftheresult.Itwassoeasyforhimtodoexactlywhathepleased,asitseemedtoher,tomakeorunmakemen’sfortunesathiswill,asshecouldtieanduntieabitofstring.

AndherconfidenceinRalstonwasboundless.Consideringhiscapacities,astheyappearedtoher,hisfailuretodoanythingforhimselfinthetwopositionswhichhadbeenofferedtohimwasnottobeconsideredafailureatall.Hewasamanofaction,andhewasanexceptionallywell-educatedman.Howcouldheeverbeexpectedtodoanordinaryclerk’swork?Itwasabsurdtosupposethathecouldchangehiswholecharacteratamoment’snotice,anditwasaninsulttoexpectthatheshouldchangeitatall.Itwasasplendidnature,shethought,generous,energetic,brave,aversetomeandetails,ofcourse,assuchnaturesmustbe,impatientofcontrol,independentanddominating.TherewasmuchtoadmireinRalston,shebelieved,evenifshehadnotlovedhim.Andperhapsshewasright,fromherpointofview.Ofhischieffaultshereallyknewnothing.Thelittleshehadheardofhisbeingwild,asitiscalled,ratherattractedthanrepelledher.Shedespisedmenwhomshelookeduponas‘duffers’and‘muffs.’Evenherfather,whosepeculiaritieswerehardtobear,wasmanlyinhisway.Hehadbeengoodatsportsinhisyouth,hewasagoodrider,andcouldbetrustedwithhorsesthatdidnotbelongtohim,whichwasfortunate,ashehadneverpossessedanyofhisown;hewasagoodshot,asshehadoftenheard,andheperiodicallydisappeareduponsolitarysalmon-fishingexpeditionsonthebordersofCanada.Forhewasastrongmanandatoughman,andneededmuchbodilyexercise.Theonlyreal‘muff’therehadeverbeeninthefamilyKatharineconsideredtobehergrandfather,thephilanthropist,andhewassooldthatitdidnotmattermuch.Butthetaleshetoldofhisstudiousyouthdisgustedher,forsomeoccultreason.Alltheothermalerelationsweremanlyfellows,eventolittleFrank

Miner,whowasasfulloffightasacock-sparrow,inspiteofhisdiminutivestature.BenjaminSlayback,too,waseminentlymanly,inanawkward,constrainedfashion.HamiltonBrightwasanathlete.AndJohnRalstoncoulddoallthethingswhichtheotherscoulddo,anddidmostthingsatriflebetter,withacertainfinished‘style’whichothermenenvied.Hewaseminentlythekindofmanwhoseacquaintancesattheclubwillbackformoneyineverycontestrequiringskillandstrength.

ItwasnowonderthatKatharineadmiredhim.Butshetoldherselfthatheradmirationhadnothingtodowithherlove.Therewasmuchmoreinhimthantheworldknewof,andshewasquitesureofit.Heridealswerehigh,andRalstonfulfilledmostofthem.Shealwaysfanciedthattherewassomethingknightlyabouthim,anditappealedtohermorethananyothercharacteristic.

Shefeltthathecouldbeintimatewithouteverbecomingfamiliar.Thereismoreinthatideathanappearsatfirstsight,andthedistinctionisnotoneofwords.Uptoacertainpointshewasquiterightinmakingit,forhewasnaturallycourtly,aswellasordinarilycourteous,andyetwithoutexaggeration.Hedidcertainthingswhichfewothermendid,andwhichsheliked.Hewalkedonherleftside,forinstance,wheneveritwaspossible,iftheychancedtobetogetherinthestreet.Shehadneverspokenofittohim,butshehadread,insomeoldbookoncourtmanners,thatitwasrightahundredyearsago,andshewaspleased.Theyhadbeenchildrentogether,andyetalmostsinceshecouldrememberhehadalwaysopenedthedoorforherwhensheleftaroom.Andnotforheronly,butforeverywoman.Ifsheandhermotherweretogetherwhentheymethim,healwaysspoketohermotherfirst.Iftheygotintoacarriageheexpectedtositontheleftside,evenifhehadtoleavethepavementandgototheotherdoortogetin.Heneverspokeofhersimplyas‘Katharine’ifhehadtomentionhernameinherpresencetoanyonenotamemberofthefamily.Hesaid‘mycousinKatharine,’or‘MissLauderdale,’accordingtocircumstances.

Theywerelittlethings,allofthem,butbynomeansabsurdinherestimation,andhewouldcontinuetodothemallhislife.Shesupposedthathismotherhadtaughthimtheusagesofcourtesywhenhehadbeenaboy,buttheywereapartofhimselfnow.Howmanymen,thoughtKatharine,whobelievedthemselves‘perfectgentlemen,’andwhowereundeniablygentlemenineveryessential,werewhollylackinginthesesmallmatters!Howmanywouldhavecalledsuchthingsold-fashionednonsense,whohadneversomuchasnoticedthatRalstondidthemall,becausehedidthemunobtrusively,andbecause,inreality,mostof

themarefoundedonperfectlylogicalprinciples,andoriginallyhadnothingbuttheconvenienceofsocietyfortheirobject.Katharinehadthoughtitout.Forinstance,mostmen,beingright-handed,havethemoreskilfulhandandthestrongerarmonthelady’sside,withwhichtorenderheranyassistanceshemayneed,iftheyfindthemselvesonherleft.Therewasneveranyaffectationoffashionaboutreallygoodmanners,Katharinebelieved,andeverythingappertainingtheretohadasolidfoundationinusefulness.DuringSlayback’scourtshipofhersistershehadfoundnumberlessopportunitiesofcontrastingwhatshecalledthesocialefficiencyofthemanwhoknewexactlywhattodowiththeinefficiencyofhimwhodidnot;and,onamorelimitedscale,shefoundsuchopportunitiesdailywhenshesawRalstontogetherwithothermen.

Hehadaveryhighstandardofhonour,too.Manymenhadthat,andallwhomsheknewweresupposedtohaveit,buttherewerefewwhomshefeltthatshecouldneverpossiblysuspectofsomelittlemeanness.Thatwasanothersteptothepedestalonwhichshehadsetupherideal.

ButperhapsoneofthechiefpointswhichappealedtohersympathywasRalston’sbreadthofview,orabsenceofnarrowness.Hehadspokenthestricttruththateveningwhenhehadsaidthatheneverlaughedatanyone’sreligion,and,nexttolove,religionwasatthattimeuppermostinKatharineLauderdale’smind.Atherpresentstageofdevelopmenteverythingshedid,saw,readandheardboreupononeortheother,orboth,whichwasnotsurprisingconsideringtheatmosphereinwhichshehadgrownup.

AlexanderJuniorhadnevermadebutonesacrificeforhiswife,andthathadbeenofanegativedescription.HehadforgivenherforbeingaRomanCatholic,andhadagreednevertomentionthesubject;andhehadkepthisword,asindeedhealwaysdidontheveryrareoccasionswhenhecouldbeinducedtogiveit.Itisneedlesstosaythathehadmadeavirtueofhisconductinthisrespect,forhesystematicallymadethemostofeverythinginhimselfwhichcouldbeconstruedintoavirtueatall.Butatalleventshehadneverbrokenhispromise.InthedayswhenhehadmarriedEmmaCamperdowntherehadbeenlittleornodifficultyaboutmarriagesbetweenCatholicsandmembersofotherchurches,andithadbeenunderstoodthathischildrenweretobebroughtupPresbyterians,thoughnothinghadbeenopenlysaidaboutit.Hisbridehadbeenyoung,beautifulandenthusiastic,andshehadbelievedinherheartthatbeforeverylongshecouldeffectherhusband’sconversion,littledreamingoftherigidnaturewithwhichsheshouldhavetodeal.ItwouldhavebeenaseasytomakeaRomanCatholic

ofOliverCromwell,asMrs.Lauderdalesoondiscoveredtohersorrow.Hedidnotevenconsiderthatshehadanyrighttotalkofreligiontoherchildren.

CharlotteLauderdalegrewupinperfectindifference.Herminddevelopedyoung,butnotfar.InherchildhoodshewasafavouriteofoldMrs.Lauderdale,—formerlyaMissMainwaring,ofEnglishextraction,andthemotherofMrs.Ralston,—andtheoldladyhadtaughtherthatPresbyterianswerenobetterthanatheists,andthatRomanCatholicswereidolaters,sothattheonlysalvationlayintheEpiscopalChurch.Thelessonhadentereddeepintothegirl’sheart,andshehadgrownuplaughingatallthree;butoncomingtoyearsofdiscretionshewenttoanEpiscopalchurchbecausemostofherfriendsdid.Sheenjoyedtheweeklyfraywithherfather,whomshehatedforhisownsakeinthefirstplace,andsecondlybecausehewaspoor,andsheoncewentsofarastomakehimdeclare,inhisironvoice,thathevastlypreferredCatholicstoEpiscopalians,—adeclarationwhichsheeverafterwardscastviolentlyinhisteethwhenshehadsucceededindrawinghimintoadiscussionuponarticlesoffaith.Hermotherneverhadtheslightestinfluenceoverher.Thegirlwasquick-wittedandbelievedherselfclever,wasamusingandthoughtshewaswitty,washeadstrong,capriciousandviolentinherdislikesandwasconsequentlyconvincedthatshehadaverystrongwill.ShemarriedSlaybackforthreereasons,—toescapefromherfamily,becausehewasrich,andbecauseshebelievedthatshecoulddoanythingshechosewithhim.Shewasnotmistakeninhiswealth,andsheremovedherselfaltogetherfromthesphereoftheLauderdales,butBenjaminSlaybackwasnotatallthekindofpersonshehadtakenhimfor.

Katharinewasaltogetherdifferentfromhersister.Shewasmorehabituallysilent,andhertastewasneverforfamilywar.ShethoughtmoreandreadlessthanCharlotte,whodevouredliteraturepromiscuouslyandtrustedtolucktoremembersomethingofwhatsheread.Indeed,Katharinethoughtagreatdeal,andoftenreasonedcorrectlyfrominaccurateknowledge.Inahealthywayshewasinclinedtobemelancholic,andwasgiventofollowingoutseriousideas,andeventosomethinglikereligiouscontemplation.Everythingconnectedwithbeliefintranscendentalmattersinterestedherexceedingly.Shedelightedinhavingdiscussionswhichturneduponthesupernatural,anduponsuchthingsasseemtopromisealinkbetweenthehitherandthefurthersideofdeath’sboundary,—betweenthecis-mortalandthetrans-mortal,ifthecoiningofsuchwordsbeallowable.Inthissheresemblednine-tenthsoftheAmericanwomenofherageandsurroundings.ThemindoftheidleportionofAmericansocietyto-dayremindsoneofapolypuswhosecountlessfeelersareperpetuallywaving

andwrithinginthefruitlessattempttocatchtheverysmallestfragmentofsomethingfromtheotherside,wherewithtosatisfythemortalhungerthattormentsit.

Thereissomethingmorethanpainful,somethinglikeanactoftheworld’ssoul-tragedy,inthisall-pervadingdesiretoknowtheworst,orthebest,—toknowanythingwhichshallprovethatthereissomethingtoknow.Thereisabreathlessinterestineverydetailofan‘experience’asitisrelated,araisingofhopes,athrillingofthelong-readyreceptivityasthepointisapproached;andthen,whentheclimaxisreachedandpast,thereisthesudden,almostagonizingrelapseintoblankhopelessness.Thestoryhasbeentold,butnothingisproved.Weknowwherethedooris,butbeforeitisascreenroundwhichwemustpasstoreachit.Thescreenisdeath,asweseeit.Topassitandbewithinsightofthethresholdistodie,asweunderstanddeath,andthereliestheboundaryofpossibleexperience,for,sofarasweknow,thereisnootherdoor.

Thequestionisundoubtedlythegreatestwhichhumanitycanask,fortheanswermustbeimmortalityorannihilation.Itseemsthatacertainproportionofmankind,driventodistractionbythebattleofbeliefs,hasactuallylostthefacultyofbelievinganythingatall,andtheplacewherethefacultywasaches,tospeakfamiliarly.

That,atleast,washowitstruckKatharineLauderdale,anditwasfromthispointofviewthatsheseriouslycontemplatedbecomingaCatholic.Ifshedidso,sheintendedtoaccepttheChurchasawholeandrefuse,foreverafterwards,toreopenthediscussion.Shenevercouldacceptitashermotherdid,forshehadnotbeenbroughtupinit,butthereweredayswhenshefeltthatbyasingleactofwillshecouldbindherselftobelieveinalltheessentials,andclosehereyestotheexistenceofthenon-essentials,nevertoopenthemagain.Then,shethought,sheshouldneverhaveanymoredoubts.

Butonotherdaysshewishedthattheremightbeanotherway.Shegotoddnumbersoftheproceedingsofasocietydevotedtopsychologicalresearches,andreadwithextremeaviditytheaccuratelyreportedevidenceofpersonswhohadseenorheardunusualsightsorsounds,andstudiedthefiguresillustratingtheexperimentsinthought-transference.Thentheconvictioncameuponherthattheremustbeanotherdoorbesidesthedoorofdeath,andthat,ifshewereonlypatientshemightbeledtoitorcomeuponitunawares.Sheknewfartoolittleofevenwhatlittlethereistobeknown,togetanyfurtherthanthisvagueandnot

unpleasantdream,andshewasconsciousofherignorance,askingquestionsofeveryoneshemetwhotooktheslightestinterestinpsychicalenquiries.Ofcourse,herattemptstogainknowledgewerefruitless.Ifanyonewhoiswillingtobeamemberofcivilizedsocietyknewanythingdefiniteaboutwhatwecallthefuturestate,thewholeofcivilizedsocietywouldknowitalsoinlessthanamonth.Everyonecanbequitesureofthat,andnooneneedthereforewastetimeinquestioninghisneighbourinthehopeoflearninganythingcertain.

Therewereeventimeswhenherfather’srigidandmercilessviewofthesoulpleasedher,andwasinsympathywithherslightlymelancholictemperament.Theunbending,manlyqualityofthePresbyterianbeliefattractedherbyitsstrength—thecourageamanmusthavetogothroughlifefacinganalmostinevitablehellforhimselfandthepositivecertaintyofirrecoverabledamnationformostofthosedearesttohim.Ifherfatherwasinearnest,asheappearedtobe,hecouldnothavetheslightesthopethathermothercouldbesaved.AtthatideaKatharinelaughed,beingsupposedtobeaPresbyterianherself.Nevertheless,shesometimeslikedhishardsayingsanddoings,simplybecausetheywerehard.HamiltonBrighthadoftentoldherthatshehadalawyer’smind,becauseshecouldnothelpseeingthingsfromoppositesidesatthesametime,whereuponshealwaysansweredthatthoughshedespisedprejudices,shelikedpeoplewhohadthem,becausesuchpersonsweregenerallystrongerthantheaverage.Ralston,whohadnotmany,andhadnoneatallaboutreligiousmatters,wasthemanwithwhomshefeltherselfintheclosestsympathy,afactwhichwentfartoprovetoBrightthathewasnotmistakeninhisjudgmentofher.

Onthewhole,inspiteofthedeclarationshehadmadetoRalston,KatharineLauderdale’sstatewassceptical,inthesensethathermindwasinaconditionofsuspendedjudgmentbetweennolessthanfivepointsofview,thePresbyterian,theCatholic,thedeistic,thepsychologic,andthematerialistic.Itwashermisfortunethathernaturehadledhertothinkofsuchmattersatall,ratherthantoacceptsomeexistingformofbeliefandtobeashappyasshecouldbewithitfromthefirst,ashermotherhaddone:andthoughherintelligencewasgood,itwasastotallyinadequatetograpplewithsuchsubjectsasitwaswelladaptedtotheordinaryrequirementsofworldlylife.Butshewasnottobeblamedforbeinginastateofmindtowhichherratherunusualsurroundingshadcontributedmuch,andherthoughtfultemperamentnotalittle.Ifanything,shewastobepitied,thoughthemightycompensationofagenuinelovehadgrownupyearbyyeartoneutralizetheelementsofunhappinesswhichwereundoubtedlypresent.

Itisworthnoticingthatatthistime,whichopenedthecrucialperiodofherlife,shedoubtedherownreligiousconvictionsandherownstabilityofpurpose,butshedidnotforamomentdoubtthesincerityofherloveforJohnRalston,norofhisforher,assheconclusivelyprovedwhenshedeterminedtoriskherwholelifeinsuchapieceoffollyasasecretmarriage.

Whenshecamedowntodinneronthatmemorableevening,shefoundherfatherandmothersittingonoppositesidesofthefireplace.AlexanderJuniorwascorrectlyarrayedineveningdress,andhisclothesfittedperfectlyuponhismagnificentfigure.Thekeeneyeofasuspiciousdandycouldhavedetectedthattheywereveryoldclothes,andMr.Lauderdalewouldnothavefeltatalldismayedatthediscoveryofthefact.Hepridedhimselfuponwearingacoattenyears,andcouldtellthepreciseageofeverygarmentinhispossession.Hetiedhistiestoperfectionalso,andthis,too,wasaneconomy,forsuchwashisskillthathecouldwearawhitetietwice,bringingtheknotintoexactlythesameplaceasecondtime.MontBlancpresentednotamorespotless,impenetrable,andunchangingfrontthanAlexanderJunior’sshirt.Hehadprocessesofrejuvenatinghisshoesknowntohimalone,andintheolddaysofeveninggloves,hisweresystematicallycleanedandrematched,andtheoddoneslaidasidetoreplacepossibletornonesinthefuture,constitutingaveritablesurvivalofthefittest.Fiveandtwentyyearsofmarriedlifehadnottaughthimthatawomancouldnotpossiblydothesamewithherpossessions,andheoccasionallyenquiredwhyhiswifedidnotwearcertaingownswhichhadbeenyoungwithherdaughters.Heneverputonthepreviouslymentionedwhitetie,however,unlesssomeonewascomingtodinner.Whenthefamilywasalone,heworeablackone.Ashewasnothospitable,anddidnotencouragehospitalityinhiswife,thoughhepraiseditextravagantlyinotherpeople,andneverrefusedadinnerparty,theblacktiewastheruleathome.Blacktieslastalongtime.

Katharinenoticedthewhiteonethisevening,andwassurprised,ashermotherhadnotspokentoherofanyguest.

“Whoiscomingtodinner?”sheasked,lookingatherfather,almostassoonasshehadshutthedoor.

Mr.Lauderdale’ssteel-greyupperlipwasimmediatelyraisedinasortofsmilewhichshowedhislargewhiteteeth—hehaddefiedthedentistfromhisyouthup,andhissmilewashardandcoldasanelectriclight.

“Ah,mydearchild,”heansweredinaclear,metallicvoice,“Iamgladyounoticethings.Littlethingsarealwaysworthnoticing.WalterCrowdieiscomingtodinnerto-day.Infact,heisratherlate—”

“WithHester?”askedKatharine,quickly.HesterCrowdiewasHamiltonBright’ssister,andKatharinelikedher.

“No,mydear,withoutHester.Wecouldhardlyasktwopeopletoourevery-daydinner.”

“Oh—it’sonlyMr.Crowdie,then,”saidKatharineinatoneofdisappointment,sittingdownbesidehermother.

“Ihopeyou’llbenicetohim,Katharine,”saidMr.Lauderdale.“Therearemanyreasons—”

“Oh,yes!I’llbenicetohim,”answeredtheyounggirl,withashort,quickfrownthatdisappearedagaininstantly.

“Idon’tlikeyourexpression,mychild,”saidAlexanderJunior,severely,“andIdon’tliketobeinterrupted.Mr.Crowdieisverykind.Hewishestopaintyourportrait,andheproposestogiveusthestudyhemustmakefirst,whichwillbejustasgoodasthepictureitself,Ihavenodoubt.Crowdieisgettingagreatreputation,andapicturebyhimisvaluable.Onecan’taffordtoberudetoamanwhomakessuchaproposal.”

“No,”observedMrs.Lauderdaleasthoughspeakingtoherself.“Ishouldreallyliketohaveit.Heisagreatartist.”

“Ihaven’ttheleastintentionofbeingrudetohim,”answeredKatharine.“Whatdoeshemeantodowithmyportrait—withthepictureitselfwhenhehaspaintedit—sellit?”

“Hewouldhaveaperfectrighttosellit,ofcourse—withnoname.HemeanstoexhibititinParis,Ibelieve,andthenIthinkheintendstogiveittohiswife.Youalwayssaysheisagreatfriendofyours.”

“Oh—that’sallright,ifit’sforHester,”saidKatharine.“Ofcourseshe’safriendofmine.Hush!Ihearthebell.”

“WhendidMr.Crowdietalktoyouaboutthis?”askedMrs.Lauderdale,addressingherhusband.

“Thismorning—hush!Hereheis.”

AlexanderJuniorhadanalmostabnormalrespectfortheproprieties,andalwayspreferredtostoptalkingaboutapersonfiveminutesbeforeheorsheappeared.Itwasapartofhisexcessivelyreticentnature.

ThedooropenedandWalterCrowdieappeared,apaleyoungmanwithheavy,redlipsandabadfigure.Hiseyesaloneredeemedhisfacefrombeingpositivelyrepulsive,fortheywereofaverybeautifulbluecolourandshadedbyextremelylongbrownlashes.Aquantityofpalehair,toolongtobeneat,butnotsolongaswornbymanymodernmusicians,concealedtheshapeofhisheadandgrewlowonhisforehead.Theshapeoftheface,asthehairallowedittobeseen,resembledthatofapear,wideandflaccidaboutthejawsandnarrowingupwardstowardsthetemples.Crowdie’shandsweresmall,cushionedwithfat,andofadeadwhite—thefingersbeingverypointedandthenailslongandpolished.Hisshouldersslopedlikeawoman’s,andwerenarrow,andhewasheavyaboutthewaistandslightlyin-kneed.Hewastoofashionabletouseperfumes,butoneinstinctivelyexpectedhimtosmellofmusk.

Bothwomenexperiencedanunpleasantsensationwhenheenteredtheroom.WhatMr.Lauderdalefeltitisimpossibletoguess,butasKatharinesawthetwoshakehandsshewasproudofherfatherandofthewholemanlyracefromwhichshewasdescended.

LastofallthepartycameAlexanderSenior,takingtheutmostadvantageofage’sprivilegetobelate.Evenhe,withinsightofhislife’send,contrastedfavourablywithWalterCrowdie.Hestooped,hewasbadlydressed,hiswhitetiewascrooked,andthereweremostevidentspotsonhiscoat;hiseyeswerewatery,andtherewerewrinklesrunninginalldirectionsthroughtheeyebrows,thewrinklesthatcomelastofall;heshambledalittleashewalked,andhecertainlysmeltoftobaccosmoke.Hehadnotbeenthestrongestofthethreeoldbrothers,thoughhewastheeldest,andhisfaculties,ifnotimpaired,werenotwhattheyhadbeen.Buttheskullwaslargeandbony,theknottedandwrinkledoldhandsweremanlyhands,andalwayshadbeen,andthebenevolentoldgreyeyeshadneverhadthewomanishlookinthemwhichbelongedtoCrowdie’s.

ButtheyoungmanwasquiteunconsciousoftheunfavourableimpressionhealwaysproduceduponMrs.Lauderdaleandherdaughter,andhislanguishingeyelidsmovedsoftlyandswepthispalecheekswiththeirlonglashesashelookedfromonetotheotherandshookhands.

AlexanderJunior,whosesenseofpunctualityhadalmosttakenoffence,rangthebellashisfatherentered,andaservinggirl,wholivedinterrorofherlife,drewbackthefoldingdoorsamomentlater.

CHAPTERVI.

Theconversationatdinnerdidnotbeginbrilliantly.Mrs.Lauderdalewastired,andKatharinewaspreoccupied;aswasnatural,oldMr.Lauderdalewasnoteasilymovedtotalkexceptuponhisfavouritehobby,andAlexanderJuniorwassolemnlyandferociouslyhungry,asmanystrongmenareatregularhours.AsforCrowdie,healwaysfeltalittleoutofhiselementamongsthiswife’srelations,ofwhomhestoodsomewhatinawe,andhewasmoreobservantthancommunicativeatfirst.Katharineavoidedlookingathim,whichshecouldeasilydo,asshesatbetweenhimandherfather.Asusual,itwashermotherwhomadethefirstefforttotalk.

“HowisHester?”sheasked,lookingacrossatCrowdie.

“Oh,verywell,thanks,”heanswered,absently.“Oh,yes,—she’sverywell,thankyou,”headded,repeatingtheanswerwithalittlechangeandmoreanimation.“Shehadacoldlastweek,butshe’sgotoverit.”

“Itwasdreadfulweather,”saidKatharine,helpinghermothertostirthesilence.“Allgrandpapa’sidiotshadthegrippe.”

“AllMr.Lauderdale’swhat?”askedCrowdie.“Ididn’tquitecatch—”

“Theidiots—theasylum,youknow.”

“Oh,yes—Iremember,”saidtheyoungman,andhisbroadredlipssmiled.

AlexanderSenior,whosehandshookalittle,hadeatenhissoupwithconsiderablesuccess.HeglancedfromKatharinetotheyoungartist,andtherewasatwinkleofamusementinthekindlyoldeyes.

“Katharinealwayslaughsattheidiots,andtalksasthoughtheyweremypersonalproperty.”Hisvoicewasdeepandalmostmusicalstill—ithadbeenaverygentlevoiceinhisyouth.

“Notaveryvaluableproperty,”observedAlexanderJunior,fixinghiseyeseverelyontheservinggirl,whoforthwithsprangatMrs.Lauderdale’semptyplateasthoughherlifedependedontakingitawayintime.

TheLauderdaleshadneverkeptaman-servant.ThegirlwasahandsomeCanadian,verysmartinblackandwhite.

“Wouldn’titberatheranideatoinsurealltheirlives,andmaketheinsurancepaytheexpensesoftheasylum?”enquiredCrowdie,gravelylookingatAlexanderJunior.

“Notverypractical,”answeredthelatter,withsomethinglikeasmile.

“Whynot?”askedhisfather,withsuddeninterest.“Thatstrikesmeasaverybrilliantideaformakingcharitiesself-supporting.Isuppose,”hecontinued,turningtohisson,“thatthecompaniescouldmakenoobjectionstoinsuringthelivesofidiots.Therateoughttobeveryreasonablewhenoneconsidersthecaretheyget,andthemedicalattendance,andtheimmunityfromriskofaccident.”

“Idon’tknowaboutthat.Whenanasylumtakesfire,theidiotshaven’tthesensetogetout,”observedAlexanderJunior,grimly.

“Nonsense!Nonsense,Alexander!”Theoldmanshookhishead.“Idiotsarejustas—well,notquiteassensibleasotherpeople,—thatwouldbeanexaggeration—butthey’renotallsostupid,byanymeans.”

“No—soI’veheard,”saidCrowdie,gravely.

“Sostupidaswhat,Mr.Crowdie?”askedKatharine,turningonhimratherabruptly.

“Asothers,MissLauderdale—asme,forinstance,”heanswered,withouthesitation.“Probablywebothmeant—Mr.LauderdaleandI—thatallidiotsarenotsostupidastheworstcases,whicharetheonesmostpeoplethinkofwhenidiotsarementioned.”

“Exactly.Youputitverywell.”Theoldphilanthropistlookedpleasedattheinterruption.“AndIrepeatthatIthinkMr.Crowdie’sideaofinsuringthemisverygood.Everytimeonedies,—theydodie,poorthings,—yougetasumofmoney.Excellent,veryexcellent!”

Hisideasofbusinesstransactionshadalwaysbeenhazyintheextreme,andhissonproceededtosethimright.

“Itcouldn’tpossiblybeofanyadvantageunlessyouhadcapitaltoinvestandinsuredyourownidiots,”saidAlexanderJunior.“Andthatwouldjustamounttomakingasavingsbankonyourownaccount,andsavingsomuchayearoutofyourexpensesforeachidiot.Youcouldinvestthesavings,andtheinterestwouldbeallyoucouldpossiblymake.It’snotasthoughtheidiots’familiespaidtheduesandmadeoverthepoliciestoyou.Therewouldbemoneyinthat,Iadmit.Youmighttryit.Theremightbeastreakofidiocyintheothermembersofthepatient’sfamilywhichwouldmakethemagreetoit.”

Theoldman’sgentleeyessuddenlylightedupwithilltemper.

“You’relaughingatme,Alexander,”hesaid,inaloudervoice.“You’relaughingatme!”

“No,sir;I’minearnest,”answeredtheson,inhiscool,metallictones.

“Don’tthebigcompaniesinsuretheirownships?”askedthephilanthropist.“Ofcoursetheydo,andtheymakemoneybyit.”

“Ibegyourpardon.Theymakenothingbuttheinterestofwhattheysetasideforeachship.Theysimplycovertheirlosses.”

“Well,andifanidiotdies,thentheasylumgetsthemoney.”

“Yes,sir.Butanidiothasnointrinsicvalue.”

“Why,thentheasylumgetsasumofmoneyforwhatwasworthnothing,anditmustbeveryprofitable—muchmoresothaninsuringships.”

“Butit’stheasylum’sownmoneytobeginwith—”

“Andasforyoursayingthatanidiothasnointrinsicvalue,Alexander,”pursued

theoldman,goingoffonanothertack,“Iwon’thaveyousaysuchthings.Iwon’tlistentothem.Anidiotisahumanbeing,sir,andhasanimmortalsoul,I’dhaveyoutoknow,aswellasyouorI.Andyouhavetheassurancetosaythathehasnointrinsicvalue!Animmortalsoul,madeforeternalhappinessoreternalsuffering,andnointrinsicvalue!Uponmyword,Alexander,youforgetyourself!Ishouldnothaveexpectedsuchaninhumanspeechfromyou.”

“Isthe‘vitalsparkofheavenlyflame’amarketablecommodity?”askedCrowdie,speakingtoKatharineinalowvoice.

“Idiotshavesouls,Mr.Crowdie,”saidthephilanthropist,lookingstraightacrossathim,andtakingitforgrantedthathehadsaidsomethinginopposition.

“I’venodoubttheyhave,Mr.Lauderdale,”answeredthepainter.“Ineverthoughtofquestioningthefact.”

“Oh!Ithoughtyoudid.Iunderstoodthatyouwerelaughingattheidea.”

“Notatall.Itwastheuseoftheword‘intrinsic’asappliedtothevalueofthesoulwhichstruckmeasodd.”

“Ah—thatisquiteanothermatter,mydearsir,”repliedtheoldgentleman,whowasquicklyappeased.“Mysonfirstusedthewordinthisdiscussion.I’mnotresponsibleforit.Theyoungergenerationisnotsocarefulinitslanguageasweweretaughttobe.Buttheimportantpoint,afterall,isthatidiotshavesouls.”

“Thesoulistheonlythinganybodyreallycanbesaidtohaveashisown,”saidCrowdie,thoughtfully.

Katharineglancedathim.Hedidnotlooklikethekindofmantomakesuchaspeechwithsincerity.Shewonderedvaguelywhathissoulwouldbelike,ifshecouldseeit,anditseemedtoherthatitwouldbesomethingstrange—white,withredlips,singinganevilsong,whichshecouldnotunderstand,inavelvetvoice,andthatitwouldsmellofmusk.Thesideofherthatwastowardshiminstinctivelyshrankalittlefromhim.

“Iamgladtohearyousaythat,Mr.Crowdie,”saidthephilanthropistwithapprobation.“Itclosesthediscussionveryfittingly.Ihopeweshallhearnomoreofidiotsnothavingsouls.Poorthings!Itisalmosttheonlythingtheyhavethatmakesthemliketherestofus.”

“Peopleareallsodifferent,”repliedtheartist.“Ifindthatmoreandmoretrueeveryday.Andittakesasoultounderstandasoul.Otherwisephotographywouldtaketheplaceofportraitpainting.”

“Idon’tquiteseethat,”saidAlexanderJunior,whohademployedthelastfewminutesinsatisfyinghisfirstpangsofhunger,havingbeeninterruptedbythepassageofarmswithhisfather.“Whatbecomesofcolourinphotography?”

“Whatbecomesofcolourinacharcoalorpenandinkdrawing?”askedCrowdie.“Yeteither,ifatallgood,ispreferabletothebestphotograph.”

“I’mnotsureofthat.Ilikeagoodphotograph.Itismuchmoreaccuratethananydrawingcanbe.”

“Yes—butithasnosoul,”objectedCrowdie.

“Howcananinanimateobjecthaveasoul,sir?”askedthephilanthropist,suddenly.“Thatisasbadassayingthatidiots—”

“Imeanthataphotographhasnothingwhichsuggeststhesouloftheoriginal,”saidCrowdie,interruptingandspeakinginahigh,cleartone.Hehadabeautifultenorvoice,andsangwell;andhepossessedthepowerofmakinghimselfheardeasilyagainstmanyothervoices.

“Itistheexactrepresentationoftheperson,”arguedAlexanderJunior,whoseideasuponartwerelimited.

“Excuseme.Eventhatisnotscientificallytrue.Therecanonlybeonepointinthewholephotographwhichispreciselyinfocus.ButthatisnotwhatImean.Everyfacehassomethingbesidesthelinesandthecolour.Forwantofabetterword,wecallittheexpression—itistheindividuality—thesoul—therealperson—thesomethingwhichthehandcansuggest,butwhichnothingmechanicalcaneverreproduce.Theartistwhocangiveithastalent,evenifhedoesnotknowhowtodraw.Thebestdraughtsmanandpainterintheworldisonlyamechanicifhecannotgiveit.Mrs.Lauderdalepaints—andpaintswell—sheknowswhatImean.”

“Ofcourse,”saidMrs.Lauderdale.“Thefactthatthereissomethingwhichwecanonlysuggestbutnevershowwouldaloneprovetheexistenceofthesoultoanyonewhopaints.”

“Idon’tunderstandthosethings,”saidAlexanderJunior.

“Grandpapa,”saidKatharine,suddenly,“ifanyoneassertedthattherewasnosuchathingasthesoul,whatshouldyouanswer?”

“Ishouldtellhimthathewasablasphemer,”answeredtheoldgentleman,promptlyandwithenergy.

“Butthatwouldn’tbeanargument,”retortedtheyounggirl.

“Hewoulddiscovertheforceofithereafter,”saidherfather.Theelectricsmilefollowedthewords.

CrowdielookedatKatharineandsmiledalso,butshedidnotsee.

“Butisn’tamanentitledtoanargument?”sheasked.“Imean—ifanyonereallycouldn’tbelievethathehadasoul—therearesuchpeople—”

“Lotsofthem,”observedCrowdie.

“It’stheirownfault,then,andtheydeservenomercy—andtheywillfindnone,”saidAlexanderJunior.

“Thenbelievingisamatterofwill,likedoingright,”arguedtheyounggirl.“Andamanhasonlytosay,‘Ibelieve,’andhewillbelieve,becausehewillsit.”

ButneitheroftheLauderdaleshadanyintentionofbeingdrawnoutonthatpoint.TheyweregoodPresbyterians,andwereScotchbydirectdescent;andtheyknewwellenoughwhatdirectionthediscussionmusttakeifitwereprolonged.Theoldgentlemanputastoptoit.

“Thequestionsofthenatureofbeliefandfreewillareprettydeepones,mydear,”hesaid,kindly,“andtheyarenotofthesorttobediscussedidlyatdinner.”

Strangetosay,thatwasthespeciesofanswerwhichpleasedKatharinebest.Shelikedtheuncompromisingforceofgenuinelyprejudicedpeoplewhoonlyallowedargumenttoproceedwhentheyweresureofalogicalresultintheirownfavour.AlexanderJuniornoddedapprovingly,andtooksomemorebeef.Heabhorredbread,vegetables,andsweetthings,andcaredonlyforwhatproduced

thegreatestamountofenergyintheshortesttime.Itwasastonishingthatsuchironstrengthshouldhaveaccomplishednothinginnearlyfiftyyearsoflife.

“Yes,”saidCrowdie,“theyareratherimportantthings.ButIdon’tthinkthattherearesomanypeoplewhodenytheexistenceofthesoulaspeoplewhowanttosatisfytheircuriosityaboutit,bygettingaglimpseatit.HesterandIdineoutagooddeal—peopleareverykind,andalwaysaskustodinnersbecausetheyknowIcan’tgoouttolatepartiesonaccountofmywork—sowearealwaysdiningout;andweweresayingonlyto-daythatatnine-tenthsofthedinnerswegototheconversationsoonerorlaterturnsonthesoul,orpsychicalresearch,orBuddhism,orghosts,orsomethingofthesort.It’sodd,isn’tit,thatthereshouldbesomuchtalkaboutthosethingsjustnow?Ithinkitshowsakindofgeneralcuriosity.Everybodywantstogetholdofasoulandstudyitshabits,asthoughitwereanornithorynchusorsomequeeranimal—itisstrange,isn’tit?”

“Idon’tknow,”saidMrs.Lauderdale,suddenlyjoiningintheconversation.“Ifyouoncecutloosefromyourownformofbeliefthere’snoparticularreasonwhyyoushouldbesatisfiedwiththatofanyoneelse.Ifamanleaveshishousewithoutanobjectthere’snothingtomakehimgoinonedirectionratherthaninanother.”

“Sofarasthatisconcerned,Iagreewithyou,”saidAlexanderJunior.

“Thereistruthtodirecthim,”observedthephilanthropist.

“Andthereisbeauty,”saidCrowdie,turninghisheadtowardsMrs.LauderdaleandhiseyestowardsKatharine.

“Oh,ofcourse!”exclaimedthelatter.“Ifyouaregoingtojumblethesoul,andart,andeverything,alltogether,therearelotsofthingstoleadone.Wheredoesbeautyleadyou,Mr.Crowdie?”

“Toimagineavainthing,”answeredthepainterwithasoftlaugh.“Italsoleadsmetotryandcopyit,withwhatIimagineitmeans,andIdon’talwayssucceed.”

“Ihopeyou’llsucceedifyoupaintmydaughter’sportrait,”remarkedAlexanderJunior.

“No,”Crowdierepliedthoughtfully,andlookingatKatharinequitedirectlynow.“Ishan’tsucceed,butifMissLauderdalewillletmetry,I’llpromisetodomy

verybest.Willyou,MissLauderdale?Yourfathersaidhethoughtyouwouldhavenoobjection.”

“Isaidyouwould,Katharine,andIsaidnothingaboutobjections,”saidherfather,wholovedaccuratestatements.

Katharinedidnotliketobeorderedtodoanythingandtheshort,quickfrownbentherbrowsforasecond.

“Iammuchflattered,”shesaidcoldly.

“Youwillnotbe,whenIhavefinished,Ifear,”saidCrowdie,withquicktact.“Please,MissLauderdale,Idon’twantyoutosittomeasamatterofduty,becauseyourfatherisgoodenoughtoaskyou.Thatisn’tit,atall.Pleaseunderstand.It’sforHester,youknow.She’ssuchafriendofyours,andyou’resuchafriendofhers,andIwanttosurpriseherwithaChristmaspresent,andthere’snothingshe’dlikesomuchasapictureofyou.Idon’tsayanythingaboutthepleasureitwillbetometopaintyou—it’sjustforher.Willyou?”

“OfcourseIwill,”answeredKatharine,herbrowclearingandhertonechanging.

Shehadnotlookedathimwhilehewasspeaking,andshewasstruck,asshehadoftenbeen,bytheexquisitebeautyofhisvoicewhenhespokefamiliarlyandsoftly.Itwaslikehiseyes,smooth,richandalmostwoman-like.

“Andwhenwillyoucome?”heasked.“To-morrow?Nextday?Wouldeleveno’clocksuityou?”

“To-morrow,ifyoulike,”answeredtheyounggirl.“Elevenwilldoperfectly.”

“Willyoucometoo,Mrs.Lauderdale?”Crowdieasked,withoutchanginghismanner.

“Yes—thatis—notto-morrow.I’llcomeoneofthesedaysandseehowyouaregettingon.It’salongtimesinceI’veseenyouatwork,andIshouldenjoyiteversomuch.ButIshouldrathercomewhenit’swellbegun.Ishalllearnmore.”

“I’mafraidyouwon’tlearnmuchfromme,Mrs.Lauderdale.It’sverydifferentworkfromminiature—andIhavenorule.ItseemstomethatthelongerIpaint

themorehopelessallrulesare.Tenyearsago,whenIwasworkinginParis,Iusedtobelieveincanonsofart,andfixedprinciples,andmethods,andallthatsortofthing.ButIcan’tanymore.Idoitanyhow,justasitseemstocome—withanything—withastump,abrush,arag,hands,fingers,anything.Ishouldnotbesurprisedtofindmyselfdrawingwithmyelbowandpaintingwiththebackofmyhead!No,really—Isometimesthinkthebackofmyheadwouldbeaverygoodbrushtodofurwith.Anyway—onlytogetattherealthing.”

“Ioncesawapainterwhohadnoarms,”saidtheoldgentleman.“ItwasinParis,andheheldthebrusheswithhistoes.Thereisanidiotintheasylumnow,wholikesnothingbetterthantopullhisshoesoffandtieknotsinaropewithhisfeetalldaylong.”

“Heisprobablyoneofus,”suggestedCrowdie.“Weartistsareallhalf-witted.Givehimabrushandseewhetherhehasanytalentforpaintingwithhistoes.”

“That’sanidea,”answeredthephilanthropist,thoughtfully.“Transferenceofmanualskillfromhandstofeet,”hecontinuedinalow,dreamyvoice,thinkingaloud.“Abnormalconnectionsofnerveswithnextadjoiningbraincentres—yes—theremightbesomethinginit—yes—yes—”

Theoldgentlemanhadtheoriesofhisownaboutnervesandbraincentres.Hehadneverevenstudiedanatomy,buthespeculatedinthewildestmannerupontheprobabilityofimpossiblecasesofnervederangementandimperfectdevelopment,andhadlongbelievedhimselfanauthorityonthesubject.

Thedinnerwasquiteasshortasmostmodernmeals.OldMr.LauderdaleandCrowdiesmoked,andAlexanderJunior,whodespisedsuchweaknesses,stayedinthedining-roomwiththem.NeitherMrs.LauderdalenorKatharinewouldhaveobjectedtosmokinginthelibrary,butAlexander’sinflexibleconservatismabhorredsuchapractice.

“Ican’ttellwhyitis,”saidKatharine,whenshewasalonewithhermother,“butthatmanispositivelyrepulsivetome.Itmustbesomethingbesideshisugliness,andeventhatoughttoberedeemedbyhiseyesandthatbeautifulvoiceofhis.Butit’snot.There’ssomethingabouthim—”Shestopped,inthesheerimpossibilityofexpressinghermeaning.

Hermothersaidnothinginanswer,butlookedatherwithcalmandquieteyes,ratherthoughtfully.

“Isitveryfoolishofme,mother?Don’tyounoticesomething,too,whenhe’snearyou?”

“Yes.He’slikeapoisonousflower.”

“That’sexactlywhatIwantedtosay.Thatand—thetitleofTennyson’spoem,whatisit?Oh—‘AVisionofSin’—don’tyouknow?”

“PoorCrowdie!”exclaimedMrs.Lauderdale,laughingalittle,butstilllookingatKatharine.

“IwonderwhatinducedHestertomarryhim.”

“Hefascinatedher.Besides,she’sveryfondofmusic,andsoishe,andhesangtoherandsheplayedforhim.Itseemstohavesucceededverywell.Ibelievetheyareperfectlyhappy.”

“Oh,perfectly.Atleast,Hesteralwayssaysso.Butdidyouevernotice—sometimes,withoutanyspecialreason,shelooksathimsoanxiously?Justasthoughsheexpectedsomethingtohappentohim,orthatheshoulddosomethingqueer.Itmaybemyimagination.”

“Inevernoticedit.She’stremendouslyinlovewithhim.Thatmayaccountforit.”

“Well—ifshe’shappy—”Katharinedidnotfinishthesentence.“Hedoesstaredreadfully,though,”sheresumedamomentlater.“ButIsupposeallartistsdothat.Theyarealwayslookingatone’sfeatures.Youdon’t,though.”

“I?I’malwayslookingatpeople’sfacesandtryingtoseehowIcouldpaintthembest.ButIdon’tstare.Peopledon’tlikeit,anditisn’tnecessary.Crowdieisvain.Hehasbeautifuleyesandhewantseveryonetonoticethem.”

“Ifthat’sit,atalleventshehasthesensetobevainofhisbestpoint,”saidKatharine.“He’snotanartistfornothing.Andhe’scertainlyverycleverinallsortsofways.”

“Hedidn’tsayanythingparticularlycleveratdinner,Ithought.Bythebye,wasthedinnergood?Yourfatherdidn’ttellmeCrowdiewascoming.”

“Oh,yes;itdidverywell,”answeredKatharine,inareassuringtone.“Atleast,Ididn’tnoticewhatwehad.Healwaystakesawaymyappetite.Ishallgoandstealsomethingwhenhe’sgone.Let’ssituplate,mother—justyouandI—afterpapahasgonetobed,andwe’lllightalittleweefire,andhaveatinybitofsupper,andmakeourselvescomfortable,andabuseMr.Crowdiejustasmuchaswelike.Won’tthatbenice?Do!”

“Well—we’llseehowlatehestays.It’sonlyaquarterpastnineyet.Haveyougotabook,child?Iamgoingtoreadthatarticleaboutwetpaintingsonpottery—I’vehaditthereeversolong,andthemenwon’tcomebackforhalfanhouratleast.”

Katharinefoundsomethingtoread,afterhandinghermotherthereviewfromthetable.

“PerhapsreadingalittlewilltakeawaythebadtasteofCrowdie,”saidMrs.Lauderdale,withalaugh,asshesettledherselfinthecornerofthesofa.

“Iwishsomethingwould,”answeredKatharine,seatingherselfinadeepchair,andopeningherbook.

Butshefoundithardtofixherattention,andthebookwasadullone,orseemedso,asthebestbooksdowhenthemindisdrawnandstretchedinonedirection.Herthoughtswentbacktothetwilighthour,whenRalstonhadbeenthere,andtothedecidedstepshewasabouttotake.Theonlywonderwasthatshehadbeenabletotalkwithatolerablecontinuityofideasduringdinner,consideringwhatherpositionwas.Assuredlyitwasadaringthingwhichshemeanttodo,andsheexperiencedthesensationfamiliareventobravemen—thesmall,utterlyunreasoningtemptationtodrawbackjustbeforetherealdangerbegins.Mostpeoplewhohavebeencalledupontodosomethingverydangerous,withfairwarningandinperfectlycoldblood,knowthatlittlefeelingandarewillingtoacknowledgeit.Itisnotfear.Itistheinevitablelastwordspokenbytheinstinctofself-preservation.

Therearemenwhohaveneverfeltitatall,rareinstancesofperfectlyphlegmaticphysicalrecklessness.Theyarenottheoneswhodeservethemostcreditfordoingperilousdeeds.Andthereareothermen,evenfewer,perhaps,whohavefeltit,buthaveceasedtofeelit,inwhomallloveoflifeissototallyandhopelesslydeadthateventhebodily,humanimpulsetoavoiddeathcanneverbe

feltagain.Suchmenareverydangerousinfight.‘Bewareofhimwhoseeksdeath,’saysanancientEasternproverb.Somanythingswhichseemimpossibleareeasyifthevalueoflifeitselfbetakenoutofthebalance.Butwiththegreatmajorityofthehumanracethatvalueistolerablywelldefined.ThepoorChinamanwhosellshimself,forthebenefitofhisfamily,tobeslicedtodeathinthesteadoftherichcriminal,knowswithinanounceortwoofsilverwhathisexistenceisworth.Thebargainhasbeenmadesooftenbyothersthatthereisalmostatariff.Itisnotapleasantsubject,but,sincethecasereallyhappens,itwouldbeacuriousthingtoheartheologiansdiscussthemoralityofsuchsuicideonthepartoftheunfortunatewretch.Wouldtheysaythathewasforfeitingthehopeofafuturerewardbygivinghimselftobedestroyedformoney,ofhisownfreewill?Orwouldtheyaccountittohimforrighteousnessthatheshouldlaydownhislifetosavehiswifeandchildrenfromstarvingtodeath?Forarealcase,asitis,itcertainlypresentsdifficultieswhichapproachthefantastic.

Itwasveryquietintheroom,asithadbeenonceortwicewhentherehadbeenasilencebetweenKatharineandRalstonafewhoursearlier.Thefurniturewasalljustasithadbeen—hardlyachairhadbeenturned.Thescenecamebackvividlytotheyounggirl’simagination,andthesoundofRalston’svoice,justtremblingwithemotion,rangagaininherears.Thathadbeenthesweetestofallthemanysweethoursshehadspentwithhimsincetheyhadbeenchildren.Herbookfelluponherkneesandherheadsankbackagainstthecushion.Withlidshalfdrooping,shegazedatapointshedidnotsee.Thesoftestpossiblelight,theexquisite,tremblingradianceofspotlessmaidenhood’sdivinestdream,hoveredaboutthelovelyfaceandthegirlishlipsjustpartedtomeetinthememoryofakiss.

Suddenly,fromthenextroom,asthethreemencametowardsthecloseddoorofthelibrary,Crowdie’slaughbrokethestillness,high,melodious,rich.Somemenhaveahabitoflaughingatanythingwhichissaidjustastheyleavethedining-room.

Katharinestartedasthoughshehadbeenstung.Shewasunconsciousthathermotherhadceasedreading,andhadbeenlookingatherforseveralminutes,wonderingwhyshehadneverfullyappreciatedthegirl’sbeautybefore.

“What’sthematter,dear?”sheasked,asshesawthestartandthequickexpressionofresentmentandrepulsion.

“It’sthatman’svoice—it’ssobeautifulandyet—ugh!”Sheshiveredasthedooropenedandthethreemencamein.

“You’venotbeenlong,”saidMrs.Lauderdale,lookingupatCrowdie.“Ihopetheygaveyouacigarinthere.”

“Oh,yes,thanks—andaverygoodone,too,”addedtheartist,whohadnotsucceededinsmokinghalfoftheexecrableConnecticutsix-for-a-quartercigarwhichthephilanthropisthadofferedhim.

Itseemednaturalenoughtohimthatamanwhodevotedhimselftoidiotsshouldhavenotaste,andhewouldhaveopenedhiseyesifhehadbeentoldthattheConnecticuttobaccowasoneoftheeconomiesimposedbyAlexanderJunioruponhislong-sufferingfather.Theoldgentleman,however,wasreallynotveryparticular,andhissufferingswerenottobecomparedwiththoseofBalzac’ssaintlycharity-maniac,whenhegaveuphisHavanasforthesakeofhispoorpeople.

CrowdielookedatKatharine,asheansweredhermother,andcontinuedtodoso,thoughhesatdownbesidethelatter.Katharinehadrisenfromherseat,andwasstandingbythemantelpiece,andMrs.Lauderdalewassittingattheendofthesofaontheothersideofthefireplace,underthestrong,unshadedlightofthegas.Shemadeanefforttotalktoherguest,forthesakeofsparingthegirl,thoughshefeltuncomfortablytired,andwaslookingalmostill.

“Didyoutalkanymoreaboutthesoul,afterweleft?”sheasked,lookingatCrowdie.

“No,”heanswered,stillgazingatKatharine,andspeakingratherabsently.“Wetalked—letmesee—Ithink—”Hehesitated.

“Itcouldn’thavebeenveryinteresting,ifyoudon’trememberwhatitwasabout,”saidMrs.Lauderdale,pleasantly.“Wemusttryandamuseyoubetterthantheydid,oryouwon’tcomenearusagain.”

“Oh,asfarasthatgoes,I’llcomejustasoftenasyouaskme,”answeredCrowdie,suddenlylookingathisshoes.

Buthemadenoattempttocontinuetheconversation.Mrs.Lauderdalefeltalittlewomanlyannoyance.Theconstantandlife-longhabitofbeingconsidered

bymentobethemostimportantpersonintheroom,whenevershechosetobeconsideredatall,hadbecomeapartofhernature.ShemadeuphermindthatCrowdieshouldnotonlylistenandtalk,butshouldlookather.

“Whatareyoudoingnow?Anotherportrait?”sheasked.“Iknowyouarealwaysbusy.”

“Oh,yes—thewifeofamanwhohasasilverminesomewhere.She’sfairlygood-looking,forawonder.”

Hiseyeswanderedabouttheroom,and,fromtimetotime,wentbacktoKatharine.OldMr.Lauderdalewasgoingtosleepinanarm-chair,andAlexanderJuniorwasreadingtheeveningpaper.

“Doesyourworkalwaysinterestyouasitdidatfirst?”askedMrs.Lauderdale,growingmoreandmoredeterminedtofixhisattention,andspeakingsoftly.“Imean—areyouhappyinitandwithit?”

Hislanguidglancemethersforaninstant,withanoddlookoflazyenquiry.Hewaskeenandquickofintuition,andmorethansufficientlyvain.Thereisacertaintoneofvoiceinwhichawomanmayaskamanifheishappywhichindicatesawillingnesstoplayatflirtation.Now,ithadneverenteredtheheadofWalterCrowdiethatMrs.Lauderdalecouldpossiblycaretoflirtwithhim.Yetthetonewasofficial,sotosay,andhehadsomerighttobesurprised,themoresoashehadneverheardanyman—noteventhefamousclub-liar,StopfordThirlwall—evensuggestthatshehadeverreallyflirtedwithanyone,ordoanythingworsethandancetotheveryendofeverydancingparty,andgenerallyamuseherselfinaninnocentwaytoanextentthatwouldhaveruinedtheconstitutionsofmostwomennotborninKentucky.Evenasheturnedtolookather,however,herealizedtheabsurdityoftheimpressionhehadreceived,andhiseyeswentmechanicallybacktoKatharine’sprofile.Thesmilethatmovedhisheavy,redmouthwasforhimself,asheansweredMrs.Lauderdale’squestion.

“Oh,yes,”hesaid,quitenaturally.“Iloveit.I’mperfectlyhappy.”Andagainherelapsedintosilence.

Mrs.Lauderdalewasannoyed.Sheturnedherhead,undertheglaringlight,towardsthecarvedpillarattherightofthefireplace.Anabsurdlittlelooking-glasshungbyasilkencordfromthemantelpiecetothelevelofhereyes—oneof

thosesmallPersianmirrorssetinacaseofembroidery,suchasareusedforfavoursatcotillions.

Shesawverysuddenlythereflectionofherownface.Theglasswasperhapsatriflegreen,whichmadeitworse,butshestaredinasortofdumbhorror,realizinginasinglemomentthatshehadgrownold,thatthelineshaddeepeneduntileveryonecouldseethem,thattheeyeslookedfaded,thehairdull,thelipsalmostshrivelled,theoncedazzlingskinflaccidandsallow—thatthequeenlybeautywasgone,aperishablethingalreadyperished,amemorynowandworsethanamemory,acruellybitterregretleftintheplaceofapossessionhalfdivinethatwaslostforeverandever,deadbeyondresurrection,gonebeyondrecall.

ThatwasthemostterriblemomentinMrs.Lauderdale’slife.Fateneednothavemadeitsoappallinglysudden—shehadpreparedforitsolong,soconscientiously,tryingalwaystoweanherselffromavanitythesternestwouldforgive.Andithadseemedtobecomingsoslowly,bydegreesofeachdegree,andshehadthoughtitwouldbesolongincomingquite.Andnowitwascome,intheflashofasecond.Butthebitternesswasnotpast.

Instinctivelyinthesilenceshelookedupbeforeherandsawherdaughter’slovelyface.Herheadreeled,hersightswam.Agreat,fierceenvycaughtatherheartwithironfingersandwrungit,tillshecouldhavescreamed,—envyofherwhowasdearesttoherofalllivingthings—ofKatharine.

CHAPTERVII.

JohnRalstonhadgivenhiswordtoKatharineandheintendedtokeepit.WheneverhewasassailedbydoubtsherecalledbyanactofwillthestateofmindtowhichtheyounggirlhadbroughthimonMondayevening,andhowhehadthenbeenconvincedthattherewasnoharminthesecretmarriage.Heanalyzedhisposition,too,inaroughandreadyway,withtheintentionofprovingthattheclandestineceremonycouldnotbeofanyadvantagetohimself,thatitwasthereforenotfromanyselfishmotivethathehadundertakentohaveitperformed,andthat,consequently,sincetheactionitselfwastobeanunselfishone,therecouldbenothingevenfaintlydishonourableinit.ForhedidnotreallybelievethatoldRobertLauderdalewoulddoanythingforhim.Onthecontrary,hethoughtitmostlikelythattheoldmanwouldbeveryangryandwouldbidtheyoungpeopleabidebytheconsequencesoftheirdoings.HewouldblameRalstonbitterly.Hewouldnotbelievethathehadbeendisinterested.Hewould

saythathehadmarriedKatharine,andhadpersuadedhertothemarriageinthehopeofforcinghisuncletohelphim,outofconsiderationforthegirl.Andhewouldrefusetodoanythingwhatsoever.Hemightevengosofarastostrikethenamesofbothfromhiswill,ifhehadleftthemalegacy,whichwasprobable.But,todoRalstonjustice,solongashewassureofhisownmotiveshehadnevercaredastrawfortheopinionsothersmightformofthem,andhewasthelastmanintheworldtoassumeacharacterforthesakeofplayingonthefeelingsofarichrelation.IfRobertLauderdaleshouldsendforhim,andbeangry,andreproachhimwithwhathehaddone,Johnwasquitecapableofansweringthathehadactedfrommotiveswhichconcernedhimselfonly,thathewasanswerabletonoonebutKatharineherselfandthatuncleRobertmightmakethebestofitathisleisure.Theyoungmanpossessedthatsortofcourageinabundance,aseveryoneknew,andbeingawareofithimself,hesuspected,notwithoutgroundsofprobability,thatthemillionairewasawareofitalso,andwouldsimplyleavehimalonetohisowndevices,refusingKatharine’srequest,andnevermentioningthequestionagain.Thattheoldmanwouldbediscreet,wascertain.Withafewrareexceptions,menwhohavemadegreatfortunesunaidedhavemorediscretionthanotherpeople,andcankeepsecretsremarkablywell.

ThedifficultywhichpresenteditselftoRalstonatoncewasamaterialone.Hedidnotintheleastknowhowsuchanaffairasasecretmarriageshouldbemanaged.Noneofhiscloseacquaintanceshadeverdoneanythingsounusual,andalthoughheknewoftwocaseswhichhadoccurredinNewYorksociety,theoneinrecentyearsandtheotherlongago,hehadnomeansoffindingoutatshortnoticehowtheactualformalitiesnecessaryhadbeenfulfilledineithercase.Heknew,however,thatamarriageperformedbyarespectableclergymanofanydenominationwaslegal,andthatacertificatesignedbyhimwasperfectlyvalid.HehadheardofmarriagesbeforeaJusticeofthePeace,andevenofdeclarationsmadebeforerespectablewitnessesandvouchedfor,whichhadbeenlegalmarriagesbeyonddispute,buthedidnotlikethelookofanythinginwhichtherewasnoreligiousceremony,respectfullyindifferentthoughhewastoallreligion.Thecodeofhonour,whichwashisonlyfaith,isconnected,andnotevenverydistantly,withChristianity.Therearehonourablemenofallreligionsunderthesun,includingthatofConfucius,butwedonotassociatetheexpression‘thecodeofhonour’withnon-Christians—whichissingularenough,consideringtheviewthesaidcodetakesofsomemoralquestions.

Theremustbeamarriageservice,therefore,thoughtRalston,anditmustbe

performedinNewYork.TherewasnopossibilityoftakingKatharineintoaneighbouringState,andhehadnowishtodosoformanyreasons.Hewasnotwithoutforesight,andheintendedtobeabletoproveatanyfuturetimethattheformality,thewholeformality,andnothingbuttheformalityoftheceremonyhadbeenfulfilled.Itwasnoteasy.Herackedhisrecollectionsinvain,andhereadallthenewspaperspublishedthatmorningwithaninteresthehadcertainlyneverfeltinthembefore,inthehopeoffindingsomeaccountofacasesimilartohisown.Hethoughtofgoingtoanumberofclergymen,ofthesocialtype,withwhomhehadaspeakingacquaintance,andoflayingthefactsbeforeeachinturn,untiloneofthemconsentedtomarryhim.Butthoughmanyofthemwereexcellentmen,hehadnotenoughconfidenceintheirdiscretion.HelaughedtohimselfwhenhethoughtthattheonlymenheknewwhoseemedtopossessthenecessaryqualitiesforsuchadelicateaffairwereRoberttheRichhimselfandHamiltonBright,whomRalstonsecretlysuspectedofbeingsomewhatinlovewithKatharineonhisownaccount.Itwasodd,hethought,thatofallthefamilyBrightaloneshouldresembleoldRobert,physicallyandmentally,buttheresemblancewasundeniable,thoughtherelationshiponlyconsistedinthefactthatBrightwasdescendedfromoldRobertLauderdale’sgrandfather,theprimevalAlexanderoftenmentionedinthesepages.

Ralstonturnedthecaseoverandoverinhismind.Hethoughtofgoingtosomedissentingministerquiteunknowntohim,andtryingwhateloquencecoulddo.Hehadheardthatsomeofthemweremenofhearttowhomonecouldappealintrouble.Butheknewverywellthateveryoneofthemwouldtellhimtodothethingopenly,ornotatall,andthemereidearevivedhisownscruples.HewonderedwhethertherewerenotchurcheswherethemarryingwasdonebybatchesoffourandfivecouplesonacertainSundayinthemonth,asbabiesarebaptizedinsomepartsoftheworld,andwhetherheandKatharinecouldnotslipin,asitwerebymistake,andbemarriedbyamanwhodidnotevenknowtheirnames.Buthelaughedattheideaamomentlater,andwentonstudyingtheproblem.

Anotherofhisideaswastoconsultadetective,fromaprivateoffice.Suchmenwould,inalllikelihood,knowagooddealaboutrunawaycouples.Andthisseemedoneofthewisestplanswhichhadsuggesteditself,thoughitbrokedownfortworeasons.Hehatedthethoughtofgettingathisresultbythehelpofamanbelongingtowhatheconsideredameanandunderhandprofession;andhereflectedthatsuchmenwerealwaysonthelookoutforprivatescandals,andthatheshouldbeputtinghimselfintheirpower.Atlasthedecidedtoconsulta

lawyer.Lawyersanddoctors,asarule,werediscreet,hethought,becausetheirsuccessdependedontheirdiscretion.Hecouldeasilyfindamanwhomhehadneverseen,honestandabletokeepasecret,whowouldgivehimtheinformationhewantedinaprofessionalwayandtakeafeeforthetrouble.Thisseemedtohimhonourableandwise.Hewishedeverythingtobelegal,andthebestwaytomakeitsowastofollowalawyer’sdirections.Therewasnotevenadoubtbutthatthesaidlawyer,ifrequested,wouldmakeamemorandumofthecase,andtakechargeofthedocumentwhichwastoprovethatKatharineLauderdalehadbecomethelawfulwifeofJohnRalston.Therewerelistsanddirectoriesinwhichhecouldfindthenamesofhundredsofsuchmen.Hewasinhisnativecity,andbetweenthenamesandtheplacesofbusinesshethoughthecouldformatolerablyaccurateopinionofthereputationandstandingofsome,ifnotofall,oftheindividuals.

Inthecourseofacoupleofhourshehadfoundwhathewanted—alawyerwhosenamewasknowntohimasthatofamanofgoodreputationandagentleman,onewhomhehadneverseenandwhohadprobablyneverseenhim,oldenough,asheknew,tohaveawideexperience,yetnotsooldastobejustifiedinassumingairsofvastmoralsuperiorityinordertodeclareprimlythathewouldneverhelpayoungmantocommitanactoffolly.Forfollyitwas,asRalstonknewverywellinhisheart.

Helostnotime,andwithinhalfanhourwasinterviewingtheauthorityhehadselected,for,byabitofgoodluck,hewasfortunateenoughtomeetthelawyeratthedoorofhisoffice,justreturningfromluncheon.Otherwisehemighthavehadsomedifficultyingainingimmediateadmittance.Hefoundhimtobeagrave,keenpersonageofuncertainage,wholaidhisglassesbesidehimonhisdeskwheneverhespoke,andputthemonagainassoonashehaddone.HewipedthemcarefullywhenRalstonhadexplainedwhathewanted,andthenpausedamomentbeforereplying.Ralstonwasbynomeanspreparedforwhathesaid.

“Ipresumeyouareanovelist.”

Thelawyerlookedathim,smiledpleasantly,lookedawayandturnedhisglassesoveragain.

Theyoungmanwasinclinedtolaugh.Noonehadeverbeforetakenhimforamanofletters.Hehesitated,however,beforeheanswered,wonderingwhether

hehadnotbetteracceptthestatementinthehopeofgettingaccurateinformation,ratherthanriskarefusalifhesaidhewasinearnest.Thelawyertookhishesitationforassent.

“Because,inthatcase,itwouldnotbeatalldifficulttomanage,”hecontinued,withoutwaitinganylongerforareply.“Lotsofthingscanhappeninbooks,yousee,andyoucanwindupthestoryandpublishitbeforethepeopleinthebookwhoaretobekeptinthedarkhavefoundoutthesecret.Inreallife,itisalittledifferent,because,thoughit’sveryeasytobemarried,it’sthedutyofthepersonwhomarriesyoutosendacertificateorstatementofthemarriagetotheofficewheretherecordofstatisticsiskept.”

“Oh!”ejaculatedRalston,andhisfacefell.“Ididn’tknowthat.”

“Yes.That’snecessary,onpainofafine.Andyetthemarriagemayremainasecretalongwhile—foralifetimeunderfavourablecircumstances.Sothatifyouarewritingastoryyoucanlettheyoungcoupletakethechances,andyoucangivethemintheirfavour.”

“Well—how,exactly?”askedJohn.“Thatsortofthingisn’tusual,Ifancy.”

“Notusual—no.”Thelawyersmiled.“Buttherearemoresecretmarriagesthanmostpeopledreamof.IfyourheroandheroinemustbemarriedinNewYork,itiseasyenoughtodoit.Nobodywillmarrythemwithoutafterwardsmakingoutthecertificate,whichisrecorded.Ifanybodysuspectsthattheyaremarried,itistheeasiestthingintheworldtofindoutthatthemarriagehasbeenregistered.Butifnobodylooksforit,thethingwillneverbeheardof.It’sathousandtooneagainstanybody’sfindingitoutbyaccident.”

“Butifitweredoneinthatwayitwouldbeabsolutelylegalandcouldneverbecontested?”

“Ofcourse—perfectlylegal.Butit’snotsoinallStates,mindyou.”

“IwantedtoknowaboutNewYork,”saidRalston.“Itcouldn’tpossiblytakeplaceanywhereelse.”

“Oh—well—inthatcase,youknowallthereistobeknown.”

“I’mverygrateful,”saidJohn,rising.“I’vetakenupagreatdealofyour

valuabletime,sir.MayI—”

Inconsiderabledoubtastowhatheshoulddo,hethrusthishandintohisbreast-pocketandlookedatthelawyer.

“Mydearsir!”exclaimedthelatter,risingalso.“Howcanyouthinkofsuchathing?I’mverygladindeedtohavebeenofserviceto—ayoungnovelist.”

“You’reexceedinglykind,andIthankyouverymuch,”saidRalston,shakingtheoutstretchedhand,andmakingforthedoorassoonaspossible.

Hehadnotevengivenhisname,whichhadbeenratherrudeonhispart,ashewaswellaware.Atallevents,thelawyerwouldnotbeabletotracehim,whichwasapointtohisadvantage.

Oddlyenoughhefeltasenseofsatisfactionwhenhethoughtoverwhathehadlearned.HecouldtellKatharinethatareallysecretmarriagewaswhollyimpossible,andperhapswhensheknewthatshewasrunningariskofdiscoveryshewoulddrawback.Heshouldbegladofthat.Realizingthefact,hewasconsciousforthefirsttimethathewasseekingawayoutofthemarriageandnotawayintoit,andaconflictaroseinhismind.OntheonehandhehadgivenKatharinehiswordthathewoulddowhatsheasked,andhiswordwassacred,unlessshewouldreleasehimfromthepromise.Ontheothersidestoodthatintimateconvictionofhisownthat,inspiteofallherarguments,itwasnotaperfectlyhonourablethingtodo,onitsownmerits.Hecouldnothelpfeelinggladthatamaterialdifficultystoodinthewayofhisdoingwhatsherequiredofhim.

Inanycasehemustseeherassoonaspossible.HeascertainedwithoutdifficultythattheyneednotshowevidencethattheyhadresidedinNewYorkduringanyparticularperiod,norwerethereanyotherformalitiestobefulfilled.Hewenthometoluncheonwithhismother—itwasonthedayafterhehadgivenhispromisetoKatharine,forhehadlostnotime—andhewentoutagainbeforethreeo’clock,hopingtofindtheyounggirlalone.

Tohisannoyancehefoundherwithhermotherinthelibrary.Mrs.Lauderdalewasgenerallyatworkatthathour,ifshewasathome,butto-dayshe,whowasalwayswell,hadaheadacheandwasnervousandaltogetherdifferentfromherself.Katharinesawthatshewasalmostill,andinsisteduponstayingathomewithher,toreadtoher,ortotalk,asshepreferred,thoughMrs.Lauderdale

beggedherrepeatedlytogoawayandmakevisits,orotherwiseamuseherselfasshecould.Buttheyounggirlwasobstinate;shesawthathermotherwassufferingandshehadnointentionofleavingherthatafternoon.AlexanderJuniorwasofcourseathisoffice,andthephilanthropistwasinhisownquartersupstairs,probablydozingbeforethefireorwritingreportsaboutidiots.

ItwascleartoRalstoninfiveminutesthatMrs.Lauderdalewasnotonlyindisposed,butthatshewasaltogetheroutoftemper,astateofmindveryunusualwithher.ShefoundfaultwithlittlethingsthatKatharinedidinawayJohnhadnevernoticedbefore,andasforhimself,sheevidentlywishedhehadnotcome.Therewasapetulanceaboutherwhichwasquitenew.Shewasnotevensittinginherusualplace,buthadtakenthedeeparm-chairontheothersideofthefireplace,andturnedherbacktothelight.

“Youseemtobeasbusyasusual,Jack,”sheobserved,afterexchangingafewwords.

“I’mwishingIwere,atallevents,”heanswered.“Youmusttakethewishforthedeed.”

“Theysaythatthere’salwaysplentyofworkforanyonewhowantsit,”answeredMrs.Lauderdale,coldly.

“Ifyou’lltellmewheretofindit—”

“Whydon’tyougototheWest,asyoungBrightdid,andtrytodosomethingwithouthelp?Othermendo.”

“Brighttookmoneywithhim,”answeredRalston.

“Didhe?Notmuch,then,Ifancy.Iknowhelivedahardlifeanddrovecattle—”

“Andboughtlandinwildplaceswhichhefoundinthecourseofhiscattledriving.Thedrivingwasameansofgettingabout—notunpleasant,either—andhehadsomemoneytoinvest.Icoulddothesame,ifIhadany.”

“Youknowit’squiteuseless,mother,”saidKatharine,interposingbeforeMrs.Lauderdalecouldmakeanotherretort.“Youallabusehimfordoingnothing,andyetIhearyouallsaythateveryprofessionisovercrowded,andthatnobodycandoanythingwithoutcapital.IfuncleRobertchose,hecouldmakeJack’sfortune

byaturnofhishand.”

“Ofcourse—hecouldgivehimafortuneoutrightandnotfeelit—unlesshecaredwhatbecameofit.”

TherewassomethingsoharshaboutthewayinwhichshespokethelastwordsthatRalstonandKatharinelookedateachother.Ralstondidnotlosehistemper,however,buttriedtoturnthesubjectwithalaugh.

“MydearcousinEmma,”hesaid,“I’mthemosthopelesscaseliving.Pleasetalkaboutsomebodywhoissuccessful.Therearelotsofthem.You’vementionedBrightalready.Letuspraisehim.Thatwillmakeyoufeelbetter.”

TothisMrs.Lauderdalesaidnothing.AfterwaitingamomentRalstonturnedtoKatharine.

“Areyougoingoutthisafternoon?”heasked,bywayofhintingthathewantedtoseeheralone.

“No,”saidMrs.Lauderdale,answeringforher.“Shesaysshemeanstostayathomeandtakecareofme.It’seversogoodofher,isn’tit?”

“Yes,”answeredRalston,absently.

ItstruckKatharinethat,consideringthathermotherhadbeentryingforhalfanhourtopersuadehertogoout,itwouldhavebeennaturaltoproposethatsheshouldgoforashortwalkwithJohn,andthattheanswerhadcomerathersuddenly.

“Butyoucan’tstayathomeallday,”saidRalston,allatonce.“You’llbehavingaheadacheyourself.Won’tyouletKatharinecomewithmeforhalfanhour,cousinEmma?We’llwalktwiceroundWashingtonSquareandcomerightback.Shelookspale.”

“Doesshe?”Mrs.Lauderdaleglancedatthegirl’sface.“Idon’tthinkso,”shecontinued.“Besides—”

“Whatisit?”askedRalston,asshehesitatedandstopped.“Isn’titproper?We’veoftendoneit.”

Mrs.Lauderdalerosefromherchairandstoodup,tallandslim,withherbacktothemantelpiece.Thelightfelluponherfacenow,andRalstonsawhowtiredandwornshelooked.Immediatelysheturnedherbacktothewindowagain,andlookedathimsideways,restingherelbowontheshelf.

“Whatistheuseofyoutwogoingoninthisway?”sheaskedsuddenly.

Therewasanawkwardsilence,andagainKatharineandRalstonlookedatoneanother.Theyweremomentarilysurprisedoutofspeech,forMrs.Lauderdalehadalwaystakentheirside,ifnotveryactively,atleastinakindlyway.ShehadsaidthatKatharineshouldmarrythemansheloved,richorpoor,andthatifshechosetowaitforapoorman,likeRalston,tobeabletosupporther,thatwasherownaffair.TheviolentoppositionhadcomefromKatharine’sfatherwhen,ayearpreviously,thetwohadboldlytoldhimthattheylovedeachotherandwishedtobemarried.AlexanderJuniordidnotoftenlosehistemper,buthehadlostitcompletelyonthatoccasion,andhadgonesofarastosaythatRalstonshouldneverenterthehouseagain,averdictwhichhehadbeensoonforcedtomodify.ButhehadsaidthatheconsideredJohnanidlegood-for-nothing,whowouldneverbeabletosupporthimself,letaloneawifeandchildren;thathis,Alexander’s,daughtershouldnevermarryaprofessionaldandy,whowascontenttolethiswidowedmotherpayhisextravaganttailor’sbills,andwhoplayedpokerattheclubsasasourceofincome;thatitwasnotenoughofarecommendationtobehalfaLauderdaleandtoskimthecreamfromNewYorksocietyintheformofdailyinvitations—andtohavethereputationofbeingagoodpoloplayerwithotherpeople’shorses,agoodyachtsmanwithotherpeople’syachts,andofhavingastrongheadforotherpeople’swines.ThosewerenotthenoblequalitiesAlexanderJuniorlookedforinason-in-law.Notatall,sir.HepreferredBenjaminSlaybackofNevada.TheLauderdaleswerequiteabletomakesocietyacceptBenjaminSlaybackofNevada,becauseBenjaminSlaybackofNevadawasquiteabletostanduponhisownfeetanywhere,havingworkedforallhehad,likeaman,andhavingpushedhimselfintotheforefrontofpoliticallifebysheerenergyandability,andhavingasgoodarightandasgoodachanceineverywayasanymaninthecountry.No,hewascertainlynotaLauderdale.IfLauderdalesweretogoonmarryingLauderdalesandnooneelse,therewouldsoonbeanendofsociety.HeadvisedJohnRalstontogotoNevadaandmarryBenjaminSlayback’ssister,ifshewouldlookathim,whichwasmorethandoubtful,consideringthathewasthemostatrociouslyidleyoungne’er-do-weel—hereAlexander’sScotchupperlipsnappedlikeasteeltrap—thateverwastedthemostpreciousyearsoflifebetweenthesocietyofinfatuated

womenbyday,sir,andthetemptationsofthecard-tableandthebottlebynight—thefavouriteoffineladies,thebooncompanionofroisterersandthesportofaLondontailor.

WhichwasatremendousspeechwhendeliveredatclosequartersinAlexanderJunior’smetallicvoice,andinhismostiratelyemphaticmanner,whilethegreyveinsswelledathisgreytemples,andoneironhandwasclenchedreadytostrikethepalmoftheotherwhentheendoftheperorationwasreached.Heallowedhimself,asarelation,evenmorelatitudeinhislanguagethanhewouldhavearrogatedtohimselfasKatharine’sfather.HemetJohnRalstonnotonlyastheangrystagefathermeetstheineligibleanddeterminedyoungsuitor,butasoneLauderdalemeetinganother—theoneknowinghimselftobeirreproachable,upbraidingtheotherasthedisgraceofthefamily,thehardenedyoungsinner,andthesportofhistailor.ThatlastexpressionhadalmostbroughtasmiletoRalston’sangryface.

Hehadbehavedadmirably,however,undersuchverytryingcircumstances,andafterwardssecretlytookgreatcredittohimselffornothavingattackedhimwhomhewishedforafather-in-lawwiththefurnitureofthelatter’sownlibrary,thechairsbeingtheonlyconvenientweaponsintheroom.AlexandertheSafe,ashisowndaughtercalledhim,couldprobablyhavekilledJohnRalstonwithoneback-hander,butJohnwouldhavelikedtotryhiminfight,nevertheless.Insteadofdoinganythingofthekind,however,Johndrewbacktwosteps,andsaidasmuchashecouldtrusthimselftosaywithoutfoamingatthemouthandseeingthingsinscarlet.HesaidthathedidnotagreewithhiscousinAlexanderuponallthepointsthelatterhadmentioned,thathedidnotcaretoprolongaviolentscene,andhewishedhimgoodmorning.Thereuponhehadleftthehouse,whichwasquitethewisestthinghecoulddo,forwhenAlexanderwasalonehefoundtohisextremeannoyancethathehadadistinctsensationofhavingbeenmadealmostridiculous.Buthesoonrecoveredfromthat,forwhateverthesecretmainspringofhissingularcharactermightbe,itwascertainlynotidlevanity.

Mrs.LauderdalehadconsoledKatharine,andRalstontoo,forthatmatter,aswellasshecould,andwithsinceresympathy.Ralstoncontinuedtocometothehouseverymuchashepleased,andMr.Lauderdalesilentlytoleratedhispresenceontherareoccasionsoftheirmeeting.Hehadcertainlysaidmorethanenoughtoexplainhispointofview,andheconsideredthematterassettled.Itwasreallynotpossibletokeepamanwhowashiscousinaltogetheraway,and

hesufferedalsofromadelusioncommontomanyfathers,whichledhimtothinkthatnoonewouldeverdaretoactagainsthisonceclearlyexpressedwishes.

BetweenKatharineandhermotherandRalstonthereremainedasortoftacitunderstanding.Therewasnoformalengagement,ofcourse,whichwouldhavehadtobeconcealedfromMr.Lauderdale,butMrs.Lauderdalemeantthatthetwoyoungpeopleshouldbemarriediftheycontinuedtoloveoneanother,andshegenerallyleftthemasmuchtogetherastheypleasedwhenRalstoncame.

Itwas,therefore,notstrangethattheyshouldbothbesurprisedbythenatureofhersuddenquestionasshestoodbythefireplacelookingsidewaysatRalston,withherbacktothelight.

“Whatistheuse?”askedKatharine,repeatingthewordsinastonishmentandemphasizingthelastone.

“Yes.Whatistheuse?Itisleadingtonothing.Younevercanbemarried,andyouknowitbythistime.Youhadmuchbetterseparateatonce.Itwillbeeasierforyounow,perhaps,thanbyandby.Youarebothsoyoung!”

“Excuseme,cousinEmma,”saidRalston,“butIthinkyoumustbedreaming.”

Hespokeveryquietly,butthelightwasbeginningtogleaminhiseyes.Hismotherwassaidtohaveaverybadtemper,andJohnwaslikeherinmanyrespects.ButMrs.Lauderdalecontinuedtospeakquitecalmly.

“Ihavebeenthinkingaboutyoutwoagreatdeallately,”shesaid.“Ihavemadeamistake,andImayaswellsaysoatonce,nowthatIhavediscoveredit.Youwouldn’tlikemetogoonlettingyouthinkthatIapprovedofyourengagement,whenIdon’t—wouldyou?Thatwouldn’tbefairorhonest.”

“Certainlynot,”answeredRalston,inalowvoice,andhecouldfeelallhismusclestighteningasthoughforaphysicaleffort.“HaveyousaidthissortofthingtoKatharinebefore,oristhisthefirsttime?”

“No,shehasn’tsaidaword,”repliedKatharineherself.

Thegirlwasstandingbytheeasychair,herhandrestingonthebackofit,herfacepale,hergreatgreyeyesstaringwideopenathermother’sprofile.

“No,Ihavenot,”saidMrs.Lauderdale.“IthoughtitbesttowaituntilIcouldspeaktoyoutogether.It’suselesstogivepaintwiceover.”

“Itisindeed,”saidRalston,gravely.“Pleasegoon.”

“Why—there’snothingmoretobesaid,Jack,”answeredMrs.Lauderdale.“That’sall.Thetroubleisthatyou’llneverdoanything,andyouhavenofortune,noranyprospectofany—untilyourmother—”

“Pleasedon’tspeakofmymotherinthatconnection,”interruptedRalston,hislipsgrowingwhite.

“Well—andasforus,we’reaspoorascanbe.Youseehowwelive.Besides,youknow.OldMr.LauderdalegetsuncleRoberttosubscribethousandsandthousandsfortheidiots,butheneversuggeststhattheyarefarbetteroffthanweare.However,thoseareourmiseriesandnotyours.Yoursisthatyouareperfectlyuseless—”

“Mother!”criedKatharine,losingcontrolofherselfandmovingastepforward.

“It’sallright,dear,”saidRalston.“Goon,cousinEmma.I’mperfectlyuseless—”

“Idon’tmeantooffendyou,Jack,andwe’renotstrangers,”continuedMrs.Lauderdale,“andIwon’tdwellonthefacts.YouknowthemaswellasIdo,andareprobablyquiteassorrythattheyreallyarefacts.Iwillonlyaskonequestion.Whatchanceistherethatinthenextfourorfiveyearsyoucanhaveahouseofyourown,andanincomeofyourown—justenoughfortwopeopletoliveonandnomore—and—well—ahomeforKatharine?Whatchanceisthere?”

“I’lldosomethingbeforethattime,”answeredRalston,withadeterminedlook.

ButMrs.Lauderdaleshookherhead.

“Soyousaidlastyear,Jack.Irepeat—Idon’twanttobeunkind.HowlongisKatharinetowait?”

“I’llwaitallmylife,mother,”saidtheyounggirl,suddenlyspeakingoutinringingtones.“I’llwaittillIdie,ifImust,andJackknowsit.AndIbelieveinhim,ifyoudon’t—againstyouall,youandpapaanduncleRobertandevery

one.Jackhasneverhadachancethatdeservestobecalledachanceatall.Hemustsucceed—heshallsucceed—Iknowhe’llsucceed.AndI’llwaittillhedoes.Iwill—Iwill—ifit’sforever,andIshan’tbetiredofwaiting—itwillalwaysbeeasy,forhim.Oh,mother,mother—tothinkthatyoushouldhaveturnedagainstus!That’sthehardthing!”

“Thankyou,dear,”saidRalston,touchingherhandlovingly.

Mrs.Lauderdalehadturnedherfacequiteawayfromhimnowandwaslookingattheclock,softlydrummingwithherfingersuponthemantelpiece.

“I’msorry,Katharine,”shesaid.“ButIthinkit,andI’vesaidit—andIcan’tunsayit.It’sfartootrue.”

Therewasadeadsilenceforseveralseconds.ThenKatharinesuddenlypushedRalstongentlytowardthedoor.

“Go,Jackdear,”shesaidinalowvoice.“Shehasadreadfulheadache—she’snotherself.Yourbeinghereirritatesher—pleasegoaway—itwillbeallrightinadayortwo—”

Theyhadreachedthedoor,forRalstonsawthatshewasright.

“No,”saidMrs.Lauderdalefromthefireplace,“Ishan’tchangemymind.”

ItwasallsosuddenandstrangethatRalstonfoundhimselfoutsidethelibrarywithouthavingtakenleaveofherinanyway.Katharinecameoutwithhim.

“There’sadifficulty,”hewhisperedquicklyashefoundhiscoatandstick.“Afterit’sdonetherehastobeacertificatesayingthat—”

“Katharine!Comehere!”criedMrs.Lauderdalefromwithin,andtheyheardherfootstepassheleftthefireplace.

“Cometo-morrowmorningateleven,”whisperedKatharine.

Shebarelytouchedhishandwithhersandfledbackintothelibrary.HelethimselfoutandwalkedslowlyalongClintonPlaceinthedirectionofFifthAvenue.

CHAPTERVIII.

Katharinewentbacktothelibrarymechanically,becauseMrs.Lauderdalecalledherandbecausesheheardthelatter’sstepuponthefloor,butnotexactlyinmereblindsubmissionandobedience.Shewas,indeed,somuchsurprisedbywhathadtakenplacethatshewasnotaltogetherherusualself,andshewasconsciousthateventsmovedmorequicklyjustthenthanherownpowerofdecision.Shewasobservantandperceptive,butherreasonhadalwaysworkedslowly.Ralston,atleast,wasoutoftheway,andshewasgladthatshehadmadehimgo.Ithadbeenunbearabletohearhermotherattackinghimasshehaddone.

ShebelievedthatMrs.Lauderdalewasabouttobeseriouslyill.Noothertheorycouldaccountforherextraordinarybehaviour.Itwasthereforewisesttotakeawaywhatirritatedherandtobeaspatientaspossible.Therewasnoexcuseforhersuddenchangeofopinion,andassoonasshewasquitewellshewouldbesorryforwhatshehadsaid.Katharinewasnotmorepatientthanmostpeople,butshedidherbest.

“Isanythingthematter,mother?Youcalledsoloud.”Shespokealmostbeforeshehadshutthedoorbehindher.

“No.DidI?Iwantedhimtogoaway,thatwasall.Whyshouldhestandtheretalkingtoyouinwhispers?”

Katharinedidnotansweratonce,butherbroadeyebrowsdrewslowlytogetherandhereyelidscontracted.Shesatdownandclaspedherhandstogetheruponherknee.

“Becausehehadsomethingtosaytomewhichhedidnotwishyoutohear,mother,”sheansweredatlast.

“Ah—Ithoughtso.”Mrs.Lauderdalerelapsedintosilence,andfromtimetotimehermouthtwitchednervously.

Sheglancedatherdaughteronceortwice.Theyounggirl’sstraightfeaturescouldlookalmoststolidattimes.Herpatiencehadgivenwayonce,butshegotholdofitagainandtriedtosetitonherfacelikeamask.Shewasthinkingnowandwonderingwhetherthisstrangemoodwereamerecapriceofhermother’s,thoughMrs.Lauderdalehadneverbeencapriciousbefore,orwhethersomethinghadhappenedtochangeheropinionofRalstonsuddenlybutpermanently.Inthe

onecaseitwouldbebesttobearitasquietlyaspossible,intheothertodeclarewaratonce.Butthatseemedimpossible,whenshetriedtorealizeit.Shewasdeeply,sincerelydevotedtohermother.Hithertotheyhadeachunderstoodtheother’sthoughtsandfeelingsalmostwithoutwords,andinallthemanylittledomesticdifficultiestheyhadbeenfirmallies.Itwasnotpossiblethattheyweretoquarrelnow.Thegapinlifewouldbetoodeepandbroad.Katharinesuddenlyroseandcameandsatbesidehermotheranddrewthefair,tiredfacetoherown,verytenderly.

“Motherdear,”shesaid,“lookatme!Whatisthematter?HaveIdoneanythingtohurtyou—todispleaseyou?We’vealwayslovedeachother,youandI—andwecan’treallyquarrel,canwe?Whatisit,dearest?Tellmeeverything—Ican’tunderstanditatall—Iknow—you’retiredandill,andJackirritatedyou.Menwill,sometimes,eventheverynicestmen,youknow.Itwasonlythat,wasn’tit?Yes—Iknewitwas—poor,dear,darling,sweet,tiredlittlemother,justletyourdearheadrest—so,againstme—yes,dear,Iknow—itwasnothing—”

Itwasasthoughtheyhadchangedplaces,themotherandthedaughter.Theolderwoman’slipquivered,ashercheekrestedonKatharine’sbreast.Slowly,almostimperceptibly,twotearsgatheredjustwithintheshadowedlids,andgrewandoverflowedandtrembledandfell—twocrystaldrops.Shesawthemfallupontheroughgreystuffofherdaughter’sfrock,andasshelaythereuponthegirl’sbosomwithdowncasteyes,shewatchedherowntears,inmomentaryapathy,andnoticedhowtheyran,thencrawledalong,thenstopped,caughtasitseemedinthestifflittlehairsofthecoarsematerial—andshenoticedthattherewereafewblackhairsmixedwiththegrey,whichshehadnotknownbefore.

Thenquitesuddenly,justastheywereshrinkinganddarkeningthewoolwithtwosmallspots,agreatirresistiblesobseemedtocomefromoutsideandrunthroughherfromheadtofoot,andshookherandhurtherandgrippedherthroat.Amomentmoreandthefloodoftearsbroke.Thosestormsoflife’sautumnarechillandsharp.Theyarenotliketheshowersofspring,quick,lightandsoft,thatmakeblossomsfragrantandwoodssweet-scented.

Katharinedidnotunderstand,andherfacewasgentleandfullofpainasshepressedhermothertoherbosom.

“Don’tcry,mother—don’tcry!”sherepeatedagainandagain.

“Ah,Katharine—child—ifyouknew!”Thefewwordscamewithdifficulty,aseachsobroseandwouldnotbeforcedback.

“No,darling—don’t!There,there!”Andtheyounggirltriedtosootheher.

Suddenlyitallceased.Withanimpatientmovement,asthoughshedespisedherself,Mrs.Lauderdaledrewback,steadiedherselfwithonehandupontheendofthesofa,turnedherheadawayandrosetoherfeet.

“Goout,child—leavemetomyself!”shesaidindistinctly,andgoingquicklytowardsthedoor.“Don’tcomeafterme—don’t—no,don’t,”sherepeated,notlookingback,asshewentout.

Lefttoherself,andunderstandingthatitwasbetternottofollow,Katharinestoodstillamomentinthemiddleoftheroom,thenwenttothewindowandlookedout,seeingnothing.Shedidnotknowwhatitallmeant,butshefeltthatsomegreatchangewhichshecouldnotcomprehendhadcomeoverhermother,andthattheycouldneverbeagainastheyhadbeen.Amereheadache,themerefatiguefromoverwork,couldnothaveproducedsuchresults.NorwasMrs.Lauderdalereallyill,asthegirl’swomanlyinstincthadtoldherwithinthelastfiveminutes.Thetrouble,whateveritmightbe,wasmental,andthetearshadgivenitamomentaryrelief.Butitwasnotover.

Katharinewentout,atlast,andwasgladtobreathethekeenairofthewintryafternoon;glad,too,tobealonewithherself.SheevenwishedthatshewerenotobligedtogointoFifthAvenue,whereshemightmeetanacquaintance,oratalleventstocrossit,asshedecidedtodowhenshereachedthefirstcorner.Goingstraighton,thenextstreetwasUniversityPlace,andthelowerpartofthatwasquiet,andWaverleyPlaceandtheneighbourhoodoftheoldUniversitybuildingitself.ShecouldwanderaboutthereforhalfanhourwithoutgoingsofarasBroadway,norsouthwardstotheprecinctsoftheFrenchandItalianbusinesscolonies.Soshewalkedslowlyon,andthenturned,andturnedagain,roundandround,backwardsandforwards,meetingnoonesheknew,thinkingallthetimeandidlynoticingthingsthathadneverstruckherbefore,as,forinstance,thatthereisarowofstablesleadingwestwardoutofUniversityPlacewhichiscalledWashingtonMews,andthatatalmosteverycornerwherethereisaliquor-shopthereseemstobeanItalianfruit-stand—thefunctionofthe‘dago’beingtogivewarningoftheapproachofthepolice,incertaincases,afactwhichKatharinecouldnotbeexpectedtoknow.

JustbeyondtheaforesaidMews,atthecornerofWashingtonSquare,shecamesuddenlyuponlittleFrankMiner,hisovercoatbuttoneduptohischinandarollofpapersstickingoutofhispocket.Hisfreshfacewaspinkwiththecold,hissmalldarkmustacheglistened,andhisrestlesseyeswerebright.Thetwoalmostranagainstoneanotherandbothstopped.Heraisedhishatwithaquicksmileandputouthishand.

“Howd’yedo,MissLauderdale?”heasked.

InspiteofthefamilyconnectionhehadnevergotsofarastocallherKatharine,orevencousinKatharine.Theyounggirlshookhandswithhimandsmiled.

“Areyououtforawalk?”heasked,beforeshehadbeenabletospeak.“Andifso,mayIcometoo?”

“Oh,yes—do.”

Shehadbeenalonelongenoughtofinditimpossibletoreachanyconclusion,andofallpeopleexceptRalston,Minerwastheoneshefeltmostabletotoleratejustthen.Hisperfectlysimplebeliefinhimselfandhishealthygoodhumourmadehimgoodcompanyforadepressedperson.

“Youseemedtobeinsuchahurry,”saidKatharine,ashebegantowalkslowlybyherside.

“Ofcourse,asIwascomingtomeetyou,”heansweredpromptly.

“Butyoudidn’tknow—”

“Providenceknew,”hesaid,interruptingher.“ItwasforeordainedwhentheworldwaschaosandNewYorkwasinhabitedbyprotoplasm—andallthat—thatyouandIshouldmeetjusthere,atthisveryminute.Aren’tyouafatalist?Iam.It’sfarthebestbelief.”

“Isit?Why?Ishouldthinkitratherdepressing.”

“Why—no.Youbelievethatyou’rethesportofdestiny.Nowasportimpliesamusementofsomekind.See?”

“Isthefootballamusedwhenit’skicked?”askedKatharine,withashortlaugh.

“Nowpleasedon’tintroducefootball,MissLauderdale,”saidMiner,withouthesitation.“Idon’tunderstandanythingaboutit,andIknowthatIshould,becauseit’samaniajustnow.Allthemengetitwhenthewintercomeson,andtheysituphalfthenightattheclub,drawingdiagramsandtalkingHebrew,andgettingexcited—I’veseenthempositivelysittingupontheirhind-legsinrows,andwavingtheirpawsandtearingtheirhair—justarguingaboutthepointsofagamehalfofthemneverplayedatall.”

“Whatapicture!”laughedKatharine.

“Isn’tit?Butit’sjusttrue.I’mgoingtowriteabookaboutitandcallit‘TheKickerKicked’—youknow,likeSartorResartus—allfullofphilosophyandthings.Canyousay‘KickerKicked’twentytimesveryfast,MissLauderdale?Ibelieveit’simpossible.Ijustleftmythreesisters—they’reslowlybutfirmlyturningintoaunts,youknow—Ileftthemalltryingtosayitashardastheycould,andthewholeplaceclickedasthoughathousandpolicemen’srattleswereallgoingatonce—hard!Andtheywereallshowingtheirteethandgoingmadoverit.”

“Ishouldthinkso—andthat’sanotherpicture.”

“Bythebye,speakingofpictures,haveyouseentheLoanCollection?It’sfullofportraitsofchildrenwithsuchextraordinaryexpressions—theyalllookasthoughtheyhadgivenuptryingtoeducatetheirparentsindespair.Iwonderwhyeverybodypaintschildren?Nobodycan.Ibelieveitwouldtakeachild—whoknewhowtopaint,ofcourse,—topaintachild,andgivejustthatsomethingwhichrealchildrenhave—justwhatmakesthemchildren.”

Shewassilentforamoment,followingtheunexpectedtrainofthoughts.ThereweredelicatesidestohisnaturethatpleasedKatharineaswellashisnonsense.

“That’saprettyidea,”shesaid,afterthinkingofitafewseconds.

“Everybodytriesandfails,”answeredMiner.“Whydoesn’tsomebodypaintyou?”heaskedsuddenly,lookingather.

“Somebodymeansto,”shereplied.“IwastohavegonetosittoMr.Crowdiethismorning,buthesentmewordtocometo-morrowinstead.Isupposehehadforgottenanotherengagement.”

“Crowdieisill,”saidMiner.“Brighttoldmesothismorning—somequeerattackthatnobodycouldunderstand.”

“Somethingserious?”askedKatharine,quickly.

“Oh,no—Isupposenot.Let’sgoandsee.Helivescloseby—atleast,notfar,youknow,overinLafayettePlace.Itwon’ttakefiveminutestogoacross.Wouldyouliketogo?”

“Yes,”answeredtheyounggirl.“Icouldaskifhewillbeabletobeginthepictureto-morrow.”

TheyturnedtotherightatthenextcrossingandreachedBroadwayafewmomentslater.Therewastheusualcrowdoftrafficinthegreatthoroughfare,andtheyhadtowaitamomentatthecrossingbeforeattemptingit.Minerthoughtofwhathehadseenonthepreviousafternoon.

“DidyouhearofJackRalston’saccidentyesterday?”heasked.

Katharinestartedviolentlyandturnedpale.Shehadnotrealizedhowthelonghoursandthefinalscenewithhermotherhadunstrunghernerves.ButMinerwaswatchingthecarsandcartsforanopening,anddidnotseeher.

“Yesterday?”sherepeated,amomentlater.“No—hecametoseeusandstayedalmosttilldinnertime.Whatwasit?Whendidithappen?Washehurt?”

“Oh—yousawhimafterwards,then?”Minerlookedupintoherface—shewastallerthanhe—withacuriousexpression—recollectingRalston’sconditionwhenhehadlastseenhim.

“Itwasn’tserious,then?Ithadhappenedbeforehecametoourhouse?”

“Why—yes,”answeredthelittleman,withapuzzledexpression.“Washeallrightwhenyousawhim?”

“Perfectly.Heneversaidanythingaboutanyaccident.Helookedjustashealwaysdoes.”

“Thatfellowhascopperspringsandpatentjointsinsidehim!”Minerlaughed.“Hewasagooddealshaken,that’sall,andwenthomeinacab.Ishouldhave

gonetobed,myself.”

“Butwhatwasit?”

“Oh—whathe’dcallnothing,Isuppose!ThecarsatthecornerofThirty-secondandBroadway—wewerewaiting,justaswearenow—twocarswerecominginoppositeways,andaboywithabundleandadogandaperambulator,andafewotherthings,gotbetweenthetracks—ofcoursethecarswouldhavetakenoffhisheadorhisheelsorhisbundle,orsomething,andthedogwouldhavebeenreadyforhishalointhreeseconds.Jackjumpedandpickedupeverythingtogetherandthrewthembeforehimandfellonhishead.Wonderhewasn’tkilledorcrippled—orboth—no,Imean—here’sachance,MissLauderdale—comealongbeforethatvanstopstheway!”

TherewasnottimetosayanythingasKatharinehastenedacrossthebroadstreetbyhisside,andbythetimetheyhadreachedthepavementthebloodhadcomebacktoherface.HerfearsforRalston’ssafetyhadbeenshort-lived,thankstoMiner’squickwayoftellingthestory,andintheirplacecametheglowofprideawomanfeelswhenthemanshelovesispraisedbymenforabraveaction.MinerglancedatherashelandedhersafelyfromthecrossingandwonderedwhetherCrowdie’sportraitwoulddoherjustice.Hedoubtedit,justthen.

“Itwasjustlikehim,”shesaidquietly.

“AndIsupposeitwaslikehimtosaynothingaboutit,butjusttogohomeandrestorehisshatteredexteriorandputonanotherpairofbootsandgoandseeyou.Yousaidhelookedasthoughnothinghadhappenedtohim?”

“Quite.Wehadalongtalktogether.Ishouldcertainlynothaveguessedthatanythinghadgonewrong.”

“Ralston’sanunusualsortoffellow,anyhow,”saidMiner,enigmatically.“Butthen—soamI,soisCrowdie—doyoulikeCrowdie?Rudequestion,isn’tit?Well,Iwon’taskit,then.Besides,ifhe’stopaintyourpictureyoumusthaveapleasantexpression—asmilethatgoesallroundyourheadandistiedwithablackribbonbehind—youknow?”

“Oh,yes!”Katharinelaughedagain,asshegenerallydidatthelittleman’sabsurdsayings.

“ButCrowdieknows,”hecontinued.“He’sclever—oh,toanyextent—bigthingsandlittlethings.Allhislionsroarandallhismosquitoesbuzz,justlikerealthings.Theonlythinghecan’tdoistopaintchildren,andnobodycandothat.Bythebye,I’mrepeatingmyself.Itdoesn’ttakelongtogetallroundalittlemanlikeme.TherearelotsofthingsaboutCrowdie,though.Hesingslikeanangel.Ineverheardsuchavoice.It’smorelikeacontralto—likeScalchi’sasitwas,thoughshe’sgoodstill,—thanlikeatenor.Oh,he’sfulloftalent.Iwishheweren’tsoqueer!”

“Queer?Howdoyoumean?”

“Idon’tknow,I’msure.There’ssomethingdifferentfromotherpeople.Isheafriendofyours?Imean,agreatfriend?”

“Oh,no—notatall.I’mveryfondofMrs.Crowdie.She’sacousin,youknow.”

“Yes.Well—Idon’tknowthatIcanmakeyouunderstandwhatImean,though.Besides,he’saverygoodsortoffellow.Neverheardofanythingthatwasn’tallrightabouthim—atleast—nothingparticular.Idon’tknow.He’slikesomekindofstrange,pale,tropicalfruitthat’sgonebadatthecoreandmightbepoisonous.Horridthingtosayofaman,isn’tit?”

“Oh,Iknowjustwhatyoumean!”answeredKatharine,withalittlemovementofdisgust.

Minersuddenlybecamethoughtfulagain,andtheyreachedtheCrowdies’house,—aprettylittleone,withwhitestonesteps,unliketheordinaryhousesofNewYork.LafayettePlaceisanunfashionablenook,ratherquietandapparentlyremotefromcivilization.Ithas,however,threedignities,astheastrologersusedtosay.TheBishopofNewYorkhashisofficialresidenceononesideofit,andontheotheristhefamousAstorLibrary.Alittlefurtherdowntherewasatthattimeasmallclubfrequentedbythegreatpublishersandbysomeoftheirmostexpensiveauthors.Noamateurevertwicecrossedthethresholdalive.

Minerrangthebell,andthedoorwasopenedbyanextremelysmartoldman-servantinlivery.TheCrowdieswereveryprosperouspeople.KatharineaskedifHesterwereathome.ThemanansweredthatMrs.Crowdiewasnotreceiving,butthathebelievedshewouldwishtoseeMissKatharine.HehadbeenwiththeRalstonsintheAdmiral’slifetimeandhadknownKatharinesinceshehadbeenababy.Crowdiewasveryproudofhimonaccountofhisthickwhitehair.

“I’llgoin,”saidtheyounggirl.“Good-bye,Mr.Miner—thankyousomuchforcomingwithme.”

MinertrotteddownthewhitestonestepsandKatharinewentintothehouse,andwaitedsomeminutesintheprettylittlesitting-roomwiththebow-window,ontherightoftheentrance.ShewasjustthinkingthatpossiblyHesterdidnotwishtoseeher,afterall,whenthedooropenedandMrs.Crowdieentered.Shewasapale,ratherdelicate-lookingwoman,inwhosetransparentfeaturesitwashardtotraceanyresemblancetoherathleticbrother,HamiltonBright.Butshewasnotaninsignificantpersonbyanymeans.ShehadtheLauderdalegreyeyeslikesomanyofthefamily,butwithmoresoftnessinthem,andtheeyebrowswerefinelypencilled.Anextraordinaryquantityofsilkybrownhairwascoiledandknottedascloselyaspossibletoherhead,andpartedlowontheforeheadinheavywaves,withoutanyoftheringletswhichhavebeenfashionableforyears.Therewerealmostunnaturallydeepshadowsundertheeyes,andthemouthwastoosmallforthefaceandstronglycurved,theanglesofthelipsbeingverycleanlycutallalongtheirlength,andverysharplydistinctincolourfromtheivorycomplexion.Altogether,itwasapassionateface—orperhapsoneshouldsayimpassioned.Imaginativepeoplemighthavesaidthattherewassomethingfatalaboutit.Mrs.Crowdiewasevenpalerthanusualto-day,anditwasevidentthatshehadundergonesomeseverestrainuponherstrength.

“Oh,I’msogladtoseeyou,dear!”shesaid,kissingtheyounggirlonbothcheeksandleadinghertoasmallsofajustbigenoughtoaccommodatetwopersons,sidebyside.

“Youlooktiredandtroubled,Hesterdarling,”saidKatharine.“ImetlittleFrankMinerandhetoldmethatMr.Crowdiehadbeentakenill.Ihopeit’snothingserious?”

“No—yes—howcanItellyou?He’sinhisstudionow,asthoughnothinghadhappened—notthathe’sworking,forofcoursehe’stired—oh,ithasbeensodreadful—IwishIcouldcry,butIcan’t,youknow.Inevercould.That’swhyithurtsso.ButI’msogladyou’vecome.Ihadjustwrittenanotetoyouandwasgoingtosendit,whenFletchercameupandsaidyouwerehere.Itwasoneofmyintuitions—I’malwaysdoingthosethings.”

ItwassoevidentlyarelieftohertotalkthatKatharineletherrunontillshepaused,beforeaskingaquestion.

“Whatwasthematterwithhim?Tellme,dear.”

Mrs.Crowdiedidnotansweratonce,butsatholdingtheyounggirl’shandandstaringatthefire.

“Katharine,”shesaidatlast,“I’mingreattrouble.Iwantafriend—nottohelpme,fornoonecan—Imustbearitalone—butImustspeak,oritwilldrivememad.”

“Youcantellmeeverythingifyouwill,Hester,”saidKatharine,gravely.“Itwillbequitesafewithme.Butdon’ttellme,ifyouareevergoingtoregretit.”

“No—Iwasthinking—”

Mrs.Crowdiehesitatedandtherewasashortsilence.Shecoveredhereyesforaninstantwithonesmallhand—herhandsweresmallandpointed,butnotsothinasmighthavebeenexpectedfromherface—andthenshelookedathercompanion.Thestrong,well-balancedfeaturesapparentlyinspiredherwithconfidence.Shenoddedslowly,asthoughreachingaconclusionwithinherself,andthenspoke.

“Iwilltellyou,Katharine.I’dmuchrathertellyouthananyoneelse,andIknowmyself—Ishouldbesuretotellsomebodyintheend.You’relikeamaninsomethings,thoughyouareonlyagirl.IfIhadamanfriend,IthinkIshouldgotohim—butIhaven’t.Walterhasalwaysbeeneverythingtome.SomehowInevergetintimatewithmen,assomewomendo.”

“Surely—there’syourbrother,Hester.Whydon’tyougotohim?Ishould,inyourplace.”

“No,dear.Youdon’tknow—Hamiltonneverapprovedofmymarriage.Didn’tyouknow?He’ssuchagoodfellowthathewouldn’ttellanyoneelseso.Buthe—well—heneverlikedWalter,fromthefirst,thoughImustsayWalterwasverynicetohim.Andaboutthearrangements—youknowIhadasettlement—Haminsisteduponit—sothatmylittlefortuneisinthehandsoftrustees—yourfatherisoneofthem.AsthoughWalterwouldeverhavetouchedit!Hemakesmespenditallonmyself.No,dear—Icouldn’ttellmybrother—soIshalltellyou.”

Shestoppedspeakingandleanedforward,buryingherfaceinherhandsforamoment,asthoughtocollectherthoughts.Thenshesatupagain,andlookedat

thefirewhileshespoke.

“Itwaslastnight,”shesaid.“Hedinedwithyou,andIstayedathomeallbymyself,notbeingasked,yousee,becauseitwasatamoment’snotice—itwasquitenatural,ofcourse.Waltercamehomeearly,andwesatinthestudioalongtime,asweoftendointheevening.There’ssuchabeautifullight,andthebigfireplace,andcushions—andall.Ithoughthesmokedagreatdeal,andyouknowhedoesn’tusuallysmokemuch,onaccountofhisvoice,andhereallydoesn’tcareforitassomemendo.Iwishhedid—Ilikethesmellofit,andthenamanoughttohavesomelittleharmlessvice.Walterneverdrinkswine,norcoffee—nothingbutApollinaris.He’snotatalllikemostmen.Heneverusesanyscent,buthelikestoburnallsortsofqueerperfumesinthestudioinalittleJapanesecenser.Ilikecigarsmuchbetter,andIalwaystellhimso,—andhelaughs.HowfoolishIam!”sheinterruptedherself.“Butit’ssucharelieftotalk—youdon’tknow!”

“Goon,dear—I’mlistening,”saidKatharine,humouringher,andspeakingverygently.

“Yes—butImusttellyounow.”

Katharinesawhowshestraightenedherselftomaketheeffort,andsittingclosebesideher,sothattheytouchedoneanother,shefeltthatHesterwaspressingbackagainstthesofa,whileshebracedherfeetagainstafootstool.

“Itwasverysudden,”shesaidinalowvoice.“Weweretalking—Iwassayingsomething—allatoncehisfacechangedso—oh,itmakesmeshuddertothinkofit.Itseemed—Idon’tknow—like—almostlikeadevil’sface!Andhiseyesseemedtoturnin—hewasallpurple—andhislipswereallwet—itwaslikefoam—oh,itwasdreadful—tooawful!”

Katharinewasstartledandshocked.Shecouldsaynothing,butpressedthesmallhandinanxioussympathy.Hestersmiledfaintly,andthenalmostlaughed,butinstantlyrecoveredherselfagain.Shewasnotatallahystericalwoman,and,asshesaid,shecouldnevercry.

“That’sonlythebeginning,”shecontinued.“Iwon’ttellyouhowhelooked.Hefelloveronthedivanandrolledaboutandcaughtatthecushionsandatme—ateverything.Hedidn’tknowmeatall,andheneverspokeanarticulateword—notone.Buthegroaned,andseemedtognashhisteeth—Ibelieveitwentonfor

hours,whileItriedtohelphim,toholdhim,tokeephimfromhurtinghimself.Andthen—afteralong,longtime—allatonce,hisfacechangedagain,littlebylittle,and—willyoubelieveit,dear?Hewasasleep!”

“Howstrange!”exclaimedKatharine.

“Yes—wasn’tit?Butitseemedsomerciful,andIwassoglad.AndIsatbyhimallnightandwatchedhim.Thenearly,earlythismorning—itwasjustgreythroughthebigskylightofthestudio—hewakedandlookedatme,andseemedsosurprisedtofindhimselfthere.Itoldhimhehadfallenasleep—whichwastrue,youknow—andheseemedalittledazed,andwenttobedveryquietly.Butto-day,whenhegotup—itwasIwhosentyouwordnottocome,becausehehadtoldmeaboutthesitting—Itoldhimeverything,andinsisteduponsendingforDoctorRouth.Heseemedterriblydistressed,butwouldn’tletmesend,andhewalkedupanddowntheroom,lookingatmeasthoughhisheartwouldbreak.Buthesaidnothing,exceptthathebeggedandbeggedmenottosendforthedoctor.”

“Andhe’squitehimselfnow,yousay?”

“Wait—theworstiscoming.Atlasthesatdownbesideme,andsaid—oh,sotenderly—thathehadsomethingtosaytowhichImustlisten,thoughhewasafraidthatitwouldpainmeverymuch—thathehadthoughtitwouldneverbenecessarytotellme,becausehehadimaginedthathewasquitecuredwhenhehadmarriedme.Ofcourse,Itoldhimthat—well,nevermindwhatIsaid.YouknowhowIlovehim.”

Katharineknew,anditwasincomprehensibletoher,butshepressedthelittlehandoncemore.

“Hetoldmethatnearlytenyearsagohehadbeenillwithinflammatoryrheumatism—that’sthenameofit,anditseemsthatit’sexcruciatinglypainful.ItwasinParis,andthedoctorsgavehimmorphia.Hecouldnotgiveitupafterwards.”

“Andhetakesmorphiastill?”askedKatharine,anxiouslyenough,forsheknewwhatitmeant.

“No—that’sit.Hegaveitupafterfiveyears—fivewholeyears—tomarryme.Itwashard,hesaid,buthefeltthatitwaspossible,andhelovedme,andhe

determinednottomarrymewhilehewasaslavetothepoison.Hegaveitupformysake.Wasn’tthatheroic?”

“Yes,”saidKatharine,gravely,andwonderingwhethershehadmisjudgedCrowdie.“Itwasreallyheroic.Theysayitisthehardestthinganyonecando.”

“Hedidit.Ilovehimtentimesmoreforit—but—thisistheresultofgivingitup,dear.Hewillalwaysbesubjecttotheseawfulattacks.Hesaysthatadoseofmorphiawouldstoponeoftheminstantly,andperhapspreventtheircomingbackforalongtime.Buthewon’ttakeit.Hesayshewouldrathercutoffhishandthantakeit,andhemademepromisenottogiveittohimwhenheisunconscious,ifIeverseehiminthatstateagain.He’ssobraveaboutit,”shesaid,withalittlechokingsigh.“I’vetoldyoumystory,dear.”

Herfacerelaxedalittle,andsheopenedandshutherhandsslowlyasthoughtheyhadbeenstiffened.

Katharinesatwithherhalfanhourlongerthatafternoon,sympathizingatfirstandthentryingtodivertherattentionfromthesubjectwhichfilledallherheartandmind.Thensherosetogo.

Astheywentouttogetherfromthelittlesitting-room,thesoundofCrowdie’svoicecamedowntothemfromthestudiointheupperstory.Thedoormusthavebeenopen.KatharineandHesterstoodstillandlistened,forhewassinging,aloneandtohimself,highupabovethem,alittlesongofTosti’swithFrenchwords.

“Sivoussaviezquejevousaime.”

Itwasindeedamarvellousvoice,andasKatharinelistenedtothesoft,silvernotes,andfelttheinfinitepathosofeachphrase,shewonderedwhether,withallhissuccessasapainter,Crowdiehadnotmistakenhiscareer.Shelistened,spell-bound,totheend.

“It’sdivine!”sheexclaimed.“There’snootherwordforit.”

HesterCrowdiewaspalerthanever,andhersoftgreyeyeswereallonfire.Andyetshehadheardhimhundredsoftimes.AlmostbeforeKatharinehadshuttheglassdoorbehindher,sheheardthesoundoflight,quickfootstepsasHesterranupstairstoherhusband.

“It’sallverystrange,”thoughtKatharine.“AndIneverheardofmorphiahavingthoseeffectsafterwards.Butthen—howshouldIknow?”

Andmeditatingonthemanyemotionsshehadseeninothersduringthelasttwenty-fourhours,shehurriedhomewards.

CHAPTERIX.

Mrs.Lauderdalehadmetwithtemptationsinthecourseofherlife,buttheyhadnotoftenappealedtoherastheywouldhaveappealedtomanywomen,forshewasnoteasilytempted.Anumberofformsofgoodnesswhichareveryhardtomostpeoplehadbeensoeasytoherthatshehadbeengoodwithouteffort,as,onthewhole,shewasgoodbynature.Shehadbeenbroughtupinanabsolutelyfixedreligiousbelief,andhadneverfeltanyinclinationtodeviatefromit,nortospeculateaboutthedetailsofit,forherintellectwasratherindolent,andinmostpositionsinlifehercommon-sense,whichwasstrong,hadtakentheplaceofthecomplicatedmentalprocessesfamiliartoimaginativepeoplelikeKatharine.SuchimaginationasMrs.Lauderdalehadwasoccupiedwithartisticmatters.

Hervanityhadalwaysbeensatisfiedquitenaturally,withouteffortonherpart,byherowngreatanduncontestedbeauty.Sheknew,andhadalwaysknown,thatshewascommonlycomparedwiththegreatestbeautiesoftheworld,bymenandwomenwhohadseenthemandwereabletojudge.Socialambitionnevertouchedhereither,andsheneverrememberedtohavemetwithasingleoneofthosesmallsocietyrebuffswhichembitterthelivesofsomewomen.Nobodyhadeverquestionedherright,norherhusband’sright,northatofanyofthefamily,tobeconsideredequalwiththefirst.Inearlydaysshehadsufferedalittle,indeed,fromnotbeingrichenoughtoexercisethatgiftofalmostboundlesshospitalitywhichisrathertherulethantheexceptionamongAmericans,andwhichissaid,withsomejustice,tobeanespecialcharacteristicofKentuckians.Suchtroublesasshehadmetwithhadchieflyarisenfromthesmallnessofherhusband’sincome,frompeculiaritiesofherhusband’scharacter,andfromherelderdaughter’sheadstrongdisposition.Andwithallthesehercommon-sensehadhelpedhercontinually.

Shelovedamusementandshehaditinabundance,insociety,duringagreatpartoftheyear.Hertalenthadhelpedhertoprocureluxuries,andshehadbeengenerousingivingalargeshareofthemtoherdaughters.Shehadsoonlearnedtounderstandthatsocietywantedherforherself,andnotforwhatshecould

offeritinherownhome,andshehadbeenflatteredbythediscovery.AsforAlexander,hehadmanygoodqualitieswhichsheappreciatedwhenshecomparedhimwiththehusbandsofotherwomen.Generositywithmoneywasnothisstrongpoint,buthehadmanyothers.Helovedhertenaciously,nottenderly,norpassionately,norinanywaythatwasatallromantic—ifthatwordmeansanything—andcertainlynotblindly,buttenaciously;andhisadmirationforherbeauty,thoughrarelyexpressed,foundexpressiononsuchoccasionsinshort,strongphraseswhichleftnomannerofdoubtastohissincereconviction.Shehadnotbeenhappywithhim,asboysandgirlsmeantobehappy—fortherigidityofverygreatstrength,whennotcombinedwithacorrespondingintellect,isexcessivelywearisomeinthecompanionshipofdailymarriedlife.Thereisacoldness,alackofexpressionandofsympathy,aPharaoh-like,stonyqualityaboutitwhichdonotencourageaffection,norsatisfyanexpansivenature.Andthoughnotimaginative,Mrs.Lauderdalewasexpansive.Shehadafewmomentsofdespairingregretatfirst.Shefeltthatshemightjustaswellhavemarriedamagnificent,clean-built,iron-bodied,steel-jointedlocomotive,asthemanshehadchosen,andthatshecouldproduceaboutasmuchimpressiononhischaracterasshecouldhavemadeuponsuchanengine.Butshefoundoutintimethat,withincertainlimits,hewasquitewillingtodowhatsheaskedofhim,andthatbeyondthemheranhisdailycoursewithasystematicandunvaryingregularity,whichwasalwayssafe,ifitwasneveramusing.Shegotsuchamusementasshelikedfromothersources,andsheoftenconsoledherselfforthedulnessofthefamilydinner,whenshedinedathome,withthecertaintythat,duringseveralhoursbeforeshewenttobed,themostdesirablemenatagreatballwouldcontestthehonourofdancingwithher.Andthatwasallshewantedofthem.Shelikedsomeofthem.Shetookaninterestintheirdoings,andshelistenedsympatheticallytothestoryoftheirtroubles.Butitwasnotinhernaturetoflirt,nortoloseherheadwhenshewasflattered,andifshesometimesdoubtedwhethershereallylovedherhusbandatall,shewasquitecertainthatshecouldneverloveanyoneelse.Perhapsshedeservednocreditforherfaithfulness,foritwasquitenaturaltoher.

Onthewhole,therefore,hertemptationshadbeenfew,inreality,andshehadscarcelynoticedthem.Shehadreachedthemostpainfulmomentofherlifewithverylittleexperienceofwhatshecouldresist—themomentwhensherealizedthatthesupremacyofherbeautywasatanend.Ofcourse,shehadexaggeratedverymuchthechangewhichhadtakenplace,foratthecrucialinstantwhenshehadcaughtsightofherfaceinthemirrorshehadbeenunusuallytired,considerablyboredandnotalittleannoyed—andthemirrorhadadecidedly

greentingeintheglass,assheassuredherselfbyexaminingitandcomparingitwithagoodoneonthefollowingmorning.Buttheimpressiononcereceivedwasnevertobeeffaced;shemightlookherverybestintheeyesofothers—toherown,thelinesofagebeingoncediscoveredwerenevertobelostagain,thedazzlingfreshnesswasnevertocomebacktoherskin,northegoldtoherhair,northebloomtoherlips.AndCrowdie,whowasanartist,andalmostagreatportraitpainter,couldnottakehiseyesfromKatharine,atwhomnoonewouldhavelookedtwicewhenhermotherhadbeenattheheightofherbeauty.Atleast,soMrs.Lauderdalethought.

Andnow,untilKatharinewasmarriedandwentawayfromhome,theelderwomanwastobedaily,almosthourly,comparedwithherdaughterbyallwhosawthemtogether;forthefirsttimeinherlifeshewastobesecondinthatonerespectinwhichshehadeverywherebeenfirsteversinceshecouldremember,andshewastobesecondinherownhouse.Whensherealizedit,shewashorrified,andforatimeherwholenatureseemedchanged.Sheclungdesperatelytothatbeautyofhers,whichwas,hadsheknownit,thethingshelovedbestonearth,andwhichhadreducedinhereyesthevalueofeverythingelse.Sheclungtoit,andyet,fromthatfatalmoment,sheknewthatitwashopelesstoclingtoit,hopelesstotryandrecallit,hopelesstohopeforamiraclewhich,evenintheannalsofmiracles,hadneverbeenperformed—therecallofyouth.Theonlypossiblemitigationsuggesteditselfasaspontaneousinstinct—toavoidthatcruelcomparisonwithKatharine.Inthefirsthoursitovercameheraltogether.Shecouldnotlookatthegirl.Shecouldhardlybringherselftospeakkindlytoher;thoughsheknewthatshewouldwillinglylaydownherlifeforthechildshelovedbest,shecouldnotlaydownherbeauty.

Shewasterrifiedatherselfwhenshebegantounderstandthatsomethinghadovercomeherwhichshefeltpowerlesstoresist.Forshewasaveryreligiouswoman,andtheideaofenvyingherowndaughter,andofalmosthatingheroutofenvy,wasmonstrous.WhenRalstonhadcome,shehadnothadtheslightestintentionofspeakingasshehadspoken.Suddenlythewordshadcometoherlipsofthemselves,asitwere.Ifthingswentonastheyweregoing,KatharinewouldwaitforRalstonduringyearstocome—thegirlhadherfather’snatureinthat—andKatharinewouldbeathome,andthecruel,hopelesscomparisonmustgoon,aperpetualandakeentorturefromwhichtherewastobenoescape.Itwassimplyimpossible,intolerable,morethanhumanendurancecouldbear.Ralstonmustbesentaway,Katharinemustbemarriedasquicklyaspossible,andpeacewouldcome.Therewasnootherway.Itwouldbeeasyenoughto

marrythegirl,withherposition,andthehopeofsomeofRobertLauderdale’smoney,andwithherbeauty—thatterriblebeautyofhersthatwasturninghermother’stouglinessbesideit.Thefirstwordshadspokenthemselves,theothershadfollowedofnecessity,andthen,attheend,hadcometheoverwhelmingconsciousnessofwhattheyhadmeant,andthebreakingdownoftheoverstrainednerves,andthesobsandthetears,gushingoutasaspringwhereinstantremorsehadrentandcleftherverysoul.

ItwasnowonderthatKatharinedidnotunderstandwhatwastakingplace.Fortunately,beingmuchoccupiedwithherownverycomplicatedexistence,shedidnotattemptanyfurtheranalysisofthesituation,didnotaccidentallyguesswhatwasreallythematter,andwiselyconcludedthatitwouldbebesttoleavehermothertoherselfforatime.

Onthemorningaftertheeventslastchronicled,Mrs.Lauderdalereturnedtoherwork,andataquarterbeforeelevenKatharinewasreadytogooutandwaswatchingforRalstonatthelibrarywindow.Assoonasshesawhiminthedistancesheletherselfoutofthehouseandwenttomeethim.Heglancedatherratheranxiouslyastheyexchangedgreetings,andshethoughtthathelookedtiredandcareworn.Therewereshadowsunderhiseyes,andhisdarkskinlookedratherbloodless.

“Whydidn’tyoutellmethatyouhadanaccidentthedaybeforeyesterday?”sheaskedatonce.

“WhotoldyouIhad?”heenquired.

“Mr.Miner.Iwentoutaloneyesterday,afteryouhadgone,andImethimatthecornerofWashingtonSquare.Hetoldmeallaboutit.Howcanyoudosuchthings,Jack?Howcanyouriskyourlifeinthatway?Andthen,nottotellme!Itwasn’tkind.YouseemtothinkIdon’tcare.Iwishyouwouldn’t!I’msureIturnedperfectlygreenwhenMr.Minertoldme—hemusthavethoughtitveryextraordinary.Youmightatleasthavegivenmewarning.”

“I’mverysorry,”saidRalston.“Ididn’tthinkitwasworthmentioning.Wasn’tIallrightwhenIcametoseeyou?”

Helookedatherratheranxiouslyagain—foranotherreason,thistime.Butheranswersatisfiedhim.

“Oh—youwere‘dear’—evennicerthanusual!Butdon’tdoitagain—Imean,suchthings.Youdon’tknowhowfrightenedIwaswhenhetoldme.Infact,I’mratherashamedofit,andit’smuchbetterthatyoushouldn’tknow.”

“Allright!”AndRalstonsmiledhappily.“Now,”hecontinuedafteramoment’sthought,“IwanttoexplaintoyouwhatI’vefoundoutaboutthisideaofyours.”

“Don’tcallitanidea,Jack.Youpromisedthatyouwoulddoit,youknow.”

“Yes.IknowIdid.Butit’sabsolutelyimpossibletohaveitquiteasecret—theoretically,atleast.”

“Why?”Sheslackenedherpaceinstinctively,andthen,seeingthattheywerejustenteringFifthAvenue,walkedonmorebriskly,turningdowninthedirectionoftheSquare.

Ralstontoldherinafewwordswhathehadlearnedfromthelawyer.

“Yousee,”heconcluded,“there’snowayoutofit.And,ofcourse,anybodymaygototheBureauofVitalStatisticsandlookattherecords.”

“Butisanybodylikelyto?”askedKatharine.“IstheClerkoftheRecords,orwhateveryoucallhim,thesortofmanwhowouldbelikelytoknowpapa,forinstance?That’sratherimportant.”

“No.Ishouldn’tthinkso.Buteverybodyknowsallaboutyou.YoumightaswellbethePresidentoftheUnitedStatesasbeaLauderdale,asfarasdoinganythingincognitoisconcerned.”

“There’sonlyonePresidentatatime,andtherearetwenty-threeLauderdalesintheNewYorkdirectorybesidesourselves,andsixofthemareAlexanders.”

“Arethere?Howdidyouhappentoknowthat?”askedRalston.

“Grandpapalookedthemuptheotherday.He’salwayslookingupthings,youknow—whenhe’snotasleep,poordear!”

“Thatcertainlymakesadifference.”

“Ofcourseitdoes,”saidKatharine.“NodoubttheClerkoftheRecordshasseen

thenameconstantly.Besides,Idon’tsupposehedoestheworkhimself.Heonlysignsthings.Heprobablylooksatthebooksonceamonth,orsomethingofthatsort.”

“Eventhen—hemightcomeacrosstheentry.Hemayhaveheardmyname,too—youseemyfatherwasratherabigwigintheNavy—andthen,seeingthetwotogether—”

“Andwhatdifferencedoesitmake?Itisn’treallyasecretmarriage,youknow,Jack—atleast,it’snottobeasecretafterItelluncleRobert,whichwillbewithintwenty-fourhours,youknow.Onthecontrary,Ishalltellhimthatwemeanttotelleverybody,andthatitwillbeaneternaldisgracetohimifhedoesnothingforyou.”

“He’llbearthatwithequanimity,dear.Youwon’tsucceed.”

“Somethingwillhavetobedoneforus.Whenwe’remarriedandeverybodyknowsit,wecan’tgoonlivingasifweweren’t—indefinitely—itwouldbetooridiculous.Papacouldn’tstandthat—he’sratherafraidofridicule,Ibelieve,thoughhe’snotafraidofanythingelse.So,asIwassaying,somethingwillhavetobedone.”

“That’sahopefulview,”laughedRalston.“ButIliketheideathatit’snottobeasecretformorethanaday.Itmakesitlookdifferent.”

“ButIalwaystoldyouthatwaswhatImeant,dear—Icouldn’tdoanythingmeanorunderhand.Didn’tyoubelieveme?”

“Ofcourse—butsomehowIdidn’tseeitexactlyasIdonow.”

“Oh,Jack—youhavenomoresensethan—thanasmallyellowdog!”

AtwhichveryremarkablesimileRalstonlaughedagain,ashecaughtsightofthecreaturethathadsuggestedit—asmallyellowishcursittingonthepavement,boltuprightagainsttherailing,andlookingacrossthestreet,grinningfromeartoearandmakinghispinktongueshakewithaperfectlyunnecessarypanting,theverypictureofcaninesilliness.

“Yes—that’sthedogImean,”saidKatharine.“Lookathim—he’sbehavingjustasyoudo,sometimes.Butlet’sbeserious.WhatamItodo?Whoisgoingto

marryus?”

“Oh—I’llfindsomebody,”answeredRalston,confidently.“Theyallsayit’seasyenoughtobemarriedinNewYork,butthatit’sawfullyhardtobedivorced.”

“Allthebetter!”laughedKatharine.“Bythebye—whattimeisit?”

“Fiveminutestoeleven,”answeredRalston,lookingathiswatch.

“Dearme!AndatelevenI’mdueatMr.Crowdie’sformyportrait.Ishallbelate.GoandseeaboutfindingaclergymanwhileI’matthestudio.Itcan’tbehelped.”

Ralstonglancedatherinsurprise.Ofhersittingforherportraithehadnotheardbefore.

“Imustsay,”heanswered,“youdon’tseeminclinedtowastetimethismorning—”

“Certainlynot!Whyshouldwelosetime?We’velostawholeyearalready.DoyouthinkI’mthekindofgirlwhohastotalkeverythingoverfiftytimestomakeuphermind?Whenyoucame,daybeforeyesterday,I’ddecidedthewholematter.AndnowImean—yes,youmaylookatmeandlaugh,Jack—Imeantoputitthrough.I’mmuchmoreenergeticthanyouseemtothink.IbelieveyoualwaysimaginedIwasalazy,pokey,moonysortofgirl,withtoomuchpapaandmammaandweakteaandbutteredtoastinhernature.I’mnot,youknow.I’mjustasenergeticforagirlasyouareforaman.”

“Rathermoreso,”saidRalston,watchingherwithintenseadmirationofherstrongandbeautifulself,andwithconsiderableindifferencetowhatshewassaying,thoughherwordsamusedhim.“PleasetellmeaboutCrowdieandtheportrait.”

“Oh—theportrait?Mr.CrowdiewantstopaintitforHester.I’mgoingtositthefirsttimethismorning.That’sall.Hereweareatthecorner.WemustcrossheretogetovertoLafayettePlace.”

“Well,then,”saidRalston,astheywalkedon,“there’sonlyonemorepoint,andthat’stofindaclergyman.Isupposeyoucan’tsuggestanybody,canyou?”

“Hardly!Youmustmanagethat.I’msureI’vedonequiteenoughalready.”

Theydiscussedthequestionastheywalked,withoutcomingtoanyconclusion.Ralstondeterminedtospendthedayinlookingforaproperperson.Hecouldeasilywithholdhisnameineverycase,untilhehadmadethearrangements.Asamatteroffact,itisnothardtofindaclergymanunderthecircumstances,sincenoclergymancanproperlyrefusetomarryarespectablecoupleagainstwhomheknowsnothing.Thematterofsubsequentsecrecybecomesforhimmoreaquestionoftastethanofconscience.

TheyreachedthedooroftheCrowdiehouse,andKatharineturnedatthefootofthewhitestonestepstosaygood-bye.

“Sayyou’reglad,Jackdear!”shesaidsuddenly,assheputoutherhand,andtheireyesmet.

“Glad!OfcourseI’mglad—no,Ireallyamgladnow,thoughIwasn’tatfirst.Itlooksdifferent—itlooksallrightto-day.”

“Youdon’tlookjustasIexpectedyouwould,though,”saidKatharine,doubtfully.“Andyetitseemstomeyouought—”Shestopped.

“Katharine—dear—youcan’texpectmetobeasenthusiasticallyhappyasthoughitreallymeantbeingmarriedtoyou—canyou?”

“Butitdoesmeanit.Whatelseshoulditmean,orcoulditmean?Whyisn’titjustthesameasthoughwehadabigwedding?”

“Becausethingswon’tturnoutasyouthinktheywill,”answeredRalston.“Atleast,notsoon—uncleRobertwon’tdoanything,youknow.Onecan’ttakefateanddestinyandfortuneandshufflethemaboutasthoughtheywerecards.”

“Onecan,Jack!That’sjustit.Everybodyhasonechanceofbeinghappy.We’vegotoursnow,andwe’lltakeit.”

“We’lltakeitanyhow,whetherit’sreallyachanceornot.Good-bye—dear—dear—”

Hepressedherhandashespoke,andhisvoicewastenderandrangtrue,butithadnotthatquaverofemotioninitwhichhadsotouchedKatharineonthatone

evening,andwhichshelongedtohearagain;andRalstonmissedthewaveofwhathadseemedlikedeepfeeling,andwisheditwouldcomeback.Hisnerveswereperfectlysteadynow,thoughhehadbeenlateathisclubonthepreviousevening,andhadnotsleptmuch.

“I’llwriteyouanotethisafternoon,”hesaid,“assoonasI’vearrangedwiththeclergyman.Ifithastobeveryearly,youmustfindsomeexcuseforgoingoutofthehouse.Ofcourse,I’llmanageitasconvenientlyasIcanforyou.”

“Oh,there’llbenotroubleaboutmygoingout,”answeredKatharine.“NobodyeverasksmewhereI’mgoinginthemorning.You’llletmehavethenoteassoonasyoucan,won’tyou?”

“Ofcourse.Beforedinner,atallevents.Good-byeagain,dear.”

“Good-bye—untilto-morrow.”

Sheaddedthelasttwowordsverysoftly.Thenshenoddedaffectionatelyandwentupthesteps.Assheturned,afterringingthebell,shesawhimwalkingaway.Thenhealsoturned,instinctively,andwavedhishatonce,andsmiled,andwasgone.Fletcheropenedthedoor,andKatharinewentin.

“HowisMr.Crowdieto-day—ishepainting?”sheaskedoftheservant.

“Yes,MissKatharine,Mr.Crowdie’sverywell,andheleftwordthatheexpectedyouateleven,Miss.”

“Yes,Iknow—I’mlate.”

Andshehurriedupthestairs,forshehadoftenbeentothestudiowithHesterandwithCrowdiehimself,toseehispictures,andknewherway.Butsheknockeddiscreetlyatthedoorwhenshehadreachedtheupperstoryofthehouse.

“Comein,MissLauderdale,”saidCrowdie’ssilveryvoice,andsheheardhissteponthepolishedfloorashelefthisworkandcameforwardtomeether.

Itseemedtoherthathisfacewaspalerandhismouthredderthanever,andthetouchofhissoftwhitehandwasexceedinglyunpleasanttoher,eventhroughherglove.

Hehadplacedabigchairreadyforher,andshesatdownasshewas,withherhatandveilon,andlookedabout.Crowdiepushedawaytheeaselatwhichhehadbeenworking.Itranalmostnoiselesslyoverthewaxedoak,andheturneditwiththefaceofthepicturetothewallinacorneratsomedistance.

Thestudiowas,ashasbeensaid,averylargeroom,occupyingalmostthewholeupperstoryofthehouse,whichwasdeeperthanordinaryhouses,thoughnotverybroadonthefront.Thestudiowas,therefore,nearlytwiceaslongasitswidth,andlookedevenlargerthanitwasfromhavingnowindowsbelow,andonlyonedoor.Therewas,indeed,amuchlargerexit,bywhichCrowdiehadhispicturestakenout,byanexteriorstairtotheyard,butitwashiddenbyaheavycurtainononesideoftheenormousfireplace.Thereweregreatwindows,highup,onthenorthside,whichmusthaveopenedabovetheroofoftheneighbouringhouse,andwhichweremanagedbycordsandweights,andcouldbeshadedbyrollingshadesofvarioustintsfromwhitetodarkgrey.Overitwasahugeskylight,alsofurnishedwithcontrivancesformodifyingthelightorshuttingitoutaltogether.

Sofar,thedescriptionmightanswerfortheinteriorofaphotographer’sestablishment,butnoneofthepointsenumeratedstruckKatharineasshesatinherbigchairwaitingtobetoldwhattodo.

Thefirstimpressionwasthatofamagnificentblendingofperfectlyharmoniouscolours.Therewasanindescribableconfusionofsoftandbeautifulstuffsofeverysort,fromcarpetstoIndianshawlsandPersianembroideries.Thewalls,thechairsandthedivanswerecoveredwiththem,andeventhedoorwhichgaveaccesstothestairswasdrapedandmadetolookunlikeadoor,sothatwhenitwasshutthereseemedtobenowayout.ThedivanswereoftheEasternkind—greatplatforms,asitwere,onwhichwerelaidbroadmattresses,thenstuffs,andthenendlessheapsofcushions,piledupirregularlyandlyingaboutinalldirections.Onlythepolishedfloorwasalmostentirelybare—therestwasamassofrichness.Butthatwasall.Therewerenoarms,suchasmanyartistscollectintheirstudios,noobjectsofmetal,savethegreatdullbronzefire-dogswithlions’heads,noplants,noflowers,and,exceptingthreeeaselswithcanvasesonthem,therewasnothingtosuggesttheoccupationofWalterCrowdie—noranyoccupationatall.EventhelittleJapanesecenserinwhichHestersaidthatheburnedstrangeperfumeswashiddenoutofsightwhennotinuse.Therewasnotsomuchasasketchoradrawingorabitofmodelledclaytobeseen.Therewasnotevenatablewithpaintsandbrushes.Suchthingswereconcealedinasortof

smallclosetbuiltoutupontheyard,ontheoppositesidefromtheouterstaircase,andhiddenbycurtains.

Thetotalabsenceofanythingexceptthesoftmaterialswithwhicheverythingwascovered,producedratherastrangeeffect,andforsomemysteriousreasonitwasnotapleasantone.Crowdie’sfacewaspalerandhislipswereredderthanseemedquitenatural;hiswomanisheyesweretoobeautifulandtheirglancewasacaress—aswarmvelvetfeelstothehand.

“Won’tyouletmehelpyoutotakeoffyourveil?”hesaid,comingclosetoKatharine.

“Thankyou—Icandoitmyself,”sheanswered,withunnecessarycoldness.

CHAPTERX.

Crowdiesteppedbackwardfromher,asshelaidherhatandveiluponherknee.Heslowlytwistedabitofcrayonbetweenhisfingers,asthoughtohelphisthoughts,andhelookedathercritically.

“Howareyougoingtopaintme?”sheasked,regrettingthatshehadspokensoverycoldlyamomentearlier.

“That’soneofthosedelightfulquestionsthatsittersalwaysask,”answeredtheartist,smilingalittle.“That’spreciselywhatI’maskingmyself—howintheworldamIgoingtopaintyou?”

“Oh—thatisn’twhatImeant!Imeant—fullfaceorsideface,youknow.”

“Oh,yes,—ofcourse.Iwasonlylaughingatmyself.Youhavenoideawhatanextraordinarychangetakingoffyourhatmakes,MissLauderdale.Itwouldbeawfullyrudetotalktoaladyaboutherfaceunderordinarycircumstances.Indetail,Imean.Butyoumustforgiveme,becauseit’smyprofession.”

Hemovedaboutwithsuddensteps,stoppingandgazingathereachtimethatheobtainedanewpointofview.

“Howdoesmyhatmakesuchadifference?”askedKatharine.“Whatsortofdifference?”

“Itchangesyourwholeexpression.It’squiterightthatitshould.Whenyouhaveiton,oneonlyseestheface—theheadfromtheeyesdownwards—thatmeansthehumanbeingfromtheperceptionsdownwards.Whenyoutakeyourhatoff,Iseeyoufromtheintelligenceupwards.”

“Thatwouldbetrueofanyone.”

“Nodoubt.Buttheintelligencepreponderatesinyourcase,whichiswhatmakesthecontrastsostrong.”

“Ididn’tknowIwasasintelligentasallthat!”Katharinelaughedalittleatwhatshetookforapieceofrathergrossflattery.

“No,”answeredCrowdie,thoughtfully.“Thatisyourpeculiarcharm.Doyoumindthelightinyoureyes?Justtotrytheeffect?So?Doesthattireyou?”

Hehadchangedthearrangementofsomeoftheshadessoastothrowastrongglareinherface.Shelookedupandthewhitelightgleamedlikefireinhergreyeyes.

“Icouldn’tstanditlong,”shesaid.“Isitnecessary?”

“Oh,no.Nothingisnecessary.I’lltryitanotherway.So.”Hemovedtheshadesagain.

“Whatafunnyspeech!”exclaimedKatharine.“Tosaythatnothingisnecessary—”

“It’saverytruespeech.NothingisthesameasPureBeinginsomephilosophies,andPureBeingistheonlyconditionwhichisreallyabsolutelynecessary.Now,wouldyoumindlettingmeseeyouinperfectprofile?I’msorrytobotheryou,butit’sonlyatfirst.Whenwe’vemadeupourminds—ifyou’djustturnyourheadtowardsthefireplace,alittlemore—ashademore,please—that’sit—onemomentso—”

Hestoodquitestill,gazingathersidefaceasthoughtryingtofixitinhismemoryinordertocompareitwithotheraspects.

“Iwanttopaintyoueverywayatonce,”hesaid.“MayIask—whatdoyouthink,yourself,isthebestviewofyourface?”

“I’msureIdon’tknow,”answeredKatharine,withalittlelaugh.“WhatdoesHesterthink?Asit’stobeforher,wemightconsulther.”

“Butshedoesn’tknowit’sforher—shethinksit’sforyou.”

“Wemightaskherallthesame,andtakeheradvice.Isn’tsheathome?”

“No,”answeredCrowdie,afteramoment’shesitation.“Ithinkshe’sgoneoutshopping.”

Katharinewasnotnaturallysuspicious,buttherewassomethinginthewayCrowdiehesitatedabouttheapparentlyinsignificantanswerwhichstruck

“‘Whathaveyoudecided?’sheenquired.”—Vol.I.,p.203.

“‘Whathaveyoudecided?’sheenquired.”—Vol.I.,p.203.

herasodd.ShehadmadethesuggestionbecausehismerepresencewassoabsurdlyirritatingtoherthatshelongedforHester’scompanyasanalleviation.ButitwasevidentthatCrowdiedidnotwanthiswifeatthatmoment.HewantedtobealonewithKatharine.

“Youmightsendandfindout,”saidtheyounggirl,mercilessly.

“I’mprettysureshe’sgoneout,”Crowdiereplied,movingupaneaseluponwhichwassetalargepieceofgreypasteboard.“Evenifsheisin,shealwayshasthingstodoatthistime.”

HelookedsteadilyatKatharine’sfaceandthenmadeaquickstrokeonthepasteboard,thenlookedagainandthenmadeanotherstroke.

“Whathaveyoudecided?”sheenquired.

“Justasyouarenow,withyourheadalittleononesideandthatclearlookinyoureyes—no—youwerelookingstraightatme,butnotinfullface.Thinkofwhatyouwerethinkingaboutjustwhenyoulooked.”

Katharinesmiled.Thethoughthadnotbeenflatteringtohim.Butshedidasheaskedandmethiseyeseverytimeheglancedather.Heworkedrapidly,withquick,surestrokes,usingabitofbrownchalk.Thenhetookalong,new,black

leadpencil,withaveryfinepoint,fromthebreast-pocketofhisjacket,andverycarefullymadeafewmarkswithit.Insteadofputtingitbackwhenheusedthebitofpastelagain,heheldthepencilinhisteeth.Itwaslongandstuckoutoneachsideofhisbrightredlips.Oddlyenough,Katharinethoughtitmadehimlooklikeacatwithblackwhiskers,andthestraightblacklineforcedhismouthintoawidegrin.Sheevenfanciedthattoincreasetheresemblancehiseyeslookedgreenwhenhegazedatherintently,andthatthepupilswerenotquiteround,butwereturningintouprightslits.Shelookedawayforamomentandalmostsmiled.Hislegswerealittlein-kneed,asthoseofacatlookwhenshestandsuptoreachafteranything.Therewassomethingfelineeveninhislittlefeet,whichwereshortwithaveryhighinstep,andheworelowshoesofdarkrussetleather.

“Thereisasmileinyoureyes,butnotinyourface,”saidCrowdie,takingthepencilfrombetweenhisteeth.“Isupposeit’srudetoaskyouwhatyouarethinkingabout?”

“Notatall,”answeredKatharine.“Iwasthinkinghowfunnyyoulookedwiththatpencilinyourmouth.”

“Oh!”Crowdielaughedcarelesslyandwentonwithhiswork.

Katharinenoticedthatwhenhenextwishedtodisposeofthepencilheputitintohispocket.Ashehadchosenapositioninwhichshemustlookdirectlyathim,shecouldnothelpobservingallhismovements,whileherthoughtswentbacktoherowninterestsandtoRalston.ItwasmuchmorepleasanttothinkofJohnthanofCrowdie.

“I’mdiscouragedalready,”saidCrowdie,suddenly,afteralongsilence,duringwhichhehadworkedrapidly.“Butit’sonlyafirstattemptatasketch.IwantalotofthembeforeIbegintopaint.Shouldyouliketorestalittle?”

“Yes.”

Katharineroseandcameforwardtoseewhathehadbeendoing.Shefeltatoncealittletouchofdisappointmentandannoyance,whichshowedthatshewasnotaltogetherdeficientinvanity,thoughofapardonablesort,consideringwhatshesaw.Toherunpractisedeyethesketchpresentedafewbrownsmudges,throughwhichathinpencil-lineranhereandthere.

“Youdon’tseeanyresemblancetoyourself,Isuppose,”saidCrowdie,withsomeamusement.

“Frankly—IhopeI’mbetterlookingthanthat,”laughedKatharine.

“Youare.Sometimesyou’redivinelybeautiful.”Hisvoicegrewexquisitelycaressing.

Katharinewasnotpleased.

“Ididn’taskforimpossiblecompliments,”shesaidcoolly.

“Nowlook,”answeredCrowdie,takingnonoticeofthelittlerebuke,andtouchingthesmudgewithhisfingers.“Youmustn’tlooktooclose,youknow.Youmusttryandgettheeffect—notwhatyousee,butwhatIsee.”

Withoutglancingatherfacehequicklytouchedthesketchatmanypointswithhisthumb,withhisfinger,withhisbitofcrayon,withhisneedle-pointedleadpencil.Katharinewatchedhimintently.

“Shutyoureyesalittle,soasnottoseethedetailstoodistinctly,”hesaid,stillworking.

Thefacebegantostandout.Therewasverylittleinthesketch,buttherewasthebeginningoftheexpression.

“Ibegintoseesomething,”saidKatharine,withincreasinginterest.

“Yes—look!”

Heglancedatherforamoment.Then,holdingthelongpencilalmostbytheendandstandingwellbackfromthepasteboard,hedrewasingleline—theoutlineofthepartofthefaceandheadfurthestfromtheeye,asitwere.Itwassomasterly,sosimple,sofaultless,andyetsostrikinginitseffect,thatKatharineheldherbreathwhilethepointmoved,andutteredanexclamationwhenitstopped.

“Youareagreatartist!”

Crowdiesmiled.

“Ididn’taskforimpossiblecompliments,”hesaid,repeatingherownwordsandimitatinghertone,ashesteppedbackfromtheeaselandlookedatwhathehaddone.“She’snotsobad-looking,isshe?”Hefumbledinhispocketandfoundtwoorthreebitsofcolouredpastelsandrubbedalittleofeachuponthepasteboardwithhisfingers.“Morelife-like,now.Howdoyoulikethat?”

“It’swonderful!”

“Wonderfullylike?”

“HowcanItell?Imeanthatit’sawonderfulperformance.It’snotformetojudgeofthelikeness.”

“Isn’tit?Inspiteofproverbs,we’retheonlygoodjudgesofourselves—outwardlyorinwardly.Willyousitdownagain,ifyouarerested?Doyouknow,I’malmostinclinedtodabalittlepaintonthething—it’saluckyhit—orelseyou’reaveryeasysubject,whichIdon’tbelieve.”

“Andyetyouweresodiscouragedamomentago.”

“That’salwaysmyway.Idon’tknowaboutotherartists,ofcourse.It’sonlyamateursthattelleachothertheirsensationsabouttheirdaubs.Wedon’t.ButI’malwaysinafitjustbeforeI’mgoingtosucceed.”

Katharinesaidnothingasshewentbacktoherseat,buttheexpressionhehadjustusedchilledhersuddenly.ShehadreceivedavividimpressionfromtheaccountHesterhadgivenherofhisrecentattack,andshehadunconsciouslyassociatedtheideaofafitwithhisailment.Thenshewasamusedatherownfolly.

Crowdielookedatherkeenly,thenathisdrawing,andthenseemedtocontemplateaparticularpointatthetopofherhead.Shewasnotwatchinghim,assheknewthathewasnotyetworkingagain.Therewasanoddlookinhisbeautifuleyeswhichwouldnothavepleasedher,hadsheseenit.Helefttheeaselagainandcametowardsher.

“Wouldyoumindlettingmearrangeyourhairalittle?”heasked,stoppingbesideher.

Katharineinstinctivelyraisedonehandtoherhead,anditunexpectedlymethis

fingers,whichwerealreadyabouttotouchherhair.Thesensationwassoinexpressiblydisagreeabletoherthatshestarted,loweringherheadasthoughtoavoidhim,andspeakingsharply.

“Don’t!”shecried.“Icandoitmyself.”

“Ibegyourpardon,”saidCrowdie,drawingback.“It’sthemeresttrifle—butIdon’tseehowyoucandoityourself.Ididn’tknowyouweresonervous,orIwouldhaveexplained.Won’tyouletmetaketheendofmypencilandjustliftyourhairalittle?Itmakessuchadifferenceintheoutline.”

ItstruckKatharinethatshewasbehavingveryfoolishly,andshesatupstraightinherchair.

“Ofcourse,”shesaid,quitenaturally.“Doitinanywayyoulike.I’veahorrorofbeingtouchedunexpectedly,that’sall.IsupposeIreallyamnervous.”

Whichwasnotatalltrueingeneral,thoughasregardsCrowdieitwasnothalfthetruth.

“Thankyou,”heanswered,proceedingtomoveherhair,touchingitverydelicatelywithhispointedwhitefingers.“Itwasstupidofme,butmostpeopledon’tmind.There—ifyouonlyknewwhatadifferenceitmakes.Justalittlebitmore,ifyou’llletme—ontheotherside.Nowletmelookatyou,please—yes—that’sjustit.”

Katharinesufferedintenselyduringthosefewmoments.Somethingwithinher,ofwhichshehadneverbeenconsciousbefore,butwhichwasmostcertainlyapartofherself,seemedtoriseupinfury,outragedandinsulted,againstsomethinginthemanbesideher,whichfilledherwithavagueterrorandapositivedisgust.Whilehissoftandwomanishfingerstouchedherhair,sheclaspedherhandstogethertilltheyhurt,andrepeatedtoherselfwithsetlipsthatshewasfoolishandnervousandunstrung.Shecouldnothelpthesighofreliefwhichescapedherlipswhenhehadfinishedandwentbacktohiseasel.Perhapshenoticedit.Atalleventshebecameintentonhisworkandsaidnothingforfullyfiveminutes.

Duringthattimeshelookedathimandtriedtosolvethemysteryofherunaccountablesensations.Shethoughtofwhathermotherhadsaid—thatCrowdiewaslikeapoisonousflower.Hewassowhiteandredandsoft,andthe

placewassostillandwarm,withitsmassesofrichdraperythatshutoffeverysoundoflifefromwithout.AndshethoughtofwhatMinerhadsaid—oddlyenough,inexactlythesamestrain,thathewaslikesomestrangetropicalfruit—gonebadatthecore.Fruitorflower,orboth,shethought.Eitherwasaptenough.

Theairwasperfectlypure.Itwasonlywarmandstill.Possiblytherewastheslightestsmellofturpentine,whichisacleansmellandawholesomeone.Whatevertheperfumesmightbewhichheoccasionallyburned,theyleftnotracebehind.AndyetKatharinefanciedtheywerethere—unholy,sweet,heavy,disquieting,offendingthatsomethingwhichintheyounggirlhadneverbeenoffendedbefore.Thestillnessseemedtoowarm—thewarmthtoostill—hisfacetoowhite—hismouthwasasscarletandasheavyastheblossomofthebrightredcallalily.Therewassomethingrepulsivelyfascinatingaboutit,asthereisinawound.

“You’regettingtired,”hesaidatlast.“I’mnotsurprised.Itmustbemuchhardertositthantopaint.”

“HowdidyouknowIwastired?”askedKatharine,movingfromherposition,andlookingatapieceofPersianembroideryontheoppositewall.

“YourexpressionhadchangedwhenIspoke,”hesaid.“Butit’snotatallnecessarytositabsolutelymotionlessasthoughyouwerebeingphotographed.It’sbettertotalk.Theexpressionislike—”Hestopped.

“Likewhat?”sheasked,curioustohearadefinitionofwhatissaidtoooftentobeundefinable.

“Well—Idon’tknow.Languageisn’tmystrongpoint,ifIhaveanystrongpointatall.”

“That’sanaffectation,atallevents!”laughedKatharine,becomingherselfagainwhennotobligedtolookathimfixedly.

“Isit?Well—affectationisagoodword.Expressionisnotexpressionwhenit’sanaffectedexpression.It’sthetoneofvoiceofthepicture.Thatsoundswild,butitmeanssomething.Aspeechinprinthasn’ttheexpressionithaswhenit’swellspoken.Aphotographisaspeechinprint.It’sthetruthdonebymachinery.It’softenstrikingatfirstsight,butyougettiredofit,becausewhat’sthereisall

there—andwhatisnotthereisn’tevensuggested,thoughyouknowitexists.”

“Yes,Isee,”saidKatharine,whowasinterestedinwhathesaid,andhadmomentarilyforgottenhispersonality.

“Thatshowshowawfullycleveryouare,”heansweredwithasilverylittlelaugh.“Iknowit’sfarfromclear.There’sapassagesomewhereinoneofTolstoi’snovels—‘PeaceandWar,’Ithinkitis—abouttheimpossibilityofexpressingallonethinks.Itoughttofollowthatthemoremeansofexpressionamanhas,thenearerheshouldgettoexpressingeverythinginhim.Butitdoesn’t.There’safallacysomewhereintheidea.Mostthings—ideas,anythingyouchoosetocallthem—arenaturallyexpressibleinacertainmaterial—paint,wood,fiddle-strings,bronzeandallthat.Comeandlookatyourselfnow.YouseeI’verestrainedmymaniaforoilsafewminutes.I’mtryingtobeconscientious.”

“Iwishyouwouldgoontalkingaboutexpression,”saidKatharine,risingandcominguptotheeasel.“Itseemsverymuchimproved,”sheaddedasshesawthedrawing.“Howfastyouwork!”

“There’snosuchthingastimewhenthingsgoright,”repliedCrowdie.“Excusemeamoment.I’llgetsomethingtopaintwith.”

Hedisappearedbehindthecurtaininthecorner,totheout-builtclosetinwhichhekepthiscoloursandbrushes,andKatharinewasleftalone.Shestoodstillforafewmomentscontemplatingthegrowinglikenessofherself.Therewasasyethardlyanycolourinthesketch,nomore,infact,thanhehadrubbedonwhileshehadwatchedhimdoit,whenshehadrestedthefirsttime.Itwasnoteasytoseewhathehaddonesince,andyetthewholeeffectwasvastlyimproved.Asshelooked,theworkitself,thefinepencil-line,thesmudgesofbrownandthesuggestionsofcolouringseemedallsoslightastobealmostnothing—andyetshefeltthatherexpressionwasthere.Shethoughtofhermother’slaboriousandminutelyaccuratedrawing,whichneverreachedanysucheffectasthis,andsherealizedthealmostimpossiblegulfwhichliesbetweentheartistandtheamateurwhohastriedtoolatetobecomeone—inwhomtheevidenceoftalentismadeunrecognizablebyanexcessofconscientiousbutwhollymisappliedlabour.Theamateurwhohasneverstudiedatallmaysometimesdashoffaheadwithafewlines,whichwouldbetakenforthecarelessscrawlingofacleverprofessional.Buttheamateurwho,toolate,attemptstoperfecthimselfbysheerstudyand

industryisalmostcertainlylostasanartist—afactwhichiscommonlyinterpretedtomeanthatartitselfcomesbyinspiration,andthatso-calledgeniusneedsnoschool;whereasitonlymeansthatifwegotoschoolatallwemustgoatthescholar’sageandgetthetoolsofexpression,andlearntohandlethem,beforewehaveanythingespecialtoexpress.

“Stilllookingatit?”askedCrowdie,comingoutofhissanctumwithalargepaletteinhislefthand,andacoupleofbrushesinhisright.“NowI’mgoingtobeginbyspoilingitall.”

Therewerefourorfivebig,butter-likesqueezingsofdifferentcoloursonthesmoothsurfaceoftheboard.Crowdiestuckoneofhisbrushesthroughthethumb-holeofthepalette,andwiththeothermixedwhathewanted,dabbingitintothepaintsandthendaubingthemalltogether.Katharinesatdownoncemore.

“Ithoughtpaintersalwaysusedpalette-knives,”shesaid,watchinghim.

“Oh—anythinganswersthepurpose.Isometimespaintwithmyfingers—butit’sawfullymessy.”

“Ishouldthinkso,”shelaughed,takingherpositionagainashelookedather.

“Yes—thankyou,”hesaid.“Ifyouwon’tmindlookingatmeforaminuteortwo,justatfirst.Iwantyoureyes,please.Afterthatyoucanlookanywhereyoulike.”

“Doyoualwayspainttheeyesfirst?”askedKatharine,idly,forthesakeofnotrelapsingintosilence.

“Generally—especiallyifthey’relookingstraightoutofthepicture.Thenthey’retheprincipalthing,youknow.Theyarelikelittleholes—ifyoulooksteadilyatthemyoucanseetherealpersoninside.That’sthereasonwhyaportraitthatlooksatyou,ifit’slikeatall,issomuchmorelikethanonethatlooksaway.”

“Hownaturallyyouexplainthings!”exclaimedtheyounggirl,becominginterestedatonce.

“Thingsaresonatural,”answeredthepainter.“Everythingisnatural.That’sone

ofmybrother-in-law’smaxims.”

“Itsoundslikeatruism.”

“Everythingthatistruesoundslikeatruism—andisone.Weknoweverythingthat’strue,anditallsoundsoldbecausewedoknowitall.”

“Whatanextraordinarywayofputtingit—tosaythatweknoweverything!Butwedon’t,youknow!”

“Oh,yes,wedo—asfarasweevercanknowatall.Idon’tmeanlittlepeddlingpropertiesofpetroleumandtrickswithtelephones—whattheycallscience,youknow.Imeanaboutbigthingsthatdon’tchange—ideas.”

“Oh—aboutideas.Youmeanrightandwrong,andthefuturelifeandthesoul,Isuppose.”

“Yes.That’sexactlywhatImean.Inahundredthousandagesweshallnevergetoneinchfurtherthanwearenow.Alittlebitmoretotheright,please—butgoonlookingatmeamomentlonger,ifyou’renottired.”

“I’veonlyjustsatdownagain.Butwhatyouweresaying—youmeanttoaddthatweknownothing,andthatit’sallaperfectlyboundlessuncertainty.”

“Notatall.Ithinkweknowsomethingsandshan’tlosethem,andwedon’tknowsomeothersandnevershall.”

“Whatkindofthings,forinstance?”askedKatharine.“Inthefirstplace,thereisasoul,anditisimmortal.”

“Lucretiussaysthatthereisasoul,butthatitisn’timmortal.There’ssomething,anyhow—somethingIcan’tpaint.Peoplewhodenytheexistenceofthesoulnevertriedtopaintportraits,Ibelieve.”

“Youcertainlyhavemostoriginalideas.”

“HaveI?Butisn’tthattrue?Iknowitis.There’ssomethingineveryfacethatIcan’tpaint—thatthegreatestpainterthateverlivedcan’tpaint.Andit’snotonaccountofthematerial,either.Onecangetjustasneartoitinblackandwhiteasincolours,—justnearenoughtosuggestit,—andyetonecanseeit.Icallitthe

ghost.Idon’tknowwhetherthereareghostsornot,butpeoplesaythey’veseenthem.Theyaregenerallycolourless,apparently,anddon’tstaylong.Butdidyouevernotice,inallthosestories,thatpeoplealwaysrecognizetheghostinstantlyifit’sthatofapersonthey’veknown?”

“Yes.NowIthinkofit,that’strue,”saidKatharine.

“Well,that’swhyIcalltherecognizablesomethingaboutthelivingpersonhisghost.It’swhatwecan’tget.Now,anotherthing.Ifoneistoldthatthebestportraitofsomeonewhomoneknowsisaportraitofsomeoneelseinstead,oneisn’tmuchsurprised.No,really—I’vetriedit,justtotestthelikeness.Mostpeoplesaytheyaresurprised,butthey’renot.Theyfallintothetrapinamoment,andtellyouthattheyseethattheyweremistaken,butthatit’sastrongresemblance.Thatcouldn’thappenwitharealperson.Ithappenseasilywithaphotograph—muchmoreeasilythanwithapicture.Butwitharealpersonit’squitedifferent,eventhoughhemayhavechangedimmenselysinceyousawhim—farbeyondthedifferencebetweenagoodportraitandthesitter,sofarasdetailsareconcerned.Buttheperson—yourecognizehimatonce.Bywhat?Bythatsomethingwhichwecan’tcatchinapicture.Icallittheghost—it’samerefancy,becausepeopleusedtobelievethataghostwasavisiblesoul.”

“Howinteresting!”exclaimedKatharine.“Anditsoundstrue.”

“Athingmustsoundtruetobeinteresting,”saidCrowdie.“Excusemeamoment.Iwantanothercolour.”

Hedivedintothecurtainedrecess,andKatharinewatchedthedisagreeableundulationofhismovementsashewalked.Shewonderedwhyshewasinterestedassoonashetalked,andrepelledassoonashewassilent.Muchofwhathesaidwasmoreorlessparadoxical,shethought,andnotaltogetherunlikethestufftalkedbycynicalyoungmenwhopickupstartlingphrasesoutofbooks,andchangethesubjectwhentheyareaskedtoexplainwhattheymean.Buttherewassomethingmoreinwhathesaid,andtherewasthewayofsayingit,andtherewastheweightaman’ssayingscarrywhenheisarealmasterofonething,nomatterhowremotefromthesubjectofwhichheisspeaking.Crowdiecamebackalmostimmediatelywithhispaint.

“Youreyesarethecolourofbluefox,”heremarked,dabbingonthepalettewithhisbrush.

“Arethey?They’reagreyofsomesort,Ibelieve.Butyouweretalkingaboutthesoul.”

“Yes,IknowIwas;butI’mgladI’vedonewithit.Itoldyouthatlanguagewasn’tmystrongpoint.”

“Yes—butyoumaybeabletosaylotsofinterestingthings,besidespaintingwell.”

“Notcomparedwithpeoplewhoaregoodattalking.I’veoftenbeenstruckbythat.”

Hestoppedspeaking,andmadeoneortwoverycarefulstrokes,concentratinghiswholeattentionforthemoment.

“Struckbywhat?”askedKatharine.

“Bytheenormousamountsomemenknowascomparedwithwhattheycando.Ibelievethat’swhatImeanttosay.Itwasn’tparticularlyworthsaying,afterall.There—that’sbetter!Justonemomentmore,please.IknowI’mtiringyoutodeath,butI’msointerested—”

Againheexecutedaveryfinedetail.

“There!”heexclaimed.“Nowwecantalk.Don’tyouwanttomoveaboutalittle?Idon’taskyoutolookatthething—it’samerebeginningofasketch—itisn’tthepicture,ofcourse.”

“ButIwanttoseeit,”saidKatharine.

“Oh,ofcourse.Butyouwon’tlikeitsomuchnowasyoudidatfirst.”

Katharinesawatoncethathewasright,andthatthepaintingwasnotinastagetobearexamination,butshelookedatit,nevertheless,withavagueideaoflearningsomethingabouttheartbyobservingitsprocesses.Crowdiestoodatalittledistancebehindher,hispaletteandbrushesstillinhishand.Indeed,therewasnoplacebutthefloorwherehecouldhavelaidthemdown.Sheknewthathewasthere,andshewascertainthathewaslookingather.Thestrangenervousnessandsenseofrepulsioncameoverheratonce,butinherdeterminationnottoyieldtoanythingwhichseemedsofoolish,shecontinuedto

scrutinizetheroughsketchontheeasel.Crowdie,onhispart,saidnothing,asthoughfearinglestthesoundofhisvoiceshoulddisturbthegracefullinesofherfigureasshestoodthere.

Atlastshemovedandturnedaway,butnottowardshim.Suddenly,fromfeelingthathewaslookingather,shefeltthatshecouldnotmeethiseyes.Sheknewjustwhattheywouldbelike,long,languishingandwomanish,withtheirsweepinglashes,andtheyattractedher,thoughshedidnotwishtoseethem.Shewalkedafewstepsdownthelengthofthegreatroom,andshewassurethatthoseeyeswerefollowingher.Anintenseandquiteunaccustomedconsciousnessovercameher,thoughshewasneverwhatiscalledshy.

Shewaspositivelycertainthathiseyeswerefixedonthebackofherhead,willinghertoturnandlookathim;butshewouldnot.Thenshesawthatshewasreachingtheendoftheroom,andthat,unlessshestoodtherestaringatthetapestriesandembroideries,shemustfacehim.Shefeltthebloodrushsuddenlytoherthroatandjustunderherears,andsheknewthatshewhorarelyblushedatallwasblushingviolently.Sheeitherdidnotknoworsheforgotthatablushisasbeautifulinmostdarkwomenasitisunbecomingandevenpainfultoseeinfairones.Shewasonlyconsciousthatshehadnever,inallhermanyrecollections,feltsoutterlyfoolish,andangrywithherself,anddisgustedwiththelight,asshedidatthatmoment.Justasshereachedthewall,sheheardhisfootstep,andsupposingthathehadchangedhisposition,sheturnedatoncewithadeepsenseofrelief.

Crowdiewasstandingbeforehiseaselagain,studyingwhathehaddone,asunconcernedlyasthoughhehadnotnoticedheroddbehaviour.

“Ifeelflushed,”shesaid.“Itmustbeverywarmhere.”

“Isit?”askedCrowdie.“I’llopensomething.Butifyou’vehadenoughofitforthefirstday,Icanleaveitasitistillthenextsitting.Canyoucometo-morrow?”

“Yes.Thatis—no—Imayhaveanengagement.”Shelaughednervouslyasshethoughtofit.

“Theafternoonwilldoquiteaswell,ifyoupreferit.Anytimebeforethreeo’clock.Thelightisbadafterthat.”

“Ithinkthedayafterto-morrowwouldbebetter,ifyoudon’tmind.Atthesame

hour,ifyoulike.”

“Byallmeans.Andthankyou,forsittingsopatiently.It’snoteveryonewhodoes.IsupposeImustn’toffertohelpyouwithyourhat.”

“Thanks,Icaneasilymanageit,”answeredKatharine,careful,however,tospeakinherordinarytoneofvoice.“Ifyouhadalooking-glassanywhere—”Shelookedaboutforone.

“There’soneinmypaintroom,ifyoudon’tmind.”

Heledthewaytothecurtainbehindwhichhehaddisappearedinsearchofhiscolours,andhelditup.Therewasanopendoorintothelittleroom—whichwaslargerthanKatharinehadexpected—andadressing-tableandmirrorstoodinthelargebow-windowthatwasbuiltoutovertheyard.Crowdiestoodholdingthecurtainbackwhileshetiedherveilandranthelongpinthroughherhat.Itdidnottakemorethanaminute,andshepassedoutagain.

“That’sabeautifularrangement,”shesaid.“Alooking-glasswouldspoilthestudio.”

“Yes,”heanswered,ashewalkedtowardsthedoorbyherside.“Youseethereisn’tanobjectbutstuffsandcushionsintheplace,andachairforyou—andmyeasels—allcolour.Iwantnothingthathasshapeexceptwhatishuman,andIlikethatasperfectaspossible.”

“GivemylovetoHester,”saidKatharine,asshewentout.“Oh,don’tcomedown;Iknowtheway.”

Hefollowedher,ofcourse,andletherouthimself.Itwaspasttwelveo’clock,andshefeltthesunonhershouldersassheturnedtotherightupLafayettePlace,andshebreathedthesparklingairwithasenseofwilddelight.Itwassofreshandpure,andsomehowshefeltasthoughshehadbeeninacontaminatingatmosphereduringthelastthreequartersofanhour.

CHAPTERXI.

AlexanderLauderdaleJuniorwasamanofregularways,ashasbeenseen,andofsternlyregularaffections,sofarashecouldbesaidtohaveanyatall.Mostpeoplewereratherafraidofhim.IntheTrustCompanywhichoccupiedhis

attentionhewastheexecutivemember,anditwasgenerallyadmittedthatitowedsomethingofitsexceptionalimportancetohissuperiorpowersofadministration,hiscast-ironprobityandhiscoldenergyinenforcingregulations.TheheadquartersoftheCompanywereinamagnificentgranitebuilding,onthesecondflooratthefront,andAlexanderJuniorsatalldaylonginaspotlessandspecklessoffice,behindahighlypolishedtableandbeforehighlypolishedbookcases,uponwhichthelightfellinthedaytimethroughthemostexpensiveandhighlypolishedplateglasswindows,andonwinterafternoonsfromglitteringelectricbracketsandchandeliers.Hehimselfwasnotlessperfectandhighlypolishedinappearancethanhissurroundings.Hewaslikeoneofthosebeautifulmodelsofmachinerywhichworksilentlyandaccuratelyalldaylong,apparentlyforthemeresatisfactionoffeelingtheirownwheelsandcranksgoround,behindtheshowwindowoftheshopwherethepatentisowned,producingnothing,indeed,saveakeendelightinthesouloftheadmiringmechanician.

Hewasperfectinhisway.Itwasenoughtocatchoneglimpseofhim,ashesatinhisoffice,tobesurethattheTrustCompanycouldbetrusted,thatthewidow’sportionshouldyieldherthesmallbutregularinterestwhichcomfortstheafflicted,andthatthepropertyofthesquealingandstillcradle-riddenorphanwassilentlyrollingup,tobeajoytohimwhenheshouldbeoldenoughtosquanderit.TheTrustCompanywasnotanewinstitution.IthadbeenfoundedinthedarkagesofNewYorkhistory,byjustsuchmenasAlexanderJunior,andjustsuchmenhadmadeitwhatitnowwas.Indeed,theprimevalLauderdale,whomCharlotteSlaybackcalledAlexandertheGreat,hadbeenconnectedwithitbeforehedied,hisScotchbirthbeingcountedtohimforrighteousness,thoughhisspeechwasimputedtohimforsin.Neitherofhissonshad,however,hadanythingtodowithit,norhissons’sons,buthisgreat-grandson,AlexandertheSafe,waspredestinedfromhischildhoodtobetheverymanwantedbytheCompany,andwhenhewascometoyearsofevengreaterdiscretionthanhehadshownasasmallboy,whichwassayingmuch,hewasformallyinstalledbehindtheplateglassandtheveryshinyfurnitureoftheofficehehadoccupiedeversince.WiththeappearanceofhisnameontheCompany’sreportsthebusinessincreased,forinthepublicmindallLauderdaleswereasoneman,andthatonemanwasRoberttheRich,whohadneverbeenconnectedwithanyspeculation,andwhowascommonlysaidtoownhalfNewYork.Acutepersonswillseethattheremusthavebeensomeexaggerationaboutthelatterstatement,butasamereexpressionitdidnotlackforce,andpleasedthepopularmind.ItmatteredlittlethatNewYorkshouldhaveenoughhalvestobedistributedamongsta

considerablenumberofveryrichmen,ofwhompreciselythesamethingwassaid.RoberttheRichwasaveryrichman,andhemusthavehishalflikehisfellowrichmen.

AlexanderJuniorhadnomoreclaimuponhisuncle’sfortunethanMrs.Ralston.HisfatherwasoneofRobert’sbrothersandhershadbeentheother.NorwasRoberttheRichinanywayconstrainedtoleaveanymoneytoanyofhisrelations,nortoanyoneinparticularinthewholewideworld,seeingthathehadmadeithimself,andwaschildlessandanswerabletonomanforhisacts.Butitwasprobablethathewoulddividealargepartofitbetweenhislivingbrother,thephilanthropist,andthedaughterofhisdeadbrotherRalph—thesoldierofthefamily,whohadbeenkilledatChancellorsville.Nowasitwascertainthatthephilanthropist,forhispart,ifhehadcontrolofwhatcametohim,wouldforthwithattempttobuytheCentralParkasanairinggroundforpauperidiots,ordosomethingequallythoughcharitablyoutrageous,thechanceswerethathisportion—ifhegotany—wouldbeplacedintrust,orthatitwouldbepaidhimasincomebyhisson,ifthelatterwereselectedtomanagethefortune.Thiswaswhatmostpeopleexpected,anditwascertainlywhatAlexanderJuniorhoped.

Itwasnatural,too,andinameasurejust.ThemalelineoftheLauderdaleswasdyingout,andAlexanderJuniorwouldbethelastofthem,inthenaturalsuccessionofmortality,beingbyfartheyoungestashewasbyfarthestrongest.Itwouldbeproperthatheshouldadministertheestateuntilitwasfinallydividedamongstthefemaleheirsandtheirchildren.

Hewasreallyandtrulyamanofspotlessprobity,inspiteofthesuspicionwhichalmostinevitablyattachestopeoplewhoseemtooperfecttobehuman.Onthesurfacetheseperfectionsofhisweresohardthattheyamountedtodefects.Itisaggressivevirtuethatchastiseswhatitloves—byitsmereexistence.Butneitherhisprobity,norhisexteriormechanicalsuperiority,sotosay,wasconnectedwiththemainspringofhischaracter.Thatlaymuchdeeper,andheconcealeditwithasmuchskillasthoughtorevealitsexistencewouldhaveruinedhiminfortuneandreputation,thoughitwouldprobablyhaveaffectedneithertheonenortheother.TheonlymembersofthefamilywhosuspectedthetruthwerehisdaughterCharlotteandRoberttheRich.

Charlotte,whowasafraidofnothing,notevenofcertainthingswhichshemighthavedonebettertorespect,ifnottofear,saidopenlyinthefamily,andeventothefaceofherfather,thatshedidnotbelievehewaspoor.Thereupon,

AlexanderJuniorusuallyadministeredasternrebukeinhismetallicvoice,whereatCharlottewouldsmileandchangethesubject,asthoughshedidnotcaretotalkofitjustthen,butwouldreturntoitbyandby.Shehadmagnificentteeth,and,whenshechose,hersmilecouldbealmostasterriblyelectricasAlexander’sown.

AsforRobertLauderdale,hehadmoreaccurateknowledge,butnotmuch.Likemanyeminentlysuccessfulmenhehadanunusualmasteryofdetails,andanunfailingmemoryforthosewhichinterestedhim.Heknewtheexactfigureofhisnephew’ssalaryfromtheTrustCompany,andhewasabletocalculatewithtolerableexactness,also,whattheLauderdalesspent,whatMrs.Lauderdaleearnedandhowmuchtheannualsurplusmustbe.HeknewalsothatAlexanderJunior’smother,whohadthoroughlyunderstoodherhusband,thephilanthropist,hadleftwhatshepossessedtoheronlyson,andonlyalegacytoherhusband.HerpropertyhadbeenownedinNewEngland;theexecutorhadbeenapeculiarlytaciturnNewEnglandlawyer,andAlexanderhadneversaidanythingtoanyoneelseconcerningtheinheritance.Hismotherhaddiedafterhehadcomeofage,butbeforehehadbeenmarried,andtherewerenomeanswhateverofascertainingwhathehadreceived.Thephilanthropistandhissonhadcontinuedtolivetogether,astheystilldid;buttheoldgentlemanhadalwayslefthouseholdmattersandexpensesinhiswife’scharge,andhadneverintheleastunderstood,norcaredtounderstand,thedetailsofdailylife.Hehadhistworooms,hehadenoughtoeatandhespentnothingonhimself,exceptforthelargequantityoftobaccoheconsumedandforhisverymodesttoilet.Asforthecigars,Alexanderhadbroughthimdown,inthecourseoftenyears,byveryfinegradations,fromthebestHavanaswhichmoneycouldbuyto‘oldVirginiacheroots,’attencentsforapackageoffive,—aluxurywhicheventhefrugalinhabitantofCalabrianMulberryStreetwouldconsiderapermissibleextravaganceonSundays.Alexander,whodidnotsmoke,sawthatthechangehadnothadanyilleffectuponhisfather’shealth,andsilentlytriumphed.Iftheoldgentleman’snerveshadshownsignsofweakness,Alexanderhadpreviouslydeterminedtoretireupthescaleofpricestotheextentofonecentmoreforeachcigar.InthematterofdresstheelderAlexanderpleasedhimself,andinsodoingpleasedhissonalso,forhegenerallyforgottogetanewcoatuntiltheoldonewasdroppingtopieces,andhesecretlyboughthisshoesofalittleItalianshoemakerintheSouthFifthAvenue,ashasbeenalreadynoticed;thesaidshoemakerbeingtheunhappyfatherofoneofthephilanthropist’smostfavouriteandunpromisingidiots.

ButofoldMrs.Lauderdale’smoney,nothingmorewaseverheard,norofseveralthousanddollarsyearly,which,accordingtooldRobert’scalculations,AlexanderJuniorsavedregularlyoutofhissalary.

YettheyoungestoftheLauderdalemenwasalwayspoor,andhiswifeworkedashardasshecouldtoearnsomethingforherownlittlepleasuresandluxuries.RoberttheRichhadoncebeenpresentwhenAlexanderJuniorhadborrowedfivedollarsofhiswife.Ithadimpressedhim,andhehadidlywonderedwhetherthemoneyhadeverbeenreturned,andwhetherAlexanderdidnotmanageinthiswaytoextractacontributionfromhiswife’searnings,asasortofpeace-offeringtothegold-gods,becauseshewastedwhatshegotbysuchhardwork,inmereamusementandhats,asAlexandercruellyputit.ButRobert,whohadabroadersoul,thoughtshewasquiteright,since,nexttotruelove,thosewerethethingsbywhichawomancouldbemademosthappy.ItistruethatRoberttheRichhadneverbeenmarried.Asamatteroffact,AlexanderLauderdaleneverreturnedthesmallsumshesucceededinborrowingfromhiswifefromtimetotime.Buthekeptarigidlyaccurateaccountofthem,whichheshowedheroccasionally,assuringherthatshe‘mightdrawonhim’forthemoney,andthathecreditedherwithfivepercentinterestsolongasitwas‘inhishands’—whichwereofiron,assheknew—andfurther,thatitwouldbetoheradvantagetoinvestallthemoneysheearnedinthesameway,withhim.Ahundreddollars,hesaid,woulddoubleitselfinfourteenyears,andintimeitwouldbecomeathousand,whichwouldbe‘anicelittlesumforher.’Hehadasetofexpressionswhichheusedinspeakingofmoney,wherewithheirritatedherexceedingly.Morethanoncesheaskedhimtogiveheratrifleoutofwhatshehadlenthim,whenshewasinahurry,orreallyhadnothing.Butheinvariablyansweredthathehadnothingabouthim,ashealwayspaideverythingbycheque,—whichwastrue,—andneverspentbuttencentsdailyforhisfareintheelevatedroadtoandfromhisoffice.Helunchedsomewhere,shesupposed,duringtheday,andwouldneedmoneyforthat;butinthisshewasmistaken,forhisstrongconstitutionneededbuttwomealsdaily,breakfastateightanddinnerathalf-pastseven.Atoneo’clockhedrankaglassofwaterinhisoffice,andinfineweathertookaturninBroadStreetorBroadway.Hesometimes,ifhardpressedbyher,saidthathewouldincludewhatshewantedinthenextchequehedrewforhouseholdexpenses—andheexaminedtheaccountshimselfeverySaturdayafternoon—buthealwaysmanagedtobealonewhenhedidthis,andinvariablyforgottomakeanyallowanceforthepurposeofpayinghisjustdebts.

RobertLauderdaleknew,therefore,thattheremustbeaconsiderablesumof

money,somewhere,thepropertyofAlexanderJunior,unlessthelatterhadprivatelysquanderedit.This,however,wasasuppositionwhichnoteventhemosthopelesslymoonstrucklittleboyinthephilanthropist’spetasylumwouldhaveentertainedforamoment.Therichmanhadwatchedhisnephewnarrowlyfromhisboyhoodtohismiddleage,andwasaknowerofmenandagoodjudgeofthem,andhewasquitesurethathewasnotmistaken.Moreover,heknewlikewiseAlexander’sstrictadherencetotheletteroftruth,forhehadproveditmanytimes,andAlexanderhadneversaidthathehadnomoney.Butheneverfailedtosaythathewaspoor—whichwasarelativeterm.Hewouldgosofarastosaythathehadnomoneyforaparticularobject,clearlymeaningthathewouldnotspendanythinginthatdirection,buthehadneversaidthathehadnothing.NowthegreatRobertwasnotthemantocallasumofseveralhundredthousandsanothing,becausehehadsomuchmorehimself.Heknewthevalueofmoneyaswellasanymanliving.Heusedtosaythattogivewasamatterofsentiment,butthattohavewasamatteroffact,—probablymeaningtherebythattherelationbetweenlengthofheadandbreadthofheartwasindeterminate,butthatalthoughamanmightnothavefiftymillions,ifhehadhalfamillionhewaswellenoughofftobeabletogivesomethingtosomebody,ifhechose.ButRoberttheRichwasfondofratherenigmaticalsayings.Hehadseentheworldfromquiteanexceptionalpointofviewandbelievedthathehadarighttojudgeitaccordingly.

Hehadwatchedhisnephewduringmorethanthirtyyears,andonehalfofthatperiodhadsufficedtobringhimtotheconclusionthatAlexanderJuniorwasathoroughlyuprightbutathoroughlymiserlyperson,andtheremaininghalfofthetimehadsofarconfirmedthisjudgmentastomakehimownthattheyoungermanwasnotonlymiserly,butintheverymostextendedsenseanold-fashionedmiserinthemidstofanew-fashionedcivilization,andthereforeananachronism,andtherefore,also,notamantobetreatedlikeothermen.

RoberthadlongagodeterminedthatAlexandershouldhavesomeofthemoneytodowithashepleased.Hissoleideawouldbetohoarditandpileituptofabulousdimensions,andifanythinghappenedtoithewouldprobablygomad,thoughtthegreatman.Buttheotherswerealsotohavesomeofit,moreorlessaccordingtotheircharacters,anditwasinterestingtospeculateupontheirprobableactionswhentheyshouldbeveryrich.Noneofthem,Robertbelieved,werereallypoor,andcertainlyAlexanderJuniorwasnot.Iftheyhadbeeninneed,theoldgentlemanwouldhavehelpedthemwithactualsumsofmoney.Buttheywerenot.AsforMrs.Lauderdaleandherdaughters,theyreallyhadallthat

wasnecessary.Alexanderdidnotstarvethem.Hedidnotgosofarasthat—perhapsbecauseinhissocialpositionitwouldhavebeenfoundout.Hiswifewasanexcellenthousekeeper,andoldRobertlikedthesimplicityofthelittledinnerstowhichheoccasionallycamewithoutwarning,askingfor‘abite,’asthoughhewereapoorrelation.Helovedwhatwassimpleand,ingeneral,allthingswhichcouldbelovedfortheirownsake,andnotfortheirvalue,andwhichwerenotbeyondhisratherlimitedæstheticappreciation.

Itwasaverygoodthing,hethought,thatMrs.Lauderdaleshoulddoalittleworkandearnalittlemoney.Itwasaninterestandanoccupationforher.Itwasfittingthatpeopleshouldbewillingtodosomethingtoearnmoneyfortheircharities,orevenfortheirsmallerluxuries,thoughitwasverydesirablethattheyshouldnotfeelobligedtoworkfortheirnecessities.Ifeverybodywereinthatposition,hesupposedthateveryonewouldbefarhappier.AndMrs.Lauderdalehadherbeauty,too.RoberttheRichwasfondofherinafatherlyway,andknowingwhatagoodwomanshewas,hehaddeterminedtomakeheracompensationwhensheshouldlosehergoodlooks.Whenherbeautydeparted,sheshouldbemaderich,andhewouldmanageitinsuchawaythatherhusbandshouldnotbeabletogetholdofanyofherwealth,toburywithwhatRobertwassurehehad,insecretandprofitableinvestment.AlexanderJuniorshouldhavenoneofit.

Asforhiselderbrother,thephilanthropist,RobertLauderdalehadhisowntheories.Hedidnotthinkthattheoldman’scharitieswerebyanymeansalwayswiseones,andhepatronizedothersofhisown,ofwhichhesaidnothing.Robertthoughtthattoomuchwasdoneforthedeservingpoor,andtoolittlefortheundeservingpoor,andthatthestarvingsinnermightbejustashungryasthestarvingsaint—apointofviewnotpopularwiththerighteous,whocovettheunjustman’ssunshineforthemselvesandaccusehimunfairlyofbringingaboutcloudyweather,thougheveryoneknowsthatclouds,eventheveryblackest,areproducedbynaturalevaporation.

Butitwasimprobable,asRobertknew,thathisbrothershouldoutlivehim,andhecontributedliberallytothesupportandeducationoftheidiots,andhisbrotherwasmentionedinthewillinconnectionwithalargeannuitywhich,however,hehadlittlechanceofsurvivingtoenjoy.

Therewereplentyofotherstodividethevastinheritancewhenthetimeshouldcome.TherewereMrs.Lauderdaleandhertwodaughters,andherbaby

grandson,Charlotte’slittleboy.AndtherewasKatharineRalstonandtherewasJohn.AndthentherewerethetwoBrightsandtheirmother,whosemotherhadbeenaLauderdale,sothattheyweredirectrelations.AndthereweretheMiners—thethreeold-maidsistersandlittleFrankMiner,whoreallyseemedtobestrugglinghardtomakealivingbyliterature—notnearconnections,theseMiners,butcertainlyincludedinthetribeoftheLauderdalesonaccountoftheiruncle’smarriagewiththemillionaire’sfirstcousin—whomherememberedas‘littlecousinMeg’fiftyyearsago.RoberttheRichalwayssmiled—alittlesadly—whenhereachedthispointintheenumerationofthefamily,andwasgladthattheMinerswereinhiswill.

TheMinerswouldreallyhavebeenthepoorestofthewholeconnection,fortheirfatherhadbeensuccessivelyaspendthriftbankrupt,adrunkardandalunatic,—whichcausedAlexanderJuniortosayseverelythatLivingstonMinerhadanunnaturalthirstforemotions;butacertainverysmallinvestmentwhichFrankMinerhadmadeoutoftheremnantsoftheestatehadturnedoutwonderfullywell.MinerhadneverknownthatoldLauderdalehadmentionedtheinvestmenttooldBeman,andthatthetwogreatmenhadfoundthetimetomakeitrolloverandoverandgrowintoalittlefortuneataratewhichwouldhaveastonishedpersonsignorantofbusiness—afterwhichtheyhadbeenoccupiedwithotherthings,eachinhisownway,andhadthoughtnothingmoreaboutthematter.SothattheMinerswerecomparativelycomfortable,andthethreeoldmaidsstayedathomeand‘tookcare’oftheirextremelyhealthybrotherinsteadofgoingoutasgovernesses—andwhentheywerewellstrickeninold-maidhoodtheyhadaqueerlittlelovestoryalltothemselves,whichperhapswillbetoldsomedaybyitself.

Therichmanmadefewpresents,forhehadfewwants,anddidnotunderstandtheminothers.Hewasnonethelessonthataccountagenerousman,andwouldoftenhavegiven,hadheknownwhattogive;butthosewhoexpressedtheirwisheswereapttooffendhimbyexpressingthemtooclearly.Therelationsalllivedingoodhousesandhadanabundanceofbreadandasufficientallowanceofbutter,andJohnRalstonwastheonlyoneinconnectionwithwhomhehadheardmentionofatailor’sbill—JohnRalstonwasmoreintheoldgentleman’smindthananyoneknew.Whatdidtheothersallwant?Jewels,perhaps,andhorsesandcarriagesandalotofloosecashtothrowoutofthewindow.Thatwasthewayheputit.Hehadneverkeptabroughamhimselfuntilhewasfiftyyearsofage.Itwastruethathehadnowomankindandwasastrongman,likeallhistribe.Butthen,manyofhisacquaintanceswhomighthavekeptadozenhorses,

saiditwasmoretroublethanitwasworth,andhiredwhattheywanted.Hisrelationscoulddothesame—itwasamerecuriosityontheirparttoexperiencethesensationoflookingrich.RobertLauderdaleknewthesensationverywellandknewthatitwasquiteworthless.Ofcourse,hethought,theyallknewthatathisdeaththeywouldbeprovidedfor—evenlazyJack,ashementallynicknamedRalston.Atleast,hesupposedthattheyknewit.Theyshouldhaveafairshareofthemoneyintheend.

Buthewasconscious,andacutelyconscious,thatmostofthemwantedit,andhehadverylittlebeliefinthedisinterestedaffectionofanyofthem.Eventheoldphilanthropist,ifhehadbeenofferedthechancebyaplayfuldestiny,wouldhavelaidviolenthandsonitallforhischarities,totheexclusionofthewholefamily.HissonwouldhaveburieditinhisownTrustCompany,andlongedtohaveitforthatpurpose,andfornoother.JackRalstonwantedtosquanderit;HamiltonBrightwantedtodobankingwithitandtoout-RothschildtheRothschildsintheexchangesoftheworld.Crowdie,whomRoberttheRichdetested,wantedhiswifetohaveitinorderthathemightbuildmarblepalaceswithitontheshoresofmoreorlessmythiclakes.KatharineRalstonwouldhavelikedsomeofitbecauseshelikedtobeaboveallconsiderationsofmoney,andherhusband’sdeathhadmadeagreatdifferenceinherincome.Mrs.Lauderdalewantedit,ofcourse,andheridealofhappinesswouldberealizedinhavingthreeorfourprincelyestablishments,inmovingwiththeseasonsfromonetotheotherandinalwayshavingherhousefullofguests.ShewasborninKentucky—andshewouldbeasuperbhostess.Perhapssheshouldhaveachancesomeday.CharlotteSlaybackwantedasmuchasshecouldgetbecauseherhusbandwasrich,andshehadnothing,andshehadgoodbloodinherveins,butanabundanceofevilprideinherheart.TherewasKatharineLauderdale,aboutwhomthegreatmanwasundecided.Helikedherandthoughtsheunderstoodhim.Butofcourseshewantedthemoneytoo—inordertomarrylazyJack—andwakeuplove’syoungdreamwithajump,asheexpresseditfamiliarly.Sheshouldnothaveitforthatpurpose,atallevents.ItwouldbemuchbetterthatsheshouldmarryHamiltonBright,whowasasensiblefellow.HadnotRalstonbeenofferedtwochances,atbothofwhichhehadpitiablyfailed?Hehadnoideaofdoinganythingmorefortheboyatpresent.Ifheevergotanyofthemoneyitshouldbefromhismother.ThetwoKatharineswereoutandoutthebestofthetribe.HehadagreatmindtotearuphisoldwillanddividethewholefortuneequallybetweenKatharineRalstonandKatharineLauderdale.Nodoubttherewouldbeadisputeaboutthewillinanycase—hemightjustaswellfollowhisinclinations,ifhecouldnotpreventfighting.

Andthen,whenhereachedthatpoint,hewassuddenlycheckedbyaconsiderationwhichdoesnotpresentitselftoordinarymen.Asheleanedbackinhisleathernwritingchair,whilehisknottedfingersplayedwiththecorkpen-holderheused,hisgreatheadslowlyboweditself,andhesatlongindeepthought.

Itwasallverywellforhimtoplayatbeingjustacapriciousoldunclewithsomemoneytoleave,ashepleased,tothisoneorthatone,asoldunclesdidinstorybooks,makingeverybodyhappyintheend.Thatwasallverywell.Hehadhislittlelikesanddislikes,hisattachmentsandhisdetestations,andhehadarighttohavethem,assmallermenhad.Alittlehereandalittletherewouldofcoursegivepleasureandmightevenmakehappiness.Buthowmuchwoulditneedtomakethemallrich,comparedwiththeirpresentposition?RobertLauderdaledidnotlaughasheansweredthequestiontohimself.Oneyear’sincomealone,dividedamongstthem,wouldgiveeachafortune.Theincomeoftwoyearswouldgivethemwealth.Andthecapitalwouldremain—thevastpossessionwhichinafewyearshemustlaydownforever,whichatanymomentmightbemasterless,forhewasanoldman,overseventyyearsofage.Ifhehadason,itwouldbedifferent.Thingswouldfollowtheirnaturalcourseforgoodorevil,andhewouldnothimselfbetoblameforwhathappened.Buthehadnoone,andthethinghemustleavetosomeonewasgreatpowerinitsmostserviceableform—money.

Hehadbeenfacetofacewiththeproblemforyearsandhadnotsolvedit.ItisagreatoneinAmerica,atthepresentday,andRobertLauderdaleknewit.Hewaswellawarethatheandascoreofothers,somericher,somelessrichthanhimself,wereexecratedbyacertainproportionofthecommunityandpointedoutasthedisturbersoftheequaldistributionofwealth.Hewasmadepersonallysureofthefactbyhundredsofletters,anonymousandsigned,warninghimoftheapproachingdestructionofhimselfandhisproperty.Peoplewhodidnotevenknowthathewasabachelor,threatenedtokidnaphischildrenandkeepthemfromhimuntilheshouldgiveuphiswealth.Hewasthreatened,entreated,admonished,preachedatandhelduptoridiculebyeveryspeciesoffanaticwhichtheageproduces.Hewasnotafraidofanyofthem.Hedidnothavehimselfguardedbydetectivesinplainclothesandathletesinfashionablecoats,whenhechosetowalkinthestreets,andhedidnotyieldtotheentreatiesofwomenwhowrotetohimfromTexasthattheyshouldbeperfectlyhappyifhewouldsendthemgrandpianostotheaddressestheygave.Hewasdiscriminating,hewasjustaccordingtohislightandhetriedtodogood,while

hetooknonoticeofthosewhoravedandabusedhim.Butheknewthattherewasareasonforthestorm,andwasmuchmorekeenlyalivetothedifficultiesofthesituationthananyofhisanonymouscorrespondents.

Hehadinhisownhandsandathisabsolutedisposalthewealthwhich,underaproperadministration,wouldperpetuallysupplybetweensevenandeightthousandfamilieswiththenecessariesoflife.Hehadmadethatcalculationoneday,notidly,butintheendeavourtorealizewhatcouldreallybedonewithsomuchmoney.Hewasnotavisionaryphilanthropistlikehisbrother,thoughhehelpedhiminmanyofhisschemes.Hewasnotasaint,thoughhewasagoodman,asmengo.Hehadnotthesmallestintentionofdevotingagiganticfortuneexclusivelytothebetteringofmankind,forhewashuman.Buthefeltthatinhislonelywealthhewasinameasureunderanobligationtoallhumanity—thathehadcreatedforhimselfaresponsibilitygreaterthanonemancouldbear,andthatheandotherslikehimhadraisedaquestion,andproposedaproblemwhichhadnotbeforebeendreamtofinthehistoryoftheworld.He,anindividualwithnoespecialgiftsbesideshiskeenjudgmentinacertainclassofaffairs,withnothingbuthiswealthtodistinguishhimfromanyotherindividual,possessedtheequivalentofasumofmoneywhichwouldhaveseemedverylargeinthetreasuryofagreatnation,orwhichwouldhavebeenconsideredsufficientasareservewherewithtoenteruponagreatwar.Andtherewereothersinanexactlysimilarposition.Heknewseveralofthem.Hecouldcounthalfadozenmenwho,togetherwithhimself,couldupsetthefinancesoftheworldiftheychose.Itneedednotortuousreasoningandbutlittlevanitytoshowhimthatheandtheydidnotstandtowardsmankindasothermenstood.Andthethoughtbroughtwithitthecertaintythattherewasarightcourseforhimtopursueinthedisposalofhismoney,ifhecouldbutseeitintherightlight.

ThiswasthemanwhomalltheLauderdaletribecalleduncleRobert,andtowhomKatharineintendedtoappealassoonasshehadbeensecretlymarriedtoJohnRalston,andfromwhomshefeltsureofobtainingwhatshemeanttoask.Hewascapableofsurprisingher.

‘Youhaveagoodhouse,goodfood,goodclothes—andsohasyourhusband.Whatrighthaveyou,KatharineLauderdale,orMrs.JohnRalston,toclaimmorethananymemberofeachofthesevenoreightthousandfamilieswhomIcouldsupportwouldgetinthedistribution?’

Thatwastheanswershemightreceive—intheformofaratherunanswerable

question.

CHAPTERXII.

TheafternoonwhichfollowedthefirstsittinginCrowdie’sstudioseemedverylongtoKatharine.Shedidallsortsofthingstomakethetimepass,butitwouldnot.Sheevensetinorderawholedrawerfullofribbonsandglovesandveilsandothertrifles,whichisgenerallytheverylastthingawomandoestogetridofthehours.

Andallthetimeshewasthinking,andnotsurewhetheritwouldnotbebettertofightagainstherthoughts.Forthoughshewasnotafraidofchanginghermindshehadavagueconsciousnessthatthewholequestionmightraiseitsheadagainandfaceherlikeathinginadream,andinsistthatsheshouldarguewithit.Andthen,therewastheplainandunmistakablefactthatshewasontheeveofdoingsomethingwhichwashardlyeverdonebythepeopleamongstwhomshelived.

Itwasnotthatshewastimid,ordreadedtheremarkswhichmightbemade.Anytimidityofthatsortwouldhavecheckedherattheveryoutset.IfthemanshelovedhadbeenanyonebutJackRalston,whomshehadknownallherlife,shecouldneverhavethoughtofproposingsuchathing.Oddlyenough,shefeltthatsheshouldblush,asshehadblushedthatmorningatthestudio,atthemereideaofasecretmarriage,ifRalstonwereanyoneelse.Butnotfromanyfearofwhatotherpeoplemightsay.Notonlyhadthetwobeenintimatefromchildhood—theyhaddiscussedduringthelastyeartheirmarriage,andallthepossibilitiesofit,fromeverypointofview.Itwasasubjectfamiliartothem,thedifficultiestobeovercomewerecleartothemboth,theyhadproposedallmannerofschemesforovercomingthem,theyhadtalkedforhoursaboutrunningawaytogetherandhadbeensensibleenoughtoseethefollyofsuchathing.Themerematterofsayingcertainwordsandofgivingandreceivingaringhadgraduallysunkintoinsignificanceasanevent.ItwasaninevitableformalityinRalston’seyes,tobegonethroughwithscrupulousexactnessindeed,andtobecarefullyrecordedandwitnessed,buttherewasnotaparticleofromanceconnectedwithit,anymorethanwiththesigningandwitnessingofatitle-deedoranyotherlegaldocument.

Katharinehadasomewhatdifferentopinionofit,forithadarealreligiousvalueinhereyes.Thatwasonereasonwhyshepreferredasecretwedding.Ofcourse,themomentwouldcome,soonerorlater,fortheyweresuretobemarriedintheend,publiclyorprivately.Butinanycaseitwouldbeasolemnmoment.The

obligations,assheviewedthem,wereforlife.Theverywordsofthepromisehadanimposingsimplicity.Inthechurchtowhichshestronglyinclined,marriagewascalledasacrament,andbelievedtobeone,inwhichthepresenceoftheDivinepersonallysanctifiedthebondofthehuman.Katharinewasquitewillingtobelievethat,too.Andthemoreshebelievedit,themoreshehatedtheideaofagreatfashionablewedding,suchasCharlotteSlaybackhadenduredwithmuchequanimity.Shecouldimaginenothingmoredisagreeable,evenpainful,thantobethecentralfigureofsuchanexhibition.

Thatholyhour,whenitcameatlast,shouldbeholyindeed.Thereshouldbenothing,everthereafter,todisturbthepurememoryofitssanctity.Aquietchurch,themansheloved,herselfandtheinterpreterofGod.Thatwasallshewanted—nottobedisturbedinthegreatesteventofherlifebyalltherustling,glittering,flower-scented,grinning,gossipingcrowdofcritics,whoseridiculouspresenceisconsideredtolendmarriageadignitybeyondwhatGodornaturecouldbestowuponit.

ThiswasKatharine’sview,andasshehadnointentionofkeepinghermarriagetoRalstonasecretduringevensomuchastwenty-fourhours,itwasneitherunnaturalnorunjustifiable.Butinspiteofalltherealimportancewhichshegavetotheceremonyasafact,itseemedsomuchamatterofcourse,andshehadthoughtofitsolongandundersomanyaspects,thatinthechainoffutureeventsitwasmerelyalinktobereachedandpassedassoonaspossible.Itwasnotthering,northepromisenortheblessing,bywhichherlifewastobechanged.SheknewthatshelovedJohnRalston,andshecouldnotlovehimbetterstillfromtheinstantinwhichhebecameherlawfulhusband.Thedifficultiesbeganbeyondthat,withherintendedattackuponuncleRobert.Shetoldherselfthatshewassureofsuccess,butshewasnot,sinceshecouldnotseeintothefutureonehourbeyondthemomentofhermeetingwiththeoldgentleman.Thatseeingintothefutureisthetestofconfidence,andtheonlyone.

Itstruckhersuddenlythateverythingwhichwastohappenaftertheall-importantinterviewwasablanktoher.Shepausedinwhatshewasdoing—shewaswindingayellowribbonroundherfinger—andshelookedoutofthewindow.Itwasraining,fortheweatherhadchangedquicklyduringtheafternoon.RaininClintonPlaceisparticularlydreary.Katharinesatdownuponthechairthatstoodbeforeherlittlewritingtableinthecornerbythewindow,andwatchedthegreylaceveilwhichthefallingraindropswovebetweenherandtheredbrickhousesopposite.

Afeelingofdespaircameoverher.UncleRobertwouldrefusetodoanything.Whatwouldhappenthen?Whatcouldshedo?Shewasbraveenoughtofaceherfather’sangerandhermother’sdistress,forshelovedRalstonwithallherheart.Butwhatwouldhappen?IfuncleRobertfailedher,thefuturewasnolongerblankbutblack.Nooneelsecoulddoanything.Ofwhatusewouldthefamilybattlebe?Herfathercouldnot,andwouldnot,doanythingforherorherhusband.Hewasthesortofmanwhowouldtakeasterndelightinseeingherbeartheconsequencesofhermistake—itcouldnotbecalledafault,evenbyhim.ToimposeherselfonMrs.RalstonwasmorethanKatharine’spridecouldenduretocontemplate.Ofcourse,itwouldbepossibletolive—barelytolive—onthecharityofherhusband’smother.Mrs.Ralstonwoulddoanythingforherson,andwouldsacrificeherselfcheerfully.Buttoacceptanysuchsacrificewasoutofthequestion.Andthen,too,Katharineknewwhatextremeeconomymeant,forshehadsufferedfromitlongunderherfather’sroof,anditwasnotpleasant.YettheywouldbepoorerstillattheRalstons,andshewouldbethecauseofit.

IfuncleRobertrefusedtohelpthem,thepositionwouldbedesperate.Shewatchedtherainandtriedtothinkitallover.Shesupposedthatherfatherwouldinsistupon—what?Notuponkeepingthesecret,forthatwouldnotbelikehim.Hewasahorriblyvirtuousman,Charlotteusedtosay.Oh,no!hewouldnotactalieonanyaccount,nothe!KatharinewonderedwhyshehatedthisscrupuloustruthfulnessinherfatherandadmireditaboveallthingsinRalston.Jackwouldnotactalieeither.Butthen,ifthereweretobenosecret,andifthemarriageweretobeannounced,whatwouldhappen?Wouldherfatherinsistuponherlivingathomeuntilherhusbandshouldbeabletosupporther?Whatasituation!Shecaredlessthanmostgirlsaboutsocialopinion,butshereallywonderedwhatsocietywouldsay.Herfatherwouldsaynothing.Hewouldsmilethatelectricsmileofhis,andholdhisheadhigherthanever.‘Thisiswhathappenstodaughterswhodisobeytheirparents,’hewouldseemtotelltheworld.ShehadalwaysthoughtthathemightbelikethefirstBrutus,andshefeltsureofitnow.

ItseemedlikeweaknesstothinkofgoingtouncleRobertthatveryafternoon,beforetheinevitablemomentwaspast.YetitwouldbesuchanimmensesatisfactiontohavehadtheinterviewandtohavehispromisetodosomethingforRalston.Thethoughtseemedcowardlyandyetshedweltonit.Ofcourse,herchiefweaponwiththeoldgentlemanwastobethefactthatthethingwasdoneandcouldnotbeundone,sothathecouldhavenogoodadvicetogive.And,yet,perhapsshemightmovehimbysayingthatshehadmadeuphermind

andwastobemarriedto-morrow.Hemightnotbelieveher,andmightlaughandsendheraway—withoneofhisheartyavuncularkisses—shecouldseehisdearoldfaceinherimagination.Butifhedidthat,shecouldstillreturnto-morrow,andshowhimthecertificateofhermarriage.Hewouldnotthenbeabletosaythatshehadnotgivenhimfairwarning.Shewisheditwouldnotrain.Shewouldhavewalkedinthedirectionofhishouse,andwhenshewasnearitsheknewinherheartthatshewouldyield—sinceitseemedlikeatemptation—andperhapsitwouldbebetter.

Butitwasraining,anduncleRobertlivedfarawayfromClintonPlaceinahousehehadbuiltforhimselfatthecornerofanewblockfacingtheCentralPark.Hehadbuiltthewholeblockandhadkeptpossessionofitafterwards.ItwasalmostthreemilesfromAlexanderLauderdale’shouseinunfashionableClintonPlace—threemilesofelevatedroad,orofhorse-carorofwalking—andinanycaseitmeantgettingwetinsucharainstorm.Moreover,Katharinerarelywentalonebytheelevatedroad.Shewisheditwouldstopraining.Ifitwouldonlystopforhalfanhourshewouldgo.Perhapsitwasaswelltoletfatedecidethematterinthatway.

Justthenacarriagedroveuptothedoor.Sheflattenedherfaceagainstthewindow,butcouldnotseewhogotoutofit.Itwasacab,however,andthedriverhadawaterproofhatandcoat.Inallprobabilityitcamefromoneofthehotels.Anyonemighthavetakenit.Katharinedrewbackalittleandlookedidlyatthelittlemottledmistherbreathhadmadeuponthewindowpane.Thedoorofherroomopenedsuddenly.

“Kitty,areyouthere?”askedawoman’svoice.

KatharineknewasthehandleofthelatchwasturnedthathersisterCharlottehadcome.Nooneelseeverenteredherroomwithoutknocking,andnooneelseevercalledher‘Kitty.’Shehatedtheabbreviationofhernameandsheresentedthefamiliarityoftheunbiddenentrance.Sheturnedrathersharply.

“Oh—isthatyou?IthoughtyouwereinWashington.”Shecameforward,andthetwoexchangedkissesmechanically.

“BenjaminSlaybackofNevadahadbusinessinNewYork,soIcameuptogetabreathofmynativemicrobes,”saidCharlotte,goingtothemirrorandbeginningtotakeoffherhatverycarefullysoasnottodisturbherhair.“Weareatahotel,

ofcourse—butit’snice,allthesame.Isupposemamma’satworkandIknowpapa’sdowntown,andtheancestorisprobablystudyingsomenewkindoffool—soIcametoyourroom.”

“Willyouhavesometea?”askedKatharine.

“Tea?Whatwildextravagance!Isupposeyouofferittomeas‘Mrs.Slayback.’Iwonderifpapawould.Icanseehimsmile—justlikethis—isn’titjustlikehim?”

ShesmiledbeforethemirrorandthenturnedsuddenlyonKatharine.Themimicrywascertainlygood.Mrs.Slayback,however,wasfair,likehermother,witharadiantcomplexion,goldenhairandgoodfeatures,—largerandbolderthanMrs.Lauderdale’s,butnotnearlysoclassicallyperfect.Therewassomethinghardinherface,especiallyabouttheeyes.

“It’sjustthesameasever,”shesaid,seatingherselfinthesmallarm-chair—theonlyoneintheroom.“Thesamedear,delightful,dreary,comfortless,furnace-heated,gaslighted,‘put-on-your-best-hat-to-go-to-church’sortofexistencethatitalwayswas!Iwonderhowyouallstandit—howIstooditsolongmyself!”

Katharinelaughedandturnedherhead.Shehadbeenlookingoutofthewindowagainandwonderingwhethertherainwouldstopafterall.Sheandhersisterhadneverlivedveryharmoniouslytogether.Theirpitchedbattleshadbeguninthenurserywithanyweaponstheycouldlayhandson,pillows,moribunddolls,soapysponges,andthenurse’sshoes.ThoughKatharinewastheyounger,shehadsoonbeenthestrongeratclosequarters.ButCharlottehadthesharpertongueandwasbyfarthebettershotwithanyprojectilewhensafelyentrenchedbehindthebed.Atthefirstshowofhostilitiesshemadeforbothsponges—arag-dollwasnotabadthing,ifshegotachancetodipitintothebasin,buttherewasnothinglikeasponge,whenitwas‘justgooeywithsoap,’astheyouthfulCharlotteexpressedit.Shecarriedtheartofthrowingtoahighdegreeofperfection,andonveryrareoccasions,aftershewasgrownup,shesurprisedheradorersbythrowingpebblesatamarkwithanunerringaccuracywhichwouldhavedonecredittoapoacher’sapprentice.

Sincethenurserydaysthewarfarehadbeencarriedonbywordsandtheencountershadbeenlessfrequent,butthecontrastwasalwaysapparentbetweenKatharine’sstrengthandCharlotte’squickness.Katharinewaited,collectedher

strength,choseherlanguageanddeliveredaheavyblow,sotosay.Charlotte,asFrankMinerputit,‘slungEnglishalloverthelot.’Bothwereeffectiveintheirway.Buttheyhadthegoodtastetoquarrelinprivateand,moreover,inmanythingstheywereallies.Withregardtotheirfather,Katharinetookanevilandsilentdelightinhersister’ssarcasms,andCharlottecouldnothelpadmiringKatharine’ssolid,unyieldingoppositiononcertainpoints.

“Oh,yes!”saidKatharine,answeringCharlotte’slastremark.“There’llbelesschangethanevernowthatyou’remarried.”

“Isupposeso.PoorKitty!Weusedtofightnowandthen,butIknowyouenjoyedlookingonwhenImadearowatdinner.Didn’tyou?”

“OfcourseIdid.I’mahumanbeing.”Katharinelaughedagain.“Won’tyoureallyhavetea?IalwayshaveitwhenIwantit.”

“Youbravelittlething!Doyou?Well—ifyoulike.Youquietpeoplealwayshaveyourownwayintheend,”addedMrs.Slayback,ratherthoughtfully.“Isupposeit’sthesteadypushthatdoesit.”

“Don’tyouhaveyourway,too?”askedKatharine,insomesurpriseathersister’stoneofvoice.

“No.I’mashamedtosaythatIdon’t.No—”Sheseemedtoberecapitulatingevents.“No—Idon’thavemywayatall—nottheleastlittlebit.IhavethewayofBenjaminSlaybackofNevada.”

“Whydoyoutalkofyourhusbandinthatway?”enquiredKatharine.

“ShallIcallhimMr.Slayback?”askedCharlotte,“orBenjamin—dearlittleBenjamin!orBen—the‘soldierbold’?Howdoes‘Ben’strikeyou,Kitty?Iknow—I’vethoughtofcallinghimMinnie—lastsyllableofBenjamin,yousee.TherewasamomentwhenIhesitatedat‘Benjy’—‘Benjy,darling,anothercupofcoffee?’—itwouldsoundsoquietandhome-likeatbreakfast,wouldn’tit?It’sfortunatethatpapamadeusgetupearlyallourlives.Mydreamofmarriedhappiness—anicelittleFrenchmaidsmilingatmewithabeautifullittletea-trayjustasIwasopeningmyeyes—Ihadthoughtaboutitforyears!Well,it’sallover.BenjaminSlaybackofNevadatakeshisbreakfastlikeaman—aregularBenjamin’sportionofbreakfast,andwantstofeasthiseyesonmyloveliness,andhisunderstandingonmywit,andhisinnermanonthefleshofkine—andall

thattogetherateighto’clockinthemorning—BenjaminSlaybackofNevada—there’snoothernameforhim!”

“Thenameirritatesme—yourepeatitsooften!”

“Doesit,dear?Themanirritatesme,andthat’sinfinitelyworse.Iwishyouknew!”

“Buthe’sawfullygoodtoyou,Charlie.Youcan’tdenythat,atallevents.”

“Yes—andhecallsmeLottie,”answeredCharlotte,withmuchdisgust.“YouknowhowIhateit.Butifyouaregoingtolecturemeonmyhusband’sgoodness—Kitty,Itellyoufrankly,Iwon’tstandit.I’llsaysomethingtoyouthat’llmakeyou—justfrizzleup!Rememberthesoapyspongeofold,mychild,andbenicetoyoursister.Icameherehopingtoseeyou.Iwanttotalkseriouslytoyou.Atleast—I’mnotsure.Iwanttotalkseriouslytosomebody,andyou’rethemostseriouspersonIknow.”

“Moresothanyourhusband?”

“He’sgraveenoughsometimes,butnotgenerally.It’salmostalwaysabouthisconstituents.Theyaretohimwhattheliveristosomepeople—onlythattheyarebeyondthereachofmineralwaters.Besides—it’sabouthimthatIwanttotalk.Youlooksurprised,thoughI’msureIdon’tknowwhy.Isuppose—becauseI’veneversaidanythingbefore.”

“ButIdon’tevenknowwhatyou’regoingtosay—”

Mrs.Slaybacklookedatheryoungersistersteadilyforamoment,andthenlookedatthewindow.Therainwasstillfallingfastandsteadily;andtheroomhadadreary,dingyairaboutitastheafternoonadvanced.IthadbeenCharlotte’sbeforehermarriage,andKatharinehadmovedintoitsincebecauseitwasbetterthanherown.Theeldergirlhadfilleditwithlittleworthlesstrifleswhichhadbrightenedittoacertainextent;butKatharinecaredlittleforthatsortofthing,andwasfarmoreindifferenttotheaspectoftheplaceinwhichshelived.Therewereacoupleofdarkengravingsofsacredsubjectsonthewalls,—oneoverthenarrowbedinthecorner,andtheotherabovethechestofdrawers,andtherewasnothingmorewhichcouldbesaidtobeintendedforornament.YetCharlotteSlayback’shardfacesoftenedalittleashereyeswanderedfromthewindowtothefamiliar,fadedwallpaperandtheold-fashionedfurniture.Thesilencelasted

sometime.Thensheturnedtohersisteragain.

“‘Kitty—don’tdowhatI’vedone,’shesaidearnestly.”—Vol.I.,p.257.

“‘Kitty—don’tdowhatI’vedone,’shesaidearnestly.”—Vol.I.,p.257.

“Kitty—don’tdowhatI’vedone,”shesaid,earnestly.

Shewatchedthegirl’sfaceforachangeofexpression,butKatharine’simpassivefeatureswerenotquicktoexpressanysmallfeelingbeyondpassingannoyance.

“Aren’tyouhappy,Charlie?”Katharineasked,gravely.

“Happy!”

Theelderwomanonlyrepeatedthesingleword,butittoldherstoryplainlyenough.Shewouldhavegivenmuchtohavecomebacktotheoldroom,drearyasitlooked.

“I’mverysorry,”saidKatharine,inalowervoiceandbeginningtounderstand.“Isn’thekindtoyou?”

“Oh,it’snotthat!He’skind—inhisway—itmakesitworse—farworse,”sherepeated,afteramoment’spause.“Ihadn’tbeenmuchusedtothatsortofkindnessbeforeIwasmarried,youknow—exceptfrommamma,andthatwasdifferent—andtohaveitfrom—”Shestopped.

Katharinehadneverseenhersisterinthismoodbefore.Charlottewasgenerallythelastpersontomakeconfidences,ortocomplainsoftlyofanythingshedidnotlike.Katharinethoughtshemustbeverymuchchanged.

“Yousayyou’reunhappy,”saidtheyounggirl.“Butyoudon’ttellmewhy.Hastherebeenanytrouble—anythingespecial?”

“No.Youdon’tunderstand.Howshouldyou?Weneverdidunderstandeachotherverywell,youandI.Idon’tknowwhyIcometoyouwithmytroubles,either.Youcan’thelpme.Nobodycan—unlessitwere—alawyer.”

“Alawyer?”Katharinewastakenbysurprisenow,andhereyesshowedit.

“Yes,”answeredCharlotte,hervoicegrowingcoldandhardagain.“Peoplecanbedivorcedforincompatibilityoftemper.”

“Charlotte!”Theyounggirlstartedalittle,andleanedforward,layingherhanduponhersister’sknee.

“Oh,yes!Imeanit.I’msorrytohorrifyyouso,mydear,andIsupposepapawouldsaythatdivorcewasnotapropersubjectforconversation.Perhapshe’sright—buthe’snotheretotellusso.”

“But,Charlie—”Katharinestoppedshort,unabletosaythefirstwordofthemanythatrushedtoherlips.

“Iknow,”saidCharlotte,payingnoattention.“Iknowexactlywhatyou’regoingtosay.Youaregoingtoarguethequestion,andtellmeinthefirstplacethatI’mbad,andthenthatI’mmad,andthenthatI’mamother,—andallsortsofthings.I’vethoughtofthemall,mydear;andthey’reveryterrible,ofcourse.ButI’mquitewillingtobethemallatonce,ifIcanonlygetmyfreedomagain.Idon’texpectmuchsympathy,andIdon’twantanygoodadvice—andIhaven’tseenalawyeryet.ButImusttalk—Imustsayitout—Imusthearit!Kitty—I’mdesperate!Ineverknewwhatitmeantbefore.”

Sherosesuddenlyfromherseat,walkedtwiceupanddowntheroom,andthenstoodstillbeforeKatharine,andlookeddownintoherface.

“Ofcourseyoucan’tunderstand,”shesaid,asshehadsaidbefore.“Howshouldyou?”Sheseemedtobewaitingforananswer.

“IthinkIcould,ifyouwouldtellmemoreaboutyourself,”Katharinereplied.“I’mtryingtounderstand.I’dhelpyouifIknewhow.”

“That’simpossible.”Mrs.Slaybackseatedherselfagain.“Butit’sthis.YoumusthavewonderedwhyImarriedhim,didn’tyou?”

“Well—notexactly.Butitseemedtome—therewereothermen,ifyoumeanttomarryamanyoudidn’tlove.”

“Idon’tbelieveinlove,”saidCharlotte.“ButIwantedtobemarriedformanyreasons—mostofall,becauseIcouldn’tbearthelifehere.”

“Yes—Iknow.You’renotlikeme.Butwhydidn’tyouchoosesomebodyelse?Ican’tunderstandmarryingwithoutlove;butitseemstome,asIsaid,thatifoneisgoingtodosuchathingonehadbettermakeacarefulchoice.”

“Idid.Ichosemyhusbandformanyreasons.Heisricherthananyofthemenwhoproposedtome,andthat’sagreatthing.Andhe’sverygood-natured,andwhattheycall‘anableman.’Therewerelotsofgoodreasons.TherewerethingsIdidn’tlike,ofcourse;butIthoughtIcouldmakehimchange.Idid—inlittlethings.Heneverwearsagreentienow,forinstance—”

“Asifsuchthingscouldmakeadifferenceinlife’shappiness!”criedKatharine,contemptuously.

“Mydear—theydo.Butnevermindthat.IthoughtIcould—whatshallIsay?—develophislatentsocialtalent.AndIhave.Inthatwayhe’schangedagooddeal.You’venotseenhimthisyear,haveyou?No,ofcoursenot.Well,he’snotthesameman.Butit’sinthebigthings.IthoughtIcouldmanagehim,bysheerforceofsuperiorwill,andmakehimdojustwhatIwanted—oh,Imadesuchamistake!”

“Andbecauseyou’vemarriedamanwhomyoucan’torderaboutlikeaservant,youwanttobedivorced,”saidKatharine,coldly.

“Iknewyoucouldn’tunderstand,”Charlotteanswered,withunusualgentleness.“Isupposeyouwon’tbelievemeifItellyouthatIsufferallthetime,and—very,verymuch.”

Katharinedidnotunderstand,buthersister’stonetoldherplainlyenoughthattherewasrealtroubleofsomesort.

“Charlie,”shesaid,“there’ssomethingonyourmind—somethingelse.HowcanIknowwhatitis,unlessyoutellme,dear?”

Mrs.Slaybackturnedherheadaway,andbitherlip,asthoughthekindwordshadtouchedher.

“It’smypride,”shesaidsuddenlyandveryquickly.“Hehurtsitso!”

“Buthow?Merelybecausehedoesthingsinhisownway?Heprobablyknowsbest—theyallsayhe’sverycleverinpolitics.”

“Clever!Ishouldthinkso!He’sagreat,rough,good-natured,ill-mannered—no,he’snotabrute.He’spainfullykind.Butwiththatexterior—there’snootherword.Hehasthequicknessofawomaninsomeways.Ibelievehecanbeanythinghechooses.”

“Butallyousayisratherinhisfavour.”

“Iknowitis.Iwishitwerenot.IfIlovedhim—themereideaisridiculous!ButifIdid,Iwouldtrotbyhissideandcarrythebasketthroughlife,likehispoodle.ButIdon’tlovehim—andheexpectsmetodoitallthesame.I’mcurled,andscented,andfeddelicately,andputtosleeponasilkcushion,andhaveabeautifulnewribbontiedroundmyneckeverymorning,justlikeapoodle-dog—andImusttrotquietlyandcarrythebasket.That’sallIaminhislife—itwasn’texactlymydream,”sheaddedbitterly.

“Isee.Andyouthoughtthatitwastobetheotherway,andthathewastotrotbesideyou.”

“Youputithonestly,atallevents.Yes.IsupposeIthoughtthat.Ididnotexpectthis,anyhow—andIsimplycan’tbearitanylonger!Solongasthere’sanyquestionofsocialmatters,ofcourse,everythingislefttome.Hecan’tleaveacardhimself,hewon’tmakevisits—hewon’tliftafinger,thoughhewantsitallproperlyandperfectlydone.Lottiemusttrot—withthecard-basket.ButifIventuretohaveanopinionaboutanything,Ihavenomoreinfluenceoverhimthanthefurniture.Imustn’tsaythis,becauseitwillberepeatedthathiswifesaidit;andImustn’tsaythat,becausethosearenothispoliticalopinions;andImustn’tsaysomethingelse,becauseitmightgetbacktoNevadaandoffendhisconstituents—andasfordoinganything,it’ssimplyoutofthequestion.WhenI’mboredtodeathwithitall,hetellsmethathisconstituentsexpecthimtostayinWashingtonduringthesession,andheadvisesmetogoawayforafewdays,andofferstodrawmeacheque.HewouldprobablygivemeathousanddollarsformyexpensesifIwantedtostayaweekwithyou.Idon’tknowwhetherhewantstoseemmagnificent,orwhetherhethinksIexpectit,orifhereallyimaginesthatIshouldspendit.Butitisn’tthatIwant,Kitty—itisn’tthat!Ididn’tmarryformoney,thoughitwasverynicetohavesomuch—itwasn’tforthat,itreally,reallywasn’t!Isupposeit’sabsurd—perfectlywild—butIwantedtobesomebody,tohavesomeinfluenceintheworld,tohavejustalittleofwhatpeoplecallrealpower.AndIhaven’tgotit,andIcan’thaveit;andI’mnothingbuthispoodle-dog,andI’mperfectlymiserable!”

Katharinecouldfindnothingtosaywhenhersisterpausedafterherlongspeech.Itwasnoteasyforhertosympathizewithanyonesototallyunlikeherself,nortounderstandthestateofmindofawomanwhowantedthesortofpowerwhichfewwomencovet,whohadpracticallygivenherlifeinexchangeforthehopeofit,andwhohadpitiablyfailedtoobtainit.Shestaredoutofthewindowatthefallingrain,anditallseemedverydrearytoher.

“It’smypride!”exclaimedCharlotte,suddenly,afterapause.“Ineverknewwhatitmeantbefore—andyounevercan.It’sintolerabletofeelthatI’mbeatenattheverybeginningoflife.Can’tyouunderstandthat,atleast?”

“Yes—but,Charliedear,—it’salongwayfromabitofwoundedpridetoadivorce—isn’tit?”

“Yes,”answeredCharlotte,disconsolately.“Isupposeitis.Butifyouknewthehorriblesensation!Itgrowsworseandworse—andthelessIcanfindfaultwithhimforotherthings,theworseitseemstogrow.Andit’squiteuselesstofight.YouknowI’mgoodatfighting,don’tyou?IusedtothinkIwas,untilItriedtofightmyhusband.Mydear—I’mnotinitwithhim!”

Katharineroseandturnedherback,feelingthatshecouldhardlycontrolherselfifshesatstill.Therewasanincrediblefrivolityabouthersisteratcertainmomentswhichwasalmostrevoltingtotheyounggirl.

“Whatisit?”askedCharlotte,observinghermovement.

“Oh—nothing,”answeredKatharine.“Theshadeisn’tquiteupandit’sgrowingdark,that’sall.”

“Ithoughtyouwereangry,”saidMrs.Slayback.

“I?WhyshouldIbeangry?Whatbusinessisitofmine?”Katharineturnedandfacedher,havingadjustedtheshadetoherliking.“Ofcourse,ifyoumustsaythatsortofthing,youhadbettersayittomethantoanyoneelse.Itdoesn’tsoundwellintheworld—andit’snotpleasanttohear.”

“Whynot?”askedCharlotte,hervoicegrowinghardandcoldagain.“Butthat’safoolishquestion.Well—I’vehadmytalkout—andIfeelbetter.Onemustsometimes,youknow.”Hertonesoftenedagain,unexpectedly.“Don’tbetoohardonme,Kittydear—justbecauseyou’reabetterwomanthanIam.”There

wasatremorinherlastwords.

Katharinedidnotunderstand.Sheunderstood,however,andforthefirsttimeinherlife,thatafrivolouswomancansufferquiteasmuchasaseriousone—whichisatruthnotgenerallyrecognized.Sheputherarmroundhersister’sneckverygently,andpressedthefairheadtoherbosom,asshestoodbesideher.

“I’mnotbetterthanyou,Charlie—I’mdifferent,that’sall.Poordear!Ofcourseyousuffer!”

“Dear!”AndCharlotterubbedhersmoothcheekaffectionatelyagainsttheroughgreywoollenofhersister’sfrock.

CHAPTERXIII.

Theraincontinuedtofall,andeveniftheweatherhadchangeditwouldhavebeentoolateforKatharinetogoandseeRobertLauderdaleafterhersisterhadlefther.Onthewhole,shethought,itwouldprobablyhavebeenamistaketospeaktohimbeforehand.Shehadfeltastrongtemptationtodoso,butithadnotbeenthepartofwisdom.ShewaitedforRalston’snote.

Atlastitcame.Itwasshortandclear.Hehad,withgreatdifficulty,foundaclergymanwhowaswillingtomarrythem,andwhowouldperformtheceremonyonthefollowingmorningathalf-pastnineo’clock.TheclergymanhadonlyconsentedonRalston’sstrongrepresentations,andonthedistinctunderstandingthattherewastobenounnecessarysecrecyafterthefact,andthatthecoupleshouldsolemnlypromisetoinformtheirparentsofwhattheyhaddoneattheearliestmomentconsistentwiththeirwelfare.Ralstonhadwrittenouthisverywordsinregardtothatmatter,forhelikedthem,andfeltthatKatharineshould.

Johnhadbeenfortunateinhissearch,forhehadaccidentallycomeuponamanwhoseownlifehadbeenmarredbytheoppositionofayounggirl’sfamilytohermarriagewithhim.Hehimselfhadinconsequencenevermarried;theyounggirlhadtakenahusbandandhadbeenamostunhappywoman.HesympathizedwithRalston,likedhisface,andagreedtomarryRalstonandKatharineimmediately.Hischurchlayinadistantpartofthecity,andhehadnothingtodowithsociety,andthereforenothingtofearfromit.Iftroublearosehewasjustifiedbeforehandbythefactthatnoclergymanhasanabsoluterighttorefusemarriagetothosewhoaskit,andbythethoughtthathewascontributingtohappinessofthekind

whichhehimselfhadmostdesired,butwhichhadbeenwithheldfromhimunderjustsuchcircumstancesasthoseinwhichRalstonandKatharinewereplaced.Thegoodmanadmired,too,thewisdomofthecoursetheyweretaking.Whenhehadsaidthathewouldconsiderthematterfavourably,providedthattherewasnolegalobstacle,Ralstonhadtoldhimthewholetruth,andhadexplainedexactlywhatKatharineandheintendedtodo.Ofcourse,hehadtoexplaintherelationshipwhichexistedbetweenthemandoldRobertLauderdale,andtheclergyman,toRalston’sconsiderablesurprise,tookKatharine’sviewofthepossibilities.Heonlyinsistedthattheplanshouldbeconscientiouslycarriedoutassoonasmightbe,andthatKatharineshouldthereforego,inthecourseofthesameday,andtellherstorytoMr.RobertLauderdale.Ralstonmadenodifficultyaboutthat,andagreedtobeatthedooroftheclergyman’shouseonthefollowingmorningathalf-pastnine.Thelatterwouldopenthechurchhimself.Itwasveryimprobablethatanyoneshouldseethematthathour,andinthatdistantpartofthecity.

Thereisnonecessityforenteringuponadefenceoftheclergyman’sactionintheaffair.Itwasacase,notofrightorwrong,norofdoinganythingirregular,butpossiblyexcusable.Theoretically,itwashisdutytocomplywithRalston’srequest.Inpractice,itwasamatterofjudgmentandofchoice,sinceifhehadflatlyrefused,asseveralothershaddonewithoutsomuchasknowingthenamesoftheparties,Ralstonwouldcertainlyhavefounditoutofthequestiontoforcehisconsent.Hebelievedthathewasdoingright,hewishedtodowhatwaskind,andheknewthathewasactinglegallyandthatthelawmustsupporthim.Herantheriskofoffendinghisowncongregationifthestorygotabroad,butherememberedhisownyouthandhecheerfullytookthatrisk.Hewouldnothavedoneasmuchforanytwowhomighthavechancedtopresentthemselves,however.ButRalstonimpressedhimasamanofhonour,agentlemanandverytruthful,andtherewasjustenoughofsocialistictendencyinthegoodman,asthepastorofaverypoorcongregation,toenjoytheideathattherichmanshouldbeforced,asamatterofcommondecency,todosomethingforhislessfortunaterelation.Withhisownlifeandexperiencebehindhim,hecouldnotpossiblyhaveseenthingsasRobertLauderdalesawthem.

Sothematterwassettled,andKatharinehadRalston’snote.HeaddedthathewouldbeinClintonPlaceathalf-pasteighto’clockinthemorning,onfoot.Theymightbeseenwalkingtogetheratalmostanyhour,byrightofcousinship,buttoappeartogetherinacarriage,especiallyatsuchanhour,wasoutofthequestion.

Itwouldhavebeenunlikehertohesitatenow.ShehadmadeuphermindlongbeforeshehadspokentoRalstononMondayevening,andtherewasnothingnewtoherintheidea.Butshecouldnothelpwonderingaboutthefuture,asshehadbeendoingwhenCharlotteSlaybackhadunexpectedlyappearedintheafternoon.Meanwhiletheeveningwasbeforeher.Shewasgoingtoadinner-partyofyoungpeopleandafterwardstothedanceattheThirlwalls’,ofwhichshehadspokentoRalston.Hewouldbethere,butwouldnotbeatthedinner,assheknew.Atthelatterthereweretobetwoyoungmarriedwomenwhoweretochaperontheyounggirlstotheotherhouseafterwards.

Ateighto’clockKatharinesatdowntotablebetweentwotypical,fashion-struckyouths,oneofwhomtookmorechampagnethanwasgoodforhim,andtalkedtoherofcollegesportsandfootballmatchesinwhichhehadnottakenpart,butwhichexcitedhisenthusiasm,whiletheotherdrankwater,andaskedifshepreferredSchopenhauerorHegel.Ofthetwo,shepreferredthecriticofathletics.ButthedinnerseemedaverylongonetoKatharine,thoughitwasreallyoftheshortandfashionabletype.

Thencameanothergirls’talkwhiletheyoungmensmokedfuriouslytogetherinanotherroom.Thetwomarriedwomenmanagedtogetintoacorner,andtoldeachotherlongstoriesinwhispers,whiletheyounggirls,whowereafraidofrompingandplayinggamesbecausetheywereintheirball-dresses,amusedthemselvesastheycould,withagooddealofhighlyslangybutperfectlyharmlesschaff,andanoccasionalattemptatalittlemusic.Asalltheyoungmensmokedtheverylongestandstrongestcigars,becausetheyhadallbeentoldthatcigarettesweredeadly,itwasnearlyteno’clockwhentheycameintothedrawing-room.Theywereallextremelywellbehavedyoungfellows,andtheonewhohadtalkedaboutathleticstoKatharinewastheonlyonewhowasalittletoopink.Thedancewasanearlyaffair,andinafewmomentsthewholepartybegantogetreadytogo.Theytransferredthemselvesfromonehousetoanotherinbigcarriages,andallarrivedwithinashorttimeofoneanother.

RalstonwasintheroomwhenKatharineentered,andshesawinstantlythathehadbeenwaitingforherandexpectedasignatonce.Shesmiledandnoddedtohimfromadistance,forhehadfartoomuchtacttomakearushatherassoonassheappeared.Itwasnotuntilhalfanhourlaterthattheyfoundthemselvestogetherinthecrowdedentrancehall,andRalstonassuredhimselfmoreparticularlythateverythingwasasshewishedittobe.

“Soto-morrowisourweddingday,”hesaid,lookingatherface.Likemostdarkbeauties,shelookedherbestintheevening.

“Yes—it’sto-morrow,Jack.Youareglad,aren’tyou?”sheasked,repeatingalmostexactlythelastwordsshehadspokenthatmorningashehadleftheratthedooroftheCrowdies’house.

“DoyoudoubtthatI’masgladasyouare?”askedRalston,earnestly.“I’vewaitedforyoualongtime—allmylife,itseemstome.”

“Haveyou?”

Hergreyeyesturnedfulluponhimassheputthequestion,whichevidentlymeantmoretoherthanthemerewordsimplied.Hepausedbeforeansweringher,withanover-scrupulouscaution,theresultofherownearnestness.

“Whydoyouhesitate?”sheasked,suddenly.“Didn’tyoumeanexactlywhatyousaid?”

“IsaiditseemedtomeasthoughIhadwaitedallmylife,”heanswered.“Iwantedtobe—well—accurate!”Helaughedalittle.“IamtryingtorememberwhetherIhadevercaredintheleastforanyoneelse.”

Katharinelaughedtoo.Hesometimeshadanalmostboyishsimplicityabouthimwhichpleasedherimmensely.

“Ifittakessuchaneffortofmemory,itcan’thavebeenveryserious,”shesaid.“I’mnotjealous.Ionlywishtoknowthatyouare.”

“Iloveyouwithallmyheart,”heanswered,withemphasis.

“Iknowyoudo,Jackdear,”saidKatharine,andashortsilencefollowed.

ShewasthinkingthatthiswasthethirdtimetheyhadmetsinceMondayevening,andthatshehadnotheardagainthatdeepvibration,thatheart-stirringquaver,inhiswords,whichhadtouchedherthatfirsttimeasshehadneverbeentouchedbefore.Shedidnotanalyzeherowndesireforitintheleast,anymorethanshedoubtedthesincerityofhiswordsbecausetheywerespokenquietly.Shehadhearditonceandshewantedtohearitagain,forthemeremomentarysatisfactionoftheimpression.

ButRalstonwasverycalmthatevening.HehadbeenextremelycarefulofwhathedidsinceMondayafternoon,forhehadsufferedacutelywhenhismotherhadfirstmethimonthelanding,andhewasdeterminedthatnothingofthesortshouldhappenagain.Theexcitement,too,ofarranginghissuddenmarriagehadtakentheplaceofallartificialemotionsduringthelastforty-eighthours.Hisnerveswereyoungandcouldbearthestrainofsuddenexcessandequallysuddenabstentionwithouttroublinghimwithanyphysicaldistress.Andthisfacteasilymadehimtoosureofhimself.Toacertainextenthewascynicalabouthistasteforstrongdrink.Hesaidtohimselfquitefranklythathewantedexcitementandcaredverylittlefortheforminwhichhegotit.Heshouldhavepreferredalifeofadventureanddanger.Hewouldhavemadeagoodsoldierinwarandabadoneinpeace—asafesailorinstormyweatherandadangerousoneinacalm.That,atleast,waswhathebelieved,andtherewasafoundationoftruthinit,forhewassensibleenoughtotellhimselfthetruthabouthimselfsofarashewasable.

OntheeveningofthedanceatwhichhemetKatharinehehaddinedathomeagain.Hismotherwasfartoowisetoaskmanyquestionsabouthiscomingsandgoingswhenhewaswithher,anditwasquitenaturalthatheshouldnottellherhowhehadspenthisday.Hewishedthathewerefreetotellhereverything,however,andtoaskheradvice.Shewaseminentlyawomanoftheworld,thoughofthemoreserioustype,andheknewthatherwisdomwasgreatinmatterssocial.Fortherest,shehadalwaysapprovedofhisattachmentforKatharine,whomshelikedbestofallthefamily,andsheintendedthat,ifpossible,hersonshouldmarrytheyounggirlbeforeverylong.WithhertemperandinheritedimpulsesitwasnotlikelythatsheshouldblameRalstonforanyhonourablepieceofrashness.Havingoncebeenconvincedthattherewasnothingunderhandorintheleastunfairtoanybodyinwhathewasdoing,Ralstonhadnottheslightestfearoftheconsequences.TheonlymenofthefamilywhomheconsideredmenwereKatharine’sfatherandHamiltonBright.Thelattercouldhavenothingtosayinthematter,andRalstonknewthathisfriendshipcouldbecountedon.AsforAlexanderJunior,Johnlookedforwardwithdelighttothescenewhichmusttakeplace,forhewasabornfighter,andquarrelsomebesides.HewouldbeinapositiontotellMr.Lauderdalethatneitherrighteouswrathnorviolentwordscouldundowhathadbeendoneproperly,decentlyandinorder,underlegalauthority,andbyreligiousceremony.AlexanderJunior’sfacewouldbeastudyatthatmoment,andRalstonhopedthatthehouroftriumphmightnotbefardistant.

“Iwonderwhetheritseemssuddentoyou,”saidKatharine,presently.“Itdoesn’ttome.YouandIhadthoughtaboutiteversolong.”

“LongbeforeyouspoketomeonMonday?”askedJohn.“Ithoughtithadjuststruckyouthen.”

“No,indeed!Ibegantothinkofitlastyear—soonafteryouhadseenpapa.Onedoesn’tcometosuchconclusionssuddenly,youknow.”

“Somepeopledo.Ofcourse,Imighthaveseenthatyouhadthoughtitallout,fromthewayyouspoke.Butyoutookmebysurprise.”

“IknowIdid.ButIhadgoneoveritagainandagain.It’snotalightmatter,Jack.I’mputtingmywholelifeintoyourhandsbecauseIloveyou.Ishan’tregretit—Iknowthat.No—youneedn’tprotest,dear.IknowwhatI’mdoingverywell,butIdon’tmeantomagnifyitintoanythingheroic.I’mnotthesortofgirltomakeaheroine,forI’mfartoosensibleandpractical.Butit’spracticaltorunriskssometimes.”

“Itdependsontherisk,Isuppose,”saidRalston.“ManypeoplewouldtellyouthatI’mnotasafepersonto—”

“Nonsense!Ididn’tmeanthat,”interruptedtheyounggirl.“Ifyouwereamilksop,trottingalongatyourmother’sapronstrings,Iwouldn’tlookatyou.Indeed,Iwouldn’t!Iknowyou’reratherfast,andIlikeitinyou.Therewasalittleboynexttomeatdinnerthisevening—adearlittlepale-facedthing,whotalkedtomeaboutSchopenhauerandHegel,anddrankfiveglassesofApollinaris—Icountedthem.Therearelotsofthemaboutnowadays—allthefittesthavingsurvived,it’stheturnoftheunfit,Isuppose.ButIwouldn’thaveyouonelittletinybitbetterthanyouare.Youdon’tgamble,andyoudon’tdrink,andyou’remerelysupposedtobefastbecauseyou’renotabore.”

Ralstonwassilent,andhisfaceturnedalittlepale.Aviolentstrugglearoseinhisthoughts,allatonce,withouttheslightestwarningnoreventheprevioussuspicionthatitcouldeverariseatall.

“That’snottherisk,”continuedKatharine.“Oh,no!AndperhapswhatImeanisn’tsuchaverygreatriskafterall.Idon’tbelievethereisany,myself—butIsupposeotherpeoplemight.It’sthatuncleRobertmightnot,afterall—oh,well!Wewon’ttalkaboutsuchthings.Ifoneonlytakesenoughforgranted,oneis

suretogetsomethingintheend.Thatisn’texactlySchopenhauer,isit?Butit’sgoodphilosophy.”

Katharinelaughedhappilyandlookedathim.Buthisfacewasunusuallygrave,andhewouldnotlaugh.

“It’stooabsurdthatIshouldbetellingyoutotakecourageandbecheerful,Jack!”shesaid,amomentlater.“Ifeelasthoughyouwerereproachingmewithnotbeingseriousenoughfortheoccasion.Thatisn’tfair.Anditisserious—itis,indeed.”Hertonechanged.“I’mputtingmyverylifeintoyourhands,dear,asItoldyou,becauseItrustyou.What’sthematter,Jack?Youseemtobethinking—”

“Iam,”answeredRalston,rathergloomily.“Iwasthinkingaboutsomethingvery,veryimportant.”

“MayIknow?”askedKatharine,gently.“Isitanythingyoushouldlikemetoknow—ortoaskmeabout,beforeto-morrow?”

“To-morrow!”Ralstonrepeatedthewordinalowvoice,asthoughheweremeditatinguponitsmeaning.

Theywereseatedonanarrowlittlesofaagainstthelowerwoodworkofthecarvedstaircase.Thehallwascrowdedwithyoungpeoplecomingandgoingbetweentheotherrooms.Katharinewasleaningback,herheadsupportedagainstthedarkpanel,hereyesapparentlyhalfclosed—forshewaslookingdownathimashebentforward.Heheldoneelbowonhiskneeandhischinrestedinhishand,ashelookedupsidewaysather.

“Katharine”—hebegan,andthenstoppedsuddenly,andshesawnowthathewasturningverypale,asthoughinfearorpain.

“Yes?”Shepaused.“Whatisit,Jackdear?There’ssomethingonyourmind—areyouafraidtotellme?Oraren’tyousurethatyoushould?”

“I’mafraid,”saidRalston.“AndsoI’mgoingtodoit,”headdedamomentlater.“DidyoueverhearthatIwaswhattheycalldissipated?”

“Isthatit?”Katharinelaughed,almostcarelessly.“No,Ineverheardthatsaidofyou.Peoplesayyou’refast,andratherwild—andallthat.ItoldyouwhatI

thoughtofthat—Ilikeitinyou.Perhapsitisn’tright,exactly,tolikeadashofnaughtiness—isit?”

“Idon’tknow,”answeredRalston,evidentlynotcomprehendingthequestion,butintentuponhisownthoughts.Intheshortpausewhichfollowedhedidnotchangehisposition,buttheveinsswelledinhistemples,andhiseyelidsdroopedalittlewhenhespokeagain.“Katharine—Isometimesdrinktoomuch.”

Katharinetrembledalittle,buthedidnotseeit.Forsomesecondsshedidnotmove,anddidnottakehereyesfromhim.Thensheveryslowlyraisedherhandandpasseditoverherbrow,asthoughshewereconfused,andpresentlyshebentforward,ashewasbending,restingoneelbowonherkneeandlookingearnestlyintohisface.

“Whydoyoudoit,Jack?Don’tyouloveme?”Sheaskedthetwoquestionsslowlyanddistinctly,butintheonetherewasallherpity—intheotherallherlove.

Again,asmorethanoncelately,Ralstonwasalmostirresistiblyimpelledtomakeapromise,simpleanddecisive,whichshouldchangehislife,andwhichatallcostsandriskshewouldkeep.Theimpulsewasstrongernow,withKatharine’seyesuponhis,andherhappinessonhissoul,thanithadbeenbefore.Buttheargumentsforresistingitwerealsostronger.Hewascalmenoughtoknowthemagnitudeofhistemptationsandhishabitualweaknessinresistingthem.Hesaidnothing.

“Whydon’tyouanswerme,dear?”Katharineaskedsoftly.“Theywerenothardquestions,werethey?”

“YouknowthatIloveyou,”heanswered—thenhesitated,andthenwenton.“IfIdidnotloveyou,Ishouldnothavetoldyou.Doyoubelievethat?”

Heguessedthatsheonlyhalfrealizedandhalfunderstoodallthemeaningofwhathehadsaid.Hehadnothoughtofgainingcreditinheropinionforhavingdonewhatveryfewmenwouldhaveriskedinhisposition.Thewishtospeakhadcomefromtheheart,notfromthehead.Buthehadnotforeseenthatitmustappearveryeasytoherforhimtoovercomeatemptationwhichseemedinsignificantinhereyes,comparedwithalife’shappiness.

“Yes—Iknowthat,”sheanswered.“But,Jackdear—yes,itwasbraveand

honestofyou—butyoudon’tthinkIexpectedaconfession,doyou?Idaresayyouhavedonemanythingsthatweren’texactlywrongandthatwerenotatalldishonourable,butwhichyoushouldn’tliketotellme.Haven’tyou?”

“OfcourseIhave.Everymanhas,bythetimehe’sfiveandtwenty—lotsofthings.”

“Well—butnow,Jack—now,whenwearemarried,youwon’tdosuchthings—whatevertheymaybe—anymore—willyou?”

“That’sit—Idon’tknow,”answeredRalston,determinedtobehonesttotheveryend,withallhismight,inspiteofeverything.

“Youdon’tknow?”AsKatharinerepeatedthewordsherfacechangedinawaythatshockedhim,andhealmoststartedashesawherexpression.

“No,”heanswered,steadilyenough.“Idon’t—inregardtowhatIspokeof.Forotherthings,foranythingelseintheworldthatyouaskme,Icanpromise,andfeelsure.Butthatonething—itcomesonmesometimes,anditgetsthebetterofme.Iknow—it’sweak—it’scontemptible,it’sbrutal,ifyoulike.ButIcan’thelpit,everytime.Ofcourseyoucan’tunderstand.Nobodycan,whohasn’tfeltit.”

“But,Jack—ifyoupromisedmethatyouwouldn’t?”

Herfacechangedagain,andsoftened,andhervoiceexpressedtheabsoluteconvictionthathewouldandcoulddoanythingwhichhehadgivenhiswordthathewoulddo.Thatperfectbeliefismoreflatteringthanalmostanythingelsetosomemen.

“Katharine—Ican’t!”Ralstonshookhishead.“Iwon’tgiveyouapromisewhichImightbreak.IfIbrokeit,Ishould—youwouldn’tseemeanymoreafterthat.I’llpromisethatI’lltry,andperhapsIshallsucceed.Ican’tdomore—indeed,Ican’t.”

“Notforme,Jackdear?”Herwholeheartwasinhervoice,pleading,pathetic,maidenly.

“Don’taskmelikethat.Youdon’tknowwhatyou’reasking.You’llmakeme—no,Iwon’tsaythat.Butpleasedon’t—”

OncemoreKatharine’sexpressionchanged.Herfacewasquitewhite,andhergreyeyeswerelightandhadacoldflashinthem.Thesmall,angryfrownthatcameandwentquicklywhenshewasannoyed,seemedchiselleduponthesmoothforehead.Ralston’sheadwasbentdownandhishandshadedhiseyes.

“Andyoumademethinkyoulovedme,”saidKatharine,slowly,inaverylowvoice.

“Ido—”

“Don’tsayitagain.Idon’twanttohearit.Itmeansnothing,nowthatIknow—itnevercanmeananythingagain.No—youneedn’tcomewithme.I’llgoalone.”

Sherosesuddenlytoherfeet,overcomebyoneofthosesuddenrevulsionsofthedeepestfeelingsinhernature,towhichstrongpeoplearesubjectatverycriticalmoments,andwhichgenerallydeterminetheirlivesforthem,andsometimesthelivesofothers.Sherosetoleavehimwithawoman’smagnificentindifferencewhenherheartspeaksout,castingallconsiderations,alldetails,allquestionsoffuturerelationtothewinds,ortotheaccidentofachancemeetingatsomeindefinitedate.

Thereweremanypeopleinthehalljustthen.Adancewasbeginning,andthecrowdwaspouringinsoswiftlythatforamomenttheyounggirlstoodstill,closetoRalston,unabletomove.Hedidnotrise,butremainedseated,hiddenbyherandbythethrong.Heseizedherhandsuddenly,asithungbyherside.Noonecouldhavenoticedtheactioninthepress.

“Katharine—”hecried,inalow,imploringtone.

Shedrewherhandawayinstantly.Herememberedafterwardsthatithadfeltcoldthroughherglove.Heheardhervoice,and,lookingpasther,sawCrowdie’spalefaceandredmouth—andmetCrowdie’slanguorouseyes,gazingathim.

“Iwanttogosomewhereelse,Mr.Crowdie,”Katharinewassaying.“I’vebeeninadraught,andI’mcold.”

Crowdiegaveherhisarm,andtheymovedonwiththerest.RalstonhadrisentohisfeetassoonashesawthatCrowdiehadcaughtsightofhim,andstoodlookingatthepair.Hisfacewasdrawnandtired,andhiseyeswereratherwild.

Hisfirstimpulsewastogetoutofthehouse,andbealone,assoonashecould,andhebegantomakehiswaythroughthecrowdtoasmallroombythedoor,wherethemenhadlefttheircoats.But,beforehehadsucceededinreachingtheplace,hechangedhismind.Itlookedtoomuchlikerunningaway.Heallowedhimselftobewedgedintoacorner,andstoodstill,watchingthepeopleabsently,andthinkingoverwhathadoccurred.

Inthefirstplace,hewonderedwhetherKatharinehadmeantasmuchasherspeechandactionimplied—inotherwords,whethersheintendedtolethimknowthateverythingwasaltogetheratanendbetweenthem.Itseemedalmostoutofthequestion.Afterall,hehadspokenbecausehefeltthatitwasadutytoher.Hewas,indeed,profoundlyhurtbyherbehaviour.Ifshemeanttobreakoffeverythingsosuddenly,shemighthavedoneitmorekindly.Shehadbeenfuriouslyangrybecausehewouldnotpromiseanimpossibility.Itwastruethatshecouldnotunderstand.Helovedhersomuch,eventhen,thathemadeexcusesforherconduct,andsetupargumentsinherfavour.

Wasitanimpossibility,afterall?Hestoodstillinhiscorner,andthoughtthematterover.Asheconsideredit,hedeliberatelycalledthetemptationtohimtoexamineit.Anditcame,initsfullforce.MenwhohavenotfeltitnomoreknowwhatitmeansthanKatharineLauderdaleknew,whensheaccusedJohnRalstonofnotlovingher,andlefthim,apparentlyforever,becausehewouldnotpromisenevertoyieldtoitagain.

Duringforty-eighthourshehadscarcelytastedanythingstrongerthanacupofcoffee,fortheoccurrenceofMondayhadproducedadeepimpressiononhim—andthiswasWednesdaynight.Forseveralyearshehadbeenusedtodrinkingwhateverhepleased,duringtheday,merelyexercisingenoughself-controltokeepoutofwomen’ssocietywhenhehadtakenmorethanwasgoodforhim,andenoughdiscretioninthematterofhourstoavoidmeetinghismotherwhenhewasnotquitehimself.Therearenotsomanymeninpolitesocietywhoregulatetheirlivesonsuchprinciplesasthereusedtobe,buttherearemanystill.Menknow,andkeepthemattertothemselves.Insensibly,ofcourse,JohnRalstonhadgrownmoreorlessdependentonacertainamountofsomethingtodrinkeveryday,andhehadveryrarelybeenreallyabstemiousforsolongatimeasduringthelasttwodays.Hehadlived,too,inastateofconsiderableanxiety,andhadscarcelynoticedtheabsenceofartificialexcitement.Butnow,withthesceneofthelastquarterofanhour,thereactionhadcome.Hehadreceivedaviolentshock,andhisheadclamouredforitsaccustomedremedyagainstall

nervousdisturbances.Then,too,hewasverythirsty.Hehonestlydislikedthetasteofwater—ashisfatherhadhateditbeforehim—andhehadnotreallydrunkenoughofit.HewasmorethirstythanhehadbeenwhenhehadswallowedapintofchampagneatadraughtonMondayafternoon.That,totellthetruth,wasthepreciseforminwhichthetemptationpresenteditselftohimatthepresentmoment.Itwaspainfullydistinct.HeknewthattheThirlwalls,inwhosehousehewas,alwayshadIrroyBrut,whichchancedtobethebestdrywinethatyear,andheknewthathehadonlytofollowthecrowdtothesupperroomandswallowasmuchofitashedesired.Everybodywasdrinkingit.Hecouldheartheglassesfaintlyringinginthedistance,ashestoodinhiscorner.Heletthetemptationcometoseehowstrongitwouldbe.

Itwasfrightfullyvivid,asheletthepicturerisebeforehiseyes.Hewasnowactuallyinphysicalpainfromthirst.Hecouldseeclearlythetallpint-glass,foamingandsparklingwiththeice-cold,palewine.Hecouldhearthedeliciouslittlehissofthetinybubblesasthousandsofthemshottothesurface.Hecouldsmellthearomaticessenceofthelemonpeelasthebrimseemedtocomebeneathhisnostrils.Hecouldfeeltheexquisitesharptingle,theinexpressiblestingingdelightoftheperfectliquid,allthroughhismouth,tohisverythroat—justashehadseenandsmeltandtasteditallonMondayafternoon,andathousandtimesbeforethat—butnotsincethen.

Itbecameintolerable,oralmostintolerable,butstillheboreit,withthatcuriouspleasureinthepainofitwhichsomepeopleareabletofeelinself-imposedsuffering.Thenheopenedhiseyeswide,andtriedtodriveitaway.

Butthatwasnotsoeasy.Thatdiabolicalclinkingandringingofdistantglasses,away,faraway,asitseemed,buthighanddistinctabovethehumofvoices,torturedhim,anddrewhimtowardsit.Hismouthandthroatwereactuallyparchednow.Itwasnolongerimagination.Andnow,too,thecrowdhadthinned,andashelookedhesawthatitwouldbeveryeasyforhimtogettothesupperroom.

Afterall,hethought,itwasaperfectlylegitimatecraving.Hewasexcessivelythirsty,andhewantedaglassofchampagne.Heknewverywellthatinsuchaplaceheshouldnottakemorethanoneglass,andthatcouldnothurthim.Didheeverdrinkwhentherewerewomenpresent,inthesenseofdrinkingtoomuch?OnMondaytheaccidenthadmadeadifference.Surely,ashehadoftenheard,themanlycoursewastolimithimselftowhatheneeded,andnotgobeyondit.

Allthoseotherpeopledidthat—whyshouldnothe?Whatwasthedifferencebetweenthemandhim?Howthethirstburnedhim,andtheringoftheglassestorturedhim!

Hemovedastepfromthecorner,inthedirectionofthedoor,fullyintendingtohavehisglassofwine.Thensomethingseemedtosnapsuddenlyoverhisheart,withasharplittlepain.

“I’llbedamnedifIdo,”saidRalston,almostaudibly.

Andhewentbacktohiscorner,andtriedtothinkofsomethingelse.

CHAPTERXIV.

Crowdie’sartistictemperamentwasasquickasachild’stounderstandthemoodsofothers,andhesawataglancethatsomethingserioushadhappenedtoKatharine.Hehadnottheamateur’spersistentdesiretofeelhimselfanartistateverymoment.Onthecontrary,hehadfarmoreofthegenuineartist’swishtofeelhimselfamanoftheworldwhenhewasnotathiswork.Whathesawimpresseditselfuponhisaccurateandretentivememoryforformandcolour,buthewasnotalwaysstudyingeveryfacehemet,andthinkingofpaintingit.Hewasfondoftryingtoreadcharacter,andpridedhimselfuponhispenetration,whichwasbynomeansgreat.Itisacommonpeculiarityofhighlygiftedpersonstodelightinexhibitingasmalltalentwhichseemstothemtobetheirgreatest,thoughunappreciatedbytheworld.Goethethoughthimselfapainter.Michelangelobelievedhimselfapoet.Crowdie,amodernartistofreputation,wasundoubtedlyagoodmusicianaswell,butinhisownestimationhisgreatestgiftwashisknowledgeofmen.Yetinthishewasprofoundlymistaken.Thoughhisreasoningwasoftenasclearashisdeductionswereastute,heplacedthecentreofhumanimpulsestoolow,forhejudgedothersbyhimself,whichisanunsafestandardformenwhodiffermuchfromtheaverageoftheirfellow-men.Hemistookhisquicknessofperceptionforpenetration,andtheheartofmenandthingsescapedhim.

HelookedatKatharineandsawthatshewasveryangry.HehadcaughtsightofRalston’sface,andhesupposedthatthelatterhadbeendrinking.HeconcludedthatRalstonhadoffendedKatharine,andthattherewastobeaseriousquarrel.Katharine,too,hadevidentlybeeninthegreatesthastetogetaway,andhadspokentoCrowdieandtakenhisarmmerelybecauseofthemensheknewhe

hadbeennearesttoherinthecrowd.Thepaintercongratulatedhimselfuponhisgoodfortuneinappearingatthatmoment.

“Willyouhavesomesupper?”heasked,guidinghiscompaniontowardthedoor.

“It’stooearly—thanks,”answeredtheyounggirl,almostabsently.“I’dratherdance,ifyoudon’tmind,”sheadded,afteramoment.

“Ofcourse!”Andhedirectedhiscoursetowardsthedancingroom.

Inspiteofhisbadfigure,Crowdiedancedverywell.Hewasverylightonhisfeet,veryskilfulandcarefulofhispartner,and,strangetosay,veryenduring.Katharineletherselfgoonhisarm,andtheyglidedandswayedandbackedandturnedtotherightandlefttothesoftmusic.Foratimeshehadaltogetherforgottenherstrongantipathyforhim.Indeed,shehadalmostforgottenhisexistence.Momentarily,hewasanonentity,exceptasameansofmotion.

Asshemovedthecolourslowlycamebacktoherpaleface,thefrowndisappearedandthecoldfireinhereyesdiedaway.Shealsodancedwellandwasproudofit,thoughshewasfarfrombeingequaltohermother,evennow.WithKatharineitwasanamusement;withMrs.Lauderdaleitwasstillapassion.Butnowshedidnotcaretostop,andwentonandon,tillCrowdiebegantowonderwhethershewerenotfallingintoadreamyandhalf-consciousstate,likethatoftheEasterndervishes.

“Aren’tyoutired?”heasked.

“No—goon!”sheanswered,withouthesitation.

Heobeyed,andtheycontinuedtodancetillmanycouplesstoppedtolookatthem,andseehowlongtheywouldkeepitup.Eventhemusiciansbecameinterested,andwentonplayingmechanically,theireyesuponthecouple.Atlasttheyweredancingquitealone.Assoonastheyounggirlsawthatshewasanobjectofcuriosity,shestopped.

“Comeaway!”shesaidquickly.“Ididn’trealizethattheywerealllookingatus—itwassonice.”

ItwasnotwithoutacertaindegreeofvanitythatCrowdieatlastledheroutoftheroom.Herememberedherbehaviourtohimthatmorningandonformer

occasions,andhethoughtthathehadgainedasignalsuccess.Itwasnotpossible,hethought,thatifhewerestillasrepulsivetoherasheundoubtedlyhadbeen,sheshouldbewillingtolethimdancewithhersolong.Dancingmeantmuchtohim.

“Shallwesitdownsomewhere?”heasked,astheygotawayfromthecrowdintoaroombeyond.

“Oh,yes—ifthere’saplaceanywhere.Anything!”Shespokecarelesslyandabsentlystill.

Theyfoundtwochairsalittleremovedfromtherest,andsatdownsidebyside.

“MissLauderdale,”saidCrowdie,afteramomentarypause,“Iwishyou’dletmeaskyouaquestion.Willyou?”

“Ifit’snotarudeone,”answeredKatharine,indifferently,andscarcelylookingathim.“Whatisit?”

“Well—youknow—we’rerelations,orconnections,atleast.Hesterisyourcousin,andshe’syourmostintimatefriend.Isn’tshe?”

“Yes.Isitabouther?Theresheis,justoverthere—talkingtothatugly,thinmanwiththeniceface.Doyouseeher?”

Crowdielookedinthedirectionindicated,thoughhedidnotintheleastwishtotalkabouthiswifetoKatharine.

“Oh,yes;Iseeher,”heanswered.“She’stalkingtoPaulGriggs,thewriter.Youknowhim,don’tyou?Iwonderhowhecomeshere!”

“IsthatPaulGriggs?”askedKatharine,withashowofinterest.“I’vealwayswishedtoseehim.”

“Yes.ButithasnothingtodowithHester—”

“WhathasnothingtodowithHester?”askedKatharine,withdespairingabsenceofmind,asshewatchedtheauthor’sface.

“ThequestionIwasgoingtoaskyou—ifyouwouldletme.”

Katharineturnedtowardshim.Hecouldproduceextraordinarilysofteffectswithhisbeautifulvoicewhenhechose,andhehaddeterminedtoattractherattentionjustthen,seeingthatshewasbynomeansinclinedtogiveit.

“Oh,yes—thequestion,”shesaid.“Isitanythingverypainful?Youspoke—howshallIsay?—insuchapathetictoneofvoice.”

“Inaway—yes,”answeredCrowdie,notatalldisturbedbyhermanner.“Painfulistoostrongaword,perhaps—butit’ssomethingthatmakesmeveryuncomfortable.It’sthis—whydoyoudislikemesomuch?Ordon’tyouknowwhy?”

Katharinepausedamoment,beingsurprisedbywhatheasked.Shehadnoanswerready,forshecouldnottellhimthatshedislikedhiswhitefaceandscarletlipsandthesoftsweepofhiseyelashes.Shetookrefugeinherwoman’srighttoparryonequestionwithanother.

“WhatmakesyouthinkIdislikeyou?”sheenquired.

“Oh—athousandthings—”

“I’mverysorrytherearesomany!”Shelaughedgood-humouredly,butwiththeintentionofturningtheconversationifpossible.

“No,”saidCrowdie,gravely.“Youdon’tlikeme,forsomereasonwhichseemsagoodonetoyou.I’msureofthat,becauseIknowthatyou’renotcapriciousnorunreasonablebynature.Ishouldcare,inanycase—evenifwewerecasualacquaintancesinsociety,andonlymetoccasionally.Nobodycouldbequiteindifferenttoyourdislike,MissLauderdale.”

“No?Whynot?I’msureagreatmanypeopleare.Andasforthat,I’mnotsoreasonableasyouthink,Idaresay.I’msorryyouthinkIdon’tlikeyou.”

“Idon’tthink—Iknowit.No—please!LetmetellyouwhatIwasgoingtosay.We’renotmereordinaryacquaintances,thoughIdon’tintheleasthopeevertobeafriendofyours,exactly.Yousee—owingtoHester—andonaccountoftheportrait,justnow—I’mthrownagooddealinyourway.Ican’thelpit.Idon’twanttogiveuppaintingyou—”

“ButIdon’twishyouto!I’llcomeeveryday,ifyoulike—everydayIcan.”

“Yes;you’reverygoodaboutit.It’sjustbecauseyouare,thatI’mmoresensitiveaboutyourdislike,Isuppose.”

“But,mydearMr.Crowdie,how—”

“MydearMissLauderdale,I’mpositivelyrepulsivetoyou.Youcan’tdenyitreally,thoughyou’llputitmuchmoregently.To-day,whenIwantedtohelpyoutotakeoffyourhat,youstartedandchangedcolour—justasthoughyouhadtouchedasnake.Iknowthatthosethingsareinstinctive,ofcourse.Ionlywantyoutotellmeifyouhaveanyreason—beyondamereuncontrollablephysicalrepulsion.There’snootherwayofputtingit,I’mafraid.Imean,whetherI’veeverdoneanythingtomakeyouhatethesightofme—”

“You?Never.Onthecontrary,you’realwaysverykind,andniceineveryway.Iwishyouwouldputitoutofyourhead—thewholeidea—andtalkaboutsomethingelse.No,honestly,I’venothingagainstyou,andIneverheardanythingagainstyou.AndI’mreallyverymuchdistressedthatIshouldhavegivenyouanysuchimpression.Isn’tthattheanswertoyourquestion?”

“Yes—inaway.Itreducesitselftothis—ifyouneverlookedatme,andneverheardmyvoice,youwouldn’thateme.”

“Oh—yourvoice—no!”Thewordsescapedherinvoluntarily,andconveyedawrongimpression;forthoughshemeantthathisvoicewasbeautiful,sheknewthatitsmerebeautysometimesrepelledherasmuchashisappearancedid.

“Thenit’sonlymylooks,”hesaidwithalaugh.“Thanks!I’mquitesatisfiednow,andIquiteagreewithyouinthat.Younoticedto-daythattherewerenomirrorsinthestudio.”Helaughedagainquitenaturally.

“Really!”exclaimedKatharine,asasortoffinalprotest,andtakingtheearliestopportunityofescapingfromthedifficultsituationhehadcreated.“IwishyouwouldtellmesomethingaboutMr.Griggs,sinceyouknowhim.I’vebeenwatchinghim—hehassuchacuriousface!”

“PaulGriggs?Oh,yes—he’sacuriouscreaturealtogether.”AndCrowdiebegantotalkabouttheman.

Katharinewasinrealityperfectlyindifferent,andfollowedherowntrainofthoughtwhileCrowdiemadehimselfasagreeableashecould,consideringthat

hewasconsciousofherinattention.Hewouldhavebeensurprisedhadheknownthatshewasthinkingabouthim.

SinceHesterhadtoldherthestoryofhisstrangeillness,Katharinecouldnotbenearhimwithoutrememberinghercousin’svividdescriptionofhisappearanceandconditionduringtheattack.ItwasbutastepfromsuchapicturetothequestionofthemorphiaandCrowdie’sstory,andonestepfurtherbroughtthecomparisonbetweenslaverytooneformofexcitementandslaverytoanother;inotherwords,betweenJohnRalstonandthepainter,andthenbetweenHester’sloveforCrowdieandKatharine’sforhercousin.Butatthispointthedivergencebegan.Crowdie,wholookedweak,effeminateandanythingbutmanly,hadfoundcourageandstrengthtoovercomeahabitwhichwassaidtobealmostunconquerable.Katharinewouldcertainlyneverhaveguessedthathehadsuchastrongwill,butHesterhadtoldherallaboutit,andthereseemedtobenootherexplanationofthefacts.AndRalston,withhisdeterminedexpressionandallhisapparentlyhardymanliness,haddistinctlytoldherthathedidnotfeelsureofkeepingapromise,evenforthesakeofherlove.Itseemedincredible.ShewouldhavegivenanythingtobeabletoaskCrowdiequestionsabouthislife,butthatwasimpossible,underthecircumstances.Hemightneverforgivehiswifeforhavingtoldhissecret.

Hersuddenandviolentangerhadsubsided,andshealreadyregrettedwhatshehadsaidanddonewithRalston.Indeed,shefoundithardtounderstandhowshecouldhavebeensocruellyunkind,allinamoment,whenshehadhardlyfoundtimetorealizethemeaningofwhathehadtoldher.Anotherconsiderationandanotherquestionpresentedthemselvesnow,assherememberedandrecapitulatedthecircumstancesofthescene.Forthefirsttimesherealizedtheman’sloyaltyinthrustinghisshortcomingsunderhereyesbeforethefinalstepwastaken.Itmusthavebeenaterriblestruggleforhim,shethought.Andifhewasbraveenoughtodosuchathingasthat,—totellthetruthtoher,andthestoryofhisshamefulweakness,—whatmustthattemptationbewhichevenhewasnotbraveenoughtoresist?Nodoubt,hedidresistitoften,shethought,andcoulddosointhefuture,thoughhesaidthathecouldnotbesureofhimself.Hewassobraveandmanly.Yetitwashorribletothinkofhiminconnectionwithsomethingwhichappearedtobeunspeakablydisgustinginhereyes.

Thevicewasonewhichshecouldnotunderstand.Fewwomencan;anditwouldbestrange,indeed,ifanyyounggirlcould.Shehadseendrunkenmeninthestreetsmanytimes,butthatwasalmostallsheknewofit.Occasionally,butby

nomeansoften,shehadseenamaninsocietywhohadtoomuchcolour,orwasunnaturallypale,andtalkedratherwildly,andpeoplesaidthathehadtakentoomuchwine—andgenerallylaughed.Suchamanwasmakinghimselfridiculous,shethought,butsheestablishednoconnectionbetweenhimandthepoorwretchreelingblinddrunkoutofaliquorshop,whowaspointedouttoherbyherfatherasanawfulexample.Shehadevenseenamanoncewhowaslyingperfectlyhelplessinthegutter,whileapolicemankickedhimtomakehimgetup—andithadmadeastrongimpressionuponher.Sheremembereddistinctlyhisswollenface,hisbloodshotblueeyesandhisfilthyclothes—alldisgustingenough.

ThatwasthepicturewhichrosebeforehereyeswhenJohnRalston,puttinghiscasemorestronglythanwasnecessaryinordertoclearhisconsciencealtogether,hadtoldherthathecouldnotpromisetogiveupabadhabitforhersake.Inthefirstmomentshehadthoughtmerelyofthemaninsocietywhobehavedalittlefoolishlyandtalkedtooloud,butRalston’searnestmannerhadimmediatelyevokedtherecollectionofherfather’soccasionaldiscoursesuponwhathecalledthebesettingsinofthelowerclassesinAmerica,andhadvividlyrecalledtherewiththefaceofthebesottedwretchinthegutter.Sheknewofnointermediatestage.Tobeaslavetodrinkmeantthatandnothingelse.Thesocietymanwhomshetookasanexamplewasnotaslavetodrink;hewasmerelyfoolishandimprudent,andmightgetintotrouble.Tothinkofmarryingamanwhohadlaininthegutter,halfblindwithliquor,tobekickedbyapoliceman,wasmorethanshecouldbear.Theinevitablecomicsidetothingsisrarelydiscernibletothosebroughtmostcloselyintoconnectionwiththem.ItwasnotonlyserioustoKatharine;itwashorrible,repulsive,sickening.ItwasnowonderthatshehadsprungfromherseatandturnedherbackonRalston,andthatshehaddonethefirstthingwhichpresenteditselfasameansofdistractingherthoughts.

Butnow,mattersbegantolookdifferentlytohercalmerjudgment.ItwasabsurdtothinkthatRalstonshouldmakeamountainofamole-hill,andspeakashehadspokenofhimself,ifheonlymeantthathenowandthentookaglassofchampagnemorethanwasgoodforhim.Besides,ifhedidithabitually,shemusthaveseenhimnowandthenbehavinglikehertypicalyounggentleman,andmakingafoolofhimself.Butshehadnevernoticedanythingofthekind.Ontheotherhand,shecouldnotbelievethathecouldever,underanycircumstances,turnintothekindofcreaturewhohadbeenhelduptoherasanexampleofthehabitualdrunkard.Theremustbesomethingbetweenthetwo,shefeltsure,somethingwhichshecouldnotunderstand.Shewouldfindout.

AndshemustseeJohnagain,beforesheleftthedance.Hereyesbegantolookforhiminthecrowd.

Therearetimeswhentheprocessesofagirl’smindareprimitiveintheirsimplicity.Katharinesuddenlyrememberedhearingthatmendrankoutofdespair.ShehadseenRalston’sfacewhenshehadrisenandlefthim,andithadcertainlyexpresseddespairverystrongly.Perhapshehadgoneatoncetodrownhiscares—thatwastheexpressionshehadheard—anditwouldbeherfault.

Suchasequenceofideaslookschildishinthisageofprofoundpsychologicalanalysis,butitisjustsuchreasoningwhichsometimesaffectspeoplemostwhentheirheartsaretouched.Wehaveallthoughtanddoneverychildishthingsattimes.

KatharineforgotallaboutCrowdieandwhathewassaying.Shehadgivenasortofsocial,mechanicalattentiontohistalk,noddingintelligentlyfromtimetotime,andansweringbyvaguemonosyllables,orwithevenmorevaguequestions.Crowdiehadthesensetounderstandthatshedidnotmeantoberude,andthathermindwaswhollyabsorbed—mostprobablywithwhathadtakenplacebetweenherandRalstonaquarterofanhourearlier.Hetalkedonpatiently,sincehecoulddonothingelse,buthewasnotatallsurprisedwhensheatlastinterruptedhim.

“Wouldyoumindlookingtoseeifmycousin—JackRalston,youknow,—isstillinthehall?”sheasked,withoutceremony.

“Certainly,”saidCrowdie,rising.“ShallItellhimyouwanthim,ifhe’sthere?”

“Do,please.It’sawfullygoodofyou,Mr.Crowdie,”sheadded,withapreoccupiedsmile.

Crowdiedivedintothecrowd,lookingabouthimineverydirection,andthenmakinghiswaystraighttoRalston,whohadnotlefthiscorner.

“MissLauderdalewantstospeaktoyou,Ralston,”saidthepainter,ashereachedhim.“Hallo!What’sthematter?Youlookill.”

“I?Notabit!”answeredRalston.“It’stheheat,Isuppose.WhereisMissLauderdale?”Hespokeinacuriouslyconstrainedtone.

“I’lltakeyoutoher—comealong!”

Thetwomovedawaytogether,RalstonfollowingCrowdiethroughthepress.ThroughtheopendooroftheboudoirRalstonsawKatharine’seyeslookingforhim.

“Allright,”hesaidtoCrowdie,“Iseeher.Don’tbother.”

“Overthereinthelowchairbytheplants,”answeredthepainter,inunnecessaryexplanation.

“Allright,”saidRalstonagain,andhepushedpastCrowdie,whoturnedawaytoseekamusementinanotherdirection.Katharinelookedupgravelyathimashecametoherside,andthenpointedtothechairCrowdiehadleftvacant.

“Sitdown.Iwanttotalktoyou,”shesaidquickly,andheobeyed,drawingthechairalittlenearer.

“Ithoughtyounevermeanttospeaktomeagain,”hesaidbitterly.

“Didyou?Youthoughtthat?Seriously?”

“Isupposemostmenwouldhavethoughtverymuchthesame.”

“YouthoughtthatIcouldchangecompletely,likethat—inasinglemoment?”

“Youseemedtochange.”

“AndthatIdidnotloveyouanymore?”

“Thatwaswhatyoumademethink—whatelse?You’reperfectlyjustified,ofcourse.Ioughttohavetoldyoulongago.”

“Pleasedon’tspeaktomeso—Jack.”

“Whatdoyouexpectmetosay?”heasked,andwithawearylookinhiseyesheleanedbackinhislowchairandwatchedher.

“Jack—dear—youdidn’tunderstandwhenItoldMr.Crowdietocallyou—youdon’tunderstandnow.Iwasangrythen—bythestaircase.I’msorry.Willyouforgiveme?”

Ralston’sfacechangedinstantly,andheleanedforwardagain,soastobeabletospeakinalowertone.

“Darling—don’tsaysuchthings!I’venothingtoforgive—”

“Youhave,Jack!Indeed,youhave—oh!whycan’twebealonefortenminutes—I’dexplainitall—whatIthought—”

“Butthere’snothingtoexplain,ifyoulovemestill—atleast,notforyou.”

“Yes,thereis.There’seversomuch.Jack,whydidyoutellme?Youfrightenedmeso—youdon’tknow!Anditseemedasthoughitweretheendofeverything,andofme,myself,whenyousaidyoucouldn’tbesureofkeepingapromiseformysake.Youdidn’tmeanwhatyousaid—atleast,notasIthoughtyoumeantit—youdidn’tmeanthatyouwouldn’ttry—andofcourseyouwouldsucceedintheend.”

“IthinkIshouldsucceedverysoon,withyoutohelpme,Katharine.Butthat’snotwhataman—whoisaman—acceptsfromawoman.”

“Herhelp—notherhelp,Jack?Howcanyousayso!”

“Yes,Imeanit.SupposethatIshouldfail,whatsortoflifeshouldyoulead—tiedtoamanwhodrinks?Don’tstart,dear—it’sthetruth.Weshallnevertalkaboutitagain,afterthis,perhaps,andImayjustaswellsaywhatIthink.Imustsayit,ifI’mevertorespectmyselfagain.”

Katharinelookedathim,realizedagainwhathiscouragehadbeeninmakingtheconfession,andshelovedhimmorethanever.

“Jack—”shebegan,andhesitated.“Sincewearetalkingofit,andmusttalkofit—can’tyoutellmewhatmakesyoudoit—Imean—youknow!Whatisitthatattractsyou?Itmustbesomethingverystrong—isn’tit?Whatisit?”

“IwishIknew!”answeredRalston,halfsavagely.“Itbegan—oh,atcollege,youknow.IwasvainofbeingabletostandmorethantheotherfellowsandofgoinghomeassteadyasthoughI’dhadnothing.”

“Butamanwhocanwalkstraightisn’tdrunk,Jack—”

“Oh,isn’the!”exclaimedRalston,withasoursmile.“They’retheworstkind,sometimes—”

“ButIthoughtthatamanwhowasreallydrunk—was—wasquitesenseless,andtumbleddown,youknow—inadisgustingstate.”

“It’snotaprettysubject—especiallywhenyoutalkaboutit,dear—butit’snotalwaysofthatdescription.”

ItshockedRalston’srefinednaturetohearherspeakofsuchthings.Forhehadalltherefinementofnervousnatures,likemanyamanwhohasbeenwreckedbydrink—eventomenofgeniuswithoutnumber.

“Isn’titquite—no,ofcourseit’snot.Iknowwellenough.”Katharinepausedaninstant.“Idon’tcareifit’snotwhattheycallrefined,Jack.I’mnotgoingtoletthatsortofsqueamishnesscomebetweenyouandme.It’snotasthoughI’dcomeuponitasasubjectofconversation—and—andI’mnotafraidyou’llthinkanytheworseofmebecauseItalkabouthorridthings,whenImusttalkaboutthem—wheneverythingdependsonthem—youandI,andourlives.Imustknowwhatitisthatyoufeel—thatyoucan’tresist.”

Ralstonfelthowstrongshewas,andwasglad.

“Goon,”shesaid.“Tellmeallaboutit—howitbegan.”

“Thatwasit—atcollege,Isuppose,”heanswered.“Thenitgrewtobeahabit—insensibly,ofcourse.Ithoughtitdidn’thurtmeandIlikedtheexcitement.PerhapsI’mnaturallymelancholicanddepressed.”

“Idon’twonder!”

“No—it’snottheresultofanythingespecial.I’venothadatallanunhappylife.Iwasborngloomy,Isuppose—andunlucky,too.Youseethetroubleisthatthosethingsgetholdofone’snerves,andthenitbecomesaphysicalaffairandnotamerequestionofwill.Mengetsofarthatitwouldkillthemtostop,becausethey’reusedtoit.Butwithme—no,Iadmitthefact—itisaquestionofwillandnothingelse.Justnow—oh,well,I’vetalkedenoughaboutmyself.”

“What—‘justnow’?Whatwereyougoingtosay?Youwantedtogoanddrink,justafterIleftyou?”

“Howdidyouguessthat?”

“Idon’tknow.Iwassureofit.And—andyoudidn’t,Jack?”

“No,Ididn’t.”

“Whynot?Whatstoppedyou?Itwassoeasy!”

“IfeltthatIshouldbeabruteifIdid—soIdidn’t.That’sall.It’snotworthmentioning—onlyitshowsthatitisaquestionofwill.I’mallrightnow—Idon’twantitanymore.PerhapsIshan’t,fordays.Idon’tknow.It’sahopelesssortofthing,anyway.SometimesI’mjustonthepointoftakinganoath.ButifIbrokeit,Ishouldblowmybrainsout,andIshouldn’tbeanybetteroff.SoIhavethesensenottopromisemyselfanything.”

“Promisemeonething,”saidKatharine,thoughtfully.“It’sathingyoucanpromise—trustme,won’tyou?”

“Yes—Ipromise,”answeredRalston,withouthesitation.

“Thatyouwillneverbindyourselfbyanyoathatall,willyou?”

Ralstonpausedamoment.

“Yes—Ipromiseyouthat,”hesaid.“Ithinkit’sverysensible.Thankyou,dear.”

Therewasashortsilenceafterhehadspoken.ThenKatharinelaughedalittleandlookedathimaffectionately.

“Howfunnyweare!”sheexclaimed.“HalfanhouragoIquarrelledwithyoubecauseyouwouldn’tpromise,andnowI’vegotyoutoswearthatyouneverwillpromise,underanycircumstances.”

“Yes,”heanswered.“It’sveryodd.Butotherthingsarechanged,too,sincethen,thoughit’snotlong.”

“You’remistaken,Jack,”shesaid,misunderstandinghim.“Haven’tIsaidenough?Don’tyouknowthatIloveyoujustasmuchasIeverdid—andmore?Butnothingischanged—nothing—nottheleastlittlebitofanything.”

“Dear—howgoodyouare!”Ralston’svoicewasverytenderjustthen.“ButImean—aboutto-morrow.”

“Nothing’schanged,Jack,”saidKatharine,leaningforwardandspeakingveryearnestly.

ButRalstonshookhishead,sadly,ashemethereyes.

“Yes,dear,it’sallchanged.Thatcan’tbeasyouwantedit—notnow.”

“ButifIsaythatIwill?Oh,don’tyouunderstandmeyet?It’smadenodifference.Ilostmyheadforamoment—butithasmadenodifferenceatall,exceptthatIrespectyoueversomuchmorethanIdid,forbeingsohonest!”

“Respectme!”repeatedRalston,withgraveincredulity.“Me!Youcan’t!”

“IcanandIdo.AndImeantobemarriedtoyou—to-morrow,justaswesaid.IwonderwhatyouthinkI’mmadeof,tochangeandtakebackmywordandpromise!Don’tyouseethatIwanttogiveyoueverything—mywholelife—muchmorethanIdidthismorning?Yes,eversomuchmore,foryouneedmemorethanIkneworguessed.Yousee,Ididn’tquiteunderstandatfirst,butit’sallclearnow.You’remuchmoreunhappy—andmuchmorefoolishaboutit—thanIam.Idon’twanttogobackoveritallagain,butwon’titbemucheasierforyouwhenyouhavemetohelpyou?Itseemstomethatitmustbe,becauseIloveyouso!Won’titbemucheasier?Tellme!”

“Yes—ofcourseitwould.Idon’tliketothinkofit,becauseImustn’tdoit.Ishouldneverhaveaskedyoutomarrymeatall,untilIwassureofmyself.But—well,Icouldn’thelpit.Welovedeachother.”

“Jack—whatdoyoumean?”

“ThatIloveyoufartoomuchtotiemyselfroundyourlife,likeachain.Iwon’tdoit.I’lldothebestIcantogetoverthisthingandifIdo—Ishan’tbehalfgoodenoughforyou—butifyouwillstillhavemethen,we’llbemarried.IfIcan’tgetoverit—whythen,thatmeansthatIshallgotothedevil,Isuppose.Atallevents,you’llbefree.”

Hespokeveryquietly,butthewordshurthimastheycame.Hedidnotrealizeuntilhehadfinishedspeakingthattheresolutionhadbeenformedwithinthelast

fiveminutes,thoughhefeltthathewasright.

“Ifyouknewhowyouhurtme,whenyoutalklikethat!”saidKatharine,inalowvoice.

“It’saquestionofabsoluterightandwrong—it’saquestionofhonour,”hecontinued,speakingquicklytopersuadehimself.“Justputyourselfinthepositionofathirdperson,andthinkaboutit.Whatshouldyousayofamanwhodidsuchathing—whoacceptedsuchasacrificeasyouwishtomake?”

“Itisn’tasacrifice—it’smylife.”

“Yes—that’sit!Whatwouldyourlifebe,withamanonwhomyoucouldn’tcount—amanyoumightbeashamedof,atanymoment—whocan’tevencountonhimself—afellowwho’sgoodfornothingonearth,andcertainlyfornothinginheaven—afailure,likeme,who—”

“Stop!Youshan’tsayanymore.Iwon’tlisten!Jack,Ishallgoaway,asIdidbefore—”

“Well—butisn’titalltrue?”

“No—notawordofitistrue!Andifitweretruetwentytimesover,I’dmarryyou—now,inspiteofeverybody.I—IbelieveI’dcommitasintomarryyou.Oh,it’sofnouse!Ican’tlivewithoutyou—Ican’t,indeed!Icalledyoubacktotellyouso—”

Shestopped,andshewaspale.Hehadneverseenherasshewasnow,andshehadneverlookedsobeautifultohim.

“Forthatmatter,Icouldn’tlivewithoutyou,”hesaid,inaratheruncertainvoice.

“Andyoushallnot!”sheanswered,withdetermination.“Don’ttalktomeofsacrifice—whatcouldanythingbecomparedwiththat—withgivingyouup?Youdon’tknowwhatyou’resaying.Icouldn’t—Icouldn’tdoit—notifitmeantdeath!”

“But,dear—Katharinedear—ifIfail,asIshall,I’msure—justthink—”

“Ifyoudo—butyouwon’t—well,ifyoushouldthinkyouhad—oh,Jack!Ifyou

weretheworstmanalive,I’dratherdiewithyouthanliveforanyoneelse!GodknowsIwould—”

“It’svery,veryhard!”Ralstontwistedhisfingerstogetherandbowedhishead,stilltryingtoresisther.

Shebentforwardagain.

“Dear—tellme!Alittlewhileago—outthere—whenyouwantedit—wasn’tthathard?”

Ralstonnoddedsilently.

“Anddidn’tyouresistbecauseitwasalittle—justalittleformysake?Justatthatmomentwhenyousaidtoyourselfthatyouwouldn’t,youknow,orjustbefore,orjustafterwards—didn’tyouthinkalittleofme,dear?”

“OfcourseIdid.Oh,Katharine,Katharine—”Hisvoicewasshakingnow.

“Yes.Iknownow,”sheanswered.“Idon’twantanythingbutthat—allmylife.”

StillRalstonbenthisheadagain,lookingdownathishandsandbelievingthathewasstillresisting.Hecouldnothavespoken,hadhetried,andKatharinesawit.Sheleanedstillnearertohim.

“Dear—I’mgoinghomenow.IshallbewalkinginClintonPlaceathalf-pasteightto-morrowmorning,aswearranged.Good-night—dear.”

Beforeherealizedwhatshemeanttodo,shehadrisenandreachedthedoor.Hesprangtohisfeetandfollowedher,butthecrowdhadclosedagainandshewasgone.

CHAPTERXV.

KatharineLauderdalesleptsweetlythatnight.Shehad,asshethought,atlastreachedthecrisisofherlife,andthemomentofactionwasathand.Shefelt,too,thatalmostatthelastmomentshehadavoidedagreatriskandmadeagoodresolution—shefeltasthoughshehadsavedJohnRalstonfromdestruction.Lovinghimastrulyasshedid,hersatisfactionoverwhatshehaddonewasfargreaterthanherpainatwhathehadtoldherofhimself.

Butthiswasnotinsignificant,thoughshewilfullymadeitseemassmallasshecould.Itwasquiteclearthatitwasnotamattertobelaughedat,andthatRalstondidnotdeservetobecalledquixoticbecausehehadthoughtithisdutytotellherofhisweakness.Itwasnotamountain,shewassure,butsheadmittedthatitwasnotamole-hilleither.Menwhoexaggeratedthegoldenletterofvirtueattheexpenseofthegentlespiritofcharity,asherfatherdid,exaggeratedalso,asarule,thoseformsofwickednesstowhichtheywerethemselvesleastliable.Sheknewthat.Butshewasalsoawarethatdrinkingtoomuchwasnotbyanymeansanimaginaryvice.Itwasamatteroffact,withwhichwholecommunitieshadtodeal,andaboutwhichmenveryunlikeherfatherinotherwaysspokegravely.Nevertheless,thoughafact,alldetailsconnectedwithitwerevague.ItseemedtoheramatterofcertaintythatJohnRalstonwouldatoncechangehislifeandbecomeinthatrespect,asinallothers,exactlywhatheridealofamanalwayshadbeensinceshehadlovedhim.

Hermistake,ifitwereone,waspardonableenough.Hadshebecomeawareofhisfaultbyaccident,andwhen,havingsuccumbedtohisweakness,shecouldhaveseenhimnothimself,thewholeeffectuponhermindwouldhavebeenverydifferent.Butshehadneverseenhim,asshebelieved,inanysuchcondition.Itwasasthoughhehadtolditasofanotherman,andshefounditimpossiblereallytoconnectanysuchideasofinebrietyasshehadwiththemansheloved.Itwasasvagueasthoughhehadtoldherthathehadoncehadthescarletfever.Shewouldhaveknownverywellwhatthescarletfeverwaslike,butshecouldnothaveassociateditwithhiminanyreallydistinctway.Itwasbecauseithadseemedsuchasmallmatteratfirstsightthatshehadbeensuddenlyoverwhelmedbyasenseofbitterdisappointmentwhenhehadrefusedtogivehispromiseforhersake.Assoonasshehadbeguntounderstandevenalittleofwhathereallyfelt,shehadbeenasreadyandasdeterminedtostandbyhimthrougheverythingasthoughithadbeenaquestionofabodilyillness,forwhichhewasnotresponsible,butinwhichshecouldreallyhelphim.Whenshehadbeenangry,andafterwards,when,inspiteofhim,shehadsostronglyinsisteduponthemarriage,shehadbeenalikeunderafalseimpression,thoughindifferentdegrees.Shehadnotnowanyideaofwhatshehadreallyundertakentodo.

Withhernatureshewouldprobablyhaveactedjustasshedidinthelastcase,evenhadsheunderstoodall,byactualexperience.Shewascapableofgreatsacrifices—evengreaterthanshedreamedof.But,notunderstanding,itdidnotseemtoherthatshehaddoneorpromisedanythingveryextraordinary,andshe

wasabsolutelyconfidentofsuccess.Itwasnaturaltohertoacceptwhollywhatsheacceptedatall,andithadalwaysseemedtoherthattherewassomethingmeanincomplainingofwhatonehadtakenvoluntarily,andinfindingfaultwithdetailswhenonehadagreed,asitwere,totakeoverthewholeatamoralvaluation.

IthasseemednecessarytodwellatgreatlengthontheeventswhichfilledthedaysprecedingKatharine’smarriage.Hersurroundingshadmadeherwhatshewas,andjustified,ifanythingcouldjustify,theextraordinarystepshewasabouttotake,andwhichsheactuallytookonthemorningafterthedanceattheThirlwalls’.Itisundersuchcircumstancesthatsuchthingsaredone,whentheyaredoneatall.ThewholebalanceofopinioninherfamilywasagainsthermarryingJohnRalston.Thewholeweightofevents,sofarasshewasconcerned,wasinfavourofthemarriage.

Thatshelovedhimwithallherheart,therewasnodoubt;andhelovedherwithallthathisnaturecouldgiveoflove,whichwas,indeed,lessthanwhatshegave,butwasofagoodandfaithfulsortinitsway.Love,likemostpassions,goodandbad,flourishesunderrestraintwhenitisrealandperishesalmostimmediatelybeforeoppositionwhenithasgrownoutofartificialcircumstances—torevive,sometimes,inthelattercase,iftheartificialityisresuscitated.KatharinehadfoundherselfopposedateveryturninherloveforRalston.Theresultwasnaturalandsimple—ithadgrowntobealtogetherthedominantrealityofherlife.

Eventhosepersonswhodidnotactivelydotheirbesttohinderhermarriage,contributed,bytheiractionsandevenbytheirexistence,tothefortifyingofherresolution,asitseemedtoher,butinrealitytothegrowthofthepassionwhichneedednoresolutionstodirectit.Forinstance,Crowdie’srepulsivepersonalitythrewRalston’sundeniableadvantagesintohigherrelief.Hiswife’sdevotiontohimmadeKatharine’sdevotiontoJohnseemtentimesmorereasonablethanitwas.CharlotteSlayback’swretchedlypettyandmiserablelifewithamanwhomshehadnotmarriedforlove,madealovematchseemthetruestfoundationforhappiness.OldRobertLauderdale’ssolitaryexistencewasitselfanargumentinfavourofmarriage.Thesmall,dailydiscomfortwhichAlexanderJunior’smiserlyeconomyimposeduponhishousehold,andwhichKatharinehadbeenforcedtoendureallherlife,madeRalston’scarelessgenerosityavirtuebycontrast.EvenMrs.Lauderdalehadturnedagainstherdaughteratlast,forreasonswhichtheyounggirlcouldnotunderstand,eitheratthetimeorfora

longtimeafterwards.

Shefeltherselfverymuchaloneintheworld,inspiteofherposition.Andyet,sincehermotherhadbeguntolosehersupremebeauty,KatharinewaslookeduponasthecentralfigureoftheLauderdaletribe,nexttoRoberttheRichhimself.‘ThebeautifulMissLauderdale’wasapersonageofmuchgreaterimportancethansheherselfknew,intheeyesofsociety.Shehadgrownusedtohearingreportstotheeffectthatshewasengagedtobemarriedtothisman,orthat,andthatheruncleRoberthadannouncedhisintentionofwrappinghisweddingpresentinachequeforamillionofdollars.Storiesofthatsortgotintothepapersfromtimetotime,andAlexanderJuniorneverfailedtowriteasterndenialofthereporttotheeditorofthejournalinwhichthetaleappeared.Katharinewasusedtoseeingthefamilynameinprintonallpossibleoccasionsandpaidlittleattentiontoit.Shedidnotknowhowfarpeoplemusthavebecomesubjectsofgeneralconversationbeforetheybecometheparagraphist’smeansofsupportinthedullseasonoftheyear.Theparagraphistsonagreatdailypaperhaveanintimateknowledgeofthepublictaste,forwhichtheygetlittlecreditamongstthesociallights,whoflatterthemselvesthattheimportanceofthepaperinquestiondependsverylargelyontheiropinionofit.Societyisverymuchlikealittlecommunityoflunatics,wholiveinanasylumallbythemselves,andwhoknownothingwhateveraboutthegreatpublicthatlivesbeyondthewalls,whereasthepublicknowsagooddealaboutthelunatics,andtakesalivelyinterestintheirharmless,ordangerous,vagaries.Andinthesamewaysocietyitselfformsasmallpublicforitsownmostprominentindividuals,—foritsownfavouritelunatics,sotosay,—andwatchestheirdoingsandtalksaboutthemwithconstantinterest,andflattersthemwhenitthinkstheyareagreeable,andabusesthembitterlybehindtheirbackswhenitthinkstheyarenot.Thedailydinner-partyconversationissociety’simprintedbutwidelycirculateddailypaper.Itisoftenquiteignorantofstatesecrets,butitisneverunacquaintedwithsocialevents,andgenerallyhasplentyofsoundreasonswithwhichtoexplainthem.Society’scomparativeidleness,eveninAmerica,givesitopportunitiesofconversationwhichnoequallylargebodyofmenandwomencanbesaidtopossessoutsideofitsratherelasticlimits.Ittalksthesamesortofmatterwhichthegenerallybusygreatpublicreadsandwishestoreadinthedailypress—andastalkingisaquickerprocessthancontroversyinprint,societymanagestosayasmuchforandagainstthepersonsitdiscusses,inaday,asthenewspaperscansayinaweek,orperhapsmore.Asamerematterofstatistics,thereisnodoubtthatacoupleoftalkativepeoplespendinganeveningtogethercaneasily‘talkoff’tenthousandwordsinanhour—whichisequaltoabout

eightcolumnsofanordinarybigdailypaper,andtheyarenotconsciousofmakinganygreateffort.Itismanifestlypossibletosayagreatmanythingsineightcolumnsofanewspaper,especiallyifoneisnotveryparticularaboutwhatonesays.

Katharinerealized,nodoubt,thattherewouldsomedaybeplentifuldiscussionofherrashnessinmarryingRalstonagainstthewishesofthefamily,andsheknewthatthecircumstanceswouldtosomeextentberegardedaspublicproperty.Butshewasfarfromrealizingherownsocialimportance,orthatofthewholeLauderdaletribe,ascomparedwiththatofmanypeoplewhospentenormoussumsinamusingtheirfriends,consciouslyandunconsciously,butwhocouldneverbeLauderdales,thoughitwasnottheirfault.

Atthejunctureshehadnowreached,suchconsiderationswouldhavehadlittleweightwithher,buttheprobabilityisthat,hadsheknownexactlywhatshewasdoing,andhowitwouldberegardedshouldothersknowofit,shewouldhavevastlypreferredtorebelopenlyandtoleaveNewYorkwithJohnRalstononthedayshemarriedhim,inuncompromisingdefianceofherfamily.Mostpeoplehaveknowninthecourseoflifeofoneortwosecretmarriagesandmusthavenoticedthatthemotivestosecrecygenerallyseeminadequate.Asarule,theyare,iftakenbythemselves.Butinactualfacttheyhavemostlyacteduponthepersonsconcernedthroughamediumofsomesortofignoranceandinconjunctionwithanimpatientpassion.Itiscommonenough,eveninconnectionwithmoreorlessinsignificantmatters,tohearsomeonesay,‘IwonderwhyIdidthat—Imighthaveknownbetter!’Humanityisneverwhollylogical,andisnevermorethanverypartiallywise,evenwhenitisoldenoughto‘knowbetter.’Inninecasesoutoften,whenitissaidofamanthat‘aprophetiswithouthonourinhisowncountry,’thereasonisthathisowncountryisthebestjudgeofwhatheprophesies.Andsimilarly,societyjudgesthedoingsofallitsmembersbyitsownindividualknowledgeofitsowncustoms,sothatveryfewwhodoanythingnotsanctionedbythosecustomsgetanycredit,but,onthecontrary,areindangerofbeingcalledfoolsforbelievingthatanythingnotcustomarycanbedoneatall.

Athalf-pasteightonThursdaymorningKatharineleftthehouseinClintonPlace,andturnedeastwardtomeetJohnRalston.Heronlysourceofanxietywasthefearlestherfathershouldbysomeaccidentgooutearlierthanusual.Therewasnoparticularreasontoexpectthatheshouldbeirregularonthatparticulardayofallothers,andshehadlefthimoverhisbeefsteak,discussingtherelative

amountsofthenutriment—ascomparedwiththepriceperpound—containedinbeefandmutton.Hehadneverbeenabletounderstandwhyanyonewhocouldgetmeatshouldeatanythingelse,andthestatisticsoffoodconsumptioninterestedhissmallbutaccuratemind.Hiswifelistenedquietlybutwithoutresponse,sothatthediscussionwasveryone-sided.Thephilanthropistgenerallyshuffleddowntobreakfastwheneverythingwascold,apointaboutwhichhewasutterlyindifferent.Hehadlongagodiscoveredthatbycomingdownlatehecouldalwaysbethelasttofinishhismeal,andcouldthereforebegintosmokeassoonashehadswallowedhislastmouthfulwhichwasahabitveryimportanttohisenjoymentandverydestructivetothatofanyoneelse,especiallysincehissonhadreducedhimto‘OldVirginiaCheroots’attencentsforfive.

ButAlexanderJuniorwasnomoreinclinedthanusualtoreachhisofficeamomentbeforehisaccustomedtime.Katharinegenerallyleftthedining-roomassoonasshehadfinishedbreakfast,andoftenwentoutimmediatelyafterwardsforaturninWashingtonSquare,sothatherdepartureexcitednoremark.Therainhadceased,andthoughtheairwasstillmurkyandthepavementswet,itwasadecentlyfinemorning.Ralstonwaswaitingforher,walkingupanddownonashortbeat,andthetwowentawaytogether.

Atfirsttheyweresilent,andthesilencehadacertainconstraintaboutitwhichbothofthemfelt,butdidnotknowhowtoescapefrom.Ralstonwasthefirsttospeak.

“Yououghtnottohavecome,”hesaidratherawkwardly,withalittlelaugh.

“ButItoldyouIwascoming,”sheanswereddemurely.“Didn’tI?”

“Iknow.That’sjustit.YoutoldmesosuddenlythatIcouldn’tprotest.Iranafteryou,butyouweregonetogetyourthings,andwhenyoucamedownstairstherewerealotofpeople,andIcouldn’tspeaktoyou.”

“Isawyou,”saidKatharine.“Itwasjustaswell.YouhadnothingtosaytomethatIdidn’tknow,andwecouldn’thavebegunthediscussionofthematteralloveragainatthelastinstant.Andnow,please,Jackdear,don’tbeginandargue.I’vetoldyouahundredtimesthatIknowexactlywhatI’mdoing—andthatit’sIwhoammakingyoudoit.AndrememberthatunlesswearemarriedfirstuncleRobertwillnevermakeuphismindtodoanythingforus.It’sneverofanyusetotryandovercomepeople’sobjections.Theonlywayistoignorethem,which

isjustwhatwe’redoing.”

“There’snodoubtaboutthat,”answeredRalston.“There’sonethingIlookforwardtowithpleasure,inthewayofarow,though—Imeanwhenyourfatherfindsitout.Ihopeyou’llletmetellhimandnotspoilmyfun.Won’tyou?”

“Oh,yes,ifyoulike.Whynot?NotthatI’matallafraid.Youdon’tknowpapa.Whenhefindsthatthethingisdone,thatit’stheinevitablecourseofevents,infact,he’llbequitedifferent.He’llverylikelytalkofsubmissiontotheDivinewillandoffertospeaktoBemanBrothersaboutlettingyoutrytheclerkshipagain.Iknowpapa!Providencehasanawfullygoodtimewithhim—butnobodyelsedoes.”

AtwhichpieceofirreverenceRalstonlaughed,foritexactlyexpressedhisideaofAlexanderJunior’scharacter.

“Andthere’soneotherthingIdon’twantyoutospeakof,Jack,”pursuedKatharine,moregravely.“Imeanwhatyoutoldmelastnight.Idon’tintendevertomentionitagain—doyouunderstand,dear?I’vethoughtitalloversincethen.I’mgladyoutoldme,andIadmireyoufortellingme,becauseitmusthavebeenhard,especiallyuntilIbegantounderstand.Awomandoesn’tknoweverything,yousee!Indeed,wedon’tknowmuchaboutanything.Wecanonlyfeel.Anditdidseemveryhardatfirst—onlyforamoment,Jack—thatyoushouldnotbewillingtopromisewhatIasked,whenitwastomakesuchadifferencetome,andIwaswillingtopromiseyouanything.YouseehowIfelt,don’tyou?”

“Ofcourse,”answeredRalston,lookingdownatthepavementashewalkedonandlistened.“Itwasnatural.”

“Yes.I’msogladyouseeit.Butafterwards,whenIthoughtofthingsI’dheard—why,thenIthoughtagreatdealtoomuch,youknow—dreadfulthings!ButIunderstoodbetterwhatitallmeant.Yousee,atfirst,itseemedsoabsurd!JustasthoughIhadaskedyounotto—nottowearagreentie,forinstance,asCharlotteaskedherhusband.Absurd,wasn’tit?SoIwasfrightfullyangrywithyouandgotupandwentaway.I’msoashamedofmyselfforit,now.Butthen,whenitgrewclearer—whenIreallyknewthattherewassufferinginit,andrememberedhearingthatitwassomethinglikemorphiaandsuchthings,thathavetobecuredbydegrees—youknowwhatImean—why,thenIwantedyoumorethanever.YouknowI’dgiveanythingtohelpyou—justtomakeitalittleeasierforyou,

dear.”

“Youdo!You’redoingeverything—you’regivingmeeverything,”saidRalston,earnestly.

“Well—noteverything—butmyself,becausethat’sallIhavetogive—ifit’sanyusetoyou.”

“Dear—asifyouweren’teverythingtheworldhas,andtheonlythingandthebestthingaltogether!”

“AndifIdidn’tloveyoubetterthananything—betterthankingsandqueens—Iwouldn’tdoit.Because,afterall,thoughI’mnotmuch,I’mallIhave.Andthen—I’mproud—inside,youknow,Jack.PapasaysI’mnot,becausemammaandIsometimesgotothetheatreinthegallery,foreconomy.Butthat’shardlyatestinreallife,Ithink—andbesides,IknowIam.Don’tyouthinkso?”

“Yes—alittle,intherightway.It’snice.Ilikeitinyou.”

“I’msoglad.It’sbecauseI’mproudthatIdon’twanttotalkaboutthatmatteranymore.Itjustdoesn’texistforme.That’swhatIwantyoutofeel.ButIwantyoutofeel,too,thatI’malwaysthere,thatIshallalwaysunderstand,andthatifIcanhelpyoutheleastlittlebit,Imeanto.I’veturnedintoawomanallatonce,Jack,inthelasttwenty-fourhours,andnowinanhourIshallbeyourwife,thoughnobodywillknowaboutitforadayortwo.ButIdon’tmeantoturnintoyourgrandmother,too,andbealwayslecturingyouandaskingquestions,andthatsortofthing.Youwouldn’tlikeiteither,wouldyou?”

“Hardly!”

Ralstonlaughedagain,foreverythingshesaidmadehimfeelhappierandhelpedtodestroythepainfulimpressionofthepreviousnight.

“Whydoyoulaugh,Jack?Oh,Isupposeit’smywayofputtingit.Butit’swhatImean,andthat’stheprincipalthing.I’dratherdiethanwatchyouallthetime,toseewhatyoudo.ImagineifIwerealwaysaskingquestions—‘Jack,wheredidyougolastnight?’And—‘Jack,isthatyourthirdorfourthglassofwineto-day?’Themereideaisdisgusting.No.Youmustjustdoyourbest,andfeelthatI’malwaysthere—evenwhenI’mnot—andthatI’mneverwatchingyou,evenwhenIlookasthoughIwere,andthatneitheryounorIareevergoingtosayaword

aboutit—fromthisveryminute,forever!Doyouunderstand?Isn’tthatthebestway,Jack?AndthatI’mperfectlysurethatitwillbeallrightintheend—youmustrememberthat,too.”

“Ithinkyou’reright,”saidRalston.“You’vesuddenlyturnedintoawoman,andintoaverycleverone.Thosearejustthethingswhichmostwomenneverwillunderstand.They’dbemuchhappieriftheydid.”

Thetwowalkedonrapidly,talkingastheywent,andassuredlynotlookingatalllikearunawaycouple.Butthoughitwasveryearly,theyavoidedthestreetsinwhichtheymighteasilymeetacquaintances,foritwasthehourwhenmenwhohadanybusinessweregoingtoitinvariousways,accordingtotheirtastes,butchieflybytheelevatedroad.Theyhadnodifficultyinreachingunobservedthehouseoftheclergymanwhohadpromisedtomarrythem.

Hewasinreadiness,andathiswindow,andastheycameinsightheleftthehouseandmetthem.Allthreewalkedsilentlytohischurch,andhelettheminwithhisownkey,followedthemandlockedthedoorbehindthem.

Intenminutestheceremonywasover.Theclergymanbeckonedthemintothevestry,andimmediatelysignedaformofcertificatewhichhehadalreadyfilledin,andhandedittoJohnwithoutaword.Johntookanewtreasurynotefromhispocket-bookandlaiditupontheoaktable.

“I’msureyoumusthavemanypoorpeopleinyourparish,”hesaid,inexplanation.

“Ihave,”saidtheclergyman.“Thankyou,”headded,placingthemoneyinhisownpocket-book,whichwasanoldblackone,muchtheworseforwear.

“Itiswewhohavetothankyou,”answeredJohn,“forhelpingusoutofaverydifficultsituation.”

“Hm!”ejaculatedtheelderman,rubbinghischinwithhishandandfixingapenetratingglanceonRalston’sface.“Perhapsyouwon’tthankmehereafter,”hesaidsuddenly.“Perhapsyouthinkitstrangethatamaninmypositionshouldbeapartytoasecretmarriage.ButIdonotanticipatethatyouwillaskmeforajustificationofmyaction.Ihadreasons—reasons—oldreasons.”Hecontinuedtorubhischinthoughtfully.“Ishouldliketosayawordtoyou,Mrs.Ralston,”headded,turningtoKatharine.

Shestartedandblushedalittle.Shehadnotexpectedtobeaddressedbywhatwasnowhername.Butsheheldupherhead,proudly,asthoughshewerebynomeansashamedofit.

“Ishallnotdetainyouamoment,”continuedtheclergyman,lookingatherasearnestlyashehadlookedatJohn.“IhaveperfectconfidenceinMr.Ralston,asIhaveshownbyaccedingtohisveryunusualrequest.HehastoldyouwhatIsaidtohimyesterday,andIdonotwishhimtodoubtthatIamsurethathehasdoneso.Itismerelyasamatterofconscience,tosatisfymyownscruplesinfact,thatIwishtorepeat,asnearlyaspossible,thesamewords,‘mutatismutandis,’whichIsaidtohim.Ihavemarriedyouandhavegivenyoumycertificatethattheceremonyhasbeendulyandproperlyperformed,andyouaremanandwife.ButIhavemarriedyouthussecretlyandwithoutwitnesses—nonebeingindispensable—onthedistinctunderstandingthatyourunionisnottobekeptasecretbyyouanylongerthanyoushalldeemsecrecyabsolutelynecessarytoyourfuturehappiness.Mr.Ralstoninformedmethatitwasyourintentiontoacknowledgewhatyouhaddonetoanearrelation,theheadofyourfamily,infact,withoutanydelay.Iamsurethatitisreallyyourintentiontodoso.Butletmeentreatyou,ifitispossible,tolosenotime,buttogo,evenatthishour,tothepersoninquestionandtellyourstory,oneortheotherofyou,orbothtogether.Iamanoldman,andhumanlifeisveryuncertain,andhumanhonourisrightlyheldverydear,forifhonourmeansanything,itmeansthesocialapplicationofthattruthwhichisbynaturedivine.To-morrowImaynolongerbeheretotestifythatIsignedthatdocumentwithmyownhand.To-daythepersoninwhomyouintendtoconfidecancomeandseemeandIwillanswerforwhatIhavedone,orhecanacknowledgeyourmarriagewithoutquestion,whicheverhechoosestodo;itwillbebetterifitbedonequickly.Italwaysseemstomethatto-morrowistheenemyofto-day,andliesinambushtoattackitunawares.Therefore,Ientreatyoutogoatoncetohimyouhavechosenandtellhimwhatyouhavedone.Andsogood-bye,andmayGodblessyouandmakeyouhappyandgood.”

“Ishallgonow,”saidKatharine.“Andwethankyouverymuch,”sheadded,holdingoutherhand.

Theclergymanletthemoutandstoodlookingafterthemforafewseconds.Thenheslowlynoddedtwiceandre-enteredthechurch.RalstonandKatharinewalkedawayveryslowly,bothlookingdown,andeachinwardlywonderingwhethertheotherwouldbreakthesilence.Itwasnaturalthattheyshouldnot

speakatfirst.Thewordsoftheservicehadbroughtveryclearlybeforethemthemeaningofwhattheyhaddone,andtheclergyman’sshortspeech,madeashesaidforthesakeofsatisfyinghisownscruplesofconscience,hadinfluencedthembyitsearnestness.Theyreachedacrossingwithouthavingexchangedasyllable.Asusualinsuchcases,achanceexclamationbroketheice.

“Takecare!”exclaimedRalston,layinghishandonKatharine’sarm,andlookingatanexpresswagonwhichwasbearingdownonthem.

“It’seversofaroffstill,”saidKatharine,smilingsuddenlyandlookingintohisface.“ButIlikeyoutotakecareofme,”sheadded.

Hesmiled,too,andtheywaitedforthewagontogoby.Thecloudshadbrokenawayatlastandthelowmorningsunshonebrightlyuponthem.

“I’msogladit’sfineonourweddingday,Jack!”exclaimedKatharine.“Itwashorridyesterdayafternoon.Howlongagothatseems!DidyouhearhimcallmeMrs.Ralston?KatharineRalston—howfunnyitsounds!It’strue,that’syourmother’sname.”

“You’llbeMrs.JohnRalston—todistinguish.”Johnlaughed.“Yes—itdoesseemlongago.Whatdidyoudowithyourselfyesterday?”

“Yesterday?Letmesee—Isatformyportrait,andthenIwenthome,andthenlateintheafternoonCharlottesuddenlyappeared,andthenIdinedwiththeJoeAllens—theyoungcouple,youknow,don’tyou?AndthenIwenttothedance.IhardlyknewwhatIwasdoing,halfthetime.”

“AndIhardlyknowwhyIaskedthequestion.Isn’titfunny?Ibelievewe’reactuallytryingtomakeconversation!”

“Youare—I’mnot,”laughedKatharine.“Itwasyouwhobeganasking.Iwastalkingquitesentimentallyandappropriatelyaboutyesterdayseemingsolongago,youknow.Butit’strue.Itdoes—itseemsages.Iwonderwhentimewillbeginagain—Ifeelasthoughithadstoppedsuddenly.”

“Itwillbeginagain,anditwillseemawfullylong,beforethisafternoon—whenuncleRoberthasrefusedtohaveanythingtodowithus.”

“Hewon’trefuse—heshan’trefuse!”Katharinespokewithanenergywhich

increasedateverysyllable.“Nowthatthethingisdone,Jack,justputyourselfinhispositionforamoment.Justimaginethatyouhaveanywherebetweenfiftyandahundredmillions,allofyourown.Yes—Iknow.Youcan’timagineit.Butsupposethatyouhad.Andsupposethatyouhadagrand-niece,whomyouliked,andwhowasn’taltogetheradisagreeableyoungperson,andwhomyouhadalwaysrathertriedtopetandspoil—notexactlyknowinghowtodoit,butoutofsheergoodnature.Andsupposethatyouhadknowneversolongthattherewasonlyonethingwhichcouldmakeyournicenieceperfectlyhappy—”

“It’sallverywell,Katharine,”interruptedRalston,“buthasheknownthat?”

“I’veneverfailedtotellhimso,onthemostabsurdlyinadequateprovocation.Soitmustbehisfaultifhedoesn’tknowit—andIshallcertainlytellhimalloveragainbeforeIbringoutthenews.Itwouldn’tdotobetoosudden,youknow.Well,then—supposeallthat,andthattheyounggentlemaninquestionwasaproperyounggentlemanenough,asyounggentlemengo,anddidn’twantmoney,andwouldn’ttakeitifitwereofferedtohim,butmerelyaskedforagoodchancetoworkandshowwhathecoulddo.That’sallverysimple,isn’tit?Andthenrealize—don’tsupposeanymore—justwhat’sgoingtohappeninsideofhalfanhour.Thedevotedniecegoestothegoodolduncle,andsaysallthatoveragain,andcalmlyaddsthatshe’sdonethedeedandmarriedtheyounggentlemanandgotacertificate,whichsheproduces—bythebye,youmustgiveittome.Don’tbeafraidofmylosingit—I’mnotsuchagoose.Andshegoesontosaythatunlessthegooduncledoessomethingforherhusband,shewillsimplymaketheuncle’slifeaperfectlyunbearableburdentohim,andthatsheknowshowtodoit,becauseifhe’saLauderdale,she’saLauderdale,andherhusbandishalfaLauderdale,sothatit’sallinthefamily,andnoentirelyunnecessaryconsiderationistobeshowntothevictim—well?Don’tyouthinkthatoughttoproduceaneffectofsomesort?Ido.”

“Yes,”laughedRalston,“Ithinkso,too.Somethingiscertainlysuretohappen.”

ENDOFVOL.I.

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