IX + 

Apart from the momentary thrill and zest of this, the effect was to throw Clyde, as before, speculatively back upon the problem of his proper course here. For here was this girl, and she was approaching him in this direct and suggestive way. And so soon after telling himself and his mother that his course was to be so different hereвБ†вАФno such approaches or relationships as had brought on his downfall in Kansas City. And yetвБ†вАФand yetвБ†вАФ + 

He was sorely tempted now, for in his contact with Rita he had the feeling that she was expecting him to suggest a further stepвБ†вАФand soon. But just how and where? Not in connection with this large, strange house. There were other rooms apart from the kitchen to which Dillard and Zella had ostensibly departed. But even so, such a relationship once established! What then? Would he not be expected to continue it, or let himself in for possible complications in case he did not? He danced with and fondled her in a daring and aggressive fashion, yet thinking as he did so, вАЬBut this is not what I should be doing either, is it? This is Lycurgus. I am a Griffiths, here. I know how these people feel toward meвБ†вАФtheir parents even. Do I really care for her? Is there not something about her quick and easy availability which, if not exactly dangerous in so far as my future here is concerned, is not quite satisfactoryвБ†вАФtoo quickly intimate?вАЭ He was experiencing a sensation not unrelated to his mood in connection with the lupanar in Kansas CityвБ†вАФattracted and yet repulsed. He could do no more than kiss and fondle her here in a somewhat restrained way until at last Dillard and Zella returned, whereupon the same degree of intimacy was no longer possible. + 

A clock somewhere striking two, it suddenly occurred to Rita that she must be goingвБ†вАФher parents would object to her staying out so late. And since Diliard gave no evidence of deserting Zella, it followed, of course, that Clyde was to see her home, a pleasure that now had been allayed by a vague suggestion of disappointment or failure on the part of both. He had not risen to her expectations, he thought. Obviously he lacked the courage yet to follow up the proffer of her favors, was the way she explained it to herself. + 

At her own door, not so far distant, and with a conversation which was still tinctured with intimations of some future occasions which might prove more favorable, her attitude was decidedly encouraging, even here. They parted, but with Clyde still saying to himself that this new relationship was developing much too swiftly. He was not sure that he should undertake a relationship such as this hereвБ†вАФso soon, anyhow. Where now were all his fine decisions made before coming here? What was he going to decide? And yet because of the sensual warmth and magnetism of Rita, he was irritated by his resolution and his inability to proceed as he otherwise might. + 

Two things which eventually decided him in regard to this came quite close together. One related to the attitude of the Griffiths themselves, which, apart from that of Gilbert, was not one of opposition or complete indifference, so much as it was a failure on the part of Samuel Griffiths in the first instance and the others largely because of him to grasp the rather anomalous, if not exactly lonely position in which Clyde would find himself here unless the family chose to show him at least some little courtesy or advise him cordially from time to time. Yet Samuel Griffiths, being always very much pressed for time, had scarcely given Clyde a thought during the first month, at least. He was here, properly placed, as he heard, would be properly looked after in the futureвБ†вАФwhat more, just now, at least? + 

And so for all of five weeks before any action of any kind was taken, and with Gilbert Griffiths comforted thereby, Clyde was allowed to drift along in his basement world wondering what was being intended in connection with himself. The attitude of others, including Dillard and these girls, finally made his position here seem strange. + 

However, about a month after Clyde had arrived, and principally because Gilbert seemed so content to say nothing regarding him, the elder Griffiths inquired one day: + 

вАЬWell, what about your cousin? HowвАЩs he doing by now?вАЭ And Gilbert, only a little worried as to what this might bode, replied, вАЬOh, heвАЩs all right. I started him off in the shrinking room. Is that all right?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I think so. ThatвАЩs as good a place as any for him to begin, I believe. But what do you think of him by now?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh,вАЭ answered Gilbert very conservatively and decidedly independentlyвБ†вАФa trait for which his father had always admired himвБ†вАФвАЬNot so much. HeвАЩs all right, I guess. He may work out. But he does not strike me as a fellow who would ever make much of a stir in this game. He hasnвАЩt had much of an education of any kind, you know. Anyone can see that. Besides, heвАЩs not so very aggressive or energetic-looking. Too soft, I think. Still I donвАЩt want to knock him. He may be all right. You like him and I may be wrong. But I canвАЩt help but think that his real idea in coming here is that youвАЩll do more for him than you would for someone else, just because he is related to you.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, you think he does. Well, if he does, heвАЩs wrong.вАЭ But at the same time, he added, and that with a bantering smile: вАЬHe may not be as impractical as you think, though. He hasnвАЩt been here long enough for us to really tell, has he? He didnвАЩt strike me that way in Chicago. Besides there are a lot of little corners into which he might fit, arenвАЩt there, without any great waste, even if he isnвАЩt the most talented fellow in the world? If heвАЩs content to take a small job in life, thatвАЩs his business. I canвАЩt prevent that. But at any rate, I donвАЩt want him sent away yet, anyhow, and I donвАЩt want him put on piece work. It wouldnвАЩt look right. After all, he is related to us. Just let him drift along for a little while and see what he does for himself.вАЭ + 

вАЬAll right, governor,вАЭ replied his son, who was hoping that his father would absentmindedly let him stay where he wasвБ†вАФin the lowest of all the positions the factory had to offer. + 

But, now, and to his dissatisfaction, Samuel Griffiths proceeded to add, вАЬWeвАЩll have to have him out to the house for dinner pretty soon, wonвАЩt we? I have thought of that but I havenвАЩt been able to attend to it before. I should have spoken to Mother about it before this. He hasnвАЩt been out yet, has he?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, sir, not that I know of,вАЭ replied Gilbert dourly. He did not like this at all, but was too tactful to show his opposition just here. вАЬWeвАЩve been waiting for you to say something about it, I suppose.вАЭ + 

вАЬVery well,вАЭ went on Samuel, вАЬyouвАЩd better find out where heвАЩs stopping and have him out. Next Sunday wouldnвАЩt be a bad time, if we havenвАЩt anything else on.вАЭ Noting a flicker of doubt or disapproval in his sonвАЩs eyes, he added: вАЬAfter all, Gil, heвАЩs my nephew and your cousin, and we canвАЩt afford to ignore him entirely. That wouldnвАЩt be right, you know, either. YouвАЩd better speak to your mother tonight, or I will, and arrange it.вАЭ He closed the drawer of a desk in which he had been looking for certain papers, got up and took down his hat and coat and left the office. + 

In consequence of this discussion, an invitation was sent to Clyde for the following Sunday at six-thirty to appear and participate in a Griffiths family meal. On Sunday at one-thirty was served the important family dinner to which usually was invited one or another of the various local or visiting friends of the family. At six-thirty nearly all of these guests had departed, and sometimes one or two of the Griffiths themselves, the cold collation served being partaken of by Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Griffiths and MyraвБ†вАФBella and Gilbert usually having appointments elsewhere. + 

On this occasion, however, as Mrs.¬†Griffiths and Myra and Bella decided in conference, they would all be present with the exception of Gilbert, who, because of his opposition as well as another appointment, explained that he would stop in for only a moment before leaving. Thus Clyde as Gilbert was pleased to note would be received and entertained without the likelihood of contacts, introductions and explanations to such of their more important connections who might chance to stop in during the afternoon. They would also have an opportunity to study him for themselves and see what they really did think without committing themselves in any way. + 

But in the meantime in connection with Dillard, Rita and Zella there had been a development which, because of the problem it had posed, was to be affected by this very decision on the part of the Griffiths. For following the evening at the Shuman home, and because, in spite of ClydeвАЩs hesitation at the time, all three including Rita herself, were still convinced that he must or would be smitten with her charms, there had been various hints, as well as finally a direct invitation or proposition on the part of Dillard to the effect that because of the camaraderie which had been established between himself and Clyde and these two girls, they make a weekend trip somewhereвБ†вАФpreferably to Utica or Albany. The girls would go, of course. He could fix that through Zella with Rita for Clyde if he had any doubts or fears as to whether it could be negotiated or not. вАЬYou know she likes you. Zell was telling me the other day that she said she thought you were the candy. Some ladiesвАЩ man, eh?вАЭ And he nudged Clyde genially and intimatelyвБ†вАФa proceeding in this newer and grander world in which he now found himselfвБ†вАФand considering who he was here, was not as appealing to Clyde as it otherwise might have been. These fellows who were so pushing where they thought a fellow amounted to something more than they did! He could tell. + 

At the same time, the proposition he was now offeringвБ†вАФas thrilling and intriguing as it might be from one point of viewвБ†вАФwas likely to cause him endless troubleвБ†вАФwas it not? In the first place he had no moneyвБ†вАФonly fifteen dollars a week here so farвБ†вАФand if he was going to be expected to indulge in such expensive outings as these, why, of course, he could not manage. Carfare, meals, a hotel bill, maybe an automobile ride or two. And after that he would be in close contact with this Rita whom he scarcely knew. And might she not take it on herself to become intimate here in Lycurgus, maybeвБ†вАФexpect him to call on her regularlyвБ†вАФand go placesвБ†вАФand thenвБ†вАФwell, geeвБ†вАФsupposing the GriffithsвБ†вАФhis cousin Gilbert, heard of or saw this. HadnвАЩt Zella said that she saw him often on the street here and there in Lycurgus? And wouldnвАЩt they be likely to encounter him somewhereвБ†вАФsometimeвБ†вАФwhen they were all together? And wouldnвАЩt that fix him as being intimate with just another store clerk like Dillard who didnвАЩt amount to so much after all? It might even mean the end of his career here! Who could tell what it might lead to? + 

He coughed and made various excuses. Just now he had a lot of work to do. BesidesвБ†вАФa venture like thatвБ†вАФhe would have to see first. His relatives, you know. Besides next Sunday and the Sunday after, some extra work in connection with the factory was going to hold him in Lycurgus. After that time he would see. Actually, in his wavering wayвБ†вАФand various disturbing thoughts as to RitaвАЩs charm returning to him at moments, he was wondering if it was not desirableвБ†вАФhis other decision to the contrary notwithstanding, to skimp himself as much as possible over two or three weeks and so go anyhow. He had been saving something toward a new dress suit and collapsible silk hat. Might he not use some of thatвБ†вАФeven though he knew the plan to be all wrong? + 

The fair, plump, sensuous Rita! + 

But then, not at that very momentвБ†вАФbut in the interim following, the invitation from the Griffiths. Returning from his work one evening very tired and still cogitating this gay adventure proposed by Dillard, he found lying on the table in his room a note written on very heavy and handsome paper which had been delivered by one of the servants of the Griffiths in his absence. It was all the more arresting to him because on the flap of the envelope was embossed in high relief the initials вАЬE. G.вАЭ He at once tore it open and eagerly read: + 

My Dear Nephew: + 

Since your arrival my husband has been away most of the time, and although we have wished to have you with us before, we have thought it best to await his leisure. He is freer now and we will be very glad if you can find it convenient to come to supper with us at six oвАЩclock next Sunday. We dine very informallyвБ†вАФjust ourselvesвБ†вАФso in case you can or cannot come, you need not bother to write or telephone. And you need not dress for this occasion either. But come if you can. We will be happy to see you. + 

On reading this Clyde, who, during all this silence and the prosecution of a task in the shrinking room which was so eminently distasteful to him, was being more and more weighed upon by the thought that possibly, after all, this quest of his was going to prove a vain one and that he was going to be excluded from any real contact with his great relatives, was most romantically and hence impractically heartened. For only seeвБ†вАФhere was this grandiose letter with its вАЬvery happy to see you,вАЭ which seemed to indicate that perhaps, after all, they did not think so badly of him. Mr.¬†Samuel Griffiths had been away all the time. That was it. Now he would get to see his aunt and cousins and the inside of that great house. It must be very wonderful. They might even take him up after thisвБ†вАФwho could tell? But how remarkable that he should be taken up now, just when he had about decided that they would not. + 

And forthwith his interest in, as well as his weakness for, Rita, if not Zella and Dillard began to evaporate. What! Mix with people so far below himвБ†вАФa GriffithsвБ†вАФin the social scale here and at the cost of endangering his connection with that important family. Never! It was a great mistake. DidnвАЩt this letter coming just at this time prove it? And fortunatelyвБ†вАФ(how fortunately!)вБ†вАФhe had had the good sense not to let himself in for anything as yet. And so now, without much trouble, and because, most likely from now on it would prove necessary for him so to do he could gradually eliminate himself from this contact with DillardвБ†вАФmove away from Mrs.¬†CuppyвАЩsвБ†вАФif necessary, or say that his uncle had cautioned himвБ†вАФanything, but not go with this crowd any more, just the same. It wouldnвАЩt do. It would endanger his prospects in connection with this new development. And instead of troubling over Rita and Utica now, he began to formulate for himself once more the essential nature of the private life of the Griffiths, the fascinating places they must go, the interesting people with whom they must be in contact. And at once he began to think of the need of a dress suit, or at least a tuxedo and trousers. Accordingly the next morning, he gained permission from Mr.¬†Kemerer to leave at eleven and not return before one, and in that time he managed to find coat, trousers and a pair of patent leather shoes, as well as a white silk muffler for the money he had already saved. And so arrayed he felt himself safe. He must make a good impression. + 

And for the entire time between then and Sunday evening, instead of thinking of Rita or Dillard or Zella any more, he was thinking of this opportunity. Plainly it was an event to be admitted to the presence of such magnificence. + 

The only drawback to all this, as he well sensed now, was this same Gilbert Griffiths, who surveyed him always whenever he met him anywhere with such hard, cold eyes. He might be there, and then he would probably assume that superior attitude, to make him feel his inferior position, if he couldвБ†вАФand Clyde had the weakness at times of admitting to himself that he could. And no doubt, if he (Clyde) sought to carry himself with too much of an air in the presence of this family, Gilbert most likely would seek to take it out of him in some way later in connection with the work in the factory. He might see to it, for instance, that his father heard only unfavorable things about him. And, of course, if he were retained in this wretched shrinking room, and given no show of any kind, how could he expect to get anywhere or be anybody? It was just his luck that on arriving here he should find this same Gilbert looking almost like him and being so opposed to him for obviously no reason at all. + 

However, despite all his doubts, he decided to make the best of this opportunity, and accordingly on Sunday evening at six set out for the GriffithsвАЩ residence, his nerves decidedly taut because of the ordeal before him. And when he reached the main gate, a large, arched wrought iron affair which gave in on a wide, winding brick walk which led to the front entrance, he lifted the heavy latch which held the large iron gates in place, with almost a quaking sense of adventure. And as he approached along the walk, he felt as though he might well be the object of observant and critical eyes. Perhaps Mr.¬†Samuel or Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths or one or the other of the two sisters was looking at him now from one of those heavily curtained windows. On the lower floor several lights glowed with a soft and inviting radiance. + 

This mood, however, was brief. For soon the door was opened by a servant who took his coat and invited him into the very large living room, which was very impressive. To Clyde, even after the Green-Davidson and the Union League, it seemed a very beautiful room. It contained so many handsome pieces of furniture and such rich rugs and hangings. A fire burned in the large, high fireplace before which was circled a number of divans and chairs. There were lamps, a tall clock, a great table. No one was in the room at the moment, but presently as Clyde fidgeted and looked about he heard a rustling of silk to the rear, where a great staircase descended from the rooms above. And from there he saw Mrs.¬†Griffiths approaching him, a bland and angular and faded-looking woman. But her walk was brisk, her manner courteous, if noncommittal, as was her custom always, and after a few moments of conversation he found himself peaceful and fairly comfortable in her presence. + 

вАЬMy nephew, I believe,вАЭ she smiled. + 

вАЬYes,вАЭ replied Clyde simply, and because of his nervousness, with unusual dignity. вАЬI am Clyde Griffiths.вАЭ + 

вАЬIвАЩm very glad to see you and to welcome you to our home,вАЭ began Mrs.¬†Griffiths with a certain amount of aplomb which years of contact with the local high world had given her at last. вАЬAnd my children will be, too, of course. Bella is not here just now or Gilbert, either, but then they will be soon, I believe. My husband is resting, but I heard him stirring just now, and heвАЩll be down in a moment. WonвАЩt you sit here?вАЭ She motioned to a large divan between them. вАЬWe dine nearly always alone here together on Sunday evening, so I thought it would be nice if you came just to be alone with us. How do you like Lycurgus now?вАЭ + 

She arranged herself on one of the large divans before the fire and Clyde rather awkwardly seated himself at a respectful distance from her. + 

вАЬOh, I like it very much,вАЭ he observed, exerting himself to be congenial and to smile. вАЬOf course I havenвАЩt seen so very much of it yet, but what I have I like. This street is one of the nicest I have ever seen anywhere,вАЭ he added enthusiastically. вАЬThe houses are so large and the grounds so beautiful.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, we here in Lycurgus pride ourselves on Wykeagy Avenue,вАЭ smiled Mrs.¬†Griffiths, who took no end of satisfaction in the grace and rank of her own home in this street. She and her husband had been so long climbing up to it. вАЬEveryone who sees it seems to feel the same way about it. It was laid out many years ago when Lycurgus was just a village. It is only within the last fifteen years that it has come to be as handsome as it is now. + 

вАЬBut you must tell me something about your mother and father. I never met either of them, you know, though, of course, I have heard my husband speak of them oftenвБ†вАФthat is, of his brother, anyhow,вАЭ she corrected. вАЬI donвАЩt believe he ever met your mother. How is your father?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, heвАЩs quite well,вАЭ replied Clyde, simply. вАЬAnd Mother, too. TheyвАЩre living in Denver now. We did live for a while in Kansas City, but for the last three years theyвАЩve been out there. I had a letter from Mother only the other day. She says everything is all right.вАЭ + 

вАЬThen you keep up a correspondence with her, do you? ThatвАЩs nice.вАЭ She smiled, for by now she had become interested by and, on the whole, rather taken with ClydeвАЩs appearance. He looked so neat and generally presentable, so much like her own son that she was a little startled at first and intrigued on that score. If anything, Clyde was taller, better built and hence better looking, only she would never have been willing to admit that. For to her Gilbert, although he was intolerant and contemptuous even to her at times, simulating an affection which was as much a custom as a reality, was still a dynamic and aggressive person putting himself and his conclusions before everyone else. Whereas Clyde was more soft and vague and fumbling. Her sonвАЩs force must be due to the innate ability of her husband as well as the strain of some relatives in her own line who had not been unlike Gilbert, while Clyde probably drew his lesser force from the personal unimportance of his parents. + 

But having settled this problem in her sonвАЩs favor, Mrs.¬†Griffiths was about to ask after his sisters and brothers, when they were interrupted by Samuel Griffiths who now approached. Measuring Clyde, who had risen, very sharply once more, and finding him very satisfactory in appearance at least, he observed: вАЬWell, so here you are, eh? TheyвАЩve placed you, I believe, without my ever seeing you.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir,вАЭ replied Clyde, very deferentially and half bowing in the presence of so great a man. + 

вАЬWell, thatвАЩs all right. Sit down! Sit down! IвАЩm very glad they did. I hear youвАЩre working down in the shrinking room at present. Not exactly a pleasant place, but not such a bad place to begin, eitherвБ†вАФat the bottom. The best people start there sometimes.вАЭ He smiled and added: вАЬI was out of the city when you came on or I would have seen you.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir,вАЭ replied Clyde, who had not ventured to seat himself again until Mr.¬†Griffiths had sunk into a very large stuffed chair near the divan. And the latter, now that he saw Clyde in an ordinary tuxedo with a smart pleated shirt and black tie, as opposed to the club uniform in which he had last seen him in Chicago, was inclined to think him even more attractive than beforeвБ†вАФnot quite as negligible and unimportant as his son Gilbert had made out. Still, not being dead to the need of force and energy in business and sensing that Clyde was undoubtedly lacking in these qualities, he did now wish that Clyde had more vigor and vim in him. It would reflect more handsomely on the Griffiths end of the family and please his son more, maybe. + 

вАЬLike it where you are now?вАЭ he observed condescendingly. + 

вАЬWell, yes, sir, that is, I wouldnвАЩt say that I like it exactly,вАЭ replied Clyde quite honestly. вАЬBut I donвАЩt mind it. ItвАЩs as good as any other way to begin, I suppose.вАЭ The thought in his mind at the moment was that he would like to impress on his uncle that he was cut out for something better. And the fact that his cousin Gilbert was not present at the moment gave him the courage to say it. + 

вАЬWell, thatвАЩs the proper spirit,вАЭ commented Samuel Griffiths, pleased. вАЬIt isnвАЩt the most pleasant part of the process, I will admit, but itвАЩs one of the most essential things to know, to begin with. And it takes a little time, of course, to get anywhere in any business these days.вАЭ + 

From this Clyde wondered how long he was to be left in that dim world below stairs. + 

But while he was thinking this Myra came forward, curious about him and what he would be like, and very pleased to see that he was not as uninteresting as Gilbert had painted him. There was something, as she now saw, about ClydeвАЩs eyesвБ†вАФnervous and somewhat furtive and appealing or seekingвБ†вАФthat at once interested her, and reminded her, perhaps, since she was not much of a success socially either, of something in herself. + 

вАЬYour cousin, Clyde Griffiths, Myra,вАЭ observed Samuel rather casually, as Clyde arose. вАЬMy daughter Myra,вАЭ he added, to Clyde. вАЬThis is the young man IвАЩve been telling you about.вАЭ + 

Clyde bowed and then took the cool and not very vital hand that Myra extended to him, but feeling it just the same to be more friendly and considerate than the welcome of the others. + 

вАЬWell, I hope youвАЩll like it, now that youвАЩre here,вАЭ she began, genially. вАЬWe all like Lycurgus, only after Chicago I suppose it will not mean so very much to you.вАЭ She smiled and Clyde, feeling very formal and stiff in the presence of all these very superior relatives, now returned a stiff вАЬthank you,вАЭ and was just about to seat himself when the outer door opened and Gilbert Griffiths strode in. The whirring of a motor had preceded thisвБ†вАФa motor that had stopped outside the large east side entrance. вАЬJust a minute, Dolge,вАЭ he called to someone outside. вАЬI wonвАЩt be long.вАЭ Then turning to the family, he added: вАЬExcuse me, folks, IвАЩll be back in a minute.вАЭ He dashed up the rear stairs, only to return after a time and confront Clyde, if not the others, with that same rather icy and inconsiderate air that had so far troubled him at the factory. He was wearing a light, belted motoring coat of a very pronounced stripe, and a dark leather cap and gauntlets which gave him almost a military air. After nodding to Clyde rather stiffly, and adding, вАЬHow do you do,вАЭ he laid a patronizing hand on his fatherвАЩs shoulder and observed: вАЬHi, Dad. Hello, Mother. Sorry I canвАЩt be with you tonight. But I just came over from Amsterdam with Dolge and Eustis to get Constance and Jacqueline. ThereвАЩs some doings over at the BridgemansвАЩ. But IвАЩll be back again before morning. Or at the office, anyhow. Everything all right with you, Mr.¬†Griffiths?вАЭ he observed to his father. + 

вАЬYes, I have nothing to complain of,вАЭ returned his father. вАЬBut it seems to me youвАЩre making a pretty long night of it, arenвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I donвАЩt mean that,вАЭ returned his son, ignoring Clyde entirely. вАЬI just mean that if I canвАЩt get back by two, IвАЩll stay over, thatвАЩs all, see.вАЭ He tapped his father genially on the shoulder again. + 

вАЬI hope youвАЩre not driving that car as fast as usual,вАЭ complained his mother. вАЬItвАЩs not safe at all.вАЭ + 

вАЬFifteen miles an hour, Mother. Fifteen miles an hour. I know the rules.вАЭ He smiled loftily. + 

Clyde did not fail to notice the tone of condescension and authority that went with all this. Plainly here, as at the factory, he was a person who had to be reckoned with. Apart from his father, perhaps, there was no one here to whom he offered any reverence. What a superior attitude, thought Clyde! + 

How wonderful it must be to be a son who, without having had to earn all this, could still be so much, take oneself so seriously, exercise so much command and authority. It might be, as it plainly was, that this youth was very superior and indifferent in tone toward him. But think of being such a youth, having so much power at oneвАЩs command! + 